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THE
HISTORY
AVAUKESHA County,
WISCONSIN,
CONTAIMNIt
AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES; AN EXTENSIVE AND
MINUTE SKETCH OF ITS CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES— THEIR IMPROVEMENTS, INDUSTRIES,
MANUFACTORIES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES; ITS WAR RECORD, BIOGRAPH-
ICAL SKETCHES, PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT MEN AND EARLY SETTLERS: THE
THE WHOLE PRECEDED BY A HISTORY OF WISCONSIN, STATISTICS
OF THE STATE, AND AN ABSTRACT OF ITS LAWS AND CON-
STITUTION AND OF THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE UNITED .STATES.
IX.X,TJST.E--A.TEID_
CHICAGO:
WESTERN HISTORICAL COMPANY.
MDCOCLXXX.
-^
PREFACE
TT is with no little pride that the publishers present this work to the citizens of Waukesha
-*- County, knowing that, with whatever inaccuracies it may be found to contain, it will
prove one of the most valuable books ever added to their libraries. It is a book wholly
unlike any other ever published, being exclusively for and concerning the people of this
county, and is of such size, completeness and comprehensiveness as could never have been
furnished had the community been less advanced in civilization, culture and wealth than
it now is.
Had the publication of this history been delayed five years, many facts now contained
in it could not have been rescued from oblivion. The index shows what the book attempts
to preserve. That it contains errors would be foolhardy to deny ; for the very nature of all
historical publications, depending, as they do, upon oft-repeated and oft-mangled stories,
imperfect newspaper accounts and memories weakened by the toils and sorrows of many
decades, renders perfect accuracy absolutely impossible. However, let the public take these
prefatory remarks as a pledge that the publishers have spared no means, and the historian no
labor or patience, to make every account as near perfect as possible; and let every reader
remember also, as he notes the contents of the hundreds of subjects the book contains,
that, wherever the historian has been led in the least astray, it was due to the citizens of
Waukesha County, for whom the work was undertaken, and from whom he obtained the
least and the greatest of the facts necessary in its compilation.
To those who have taken particular pains to aid in making this a valuable book,
sincere thanks are here returned ; and, as years roll on, and the work becomes more and
more cherished and valuable, the thanks of the future will be still more sincere than ours ;
sincere not only, but entirely universal.
WESTERlSr HISTORICAL COMPANY.
V
CONTENTS.
Page.
Aotiquitiea 19
Indian Tribes 21
Pre-Torritorial Annals 29
Wisconsin Territory 41
WiBconoin as a State 52
First AdminlBtration 52
Second Admlnistratiort 57
Third Administration 59
Fourth Administration 62
Fifth Administration 64
Sixth Administration 66
Seventh Adminietration 67
War of Secession Commenced 69
Eighth Administration 76
Ninth Administration S5
Statistics qfVolunteers 90
Tenth Administration 92
Eleventh Administration 93
Twelfth Administration 94
Thirteenth Administration 97
Fourteenth Administration 99
Fifteenth Adminiatrafion 104
Sixteenth Administration 109
Topography and Geology 110
The Archaaan Age 112
Paleozoic Time — Silurian Age 115
Devonian Age IVJ
Glacial Period 120
Climatology..... 121
Trees, Shrubs and Vines 128
Fauna 134
Fish and Fish Culture i:i4
Largo Animals — Time of their Disap-
pearance 138
Peculiarities of the Bird Fauna 1^9
Educational 140
Original School Code 140
Apitation for Free Schools 141
School System under State Govern-
ment 141
School Fund Income 142
State University 143
Agricultural College 144
Normal Schools 144 ;
Teachers' Institutes 146
Graded Schools 146
HI8TORY OF WISCONSIIV.
Page. '
Educational : j
Township System 146
Free High Schools 147
School Offices 147 ,
State Teachere' Certificates 147 '
Teachera' Associations 148
Libraries 148
State Superintendents 148 ,
College Sketches 149 ,
Female Colleges 150 i
Academies and Seminaries 151 |
Commercial Schools 151 |
Agriculture 151
Mineral Besources 162
Lead and Zinc 162
Iron 165
Copper 168
Gold and Silver 168
Brick Clays r 168
Cement Rock 170
Limestone — Glass Sand 171
Peat— Building Stones 172
Railroads 173
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul 173
Chicago & Northwestern 176
Wisconsin Central 178
Western Union 179
West Wisconsin 180
Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western 180
Green Bay & Minnesota 181
Wisconsin Valley 181
Sheboygan & Fonddu Lac 181
Mineral Point 182
Madison & Portage 182 ■
North Wisconsin 183
Prairie du Chien & McGregor 183
Chippewa Falls & Western 183
Narrow Gauge 183
Conclusion 184 ,
Lumber 185
Banking 191
Commerce and Manufactures 198 '
Furs 199
Lead and Zinc — Iron 200 '
Lumber 201
Grain 202
Page.
Commerce and Manufactures ;
Dairy Products 203
Pork and Beef. 203
Hops „ ,.204
Tobacco — Cranberries i 205
Liquors 205
Miscellaneous 206
Water Powers 206
Manufactures 208
Conclusion 208
The Public Domain 210
Health 230
Geographical Position 230
Physical Features 230
Geology 231
Drainage 232
Climatology 232
Rain Character 233
Isotherms 234
Barometrical 234
Winds 235
Cllmatological Changes from- iSottling
in the State 235
Influence of Nationalities 237
Occupations— Food — Education, etc 238
History of Disease 238
Ratio of Sickness, Ft. Howard and Win-
nebago 239
Education of the Blind 241
Institute of Deaf and Dumb 241
Industrial School for Boys 242
State Prison 242
State Hospital for the [nsane 242
Northern Hospital for the Insane 243
City of Milwaukee 243
Health Resorts 244
Change of Diseases 246
Pulmonary Diseases 248
Statistics 249
Population, 1875, of Townships, Alpha-
betically Arranged by Counties 2t9
Population by Counties 258
Nativity by Counties 259
Valuation of Property 260
Acreage of Principal Crops 261, 262
ABSTRACT OF WISCOXSIX STATE I^AM^S.
Page.
Actions 283
Arrest 283
Attachment 284
Adoption of Children 276
Assignment of Mortgage 274
A^essment and Collection of Taxes 267
Amessmentof Taxes 268
Bills of Exchange or Promissory Notes 272
Borrowed Money 267
Capital Punishment 278
Collection of Taxes 270
Commercial Terms 285
Common Schools 266
Damages for Trespass 279
Page.
Elections and General Elections 263
Estrays 279
Exemptions 284
Fences 280
Forms of Conveyances 273
Forms of Mortgages 274
Garnishment 284
Highways and Bridges 270
Hours of Labor 273
Interest 277
Intoxicating Liquors 271
Judgments 284
Jurisdiction of Courts 277
Jurors 278
I ■ Pagk.
Landlord and Tenant 281
I Limitation of Actions 285
Marks, and Brands 281
Married Women 283
iStay Law 284
' Surveyors and Surveys 282
Support of Poor 282
Suggestions to Persons Purchaaing Books
by Subscription 285
Title of Real Property by Descent 275
Weights and Measures 278
Wills 276
Wolf Scalps 278
Page.
Wisconsin Sta^e Constitution 287
U. S. Constitution 297
IU:i8€ErLAIir£OUS.
[ Page. I
Vote of Wisconsin for Governor and Presi-
I dent 306-307
Population of the State..
IV
CONTENTlS.
HISTORY OF WArKKSHA COUNTY.
Page.
Political Geography 309
Topography 310
Geographical Formations 313
Stone Quarries and Lime-kilne 317
Rivers 318
Lakes 319
Water Powers 321
SoilB 321
Elevations 324
Fossil Remains 327
Native Vegetation 324
Mineral Springe 328
Pre-Mstoric Relics 337
An Ancient Document 342
First Settlement 347
Government Land Bistricts and OfBces 350
Claim Committee and Laws 350
Land Sale 352
Pioneer Hardships and Pleasures 353
Organization of County 358
County Seat and Buildings 360
Fii-st County Records 364
C-ounty Officers, 1846-1880 366
Waukesha in Constitutional Conventions. ..371
Territorial Representation 371
State Representation 372
Representation in Congress 372
Territorial District Courts and Judges 373
Circuit Court and Judges 375
Coiinty Court and Judges 375
How and by whom County was named 376
Indian Names 377
Indian Occupancy 381
Hunting and Trapping 385
An Early Experiinent 385
Residents of 1838 385
Plank Roads 387
Railroads 387
Milwaukee & Rock River Canal 392
Early Music^ 394
First Temperance Organization 395
County Finances 396
Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys 401
Centennial Historical Address 418
" The Eenjnns are Coming'" 424
Waukesha County as a Summer Resort 426
Old Log Schoolhouse 436
Old Prairieville Academy 436
Nashotah House 438
Oconomowoc Seminary 445
Carroll College 447
General Educational Interests 450
Agriculture 454
First Under-ground Railroad 457
Pioneer Reminiscences 466
By Nathaniel Walton, 1880 466
By Lyman Goodnow, 1880 467
By Mrs. Talbot C. Dousmau, 1880 473
By Almon Welch, 1880 475
By Hamilton Nelson, 188U 482
Page.
Pioneer Reminiscences —
By T. S. Redford, 1880 483
By Mrs. John Weaver, 1875 484
By Alexander F. Pratt, 1854 485
By Mrs. A. B. Hall, 1880 489
By Andrew K. Elmore, 1880 491
By Thomas Sugden, 1880 492
By Chauncey C. Olin, 1880 493
Agricultural Society 503
Dairying 508
Wool Growing and Sheep Raising 509
War Record 510
Roster of Volunteers 515
The Glover Rescue 549
Seven Murders 550
Early Manufacturing 554
Early Horse-racing Feats 555
A Distinguished County 6.'i6
County Poor-House and Farm 557
Poatoffices 558
Newspapers 658
Fruit Growing 571
Thief-Detection Society 672
Oconomowoc Agricultural, Mechanical and
Stock Association 573 ,
Old Settlers' Clubs 574
Premium Farm 580
Population of County at Different Periods...581
Distinguished Dead 583
Jacob Linsley Bean 583
Pitts Ellis 584
Denniaon Worthiogton 584 ;
Matthias J. Bovee 586 '
.Rev. John Adams Savage 586 f
Rev. Robert Boyd, D. D 587 '
Sebina Barney 589 i
Rufus Parks 589 '
Bishop Jackaon Kemper, D. D 590 !
Calvert 0. White 594
Adam E. Ray 597
Richard Hardell 597 I
Alexander Foster Pratt 598 !
Sydney Alfred Bean 600 i
Chauncey H. Purple 602 |
William Augustus Barstow 602 i
John Hodgaon 606 \
Alexander W. Randall 608 *
Oriental Evanic Order of the 1,001 610
Political Parties 611 ,
Democratic Party 611 I
Republican Party 615 ]
Sun Dials 622 |
Anecdotes and History, Unclasaified 623 i
First Things , 627
One Hundred Tears Hence 633
Waukesha 633
Location 633
Different Names 634
Incorporated 635
Father of the Saratoga of the West 638
Page.
Waukesha — ^..f.
Postoffice and Postmasters biu
Public Schools J*^
Churches J*;
Secret Societies °^
Banks • ^60
Public Halls l^^i
jjQtels
Village Officers, 1852-1880 670
Conflagrations 671
Fire Department o(^
Manufacturing Interests 673
Miscellaneous Sketches 676
Old Settlers Done up in Rhyme 677
Waukesha in 1842 680
Waukesha in 1844 680
. Waukesha in 1853 681
Waukesha in 1860 681
What Waukesha Contained in 1865 684
Waukesha in 1880 687
Notes and First Things 687
City of Oconomowoc 690
The Name 690
Village and City Government 690
Pa^t Condition and General Growth 695
Public Schools and Academy 702
Fires and Fire Department 705
Brass Bands , 706
Library Association 707
Yacht Club 708
Cemetery Association 709
Hotels 709
Churches 711
Secret Societies ^ 716
Manufacturing 719
Attornevs 720
Postmasters 720
Physicians- 720
Notes 720
War Incidents ? 723
Incidents and Anecdotes 724
Analysis of La Belle Spring 727
Beauties of Oconomowoc 728
Histories of Towns :
Brookfleld 729
Delafield 731
Eagle 735
Genesee 741
Lisbon, 744
Merton 748
Menomonee 752
Mukwonago 756
Muskego 764
New Berlin 768
Oconomowoc - 771
Ottawa 775
Pewaukee 778
Summit 784
Vernon 789
Waukesha 793
BIOG^RAPHICAIi SKETCHES.
Page.
Menomonee 984
Muskego 903
894 Mukwonago 964
922 ■ Now Berlin 911
Lisbon .'. 976 I Oconomowoc 845
Herton 947 | Ottawa ...1004"
Page.
Brookfield 959
Delafield 987
Eagle.
Genpsee.
Page.
Pewaukee 932
Summit 882
Vernon 991
Waukesha 836
AVaukesha Village 795
Page.
Barst3w. Wm. A 51
Bacon, W.D 275
Blair, William 67
Beaumont, Eph 919
Carney, P. H 721
Clinton, Adam 211
Campbell, Albert 559
Deissner,Chas. T 227
Dousman, T. C 831
Evans, John 613
Frazier, William M 811
Field, Martin 243
Gove, R. L 703
Goss, B. F 451
Gilbert, A. B 649
Hunkins, H. H 99
Hatheway, R. C 685
Hurlbut, Edwin 865
PORTRAITS.
Page.
Hardy, W. H..... 955
Hardell, A. G 901
Haight, T. W 829
Jones, Thomas D 937
Lawrence, George 415
Moore, V. L 885
McCarty, Thomas 795
Martin, Leonard 195
Peffer, George P 469
Pearl, Elisha ..'. 487
Phillips, Henry 667
Perkins, A. E 577
Parsons, W. S 259
Putnam, Amos 179
Richmond, Thompson 505
Rice, John A 379
Randall, Alex. W 35
Savage, J. A 115
Pa.-,e.
Small, William 775
Small, D. H ......mi
Shears, Henry 541
Sugden, Thomas 163
Snyder, Andrew 847
Tichenor, Vernon 33
Townsend, Copeland 433
Vieau, A 325
White, C. C 523
Wagner, John 757
Wright, W. L 739
Weaver, James 131
Weaver, Richard 361
Weaver, William 2d 29i
Weaver, Thomas 309
Warren, Stephen 147
Tonmans, H. A, 595
MAP OF WAUKESHA CO.
HISTORY OF WISOONSIK
BY C. W. BUTTERFIELD.
I.— WISCONSIN ANTIQUITIES.
The first explorers of the valleys of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi and its tributaries,
seem not to have noticed, to any considerable extent, the existence within these vast areas of
monuments of an extinct race. Gradually, however, as the tide of emigration broke through the
barriers of the Alleghanies and spread in a widely extended flow over what are now the States of
the Northwest, these prehistoric vestiges attracted more and more the attention of the curious
and the learned, until, at the present time, almost every person is presumed to have some general
knowledge, not only of their existence, but of some of their striking peculiarities. Unfortunately,
these signs of a long since departed people are fast disappearing by the never ceasing operations
of the elements, and the constant encroachments of civilization. The earliest notices of the
animal and vegetable kingdom of this region are to be found in its rocks ; but Wisconsin's earli-
est records of men can only be traced in here and there a crumbling earth-work, in the fragment
of a skeleton, or in a few stone and copper implements — dim and shadowy relics of their
handicraft.
The ancient dwellers in these valleys, whose history is lost in the lapse of ages, are desig-
nated, usually, as the Mound-Builders ; not that building mounds was probably their distinctive
employment, but that such artificial elevations of the earth are, to a great extent, the only evi-
dences remaining of their actual occupation of the country. As to the origin of these people,
all knowledge must, possibly, continue to rest upon conjecture alone. Nor were the habitations
of this race confined to the territory of which Wisconsin now forms a part. At one time, they
must have been located in many ulterior regions. The earth-works, tumuli, or " mounds," as they
are generally designated, are usually symmetrically raised and often inclosed in mathematical
figures, such as the square, the octagon, and the circle, with long lines of circumvallation.
Besides these earth-works, there are pits dug in the solid rock ; rubbish heaps formed in the
prosecution of mining operations ; and a variety of implements and utensils, wrought in copper
or stone, or moulded in clay. Whence came the inhabitants who left these evidences to succeed-
ing generations ? In other words, who were the Mound-Builders .' Did they migrate from the
Old World, or is their origin to be sought for elsewhere ? And as to their manners and customs
and civilization — what of these things ? Was ths race finally swept from the New World to give
place to Red men, or was it the one from which the latter descended ? These momentous ques-
tions are left for the ethnologist, the archaeologist, and the antiquarian of the future to answer —
if they can.
20 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Inclosures and mounds of the prehistoric people, it is generally believed, constituted but
parts of one system; the former being, in the main, intended for purposes of defense or religion;
the latter, for sacrifice, for temple sites, for burial places, or for obsertatories. In selecting sites
for many of these earth-works, the Mound-Builders appear to have been influenced by motives
which prompt civilized men to choose localities for their great marts; hence, Cincmnati, St.
Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities of the West are founded on ruins of pre-existing
structures. River terraces and river bottoms seem to have been the favorite places for these
earth-works. In such localities, the natural advantages of the country could be made available
with much less trouble than in portions of the country lying at a distance from water-courses.
In Wisconsin, therefore, as in other parts, the same general idea of selecting points contiguous
to the principal natural thoroughfares is found to have prevailed with the Mound-Builders ; for
their works are seen in the basin of the Fox river of the Illinois, in that of Rock river 'and its
branches, in the valley of Fox river of Green bay,, in that of the Wisconsin, as well as near
the waters of the Mississippi.
While a few circumvallations and immense mounds, such as are common to certain other
portions of the United States, are discoverable in Wisconsin, yet by far the largest number of
earthworks have one peculiarity not observable, except in a few instances, outside the State.
This characteristic is a very striking one The fact is revealed that they are imitative in form —
resembling beasts, reptiles, birds, fish, man. All these, for convenience, are usually classed
under the general name of "animal mounds," although some are in the similitude of trees, some
of war clubs, others of tobacco pipes. Generally, these figures are in groups, though sometimes
they are seen alone. For what purpose these earth-works were heaped up — they rise above the
surface two, four, and sometimes six feet-^or what particular uses they were intended to subserve,
is unknown. It is, however, safe to affirm that they had some significance. A number resemble
the bear ; a few, the buffalo ; others, the raccoon. Lizards, turtles, and even tadpoles, are out-
lined in the forms of some. The war eagle, and the war club has each its representative. All
this, of course, could not have been a mere happening — the work of chance. The sizes of these
mounds are as various as their forms. One near Cassville, in Grant county, very complete in
its representation of an animal, supposed to be of the elephant species, was found, upon measure-
ment, to have a total length of one hundred and thirty-five feet. Another in Sauk county, quite
perfect in its resemblance to the form of a man, was of equal length — a veritable colossus ;
prone, it is true, and soon to disappear, if it has not already been destroyed, by ravages of a
superior civilization.
In portions of Wisconsin, as well as in a few places outside the State, are found earth-works
of another kind, but quite aS remarkable as the "animal mounds," which, from their supposed
use, have been styled "garden beds," They are ridges, or beds, about six inches in height and
four feet in width, ranged, with much apparent method, in parallel rows, sometimes rectangular
in shape, sometimes of various but regular and symmetrical curves, and occupying fields of from
ten to a hundred acres.
The M<^und-Builders have left many relics, besides their earthworks, to attest their presence
in Wisconsin in ages past. Scattered widely are found stone and coppe'r axes, spear-heads, and
arrow-heads, also various other implements — evidently their handiwork. As these articles are
frequently discovered many feet beneath the surface, it argues a high antiquity for the artificers.
Whether they had the, skill to mould their copper implements is doubtful. Such as plainly show
the work of hammering, indicate an art beyond that possessed by the Red men who peopled
America upon its first discovery by Europeans. In a few instances, fragments of human skulls
have been found so well preserved as to enable a comparison to be drawn between the crania of
THE INDIAN TEIBES OF WISCONSIN. 21
this ancient race and those of modern ones ; the results, however, of these comparisons throw
little, if any, light upon " the dark backward and abysm " of mound-building times.
The evidences of an extinct people of superior intelligence is very strikingly exhibited in
the ancient copper mines of the Lake Superior region. Here are to be found excavations in the
solid rock; heaps of rubble and dirt ; copper utensils fashioned into knives, chisels, and spear
and arrow-heads; stone hammers; wooden bowls and shovels; props and levers for raising and
supporting the mass copper ; and ladders for ascending and descending the pits. These mines
were probably worked by people not only inhabiting what is now the State of Wisconsin, but
territory farther to the southward. The copper was here obtained, it is believed, which has been
found in many places, even as far away as the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico, wrought
into various implements and utensils. But there are no traces in Wisconsin of a " copper age "
succeeding a " stone age," discernadle in any prehistoric relics. They all refer alike to one
age — the indefinite past ; to one people — the Mound-Builders.
II.— THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN.
When, as early, it is believed, as 1634, civilized man first set foot upon the territory now
included within the boundaries of Wisconsin, he discovered, to his surprise, that upon this wide
area met and mingled clans of two distinct and wide-spread families — the Algonquins and
Sioux. The tribes of the former, moving westward, checked the advance of the latter in their
excursions eastward. As yet there had been no representatives of the Huron-Iroquois seen west
of Lake Michigan — the members of this great family, at that date dwelling in safety in the
extensive regions northward and southward of the Erie and Ontario lakes. Already had the
French secured a foot-hold in the extensive valley of the St. Lawrence ; and, naturally enough,
the chain of the Great Lakes led their explorers to the mouth of Green bay, and up that water-
course and its principal tributary. Fox river, to the Wisconsin, an affluent of the Mississippi,
On the right, in ascending this bay, was seen, for the first time, a nation of Indians, lighter in
complexion than neighboring tribes, and remarkably well formed, now well known as the
Menomonees.
This nation is of Algonquin stock, but their dialect differed so much from the surrounding
tribes of the same family, it having strange guttural sounds and accents, as well as peculiar inflec-
tions of verbs and other parts of speech, that, for a long time, they were supposed to have a
distinct language. Their traditions point to an emigration from the East at some remote
period. When first visited by the French missionaries, these Indians subsisted largely upon wild
rice, from which they took their name. The harvest time of this grain was in the month of
September. It grew spontaneously in little streams with slimy bottoms, and in marshy places.
The harvesters went in their canoes across these? watery fields, shaking the ears right and left as
they advanced, the grain falling easily, if ripe, into the bark receptacle beneath. To clear it
from chaff and strip it of a pellicle inclosing it, they put it to dry on a wooden lattice above a
small fire, which was kept up for several days. When the rice was well dried, it was placed
in a skin of the form of a bag, which was then forced into a hole, made on purpose, in the
ground. They then tread it out so long and so well, that the grain being freed from the chaff,
was easily winnowed. After this, it was pounded to meal, or left unpounded, and boiled in
water seasoned with grease. It thus became a very palatable diet. It must not be inferred that
this was the only food of the Menomonees ; they were adepts in fishing, and hunted with skill
the game which abounded in the forests.
For many years after their discovery, the Menomonees had their homes and hunting
22
HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
grounds upon, or adjacent to, the Menomonee river. Finally, after the lapse of a century and a
quarter, down to 1760, when the French yielded to the English all claims to the country, the
territory of the Menomonees had shifted somewhat to the westward and southward, and their
principal village was found at the head of Green bay, while a smaller one was still in existence
at the mouth of their favorite stream. So slight, however, had been this change, that the country
of no other of the surrounding tribes had been encroached upon by the movement.
In 1634, the Menomonees probably took part in a treaty with a representative of the French,
who had thus early ventured so far into the wilds of the lake regions. More than a score of
years elapsed before the tribe was again visited by white men, — that is to say, there are no
authentic accounts of earlier visitations. In 1660, Father Ren6 Menard had penetrated the Lake
Superior country as far, at least, as Kewenaw, in what is now the northern part of Michigan,
whence some of his French companions probably passed down the Menomonee river to the
waters of Green bay the following year ; but no record of the Indians, through whose territory
they passed, was made by these voyagers. Ten years more — 1670 — brought to the Menomonees
(who doubtless had already been visited by French fur-traders) Father Claudius AUouez, to win
them to Christianity. He had previously founded a mission upon the bay of Chegoimegon, now
Chaquamegon, or Ashland bay, an arm of Lake Superior, within the present State of Wisconsin,
in charge of which, at that date, was Father James Marquette. Proceeding from the " Sault" on
the third of November, Allouez, early in December, 1669, reached the mouth of Green bay, where,
on the third, in an Indian village of Sacs, Pottawattamies, Foxes and Winnebagoes, containing about
six hundred souls, he celebrated the holy mass for the first time upon this new field of his labors,
— eight Frenchmen, traders with the Indians, whom the missionary found there upon his arrival,
taking part in the devotions. His first Christian work with the Menomonees was performed in
May of the next year. Allouez found this tribe a feeble one, almost exterminated by war. He
spent but little time with them, embarking, on the twentieth of that month, after a visit to some
Pottawattamies and Winnebagoes, " with a Frenchman and a savage to go to Sainte Mary of the
Sault." His place was filled by Father Louis Andr^, who, not long after, erected a cabin upon
the Menomonee river, which, with one at a village where his predecessor had already raised the
standard of the cross, was soon burned by the savages; but the missionary, living almost con-
stantly in his canoe, continued for some time to labor with the Menomonees and surrounding
tribes. The efforts of Andrd were rewarded with some conversions among the former ; for Mar-
quette, who visited them in 1673, found many good Christians among them.
The record of ninety years of French domination in Wisconsin — beginning in June, 1671,
and ending in October, 1761 — brings to light but little of interest so far as the Menomonees are
concerned. Gradually they extended their intercourse with the white fur traders. Gradually
and with few interruptions (one in 1728, and one in 1747 of a serious character) they were
drawn under the banner of France, joining with that government in its wars with the Iroquois;
in its contests, in 1712, 1729, 1730, and 1751, with the Foxes; and, subsequently, in its conflicts
with the English.
The French post, at what is now Green Bay, Brown county, Wisconsin, was, along with the
residue of the western forts, surrendered to the British in 1760, although actual possession of the
former was not taken until the Fa^ll of the next year. The land on which the fort stood was
claimed by the Menomonees. Here, at that date, was their upper and principal village, the
lower one being at the mouth of the Menomonee river. These Indians soon became reconciled
to the English occupation of their territory, notwithstanding the machinations of French traders
who endeavored to prejudice them against the new comers. The Menomonees, at this time,
were very much reduced, having, but a short time previous, lost three hundred of their warriors
THE INDIAN TEIBES OF WISCONSIN. 23
by the small pox, and most of their chiefs in the late war in which they had been engaged by the
then French commander there, against the English. They were glad to substitute English for
French traders ; as they could purchase supplies of them at one half the price they had previously
paid. It was not long before the sincerity of the Menomonees was put to the test. Pontiac's
War of 1763 broke out, and the post of Mackinaw was captured. The garrison, however, at Green
bay was not only not attacked by the savages, but, escorted by the Menomonees and other tribes,
crossed Lake Michigan in safety to the village of L'Arbre Croche ; thence making their way to
Montreal. The Menomonees continued their friendship to the English, joining with them
against the Colonies during the Revolution, and fighting on the same side during the war of
T812-15.
When, in July, 1816, an American force arrived at Green bay to take possession of the
country, the Menomonees were found in their village near by, very peaceably inclined. The
commander of the troops asked permission of their chief to build a fort. " My Brother!" was
the response, " how can we oppose your locating a council-fire among us .'' You are too strong
for us. Even if we wanted to oppose you we have scarcely got powder and ball to make the
attempt. One favor we ask is, that our French brothers shall not be disturbed. You can choose
any place you please for your fort, and we shall not object." No trouble had been anticipated
from the Menomonees, and the expectations of the government of. the United States in that
regard were fully realized. What added much to the friendship now springing up between the
Menomonees and the Americans was the fact that the next year — 181 7 — the annual contribution,
which for many years had been made by the British, consisting of a shirt, leggins, breech-clout
and blanket for each member or the tribe, and for each family a copper kettle, knives, axes, guns
and ammunition, was withheld by them.
It was found by the Americans, upon their occupation of the Menomonee territory, that
some of the women of that tribe were married to traders and boatmen who had settled at t'ae
head of the bay, there being no white women in that region. Many of these were Canadians of
French extraction ; hence the anxiety that they should be well treated, which was expressed by
the Menomonees upon the arrival of the American force. At this period there was a consider-
able trade carried on with these Indians at Prairie du Chien, as many of them frequently win-
tered on the Mississippi. The first regular treaty with this tribe was " made and concluded" on
the thirtieth day of March, 1817, "by and between William Clark, Ninian Edwards, and
Auguste Chouteau, commissioners on the part and behalf of the United States of America of the
one part," and the chiefs and warriors, deputed by the Menomonees, of the other part. By the
terms of this compact all injuries were to be forgiven and forgotten ; perpetual peace established*
lands, heretofore ceded to other governments, confirmed to the United States ; all prisoners to be
delivered up ; and the tribe placed under the protection of the United States, " and of no other
nation, power, or sovereign, whatsoever." The Menomonees were now fully and fairly, and for
the first time, entitled to be known as " American Indians," in contradistinction to the term
which had been so long used as descriptive of their former allegiance — " British Indians."
The territory of the Menomonees, when the tribe was taken fully under the wing of the Gen-
eral Government, had become greatly extended. ' It was bounded on the north by the dividing
ridge between the waters flowing into Lake Superior and those flowing south into Green bay and
the Mississippi ; on the east, by Lake Michigan ; on the south, by the Milwaukee river, and on
the west by the Mississippi and Black rivers. This was their territory; though they were prac-
tically restricted to the occupation of the western shore of Lake Michigan, lying between the
mouth of Green bay on the north and the Milwaukee river on the south, and to a somewhat
indefinite area west. Their general claim, as late as 1825, was north to the Chippewa country;
24 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
east to Green bay and Lake Michigan ; south to the Milwaukee river, and west to Black river.
And what is most surprising is that the feeble tribe of 1761 had now, in less than three quarters
of a century, become a powerful nation, numbering between three and four thousand.
The Menomonee territory, as late as 1831, still preserved its large proportions. Its eastern
division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan, Green bay. Fox
river, and Winnebago lake; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the
west ; Fox river on the south ; Green bay on the east, and the high lands whence flow the streams
into Lake Superior, on the north. This year, however, it was shorn of a valuable and large part
by the tribe ceding to the United States all the eastern division, estimated at two and one half
million acres. The following year, the Menomonees aided the General Government in the Black
Hawk war.
That the Menomonees might, as much as possible, be weaned from their wandering habits,
their permanent home was designated to be a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of
Wolf river. Their territory farther west, was reserved for their hunting grounds until such time
as the General Government should desire to purchase it. In 1836, another portion, amounting to
four million acres, lying between Green bay on the east and Wolf river on the west, was dis-
posed of to the United States, besides a strip three milesin width from near the portage north,
on each side of the Wisconsin river and forty-eight miles long — still leaving them in peace-
able possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty
broad.
Finally, in 1848, the Menomonees sold all their lands in Wisconsin to the General Govern-
ment, preparatory to their movement to a reservation beyond the Mississippi of six hundred
thousand acres ; but the latter tract was afterward re-ceded to the United States ; for, notwith-
standing there wer« treaty stipulations for the removal of the tribe to that tract, there were
obstacles in the way of their speedy migration, resulting, finally, in their being permitted to remain
in Wisconsin. Lands, to the amount of twelve townships, were granted them for their permanent
homes, on the upper Wolf river, in what is now Shawano and Oconto counties — a portion, but
a very small one, of what was once their extensive possessions. To this reservation they removed
in October, 1852. Thus are the Menomonees, the only one of the original tribes of Wisconsin
who, as a whole, have a local habitation within its limits. This tribe refused to join the Sioux in
their outbreak in 1861, and several of their warriors served as volunteers in the United States
army during the late civil war.
It is now over two centuries since the civilized world began to gain knowledge of the exist-
ence, in the far West, of a tribe of Indians known as the Winnebagoes — that is, men of the sea;
pointing, possibly, to their early migration from the shores of the Mexican gulf, or the Pacific.
The territory now included within the limits of Wisconsin, and so much of the State of Michigan
as lies north of Green bay. Lake Michigan, the Straits of Mackinaw and Lake Huron were, in
early times, inhabited by several tribes of the Algonquin race, forming a barrier to the Dakotas,
.or Sioux, who had advanced eastward to the Mississippi. But the Winnebagoes, although "one of
the tribes belonging to the family of the latter, had passed the great river, at some unknown
period, and settled upon the head waters of Green bay. Here, this " sea-tribe," as early, it is
believed, as 1634, was visited by an agent of France and a treaty concluded with them. The tribe
afterward called themselves Hochungara, or Ochunkoraw, but were styled by the Sioux, Hotanke,
or Sturgeon. Nothing more is heard of the Ouenibigoutz, or Winnebegouk (as the Winnebagoes
were early called by the Jesuit missionaries, and the Algonquin tribes, meaning men from the
fetid or salt water, translated by the French, Puants) for the next thirty-five years, although
there is no doubt that the tribe had been visited meanwhile by adventurous Frenchmen, when on
the second of December, 1669, some of that nation were noted at a Sac (Sauk or Saukis) village
on Green bay, by Father AUouez.
THE INDIAN TRIBES OF WISCONSIN. 25
As early at least as 1670, the French were actively engaged among the Winnebagoes trading.
" We found affairs," says one of the Jesuit missionaries, who arrived among them in September of
that year, " we found affairs there in a pretty bad posture, and the minds of the savages much
soured against the French, who were there trading ; ill-treating them in deeds and words, pillag-
ing and carrying away their merchandise in spite of them, and conducting themselves toward
them with insupportable insolences and indignities. The cause of this disorder," adds the mis-
sionary, " is that they had received some bad treatment from the French, to whom they had this
year come to trade, and particularly from the soldiers, from whom they pretended to have received
many wrongs and injuries." It is thus made certain that the arms of France were carried into
the territory of the Winnebagoes over two hundred years ago.
The Fox river of Green bay was found at that date a difficult stream to navigate. Two
Jesuits who ascended the river in 1670, had "three or four leagues of rapids to contend with,"
when they had advanced " one day's journey " from the head of the bay, " more difficult than those
which are common in other rivers, in this, that the flints, over which" they had to walk with
naked feet to drag their canoes, were so " sharp and so cutting, that one has all the trouble in the
world to hold one's self steady against the great rushing of the waters." At the falls they found
an idol that the savages honored ; " never failing, in passing, to make him some sacrifice qf
tobacco, or arrows, or paintings, or other things, to thank him that, by his assistance, they had, in '
ascending, avoided the dangers of the waterfalls which are in this stream ; or else, if they had to
ascend, to pray him to aid them in this perilous navigation." The devout missionaries caused
the idol " to be lifted up by the strength of arm, and cast into the depths of the river, to appear
no more " to the idolatrous savages.
The mission of St. Francis Xavier, founded in December; 1669, by Allouez, was a roving one
among the tribes inhabiting the shores of Green bay and the interior country watered by the Fox
river and its tributaries, for about two years, when its first mission-house was erected at what is
now Depere, Brown county. This chapel was soon after destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt
in 1676.
The Winnebagoes, by this time, had not only received considerable spiritual instruction from
the Jesuit fathers, but had obtained quite an insight into the mysteries of trading and trafficking
with white men; for, following the footsteps of the missionaries, and sometimes preceding them,
were the ubiquitous French fur traders. It is impossible to determine precisely what territory
was occupied by the Winnebagoes at this early date, farther than that they lived near the head
of Green bay.
A direct trade with the French upon the St. Lawrence was not carried on by the Winne-
bagoes to any great extent until the beginning of the eighteenth century. As early as 1679,
an advance party of La Salle had collected a large store of furs at the mouth of Green bay,
doubtless in a traffic with this tribe and others contiguous to them ; generally, however, the
surrounding nations sold their peltries to the Ottawas, who disposed of them, in turn, to the
French. The commencement of the eighteenth century found the Winnebagoes firmly in
alliance with France, and in peace with the dreaded Iroquios. In 17 18, the nation numbered
six hundred. They were afterward found to have moved up Fox river, locating upon Winne-
bago lake, which stream and lake were their ancient seat, and from which they had been driven
either by fear or the prowess of more powerful tribes of the West or Southwest. Their inter-
course with the French was gradually extended and generally peaceful, though not always so,
joining with them, as did the Menomonees, in their wars with the Iroquois, and subsequently in
their conflicts with the English, which finally ended in 1760.
When the British, in October, 1761, took possession of the French post, at the head of
26
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Green bay, the Winnebagoes were found to number one hundred and fifty warriors only; their
nearest village being at the lower end of Winnebago lake. They had in all not less than three
towns. Their country, at this period, included not only that lake, but all the streams flowing
into it, especially Fox river; afterward extended to the Wisconsin and Rock rivers. They
readily changed their course of trade — asking now of the commandant at the fort for English
traders to be sent among them. In the Indian outbreak under Pontiac in 1763, they joined
with the Menomonees and other tribes to befriend the British garrison at the head of the bay,
assisting in conducting them to a place of safety. They continued their friendship to the English
during the Revolution, by joining with them against the colonies, and were active in the Indian
war of 1790-4, taking part in the attack on Fort Recovery, upon the Maumee, in the present
State of Ohio, in 1793. They fought also on the side of the British in the war of 1812-15,
aiding, in 1814, to reduce Prairie du Chien. They were then estimated at 4,500. When, in
1816, the government of the United States sent troops to take possession of the Green bay
country, by establishing a garrison there, some trouble was anticipated from these Indians, who,
at that date, had the reputation of being a bold and warlike tribe. A deputation from the nation
came down Fox river and remonstrated with the American commandant at what was thought
to be an intrusion. They were desirous of knowing why a fort was to be established so near
them. The reply was that, although .the troops were armed for war if necessary, their purpose
was peace. Their response was an old one : "If your object is peace, you have too many men ;
if war, you have too few." However, the display of a number of cannon which had not yet been
mounted, satisfied the Winnebagoes that the Americans were masters of the situation, and the
deputation gave the garrison no farther trouble. . On the 3d of June, 1816, at St. Louis, the tribe
made a treaty of peace and friendship with the General Government; but they continued to levy
tribute on all white people who passed up Fox river. English annuities also kept up a bad
feeling. At this time, a portion of the tribe was living upon the Wisconsin river, away from the
rest of the nation, which was still seated upon the waters flowing into Green bay. In 1820
they had five villages on Winnebago lake and fourteen on Rock river. In 1825, the claim of
the Winnebagoes was an extensive one, so far as territory was concerned. Its southeast
boundary' stretched away from the source of Rock river to within forty mile.s of its mouth, in
Illinois, where they had a village. On the west it extended to the heads of the small streams
flowing into the Mississippi. To the northward, it reached Black river and the upper Wis-
consin, in other words, to the Chippewa territory, but did not extend across Fox river, although
they contended for the whole of Winnebago lake. In 1829, a large part of their territory in
southwest Wisconsin, lying between Sugar river and the Mississippi, and extending to the Wis-
consin river, was sold to the General Government ; and, three years later all the residue lying
south and east of the Wisconsin and the Fox rivet of Green bay ; the Winnebago prophet having
before that date supported the Sacs in their hosrility. Finally, in the brief language of the treaty
between this tribe (which had become unsettled and wasteful) and the United States, of the first
of November, 1837, " The Winnebago Nation of Indians " ceded to the General Government
" all their lands east of the Mississippi. " Not an acre was reserved. And the Indians agreed ,
that, within eight months from that date, they would move west of " the great river." This
arrangement, however, was not carried out fully. In 1842, there were only 756 at Turkey river,
Iowa, their new home, with as many in Wisconsin, and sm<).ller bands e'evvhere. All had become
lawless, and roving. Some remgved in 1848; while a party to the number of over eight hun-
dred left the State as late as 1873. The present home of the tribe is in Nebraska, where they
have a reservation north of and adjacent to the Omahas, containing over one hundred thousand
acres. However, since their first removal beyond the Mississippi, they have several times
THE INDIAN TKIBES OF WISCONSIlSr. 27
changed their place of abode. Their number, all told, is less than twenty-five hundred.
When the territory, now constituting the northern portion of Wisconsin, became very
generally known to the civilized inhabitants of the eastern part of the United States, it was
found to be occupied by Indians called the Chippewas. Their hunting-grounds extended south
from Lake Superior to the heads of the Menoraonee, the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers ; also
farther eastward and westward. At an early day they were engaged in a war with the Sioux —
a war indeed, which was long continued. The Chippewas, however, persistently maintained
their position — still occupying the same region when the General Government extended its
jurisdiction over the whole country south of the Great Lakes and west to the Mississippi.
By treaties with the Chippewas at different periods, down to the year 1827, the General Gov-
ernment had recognized them as the owners of about one quarter of which is now the entire
State. . The same policy was pursued toward this tribe as with neighboring ones, in the purchase
of their lands by the United States. Gradually they parted with their extensive possessions, until,
in 1842, the last acre within what is now Wisconsin was disposed of. It was the intention of the
General Government to remove the several ban-ds of the Chippewas who had thus ceded their
lands to a tract reserved for them beyond the Mississippi ; but this determination was afterward
■changed so as to allow them to remain upon certain reservations within the limits of their old-
time hunting grounds. These reservations they continue to occupy. They are located in Bay-
field, Ashland, Chippewa and Lincoln counties. The clans are known, respectively, as the Red
Cliff band, the Bad River band, the Lac Courte Oreille band, and the Lac de Flambeau band.
Of all the tribes inhabiting what is now Wisconsin when its territory was first visited by
white men, the Sacs (Sauks or Saukies) and Foxes (Outagamies) are, in history, the most noted.
They are of the Algonquin family, and 'are first mentioned in 1665, by Father Allouez, but as
■separate tribes. Afterward, however, because of the identity of their language, and their asso-
ciations, they were and still are considered as one nation. In December, 1669, Allouez found
upon the shores of Green bay a village of Sacs, occupied also by members of other tribes ; and
•early in 1670 he visited a village of the same Indians located upon the Fox river of Green bay,
at a distance of four leagues from its mouth. Here a device of these Indians for catching fish
arrested the attention of the missionary. " From one side of the river to the other," he writes,
"•they made a barricade, planting great stakes, two fathoms from the water, in such a manner
that there is, as it were, a bridge above for the fishes, who by the aid of a little bow-net, easily
take sturgeons and all other kinds of fish which this pier stops, although the water does not
cease to flow between the stakes. " When the Jesuit father first obtained, five years previous, a
knowledge of this tribe, they were represented as savage above all others, great in numbers, and
without-any permanent dwelling place. The Foxes were of two stocks : one calling tfiemselves
Outagamifes or Foxes, whence our English name ; the other, Musqvakink, or men of red clay,
the name now used by the tribe. They lived in early times with their kindred the Sacs east of
Detroit, and as some say near the St. Lawrence. They were driven west, and settled at Saginaw,
a name derived from the Sacs. Thence they were forced by the Iroquois to Green bay ; but
were compelled to leave that' place and settle on Fox river.
Allouez, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1670, arrived at a village of the Foxes, situated on
Wolf river, a northern tributary of the Fox. "The nation," he declares, "is renowned for
being numerous ; they have more than four hundred men bearing arms ; the number of women
and children is greater, on account of polygamy which exists among them — each man having
commonly four wives, some of them six, and others as high as ten." The missionary found that
the Foxes had retreated to those parts to escape the persecutions of the Iroquois. Allouez
■established among these Indians his mission of St. Mark, rejoicing in the fact that in less than
23 HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
two years he had baptized "sixty children and some adults." The Foxes, at the summons of De
la Barre, in 1684, sent warriors against the Five Nations. They also took part in Denonville's
more serious campaign ; but soon after became hostile to the French. As early as 169.3, they
had plundered several on their way to trade with the Sioux, alleging that they were carrying arms
and ammunition to their ancient enemies — frequently causing them to make portages to the
southward in crossing from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Afterward they became recon-
ciled to the French; but the reconciliation was of short duration. In 1712, Fort Detroit, theu
defended by only a handful of men, was attacked by them in conjunction with the Mascou-
tens and Kickapoos. However, in the end, by calling in friendly Indians, the garrison not only-
protected themselves but were enabled to act on the offensive, destroying the greater part of the
besieging force.
The nation continued their ill will to the French. The consequence was that their territory
in r7i6 had been invaded and they were reduced to sue for peace. But their friendship was not
of long continuance. In 1718, the Foxes numbered five hundred men and "abounded in women
and children." They are spoken of at that date as being very industrious, raising large quantities
of Indian corn. In 1728, another expedition was sent against them by the French. Meanwhile
the Menomonees had also become hostile; so, too, the Sacs, who were now the allies of the
Foxes. The result of the enterprise was, an attack upon and the defeat of a number of
Menomonees ; the burning of the wigwams of the Winnebagos (after passing the deserted village
of the Sacs upon the Fox river), that tribe, also, at this date being hostile ; and the destruction
of the fields of the Foxes. They were again attacked in their own country by the French, in
1:30, and defeated. In 1734, both the Sacs and Foxes came in conflict with the same foe; but
this time the French were not as successful as on previous expeditions. In 1736, the Sacs and
Foxes were " connected with the government of Canada ; " but it is certain they were far from
being friendly to the French.
The conflict between France and Great Britain commencing in 1754, found the Sacs and
Foxes allied with the former power, against the English, although not long previous to this time
they were the bitter enemies of the French. At the close of that contest so disastrous to the
interests of France in North America, these tribes readily gave in their adhesion to the con-
querors, asking that English traders might be sent them. The two nations, then about equally
divided, numbered, in 1761, about seven hundred warriors. Neither of the tribes took part in
Pontiac's war, but they befriended the English. The Sacs had migrated farther to the west-
ward ; but the Foxes — at least a portion of them — still remained upon the waters of the river of
Green bay, which perpetuates their name. A few years later, however, and the former were
occupants of the upper Wisconsin ; also, to a considerable distance below the portage, where
their chief town was located. Further down the same stream was the upper village of the
Foxes, while their lower one was situated near its mouth at the site of the present city of Prairie
du Chien. At this date, 1766, the northern portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all that
part watered by the streams flowing north into Lake Superior, was the home of the Chippewas.
The country around nearly the whole of Green bay was the hunting ground of the Menomonees.
The territory of Winnebago lake and Fox river was the seat of the Winnebagoes. The region
of the Wisconsin river was the dwelling place of the Sacs and Foxes.
During the war of the Revolution, the Sacs and Foxes continued the firm friends of the
English. At the commencement of the nineteenth century, only a small part of their territory
was included in what is now Wisconsin, and that was in the extreme southwest. In 1804, they
ceded this to the United States ; so that they no longer were owners of any lands within this
State. From that date, therefore, these allied tribes can not be considered as belonging to the
PRE-TEEKITOKIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 29
Indian nations of Wisconsin. A striking episode in their subsequent history — the Black Hawk
War — conies in, notwithstanding, as a part, incidentally, of the annals of the State.
Deserving a place in a notice of the Indian tribes of Wisconsin is the nation known as the
POTTAWATTAMiES. As early as 1639, they were the neighbors of the Winnebagoes upon Green
bay. They were still upon its southern shore, in two villages, in 1670 ; and ten years subsequent
to that date they occupied, at least in one village the same region. At the expiration of the
first quarter of the eighteenth century, a part only of the nation were in that vicinity — upon the
islands at the mouth of the bay. These islands were then known as the Pottawattamie islands,
and considered as the ancient abode of these Indians. Already had a large portion of this tribe
emigrated southward, one band resting on the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan, the other near Detroit.
One peculiarity of this tribe — at least of such as resided in what is now Wisconsin — was their
intimate association with neighboring bands. When, in 1669, a village of the Pottawattamies,
located upon the southeast shore of Green bay, was visited by AUouez, he found with them Sacs
and Foxes and Winnebagoes. So, also, when, many years subsequent to that date, a band of
these Indians were located at Milwaukee, with them were Ottawas and Chippewas. These
" united tribes " claimed all the lands of their respective tribes and of other nations, giving the
United States, when possession was taken of the western country by the General Government,
no little trouble. Finally, by a treaty, held at Chicago in 1833, their claims, such as they were,
to lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, within the present State of Wisconsin,
extending westward to Rock river, were purchased by the United States, with permission to
retain possession three years longer of their ceded lands, after which time this " united nation
of Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies " began to disappear, and soon were no longer seen in
southeastern Wisconsin or in other portions of the State.
Besides the five tribes — Menomonees, Winnebagoes, Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, and
Pottawattamies — many others, whole or in part, have, since the territory now constituting the
State was first visited by white men, been occupants of its territory. Of these, some are only
known as having once lived in what is now Wisconsin ; others — such as the Hurons, Illinois,
Kickapoos, Mascoutens, Miamis, Noquets, Ottawas and Sioux, are recognized as Indians once
dwelling in this region; yet so transitory has been their occupation, or so little is known of their
history, that they scarcely can be claimed as belonging to the State.
Commencing in 1822, and continuing at intervals through some of the following years, was
the migration to Wisconsin from the State of New York of the remains or portions of four tribes :
the Oneidas, Stockbridges, Munsees and Brothertowns. The Oneidas finally located west of
Green Bay, where they still reside. Their reservation contains over 60,000 acres, and lies
wholly within the present counties of Brown and Outagamie. The Stockbridges and Munsees,
who first located above Green Bay, on the east side of Fox river, afterward moved to the east
side of Winnebago lake. They now occupy a reservation joining the southwest township of the
Menomenee reservation, in Shawano county, and are fast becoming citizens. The Brothertowns
first located on the east side of Fox river, but subsequently moved to the east side of Winnebago
lake, where, in 1839, they broke up their tribal relations and became citizens of Wisconsin
territory.
III.— PRE-TERRITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN.
When, in 1634, the first white man set foot upon any portion of the territory now consti-
tuting the State of Wisconsin, the whole country was, of course, a wildei-ness. Its inhabitants,
the aboriginal Red men, were thinly but widely scattered over all the country. Jean Nicolet,
a Frenchman, who had been in Canada since 161 8, and had spent several years among the
S^ HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Indians, was the first of civilized men to unlock the mystery of its situation and people. French
authorities upon the St. Lawrence sent him as an ambassador to the Winnebagoes, of whom he
had heard strange stories. On his outward voyage he visited the Hurons — allies of the French
— a tribe seated upon the eastern side of the lake which bears their name, and Nicolet was
empowered to negotiate a peace with them. " When he approached the Winnebago town, he sent
some of his Indian attendants to announce his coming, put on a robe of damask, and advanced
to meet the expectant crowd with a pistol in each hand. The squaws and children fled, scream-
ing that it was a manito, or spirit, armed with thunder and lightning ; but the chiefs and warriors
regaled him with so bountiful a hospitality, that a hundred and twenty beavers were devoured at
a single feast." Such was the advent of the daring Frenchman into what is now the State of
Wisconsin.
" Upon the borders of Greea bay," wrote the Jesuit, Paul le Jeune, in 1640, " are the Meno-
monees; still farther on, the Winnebagoes, a sedentary people, and very numerous. Some
Frenchrnen," he continues, " call them the ' Nation of the Stinkards,' because the Algonquin
word Winipeg signifies ' stinking water.' Now they thus call the water, of the sea ; therefore,
these people call themselves ' Winnebagoes,' because they came from the shores of a sea of which
we have no knowledge ; consequently we must not call them the ' Nation of Stinkards^' but the
' Nation of the Sea.' " From these Men of the Sea, Nicolet passed westward, ascended Fox
river of Green Bay, until nigh the portage -to the Wisconsin, down which stream he could have
floated easily to the Mississippi, the "great water" of his guides, which he mistook for the
sea. This adventurous Frenchman, when so near re-discovering the river which has given
immortality to De Soto, turned his face to the eastward ; retraced his steps to Green bay, and
finally returned in safety to Quebec. This was the first exploration of what is now Wisconsin-
only fourteen years after the landing of the Pilgrims upon the wild shores of New England.
Wisconsin, for twenty-four years after its discovery, was left to its savage inhabitants. At
length, in 1658, two daring fur traders penetrated to Lake Superior, and wintered there. They
probably set foot upon what is now Wisconsin soil, as they made several trips among the sur-
rounding tribes. They saw, among other things, at six days' journey beyond the lake, toward
the soiithwest, Indians that the Iroquois had driven from their homes upon the eastern shores of
Lake Huron. These Frenchmen heard of the ferocious Sioux, and of a great river not the sea
as Nicolet had supposed— on which they dwelt. This was the Mississippi ; and to these traders
is the world indebted for a knowledge of its existence; as De Soto's discovery was never used
and soon became well-nigh, if not entirely, forgotten. From these upper countries, in the Sum-
mer of 1660, the two returned to Quebec, with three hundred Indians in sixty canoes, laden with
peltry. This was, indeed, the dawn— though exceedingly faint— of what is now the commerce of
the great Northwest. Nineteen years after flashed a more brilliant light; for, in 1679 the
"Griffin," laden with furs, left one of the islands at the mouth of Green bay, on its return-
spreading her sails for Niagara, but never more to be heard of
Following in the footsteps of the fur traders came the Jesuit missionaries to Lake Superior •
one of them, Father Menard, as early as 1660, reaching its southern shore as far to the westward'
probably, as Kewenaw, m the present State of Michigan. There is no positive evidence however'
that he or his French companions, visited any portion of what is now Wisconsin ; although the next
year, 1661, some ot his associates probably passed down the Menomonee river to Green bav
Following Menard came Father Claude Allouez, arriving on the first day of October 166? at
"Chagowamigong," or " Chegoimegon," now Chequamegon, or Ashland Bay, " at the bottom of
Which," wrote the missionary, " is situated the great villages of the savages, who there plant their
fields of Indian corn, and lead a stationary life. " Near by he erected a small chapel of bark— the
PRE-TEREITOEIAL AXNALS OF WISCONSIN. 31
first structure erected by civilized man in Wisconsin. At La Pointe, in the present Ashland
county, he established the mission of the Holy Ghost.
The next Catholic mission in what is now Wisconsin was that of St. Francis Xavier, founded
also by Allouez. Upon the second of December, 1669, he first attended to his priestly devotions
upon the waters of Green bay. This mission, for the first two years of its existence, was a
migratory one. The surrounding tribes were all visited, including the Pottawattamies, Menom-
onees, Winnebagoes, and Sacs and Foxes. However, in 167 1, one hundred and five years before
the Declaration of Independence, there was erected, at^ what is now Depere, Brown county, a
chapel for the mission of St. Francis Xavier. Thus early did the Jesuit Fathers, in their plain
garbs and unarmed, carry the cross to many of the benighted heathen occupying the country
circumscribed by Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior, and the "great river" — the Mississippi.
French domination in Wisconsin dates from the year 167 1, the very year in which it seems
the indomitable LaSalle, upon his first expedition, passed the mouth of Green bay, but did not
enter it. France then took formal possession of the whole of the country of the upper lakes.
By 'this time, the commerce with the western tribes had so attached them to heir interests that
she determined to extend her power to the utmost limits — vague and indeterminate as they
were — of Canada. An agent — Daumont de St. Lusson — was dispatched to the distant tribes,
proposing a congress of Indian nations at the Falls of Ste. Mary, between Lake Huron and Lake
Superior. The invitation was extended far and near. The principal chiefs of Wisconsin tribes,
gathered by Nicolas Perrot in Green bay, were present at the meeting. Then and there, with
due ceremony, it was announced tliat the great Northwest was placed under the protection of
the French government. And why not ? She had discovered it — had to a certain extent
explored it — had to a limited extent established commerce with it^and her missionaries had
proclaimed the faith to the wondering savages. But none of her agents — none of the fur-
traders — none of the missionaries — had yet reached the Mississippi, the "great river," concerning
which so many marvels had been heard, although it is claimed that, in 1669, it had been seen
by the intrepid La Salle. But the time for its discovery, or properly re-discovery, was at hand, if,
indeed, it can be called, with propriety, a re-discovery, since its existence to the westward was
already known to every -white man particularly interested in matters appertaining to the North-
west. Now, however, for the first time, its upper half was to be, to a certain extent, explored.
For the first time, a white man was to behold its vast tribute, above the Illinois river, rolling
onward toward the Mexican gulf. Who was that man ? His name was Louis Joliet ; with him
was Father James Marquette.
Born at Quebec, in 1645, educated by the Jesuits, and first resolving to be a- priest, then
turning fur-trader, Joliet had, finally, been sent with an associate to explore the copper mines of
Lake Superior. He was a man of close and intelligent observation, and possessed considerable
mathematical acquirements. At this time, 1673, he was a merchant, courageous, hardy, enter-
prising. He was appointed by French authorities at Quebec to " discover " the Mississippi. He
passed up the lakes to Mackinaw, and found at Point St. Ignace, on the north side of the strait,
Father James Marquette, who readily agreed to accompany him. Their outfit was very sirnple :
two birch-bark canoes and a supply of smoked meat and Indian corn. They had a company of
five men with them, beginning their voyage on the seventeenth of May, 1673. Passing the straits,
they coasted the northern shores of Lake Michigan, moved up Green bay and Fox river to the
portage. They crossed to the Wisconsin, down which they paddled their frail canoes, until, on
the seventeenth of June, they entered — " discovered " — the Mississippi. So the northern, the
eastern and the western boundary of what is now Wisconsin had been reached at this date ;
therefore, it maybe said that its territory had been explored sufficiently for the forming of a
32 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
pretty correct idea of its general features as well as of its savage inhabitants. After dropping
down the Mississippi many miles, Joliet and Marquette returned to Green bay, where the latter-
remained to recruit his exhausted strength, while Joliet descended to Quebec, to report his
''discoveries" to his superiors.
Then followed the expedition of LaSalle to the west, from the St. Lawrence, when, in 1&79,
he and Father Louis Hennepin coasted along the western shore of Lake Michigan, frequently
landing; then, the return of Henri de Tonty, one of LaSalle 's party down the same coast to Green
bay, in 1680, from the Illinois; the return, also, the same year, of Hennepin, from up the Mis-
sissippi, whither he had made his way from the Illinois, across what is now Wisconsin, by the
Wisconsin and Fox rivers to Green bay, in company with DuLhut, or DuLuth, who, on his way
down the " great river " from Lake Superior, had met the friar ; and then, the voyage, in 1683, from
Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, by the same route, of LeSueur, and his subsequent
establishment at La Pointe, in what is now Ashland county, Wisconsin, followed several years
after by a trip up the Mississippi. The act of Daumont de St. Lusson,at the Sault Sainte Mary,
■ in 1671, in taking possession of the country beyond Lake Michigan, not being regarded as suffi-
ciently definite, Nicolas Perrot, in 1689, at Green bay, again took possession of that territory, as
well as of the valleys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and extending the dominion of New
France over the country on the Upper Mississippi, and "to other places more remote." The
voyage of St. Cosme, in 1699, when he and his companions frequently landed on the west coast
of Lake Michigan, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin, completed the explorations in the
west for the seventeenth century.
Following in the footsteps of early explorations, of self sacrificing attempts of the Jesuits to
carry the cross to the wild tribes of the West, of the first visits of the lawless coureurs de bois,
was the military occupation — if such it can be called — of what is now Wisconsin by the French.
The ninety years of domination by France in this region were years of only nominal possession.
The record of this occupation is made up of facts concerning the Indian policy of the French
rulers; their contests with the Sacs and Foxes; their treaties, at various times, with different
tribes ; their interest in, and protection of, the fur trade , and kindred subjects. The Indian
tribes were, at most, only the allies of France. Posts — mere stockades without cannon, more for
protection to fur-traders than for any other purpose — were erected upon the Mississippi at two
points at least, upon what is now territory of Wisconsin. On the west side of Fox river of
Green bay, "half a league from its mouth," was a French post, as early as 1721, where resided,
besides the commandant and an uncouth squad of soldiers, a Jesuit missionary ; and near by
Were collected Indians of different tribes. Of course, the omnipresent fur-trader helped to
augment the sum-total of its occupants. This post was, not long after, destroyed, but another
was established there. When, however, France yielded her inchoate rights in the West to Great
Britain — when, in 1 761, the latter took possession of the country — there was not a French post
within what is now Wisconsin. The " fort " near the head of Green bay, had been vacated for
some years; it was found "rotten, the stockade ready to fall, and the houses without cover;"
emblematic of the decay— the fast-cruml^ling and perishing state— of French supremacy, at that
date, in America. Wisconsin, when England's control began, was little better than a howling
wilderness. There was not within the broad limits of what is now the State, a single bona fide
settler, at the time the French Government yielded up its possession to the English ; that is to
say, there were hone according to the present acceptation of the term "settler."
The military occupation of Wisconsin by the British, after the Seven Years' War, was a brief
one. La Bay — as the post at what is now the city of Fort Howard, Brown county, was called
was, on the twelfth of October, 1761, taken possession of by English troops, under Captain
Belfour, of the Eightieth regiment. Two days after, that officer departed, leaving Lieutenant
PRE-TEBRITOEIAL, ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 33
James Gorrell, in command, with one sergeant, one corporal and fifteen privates. There also
remained at the post a French interpreter and two English traders. The name of the fortifica-
tion was changed to Fort Edward Augustus. This post was abandoned by the commandant on
the twenty-first of June, 1763, on account of the breaking out of Pontiac's War and the capture
of the fort at Mackinaw by the savages. The cause of this war was this : The Indian tribes
saw the danger which the downfall of the French interests in Canada was sure to bring to them.
They banded together under Pontiac to avert their ruin. The struggle was short but fierce —
full of " scenes of tragic interest, with marvels of suffering and vicissitude, of heroism and endur-
ance ; " but the white man conquered. The moving incidents in this bloody drama were enacted
to the eastward of what is now Wisconsin, coming no nearer than Mackinaw, which, as just
mentioned, the savages captured ; ^ut it resulted in the evacuation of its territory by British
troops, who never after took possession of it, though they continued until 1796 a nominal
military rule over it, after Mackinaw was again occupied by them.
An early French Canadian trading station at the. head of Green bay assumed finally the
form of a permanent settlement — the first one in Wisconsin. To claim, however that. any
French Canadian is entitled to the honor of being the first permanent white settler is assuming
for him more than the facts seem to warrant. The title of " The Father and Founder of Wis-
consin" belongs to no man.
After Pontiac's War, one of the noted events in this region was the journey of Jonathan
Carver, who, in 1766, passed up Fox river to the portage, and descended the Wisconsin to the
Mississippi. He noticed the tumbling-down post at what is now Green Bay, Brown county.
He saw a few families living in the fort, and some French settlers, who cultivated the land
opposite, and appeared to live very comfortably. That was the whole extent of improvements
in what is now Wisconsin. The organization of the Northwest Fur Company ; the passage of
an act by the British Parliament by which the whole Northwest was included in the Province of
Quebec ; the joining of the Indians in this region with the British, against the Americans, in the
War of the Revolution; the exploration of the lead' region of the Upper Mississippi by Julian
Dubuque; 'the passage of the ordinance of 1787; the first settlement of the territory northwest
of the River Ohio; and the Indian war which followed, are all incidents, during British occu-
pation, of more or less interest for the student of Wisconsin history. He will find that, by the
treaty of 1783 and of 1795, with Great Britain, all the inhabitants residing in this region were to
be protected by the United States in the full and peaceable possession of their property, with the
right to remain in, or to withdraw from it, with their effects, within one year. All who did not
leave were to be deemed American citizens, allowed to enjoy all the privileges of citizenship, and
to be under the protection of the General Government. He will also find that less than two
years was the whole time of actual military occupation of what is now Wisconsin by British
soldiers, and that English domination, which should have ended at the close of the Revolu-
tioii, was arbitrarily continued until the Summer of 1796, when the western posts, none of which
were upon territory circumscribed by Lakes Michigan and Superior and the Mississippi river,
were delivered into the keeping of the United States. Thus the supremacy of Great Britain over
the Northwest was, after an actual continuance of thirty-five years, at an end.
Although the General Government did not get possession of the region northwest of the Ohio,
throughout its full extent, for thirteen years subsequent to its acquirement by the treaty of peace
of 1783 with Great Britain, nevertheless, steps were taken, very soon, to obtain concessions from
such of the colonies as had declared an ownership in any portion of it. None of the claimants,
seemingly, had better rights than Virginia, who, by virtue of conquests, largely her own, of the
Illinois settlements and posts, extended her jurisdiction over that country, erecting into a county
34 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
so much of the region northwest of the Ohio, as had been settled by Virginians or might after-
ward be settled by them. But as, previous to her yielding all rights to territory beyond that
river, she had not carried her arms into the region north of the Illinois or made settlements upon
what is now the soil of Wisconsin, nor inAuded any portion of it within the bounds of an organ-
ized county, it follows that her dominion was not actually extended over any part of the area
included within the present boundaries of this State; nor did she then claim jurisdiction north
of the Illinois river, but on the other hand expressly disclaimed it.
Virginia and all the other claimants finally ceded to the United States their rights, such as
they were, beyond the Ohio, except two reservations of limited extent ; and the General Govern-
ment became the undisputed owner of the "Great West," without any internal claims to posses-
sion save those of the Indians. Meanwhile, the United Stat* took measures to extend its juris-
diction over the whole country by the passage of the famous ordinance of 1787, which established
a government over "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio." But this
orgainic law was, of course, nugatory over- that portion of the region occupied by the British,
until their yielding possession in 1796, when, for the first time, Anglo-American rule commenced,
though nominally, in what is now Wisconsin. By the ordinance just mentioned, "the United
States, in congress assembled," declared that the territory northwest of the Ohio should, for the
purposes of temporary government, be one district , subject, however, to be divided into districts,
as future circumstances might, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. It was ordained
that a governor, secretary and three judges should be appointed for the Territory; a general
assembly was also provided for; and it was declared that religion, morality, and knowledge,
being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of
education should forever be encouraged. It was also ordained that there should be neither
slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, "otherwise than in the punishment of
crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted." Thus was established the first Magna
Charta for the five great States since that tine formed out of "the territory northwest of the
River Ohio," and the first rules and regulations for their government.
Under this act of Congress, Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of the Northwestern
Territory, as it was called, and Samuel H. Parsons, James M. Varnum, and John Armstrong,
judges, — the latter not accepting the office, John Cleves Symmes was appointed in his place.
Winthrop Sargeant was appointed secretary. At different periods, counties were erected to
include various portions of the Territory. By the governor's proclamation of the 15th of
August, 1796, one was formed to include the whole of the present area of Northern Ohio, west of
Cleveland; also, all of what is now the State, of Indiana, north of a line drawn from Fort Wayne
" west-northerly to the southern part of Lake Michigan ; " the whole of the present State of
Michigan, except its extreme northwest corner on Lake Superior ; a small corner in the north-
east, part of what is now Illinois, including Chicago ; and so much of the present State of Wis-
consin as is watered by the streams flowing into Lake Michigan, which of course included an
extensive portion, taking in many of its eastern and interior counties as now constituted. This
vast county was named Wayne. So the few settlers then at the head of Green bay had their
local haljjitations, constructively at least, in " Wayne county. Northwestern Territory." It was
just at that date that Great Britain vacated the western posts, and the United States took quiet
possession of them. But the western portion of what is now Wisconsin, including all its territory
watered by streams flowing northward into Lake Superior, and westward and southwestward into
the Mississippi, was as yet without any county organization ; as the county of St. Clair, including
the Illinois country to the southwatrd, reached no farther north than the mouth of Little Macki-
naw creek, where it empties into the Eiver Illinois, in what is now the State of Illinois. The
/^^t^-^-i^'^::?::-'-^^^^^—
(deceased) WAUKESHA.
EX GOVENOR OF WISCONSIN.
PEE-TEEEITORIAL ANNALS OF WISCONSIN. 35
" law of Paris," which was in force under French domination in Canada, and which by the
British Parliament in 1774, had been continued in force under English supremacy, was still " the
law of the land " west of Lake Michigan, practically at least.
From and after the fourth day of July, 1800, all that part of the territory of the United
States northwest of the Ohio river, which lay to the westward of a line beginning upon that
stream opposite to the mouth of Kentucky river and running thence to what is now Fort
Recovery in Mercer county, Ohio ; thence north until it intersected the territorial line between
the United States and Canada, was, for the purposes of temporary government, constituted a
separate territory called Indiana. It included not only the whole of the present State of Illinois
and nearly all of what is now Indiana, but more than half of the State of Michigan as now
defined, also a considerable part of the present Minnesota, and the whole of what is now Wis-
consin.
The seat of government was established at "Saint Vincennes on the Wabash,'' now the city
of Vincennes, Indiana. To this extensive area was added "from and after" the admission of
Ohio into the Union, all the territory west of that State, and east of the eastern boundary line of
the Territory of Indiana as originally established ; so that now all " the territory of the United
States, northwest of the River Ohio," was, excepting the State of Ohio, included in Indiana Ter-
ritory. On the thirtieth day of June, 1805, so much of Indiana Territory as lay to the north of
a line drawn east from the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, and east
of a line drawn from the same bend thirough the middle of the first mentioned lake to its north-
ern extremity, and thence due north to the northern boundary of the United States, was, for the
purpose of temporary government, constituted a separate Territory called Michigan. Of course
no, part of the present State of Wisconsin was included therein ; but the whole remained in the
Territory of Indiana until the second day of March, 1809, when all that part of the last men-
tioned Territory which lay west of the Wabash river, and a direct line drawn from that stream
and "Post Vincennes," due north to the territorial line between the United States and Canada,
was, by an act approved on the third of February previous, constituted a separate Territory, called
Illinois. Meanwhile jurisdiction had been extended by the authorities of Indiana Territory
over the country lying west of Lake Michigan, to the extent, at least, of appointing a justice of
the peace for each of the settlements of Green Bay and Prairie du Chien. All of what is now
Wisconsin was transferred to the Territory of Illinois, upon the organization of the latter, except
a small portion lying east of the meridian line drawn through Vincennes, which remained a part
of Indiana Territory. This fraction included nearly the whole area between Green bay and
Lake Michigan.
When, in 1816, Indiana became a State, "the territory of the United States northwest of the
River Ohio,'' contained, besides Ohio and Indiana, the Territories of Illinois and Michigan, only ;
so the narrow strip, formerly a part of Indiana Territory, lying east of a line drawn due. north
from Vincennes, and, west of the western boundary line of Michigan Territory, belonged to nei-
ther, and was left without any organization. However, upon the admission of Illinois into the
Union, in 1818, all "the territory of the United States, northwest of the River Ohio," lying west
of Michigan Territory and north of the States of Indiana and Illinois, was attached to and made
a part of Michigan Territory ; by which act the whole of the present State of Wisconsin came
under the jurisdiction of the latter. During the existence of the Territory of Illinois, a kind of
jurisdiction was had over the two settlements in what is now Wisconsin — rather more ideal than
real, however.
In 1834, Congress greatly increased the limits of the Territory of Michigan, by adding to it,
for judicial purposes, a large extent of country west of the Mississippi — reaching south as far as
36 HISTORY or "WISCONSIlSr.
the present boundary line between the present States of Iowa and Missouri ; north, to the terri-
torial line between the United States and Canada ; and west, to the Missouri and White Earth
rivers. It so continued down to the fourth of July, 1836. 1
A retrospective glance at the history of this region for forty years previous to the last men-
tioned year, including the time which elapsed after the surrender of the western posts, in 1796,
by the British, discloses many facts of interest and importance.
The Anglo-Americans, not long after the region of country west of Lake Michigan became
a part of Indiana Territory, began now and then to cast an eye, either through the opening of
the Great Lakes or the Mississippi, upon its rolling rivers, its outspread prairies, and its dense
forests, and to covet the goodly land ; but the settlers at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien were
mostly French Canadians at this date, although a few were Americans. The General Govern-
ment, however, began to take measures preparatory to its occupation, by purchasing, in 1804, a
tract in what is now the southwest portion of the State, of the Indians, and by holding the various
tribes to a strict account for any murders committed by them on American citizens passing
through their territories or trading with them. Comparative peace reigned in the incipient settle-
ments at the head of Green bay and at the mouth of the Wisconsin, which was changed by the
breaking out of the war of 1812, with Great Britain.
The English early succeeded in securing the Wisconsin Indian tribes as their allies in this
war; and the taking of Mackinaw by the British in July, 1812, virtually put the latter in posses-
sion of what is now the eastern portion of the State. Early in 1814, the government authorities
of the United States caused to be fitted out at St. Louis a large boat, having on board all the
men that could be mustered and spared from the lower country, and sent up the Mississippi to
protect the upper region and the few settlers therein. The troops landed at Prairie du Chien,
and immediately proceeded to fortify. Not long after, Colonel McKay, of the British army,
crossing the country by course of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, with over five hundred British
and Indians, received the surrender of the whole force. The officers and men were paroled and
sent down the river. This was the only battle fought upon Wisconsin soil during the last war
with England. The post at Prairie du Chien was left in command of a captain with two compa-
nies from Mackinaw. He remained there until after the peace of 1815, when the place was
evacuated by the British.
When it became generally known to the Indian tribes in what is now Wisconsin, that the
contest between the United States and Great Britain was at an end, they generally expressed
themselves as ready and willing to make treaties with the General Government — eager, in fact,
to establish friendly relations with the power they had so recently been hostile to. This was,
therefore, a favorable moment for taking actual possession of the country between the Missis-
sippi and Lake Michigan ; and United States troops were soon ordered to occupy the two prom-
inent points between Green Bay and Prairie du Chien; At the former place was erected Fort
Howard ; at the latter Fort Crawford. At Green Bay, half a hundred (or less) French Cana-
dians cultivated the soil; at Prairie du Chien, there were not more than thirty houses, mostly
occupied by traders, while on the prairie outside the village, a number of farms were cultivated.
Such was Wisconsin when, at the close of the last war with Great Britain, it began in earnest to
be occupied by Americans. The latter were few in number, but in 181 8, they began to feel, now
that the country was attached to Michigan Territory and the laws of the United States were
extended over them, that they were not altogether beyond the protection of a government of their
own, notwithstanding they were surrounded by savage tribes. Their happiness was increased
upon the erection, by proclamation of Lewis Cass, governor of the Territory of Michigan of
three Territorial counties : Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford. Their establishment dates
PEE-TERKITORIAL AISTNALS OF WISCOJSfSIjST. 3T
the twenty-sixth of October, 1818. The county of Michilimackinac not only included all of the
present State of Wisconsin lying north of a line drawn due west from near the head of the Little
Noquet bay, but territory east and west of it, so as to reach from Lake Huron to the Missis-
sippi river. Its county seat was established "at the Borough of Michilimackinac." The whole
area in Michigan Territory south of the county of Michilimackinac and west of Lake Michigan
formed the two counties of Brown and Crawford: the former to include the area east of a line
drawn due north and south through the middle of the portage between the Fox river of Green
bay and the Wisconsin ; the latter to include the whole region west of that line. Prairie du
Chien was designated as the county seat of Crawford; Green Bay, of Brown county. On the
22d of December, 1826, a county named Chippewa was formed from the northern portions of
Michilimackinac, including the southern shores of Lake Superior throughout Its entire length,
and extending from the straits leading from that lake into Lake Huron, west to the western
boundary line of Michigan Territory, with the county seat " at such point in the vicinity of the
Sault de Ste. Marie, as a majority of the county commissioners to be appointed shall designate."
Embraced within this county, — its southern boundary being the parallel 46° 31' north latitude, —
was all the territory of the present State of Wisconsin now bordering on Lake Superior. _
Immediately upon the erection of Brown and Crawford counties, they were organized, and
their offices filled by appointment of the governor. County courts were established, consisting
of one chief and two associate justices, either of whom formed a quorum. They were required
to hold one term of court annually in their respective counties. These county courts had origi-
nal and exclusive jurisdiction in all civil cases, both in law and equity, where the matter- in dis-
pute exceeded the jurisdiction of a justice of the peace, and did not exceed the value of one
thousand dollars. They had, however, no jurisdiction in ejectment. They had exclusive cog-
nizance of all' offenses the punishment whereof was not capital, and the same power to issue
remedial and other process, writs of error and mandamus excepted, that the supreme court had
at Detroit. Appeals from justices of the peace were made to the county courts.
The establishing of Indian agencies by the General Government ; the holding of treaties
with ?ome of the Indian tribes ; the adjustment of land claims at Green Bay and Prairie du
Chien ; the appointment of postmasters at these two points, were all indications of a proper
interest being taken by the United States in the affairs of the country. But a drawback to tljis
region, was the fact that, in all civil cases of over a thousand dollars, and in criminal cases that
were capital, as well as in actions of ejectment, and in the allowance of writs of error, and man-
damus, recourse musfbe had to the supreme court at Detroit; the latter place being the seat of
government of Michigan Territory. However, in January, 1823, an act of congress provided
for a district court, and for the appointment of a judge, for the counties of Brown, Crawford,
and Michilimackinac. This court had concurrent jurisdiction, civil and criminal, with the
supreme court of the Territory, in most cases, subject, however, to have its decisions taken to the
latter tribunal by a writ of error. The law provided for holding one term of court in each year,
in each of the counties named in the act ; so, at last, there was to be an administration of justice
at home, and the people were to be relieved from all military arbitrations, which frequently had
been imposed upon them. James Duane Doty was appointed judge of this court at its organiza-
tion. A May term of the court was Jield in Prairie du Chien ; a June term in Green Bay ; a
July term in " the Borough of Michilimackinac," in each year. In 1824, Henry S. Baird, of
Brown county, was appointed district attorney. Doty held the office of judge until May, 1832,
when he was succeeded by David Irvin. This couxt continued until 1836, when it was abrogated
by the organization of the Territory of Wisconsin.
For a long time it had been known that there were lead mines in what is now the south-
38 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
western portion of the State; but it was not until the year 1825, and the two following years, that
very general attention was attracted to them, which eventuated in the settlement of different
places in that region, by Americans, who came to dig for lead ore. This rapid increase of
settlers awakened the jealousy of the Winnebago Indians, at what they deemed an unauthorized
intrusion upon their lands, which, with other causes operating unfavorably upon their minds,
aroused them in June, 1827, to open acts of hostility. Murders became frequent, finally, the
militia of Prairie du Chien were called out. On the twenty-ninth of August, Brigadier-General
Henry Atkinson, of the United States army, with a strong force of regulars, ascended the Wis-
consin river to put an end to any further spread of Winnebago disturbances. He was joined on
the first of September, by one hundred and thirty Galena volunteers, mounted, and under com-
mand of General Henry Dodge. The Winnebagoes were awed into submission. Thus ended
the "Winnebago War." It was followed by the erection at the portage of Fort Winnebago, by
the United States.
After the restoration of tranquillity, the United States proceeded by treaty with the Indians,
to secure the right to occupy the lead regions. This was in 1828. The next year, the General -
Government purchased of the Winnebagoes, Southwestern Wisconsin, which put an end to all
trouble on account of mining operations. On the ninth of October, 1829, a county was formed,'
by the legislative council of the Territory of Michigan, comprising all that part of Crawford
county lying south of the Wisconsin river. This new county was called Iowa. The county
seat was temporarily established at Mineral Point. Following this was a treaty in i83r, with the
Menomonees, for all their lands east of Green bay, Winnebago lake, and the Fox and Milwaukee
rivers.
There was now a crisis at haiid. The most prominent event to be recorded in the pre-Ter-
ritorial annals of Wisconsin is known as the Black Hawk War. This conflict of arms between
the Sacs and Foxes and the United States arose from a controversy in regard to lands. By a
treaty made at Fort Harmar, just across the River Muskingum from Marietta, Ohio, in January,
1789, the Pottawattamie and Sac tribes of Indians, among others, were received into the friend-
ship of the General Government, and a league of peace and unity established between the con-
tracting parties On the third of November, 1804, a treaty at St. Louis stipulated that the
uailed Sac and Fox tribes should be received into the friendship of the United States, and also
be placed under their protection. These tribes also agreed to consider themselves under the pro-
tection of the General Government and of no other power whatsoever. At this treaty lands were
ceded which were circumscribed by a boundary beginning at a point on the Missouri river
opposite the mouth of the Gasconade, and running thence in a direct course so as to strike the
River Jefferson at the distance of thirty miles from its mouth, and down that stream to the Missis-,
sippi. It then ran up the latter river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, and up 'that stream to a
point thirty-six miles in a direct line from its mouth ; thence by a straight course to a point
where the Fox river of the Illinois leaves the small lake then called Sakaegan, and from that
point down the Fox to the Illinois, and down the latter to the Mississippi. The consideration for
this cession was the payment of goods to the value of two thousand two hundred and thirty-four
dollars and fifty cents, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars — six hundred to be paid to
the Sacs and four hundred to the Foxes— to be liquidated in goods valued at first cost. After-
ward, Fort Madison was erected just above the Des Moines rapids in the Mississippi, on the ter-
ritory ceded at the last mentioned treaty. Then followed the war with Great Britain and the
Sacs and Foxes agreed to take no part therein. However, a portion afterward joined the
English against the Americans along with other Western tribes. At the restoration of peace the
Sacs and Foxes held treaties with the United States. There was a renewal of the treaty of 1804.
PEE-TEEEITOEIAL ANIMALS OF WISCONSIN. 39
Such in brief is a general outline of affairs, so far as those two tribfes were concerned, down to the
close of the last war with England. From this time, to the year 1830, several additional treaties
were made with the Sacs and Foxes by the General Government : one in 1822, by which they relin-
quished their right to have the United States establish a trading house or factory at a convenient
point at which the Indians could trade and save themselves from the imposition of traders, for
which they were paid the sum of one thousand dollars in merchandise. Again, in 1824, they
sold to the General Government all their lands in Missouri, north of Missouri river, for which
they received one thousand dollars the same year, and an annuity of one thousand dollars for ten
years. In 1830, they ceded to the United States a strip of land twenty miles wide from the Mis-
sissippi to the Des Moines, on the north side of their territory. The time had now come for the
two tribes to leave the eastern shore of the Mississippi and retire across the " great water."
Keokuk, the Watchful Fox, erected his wigwam on the west side of the river, and was followed
by a large part of the two tribes. But a band headed by Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or the
Black Sparrow Hawk, commonly called Black Hawk, refused to leave their village near Rock
Island. They contended that they had not sold their town to the United States ; and, upon
their return early in 1831, from a hunt across, the Mississippi, finding their village aftd fields in
possession of the whites, they determined to repossess their homes at all hazards. This was
looked upon, or called, an encroachment by the settlers ; so the governor of Illinois took the
responsibility of declaring the State invaded, and asked the United States to drive the refractory
Indians beyond the Mississippi. The result was, the Indian village was destroyed by Illinois
volunteers. This and the threatened advance across the river by the United States commander,
brought Black Hawk and his followers to terms. They sued for peace — agreeing to remain
forever on the west side of the Mississippi. But this truce was of short duration.
Early in the Spring of 1832, Black Hawk having assembled his forces on the Mississippi, in
the vicinity of the locality where Fort Madison had stood, crossed that stream and ascended
Rock river. This was the signal for war. The governor of Illinois made a call for volunteers ;
and, in a brief space of time, eighteen hundred had assembled at Beardstown, Cass county.
They marched for the mouth of Rock river, where a council of war was held by their officers
and Brigadier-General Henry Atkinson, of the regular forces. The Indians were sent word by
General Atkinson that they must return and recross the Mississippi, or they would be driven
back by force. " If you wish to fight us, come on," was the laconic but defiant reply of the Sac
chief. When the attempt was made to compel these Indians to go back across the " great river,"
a collision occurred between the Illinois militia and Black Hawk's braves, resulting in the dis-
comfiture of the former with the loss of eleven men. Soon afterward the volunteers were dis-
charged, and the first campaign of Black Hawk's War was at an end. This was in May, 1832.
In June following, a new force had been raised and put under the command of General
Atkinson, who commenced his march up Rock river. Before this, there had been a general
"forting" in the lead region, including the whole country in Southwest Wisconsin, notwithstand-
ing which, a number of settlers had been killed by the savages, mostly in Illinois. Squads of
volunteers, in two or three instances, had encountered the Indians ; and in one with entire suc-
cess— upon the Pecatonica, in what is now Lafayette county, Wisconsin — every savage (and
there were seventeen of them) being killed. The loss of the volunteers was three killed and
wounded. Atkinson's march up Rock river was attended with some skirmishing; when, being
informed that Black Hawk and his force were at Lake Koshkonong, in the southwest corner of
what is now Jefferson county, Wisconsin, he immediately moved thither with a portion of his
army, where the whole force was ordered to concentrate. But the Sac chief with his people had
flown. Colonels Henry Dodge and James D. Henry, with the forces under them, discovered the
40 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
trail of the savages, leading in the direction of the Wisconsin river. It was evident that the
retreating force was large, and that it had but recently passed. The pursuing troops hastened
their march. On the twenty-first of July, 1832, they arrived at the hills which skirt the left bank
of^ that stream, in what is now Roxbury town (township), Dane county. Here was Black
Hawk's whole f6rce, including women and children, the aged and infirm, hastenmg by every
effort to escape across the river. But that this might now be effected, it became necessary for
that chief to make a firm stand, to cover the retreat. The Indians were m the bottom lands
when the pursuing whites made their appearance upon the heights in their rear. Colonel Dodge
occupied the front and sustained the first attack of the Indians. He was soon joined by Henry
with his force, when they obtained a complete victory. The action commenced about five
o'clock in the afternoon and ended at sunset. The enemy, numbering not less than five hundred,
sustained a loss of about sixty killed and a large number wounded. The loss of the Americans
was one killed and eight wounded. This conflict has since been known as the battle of Wis-
consin Heights.
During the night following the battle, Black Hawk made his escape with his remaining force
and pedple down the Wisconsin river. The women and children made their way down stream
in canoes, while the warriors marched on foot along the shore. The Indians were pursued in
their flight, and were finally brought to a stand on the Mississippi river, near the mouth of the
Bad Axe, on the west boundary of what is now Vernon county, Wisconsin. About two o'clock
on the morning of the second of August, the line of march began to the scene of the last con-
flict in the Black Hawk War. Dodge's command formed the advance, supported by regular
troops,' under Colonel Zachary Taylor, afterward president of the United States. Meanwhile an
armed steamboat had moved up the Mississippi and lay in front of the savages ; so they were
attacked on all sides by the exasperated Americans. The battle lasted about two hours, and
was a complete victory for the whites. Black Hawk fled, but was soon after captured. This
ended the war.
The survey of public lands by the General Government ; the locating and opening of land
offices at Mineral Point and Green Bay; the erection of Milwaukee county from a part of
Brown to include all the territory bounded on the east and south by the east and south lines of
the present State, on the north by what is now the north boundary of Washington and Ozaukee
counties and farther westward on the north line of township numbered twelve, and on the west
by the dividing line between ranges eight and nine ; and the changing of the eastern boundary
of Iowa county to correspond with the western one of Milwaukee county; — are some of the
important events following the close of the Black Hawk war. There was an immediate and
rapid increase of immigr'ation, not only in the mining region but in various other parts of what
is now Wisconsin, more especially in that portion bordering on Lake Michigan. The interior
was yet «parsely settled. By the act of June 28, 1834, congress having attached to the Territory
of Michigan, for judicial purposes, all the country "west of the Mississippi river, and north of
the State of Missouri," comprising the whole of what is now the State of Iowa, all of the present
State of Minnesota west of the Mississippi river, and more than half of what is now the Terri-
tory of Dakota, the legislative council of Michigan Territory extended her laws over the whole
area, dividing it on the 6th of September, 1834, by a line drawn due west from the lower end of
Rock island to the Missouri river into two counties: the country south of that line constituting
the county of Des Moines; north of the line, to be known as the county of Dubuque. This
whole region west of the Mississippi was known as the Iowa district. Immediately after the
treaty of 1832 with the Sacs and Foxes, the United States having come into ownership of a large
tract in this district, several families crossed the Mississippi, and settled on the purchase, but as
WISCONSIN TEKBITORY. 41
the time provided for the Indians to give possession was the first of June, 1833, these settlers
were dispossessed by order of the General Government. So soon, however, as the Indians yielded
possession, settlements began, but, from the date just mentioned until September, 1834, after the
district was attached, for judicial purposes, to Michigan Territory, it was without any municipal
law whatever. The organization of the counties of Dubuque and Des Moines on the sixth of
that month, secured, of course a regular administration of justice. In 1835, in order to facili-
tate intercourse between the two remote military posts of Fort Howard at Green Bay, and Fort
Crawford at Prairie du Chien, a military road was commenced to connect the two points ; so,
one improvement followed another. On the 9th of January, 1836, a session (the first one) of
the seventh legislative council of Michigan Territory — that is, of so much of it as lay to the
westward of Lake Michigan — was held at Green Bay, and a memorial adopted, asking Congress
for the formation of a new Territory west of that lake ; to include all of Michigan Territory not
embraced in the proposed State of Michigan. Congress, as will now be shown, very soon com-
plied with the request of the memorialists.
IV.— WISCONSIN TERRITORY.
The establishing of a separate and distinct Territory west of Lake Michigan, was the result
of the prospective admission of Michigan into the Union (an event which took place not until
the twenty-sixth of January, 1837), as the population, in all the region outside of the boundaries
determined upon by the people for that State, would otherwise be left without a government, or,
at least, it would be necessary to change the capital of the old Michigan Territory farther to the
westward ; so it was thought best to erect a new territory, to be called Wisconsin (an Indian
word signifying wild rushing water, or channel, so called from the principal eastern tributary pf
the Mississippi within its borders), which was done by an act of congress, approved April 20,
1836, to take effect from and after the third day of July following. The Territory was made to
include all that is now embraced within the States of Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and a part of
the Territory of Dakota, more particularly described within boundaries commencing at the north-
east corner of the State of Illinois, running thence through the middle of Lake Michigan to a
point opposite the main channel of Green bay ; thence through that channel and the bay to the
mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up that stream to its head, which is nearest the lake of the
Desert ; thence to the middle of that lake ; thence down the Montreal river to its mouth ; thence
with a direct line across Lake Superior to where the territorial line of the United States last touches
the lake northwest ; thence on the north, with the territorial line, to the White Earth river ; on the
west by a line drawn down the middle of the main channel of that stream to the Missouri river,
and down the middle of the main channel of the last mentioned stream to the northwest corner of
the State of Missouri ; and thence with the boundaries of the States of Missouri and Illinois, as
already fixed by act of congress, to the place or point of beginning. Its counties were Brown,
Milwaukee, Iowa, Crawford, Dubuque, and Des Moines, with a portion of Chippewa and Michili-
mackinac left' unorganized. Although, at this time, the State of Michigan was only engaged, so
to speak, to the Union, to include the two peninsulas (many of its citizens preferring in lieu
thereof the lower one only, with a small slice off the northern boundary of the State of Ohio as
now constituted), yet the marriage ceremony was performed, as has been stated, a few months
afterward.
The act of congress establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin was very full and
complete. It first determined its boundaries ; then it declared that all authority of the govern-
ment of Michigan over the new Territory should cease on the fourth day of July, 1836, with a
42
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
proper reservation of rights in favor of the Indians. It provided for subsequently dividing tne
Territory into one or more, should congress deem it wise so to do. It also declared that the
executive power and authority in and over the Territory should be vested in a governor, at the same
time defining his powers. It provided for the appointment of a secretary, stating what his duties
should be. The legislative power was vested in the governor and legislative assembly, the latter
to consist of a council and house of representatives, answering respectively to the senate and
assembly, as states are usually organized. There was a provision for taking the census of the
several counties, and one giving the governor power to name the time, place, and manner of
holding the first election, and to declare the number of members of the council and house of
representatives to which each county should be entitled. He was also to determine where the
first legislative assembly should meet, and a wise provision was that the latter should not be in
Session in any one year more than seventy-five days.
One section of the act declared who should be entitled to vote and hold office ; another
defined the extent of the powers of the legislature, and a third provided that all laws should be
submitted to congress for their approval or rejection. There was a section designating what
offices should be elective and what ones should be filled by the governor. There were others
regulating the judiciary for the Territory and declaring what offices should be appointed by the'
United States, providing for their taking the proper oaths of office and regulating their salaries.
One, perhaps the most important of all, declared that the Territory should be entitled to and enjoy
all the rights, privileges, and advantages granted by the celebrated ordinance of 1787. There
was also a provision for the election of a delegate to the house of representatives of the United
States ; and a declaration that all suits and indictments pending in the old courts should be con-
tinued in the new ones. Five thousand dollars were appropriated for a library for the accommo-
dation of the legislative assembly of the Territory and of its supreme court.
For the new Territory, Henry Dodge was, on the 30th of April, 1836, by Andrew Jackson
then President of the United States, commissioned governor. John S. Horner was commissioned
secretary ; Charles Dunn, chief justice ; David Irvin and William C. Frazer, associate judges •
W. W. Chapman, attorney, and Francis Gehon, marshal. The machinery of a territorial gov-
ernment was thus formed, which was set in motion by these officers taking the prescribed oath of
office. The next important step to be taken was to organize the Territorial legislature. The
provisions of the organic act relative to the enumeration of the population of the Territory were
that previously to the first election, the governor should cause the ceusus of the inhabitants of
the several counties to be taken by the several sheriffs, and that the latter should make returns of
the same to the Executive. These figures gave to Des Moines county, 6,257 ; Iowa county,
5,234; Dubuque county, 4,274; Milwaukee county, 2,893; Brown county, 2,706; Crawford
county, 850. The entire population, therefore, of Wisconsin Territory in the summer of 1836,
as given by the first census was, in precise numbers, twenty-two thousand two hundred and four-
teen, of which the two counties west of the Mississippi furnished nearly one half. The apportion-
ment, after the census had been taken, made by the governor, gave to the different counties thir-
teen councilmen and twenty-six representatives. Brown county got two councilmen and three
representatives ; Crawford, two representatives, but no councilmen ; Milwaukee, two councilmen
and three representatives ; Iowa, Dubuque and Des Moines, each three councilmen ; but of repre-
sentatives, Iowa got six ; Dubuque, five, and Des Moines, seven. The election was held on the
tenth of October, 1836, exciting considerable interest, growing out, chiefly, of local considera-
tions. The permanent location of the capital, the division of counties, and the location of county
seats, were the principal questions influencing the voters. There were elected from the county
of Brown, Henry S. Baird and John P. Arndt, members of the council; Ebenezer Childs, Albert
WISCONSIN TEBRITOE"X. 43
G. Ellis and Alexander J. Irwin, members of the house of representatives ; from Milwaukee,
the councilmen were Gilbert Knapp and Alanson Sweet ; representatives, William B. Sheldon,
Madison W. Cornwall and Charles Durkee : from Iowa, councilmen, EbenezerBrigham, John B.
Terry and James R. Vineyard ; representatives, William Boyles, G. F. Smith, D. M. Parkinson,
Thomas McKnight, T. Shanley and J. P. Cox : from Dubuque, councilmen, John Foley, Thomas
McCraney and Thomas McKnight ; representatives, Loring Wheeler, Hardin Nowlin, Hosea T.
Camp, P. H. Engle and Patrick Quigley : from Des Moines, councilmen, Jeremiah Smith, Jr.,
Joseph B. Teas and Arthur B. Inghram ; representatives, Isaac Leffler, Thomas Blair, Warren L,
Jenkins, John Box, George W. Teas, Eli Reynolds and David R. Chance : from Crawford, repre-
sentatives, James H. Lockwood and James B. Dallam.
Belmont, in the present county of LaFayette, then in Iowa county, was, by the governor,
appointed the place for the meeting of the legislature ; he also fixed the time — the twenty-fifth
of October. A quorum was in attendance in both branches at the time decided upon for their
assembling, and the two houses were speedily organized by the election of Peter Hill Fngle, of
Dubuque, speaker of the house, and Henry S. Baird, of Brown, president of the council. Each
of the separate divisions of the government — the executive, the judicial, and the legislative —
was now in working order, except that it remained for the legislature to divide the Territory into
judicial districts, and make an assignment of the judges ; and for the governor to appoint a Ter-
ritorial treasurer, auditor and attorney general. The act of congress establishing the Terri-
tory required that it should be divided into three judicial districts. The counties of Crawford
and Iowa were constitued by the legislature the first district, to which was assigned Chief Justice
Dunn. The second district was composed of the counties of Des Moines and Dubuque ; to it
was assigned Associate Judge Irvin. The third district was formed of the counties of Brown
and Milwaukee, to which 'VYas assigned Associate Judge Frazer.
Governor Dodge, in his first message to the Territorial legislature, directed attention to the
necessity for defining the jurisdiction and powers of the several courts, and recommended that
congress should be memorialized to extend the right of pre-emption to actual settlers upon the
public lands and to miners on mineral lands; also, to remove the obstructions in the rapids
of the Upper Mississippi, to construct harbors and light-houses on Lake Michigan, to improve
the navigation of Fox river and to survey the same from its mouth to Fort Winnebago, to
increase the amount of lands granted to the Territory for school purposes, and to organize and
arm the militia for the protection of the frontier settlements. The first act passed by the legis-
lature was one privileging members (rom arrest in certain cases and conferring on themselves
power to punish parties for contempt. The second one established the three judicial districts
and assigned the judges thereto. One was passed to borrow money to defray the expenses
of the session; others protecting aJ lands donated to the Territory by the United States in aid
of schools, and creating a common school fund. A memorial to congress was adopted request-
ing authorization to sell the school-section in each township, and appropriate the money arising
therefrom for increasing the fund for schools.
During this session, five counties were "set off" west of the Mississippi river: Lee, Van
Buren, Henry, Louisa, Muscatine, and Cook ; and fifteen east of that stream : Walworth, Racine,
Jefferson, Dane, Portage, Dodge, Washington, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Calumet, Manitowoc,
Marquette, Rock, Grant and Green.
The principal question agitating the legislature at its first session was the location of the
capital. Already the people west of the Mississippi were speculating upon the establishment of
a Territory on that side the river, prospects for which would be enhanced evidently, by placing
the seat of government somewhat in a central position east of that stream, for Wisconsin
44 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Territory. Now, as Madison was a point answering such requirements she triumphed over all
competitors ; and the latter numbered a dozen or more— including, among others, Fond du Lac,
Milwaukee, Racine, Belm6nt, Mineral Point, Green Bay, and Cassville. The struggle over this
question was one T)f the most exciting ever witnessed in the Territorial legislature. Madison
was fixed upon as the seat of government, but it was provided that sessions of the legislature
should be held at Burlington, in Des Moines county, until the fourth of March, 1839, unless the
public buildings in the new capital should be sooner completed. After an enactment that the
legislature should thereafter meet on the first Monday of November of each year, both houses,
on the ninth day of December, 1836, adjourned sine die.
In the act of congress establishing the Territory of Wisconsin it was provided that a delegate
to the house of representatives of the United States, to serve for the term of two years, should
be elected by the voters qualified to elect members of the legislative assembly-, and that the
first election should be held at such time and place or places, and be conducted in -such manner
as the governor of the Territory should appoint and direct. In pursuance of this enactment,
Governor Dodge directed that the election for delegate should be at the time and places
appointed for the election of members of the legislative assembly — the loth of October, 1836.
The successful candidate for that office was George W. Jones, of Sinsinawa Mound, Iowa
county— in that portion which was afterward "set off" as Grant county. Jones, under the act
of 1819, had been elected a delegate for Michigan Territory, in October, 1835, and took his
seat at the ensuing session, in December of that year. By the act of June 15, 1836, the consti-
tution and State government which the people of Michigan had formed for themselves was
accepted, ratified and confirmed, and she was declared to be one of the United. States of
America, so that the term of two years for which Jones had been elected was cut short, as, in
the nature of the case, his term could not survive the existence of the Territory he represented.
But, as he was a candidate for election to represent the new Territory of Wisconsin in congress^
as a delegate, and was successful, he took his seat at the commencement of the second session of
the twenty-fourth congress — December 12, 1836, notwithstanding he had been elected only a
little over two months.
The firs"tterm of the supreme court of the Territory was held at Belmont on the 8th day. of
December. There were present, Charles Dunn, chief justice, and David Irvin, associate judge.
John Catlin was appointed clerk, and Henry S. Baird having previously been commissioned
attorney general for the Territory by Governor Dodge, appeared before the court and took the
oath of office. Causes in which the United States was party or interested were looked after by
the United States attorney, who received his appointment from the president; while all cases
in which the Territory was interested was attended to by the attorney general, whose commission
was signed by the governor. The appointing of a crier and reporter and the admission of
several attorneys to practice, completed the business for the term. The annual term appointed
for the third Monday of July of the following year, at Madison, was not held; as no business for
the action of the court had matured.
At the time of the complete organization of the Territory of Wisconsin, when the whole
machinery had been put fairly in motion ; when its first legislature at its first session had, after
passing forty-two laws and three joint resolutions, in forty-six days, adjourned; — at this time,
the entire portion west of the Mississippi had, in round numbers, a population of only eleven
thousand ; while the sparsely settled mineral region, the military establishments — Fort Craw-
ford, Fort Winnebago, and Fort Howard — and the settlements at or near them, with the village
of Milwaukee, constituted about all there was of the Territory east of that river, aggregating
about twelve thousand inhabitants. There was no land in market, except a narrow strip along
WISCONSIN TEREITOEY. 45
the shore of Lake Michigan, and in the vicinity of Green bay. The residue of the country
south and east of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers was open only to preemption by actual settlers.
The Indian tribes still claimed a large portion of the lands. On the north and as far west as
the Red river of the north were located the Chippewas. The southern limits of their posses-
sions were defined by a line drawn from a point on that stream in about latitude 46° 30' in a
southeasterly direction to the head of Lake St. Croix ; thence in the same general direction to
what is now Stevens Point, in the present Portage county, Wisconsin ; thence nearly east to
Wolf river; and thence in a direction nearly northeast to the Menomonee river. The whole
country boun(Jed by the Red river and Mississippi on the east ; the parallel of about 43° of
latitude on the south ; the Missouri and White Earth river on the west ; and the Territorial line
on the north, was occupied by the Sioux. In the southwest part of the Territory, lying mostly
south of latitude 43" — in the country reaching to the Missouri State boundary line south, and
to the Missouri river west — were the homes of the Pottawattamies, the lowas, and the Sacs and
Foxes. Between the Wisconsin river and the Mississippi, and extending north to the south
line of the Chippewas was the territory of the Winnebagoes. East of the Winnebagoes in the
country north of the Fox river of Green bay were located the Menomonees, their lands
extending to Wolf river. Such was the general outline of Indian occupancy in Wisconsin
Territory at its organization. A portion of the country east of Wolf river and north of Green
bay and the Fox river ; the whole of the area lying south of Green bay. Fox river and the
Wisconsin ; and a strip of territory immediately west of the Mississippi, about fifty miles in
width, and extending from the Missouri State line as far north as the northern boundary of the
present State of Iowa, constituted the whole extent of country, over which the Indians had
no claim.
The second session of the first legislative assembly of the Territory began at Burlington,
now the county seat of Des Moines county, Iowa, on the 6th of November, 1837. The governor,
in his message, recommended a codification of the laws, the organization of the militia, and other
measures of interest to the people. An act was passed providing for taking another census, and
one abolishing imprisonment for debt. By a joint resolution, congress was urged to make an
appropriation of twenty thousand dollars in money, and two townships of land for a " University
of the Territory of Wisconsin." The money was not appropriated, but the land was granted —
forty-six thousand and eighty acres. This was the fundamental endowment of the present State
university, at Madison. A bill was also passed to regulate the sale of school lands, and to
prepare for organizing, regulating and perfecting schools. Another act, which passed the
legislature at this session, proved an apple of discord to the people of the Territory. The
measure was intended to provide ways and means whereby to connect, by canals and slack-
water, the waters of Lake Michigan with those of the Mississippi, by way of Rock river, the
Catfish, the four lakes and the Wisconsin, by the incorporation of the Milwaukee and Rock
river canal company. This company was given authority to apply to congress for an appro-
priation in money or lands to aid in the construction of the work, which was to have its eastern
outlet in the Milwaukee river, and to Unite at its western terminus with Rock river, near the
present village of Jefferson, in Jefferson county. The result was that a grant of land of odd-
numbered sections in a strip of territory five miles on each side of the line of the proposed canal
was secured, and in July, 1839, over forty thousand acres were sold at the minimum price of
two dollars and fifty cents per acre. However, owing mainly to the fact that purchasers were
compelled to pay double the government price for their lands — owing also to the circumstance
of an antagonism growing up between the officers of the canal company and the Territorial
officers intrusted with the disposition of the lands, and to conflicts between'the beneficiaries of
46 HISTORY or WISCOA^SIBT.
the grant and some of the leading politicians of the time — the whole scheme proved a curse
and a blight rather than a blessing, and eventuating, of course, in the total failure of the project.
There had been much Territorial and State legislation concerning the matter ; but very little
work, meanwhile, was done on the canal. It is only within the year 1875 that an apparent
quietus has been given to the subject, and legislative enactments forever put at rest.
Fourteen counties were set off during this session of the legislature at Burlington — all
west of the Mississippi. They were Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Fayette,
Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Slaughter, Scott and Clayton. One hundred and five
acts and twenty joint resolutions were passed. On the 20th of January, 1838, both houses
adjourned until the second Monday of June following.
The census of the Territory having been taken in May, the special session of the first legis-
lature commenced on the eleventh of June, 1838, at Burlington, pursuant to adjournment, mainly
for the purpose of making a new apportionment of members of the house. This was effected by
giving twelve members to the counties east of the Mississippi, and fourteen to those west of that
stream, to be contingent, however, upon the division of the Territory, which measure was not
only then before congress, but had been actually passed by that body, though unknown to the
Territorial legislature. The law made it incumbent on the governor, in the event of the Terri-
tory being divided before the next general election, to make an apportionment for the part
remaining, — enacting that the one made by the act of the legislature should, in that case, have
no effect. Having provided that the next session should be held at Madison, the legislative body
adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of June, 1838, the public buildings at the new capital
having been put under contract in April, previous. Up to this time, the officers of the Territory
at large, appointed by the president of the United States at its organization, had remained
unchanged, except that the secretary, John S. Horner, had been removed and his place given to
William B. Slaughter, by appointment, dated February 16, 1837. Now there wer6 two other
changes made. On the nineteenth of June, Edward James was commissioned marshal, and on
the fifth of July, Moses M. Strong was commissioned attorney of the United States for the Ter-
ritory. By an act of congress, approved June 12, 1838, to divide the Territory of Wisconsin,,
and to establish a Territorial government west of the Mississippi, it was provided that from and
after the third day of July following, all that part of AVisconsin Territory lying west of that river
and west of a line drawn due north from its headwaters or sources to the Territorial line, for the
purposes of a Territorial government should be set apart and known by the name of Iowa. It
was further enacted that the Territory of Wisconsin should thereafter extend westward only to
the Mississippi. It will be seen therefore that all that portion of the present State of Minnesota^
extending eastward from the Mississippi to the St. Croix and northward to the United States
boundary line, was then a part of Wisconsin Territory, even after the organization of the Terri-
tory of Iowa. The census taken in May, just previous to the passage of this act, gave a total
population to the several counties of the Territory, east of the Mississippi, of 18,149.
On the third Monday of July, 1838, the annual terms of the supreme court — the first one
after the re-organization of the Territory of Wisconsin — was held at Madison. There were
present Chief Justice Dunn and Associate Judge Frazer. After admitting five attorneys to
practice, hearing several motions, and granting several rules, the court adjourned. All the terms
of the Supreme Court thereafter were held at Madison.
At an election held in the Territory on the tenth day of September, 1838, James Duane Doty
received the highest number of votes for the office of delegate to congress, and was declared by-
Governor Dodge duly elected, by a certificate of election, issued on the twenty-seventh day of
October following. Upon the commencement of the third session of the twenty-fifth congress.
WISCONSIN TERKITOEY. 47
on Monday, December lo, 1838, Isaac E. Crary, member from Michigan, announced to the chair
of the house of representatives that Doty was in attendance as delegate from Wisconsin Terri-
tory, and moved that he be qualified. Jones, the former delegate, then rose and protested
against Doty's right to the seat, claiming that his (Jones') term had not expired. The basis for
his claim was that under the act of 1817, a delegate must be elected only for one congress, and
not for parts of two congressional terms; that his term as a delegate from Wisconsin did not
commence until the fourth of March, 1837, and consequently would not expire until the fourth
of March, 1839. The subject was finally referred to the commit'tee of elections. This com-
mittee, on the fourteenth of January, 1839, reported in favor of Doty's right to his seat as dele-
gate, submitting a resolution to that effect which passed the house by a vote of one hundred and
sixty-five to twenty-five. Whereupon Doty was qualified as delegate from Wisconsin Territory,
and took his seat at the date last mentioned.
On the 8th of November, Andrew G. Miller was appointed by Martin Van Buren, then
president of the United States, associate judge of the supreme court, to succeed Judge Frazer,
who died at Milwaukee, on the iSth of October. During this year, Moses M. Strong succeeded
W. W. Chapman as United States attorney for the Territory.
On the 26th day of November, 1838, the legislature of the re-organized Territory of Wis-
consin— being the first session of the second legislative assembly — met at Madison. Governor
Dodge, in his message, recommended an investigation of the banks then in operation, memorial-
izing congress for a grant of lands for the improvement of the Fox river of Green bay and the
Wisconsin; the revision of the laws; the division of the Territory into judicial districts; the
justice of granting to all miners who have obtained the ownership of mineral grounds under the
regulations of the superintendent of the United States lead mines, either by discovery or pur-
chase, the right of pre-emption ; and the improvement of the harbors on Lake Michigan.
The attention of this Legislature was directed to the mode in which the commissioners of
public buildings had discharged their duties There was an investigation of the three banks
then in operation in the Territory — one at Green Bay, one at Mineral Point, and the other at
Milwaukee. A plan, also, for the revision of the laws of the Territory was considered. A new
assignment was made for the holding of district courts. Chief Justice Dunn was assigned to the
first district, composed of the counties of Iowa, Grant and Crawford ; Judge Irvin to the second,
composed of the counties of Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth and Green; while Judge Miller
was assigned to the third district, composed of Milwaukee, Brown and Racine counties — includ-
ing therein the unorganized counties of Washington and Dodge, which, for judicial purposes,
were, when constituted by name and boundary, attached to Milwaukee county, and had so
remained since that date. The legislature adjourned on the 22d of December, to meet again on
the 2ist of the following-month. "Although," said the president of the council, upon the occasion
of the adjournment, "but few acts of a general character have been passed, as the discussions and
action of this body have been chiefly confined to bills of a local nature, and to the passage of
memorials to the parent government in behalf of the great interests of the Territory; yet it is
believed that the concurrent resolutions of the two houses authorizing a revision of the laws, is a
measure of infinite importance to the true interests of the people, and to the credit and charac-
ter of the Territory."
Tbe census of the Territory having been taken during the year 1838, showed a population
of 18,130, an increase in two years of 6,447.
The second session of the second legislative assembly commenced on the twenty-first day of
January, 1839, agreeable to adjournment. The most important work was the revision of the laws
which had been perfected during the recess, by the committee to whom the work was intrusted.
48 , HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
consisting of three members from each house : from the council, M. L. Martin, Marshall M.
Strong, and James Collins ; from the hoivse of representatives, Edward V. Whiton, Augustus
Story, and Barlow Shackleford. The act legalizing the revision, took effect on the fourth day of
July following. The laws as revised, composed the principal part of those forming the Revised
Statutes of 1839, a valuable volume for all classes in the territory— and especially so for the
courts and lawyers— during the next ten years. The sine die adjournment of this legislature took
place on the nth of March, 1839.
On the 8th of March of this year, Henry Dodge, whose term for three years as governor
was about to expire, was again commissioned by the president of the United States, as governor
of the Territory of Wisconsin. At the July term of the supreme court, all the judges were pre-
sent, and several cases were heard and decided. A seal for the court was also adopted. The
attorney general of the I'erritory at this time was H. N. Wells, who had been commissioned by
Governor Dodge, on the 30th of March previous, in place of H. S. Baird, resigned. Wells not
being in attendance at this term of the court, Franklin J. Munger was appointed by the Judge
attorney general for that session. The clerk, John Collin having resigned, Simeon Mills was
selected by the court to fill his place. From this time, the supreme court met annually, as pro-
vided by law, until Wisconsin became a State.
The next legislature assembled at Madison, on the second of December, 1839. This was
the third session of the second legislative assembly of the Territory. The term for which mem-
bers of the house were elected, would soon expire ; it was therefore desirable that a new appor-
tionment should be made. As the census would be taken ihe ensuing June, by the United States,
it would be unnecessary for the Territory to make an additional enumeration. A short session
was resolved upon, and then an adjournment until after the completion of the census. One of
the subjects occupying largely the attention of the members, was the condition of the capitol,
and the conduct of the commissioners intrusted with the money appropriated by congress to
defray the cost of its construction. The legislature adjourned on the thirteenth of January,
1840, to meet again on the third of the ensuing August. The completion of the census showed
a population for the Territory of thirty thousand seven hundred and forty-four, against eighteen
thousand one hundred and thirty, two years previous. Upon the re-assembling of the legisla-
ture— which is known as the extra session of the second legi"lative assembly — at the time agreed
upon, some changes were made in the apportionment of members to the house of representa-
tives ; the session lasted but a few days, a final adjournment taking place on the fourteenth of
August, 1840. At the July term of the supreme court, Simeon Mills resigned the office of
clerk, and La Fayette Kellogg was appointed in his place. Kellogg continued to hold the posi-
tion until the state judiciary was organized. At the ensuing election, James Duane Doty was
re-elected Territorial delegate, taking his seat for the first time under his second term, on the
eighth day of December, 1840, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty-sixth
congress.
The first session of the third legislative assembly commence^ on the seventh of December,
1840, with all new members in the house except three. All-had recently been elected under the
new apportionment. Most of the session was devoted to the ordinary routine of legislation.
There was, however, a departure, in the passage of two acts granting divorces, from the usual
current of legislative proceedings in the Territory. There was, also, a very interesting contested
election case between two members from Brown county. Such was the backwardness in regard
to the building of the capitol, at this date, that a large majority of the members stood ready to ■
remove the seat of government to some other place. However, as no particular point could be
agreed upon, it remained at Madison. The legislature adjourned on the nineteenth of February,
WISCONSIN TEEBITORY. 49
1841, having continued a term of seventy-five days, the maximum time limited by the organic act.
Francis J. Dunn, appointed by Martin Van Buren, was commissioned in place of William
B. Slaughter, as secretary of the Territory, on the 25th of January, 1841, but was himself super-
ceded by the appointment of A. P. Field, on the 23d day of April following. On the isth of
March, Daniel Hugunin was commissioned as marshal in place of Edward James, and on the
27th of April, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M. Strong as United States attorney
for the Territory. On the 26th of June, Governor Dodge commissioned as attorney general of
the Territory, M. M. Jackson. On the r3th of September following. Dodge was removed from
office by John Tyler, then president of the United States, and James Duane Doty appointed in
his place. The appointment of Doty, then the delegate of the Territory in congress, by the
president of the United States as governor, and the consequent resignation of the latter of his
seat in the house of representatives, caused a vacancy which was filled by the election of Henry
Dodge to that office, on the 27th of September, 1841; so that Doty and Dodge changed places.
Dodge took his seat for the first time, at the commencement of the second session of the twenty^
fifth congress — Monday, December 7, 1841.
About this time, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal imbroglio broke out afresh. The
loan agent appointed by the governor to negotiate a loan of one hundred thousand dollars for
the work, reported that he had negotiated fifty-six thousand dollars of bonds, which had been
issued ; but he did not report what kind of money was to be received for them. Now, the canal
commissioners claimed that it was their right and duty not to recognize any loan wj^ich was to
be paid in such currency as they disapproved of This dispute defeated the loan, and stopped
all work on the canal. During the year 1841, Thomas W. Sutherland succeeded Moses M.
Strong as United States attorney. The second session of the third legislative assembly began
at Madison, on the sixth of December, 1841. Governor Doty, in his message to that body,
boldly avowed the'doctrine that no law of the 'Territory was effective, until expressly approved
by congress. " The act," said he, " establishing the government of Wisconsin, in the third sec-
tion, requires the secretary of the Territory to transmit annually, on or before the first Monday
in December, ' two copies of the laws to the speaker of the house of representatives, for the
use of congress.' The sixth section provides that 'all laws of ^the governor and legislative
a,ssembly shall be submitted to, and, if disapproved by the congress of the United States, the
same shall be null and of no effect.' " "These provisions," he added, "it seems to me, require
the laws to be actually submitted to congress before they take effect. They change the law by
which this country was governed while it was a part of Michigan. That law provided that
the laws should be reported to congress, and that they should ' be in force in the 'district until
the organization of the general assembly therein, unless disapproved of by congress.' " The
governor concluded in these words : " The opinion of my predecessor, which was expressed to
the first legislature assembled after the organization of this government, in his message delivered
at Belmont on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1836, fully sustains this view of the subject which
I have presented. He said : ' We have convened under an act of congress of the United States
establishing the Territorial government of Wisconsin, for the purpose of enacting such laws as
may be required for the government of the people of this Territory, after their approval by con-
gress.'" This construction of the organic act resulted in a lengthy warfare between the gov-
ernor and the legislative assembly.
At this session, the Milwaukee and Rock river canal again raised a tumult. " Congress
had made a valuable grant of land to the Territory in trust. The Territory was the trustee ;
the canal company the cestui que trust. The trust had been accepted, and a large portion of
the lands had been sold, one tenth of the purchase money received, and ample securities held
60 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
for the balance." The Territory now, by its legislature, repealed all the laws authorizing a
loan, and all which contemplated the expenditure of any money on its part in constructing the
canal. The legislature resolved that all connection ought to be dissolved, and the work on
the canal by the Territory abandoned, and that ,the latter ought not further to execute the
trust. They resolved also that the congress be requested to divert the grant to such other
internal improvements as should be designated by the Territory, subject to the approval of
congress; and that, if the latter should decline to make this diversion, it was requested to take
back the grant, and dispose of the unsold lands. On the eleventh of February, 1842, a tragedy
was enacted in the legislative council, causing great excitement over the whole Territory. On
that day, Charles C. P. Arndt, a member from Brown county, was, while that body was in
session, shot dead by James R. Vineyard, a member from Grant county. The difficulty grew
out of a debate on motion to lay on the table the nomination of Enos S. Baker to the office of
sheriff of Grant county. Immediately before adjournment of the council, the parties who had
come together, after loud and angry words had been spoken, were separated by the by-standers.
When an adjournment had been announced, they met again ; whereupon Arndt struck at Vine-
yard. The latter then drew a pistol and shot Arndt. He died in a few moments. Vineyard
immediately surrendered himself to the sheriff of the county, waived an examination, and was
committed to jail. After a short confinement, he was brought before the chief justice of the
Territory, on a writ of habeas corpus, and admitted to bail. He was afterward indicted for man-
slaughter, %as tried and acquitted. Three days after shooting Arndt, Vineyard sent in his
resignation as member of the council. That body refused to receive it, or to have it read even ;
but at once expelled him. The second and last session of the third legislative assembly came
to a close on the eighteenth of February, 1842.
The first session of the fourth legislative assembly commenced on the fifth day of Decem-
ber, 1842. The members had been elected under a new apportionment based upon a census
taken in the previous June, which showed a total population for the Territory of forty-six thou-
sand six hundred and seventy-eight — an increase of nearly ten thousand in two years. A politi-
cal count showed a decided democratic majority in each house. Governor Doty's political
proclivities were with the whig party. The contest between him and the legislature now
assumed a serious character. He refused to "hold converse " with it, for the reason that, in his
opinion, no appropriation had been made by congress to defray the expenses of the session, and,
as a consequence, none could be held. The legislature made a representation to congress, then
in session, of the objections of the governor, and adjourned on the tenth of December, to meet
again on the thirteenth of January, 1843. It was not until the fourth of February following that
a quorum in both houses had assembled, when the legislature, through a joint committee, waited
on the governor, and informed him that they had again met according to adjournment, and were
then ready to proceed to business. Previous to this time, congress had made an appropriation
to cover the expenses of the legislature now in session, which it was supposed would remove all
conflict about its legality. But the governor had, on the thirtieth day of January previous, issued
a proclamation, convening a special session of the legislature on the sixth of March and still
refused to recognize the present one as legal. Both houses then adjourned to the day fixed by
the executive. A final adjournment took place on the seventeenth of April following.
The term of two years for which Henry Dodge was elected as delegate, having expired at
the close of the third session of the twenty-seventh congress, he was, on the twenty-fifth of Sep-
tember, r843, re-elected, taking his seat for the first time on his second term at the commence-
ment of the first session of the twenty-eighth congress, Monday, December 4, 1843. On
the thirtieth of October of this year, George Floyd was commissioned by President Tyler as
Wl LLI AM A. BARSTO W,
(deceased)
ex govenor of wisconsin.
WISCONSIN TEKRITOET. 51
secretary of the Territory, in place of A. P. Field.
The second session of the fourth legislative assembly of the Territory, commencing on the
fourth of December, 1843, and terminating on the thirty-first of January, 1844 — a period of fifty-
nine days — accomplished but little worthy of especial mention, except the submission of the
questiSn of the formation of a State government to a vote of the people, to be taken at the gene-
ral election to be held in September following. The proposition did not succeed at the ballot-
box. The third session of the fourth legislative assembly did not commence until the sixth of
January, 1845, as the time had been changed to the first Monday in that month for annual meet-
ings. Governor Doty having persisted in spelling Wisconsin with a "k" and an "a" — Wis-
/lonsan — and some of the people having adopted his method, it was thought by this legislature
a matter of sufficient importance to be checked. So, by a joint resolution, the orthography —
Wis(rons?n — employed in the organic act, was adopted as the true one for the Territory, and has
ever since been used. Before the commencement of this session Doty's term of office had
expired. He was superseded as governor of the Territory by N. P. Tallmadge, the latter having
been appointed on the twenty-first of June, 1844. On the thirty-first of August, Charles M.
Prevost was appointed marshal of the Territory, in place of Daniel Hugunin. There was the
utmost harmony between Governor Tallmadge and the legislature of the Territory at its session
in 1845.
His message, which was delivered to the two houses in person, on the seventeenth of January,
was well received. Among other items of interest to which he called the attention of the legis-
lative assembly, was one concerning the construction of a railroad to connect Lake Michigan with
the Mississippi. "The interests of the Territory," said he, " seem inperiously to demand the con-
struction of a railroad, or other communication, from some suitable point on Lake Michigan to
the Mississippi river. Much difference of opinion seems to exist as to what it shall be, and how
it is to be accomplished. There is a general impression," continued the governor, "that the con-
struction of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal, which was intended to connect those waters, is
abandoned. It remains to be seen what shall be substituted for it." The session terminated on
the twenty-fourth of February, 1845.
James K. Polk having been inaugurated president of the United States on the fourth of
March, 1845, Henry Dodge was again put into the gubernatorial chair of the Territory, receiving
his appointment on the eighth of April, 1845. Other changes were made by the president during
the same year, John B. Rockwell being, on the fourteenth of March, appointed marshal, and W.
P. Lynde, on the fourteenth of July, United States attorney for the Territory, Governor Tall-
madge, on the twenty-second of January of this year, having commissioned the latter also as
attorney general. On the twenty-second of September, Morgan L. Martin was elected delegate
to the twenty-ninth congress, as the successor of Henry Dodge.
The fourth and last session of the fourth legislative assembly was organized on the fifth of
January, 1846. This session, although a short one, proved very important. Preliminary steps
were taken for the formation of a State government. The first Tuesday in April next succeeding
was the day fixed upon for the people to vote for or against the proposition. When taken it
resulted in a large majority voting in favor of the measure. An act was passed providing for taking
the census of the Territory, and for the apportionment by the governor of delegates to form a
State constitution, based upon the new enumeration. The delegates were to be elected on the first
Monday in September, and the convention was to assemble on the first Monday in October, 1846.
The constitution when formed was to be submitted to the vote of the people for adoption or
rejection, as, at the close of the session, the terms of members of the council who had been elected
for four years, and of the house, who had been elected for two years, all ended. The legislature
52 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
re-organized the election districts, and conferred on the governor the power and duty of making
an apportionment, based on the census to be taken, for the next legislative assembly, when, on
the third of February, 1846, both houses adjourned sim die. On the twenty-second of January,
Governor Dodge appointed A. Hyatt Smith attorney general of the Territory. On the twenty-
fourth of February, John Catlin was appointed Territorial secretary by the president. «
The census taken in the following June showed a population for the Territory of one hun-
dred and fifty-five thousand two hundred and seventy-seven. Delegates having been elected to
form a constitution for the proposed new State, met at Madison on the fifth day of October.
After completing their labors, they adjourned. This, event took place on the sixteenth of
December, 1846. The constitution thus formed was submitted to a popular vote on the first
Tuesday of April, 1847, and rejected. The first session of the fifth legislative assembly com-
menced on the fourth of January of that year. But little was done. Both houses finally
adjourned on the eleventh of February, 1847. John H. Tweedy was elected as the successor
of Morgan L. Martin, delegate to the thirtieth congress, on the sixth of September following. On
the twenty-seventh of that month, Governor Dodge issued a proclamation for a special session
of the legislature, to commence on the eighteenth of the ensuing month, to take action concern-
ing the admission of Wisconsin into the Union. The two houses assembled on the day named
in the proclamation, and a law was passed for the holding of another convention to frame a
constitution ; when, after nine days' labor, they adjourned. Delegates to the new convention ^
were elected on the last Monday of November, and that body met at Madison on the fifteenth
of December, 1847. A census of the Territory was taken this year, which showed a population
of two hundred and ten thousand five hundred and forty-six. The result of the labors of the
second constitutional convention was the formation of a constitution, which, being submitted
to the people on the second Monday of March, 1848, was duly ratified.
The second and last session of the fifth legislative assembly — the last legislative assembly
of Wisconsin Territory — commenced on the seventh of February, 1848, and adjourned sine die
on the thirteenth of March following. On the twentieth of the same month, J. H. Tweedy,
delegate from Wisconsin, introduced a bill in congress for its admission into the Union. The
bill was finally passed; and on the twenty-ninth of May, 1848, Wisconsin became a State.
There had been seventeen sessions of the legislative assembly of the Territory, of an average
duration of forty days each : the longest one lasted seventy-six days ; the shortest, ten days. So
long as the Territory had an existence, the apportionment of thirteen members for the council, and
twenty-six for the house of representatives, was continued, as provided in the organic act.
There had been, besides those previously mentioned, nine additional counties " set off" " by the
legislative assembly of the Territory, so that they now numbered in all twenty-eight : Milwaukee,
Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Walworth, Rock, Green, Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calu-
met, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa,
La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe.
v.— WISCONSIN AS A STATE.
First Administration. — Nelson Dewey, Governor — 1848, 1849.
The boundaries prescribed in the act of congress, entitled " An Act to enable the people of
Wisconsin Territory to form a Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such
State into the Union," approved August 6, 1846, were accepted by the convention which formed
the constitution of Wisconsin, and are described in that instrument as " beginning at the north-
east comer of the State of Illinois — that is to say, at a point in the center of Lake Michigan
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 53
where the line of forty-two degrees and thirty minutes of north latitude crosses the same ; thence
running with the boundary line of the State of Michigan, through Lake Michigan [and] Green
bay to the mouth of the Menomonee river ; thence up the channel of the said river to the Brule
river ; thence up said last mentioned river to Lake Brule ; thence along the southern shore of
Lake Brule, in a direct line to the center of the channel between Middle and South islands, in
the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head waters of the Montreal river, as
marked upon the survey made by Captain Cram ; thence down the main channel of the Mon-
treal river to the middle of Lake Superior ; thence through the center of Lake Superior to the
mouth of the St. Louis river ; thence up the main channel of said river to the first rapids in the
same, above the Indian village, according to Nicollett's map ; thence due south to the main
branch of the River St. Croix ; thence down the main channel of said river to the Mississippi ;
thence down the center of the main channel of that river to the northwest corner of the State
of Illinois ; thence due east with the northern b6undary of the State of Illinois to the place of
beginning." The territory included within these lines constitutes the State of Wisconsin,
familiarly known as the " Badger State." All that portion of Wisconsin Territory, as formerly
constituted, lying west of so much of the above mentioned boundary as extends from the middle
of Lake Superior to the mouth of the St. Croix river, not being included in Wisconsin, the limits
of the State are, of course, not identical with those of the Territory as they previously existed.
The State of Wisconsin, thus bounded, is situated between the parallel of forty-two degrees
thirty minutes and that of forty-seven degrees, north latitude, and between the eighty-seventh
and ninety-third degrees west longitude, nearly. For a portion of its northern border it has
Lake Superior, the largest body of fresh water in the world ; for a part of its eastern boundary it
has Lake Michigan, almost equal in size to Lake Superior ; while the Mississippi, the largest
river in the world but one, forms a large portion of its western boundary. The State of Michi-
gan lies on the east ; Illinois on the south ; Iowa and Minnesota on the west. Wisconsin has an
average length of about two hundred and sixty miles; an average breadth of two hundred and
fifteen miles.
The constitution of Wisconsin, adopted by the people on the second Monday of March,
1848, provided for the election of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer,
attorney general, members of the State legislature, and members of congress, on the second
Monday of the ensuing May. On that day — the 8th of the month — thg election was held,
which resulted in the choice of Nelson Dewey, for governor ; John E. Holmes, for lieutenant
governor ; Thomas McHugh, for secretary of state ; Jairus C. Fairchild, for state treasurer •
and James S. Brown, for attorney general. The State was divided into nineteen senatorial, and
sixty-six assembly districts, in each of which one member was elected ; it was also divided into
two congressional districts, in each of which one member of congress was elected — William
Pitt Lynde in the first district, composed of the counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson,
Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green ; Mason C. Darling, in the second district, composed of the
counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Calumet, Brown, Winnebago, Fond du Lac,
Marquette, Sauk, Portage, Columbia, Dodge, Dane, Iowa, La Fayette, Grant, Richland, Craw-
ford, Chippewa, St. Croix, and La Pointe — the counties of Richland, Chippewa and La Pointe
being unorganized.
The first session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced at Madison, the seat of govern-
ment for the State, on Monday, the sth day of June, 1848. Ninean E. Whiteside was elected
speaker of the assembly, and Henry Billings president of the senate, pro tempore. The democrats
were largely in the majority in both houses. The legislature, in joint convention, on the 7th of
June, canvassed, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the votes given on the
Sth of May previous, for the State officers and the two representatives in congress. On the same
64 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
day, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary ot state, treasurer, and attorney general, were
sworn into office in presence of both houses. All these officers, as well as the representatives in
congress, were democrats. Dewey's majority over John H. Tweedy, whig, was five thousand and
eighty-nine. William P. Lynde's majority in the first district, for congress, over Edward V.
Whiton, whig, was two thousand four hundred and forty-seven. Mason C. Darling's majority in
the second district, over Alexander L. Collins, whig, was two thousand eight hundred and forty-
six. As the thirtieth congress, to which Lynde and Darling were elected would expire on the 4th
of March, 1849, their terms of office would, of course, end on that day. The former took his
seat on the 5th of June, the latter on the 9th of June, 1848.
The constitution vested the judicial power of the State in a supreme court, circuit courts,
courts of probate, and in justices of the peace, giving the legislature power to vest such juris-
diction as should be deemed necessary in municipal courts ; also, conferring upon it the power
to establish inferior courts in the several counties, with limited civil and criminal jurisdiction.
The State was divided into five judicial circuits; and judges were to be elected at a time to be
provided for by the legislature at its first session. It was provided that there should be no
election for a judge or judges, at any general election for State or county officers, nor within
thirty days either before or after such election.
On the 8th of June, 1848, Governor Dewey delivered his first message to a joint convention
of the two houses. It was clear, concise, and definite upon such subjects as, in his opinion
demanded immediate attention. His views were generally regarded as sound and statesmanlike
by the people of the State. " You have convened," said he, "under the provisions of the con-
stitution of the State of Wisconsin, to perform as representatives of the people, the important
duties contemplated by that instrument." " The first session of the legislature of a free people,"
continued the governor, " after assuming the political identity of a sovereign State, is an event of
no ordinary character in its history, and will be fraught with consequences of the highest
importance to its future welfare and prosperity. Wisconsin possesses the natural elements,
fostered by the judicious system of legislation," the governor added, " to become one of the
most populous and prosperous States of the American Union. With a soil unequaled in fertility,
and productive of all the necessary comforts of life, rich in mineral wealth, with commercial
advantages unsurpassed by any inland State, possessing extensive manufacturing facilities, with a
salubrious climate, and peopled with a population enterprising, industrious, and intelligent, the
course of the State of Wisconsin must be onward, until she ranks among the first of the States
of the Great West. It is," concluded the speaker, "under the most favorable auspices that the
State of Wisconsin has taken her position among the families of States. With a population
numbering nearly one quarter of a million, and rapidly increasing, free from the incubus of a
State debt, and rich in the return yielded as the reward of labor in all the branches of industrial
pursuits, our State occupies an enviable position abroad, that is highly gratifying to the, pride of
our people." Governor Dewey then recommended a number- of measures necessary, in his
judgment, to be made upon changing from a Territorial to a State government.
The first important business of the legislature, was the election of two United States
senators. The successful candidates were Henry Dodge and Isaac P. Walker, both democrats
Their election took place on the 8th of June, 1848, Dodge taking his seat in the senate on the
23d of June, and Walker on the 26th of June, 1848. The latter drew the short term ■ so that
his office would expire on the 4th day of March, 1849, at the end of the thirtieth congress ■
Dodge drew the long term, his office to expire on the 4th day of March, 1851, at the end of th '
thirty-first congress. The residue of the session was taken up in passing such acts
deemed necessary to put the machinery of the new State government, in all its branches in f '
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 55
running order. One was passed providing for the annual meeting of the legislature, on the
second Wednesday of January of each year ; another prescribing the duties of State officers ;
one dividing the State into three congressional districts. The first district was composed of the
counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, and Racine ; the second, of the counties of Rock,
Green, La Fayette, Grant, Dane, Iowa, Sauk, Richland, Crawford, Adams, Portage, Chippewa, La
Pointe, and St. Croix ; the third, of the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown,
Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac, Marquette, Dodge, Jefferson, and Columbia. Another act
provided for the election of judges of the circuit courts, on the first Monday of August, 1848.
By the same act, it was provided that the first term of the supreme court should be held in
Madison on the second Monday of January, 1849, ^^^ thereafter at the same place on the same
day, yearly ; afterward changed so as to hold a January and June term in each year. An act
was also passed providing for the election, and defining the duties of State superintendent of
public instruction. That officer was to be elected at the general election to be holden in each
year, his term of office to commence on the first Monday of January succeeding his election.
Another act established a State university ; another exempted a homestead from a forced sale ;
another provided for a revision of the statutes. The legislature, after a session of eighty-five
days, adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of August, 1848.
The State, as previously stated, was divided into five judicial circuits : Edward V. Whiton
being chosen judge at the election on the first Monday in August, 1848, of the first circuit, com-
posed of the counties of Racine, Walworth, Rock, and Green, as then constituted ; Levi Hubbell
of the second, composed of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, and Dane ; Charles H. Larrabee,
of the third, composed of Washington, Dodge, Columbia, Marquette, Sauk, and Portage, as then
formed; Alexander W. Stow, of the fourth, composed of Brown, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Fond
du Lac, Winnebago, and Calumet; and Mortimer M. Jackson, of the fifth circuit, composed of
the counties of Iowa, LaFayette, Grant, Crawford and St. Croix, as then organized ; the county
of Richland being attached to Iowa county; the county of Chippewa to the county of Craw-
ford ; and the county of LaPointe to the county of St. Croix, for judicial purposes.
In the ensuing Fall there was a presidential election. There were then three organized
political parties in the State : whig, democratic, and free-soil — each of which had a ticket in
the field. The democrats were in the majority, and their four electors cast their votes for Lewis
Cass and William O. Butler. At this election, Eleazer Root was the successful candidate for State
superintendent of public instruction. In his election party politics were not considered. There
were also three members for the thirty-first congress chosen : Charles Durkee, to represent the
first district; Orsamus Cole, the second; and James D. Doty, the third district. Durkee
was a free-soiler; Cole, a whig ; Doty, a democrat — with somewhat decided Doty proclivities.
The act of the legislature, exempting a homestead from forced sale of any debt or liability
contracted after January t, 1849, approved the twenty-ninth of July previous, and another act
for a like exemption of certain personal property, approved August 10, 1848, were laws the most
liberal in their nature passed by any State of the Union previous to those dates. It was prophe-
sied that they would work wonderful changes in the business transactions of the new State — for
the worse ; but time passed, and their utility were soon evident : it was soon very generally
acknowledged that proper exemption laws were highly beneficial — a real 'good to the greatest
number of the citizens of a State.
So much of Wisconsin Territory as lay west of the St. Croix and the State boundary north
of it, was, upon the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, left, for the time being, without a
government — unless it was still "Wisconsin Territory." Henry Dodge, upon being elected to the
United States senate from Wisconsin, vacated, of course, the office of governor of this fraction.
John H. Tweedy, delegate in congress at the time Wisconsin became a State, made a formal
56
HISTOEY OF WISCON"SIN.
resignation of his office, thus leaving the fractional Territory unrepresented. Thereupon John
Catlin, secretary of the Territory of -Wisconsin as a whole, and now claiming, by virtue of that
office, to be acting governor of the fractional part, issued a proclamation as such officer for an
election on the thirtieth of October, 1848, of a delegate in congress. Nearly four hundred votes
were polled in the district, showing "Wisconsin Territory'' still to have a population of not less
than two thousand. H, H. Sibley was elected to that'office. On the fifteenth of January, 1849,
he was admitted 'to a seat as "delegate from Wisconsin Territory." This hastened the formation
of the Territory of Minnesota — a bill for that purpose having become a law on the third of
March, when " Wisconsin Territory" ceased finally to exist, being included in the new Territory.
The year 1848 — the first year of the existence of Wisconsin as a State — was one of general,
prosperity to its rapidly increasing population. The National Government effected a treaty with
the Menomoneee Indians, by which their title was extinguished to the country north- of the Fox
'river of Green bay, embracing all their lands in the State. This was an important acquisition,
as it opened a large tract of country to civilization and settlement, which had been for a consid- '
erable time greatly desired by the people. The State government at the close of the year had
been in existence long enough to demonstrate its successful operation. The electric telegraph
had already reached the capital ; and Wisconsin entered its second year upon a flood tide of
prosperity.
Under the constitution, the circuit judges were also judges of the supreme court. An act
of the legislature, approved June 29, 1848, providing for the election of judges, and for the
-classification and organization of the judiciary of the State, authorized the election, by the judges,
■of one of their number as chief justice. Judge Alexander W. Stow was chosen to that office,
and, as chief justice, held, in conjunction with Associate Judges Whiton, Jackson, Larrabee, and
Hubbell, the first session of the supreme court at Madison, commencing on the eighth day of
January, 1849.
The second session of the State legislature commenced, according to law, on the tenth of
January, 1849, Harrison C. Hobart being elected speaker of the assembly. Governor Dewey, in
his message, sent to both houses on the nth, referred to the rapidly increasing population of the
State, and the indomitable energy displayed in the development of its productive capacity. He
recommended the sale of the university lands on a long credit, the erection of a State prison,
and the modification of certain laws. On the seventeenth of January, the two houses met in
joint convention to elect an United States senator in place of Isaac P Walker, who had drawn
the short term. The democrats had a small majority on joint ballot. Walker was re-elected;
this time, for a full term of six years, from the 4th of March, 1849. The legislature at this
session passed many acts of public utility ; some relating to the boundaries of counties ; others,
to the laying out of roads ; eighteen, to the organization of towns. The courts were cared for ;
school districts were organized ; special taxc-. were authorized , and an act passed relative to the
sale and superintendence of the school and university lands, prescribing the powers and duties
of the commissioners who were to have cliarge of the same. These commissioners, consisting
of the secretary of state, treasurer of state, and attorney general, were not only put in charge
of the school and university lands held by the State, but also of funds arising from the sale of
them. This law has been many times amended and portions of it repealed. The lands at
present subject to sale are classified as school lands, university lands, agricultural college lands,
Marathon county lands, normal school lands, and drainage lands, and are subject to sale at
private entry on terms fixed by law. Regulations concerning the apportionment and investment
of trust funds are made by the commissioners in pursuance of law. All lands now the property
of the State subject to sale, or that have been State lands and sold, were derived from the Gen-
"WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 57
eral Government. Lands owned by the State amount, at the present time, to about one and one
half million acres.
A joint resolution passed the legislature on the 31st of March, 1849, instructing Isaac P.
Walker to resign his seat as United States senator, for " presenting and voting for an amend-
ment to the general appropriation bill, providing for a government in California and New Mexico,
west of the Rio Grande, which did not contain a provision forever prohibiting the introduction
of slavery or involuntary servitude " in those Territories. The senator refused to regard these
instructions. The legislature adjourned on the second of April, 1849, after a session of eighty-
three days.
In July, 1848, the legislature of Wisconsin elected M. :^rank, Charles C. Jordan, and A. W.
Randall, commissioners to collate and revise all the public acts of the State, of a general and
permanent nature in force at the close of the session. Randall declining to act, Charles M.
Baker was appointed by the governor in his place. The commissioners commenced their labors
in August, 1848, and were engaged in the revision the greater part of the time until the close of
the session of the legislature of 1849. It was found impossible for the revisers to conclude their
labors within the time contemplated by the act authorizing their appointment; so a joint select
committee of the two houses at their second session was appointed to assist in the work. The
laws revised by this committee and by the commissioners, were submitted to, and approved by,
the legislature. These laws, with a few passed by that body, which were introduced by individual
members, formed the Revised Statutes of Wisconsin of 1849 — a volume of over nine hundred
pages.
At the general election held in November of this year, Dewey was re-elected governor.
S. W. Beall was elected lieutenant governor ; William A. Barstow, secretary of state ; Jairus C.
Fairchild was re-elected treasurer ; S. Park Coon was elected attorney general ; and Eleazer
Root, re-elected superintendent of public instruction. All these officers were chosen as dem-
ocrats, except Root, who ran as an independent candidate, the term of his office having been
changed so as to continue two years from the first day of January next succeeding his election.
By the revised statutes of 1849, all State officers elected for a full term went into office on the
first of January next succeeding their election.
The year 1849 developed in an increased ratio the productive capacity of the State in every
department of labor. The agriculturist, the artisan, the miner, reaped the well-earned reward of
his honest labor. The commercial and manufacturing interests were extended in a manner
highly creditable to the enterprise of the people. The educational interest of the State began to
assume a more systematic organization. The tide of immigration suffered no decrease during
the year. Within the limits of Wisconsin, the oppressed of other climes continued to find
welcome and happy homes.
Second Administration. — Nelson Dewey, Governor (Second Term) — 1850, 1851.
On the first day of January, 1850, Nelson Dewey took the oath of office, and quietly entered
upon his duties as governor, for the second term. The third legislature convened on the ninth.
Moses M. Strong was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses had democratic majorities.
Most of the business transacted was of a local character. By an act approved the fifth of Feb-
ruary, the " January term " of the supreme court was changed to December. The legislature
adjourned after a session of only thirty-four days. An act was passed organizing a sixth judicial
circuit, from and after the first Monday in July, 1850, consisting of the counties of Crawford,
Chippewa, Bad Axe, St. Croix and La Pointe, an election for judge -to be holden on the same
day. Wiram Knowlton was elected judge of that circuit.
68
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The first charitable institution in Wisconsin, incorporated by the State, was the " Wisconsin
Institute for the Education of the Blind." A school for that unfortunate class had been opened
in Janesville, in the latter part of rSsg, receiving its support from the citizens of that place and
vicinity. By an act of the legislature, approved February 9, 1850, this school was taken under
the care of the Institute, to continue and maintain it, at Janesville, and to qualify, as far as might
be, the blind of the State for the enjoyment of the blessings of a free government ; for obtaining
the means of subsistence ; and for the discharge of those duties, social and political, devolving
upon American citizens. It has since been supported from the treasury of the State- On the
seventh of October, 1850, it was opened for the reception of pupils, under the direction of a
board of trustees, appointed by the governor. The Institute, at the present time, has three
departments: in one is given instruction such as is usually taught in common schools; in
another, musical training is imparted ; in a third, broom-making is taught to the boys, — sewing,
knitting and various kinds of fancy work to the girls, and seating cane-bottomed chairs to both
boys and girls. On the thirteenth of April, 1874, the building of the Institute was destroyed by
fire. A new building has since been erected.
The taking of the census by the United States, this year, showed a population for Wisconsin
of over three hundred and five thousand — the astonishing increase in two years of nearly ninety-
five thousand! In 1840, the population of Wisconsin Territory was only thirty thousand. This
addition, in ten years, of two hundred and seventy-five thousand transcended all previous
experience in the settlement of any portion of the New World, of the same extent of territory.
It was the result of a steady and persistent flow of men and their families, seeking permanent
homes in the young and rising State. Many were German, Scandinavian and Irish ; but
the larger proportion were, of course, from the Eastern and Middle States of the Union. The
principal attractions of Wisconsin were the excellency and cheapness of its lands, its valuable
mines of lead, its extensive forests of pine, and the unlimited water-power of its numerous
Streams.
By the Revised Statutes of 1849,. Wisconsin was divided into three congressional districts—
the second congressional apportionment — each of which was entitled to elect one representative
in the congress of the United States. The counties of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth and
Racine constituted the first district ; the counties of Rock, Green, La Fayette, Grant, Iowa,
Dane, Sauk, Adams, Portage, Richland, Crawford, Chippewa, St. Croix and La Pointe, the second
district ; the counties of Washington, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Brown, Winnebago, Calumet, Fond
du Lac, Marquette, Columbia, Dodge and Jefferson, the third district. At the general election
in the Autumn of this year, Charles Durkee, of the first district ; Benjamin C. Eastman, of the
second ; and John B. Macy, of the third district, were elected to represent the State in the
thirty-second congress of the United States. Durkee, it will be remembered, represented the
same district in the previous congress : hfe rah the second time as an independent candidate.
Eastman and Macy were elected upon democratic tickets. The General Government this year
donated to the State all ihe swamp and overflowed lands within its boundaries.
The year 1850 to the agriculturist of Wisconsin was not one of unbounded prosperity,
owing to the partial failure of the wheat crop. In the other branches of agriculture there were
fair returns. The State was visited during the year by cholera ; not, however, to a very alarming
extent.
The fourth session of the legislature of the State commenced on the 8th of January,
1851. Frederick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in the legisla-
ture was democratic. Governor Dewey, in his message,, referred to the death of the president of
the United States, Zachary Taylor; said that the treasury and finances of the State were in a-
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 69
sound condition ; and then adverted to many topics of interest and importance to the people of
Wisconsin. It was an able document. One of the important measures of the session was the
election of an United States senator, in the place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would
expire on the 4th of March, next ensuing. In joint convention of the legislature held on the
20th of January, Dodge was re-elected for a full term of six years. On the 2 2d, the governor
approved a joint resolution of the legislature, rescinding not only so much of the joint resolu-
tion of the legislative assembly of Wisconsin, passed March 31, 1849, as censured Isaac J.
Walker, but also the instructions in those resolutions relative to his resigning his seat in the
senate of the United States.
Among the important bills passed at this session of the legislature was one providing for
the location and erection of a State prison. Another one — the apportionment bill — was vetoed
by the governor, and having been passed on the last day of the session, failed to become a law,
The legislature adjourned on the eighteenth of March, 1851, after a session of seventy days.
On the ist day of January, 1851, Timothy O. Howe took his seat as one of the associate
judges of the supreme court, he having been elected judge of the fourth circuit in place of Alex^
ander W. Stow. The office of chief justice of the supreme court, which had been filled by Judge
Stow, therefore became vacant, and so remained until the commencement of the next term — Jun&
18, 185 1 — when Levi Hubbell, judge of the second circuit, was, by the judges present, pursuant
to thestatute, elected to that office.
By an act of the legislature approved March 14, 1851, the location and erection of a State
prison for Wisconsin was provided 'for — the point afterward determined upon as a suitable
place for its establishment being Waupun, Dodge county. By a subsequent act, the prison was
declared to be the general penitentiary and prison of the State for the reformation as well as for
the punishment of offenders, in which were to be confined, employed at hard labor, and governed
as provided for by the legislature, all offenders who might be committed and sentenced accord-
ing to law, to the punishment of solitary imprisonment, or imprisonment therein at hard labor.
The organization and management of this the first reformatory and penal State institution in
Wisconsin, commenced and has been continued in accordance with the demands of an advanced
civilization and an enlightened humanity.
On the 29th of September, 1851, Judge Hubbell was re-elected for the full term of six years
as judge of the second judicial circuit, to commence January i, 1852.
At the general election in November, 1851, Leonard J. Farwell was chosen governor;
Timothy Burns, lieutenant governor ; Charles D. Robinson, secretary of State ; E. H. Janssen,
State treasurer; E. Estabrook, attorney general; and Azel P. Ladd, superintendent of public
instruction. All these officers were elected as democrats except Farwell, who ran as a whig ;
his majority over D. A. J. Upham, democrat, was a little rising of five hundred.
Third Administration. — L. J. Farwell, Governor — 1852-1853.
Governor Farwell 's administration commenced on the fifth day of January, 1852. Previous
to this — on the third day of the month — Edward V. Whiton was chosen by the judges of the
supreme court, chief justice, to succeed Judge Hubbell. On the fourteenth of that month, the
legislature assembled at Madison. This was the beginning of the fifth annual session. James
McM. Shafter was elected speaker of the assembly. In the senate, the democrats had a
majority ; in the assembly, the whigs. The govern.or, in his message, recommended the memorial-
izing of congress to cause the agricultural lands within the State to be surveyed and brought
into market; to cause, also, the mineral lands to be surveyed and geologically examined, and
offered for sale ; and to make liberal appropriations for the improvement of rivers and harbors.
The question of " bank or no bank " having been submitted to the people in November previous,
60 HISTOEY or WISCONSIN.
and decided in favor of banks, under the constitution, the power was thereby given to the legis-
lature then in session to grant bank charters, or to pass a general banking law. Farwell recom-.
mended that necessary measures be taken to carry into effect this constitutional provision. A
larger number of laws was passed at this session than at any previous one. By a provision of
the constitution, the legislature was given power to provide by law, if they should think it expe-
dient and necessary, for the organization of a separate supreme court, to consist of one chief
justice and two associate justices, to be elected by the qualified electors of the State, at such
time and in such manner as the legislature might provide. Under this authority, an act was
passed at this session providing for the election of a chief justice and two associates, on the last
Monday of the September following, to form a supreme court of the State, to supplant the old
one, provision for the change being inserted in the constitution. There was also an act passed
to apportion and district anew the members of the senate and assembly, by which the number
was increased from eighty-five to one hundred and seven : twenty-five for the senate ; eighty-
two for the assembly. An act authorizing the business of banking passed the legislature arid
was approved by the governor, on the 19th of April. By this law, the ofiftce of bank-comptroller
was created — the officer to be first appointed by the governor, and to hold his office until the first
Monday in January, 1854. At -the general election in the Fall of 1853, and every two years
thereafter, the office was to be filled by vote of the people. Governor Farwell afterward, on the
20th of November, appointed James S. Baker to that office. The legislature adjourned on the
nineteenth of April, 1852.
The second charitable institution incorporated by the State was the " Wisconsin Institute
for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb." It was originally a private school for deaf mutes,
near, and subsequently in, the village of Delavan, Walworth county. By an act of the legislature
approved April 19, 1852, it was made the object and duty of the corporation to establish, con-
tinue and maintain this school for the education of the deaf and dumb, "at or near the village
of Delavan, to qualify, as near as might be, that unfortunate class of persons for the enjoyment
of the blessings of a free government, obtaining the means of subsistence, and the discharge of
those duties, social and political, devolving upon American citizens." It has since been sup-
ported by annual appropriations made by the legislature. A complete organization of the
school was effected in June, 1852, under the direction of a board of trustees appointed by the
governor of the State. The institute has for its design the education of such children of the
State as, on account of deafness, can not be instructed in common schools. Instruction is given
by signs, by the manual alphabet, by written language, and to one class by articulation. Two
trades are taught : cabinet-making and shoe-making.
During this year, considerable interest was manifested in the projecting of railroads. At
the September election, E. V. Whiton was elected chief justice of the new supreme court and
Samud Crawford and Abram D. Smith associate justices. Under the law, the chief justice was
to serve a term of four years from the first day of June next ensuing; while the two associates
were to cast lots — one to serve for six years, the other for two years, from June i, 1853. Craw-
ford drew the short term — Smith the long term. At the subsequent general election for mem-
bers to the thirty-third congress, Daniel Wells, Jr., was chosen from the first district , B. C.
Eastman from the second.- and J. B. Macy from the third district. All were democrats. A
democratic electoral ticket was chosen at the same time. The electors cast their votes for Pierce
and Butler.
During 1852, the citizens of Wisconsin enjoyed unusual prosperity in the ample products
and remuneration of their industry and enterprise. Abundant harvests and high markets ; an
increase in moneyed circulation, and the downward tendency of the rates of interest; a prevail-
ing confidence among business men and in business enterprises; a continual accession to the
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 61
population of the State by immigration ; the energetic prosecution of internal improvements
under the skillful management of companies; the extension of permanent agricultural improve-
ments; and the rapid growth of the various cities and villages; were among the encouraging
prospects of the year.
The sixth session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth of January, 1853.
On the twenty-sixth of the same month, William K. Wilson, of Milwaukee, preferred charges
in the assembly against Levi Hubbell, judge of the second judicial circuit of the State, of
divers acts of corruption and malfeasance in the discharge of the duties of his office. A resolu-
tion followed appointing a committee to report articles of impeachment, directing the members
thereof to go to the senate and impeach Hubbell. Upon the trial of the judge before the
senate, he was acquitted. An act was passed to provide for the election of a State prison commis-
sioner by the legislature at that session — to hold his office until the first day of the ensuing
January. The office was then to be filled by popular vote at the general election in November,
1853 — and afterwards biennially — the term of office to be two years from the first day of Jan-
uary next succeeding the election by the people. On the 28th of March, the legislature, in
joint convention, elected John Taylor to that office. The legislature adjourned on the fourth
day of April until the sixth of the following June, when it again met, and adjourned sitie die on
the thirteenth of July, both sessions aggregating one hundred and thirty-one days.
By an act of the legislature approved February 9, 1853, the "Wisconsin State Agricultural
Society," which had been organized in March, 185 1, was incorporated, its object being to promote
and improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, and the mechanical, manufacturing and
household arts. It was soon after taken under the fostering care of the State by an appropria-
tion made by the legislature, to be expended by the society in such manner as it might deem
best calculated to promote the objects of its incorporation; State aid was continued down to the
coipmencement of the rebellion. No help was extended during the war nor until 1873; since
which time there has been realized annually from the State a sum commensurate with its most
pressing needs. The society has printed seventeen volumes of transactions and has held annually
a State fair, except during the civil war. Besides these fairs, its most important work i» the
holding annually, at the capital of the State, a convention for the promotion of agriculture gen-
erally. The meetings are largely participated in by men representing the educational and
industrial interests of Wisconsin.
By an act of the legislature approved March 4, 1853, the "State Historical Society of
Wisconsin" was incorporated — having been previously organized — the object being to collect,
embody, arrange and preserve in authentic form, a library of books, pamphlets, maps, charts,
manuscripts, papers, paintings, statuary and other materials illustrative of the history of the
State; to rescue from oblivion the memory of its early pioneers- and to obtain and preserve
narratives of their exploits, perils, and hardy adventures ; to exhibit faithfully the antiquities,
and the past and present condition, and resources of Wisconsin. The society was also author-
ized to take proper steps to promote the study of history by lectures, and to diffuse and publish
information relating to the description and history of the State. The legislature soon after took
the society under its fostering care by voting a respectable sum for its benefit. Liberal State,
aid has been continued to the present time. The society, besides collecting a library of historical
books and pamphlets the largest in the West, has published eight volumes of collections and a
catalogue of four volumes. Its rooms are in the capitol at Madison, and none of its property
can be alienated without the consent of the State. It has a valuable collection of painted por-
traits and bound newspaper files; and in its cabinet are to be found many prehistoric relics.
On the first day of June, 1853, the justices of the new supreme court went into office : Associate
62 HisTOBY or WISCONSm.
Justice Crawford, for two years; Chief Justice Whiton, for four years, Associate Justice Smith
for six years as previously mentioned. The first (June) term was held at Madison. La Fayette
Kellogg was appointed and qualified as clerk. On the 21st of September, Timothy Burns, lieu-
Jtenant governor of Wisconsin, died at La Crosse. As a testimonial of respect for the deceased
the several State departments, in accordance with a proclamation of the governor, were closed
for one day — October 3, 1853. In the Fall of this year, democrats, whigs and free-soilers, each
called a convention to nominate candidates for the various State offices to be supported by them
at the ensuing election in November. The successful ticket was, for governor, William A. Bars-
tow ; for lieutenant governor, James T. Lewis , for secretary of State, Alexander T. Gray, for
State treasurer, Edward H. Janssen ; for attorney general, George B. Smith ; for superintendent
of public instruction, Hiram A. Wright; for State prison commissioner, A. W. Starks; and
for bank comptroller, William M. Dennis. They were all democrats.
The year 1853 was, to the agriculturists of the State, one of prosperity. Every branch of
industry prospered. The increase of commerce and manufactures more than realized the expec-
tations of the rtiost sanguine.
Fourth Administration. — William A. Barstow, Governor — 1854-1855.
On Monday, the second of January, 1854, William A. Barstow took the oath of ofi&ce as
governor of Wisconsin.
The legislature commenced its seventh regular session on the eleventh of January. Fred-
erick W. Horn was elected speaker of the assembly. Both houses were democratic. The
legislature adjourned on the 3d of April following, after a session of eighty-three days.
In the early part of March, a fugitive slave case greatly excited the people of Wisconsin.
A slave named Joshua Glover, belonging to B. S. Garland of Missouri, had escaped from his
master and made his way to the vicinity of Racine. Garland, learning the whereabouts of his
personal chattel, came to the State, obtained, on the 9th of March, 1854, from the judges of the
district court of the United States for the district of Wisconsin, a warrant for the apprehension
of Glover, which was put into the hands of the deputy marshal of the United States. Glover
was secured and lodged in jail in Milwaukee. A number of persons afterward assembled and
rescued the fugitive. Among those who took an active part in this proceeding was Sherman M.
Booth, who was arrested therefor and committed by a United States commissioner, but was
released from custody by Abram D. Smith, one of the associate justices of the supreme court
of Wisconsin, upon a writ of habeas corpus. The record of the proceedings was thereupon
taken to that court in full bench by a writ of certiorari to correct any error that might have been
committed before the associate justice. At the June term, 1854, the justices held that Booth
was entitled to be discharged, because the commitment set forth no cause for detention.
Booth was afterward indicted in the United States district court and a warrant issued for
his arrest. He was again imprisoned; and again he applied to the supreme court — then, in-
term time— for a writ of habeas corpus. This was in July, 1854. In his petition to the supreme
court, Booth set forth that he was in confinement upon a warrant issued by the district court of
the United States and that the object of the imprisonment was to compel him to answer an
indictment then pending against him therein. The supreme court of the State held that these
facts showed that the district court of the United States had obtained jurisdiction of the case
and that it was apparent that the indictment was for an offense of which the federal courts had
exclusive jurisdiction. They could not therefore interfere ; and his application for a discharge
was denied.
Upon the indictment, Booth was tried and convicted, fined and imprisoned, for a violation
of th' fugitive slave law. Again the prisoner applied to the supreme court of Wisconsin,— his
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 63
last application bearing date January 26, 1855. He claimed discharge on the ground of the
unconstitutionality of the law under which he had been indicted. The supreme court held that
the indictment upon which he had been tried and convicted contained three counts, the first of
which was to be considered as properly charging an offense within the act of congress of Septem-
ber 18, 1850, known as the "fugitive slave law," while the second and third counts did not set
forth or charge an offense punishable by any statute of the United States ; and as, upon these last-
mentioned counts he was found guilty and not upon the first, he must be discharged.
The action of the supreme court of Wisconsin in a second time discharging Booth, was
afterward reversed by the supreme court of the United States ; and, its decision being respected
by the State court. Booth was re-arrested in i860, and the sentence of the district court of the
United States executed in part upon him, when he was pardoned by the president.
By an act of the legislature, approved March 30, 1854, a " State Lunatic Asylum " was directed
to be built at or in the vicinity of Madison, the capital of the State, upon land to be donated or
purchased for that purpose. By a subsequent act, the name of the asylum was changed to the
" Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane.'' This was the third charitable institution established
by the State. The hospital was opened for patients in July, i860, under the direction of a
board of trustees appointed by the governor. All insane persons, residents of Wisconsin, who,
under the law providing for admission of patients into the hospital for treatment, become resi-
dents therein, are maintained at the expense of the State, provided the county in which such
patient resided before being brought to the hospital pays the sum of one dollar and fifty cents a
week for his or her support. Any patient can be supported by relatives, friends or guardians, if
the latter desire to relieve the county and State from the burden, and can have special care and
be provided with a special attendant, if the expense of the same be borne by parties interested.
The hospital is beautifully located on the north shore of Lake Mendota, in Dane county, about
four miles from Madison.
At the general election in the Fall of 1854, for members from Wisconsin to the thirty-fourth
congress, Daniel Wells, Jr. was chosen from the first district ; C. C. Washburn, from the second,
and Charles Billinghurst from the third district. Billinghurst and Washburn were elected as
republicans — that party having been organized in the Summer previous. Wells was a democrat.
The year 1854 was one of prosperity forjWisconsin, to all its industrial occupations. Abund-
ant crops and increased prices were generally realized by the agriculturist. It was a year also of
general health. It was ascertained that the amount of exports during the year, including lumber
and mineral, exceeded thirteen millions of dollars.
The eighth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the loth of January,
1855. C. C. Sholes was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate was democratic ; the
assembly, republican. On joint ballot, the republicans had but one majority. On the istof
February, Charles Durkee, a republican, was elected United States senator for a full term of six
years from the 4th of March next ensuing, to fill the place of Isaac P. Walker whose term would
expire on that day. Among the bills passed of a general nature, was one relative to the rights of
married women, providing that any married woman, whose husband, either from drunkenness or
profligacy, should neglect or refuse to provide for her support, should have. the right, in her own
name, to transact business, receive and collect her own earnings, and apply the same for her own
support, and education of her children, free from the control and interference of her husband.
The legislature adjourned sine die on the second of April, after a session of eighty-three days.
Orsamus Cole having been elected in this month an associate justice of the supreme court in
place of Judge Samuel Crawford, whose term of office would expire on the thirty-first of May of
that year, went into office on the first day of June following, for a term of six years. His office
would therefore end on the thirty-first of May, 1861.
64 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
On the 27th of May, 1855, Hiram A. Wright, superintendent of public instruction, died at
Prairie du Chien. On the i8th of June following, the governor appointed A. Constantine Barry to
fill his place. On the sth of July, Garland, the owner of the rescued fugitive slave Glover,
having brought suit in the United States district court for the loss of his slave, against Booth>
the trial came on at Madison, resulting in the jury bringing in a verdict under instructions from
the judge, of one thousand dollars, the value of a negro slave as fixed by act of congress of 1850.
The constitution of the State requiring the legislature to provide by law for an enumeration
of the inhabitants in the year 1855, an act was passed by that body, approved March 31, of this
year, for that purpose. The result showed a population for Wisconsin of over five hundred and
fifty-two thousand. In November, at the general election, the democratic ticket for State offi^
cers was declared elected: William A. Barstow, for governor; Arthur Mc Arthur, for lieutenant
governor ; David W. Jones, for secretary of State ; Charles Kuehn, for State treasurer ; Wil-
liam R. Smith, for attorney general ; A. C. Barry, for superintendent of public instruction i
William M. Dennis, for bank comptroller; and Edward McGarry for State prison commissioner.
The vote for governor was very close; but the State canvasses declared Barstow elected by a
small majority. The opposing candidate for that office was Coles Bashford, who ran as a
republican •
The year 1855 was a prosperous one to the farmers of Wisconsin as well as to all industrial
occupations. There were abundant crops and unexampled prices were realized.
Fifth Administration. — Coles Bashford, Governor — 1856-1857.
On the seventh day of January, 1856, William A. Barstow took and subscribed an oath of
office as governor of Wisconsin, while Coles Bashford, who had determined to contest the right
of Barstow to the governorship, went, on the same day, to the supreme court room, in Madison,
and had the oath of office administered to him by Chief Justice Whiton. Bashford afterward
called at the executive office and made a formal demand of Barstow that he should vacate the
gubernatorial chair; but the latter respectfully declined the invitation. These were the initiatory
steps of " Bashford vs. Barstow," for the office of governor of Wisconsin.
The fight now commenced in earnest. On the eleventh, the counsel for Bashford called
upon the attorney general and requested him to file an information in the nature of a ^uo
warranto against Barstow. On the fifteenth that officer complied with the request. Thereupon
a summons was issued to Barstow to appear and answer. On the twenty-second, Bashford, by
his attorney, asked the court that the information filed by the attorney general be discontinued
and that he be allowed to file one, which request was denied by the court. While the motion
was being argued, Barstow, by his attorneys, entered his appearance in the case.
On the second of February, Barstow moved to quash all proceedings for the reason that the
court had no jurisdiction in the matter. This motion was denied by the court ; that tribunal at
the same time deciding that the filing of the motion was an admission by Barstow that the alle-
gations contained in the information filed by the attorney general were true.
On the twenty-first of February, the time appointed for pleading to the information, Bar-
stow, by his attorneys, presented to the court a stipulation signed by all the parties in the case, to
the eff'ect that the board of canvassers had determined Barstow elected governor ; that the secre-
tary of State had certified to his election ; and that he had taken the oath of office. They submit-
ted to the court whether it had jurisdiction, beyond the certificates, of those facts and the canvass
so made to inquire as to the number of votes actually given for Barstow,— Bashford offering to
prove that the certificates were made and issued through mistake and fraud, and that he, instead
of Barstow, received the greatest number of votes. This stipulation the court declined to enter-
tain or to pass upon the questions suggested ; as they were not presented in legal form. Barstow
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 65
was thereupon given until the twenty-fifth of February to answer the information that had been
filed against him by the attorney general.
On the day appointed, Barstow filed his plea to the effect that, by the laws of Wisconsin
regulating the conducting of general election for State officers, it was the duty of the board of
canvassers to determine who was elected to the office of governor ; and that the board had found
that he was duly elected to that office. It was a plea to the jurisdiction of the court. A demurrer
was interposed to this plea, setting forth that the matters therein contained were not sufficient in
law to take the case out of court ; asking, also, for a judgment against Barstow, or that he answer
further the information filed against him. The demurrer was sustained ; and Barstow was
required to answer over within four days ; at the expiration of which time the counsel for Barstow
withdrew from the case, on the ground, as they alleged, that they had appeared at the bar of the
court to object to the jurisdiction of that tribunal in the matter, and the court had determined
to proceed with the case, holding and exercising full and final jurisdiction over it ; and that they
could take no further steps without conceding the right of that tribunal so to hold. Thereupon,
on the eighth of March, Barstow entered a protest, by a communication to the supreme court,
against any further interference with the department under his charge by that tribunal, " either
by attempting to transfer its powers to another or direct the course of executive action." The
counsel for Bashford then moved for judgment upon the default of Barstow.
A further hearing of the case was postponed until March i8, when the attorney general
filed a motion to dismiss the proceedings ; against which Bashford, by his counsel, protested as
being prejudicial to his rights. It was the opinion of the court that the attorney general could
not dismiss the case, that every thing which was well pleaded for Bashford in his information was
confessed by the default of Barstow. By strict usage, a final judgment ought then to have fol-
lowed ; but the court came to the conclusion to call upon Bashford to bring forward proof, showing
his right to the office. Testimony was then adduced at length, touching the character of the
returns made to the State canvassers; after hearing of which it was the opinion of the court that
Bashford had received a plurality of votes for governor and that there must be a judgment in
his favor and one of. ouster against Barstow; which were rendered accordingly.
The ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced on the ninth of
January, r856. William Hull was elected speaker of the assembly. The senate had a repub-
lican majority, but the assembly was democratic. On the eleventh Barstow sent in a message to
a joint convention of the two houses. On the twenty-first of March he tendered to the legisla-
ture his resignation as governor, giving for reasons the action of the supreme court in " Bashford
vs. Barstow," which tribunal was then hearing testimony m the case. On the same day Arthur
McArthur, lieutenant governor, took and subscribed an oath of office as governor of the State,
afterwards sending a message to the legislature, announcing that the resignation of Barstow
made it his duty to take the reins of government. On the twenty-fifth, Bashford called on
McArthur, then occupying the executive office, and demanded possession — at the same time
intimating that he preferred peaceable measures to force, but that the latter would be employed
if necessary. The lieutenant governor thereupon vacated the chair, when the former took the
gubernatorial seat, exercising thereafter the functions of the office until his successor was elected
and qualified. His right to the seat was recognized by the senate on the twenty-fifth, and by the
assembly on the twenty-seventh of March, 1856. This ended the famous case of " Bashford vs.
Barstow," the first and only " war of succession " ever indulged in by Wisconsin.
The legislature, on the thirty-first of March, adjourned over to the third of September, to
dispose of a congressional land grant to the State. Upon re-assembling, an important measure
was taken up — that of a new apportionment for the legislature. It was determined to increase the
66
HISTOEY or WISCONSIN.
number of members from one hundred and seven to one hundred and twenty-seven. The session
closed on the thirteenth of October. The general election for members to the thirty-fifth congress,
held in November, resulted in the choice of John H. Potter, from the first district ; C. C. Washburn
from the second'; and Charles Billinghurst, from the third district. They were all elected as
republicans. The presidential canvass of this year was an exciting one in the State. The
republicans were successful. Electors of that party cast their five votes for Fremont and
Dayton.
The year 1856 was not an unprqsperous one, ' agriculturally speaking, although in some
respects decidedly unfavorable. In many districts the earlier part of the season was exceedingly
dry, which materially diminished the wheat crop. Other industrial interests were every where
in a flourishing condition.
The legislature commenced its tenth regular session at Madison, on the fourteenth day of
January, 1857, with a republican majority in both houses. Wyman Spooner was elected speaker
of the assembly. For the first time since the admission of the State into the Union, a majority of
the members of both houses, together with the governor, were opposed to the democratic party.
On the twenty-third the senate and assembly met in joint convention, for the purpose of electing
a United States senator in place of Henry Dodge, whose term of office would expire on the
fourth of March next ensuing. James R. Doolittle, republican, was the successful candidate for
that office, for a full term of six years, from the fourth of March, 1857. The legislature
adjourned on the ninth of March, 1857. At the Spring election. Judge Whiton was re-elected
chief justice of the supreme court for a term of six years.
The second reformatory State institution established in Wisconsin, was, by an act of the
legislature, approved March 7, 1857, denominated a House of Refuge for Juvenile Delinquents,
afterward called the State Reform School, now known as the Wisconsin Industrial School for
Boys, and is located at Waukesha, the county seat of Waukesha county. The courts and
several magistrates in any county in Wisconsin may, in their discretion, sentence to this school
any male child between the ages of ten and sixteen years, convicted of vagrancy, petit larceny,
or any niisdemeanor ; also of any offense which would otherwise be punishable by imprisonment
in the, State prison ; or, of incorrigible or vicious conduct in certain cases. The term of commit,
ment must be to the age of twenty-one years.
At the State election held in November of this year, the republicans elected A. W. Randall
governor; S. D. Hastings, State treasurer, and Edward M. McGraw, State prison commis-
sioner. The democrats elected E. D. Campbell, lieutenant governor ; D. W. Jones, secretary
of State ; Gabriel Bouck, attorney general ; L. C. Draper, superintendent of public instruc-
tion, and J. C. Squires, bank comptroller.
The year 1857 was a disastrous one to Wisconsin, as well as to the whole country, in a finan-
cial point ^f view. Early in the Fall a monetary panic swept over the land. A number of
prominent operators in the leading industrial pijrsuits were obliged to succumb. Agriculturally
the year was a fair one for the State.
Sixth Administration.— Alexander W. Randall, Governor — 1858-1850.
Randall's administration began on the fourth day of January, 1858, when for the first time
he was inaugurated governor of the State. On the eleventh of January the legislature
commenced its eleventh regular session, with a republican majority in both houses. Frederick
S. Lovell was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the
seventeenth of March, after an unusually long session of one hundred and twenty-five days. " That
a large majority of the members were men of integrity, and disposed for the public weal, can not
(deceased)
WAU K ES H A.
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 67
be doubted ; but they were nearly all new members, and without former legislative experience.
They set out to accomplish a great good, by holding up to public scorn and execration the whole-
sale briberies and iniquities of the immediate past ; but they lacked concentration of effort, and,
for want of union and preconcerted action, they failed to achieve the great triumph they sought,
by providing a ' sovereign remedy ' for the evils they exposed."
At the regular session of the legislature of 1856, an act was passed for a general revisi-Ti of
the laws of the State. Under this, and a subsequent act of the adjourned session of that year,
three commissioners — David Taylor, Samuel J. Todd, and F. S. Lovell — were appointed " to
collect, compile and digest the general laws " of Wisconsin. Their report was submitted to the
legislature of 1858, and acted upon at a late day of the session. The laws revised, which received
the sanction of the legislature, were' published in one volume, and constitute what is knOw as the
Revised Statutes of 1858.
At the Fall election, John F. Potter from the first district, and C. C. Washburn from the
second district, both republicans, were elected to the thirty-sixth congress ; while C. H.
Larrabee, democrat, was elected to represent the third district.
The twelfth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced on the twelfth of
January, 1859, with a republican majority in both houses. William P. Lyon was elected speaker
of the assembly. The legislature adjourned sine die on the twenty-first of March, 1859, after a
session of sixty-nine days. At the regular spring election, Byron Paine was chosen associate
justice of the supreme court, for a full term of six years, as the successor of Associate Justice
Smith. As it was a question when the term of the latter ended ^ — whether on the 31st day of
May, 1859, or on the first Monday in January, i860 — he went through with the formality of
resigning his office, and the governor of appointing Paine as his successor, on the 20th of June,
1859. On the twelfth of April, 1859, Edward V. Whiton, chief justice of the supreme court
died at his residence in Janesville. The office was filled by executive appointment on the 19th
of the same month — the successor of Judge Whiton being Luther S. Dixon. Late in the Sum-
mer both political parties put into the field a full state ticket. The republicans were successful
— electing for governor, Alexander W. Randall ; for lieutenant governor, B. G. Noble ; for
secretary of state, L. P. Harvey; for state treasurer, S. D. Hastings, for attorney general, James
H. Howe ; for bank comptroller, G. Van Steenwyck ; for superintendent of public instruction,
J. L. Pickard ; for state prison commissioner, H. C. Hag.
Seventh Administration. — ^Alexander W. Randall, Governor (second term), 1860-1861.
Alexander W. Randall was inaugurated the second time as governor of Wisconsin, on
Monday, January 2, i860. One week subsequent, the thirteenth regular session of the legis-
lature commenced at Madison. For the first time the republicans had control, not only of all
the State offices, but also of both branches of the legislature. William P. Lyon was elected
speaker of the assembly.. A new assessment law was among the most important of the acts
passed at this session. The legislature adjourned on the second of April. At the spring elec-
tion, Luther S. Dixon, as an independent candidate, was elected chief justice of the supreme
court for the unexpired term of the late Chief Justice Whiton. In the presidential election which
followed, republican electors were chosen — casting their five votes, in the electoral college, for
Lincoln and Hamlin. At the same election, John F. Potter, from the first district ; Luther
Hanchett, from the second, and A. Scott Sloan, from the third district, were elected members of
the thirty-seventh congress. Hanchett died on the twenty-fourth of November, 1862, when,
on the twendeth of December following, W. D. Mclndoe was elected to fill the vacancy. All
these congressional representatives were republicans. Wisconsin, in i860, was a strong repub-
68 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
lican State. According to the census of this year, it had a population of over seven hundred
and seventy-seven thousand.
On the ninth of January, 1861, the fourteenth regular session of the State legislature com-
menced at Madison. Both branches were republican. Amasa Cobb was elected speaker of the
assembly. On the tenth, both houses met in joint convention to hear the governor read his
annual message. It was a remarkable document. Besides giving an excellent synopsis of the
operations of the State government for i860, the governor entered largely into a discussion of
the question of secession and disunion, as then proposed by some of the southern states of the
Union. These are his closing words :
" The right of a State to secede from the Union can never be admitted. The National
Government can not treat with a State while it is in the Union, and particularly while^ it stands
in an attitude hostile to the Union. So long as any State assumes a position^ foreign, inde-
pendent and hostile to the government, there can be no reconciliation. The government of the
United States can not treat with one of its own States as a foreign power. The constitutional
laws extend over every Stat^ alike. They are to be enforped in every State alike. A State can
not come into the Union as it pleases, and go out when it pleases. Once in, it must stay until
the Union is destroyed. There is no coercion of a State. But where a faction of a people arrays
itself, not against one act, but against all laws, and against all government, there is but one
answer to be made : ' The Government must be sustained; the laws shall be enforced I
On the twenty-third of January the legislature met in joint convention to elect a United
States senator to fill the place of Charles Durkee, whose term of office would expire on the
fourth of March next ensuing. The successful candidate was Timothy O. Howe, republican,
who was elected for a full term of six years from the 4th of March, 1861. One of the important
acts passed at' this session of the legislature apportioned the State into senate and assembly
districts, by which the whole number of members in both houses was increased from one hun-
dred and twenty-seven to one hundred and thirty-three. Another act apportioned the State into
six congressional districts instead of three. By this — the third congressional apportionment —
each district was to elect one representative. The first district was composed of the counties
of Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha ; the second, of the counties of Rock,
Jefferson, Dane, and Columbia; the third, of Green, La Fayette, Iowa, Grant, Crawford, Rich-
land, and Sauk ; the fourth, of Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan ; the
fifth, Manitowoc, Calumet, Winnebago, Green Lake, Marquette, Waushara, Waupaca, Outa-
gamie, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Oconto, and Shawano ; and the sixth, of the counties of Bad
Axe, La Crosse, Monroe, Juneau, Adams, Portage, Wood, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin,
Pierce, St. Croix, Dunn, Eau Claire, Clark, Marathon, Chippewa, Dallas, Polk, Burnett, Douglas,
LaPointe, and Ashland. The legislature adjourned on the seventeenth of April, 1861.
At the spring elections of this year, Orsamus Cole was re-elected as associate justice of the
supreme court. On the ninth of May following. Governor Randall issued a proclamation convening
the legislature in extra session on the fifteenth of the same month. " The extraordinary condition
of the country," said he, " growing out of the rebellion against the government of the United
States, makes it necessary that the legislature of this State be convened in special session, to
provide more completely for making the power of the State useful to the government and to
other loyal States." The fifteenth or extra session began on the fifteenth of May, as designated
in the governor's proclamation. The message of the governor was devoted entirely to the war.
" At the close of the last annual session of the legislature,'' said he, " to meet a sudden emer-
gency, an act was passed authorizing me to respond to the call of the president of the United
States, ' for aid in maintainitig the Union and the supremacy of the laws, or to suppress rebellion
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 69
or insurrection, or lo repel invasion within the United States,' and I was authorized, and it was
made my duty, to take such measures as, in my judgment, should provide in the speediest and
most efficient manner for responding to such call : and to this end I was authorized to accept
the services of volunteers for active service, to be enrolled in companies of not less than
seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each. I was also
authorized to provide for uniforming and equipping such companies as were not provided with
uniforms and equipments." " The first call of the president for immediate active service," con-
tinued the governor, " was for one regiment of men. My proclamation, issued immediately after the
passage of the act of the legislature, was answered within less than ten days, by companies enough,
each containing the requisite number of men, to make up at least five regiments instead of oi.e.
I then issued another proclamation, announcing the offers that had been made, and advising
that thereafter companies might be enrolled lo stand as minute men, ready to answer further
calls, as they might be made, but without expense to the State, except as they were mustered
into service. In less than one month from the date of my first proclamation, at least five thou-
sand men, either as individuals or enrolled companies, have offered their services for the war,
and all appear anxious for active servifce in the field." " The time for deliberation," concludes
the governor, " must give way to the time for action. The constitution of the United State*
must be sustained in all its first intent and wholeness. The right of the people of every State
to go into every other State and engage in any lawful pursuit, without unlawful interference or
molestation; the freedom of speech and of the press; the right of trial by jury; security from
unjustifiable seizure of persons or papers, and all constitutional privileges and immunities, must
receive new guarantees of safety."
The extra session of the legislature parsed, wtih a single exception, no acts except such as
appertained to the military exigencies of the times. Both houses adjourned siTie die on the
twenty-seventh of May, i86i. As the administration of Governor Randall would close with the
year, and as he was not a candidate for re-election, there was much interest felt throughout the
State as to who his successor should be. Three State tickets were put in nomination : union,
republican, and democratic. The republican ticket was successful, electing Louis P. Harvey,
governor; Edward Salomon, lieutenant governor; James T. Lewis, secretary of state ; S. D.
Hastings, state treasurer; James H. Howe, attorney general; W. H. Ramsey, bank comp-
troller; J. L. Pickard, superintendent of public instruction; and A. P. Hodges, state prisoa
commissioner.
The War of Secession — Last Year of Randall's Administration.
When Wisconsin was first called upon to aid the General Government in its efforts to
sustain itself against the designs of the secession conspirators, the commercial affairs of the
State were embarrassed to a considerable degree by the depreciation of the currency. The
designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the ending of the year i860 as to show that
resistance to the national authority had been fully determined on. It is not a matter of wonder,
then, that Governor Randall in his message to the legislature, early in January, 1861, should
have set forth the dangers which threatened the Union, or should have denied the right of a
State to secede from it. "Secession," said he, "is revolution; revolution is war ; war against
the government of the United States is treason." "It is time," he continued, "now, to know
whether we have any government, and if so, whether it has any strength. Is our written
constitution more than a sheet of parchment? The nation must be lost or preserved by its own
strength. Its strength is in the patriotism of the people. It is time now that politicians became
patriots ; that men show their love of country by every sacrifice, but that of principle, and by
70 HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
unwavering devotion to its interests and integrity." "The hopes," added the governor, most
eloquently, " of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer to this question
of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-government is to pass its ordeal,
and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been, tried, and have failed ; and all
along, the skeletons of nations have been strewn, as warnings and land-marks, upon the great
highway of historic overnment. Wisconsin is true, and her people steadfast. She will not
destroy the Union, ^or consent that it shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good
men, in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas
break their angry floods, and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes have
rattled — strong, unmoved, immovable — so may our Union be, while treason surges at its base,
and passions rage around it, unmoved, immovable — here let it stand forever." These are the
words of an exalted and genuine patriotism. But the governor did not content himself with
eloquence alone. He came down to matters of business as well. He urged the necessity of
legislation that would give more efficient organization to the militia of the State. He warned
the legislators to make preparations also for the coming time that should try the souls of men.
"The signs of the times," said he, " indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition
of the government, when it will become necessary to respond to a call of the National Government
for men and mpans to maintain the integrity of the Union, and to thwart the designs of men
engaged in organized treason. While no unnecessary expense should be incurred, yet it is the
part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, in revolutionary times, to be prepared to defend
our institutions to the last extremity." It was thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the
members of both houses that he " scented the battle afar off."
On the i6th of January, a joint resolution of the legislature was , passed, declaring that the
people of Wisconsin are ready to co-operate with the friends of the Union every where for its
preservation, to yield a cheerful obedience to its requirements, and to demand a like obedience
from all others; that.. the legislature of Wisconsin, profoundly impressed with the value of the
Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, Ivail with joy the recent firm, dignified and
patriotic special message of the president of the United States ; that they tender to him, through
the chief magistrate of their own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be required to
enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal Government, and in
defense of the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness on the
American people. " Renewing," said they, "the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we
are ready to devote our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honors in upholding the Union and
the constitution."
The legislature, in order to put the State upon a kind of "war footing," passed an act for
its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority of the General
Government. It was under this act that Governor Randall was enabled to organize the earlier
regiments of Wisconsin. By it, in case of a call from the president of the United States to aid
in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or
to repel invasion within the United States, the governor was authorized to provide, in the most
efficient manner, for responding to such call — to accept the services of volunteers for service
in companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies each,
and to commission officers for them. The governor was also authorized to contract for
uniforms and equipments necessary for putting such companies into active service. One
hundred thousand dollars were appropriated for war purposes ; and bonds were authorized to
be issued for that amount, to be negotiated by the governor, for raising funds. It will be seen
therefore, that the exigencies of the times — for Fort Su.nter had not yet been surrendered
"WISCOJfSIN" AS A STATE. 71
were fully met by the people's representatives, they doing their whole duty, as they then under-
stood it, in aid of the perpetuity of the Union.
Having defended Fort Sumter fbr thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned,
the main gates destroyed, the gorge-wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames,
and its door closed from the effects of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only
being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the first
artillery. United States army, accepted terms of evacuation offered by General Beauregard,
marched out of the fort on Sunday afternoon, the fourteenth of April, 1861, with colors flying
and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting his flag with fifty guns.
This, in brief, is the story of the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the War of the Rebellion.
" Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln, president, in his proclamation of the next day, " the
laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution
thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi,
Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of
judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law." Now, in view of that
fact, he called forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of
seventy-five thousand, in order to suppress those combinations, ^nd to cause the laws to be duly-
executed. " A call is made on you by to-night's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate
service," telegraphed the secretary of war to Randall, on the same day.
In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under the excitement of the fall of
Sumter. " The dangers which surrounded the nation awakened the liveliest sentiments of
patriotism and devotion. For the time, party fealty was forgotten in the general desire to save
the nation. The minds of the people soon settled into the conviction that a bloody war was at
hand, and that the glorious fabric of our National Government, and the principles upon which
it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with a determination unparalleled in the history of any
country, theyv rushed to its defense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed,
and the public enthusiasrii knew no bounds; in city, town, and hamlet, the burden on every
tongue was war." "We have never been accustomed," said Governor Randall, " to consider the
inilitary arm as essential to the maintenance of our government; but an exigency has arisen
that demands its employment." "The time has come," he continued, " when parties and plat-
forms must be forgotten, and all good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels
and traitors." "What is money," he asked, "what is life, in the presence of such a crisis .^ "
Such utterances and such enthusiasm could but have their effect upon the legislature, which, it
will be remembered, was still in session ; so, although that body had already voted to adjourn,
sine die, on the fifteenth of April, yet, when the moment arrived, and a message from the governor
was received, announcing that, owing to the extraordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amend-
ment of the law of the thirteenth instant was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at once
rescinded. The two houses thereupon not only increased the amount of bonds to be issued to
two hundred thousand dollars, but they also passed a law exempting from civil process, during
the time of service, all persons enlisting and mustering into the United States army from Wis-
consin. When, on the seventeenth, the legislature did adjourn, the scene was a remarkable one.
Nine cheers were given for the star spangled banner and three for the Governor's Guard, who
had just then tendered their services^-the first in the State — under the call for a regiment of
men for three months' duty.
" For the first time in the history of this federal government," are the words of the gover-
nor, in a proclamation issued on the sixteenth of April, " organized treason has manifested itself
within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against.it." "The
treasuries of the country," said he, "must no longer be plundered; the public property must be
72 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
protected from aggressive violence; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must
be executed in every State of the Union alike." " A demand," he added, " made upon Wiscon-
sin by the president of the United States, for aid to sustain the federal arm, must meet with a
prompt response." The patriotism of the State was abundantly exhibited in their filling up
a regiment before some of the remote settlements had any knowledge of the call. On the twenty-
second, Governor Randall reported to the secretary of war that the First regiment was ready
to go into rendezvous. The place designated was "Camp Scott," at Milwaukee; the day, the
twenty-seventh of April. Then and there the several companies assembled— the regiment after-
ward completing its organization.
With a wise foresight. Governor Randall ordered, as a reserve force and in advance of another
call for troops by the president, the formation of two more regiments— the Second and Third,
and, eventually, the Fourth. Camps at Madison, Fond du Lac, and Racine, were formed for
their reception, where suitable buildings were erected for their accommodation. Companies
assigned to the Second regiment were ordered to commence moving into " Camp Randall," at
Madison, on the first day of May. On the seventh, the secretary of war, under call of the presi-
dent of the United States for forty-two thousand additional volunteers — this time for three years,
or during the war — telegraphed Governor Randall that no more three months' volunteers were
wanted; that such companies as were recruited must re-enlist for the new term or be disbanded.
At the extra session of the legislature of Wisconsin, which, as already mentioned, com-
menced on the fifteenth of May, called by Governor Randall immediately upon his being notified
of the second call of the president for troops, on the third of May, the law hurriedly passed at
the close of the regular session, and under which the governor had organized the First regi-
ment, was found inadequate to meet the second call for troops. " A bill was introduced, and became
a law, authorizing the governor to raise six regiments of infantry, inclusive of those he had organ-
ized or placed at quarters. When the six regiments were mustered into the United States service,
he was authorized to raise two additional regiments, and thus to keep two regiments continually
in reserve to meet any future call of the General Government. He was authorized to quarter
and subsist volunteers at rendezvous— to transport, clothe, subsist and quarter them in camp at
the expense of the State. Arms and munitions were to be furnished by the United States.
Recruits were to be mustered into State. service, and into United States service, for three years.
Two assistant surgeons to each regiment were to be appointed, and paid by the State. The regi-
ments, as they came into camp, were to be instructed in drill and various camp duties, to secure
efficiency in the field. The troops, so called in, were to be paid monthly by the State, the same
pay and emoluments as the soldiers in the United States army, from the date of enlistment. The
paymaster general was authorized to draw funds from the State treasury for the payment of
the State troops, and the expense incurred in subsisting, transporting and clothing them. The
governor was authorized to purchase military stores, subsistence, clothing, medicine, field and
camp equipage, and the sum of one million dollars was appropriated to enable the governor to
carry out the law."
Other laws were passed relating to military matters. One authorized the governor to pur-
chase two thousand stand of arms ; and fifty thousand dollars were appropriated to pay tor the
same. Another authorized counties, towns, cities and incorporated villages to levy taxes for
the purpose of providing for the support of families of volunteers residing in their respective
limits. The one passed at the previous session, exempting volunteers from civil process vhile in
the service, was amended so as to include all who might thereafter enlist. One granted five dollars
per month as extra pay to enlisted volunteers having families dependent upon them for support,
payable to their families. Another authorized the governor to employ such aids, clerks and
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. T8
messengers, as he deemed necessary for the public interests. Still another authorized the pay-
ment of those who had enlisted for three months, but had declined to go in for three years.
The expenses of the extra session were ordered to be paid out of the " war fund." One million
dollars in bonds were authorized to be issued for war purposes to form that fund. The governor,
secretary of state and state treasurer were empowered to negotiate them. By a joint resolu-
tion approved the twenty-first of May, the consent of the legislature was given to the governor
to be absent from the State during the war, for as long a time as in his discretion he might think
proper or advisable, in connection with the military forces of the State. For liberality, zeal and
genuine patriotism, the members of the Wisconsin legislature, for the year 1861, deserve a high
commendation. All that was necessary upon their final adjournment at the close of the extra
session to place the State upon a " war footing," was the organization by the governor of the
various military departments. These he effected by appointing Brigadier General William L.
Utley, adjutant general; Brigadier General W. W. Tredway, quartermaster general; Colonel
Edwin R. Wadsworth, commissary general ; Brigadier General Simeon Mills, paymaster gen-
eral; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Major E. L. Buttrick, judge advocate;
and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary.
On the seventeenth of May, the First regiment, at "Camp Scott," was mustered into the
United States service, and the war department informed that it awaited marching orders. The
regimental officers were not all in accordance with the law and mode adopted afterwards. On
the seventh of the month Governor Randall had appointed Rufus King a brigadier general, and
assigned the First, Second, Third and Fourth regiments to his command as the Wisconsin
brigade ; although at that date only the First and Second had been called into camp. This
brigade organization was 'not recognized by the General Government. The secretary of war
telegraphed the governor of Wisconsin that the quota of the State, under the second call of the
president, was two regiments — so that the whole number under both calls was only three — one
(the First) for three months, two (the Second and Third) for three years. Notwithstanding this,.
Governor Randall proceeded to organize the Fourth.
As a number of the companies ordered into " Camp Randall " on the first day of May to
form the Second regiment had only enlisted for three months, the order of the secretary of war
of the seventh of that month making it imperative that all such companies must re-enlist for
three years or during the war, or be disbanded, the question of extending their term of enlist-
ment was submitted to the companies of the regiment, when about five hundred consented to
the change. The quota of the regiment was afterward made up, and the whole mustered into
the service of the United States for three years or during the war, under the president's second
call for troops. This was on the eleventh of June, 1861. The Third regiment having had its
companies assigned early in May, they were ordered in June into " Camp Hamilton " at Fond
du Lac, where the regiment was organized, and, on the twenty-ninth of June, mustered into the
United States' service as a three years regiment. This filled Wisconsin's quota under the second
call of President Lincoln. By this time war matters in the State began to assume a systematic
course of procedure — thanks, to the patriotism of the people, the wisdom of the legislature, and
the untiring energy and exertions of the governor and his subordinates.
The determination of the secretary of war to accept from Wisconsin only two three-years
regiments under the second call for troops was soon changed, and three more were authorized,
making it necessary to organize the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. The Fourth was called into " Camp
Utley " at Racine on the sixth of June, and was mustered into the service of the United States
on the ninth of the follov/ing month. By the twenty-eighth of June, all the companies of the
Fifth had assembled at " Camp Randall," and on the thirteenth of July were mustered in as
"^^ HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
United States troops. By the first of July, at the same place, the complement for the Sixth
regiment had been made up, and the companies were mustered for three years into the service
of the General Government, on the sixteenth of the same month. Governor Randall did not
stop the. good work when six regiments had been accepted, but assigned the necessary companies'
to form two more regiments — the Seventh and Eighth; however, he wisely, concluded not to call
them into carnp until after harvest, unless specially required to do so. " If they are needed
sooner," said the governor, in a letter to the president on the first of July, '' a call willbe imme-
diately responded to, and we shall have their uniforms and equipments ready for them." " By
the authority of our legislature," added the writer, ' I shall, after the middle of August, keep
two regiments equipped and in camp ready for a call to service, and will have them ready at an
earlier day if needed."
About the latter part of June, W. P. Alexander, of Beloit, a good marksman, was commis-
sioned captain to raise a company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment. He at once engaged
in the work. The company was filled to one hundred and three privates and three officers. It
left the State about the middle of September under Captain Alexander, and was mustered into
the service at Wehawken on the twenty-third day of that month, as Company " G " of Berdan's
regiment of sharpshooters. On the twenty-sixth of July, a commissio'n was issued to G. Van
Deutsch, of Milwaukee, to raise a company of cavalry. He succeeded in filling his company to
eighty-four men. He left the State in September, joining Fremont. The company was after-
ward attached to the fifth cavalry regiment of Missouri.
About the 20th of August, Governor Randall was authorized to organize and equip as rapidly
as possible five regiments of infantry and five batteries of artillery, and procure for them necessary
clothing and equipments according to United States regulations and prices, subject to the inspec-
tion of officers of the General Government. The five regiments were to be additional to the
eight already raised. One regiment was to be German. During the last week of August the
companies of the Seventh regiment were ordered into "Camp Randall," at Madison. They were
mustered into the service soon after arrival. On the 28th of August orders were issued for the-
reorganization of the First regiment for three years, its term of three months having expired.
The secretary of war having signified his acceptance of the regiment for the new term, its mus-
tering into the service was completed on the nineteenth of October. This made six infantry regi-
ments in addition to the eight already accepted, or fourteen in all. On the same day orders were
issued assigning companies to the Eighth regiment, — the whole moving to " Camp Randall," at
Madison, the first week in September, where their mustering in was finished on the thirteenth.
The Ninth, a German reginent, was recruited in squads, and sent into camp, where they were
formed into companies, and thewhole mustered in on the26th of October, i86r, at " Camp Sigel,."
Milwaukee. Companies were assigrjed the Tenth regiment on the "18th of September, and
ordered into camp at Milwaukee, where it was fully organized about the first of October, being
mustered into the service on the fourteenth of that month. The Tenth infantry was enlisted in
September, 1861, and mustered in on the fourteenth of October, 1861, at "Camp Holton," Mil-
waukee. The Eleventh regiment was called by companies into " Camp Randall " the latter part
of September and first of October, 1861, and mustered in on the eighteenth. The Twelfth was
called in to the same camp and mustered in by companies between the twenty-eighth of October
and the fifth of November, 1861. The Thirteenth rendezvoused at "Camp Treadway," Janes-
ville, being mustered into the United States service on the seventeenth of October, 1861. These
thirteen regiments were all that had been accepted and mustered into the United States serv'ce
while Randall was governor.
From the commencement of the rebellion a great desire had been manifested for the orpan-
"WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 75
ization of artillery companies in Wisconsin, and this desire was finally gratified. Each battery
was to. number one hundred and fifty men, and, as has been shown, five had been authorized by
the General Government to be raised in Wisconsin. The First battery was recruited at La
Crosse, under the superintefidence of Captain Jacob T. Foster, and was known as the " La Crosse
Artillery." It rendezvoused at Racine^early in October, 1861, where on the tenth of that month,
it was mustere(J into the United States service. The Second battery, Captain Ernest Herzberg,
assembled at " Camp Utley,'' Racine, and was mustered in with the First battery on the tenth.
The Third, known as the " Badger Battery," was organized by Captain L. H. Drury, at Madison
and Berlin, and was mustered into the service on the same day and at the same place as the First
and Second. The Fourth battery, recruited and organized at Beloit, under the supervision of
Captain John F. Vallee, was mustered in on the first of October, 1861, at Racine. The Fifth
battery was recruited at Monroe, Green county, under the superintendence of Captain Oscar F-
Pinney, moving afterward to " Camp Utley," Jlacine, where, on the first of October, it was mus-
tered in, along with the Fourth. So brisk had been the recruiting, it was ascertained by the
governor that seven companies had been raised instead of five, when the secretary of war was
telegraphed to, and the extra companies — the Sixth and Seventh accepted ; the Sixth, known as
the " Buena Vista Artillery," being recruited at Lone Rock, Richland county, in September,
Captain Henry Dillon, and mustered in on the second of October, 1861, at Racine ; the Seventh,
known as the "Badger State Flying Artillery," having organized at Milwaukee, Captain Richard
R. Griffiths, and mustered in on the fourth of the same month, going into camp at Racine on the
eighth. This completed the mustering in of the first seven batteries, during Governor Randall's
administration ; the whole mustered force being thirteen regiments of infantry ; one company of
cavalry ; one of sharpshooters ; and these seven artillery companies. " Wisconsin," said the gov-
ernor, in response to a request as to the number of regiments organized, " sent one regiment
for three months, — officers and men eight hundred and ten. The other regiments f )r the war up
to the Thirteenth (including the First, re-organized), will average one thousand men each ; one
company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment, one hundred and three m.en ; and seven
companies of light artillery." Of cavalry from Wisconsin, only Deutsch's company had been
mustered into the United States, although three regiments had been authorized by the General
Government before the close of Randall's administration. The governor, before the expiration
of his office, was empowered to organize more artillery companies — ten in all ; and five additional
regiments of infantry — making the whole number eighteen. On the tenth of December, he
wrote : " Our Fourteenth infantry is full and in camp. * * * Fifteenth has five companies
in camp, and filling up. Sixteenth has eight companies in camp, and will be full by the 25th of
December. Seventeenth has some four hundred men enlisted. Eighteenth will be in camp, full,
by January i. Seven maximum companies of artillery in camp. * * * Three regiments of
cavalry — two full above the maximum ; the third, about eight hundred men in camp." It
will be seen, therefore, that a considerable number of men in the three branches of the service
was then in camp that had not been mustered into the service ; and this number was considerably
increased by the 6th of January, 1862, the day that Randall's official terra expired ; but no more
men were mustered in, until his successor came into office, than those previously mentioned.
The First regiment — three months' — left " Camp Scott," Milwaukee, on the ninth of June,
1861, for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — eight hundred and ten in number; John C. Starkweather,
colonel. The regiment returned to Milwaukee on the seventeenth of August, 1861, and was
mustered out on the twenty-second.
The First regiment re-organized at "Camp Scott," Milwaukee. Its mustering into the
service, as previously mentioned, was completed on the nineteenth of October. On the twenty-
76 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
eighth, it started for Louisville, Kentucky — nine hundred ^nd forty-five strong— under command
■of its former colonel, John C. Starkweather. The Second regiment, with S. Park Coon as
■colonel, left " Camp Randall, Madison, for Washington city, on the eleventh of June,^i86i—
numbering, in all, one thousand and fifty-one. The Third regiment started from " Camp
Hamilton," Fond du Lac, for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, under command of Charles S. Hamilton,
as colonel, on the twelfth of July, 1861, with a numerical strength of nine hundred and seventy-
nine. The Fourth regiment — Colonel Halbert E. Payne — with a numerical strength of one
thousand and fifty-three, departed on the fifteenth of July, 1861, from "Camp Utley," Racine,
for Baltimore, Maryland. The Fifth regiment left " Camp Randall," Madison, one thousand
and fifty-eight strong, commanded by Colonel Amasa Cobb, on the twenty-fourth of July, i86i,
for Washington city. On the twenty-eighth of July, 1861, the Sixth regiment, numbering one
thousand and eighty-four, moved from Madison, having been ordered to Washington city. It
was commanded by Colonel Lysander Cutter. The Seventh regiment— Joseph Van Dor, Colonel
— with a numerical strength of one thousand and sixteen men — officers and- privates, received
orders, as did the Fifth and Sixth, to move forward to Washington. They started from Madison
on the morning of the twenty-first of September, 1861, for active service. The Eighth infantry,
nine hundred and seventy-three strong, commanded by Colonel Robert C. Murphy, left Madison,
4n route for St. Louis, Missouri, on the morning of the twelfth of October, 1861. The Ninth, or
German regiment, with Frederick Salomon in command as colonel, did not leave "Camp Sigel,"
for active service, while Randall was governor. The Tenth infantry moved from " Camp
Holton," Milwaukee, commanded by Colonel Alfred R. Chapin, on the ninth of November, 1861,
•destined for Louisville, Kentucky, with a total number of nine hundred and sixteen officers and
privates. On the twentieth of November, 1861, the Eleventh regiment "broke camp" at
Madison, starting for St. Louis, under command of Charles L. Harris, as colonel. Its whole
number of men was nine hundred and sixteen. The Twelfth regiment, at " Camp Randall,"
Madison — Colonel George E. Bryant, and the Thirteenth, at " Camp Tredway," Janesville—
Colonel Maurice Maloney — were still in camp at the expiration of the- administration of Governor
Randall : these, with the Ninth, were all that had not moved out of the State for active service,
of those mustered in previous to January 6, 1861,— making a grand total of infantry sent from
Wisconsin, up to that date, by the governor, to answer calls of the General Government, for
three years' service or during the war, of nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-one men, in ten
regiments, averaging very nearly one thousand to each regiment. Besides these ten regiments
of infantry for three years' service, Wisconsin had also sent into the field the First regiment, for
three months' service, numbering eight hundred and ten men ; Alexander's company of sharp-
shooters, one hundred and six; and Deutsch's company of cavalry, eighty-four: in all, one
thousand. Adding these to the three years' regiments, and the whole force, in round numbers,
was eleven thousand men, furnished by the State in 1861.
Eighth Administration. — Louis P. Harvey and Edward Salomon, Governors — 1862-1863.
Louis P. Harvey was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the sixth of January, i86a.
The fifteenth regular session of the legislature of the State began on the eighth of the same
month. In the senate, the republicans were in the majority; but in the assembly they had
only a plurality of members, there being a number of " Union " men in that branch — enough,
indeed,' to elect, by outside aid, J. W. Beardsley, who ran for the assembly, upon the " Union "
ticket, as speaker. Governor Harvey, on the tenth, read his message to the legislature in joint
convention. " No previous legislature," are his opening words, " has convened under equal
incentives to a disinterested zeal in the public service The occasion," he adds, " plead*
WTSCONSra" AS A STATE. 77
with you in rebuke of all the meaner passions, admonishing to the exercise of a conscientious
patriotism, becoming the representatives of a Christian people, called in God's providence to
pass through the furnace of a great trial of their virtue, and of the strength of the Government."
On the seventh of April following, the legislature adjourned until the third of June next ensuing.
Before it again assembled, an event occurred, casting a gloom over the whole State. The
occasion was the accidental drowning of Governor Harvey.
Soon after the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, on the seventh of April, 1862, the certainty
that some of the Wisconsin regiments had suffered severely, induced the governor. to organize
a relisf party, to aid the wounded and suffering soldiers from the State. On the tenth, Harvey
and others started on their tour of benevolence. Arriving at Chicago, they found a large num-
ber of boxes had been forwarded there from different points in the State, containing supplies of
various kinds. At Mound City, Paducah, and Savannah, the governor and his party adminis-
tered to the wants of the sick and wounded Wisconsin soldiers. Having completed their mission
of mercy, they repaired to a boat in the harbor of Savannah, to await the arrival of the Mitme-
haha, which was to convey them to Cairo, on their homeward trip. It was late in the evening of
the nineteenth of April, 1862, and very dark when the boat arrived which was to take the
governor and his friends on board; and as she rounded to, the bow touching the Dunleith, on.
which was congregated the party ready to depart. Governor Harvey, by a misstep, fell overboard
between the two boats, into the Tennessee river. The current was strong, and the water more
than thirty feet deep. Every thing was done that could be, to save his life, but all to no
purpose. His body was subsequently found and brought to Madison for interment. Edward
Salomon, lieutenant governor, by virtue of a provision of the constitution of the State, upon the
death of Harvey, succeeded to the office of governor of Wisconsin. On the third day of June,
the legislature re-assembled in accordance with adjournment on the seventh of April previous.
Governor Salomon, in his message of that day, to the senate and assembly, after announcing
the sad event of the death of the late governor, said : " The last among the governors elected
by the people of this State, he is the first who has been removed by death from our midst. The
circumstances leading to and surrounding the tragic and melancholy end of the honored and
lamented deceased, are well known to the people, and are, with his memory, treasured up in
their hearts." He died," added Salomon, " while in the exercise of the highest duties of philan-
thropy and humanity, that a noble impulse had imposed upon him." The legislatvfre, on the
thirteenth of June, by a joint resolution, declared that in the death of Governor Harvey, the
State had " lost an honest, faithful, and efficient public officer, a high-toned gentleman, a warm-
hearted philanthropist, and a sincere friend.'' Both houses adjourned sim die, on the seventeuth
of June, 1862.
Business of great public importance, in the judgment of the governor, rendering a special
session of the legislature necessary, he issued, on the twenty-ninth of August, 1862, his proc-
lamation to that effect, convening both houses on the tenth of September following. On that
day he sent in his message, relating wholly to war matters. He referred to the fact that since
the adjournment of the previous session, six hundred thousand more men had been called for by
the president of the United States, to suppress the rebellion. " It is evident," said he, " that to
meet further calls, it is necessary to rely upon a system of drafting or conscription, in Wisconsin."
The governor then proceeded to recommend such measures as he deemed necessary to meet
the exigencies of the times. The legislature levied a tax to aid volunteering, and passed a law
giving the right of suffrage to soldiers in the military service. They also authorized the raising
of money for payment of bounties to volunteers. The legislature adjourned on the twenty-
sixtTi of September, 1862, after a session of sixteen days, and the enacting of seventeen laws.
78 HISTORY OP WISCONSIN.
On the 7th of October, James H. Howe, attorney general, resigned his office to enter the
army. On the 14th of that month, Winfield Smith was appointed by the governor to fill the
vacancy.
At the general election in the Fall of this year, six congressmen were elected to the thirty-
eighth congress: James S. Brown from the first district; I. C. Sloan, from the second; Aniasa
Cobb, from the third ; Charles A. Eldredge, from the fourth ; Ezra Wheeler, from the fifth ; and
W. D. Mclndoe, from the sixth district. Sloan, Cobb, and Mclndoe, were elected as republi-
cans ; Brown, Eldridge, and Wheeler, as democrats.
The sixteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature, commenced on the fourteenth of
January, i&e^. J. Allen Barber was elected speaker of the assembly. The majority in both
houses was republican. Governor Salomon read his message on the fifteenth, to the joint
convention, referring, at length, to matters connected with the war of the rebellion. A large
number of bills were passed by the legislature for the benefit of soldiers and their families. On
the twenty-second, the legislature re-elected James R. Doolittle, to the United States senate for
six years, from the fourth of March next ensuing. The legislature adjourned sine- die on the
second of April following. In the Spring of this year, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected chief
justice of the supreme court, running as an independent candidate.
By a provision of the Revised Statutes of 1858, as amended by an act passed in 1862, and
interpreted by another act passed in 1875, the terms of the justices of the supreme court,
elected for a full term, commence on the first Monday in January next succeeding their election.
At the Fall election there were two tickets in the field : democratic and union republican.
The latter was successful, electing James T. Lewis, governor ; Wyman Spooner, lieutenant
governor; Lucius Fairchild, secretary of state; S. D. Hastings, state treasurer; Winfield
Smith, attorney general ; J. L. Pickard, state superintendent ; W. H. Ramsay, bank comp-
troller ; and Henry Cordier, state prison commissioner.
War of Secession — Harvey and Salomon's Administration.
When Governor Randall turned over to his successor in the gubernatorial chair, the military
matters of Wisconsin, he had remaining in the State, either already organized or in process of
formation, the Ninth infantry, also the Twelfth up to the Nineteenth inclusive ; three regiments
of cavalry ; and ten batteries — First to Tenth inclusive. Colonel Edward Daniels, in the Summer
of i86t, was authorized by the war department to recruit and organize one battalion of cavalry
in Wisconsin. He was subsequently authorized to raise two more companies. Governor Ran-
dall, in October, was authorized to complete the regiment — the First cavalry — by the organiza-
tion of six additional companies. The organization of the Second cavalry regiment was author-
ized in the Fall of 1861, as an "independent acceptance,'' but waa finally turned over to the
State authorities. Early in November, 1861, the war department issued an order discontinuing
enlistments for the cavalry service, and circulars were sent to the different State executives to
consolidate all incomplete regiments. Ex-Governor Barstow, by authority of General Fremont,
which authority was confirmed by the General Government, had commenced the organization- of
a cavalry regiment — the Third Wisconsin — when Governor Randall received information that
the authority of Barstow had been revoked. The latter, however, soon had his authority
restored. In October, Governor Randall was authorized by the war department to raise three
additional companies of artillery — Eighth to Tenth inclusive. These three batteries were all
filled and went into camp by the close of 1861. Governor Randall, therefore, besides sending
out of the State eleven thousand men, had in process of formation, or fully organized, nine
regiments of infantry, three regiments of cavalry, and ten companies of artillery, left behind in
WISCOlSrSTN AS A STATE. 79
various camps in the State, to be turned over to his successor.
The military officers of Wisconsin were the governor, Louis P. Harvey, commander-in-
chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general; Brigadier General W. W. Tred-
way, quartermaster general ; Colonel Edwin R. Wadsworth, commissary general ; Brigadier Gen-
eral Simeon Mills, paymaster general; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general; Major
M. H. Carpenter, judge advocate; and Colonel William H. Watson, military secretary. As the
General Government had taken the recruiting service out of the hands of the executives of the
States, and appointed superintendents in their place, the offices of commissary general and
paymaster general were no longer necessary; and their time, after the commencement of the
administration in Wisconsin of 1862, was employed, so long as they continued their respective
'offices, in settling up the business of each. The office of commissary general was closed about
the first of June, 1862 ; that of paymaster general on the tenth of July following. On the last
of August, 1862, Brigadier General Tredway resigned the position of quartermaster general, and
Nathaniel F. Lund was appointed to fill his place.
Upon the convening of the legislature of the State in its regular January session of this
year — 1862, Governor Harvey gave, in his message to that body, a full statement of what had
been done by Wisconsin in matters appertaining to the war, under the administration of his
predecessor. 'He stated that the State furnished to the service of the General Government
under the call for volunteers for three months, one regiment — First Wisconsin ; under the call
for volunteers for three years, or the war, ten regiments, numbering from the First re-organized
to the Eleventh, excluding the Ninth or German regiment. He gave as the whole number of
officers, musicians and -privates, in these ten three-year regiments, ten thousand one hundred and
seventeen. He further stated that there were then organized and awaiting orders, the Ninth, in
" Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, numbering nine hundred and forty men, under Colonel Frederick
Salomon ; the Twelfth, in " Camp Randall," one thousand and thirty-nine men, under Colonel
George E. Bryant ; the Thirteenth, in " Camp Tredway," Janesville, having nine hundred and
nineteen men, commanded by Colonel M. Maloney ; and the Fourteenth, at " Camp Wood,"
Fond du Lac, eight hundred and fifty men, under Colonel D. El Wood.
The Fifteenth or Scandinavian regiment. Colonel H. C. Heg, seven hundred men, and the
Sixteenth, Colonel Benjamin Allen, nine hundred men, were at that time at "Camp Randall," in
near readiness for marching orders. The Seventeenth (Irish) regiment. Colonel J. L. Doran, and
the Eighteenth, Colonel James S. Alban, had their full number of companies in readiness, lacking
one, and had been notified to go into camp — the former at Madison, the latter at Milwaukee.
Seven companies of artillery, numbering together one thousand and fifty men, had remained for
a considerable time in " Camp Utley," Racine, impatient of the delays of the General Govern-
ment in calling them to move forward. Three additional companies of artillery were about
going into camp, numbering three hundred and thirty-four men. Besides these, the State had
furnished, as already mentioned, an independent company of cavalry, then in Missouri, raised
by Captain Von Deutsch, of eighty-one men ; a company of one hundred and four men for Ber-
dan's sharpshooters; and an additional company for the Second regiment, of about eighty men.
Three regiments of catvalry — the First, Colonel E. Daniels ; the Second, Colonel C. C. Washburn ;
and the Third, Colonel W. A. Barstow ; were being organized. They numbered together, two thou-
sand four hundred and fifty men. The Nineteenth (independent) regiment was rapidly organ-
izing under the direction of the General Government, by Colonel H. T. Sanders, Racine. Not
bringing this last regiment into view, the State had, at the commencement of Governor Harvey's
administration, including the First, three-months' regiment, either in the service of the United
States or organizing for it, a total of twenty-one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three men.
80 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The legislature at its regular session of 1862, passed a law making it necessary to present
all claims which were made payable out of the war fund, within twelve months from the time they
accrued ; a law was also passed authorizing the investment of the principal of the school fund in
the bonds of the state issued for war purposes ; another, amendatory of the act of the extra session
of i86i, granting exeinption to persons enrolled in the military service, so as to except persons
acting as fiduciary agents, either as executors or administrators, or guardians or trustees, or
persons defraudiilg the State, or any school district of moneys belonging to the same ; also author-
izing a stay of proceedings in foreclosures of mortgages, by advertisements. " The State Aid
Law" was amended so as to apply to all regiments of infantry, cavalry, artillery and sharpshooters^
defining the rights of families, fixing penalties for the issue of false papers, and imposing duties on
military officers in the field to make certain reports. These amendments only included regi-
ments and companies organized up to and including the Twentieth, which was in process of
organization before the close of the session. A law was also passed suspending the sale of lands
mortgaged to the State, or held by volunteers ; another defining the duties of the allotment com-
missioners appointed by the presiclent of the United States, and fixing their compensation. One
authorized the issuing of bonds for two hundred thousand dollars for war purposes ; one author-
ized a temporary loan from the general fund to pay /State aid to volunteers ; and one, the appoint-
ment of a joint committee to investigate the sale of war bonds ; while another authorized the
governor to appoint surgeons to batteries, and assistant surgeons to cavalry regiments.
The legislature, it will be remembered, took a recess from the seventh of April to the third
of June, 1862. Upon its re-assembling, ^■. act was passed providing lor the discontinuance of the
active services of the paymaster general, quartermaster general and commissary general.
Another act appropriated twenty thousand dollars to enable the governor to care for the sick
and wounded soldiers of the State. There was also another act passed authorizing the auditing,
by the quartermaster general, of bills for subsistence and transportation of the Wisconsin cavalry
regiments. At the extra session called by Governor Salomon, for the tenth of September, 1862,
ah amendment was made to the law granting aid to families of volunteers, by including all regi-
ments of cavalry, infantry, or batteries of artillery before that time raised in the State, or that
might afterward be raised and mustered into the United States service. It also authorized the
levying of a State tax of two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars to be placed to the credit
of the war fund and used in the payment of warrants for " State Aid" to families of volunteers.
Another law authorized commissioned officers out of the State to administer oaths and take
acknowledgments of deeds and other papers. One act authorized soldiers in the field, although
out of the State, to exercise the right of suffrage ; and another gave towns, cities, incorporated
villages and counties the authority to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers.
On the fifth of August, 1862, Governor Salomon received from the war department a dispatch
stating that orders had been issued for a draft of three hundred thousand men to be immediately
called into the service of the United States, to serve for nine months unless sooner discharged ;
that if the State quota under a call made July 2, of that year, for three hundred thousahd vol-
unteers, was not filled by the fifteenth of August, the deficiency would be made up by draft ; and
that the secretary of war would assign the quotas to the States and establish regulations for the
draft. On the eighth of that month, the governor of the State was ordered to immediately cause
an enrollment of all able-bodied citizens between eighteen and forty-five years of age, by counties.
Governor Salomon was authorized to appoint proper officers, and the United States promised to
pay all reasonable expenses. The quota for Wisconsin, under the call for nine months' men was
eleven thousand nine hundred and four. The draft was made by the governor in obedience to
the order he had received from Washington ; but such had been the volunteering under the stim- «
WISCONSIK AS A STATE. 81
iilus caused by a fear of it, that only four thousand five hundred and thirty-seven men were
drafted. This was the first and only draft made in Wisconsin by the State authorities.
Subsequent ones were made under the direction of the provost marshal general at Wash-
ington.
The enlisting, organization and mustering into the United States service during Randall's,
administration of thirteen regiments of infantry — the First to the Thirteenth inclusive, and the
marching of ten of them out of the State before the close of 1861, also, of one company of cavalry
under Captain Von Deutsch and one company of sharpshooters under Captain Alexander, con-
stituted the effective aid abroad of Wisconsin during that year to suppress the rebellion. But for
the year 1862, this aid, as to number of organizations, was more than doubled, as will now be
shown.
The Ninth regiment left " Camp Sigel,'' Milwaukee, under command of Colonel Frederick.
Salomon, on the twenty-second of January, 1862, numbering thirty-nine officers and eight hun
dred and eighty-four men, to report at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
The Twelfth infantry left Wisconsin under command of Colonel George E. Bryant, ten.
hundred and forty-five strong, the eleventh' of January, 1862, with orders to report at WestoUj
Missouri.
The Thirteenth regiment — Colonel Maurice Maloney — left " Camp Tredway," Janesville, on
the eighteenth of January, 1862, nine hundred and seventy strong, under orders to report at
Leavenworth, Kansas, where it arrived on the twenty-third.
The Fourteenth regiment of infantry departed from " Camp Wood," Fond du Lac, under
command of Colonel David E. Wood, for St. Louis, Missouri, on the eighth of March, 1862, it
having been mustered into the United States service on the thirtieth of January previous. Its
total strength was nine hundred and seventy officers and men. It arrived at its destination on.
the tenth of March, and went into quarters at " Benton Barracks."
The Fifteenth regiment, mostly recruited from the Scandinavian population of Wisconsin,
was organized at " Camp Randall," Madison — Hans C. Heg as colonel. Its muster into the
United States service was completed on the fourteenth of February, 1862, it leaving the State for
St. Louis, Missouri, on the second of March following, with a total strength of eight hundred and
one officers and men.
The Sixteenth regiment was organized at "Camp Randall," and was mustered into the
service on the last day of January, 1862, leaving the State, with Benjamin Allen as colonel, for
St. Louis on the thirteenth of March ensuing, having a total strength of one thousand and
lixty-six.
The regimental organization of the Seventeenth infantry (Irish), Colonel John L. Doran,
was effected at " Camp Randall," and the mustering in of the men completed on the fifteenth of
March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State on the twenty-third for St. Louis.
The Eighteenth regiment organized at " Camp Trowbridge," Milwaukee — James S. Alban,
colonel — completed its muster into the United States service on the fifteenth of March, 1862,
and left the State for St. Louis on the thirtieth, reaching their point of destination on the thirty-
first.
The Nineteenth infajitry rendezvoused at Racine as an independent regiment, its colonel,
Horace T. Sanders, being commissioned by the war department. The men were mustered into
the service as fast as they were enlisted. Independent organizations being abolished, by an
order from Washington, the Nineteenth was placed on the same footing as other regiments in the
State. On the twentieth of April, 1862, the regiment was ordered to "Camp Randall " to guard
rebel prisoners. Here the mustering in was completed, numbering in all nine hundred and
seventy-three. They left the State for Washington on the second of June.
82
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
The muster into the United States service of the Twentieth regiment — Bertine Pinckney,
colonel — was completed on the twenty-third of August, 1862, at "Camp Randall," the original
strength being nine hundred and ninety. On the thirtieth of August the regiment left the State
for St. Louis.
The Twenty-first infantry was organized at Oshkosh, being mustered in on the fifth of Sep-
tember, 1862, with a force of one thousand and two, all told — Benjamin J. Sweet, colonel —
leaving the State for Cincinnati on the eleventh.
The Twenty-second regiment — Colonel William L. Utley — was organized at " Camp Utley,"
Racine, and mustered in on the secand of September, 1862. Its original strength was one thou-
sand and nine. It left the State for Cincinnati on the sixteenth.
On the thirtieth of August, 1862, the Twenty-third regiment — Colonel Joshua J. Guppey —
was mustered in at "Camp Randall," leaving Madison for Cincinnati on the fifteenth.
The Twenty -fourth infantry rendezvoused at " Camp Sigel," Milwaukee. Its muster in was
completed on the twenty-first of August, 1862, the regiment leaving the State under Colonel
Charles H. LarrabeS, for Kentucky, on the fifth of September, one thousand strong.
On the fourteenth of September, 1862, at " Camp Salomon," LaCrosse, the Twenty-fifth
regiment was mustered into the service — Milton Montgomery, colonel. They left the State on
the nineteenth with orders to report to General Pope, at St. Paul, Minnesota, to aid in suppress-
ing the Indian difficulties in that State. Their entire strength was one thousand and eighteen.
The regiment, after contributing to the preservation of tranquillity among the settlers, and
deterring the Indians from hostilities, returned to Wisconsin, arriving at " Camp Randall " on the
eighteenth of December, 1862.
The Twenty-sixth — almost wholly a German regiment — was mustered into the service at
"Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, on the seventeenth of September, 1862. The regiment, under com-
mand of Colonel William H. Jacobs, left the State for Washington city on the sixth of October,
one thousand strong.
The Twenty-seventh infantry was ordered to rendezvous at "Camp Sigel," Milwaukee, on
the seventeenth of September, 1862 ; but the discontinuance of recruiting /or new regiments in
August left the Twenty-seventh with only seven companies full. An order authorizing the
recruiting of three more companies was received, and under the supervision of Colonel Conrad
Krez the organization was completed, but the regiment at the close of the year had not been
mustered into the service.
On the twenty-fourth of October, 1862, the Twenty-eighth regiment — James M. Lewis, of
Oconomowoc, colonel — was mustered into the United States service at "Camp Washburn," Mil-
waukee. Its strength was nine hundred and sixty-one. In November, the regiment was
employed in arresting and guarding the draft rioters in Ozaukee county. It left the State for
Columbus, Kentucky, on the twentieth of December, where they arrived on the twenty-second;
remaining there until the fifth of January, 1863.
The Twenty-ninth infantry — Colonel Charles R. Gill^was organized at " Camp Randall,"
where its muster into the United States service was completed on the twenty-seventh of Sep-
tember, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for Cairo, Illinois, on the second of November.
The Thirtieth regiment, organized at "Camp Randall" under the supervision of Colonel
Daniel J. Dill, completed its muster into the United States service on the twenty-first of October,
1862, with a strength of nine hundred and six. On the sixteenth of November, one company of
the Thirtieth was sent to Green Bay to protect the draft commissioner, remaining several weeks.
On the eighteenth, seven companies moved to Milwaukee to assist in enforcing the draft in Mil-
waukee county, while two companies remained in " Camp Randall " to guard Ozaukee rioters.
J^'
^^^^^r^ ^y^L^L,^^
WAUKESHA.
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 83
On the twenty-second, six companies from Milwaukee went to West Bend, Washington county,
one company returning to "Camp Randall." After the completion of the draft in Washington
county, four companies returned to camp, while two companies were engaged in gathering up
the drafted men.
The final and complete organization of the Thirty-first infantry — Colonel Isaac E. Mess-
more — was not concluded during the year 1862.
The Thirty-second regiment, organized at "Camp Bragg," Oshkosh, with James H. Howe
as colonel, was mustered into the service on the twenty-fifth of September, 1862 ; and, on the
thirtieth of October, leaving the State, it proceeded by way of Chicago and Cairo to Memphis,
Tennessee, going into camp on the third of November. The original strength of the Thirty-
second was nine hundred and ninety-three.
The Thirty-third infantry — Colonel Jonathan B. Moore — mustered in on the eighteenth of
October, 1862, at " Camp Utley,'' Racine, left the State, eight hundred and ninety-two strong,
moving by way of Chicago to Cairo.
The Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted men, original strength nine hundred and sixty-one —
Colonel Fritz Anneke — -had its muster into service for nine months completed at " Camp Wash-
burn," Milwaukee, on the last day of the year 1862.
Of the twenty-four infantry regiments, numbered from the Twelfth to the Thirty-fourth
inclusive, and including also the Ninth, three— the Ninth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth — were mus-
tered into the United States service in 1861. The whole of the residue were mustered in during
the year 1862, except the Twenty-seventh and the Thirty-first. All were sent out of the State
during 1862, except the last two mentioned and the Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-fourth.
The First regiment of cavalry — Colonel Edward Daniels — perfected its organization at
" Camp Harvey," Kenosha. Its muster into the United States service was completed on the
eighth of March, 1862, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the seventeenth, with a
strength of eleven hundred and twenty-four.
The muster of the Second Wisconsin cavalry was completed on the twelfth of March, 1862,
at "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, the regiment leaving the State for St. Louis on the twenty-
fourth, eleven hundred and twenty-seven strong. It was under the command of Cadwallader C.
Washburn as colonel.
The Third Wisconsin cavalry — Colonel William A. Barstow — was mustered in at " Camp
Barstow," Janesville. The muster was completed on the 3rst of January, 1862, the regiment
leaving the State on the 26th of March for St. Louis, with a strength of eleven hundred and
eighty-six.
The original project of forming a regiment of light artillery in Wisconsin was overruled
by the war department, and the several batteries were sent from the State as independent
organizations.
The First battery — Captain Jacob T. Foster — perfected its organization at "Camp Utley,"
where the company was mustered in, it leaving the State with a strength of one hundred and
fifty-five, on the 23d of January, 1862, for Louisville, where the battery went into "Camp
Irvine," near that city. The Second battery — Captain Ernest F. Herzberg — was mustered into
the service at "Camp Utley," October 10, 1861, the company numbering one hundred and fifty-
three. It left the State for Baltimore, on the 21st of January, 1862. The Third battery — Cap-
tain L. H. Drury — completed its organization of one hundred and seventy at " Camp Utley," and
was mustered in October 10, 1861, leaving the State for Louisville, on the 23d of January,
1862. The Fourth battery — Captain John F. Vallee — -rendezvoused at "Camp Utley." Its
muster in was completed on the 1st of October, 1861, its whole force being one hundred and fifty
one. The company left the State for Baltimore on the 21st of January, 1862. The Fifth bat- -
84 . HISTORY OP WISCONSIN. .
tery, commanded by Captain Oscar F. Pinney, was mustered in on \he ist of October, 1861, at
" Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, on the 15th of March, 1862, one hundred and
fifty-five strong. The Sixth battery — Captain Henry Dillon — was mustered in on the 2d of
October, 1861, at '' Camp Utley," leaving the State for St. Louis, March 15, 1862, with a numer-
ical strength of one hundred and fifty-seven. The Seventh battery — Captain Richard R. Grif-
fiths— was mustered in on the 4th of October, 1861, at " Camp Utley," and proceeded on the 15th
of March, 1862, with the Fifth and Sixth batteries to St. Louis. The Eighth battery, com-
manded by Captain Stephen J. Carpenter, was mustered in on the 8th of January, 1862, at
"Camp Utley," and left the State on the i8th of March following, for St. Louis,' one hundred and
sixty-one strong. The Ninth battery, under command of Captain Cyrus H. Johnson, was organ-
ized at Burlington, Racine county. It was mustered in on the 7th of January, 1862, leaving
" Camp Utley " for St. Louis, on the i8th of March. At St. Louis, their complement of men —
one hundred and fifty-five — was made up by the transfer of forty-five from another battery. The
Tenth battery — Captain Yates V. Bebee— after being mustered in at Milwaukee, on the loth of
February, 1862, left " Camp Utley," Racine, on the i8th of March for St. Louis, one hundred and
seventeen strong. The Eleventh battery — Captain John O'Rourke — was made up of the "Oconto
Irish Guards " and a detachrrient of Illinois recruits. The company was organized at " Camp
Douglas,'' Chicago, in the Spring of 1862. Early in 1862, William A. Pile succeeded in enlisting
ninety-nine men as a company to be known as the Twelfth battery. The men were mustered in
and sent forward in squads to St. Louis. Captain Pile's commission was revoked on the i8th
of July. His place was filled by William Zickrick. These twelve batteries were all that left the
State in 1862. To these are to be added the three regiments of cavalry and the nineteen regi-
ments of infantry, as the effective force sent out during the year by Wisconsin.
The military officers of the State, at the commencement of 1863, were Edward Salomon,
governor and commander-in-chief; Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general;
Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adjutant general; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund,:
quartermaster general ; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general ; and Colonel W. H.
Watson, military secretary. The two incomplete regiments of 1862 — the Twenty-seventh and
Thirty-first volunteers — were completed and in the field in March, 1863. The former was
mustered in at "Camp Sigel " — Colonel Conrad Krez — on the 7th of March, and left the State,
eight hundred and sixty-five strong, on the i6th for Columbus, Kentucky ; the latter, under
command of Colonel Isaac E. Messmore, with a strength of eight hundred and seventy-eight,
left Wisconsin on the ist of March, for Cairo, Illinois. The Thirty-fourth (drafted) regiment
left "Camp Washburn," Milwaukee, on the 31st of January, 1863, for Columbus, Kentucky,
numbering nine hundred and sixty-one, commanded by Colonel Fritz Anneke. On the 17th of
February, 1863, the Twenty-fifth regiment left "Camp Randall" for Cairo, Illinois. The
Thirtieth regiment remained in Wisconsin during the whole of 1863, performing various
duties — the only one of the whole thirty-four that, at the end of that year, had not left the State.
On the 14th of January, 1863, the legislature of Wisconsin, as before stated, convened
at Madison. Governor Salomon, in his message to that body, gave a summary of the transac-
tions of the war fund during the calendar year; also of what was done in 1862, in the recruiting
of military forces, and the manner in which the calls of the president were responded to. There
were a number of military laws passed at this sessibn. A multitude of special acts authorizing
towns to raise bounties for volunteers, were also passed.
No additional regiments of infantry besides those already mentioned were organized in
1863, although recruiting for old regiments continued. On the 3d of March, 1863, the congress
of the United States passed the " Conscription Act." Under this act, Wisconsin was divided
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 85
into six districts. In the first district, I. M. Bean was appointed provost marshal; C. M. Baker,
commissioner; and J. B. Dousman, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this district was at
Milwaukee. In the second district, S, J. M. Putnam was appointed provost marshal ; L. B.
Caswell, commissioner; and Dr. C. R. Head, examining surgeon. Headquarters of this
district was at Janesville. In the third district, J. G. Clark was appointed provost marshal; E.
E. Byant, commissioner ; and John H. Vivian, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Prairie
du Chien. In the fourth district, E. L. Phillips was appointed provost marshal ; Charles
Burchard, commissioner; and L. H. Gary, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Fond du
Lac. In the fifth district, C. R. Merrill was appointed provost marshal ; William A. Bugh,
commissioner ; and H. O. Crane, examining surgeon. Headquarters at Green Bay. In the
sixth district, B. F. Cooper was appointed provost marshal; L. S. Fisher, commissioner; and
D. D. Cameron, examining surgeon. Headquarters at LaCrosse. The task of enrolling the
State was commenced in the month of May, and was proceeded with to its completion. The
nine months' term of service of the Thirty-fourth regiment, drafted militia, having expired, the
regiment was mustered out of service on the 8th of September.
The enrollment in Wisconsin of all persons liable to the "Conscription" amounted to
121,202. A draft was ordered to take place in November. Nearly fifteen thousand were
drafted, only six hundred and twenty-eight of whom were mustered in ; the residue either
furnished substitutes, were discharged, failed to report, or paid commutation.
In the Summer of i86i. Company " K," Captain Langworthy, of the Second Wisconsin
infantry, was detached and placed on duty as heavy artillery. His company was designated as
"A," First Regiment Heavy Artillery. This was the only one organized until the Summer of
1863; but its organization was effected outside the State. Three companies were necessary to
add to company "A" to complete the battalion. Batteries " B," " C " and " D " were, therefore,
organized in Wisconsin, all leaving the State in October and November, 1863.
Ninth Administration — James T. Lewis, Governor — 1 864-1 865.
James T. Lewis, of Columbia county, was inaugurated governor of Wisconsin on the fourth
of January, 1864. In an inaugural address, the incoming governor pledged himself to use no
executive patronage for a re-election; declared he would administer the government without
prejudice or partiality ; and committed himself to an economical administration of affairs con-
nected with the State. On the thirteenth the legislature met in its seventeenth regular session.
W. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The republican and union men were in
the majority in this legislature. A number of acts were passed relative to military matters.
On the I St day of October, J. L. Pickard having resigned as superintendent of public
instruction, J. G. McMynn was, by the governor, appointed to fill the vacancy. On the fif-
teenth of November, Governor Lewis appointed Jason Downer an associate justice of the
supreme court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Byron Paine, who had
resigned his position to take effect on that day, in order to accept the position of lieutenant
colonel of one of the regiments of Wisconsin, to which he had been commissioned on the tenth
of August previous. The November elections of this year were entered into with great zeal by
the two parties, owing to the fact that a president and vice president of the United States were
to be chosen. The republicans were victorious. Electors of that party cast their eight votes
for Lincoln and Johnson. The members elected to the thirty -ninth congress from Wisconsin
at this election were : from the first district, H. E. Paine ; from the second, I. C. Sloan ; from
the third, Amasa Cobb; from the fourth, C. A. Eldredge; from the fifth, Philetus Sawyer; and
86 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
from the sixth district, W. D. Mclndoe. All were republicans except Eldredge, who was
elected as a democrat.
The Eighteenth regular session of the Wisconsin legislature began in Madison on the elev-
enth of January, 1865. W. W. Field was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature,
was, as to its political complexion, "Republican Union." On the tenth of April, the last day of
the session, Governor Lewis informed the legislature that General Lee and his army had sur-
rendered. " Four years ago," said he, " on the day fixed for adjournment, the sad news of the
fall of Fort Sumter was transmitted to the legislature. To-day, thank God ! and next to Him
the brave officers and soldiers of our army and navy, I am permitted to transmit to you the
official intelligence, just received, of the surrender of General Lee and his army, the last prop
of the rebellion. Let us rejoice, and thank the Ruler of the Universe for victory and the pros-
pects Of an honorable peace." In February preceding, both houses ratified the constitutional
amendment abolishing slavery in the United States. At the Spring election, Jason Downer was
chosen associate justice of the supreme court for a full term of six years. The twentieth of
April was set apart by the governor as a day of thanksgiving for the overthrow of the rebellion
and restoration of peace. At the Fall election both parties, republican and democratic, had
tickets in the field. The republicans were victorious, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor;
Wyman Spooner, lieutenant governor ; Thomas S. Allen, secretary of state ; William E. Smith,
state treasurer; Charles R. Gill, attorney general; John G. McMynn, superintendent of
public instruction; J. M. Rusk, bank comptroller; and Henry Cordier, state prison commis-
sioner.
War of Secession — Lewis' Administration.
The military officers for 1864 were besides the governor (who was commander-in-chief)
Brigadier General Augustus Gaylord, adjutant general; Colonel S. Nye Gibbs, assistant adju-
tant general ; Brigadier General Nathaniel F. Lund, quartermaster and commissary general,
and chief of ordnance ; Brigadier General E. B. Wolcott, surgeon general ; and Colonel Frank
H. Firmin, military secretary. The legislature met at Madison on the 13th of January, 1864.
"In response to the call of the General Government," said the governor, in his message to that
body, " Wisconsin had sent to the field on the first day of November last, exclusive of three
months' men, thirty - four regiments of infantry, three regiments and one company of cavalry,
twelve batteries of light artillery, three batteries of heavy artillery, and one company of sharp-
shooters, making an aggregate of forty-one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five men."
Quite a number of laws were passed at this session of the legislature relative to military
matters : three were acts to authorize towns, cities and villages to raise money by tax for the
payment of bounties to volunteers ; one revised, amended and consolidated all laws relative to
extra pay to Wisconsin soldiers in the service of the United States ; one provided for the proper
reception by the State, of Wisconsin volunteers returning from the field of service; another
repealed the law relative to allotment commissioners. One was passed authorizing the gov-
ernor to purchase flags for regiments or batteries whose flags were lost or destroyed in the
service: another was passed amending the law suspending the sale of lands mortgaged to the
State or held by volunteers, so as to apply to drafted men ; another provided for levying a State
tax of $200,000 for the support of families of volunteers. A law was passed authorizing the
governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers of Wisconsin, and appropriated" ten
thousand dollars for that purpose. Two other acts authorized the borrowing of money for repel-
ling invasion, suppressing insurrection, and defending the State in time of war. One act pro-
hibited the taking of fees for procuring volunteers' extra bounty ; another one defined the resi-
dence of certain soldiers from this St.-.te in the service of the United States, who had received
^VISCONSIN AS A STATE. 87
local bounties from towns other than their proper places of residence.
At the commencement of 1864, there were recruiting in the State the Thirty-fifth regiment
of infantry and the Thirteenth battery. The latter was mustered in on the 29th of December,
J863, and left the State for New Orleans on the 28th of January, 1864. In February, authority
was given by the war department to organize the Thirty-sixth regiment of infantry. On the
27th of that month, the mustering ;n of the Thirty-fifth was completed at " Camp Washburn "
— Colonel Henry Orff — the regiment, one thousand and sixty-six strong, leaving the State on the
i8th of April, 1864, for Alexandria, Louisiana. The other regiments, recruited and mustered
into the service of the United States during the year 1864, were: the Thirty-sixth — Colonel
Frank A. Haskell ; the Thirty-seventh — Colonel Sam Harriman ; the Thirty-eighth — Colonel
James Bintliff; the Thirty -ninth — Colonel Edwin L. Buttrick ; the Fortieth — Colonel W.
Augustus Ray; the Forty-first — Lieutenant Colonel George B. Goodwin; the Forty-second —
Colonel Ezra T. Sprague ; the Forty-third — Colonel Amasa Cobb.
The regiments mustered into the service of the United States during the year 1865 were:
the Forty-fourth — Colonel George C. Symes ; the Forty-fifth — Colonel Henry F. Belitz; Forty-
sixth — Colonel Frederick S. Lovell ; Forty-seventh — Colonel George C. Ginty ; Forty-eighth —
Colonel Uri B. Pearsall ; Forty-ninth — Colonel Samuel Fallows; Fiftieth — Colonel John G.
Clark; Fifty-first — Colonel Leonard Martin; Fifty-second — Lieutenant Colonel Hiram J. Lewis ;
and Fifty-third — Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Pugh.
All of the fifty-three regiments of infantry raised in Wisconsin during the war, sooner or
later moved to the South and were engaged there in one way or other, in aiding to suppress the
rebellion. Twelve of these regiments were assigned to duty in the eastern division, which con-
stituted the territory on both sides of the Potomac and upon the seaboard from Baltimore to
Savannah. These twelve regiments were : the First (three months), Second, Third, Fourth,
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Nineteenth, Twenty-sixth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-seventh, and Thirty-eighth.
Ten regiments were assigned to the central division, including Kentucky, Tennessee, Northern
Alabama, and Georgia. These ten were: the Tenth, Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty-
fourth, Thirtieth, Forty-third, Forty-fourth, Forty-fifth, Forty-sixth, and Forty-seventh. Added
to these was the First (re-organized). Thirty-one regiments were ordered to the western division,
embracing the country west and northwest of the central division. These were : the Eighth,
Ninth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seventeenth, Eighteenth,
Twentieth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirty-first,
Thirty-second, Thirty-third, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-fifth, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-first, Forty-
second, Forty-eighth, Forty-ninth, Fiftieth, Fifty-first, Fifty-second, and Fifty-third. During the
war several transfers were made from one district to another. There were taken from the eastern
division, the Third and Twenty-sixth, and sent to the central division; also the Fourth, which
was sent to the department of the gulf. The Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, Seven-
teenth, Eighteenth, Twenty-fifth, Thirtieth, Thirty-first and Thirty-second were transferred from
the western to the central department.
The four regiments of cavelry were assigned to the western division — the First regiment
being afterward transferred to the central division. Of the thirteen batteries of light artillery, the
Second, Fourth, and Eleventh, were assigned to the eastern division ; the First and Third, to
the central division ; the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth,
to the western division. During the war, the First was transferred to the western division ; while
the Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Tenth, and Twelfth, were transferred to the central division. Of the
twelve batteries of the First regiment of heavy artillery — " A," "E," "F," "G," "H," "I,"
"K," "L," and "M," were assigned to duty in the eastern division ; "B" and "C," to the central
88 HISTOEY or WISCONSIN.
division; and "D," to tlie western division. Company "G," First regiment Berdan's sharp-
shooters, was assigned to the eastern division.
The military officers of the State for 1865 were the same as the previous year, except that
Brigadier General Lund resigned his position as quartermaster general, James M. Lynch being
appointed in his place. The legislature of this year met in Madison on the nth of January.
"To the calls of the Government for troops," said Governor Lewis, in his message, "no State
has responded with greater alacrity than has Wisconsin. She has sent to the field, since the
commencement of the war, forty- four regiments of infantry, four regiments and one company of
cavalry, one regiment of heavy artillery, thirteen batteries of light artillery, and one ciompany of
sharpshooters, making an aggregate (exclusive of hundred day men) of seventy-five thousand
one hundred and thirty-three men."
Several military laws were passed at this session : one authorizing cities, towns, and villages
to pay bounties to volunteers; another, incorporating the Wisconsin Soldiers' Home ; two others,
amending the act relative "to the commencement and prosecution of civil actions against persons
in the military service of the country." One was passed authorizing the payment of salaries,
clerk hire, and expenses, of the offices of the adjutant general and quartermaster general from
the war fund ; another, amending the act authorizing commissioned officers to take acknowledg-
ment of deeds, affidavits and depositions; another, amending the act extending the right of
suffrage to soldiers in the field. One act provides for correcting and completing the records of
the adjutant general's office, relative to the military history of the individual members of the
several military organizations of this State; another fixes the salary of the adjutant general and
the quartermaster general, and their clerks and assistants; another prohibits volunteer or sub-
stitute brokerage. One act was passed supplementary and explanatory of a previous one of the
same session, authorizing towns, cities, or villages, to raise money to pay bounties to volunteers ;
another, amending a law of 1864, relating to the relief of soldiers' families; and another, pro-
viding for the establishment of State agencies for the relief and care of sick, wounded, and
disabled Wisconsin soldiers. There was an act also passed, authorizing the borrowing of money
for a period not exceeding seven months, to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, and defend the
State in time of war, — the amount not to exceed $850,000.
On the 13th of April, 1865, orders were received to discontinue recruiting in Wisconsin, and
to discharge all drafted men who had not been mustered in. About the first of May, orders
were issued for the muster out of all organizations whose term of service would expire on or
before the first of the ensuing October. As a consequence, many Wisconsin soldiers were soon
on their way home. State military officers devoted their time to the reception of returning
regiments, to their payment by the United States, and to settling with those who were entitled to
extra pay from the State. Finally, their employment ceased — the last soldier was mustered out
— the War of the Rebellion was at an end. Wisconsin had furnished to the federal army during
the conflict over ninety thousand men, a considerable number more than the several requisitions
of the General Government called for. Nearly eleven thousand of these were killed or died of
wounds received in battle, or fell victims to diseases contracted in the military service, to say
nothing of those who died after their discharge, and whose deaths do not appear upon the mili-
tary records. Nearly twelve million dollars were expended by the State authorities, and the
people of the several counties and towns throughout the State, in their efforts to sustain the
National Government.
Wisconsin feels, as well she may, proud of her record made in defense of national existence.
Shoulder to shoulder with the other loyal States of the Union, she stood — always ranking among
the foremost. From her workshops, her farms, her extensive pineries, she poured forth stalwart
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 89
men, to fill up the organizations which she sent to the field. The blood of these brave men
drenched almost every battle-field from Pennsylvania to the Rio Grande, from Missouri to
Georgia. To chronicle the deeds and exploits — the heroic achievements — the noble enthusiasm
— of the various regiments and military organizations sent by her to do battle against the hydra-
headed monster secession — would be a lengthy but pleasant task ; but these stirring annals
belong to the history of our whole country. Therein will be told the story which, to the latest
time in the existence of this republic, will be read with wonder and astonishment. But an out-
line of the action of the State authorities and their labors, and of the origin of the various
military organizations, in Wisconsin, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, must needs
contain a reference to other helps employed — mostly incidental, in many cases wholly charitable,
but none the less effective : the sanitary operations of the State during the rebellion.
Foremost among the sanitary operations of Wisconsin during the war of the rebellion was
the organization of the surgeon general's department — to the end that the troops sent to the
field from the State should have a complete and adequate supply of medicine and instruments as
well as an efficient medical staff. In 1861, Governor Randall introduced the practice of appoint-
ing agents to travel with the regiments to the field, who were to take charge of the sick. The
practice was not continued by Governor Harvey. On the 17th of June, 1862, an act of the
legislature became a law authorizing the governor to take care of the sick and wounded soldiers
of Wisconsin, and appropriated twenty thousand dollars for that purpose. Under this law
several expeditions were sent out of the State to look after the unfortunate sons who were
suffering from disease or wounds. Soldiers' aid societies were formed throughout the State soon
after the opening scenes of the rebellion. When temporary sanitary operations were no longer
a necessity in Wisconsin, there followed two military benevolent institution's intended to be of a
permanent character : the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, and the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at
Madison. The latter, however, has been discontinued. The former, started as a State institu-
tion, is now wholly under the direction and support of the General Government.
Whether in the promptitude of her responses to the calls made on her by the General Govern-
ment, in the courage or constancy of her soldiery in the field, or in the wisdom and efficiency with
which her civil administration was conducted during the trying period covered by the war of the
rebellion, Wisconsin proved herself the peer of any loyal State.
TABULAR STATEMENT.
We publish on the following pages the report of the Adjutant General at the close of the war,
but before all the Wisconsin organizations had been mustered out. It shows how many brave men
courageously forsook homes, friends and the comforts of peaceful avocations, offering their lives
in defense of their country's honor. Twenty-two out of every hundred either died, were killed or
wounded. Thirteen out of every hundred found a soldier's grave, while only 60 per cent of them
marched home at the end of the war. Monuments may crumble, cities fall into decay, the tooth
of time leave its impress on all the works of man, but the memory of the gallant deeds of the
army of the Union in the great war of the rebellion, in which the sons of Wisconsin bore so
conspicuous a part, will live in the minds of men so long as time and civilized governments endure.
90
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92 HISTORY OP WISCONSIIS".
Tenth Administration.— Lucius Fairchild, Governor— 1866-1867.
• The inauguration of the newly elected State officers took place on Monday, January i,
1866. The legislature, in its nineteenth regular session, convened on the tenth. H. D. Barron
was elected speaker of the assembly. The " Union " and " Republican " members were in a
majority in both branches of the legislature. " Our first duty," said Governor Fairchild m his
message, "is to give thanks to Almighty God for all His mercies during the year that is past."
" The people of no nation on earth," he continued, " have greater cause to be thankful than
have 04r people. The enemies of the country have been overthrown in battle. The ^ war has
settled finally great questions at issue between ourselves." Among the joint resolutions passed
at this session was one submitting the question of a constitutional convention to frame a new
constitution for the State, to the people. . The legislature adjourned on the twelfth of April,'
having been in session ninety-three days. At the general election in November of this year,
there were elected to the Fortieth congress : H. E. Paine, from the first district ; B. F. Hopkins,
from the second ; Amasa Cobb, from the third ; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth ; Philetus
Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn, from the sixth district. All were republicans
■except Eldredge, who was elected as a democrat. The proposition for a constitutional conven-
tion was voted upon by the people at this election, but was defeated.
The twentieth session of the legislature commenced on the ninth of January, 1867.
Angus Cameron was elected speaker of the assembly. The legislature was strongly " Repub-
lican-Union." The message of Governor Fairchild was read by him in person, on the tenth.
On the twenty-third, the two houses, in joint convention, elected Timothy O. Howe United
States senator for the term of six years, commencing on the fourth of March next ensuing.
This legislature passed an act submitting to the people at the next Fall election an amendment
to section twenty-one of article four of the constitution of the State, providing for paying a
salary pf three hundred and fifty dollars to each member of the legislature, instead of a per
diem allowance, as previously given. A sine die adjournment took place on the eleventh of April,
after a service of ninety-three days.
To provide for the more efficient collection of license fees due the State, an act, approved
on the day of adjournment, authorized the governor to appoint an agent of the treasury, to
superintend and enforce the collection of fees due for licenses fixed by law. This law is still in
force, the agent holding his office at the pleasure of the executive of the State.
On the 27th of March, Chief Justice Dixon resigned his office, but was immediately
appointed by the governor to the same position. At the election in April following, associate
Justice Cole was re-elected, without opposition, for six years from the first Monday in January
following. On the i6th of August, Associate Justice Downer having resigned, Byron Paine was
appointed by the governor in his place.
The republican State ticket, in the Fall, was elected over the democratic — resulting in the
choice of Lucius Fairchild for governor ; Wyman Spooner, for lieutenant governor ; Thomas
S. Allen, Jr., secretary of state ; William E. Smith, for state treasurer ; Charles R. Gill, for
attorney general ; A. J. Craig, for superintendent of public instruction ; Jeremiah M. Rusk,
for bank comptroller, and Henry Cordier, for state prison commissioner. Except Craig, all
these officers were, the former incumbents. The amendment to section 21 of article 4 of the
constitution of the State, giving the members a salary instead of a per diem allowance, was
adopted at this election. As it now stands, each member of the legislature receives, for
his services, three hundred and fifty dollars per annum, and ten cgnts for every mile he
travels in going to and returning from the place of the meetings of the legislature, on the most
WISCONSIN" AS A STATE. 93
usual route. In case of any extra session of the legislature, no additional compensation shall
he allowed to any member thereof, either directly or indirectly.
Eleventh Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (second term) — 1868-1869. •
The Eleventh Administration in Wisconsin commenced at noon on the 6th day of January,
1868. This was the commencement of Governor Fairchild's second term. On the eighth of
January, 1868, began the twenty-first regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin. A. M.
Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. Of the laws of a general nature passed by this
legislature, was one abolishing the office of bank comptroller, transferring his duties to the
state treasurer, and another providing for l:he establishing of libraries in the various townships
■of the State. A visible effect was produced by the constitutional amendment allowing members
a salary, in abreviating this session, though not materially diminishing the amount of bnsiness
transacted. A sine die adjournment took place on the sixth of March.
At the election in April, 1868, Chief Justice Dixon was chosen for the unexpired balance of
his own term, ending on the first Monday of January, 1870. At the same election, Byron Paine
was chosen associate justice for the unexpired balance of Associate Justice Downer's term,
■ending the ist day of January, 1872.
At the Fall election in this year, republican electors were chosen over those upon the
democratic ticket, for president and vice president ; and, as a consequence. Grant and Colfax
received the vote of Wisconsin. Of the members elected at the same time, to the forty-first
congress, all but one were republicans — Eldredge being a democrat. The successful ticket
was : H. E. Paine, from the first district ; B. F. Hopkins, from the second ; Amasa Cobb, from
the third; C. A. Eldredge, from the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, from the fifth, and C. C. Washburn,
from the sixth district. These were all members, form their respective districts, in the previous
■congress — the only instance since Wisconsin became a State of a re-election of all the incum-
bents.
On the thirteenth of January, 1869, began the twenty-second regular session of the State
legislature. A. M. Thomson was elected speaker of the assembly. A very important duty
imposed upon both houses was the election of a United States senator in the place of James R.
Doolittle. The republicans having a majority in the legislature on joint ballot, the excitement
among the members belonging to that party rose to' a high pitch. The candidates for nomina-
tion were Matthew H. Carpenter and C. C. Washburn. The contest was, up to that time,
unparalleled in Wisconsin for the amount of personal interest manifested. Both gentlemen had
a large lobby influence assembled at Madison. Carpenter was successful before the republican
nominating convention, on the sixth ballot. On the twenty-seventh of January, the two houses
proceeded to ratify the nomination by electing him United States senator for six years, from the
fourth of March following. One of the most important transactions entered into by the legis-
lature of 1869 was the ratification of the suffrage amendment to the constitution of the United
States. Both houses adjourned sine die on the eleventh of March — a very short session. At the
spring election, on the 6th of April, Luther S. Dixon was re-elected without opposition, chief
justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years, from the first Monday in January next
•ensuing. In the Fall, both democrats and republicans put a State ticket in the field for the
■ensuing election : the republicans were successful, electing Lucius Fairchild, governor ; Thad-
deus C. Pound, lieutenant governor; Llywelyn Breese, secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, state
treasurer ; S. S. Barlow, attorney general ; george F. Wheeler, state prison commissioner ;
and A. L. Craig, superintendent of public instruction. The office of bank comptroller expired
on the 31st day of December, 1869, the duties of the office being transferred to the state
treasurer.
94 HISTORY OF wiscoNsnsr.
At this election, an amendment to sections 5 and 9 of article five of the constitution of
the State was ratified and adopted by the people. Under this amendment, the governor
receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of five thousand dollars, which
is in full for all traveling or other expenses incident to his duties. The lieutenant governor
receives, during his continuance in office, an annual compensation of one thousand dollars.
Twelfth Administration. — Lucius Fairchild, Governor (third term) — 1870-187 1.
On the third of January, 1870, commenced the twelfth administration in Wisconsin, Gov-
ernor Fairchild thus entering upon his third term a's chief executive of the State ; ' the only
instance since the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, of the same person being twice
re-elected to that office. It was an emphatic recognition of the value of his services in the
gubernatorial chair. On the twelfth of January, the twenty-third regular session of the legis-
lature of the State commenced at Madison. James M. Bingham was elected speaker of the
assembly. Before the expiration of the month. Governor Fairchild received official information
that over two hundred thousand dollars of the war claim of Wisconsin upon the General Govern-
ment had been audited, considerable more than one hundred thousand having the previous year
been allowed. In the month of March, an energetic effort was made in the legislature, by
members from Milwaukee, to remove the seat of government from Madison to their city ; but
the project was defeated by a considerable majority in the assembly voting to postpone the
matter indefinitely. According to section eight of article one of the constitution, as originally
adopted, no person could be held to answer for a criminal offense unless on the presentment or
indictment of a grand jury, except in certain cases therein specified. The legislature of 1869
proposed an amendment against the " grand jury system " of the constitution, and referred it to the
legislature of 1870 fqr their approval or rejection. The latter took up the proposition and
agreed to it by the proper majority, and submitted it to the people at the next election for their
ratification. The sine die adjournment of both houses took place on the seventeenth of March,
1870. On the first day of January, previous, the member of congress from the second district
of the State, B. F. Hopkins, died, and David Atwood, republican, was elected to fill the
vacancy on the fifteenth of February following.
Early in 1870, was organized the " Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters." By
an act of the legislature approved March 16, of that year, it was incorporated, having among its
specific objects, researches and investigations in the various departments of the material, meta-
physical, ethical, ethnological and social sciences; a progressive and thorough scientific survey
of the State, with a view of determining its mineral, agricultural and other resources; the
advancement of the useful arts, through the application of science, and by the encouragement
of original invention; the encouragement of the fine arts, by means of honors and prizes
awarded to artists for original works of superior merit; the formation of scientific, economical
and art museums ; the encouragement of philological and historical research ; the collection and
preservation of historic records, and the formation of a general library; and the diffusion of
knowledge by the publication of original contributions to science, literature and the arts. The
academy has already published four volumes of transactions, under authority of the State.
The fourth charitable institution established by Wisconsin was the " Northern Hospital for
the Insane," located at Oshkosh, Winnebago county. It was authorized by an act of the legis-
lature approved March 10, 1870. The law governing the admission of patients to this hospital
is the same as to the Wisconsin State Hospital.
WISCONSIlSr AS A STATE. 96
On the third day of July, 1870, A. J. Craig, superintendent of public instruction, died of
consumption, and Samuel Fallows was, on the 6th of that month, appointed by the governor
to fill the place made vacant by his death. The census taken this year by the General Govern-
ment, showed the population of Wisconsin to be over one million sixty-four thousand. At the
Fall election for members to the forty-second congress, Alexander Mitchell was chosen to
represent the first district; G. W. Hazelton, the second; J. A. Barber, the third: C. A.
Eldredge, the fourth; Philetus Sawyer, the fifth; and J. M. Rusk, the sixth district. Mitchell
and Eldredge were democrats; the residue were republicans. The amendment to section 8, of
article 7 of the constitution of the State, abolishing the grand jury system was ratified by a
large majority. Under it, no person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due
process of law, and no person, for the same offense, shall be put twice in jeopa,rdy of punishment,
nor shall be compelled -in any criminal case to be a witness against himself All persons shall,
before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses when the proof is
evident and the presumption great ; and the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be
suspended unless, when in cases of rebellion or invasion, the public safety may require it.
Governor Fairchild, in his last annual message to the legislature, delivered to that body at
its twenty-fourth regular session beginning on the eleventh of January, 1871, said that Wisconsin
State polity was so wisely adapted to the needs of the people, and so favorable to the growth
and prosperity of the commonwealth, as to require but few changes at the hands of the legisla-
ture, and those rather of detail than of system. At the commencement of this session, William
E. Smith was elected speaker of the assembly. A very carefully-perfected measure of this
legislature was one providing for the trial of criminal offenses on information, without the inter-
vention of a Grand Jury. A state commissioner of immigration, to be elected by the people, was
provided for. Both bodies adjourned sine die on the twenty-fifth of March. On the thirteenth
of January preceding, Associate Justice Byro.i Paine, of the supreme court, died; whereupon
the governor, on the 20th of the same month, appointed in his place, until the Spring election
should be held, William Penn Lyon. The latter, at the election in April, was chosen by the
people to serve the unexpired time of Associate Justice Paine, ending the first Monday of Jan-
uar)', 1872, and for a full term of six years from the same date. On the 3d of April, Ole C,
Johnson was appointed by the governor state commissioner of immigration, to serve until his
successor at the next general election could be chosen by the people. To the end that the
administration of public charity and correction should thereafter be conducted upon sound
principles of economy, justice and humanity, and that the relations existing between the State
and its dependent and criminal classes might be better understood, there was, by an act of the
legislature, approved March 23, 1871, a "state board of charities and reform" created — to
consist of five members to be appointed by the governor of the State, the duties of the members
being to investigate and supervise the whole system of charitable and correctional institutions
supported by the State or receiving aid from the State treasury, and on or before the first day of
December in each year to report their proceedings to the executive of the State. This board
was thereafter duly organized and its members have since reported annually to the governor
their proceedings and the amount of their expenses, as required by law.
The "Wisconsin State Horticultural Society," although previously organized, first under the
name of the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association," was not incorporated until the 24th of
March, 1871 — ^the object of the society being to improve the condition of horticulture, rural
adornment and landscape gardening. By a law of 1868, provisioa was made for the publication
of the society's transactions in connection with the State agricultural society ; but by the act
96
HISTORY OF WrSCONSIN-
of 187 1, this law was repealed and an appropriation made for their yearly publication in separate
form; resulting in the issuing, up to the present time, of nine volumes. The society holds
annual meetings at Madison.
At the November election both republicans and democrats had a full ticket for the suffrages
of the people. The republicans were successful, electing for governor, C. C. Washburn; M. H..
Pettitt, for lieutenant governor ; Llywelyn Breese, for secretary of state ; Henry Baetz, for state
treasurer; Samuel Fallows, for superintendent of public instruction ; S. S. Barlow, for attorney
general ; G. F. Wheeler, for state prison commissioner ; and O. C. Johnson, for state commis-
sioner of immigration. At this election an amendment to article four of the constitution of the
State was ratified and adopted by the people. As it now stands, the legislature is prohibited
from enacting any special or private laws in the following cases : 1st. For changing the names of
persons or constituting one person the heir-at-law of another. 2d. For laying out, opening, or
altering highways, except in cases of State roads extending into more than one county, and mili-
tary roads to aid in the construction of which lands may be granted by congress. 3d. For
authorizing persons to keep ferries across streams, at points wholly within this State. 4th. For
authorizing the sale or mortgage of real or personal property of minors or others under disability,
5th. For locating or changing any county seat. 6th. For assessment or collection of taxes or for
extending the time for the collection thereof. 7th: For granting corporate powers or privileges^
except to cities. 8th. For authorizing the apportionment of any part of the school fund. 9th.
For incorporating any town or village, or to amend the charter thereof The legislature shall
provide general laws for the transaction of any business that may be prohibited in the foregoing,
cases, and all such laws shall be uniform in their operation throughout the State.
Industrially considered, the year 187 1 had but little to distinguish it from the average of
previous years in the State, except that the late frosts of Spring and the drouth of Summer dimin-
ished somewhat the yield of certain crops. With the exception of slight showers of only an hour
or two's dura:tion, in the month of September, no rain fell in Wisconsin from the eighth of July to
the ninth of October — a period of three months. The consequence was a most calamitous event
which will render the year 1871 memorable in the history of the State.
The great drouth of the Summer and Fall dried up the streams and swamps in Northern
Wisconsin. In the forests, the fallen leaves and underbrush which covered the ground became
very ignitable. The ground itself, especially in cases of alluvial or bottom lands, was so dry and
parched as to burn readily to the depth of a foot or more. For many days preceding the com-
mencement of the second week in October fires swept through the timbered country, and in some
instances over prairies and " openings." Farmers, saw-mill owners, railroad men and all others
interested in exposed property, labored day and night in contending against the advance of
devouring fires, which were destroying, notwithstanding the ceaseless energies of the people, an
occasional mill or house and sweeping off, here and there, fences, haystacks and barns. Over the
counties lying upon Green bay and a portion of those contiguous thereto on the south, southwest
and west, hung a general gloom. No rain came. All energies were exhausted from " fighting
fire." The atmosphere was every where permeated with smoke. The waters of the bay and
even Lake Michigan, in places, were so enveloped as to render navigation difficult and in some
instances dangerous. It finally became very difficult to travel upon highways and on railroads.
Time drew on— but there came no rain. The ground in very many places was burned over.
Persons sought refuge— some in excavations in the earth, others in wells.
The counties of Oconto, Brown, Kewaunee, Door, Manitowoc, Outagamie and Shawano
were all more or less swept by this besom of destruction ; but in Oconto county, and for some
distance into Menomonee county, Michigan, across the Menomonee river, on the west shore of .
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 97
the bay and throughout the whole length and breadth of the peninsula, — that is, the territory
lying between the bay and Lake Michigan, — the fires were the most devastating. The first week
in October passed ; then came an actual whirlwind of fire — ten or more miles in width and of
indefinite length. The manner of its progfess was extraordinarj. It destroyed a vast amount of
property and many lives. It has been described as a tempestuous sea of flame, accom.panied by
a inost violent hurricane, which multiplied the force of the dfestructive element. Forests, farm
improvements and entire villages were consumed. Men, women and children perished — awfully
perished. Even those who fled and sought refuge from the fire in cleared fields, in swamps,
lakes and rivers, found, many of them, no safety there, but were burned to death or died of suf"
focation.
This dreadful and consuming fire was heralded by a sound likened to that of a railroad
train — to the roar of a waterfall — to the noise of a battle at a distance. Not human beings
only, but horses, oxen, cows, dogs, swine — every thing that had life — ran to escape the impend-
ing destruction. The smoke was suffocating and blinding ; the roar of the tempest deafening ;
the atmosphere scorching. Children were separated from their parents, and trampled upon by
crazed beasts. Husbands and wives rushed in wild dismay, they knew not where. Death rode
triumphantly upon that devastating, fiery flood. More than one thousand men, women and
children perished. More than three thousand were rendered destitute — utterly beggared,
Mothers were left with fatherless children ; fathers with motherless children. Every where were
homeless orphans. All around lay suffering, helpless humanity, burned and maimed. Such was
the sickening spectacle after the impetuous and irresistible wave of fire swept over that portion
of the State. This appalling calamity happened on the 8th and 9th of October. The loss of
property has been estimated at four million dollars.
At the tidings of this fearful visitation, Governor Fairchild hastened to the burnt district, to
assist, as much as was in his power, the distressed sufferers. He issued, on the 13th of the
month, a stirring appeal to the citizens of Wisconsin, for aid. It was promptly responded ta
from all portions of the State outside the devastated region. Liberal con'ributions in money,
clothing and provisions were sent — some from other States, and even from foreign countries.
Northwestern Wisconsin also suffered severely, during these months of drouth, from large fires,
A compilation of the public statutes of Wisconsin was prepared during the year 1871, by
David Taylor, and published in two volumes, generally known as the Revised Statutes of 1871.
It was wholly a private undertaking ; but the legislature authorized the secretary of state tg,
purchase five hundred copies for the use of the State, at its regular session in 1872.
Thirteenth Administration. — C. C. Washburn, Governor — 1872-1873.
The thirteenth gubernatorial administration in Wisconsin commenced on Monday, January
I, 1872. The only changes made, in the present administration from the previous one, were in
the offices of governor and lieutenant governor.
The twenty-fifth regular session of the legislature began on the loth of January, with a
republican majority in both houses. Daniel Hall was elected speaker of the assembly. The
next day the governor delivered to a joint convention of the legislature his first annual message
— a lengthy document, setting forth in detail the general condition of State affairs. The recent
great conflagrations were referred to, and relief suggested. The work of this session of the Leg-
islature was peculiarly difficult, owing to the many general laws which the last constitutional
amendment made necessary. The apportionment of the State into new congressional districts
was another perplexing and onerous task. Eight districts were formed instead of six, as at the
commencement of the last decade. By this, the fourth congressional apportionment, each district
^» HISTORY OF WISCONSIlSr.
elects one member. The first district consists of the counties of Rock, Racine, Kenosha, Wal-
worth, and Waukesha; the second, of Jefferson, Dane, Sauk, and Columbia ; the thirds of Grant,
Iowa, LaFayette, Green, Richland, and Crawford ; the fourth, of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, and Wash-
ington ; the fifth, of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Manitowoc ; the sixth, of Green Lake,
Waushara, Waupaca, Outagamie, Winnebago, Calumet, Brown, Kewaunee and Door ; the sev-
enth, of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix, Eau
Claire, and Clark; the eighth, of Oconto, Shawano, Portage, Wood, Juneau, Adams, Marquette,
Marathon, Dunn, Chippewa, Barron, Polk, Burnett, Bayfield, Douglas, and Ashland. To this
district have since been added the new counties of Lincoln, Taylor, Price, Marinette and New.
After a session of seventy-seven days, the legislature finished its work, adjourning on the
twenty-seventh of March. At the ensuing November election, the republican ticket for presi-
dent and vice president of the United States was successful. The ten electors chosen cast their
votes in the electoral college for Grant and Wilson. In the eight congressional districts, six
republicans and two democrats were elected to the forty-third congress ; the last mentioned
from the fourth and fifth districts. C. G. Williams represented the first district ; G. W. Hazel-
ton the second; J. Allen Barber the third ; Alexander Mitchell the fourth ; C. A. Eldredge the
fifth ; Philetus Sawyer the sixth ; J. M. Rusk the seventh ; and A. G. McDill the eighth district.
Throughout Wisconsin, as in all portions of the Union outside the State, a singular pesti-
lence prevailed among horses in the months of November and December, 1872, very few escap-
ing. Horses kept in warm, well ventilated stables, avoiding currents of air, with little or no
medicine, and fed upon nutritious and laxative food, soon recovered. Although but few died
yet the loss to the State was considerable, especially in villages and cities, resulting from the diffi-
culty to substitute other animals in the place of the horse during the continuance of the disease.
The twenty-sixth regular session of the State legislature commenced on the eighth day of
January, 1873, with a republican majority in both houses. Henry D. Barron was elected
speaker of the assembly. On the ninth. Governor Washburn's message t— his second annual
one — was delivered to the two houses. It opened with a brief reference to the abundant returns
from agricultural pursuits, to the developments of the industries of the state, to the advance in
manufacturing, to the rapid extension in railways, and to the general and satisfactory progress in
education, throughout Wisconsin. He followed with several recommendations— claiming that
"many vast and overshadowing corporations in the United States are justly a source of alarm,"
and that " the legislature can not scan too closely every measure that should come before it
which proposed to give additional rights and privileges to the railways of the state." He also
recommended that the " granting of passes to the class of state officials who, through their public
office, have power to confer or withhold benefits to a railroad company, be prohibited." The
message was favorably commented upon by the press of the state, of all parties. " If Governor
Washburn," says one of the opposition papers of his administration, " is not a great statesman,
he is certainly not a small politician." One of the first measures of this legislature was the elec-
tion of United States' senator, to fill the place of Timothy O. Howe, whose term of office w®uld
expire on the fourth of March next ensuing On the twenty-second of January the two houses
met in joint convention, when it was announced that by the previous action of the senate and
assembly, Timothy O. Howe was again elected to that office for the term of six years. On the
twentieth of March, the legislature adjourned sine die, after a session of seventy-two days.
Milton H. Pettitt, the lieutenant governor, died on the 23d day of March following the
adjournment; By this sudden and unexpected death, the State lost an upright and conscientious
public officer.
(deceased) WAUKESHA.
"W"ISCON"STK AS A STATE. 99
Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one providing for a geological sur-
vey of the State, to be begun in Ashland and Douglas counties, and completed within four years,
by a chief geologist and four assistants, to be appointed by the governor, appropriating for the
work an annual payment of thirteen thousand dollars. An act providing for a geological survey,
of the State, passed by the legislature, and approved March 25, 1853, authorized the governor to
appoint a state geologist, who was to select a suitable person as assistant geologist. Their
duties were to make a geological and mineralogical survey of the State. Under this law Edward
Daniels, on the first day of April, 1853, was appointed state geologist, superseded on the 12 th
day of August, 1854, by James G. Percival, who died in office on the 2d of May, 1856, at Hazel
Green. By an act approved March 3, 1857, James Hall, Ezra Carr and Edward Daniels were
appointed by the legislature geological commissioners. By an act approved April 2, r86o, Hall
was made principal of the commission. The survey was interrupted by a repeal, March 21, 1862,
of previous laws promoting it. However, to complete the survey, the matter was reinstated by
the act of this legislature, approved March 29, the governor, under that act, appointing as chief
geologist Increase A. Lapham, April 10, 1873.
Another act changed the management of the state prison — providing for the appointment
by the governor of three directors; one for two years, one for four years, and one for six years,
in place of a state prison commissioner, who had been elected by the people every two years,
along with other officers of the State.
At the Spring election, Orsamus Cole, who had been eighteen years upon the bench, was
re-elected, without opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court, for a term of six years
from the first Monday in January following. The two tickets in the field at the Fall election
were the republican and the people's reform. The latter was successful ; the political scepter
pissing out of the hands of the republicans, after a supremacy in the State continuing unbroken
since the beginning of the seventh administration, when A. W. Randall (governor for a second
term) and the residue of the State officers were elected — all republicans.
The general success among the cultivators of the soil throughout the state during the year,
notwithstanding "the crisis," was marked and satisfactory; but the financial disturbances during
the latter part of the "Fall and the first part of the Winter, resulted in a general depreciation of
prices.
Fourteenth Administration. — William R. Taylor, Governor — 1874-75.
The fourteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, the fifth day
of January, 1874, by the inauguration of William R. Taylor as governor; Charles D. Parker,
lieutenant governor; Peter Doyle, secretary of state; Ferdinand Kuehn, state treasurer;
A. Scott Sloan, attorney general; Edward Searing, superintendent of public instruction;
and Martin J. Argard, state commissioner of immigration. These officers were not
elected by any distinctive political party as such, but as the representatives of a new
political organization, including " all Democrats, Liberal Republicans, and other electors
of Wisconsin, friendly to genuine reform through equal and impartial legislation, honesty
in office, and rigid economy in the administration of affairs." Among the marked characteristics
of the platform agreed upon by the convention nominating the above-mentioned ticket was a
declaration by the members that they would " vote for no candidate for office whose nomination
is the fruit of his own importunity, or of a corrupt combination among partisan leaders ;"
another, " that the sovereignty of the State over corporations of its own creation shall be sacredly
respected, to the full extent of protecting the people against every form of monopoly or extor-
tion," not denying, however, an encouragement to wholesome enterprise on the part of aggre-
100 HISTORY 01" WISCONSEN".
gated capital — this "plank" having special reference to a long series of alleged grievances
assumed to have been endured by the people on account of discriminations in railroad charges
and a consequent burdensome taxation upon labor — especially upon the agricultural industry of
the State.
The twenty-seventh regular session of the Wisconsin legislature commenced at Madison on
the fourteenth of January. The two houses were politically antagonistic in their majorities ; the
senate was republican, while the assembly had a " reform " majority. In the latter branch,
Gabriel Bouck was elected speaker. Governor Taylor, on the fifteenth, met the legislature in
joint convention and delivered his message. " An era," said he, "of apparent prosperity without
parallel in the previous history of the nation, has been succeeded by financial reverses affecting
all classes of industry, and largely modifying the standard of values." "Accompanying these
financial disturbances," added the governor, " has come an imperative demand from the people
for a purer political morality, a more equitable apportionment of the burdens and blessings of
government, and a more rigid economy in the administration of public affairs."
Among the important acts passed by this legislature was one generally known as the
"Potter Law," from the circumstance of the bill being introduced by Robert L. D. Potter, sen-
ator, representing the twenty-fifth senatorial district of the state. The railroad companies for
a number of years had, as before intimated, been complained of by the people, who charged them
with unjust discriminations and exorbitantly high rates for the transportation of passengers and
merchandize. All the railroad charters were granted by acts at different times of the State leg-
islature, under the constitution which declares that " corporations may be formed under general
laws, but shall not be created by a special act, exeept for municipal purposes and in cases
where, in the judgment of the legislature, the objects of the corporations can not be attained
under general laws. All general laws, or special acts, enacted under the provisions of this
section, may be altered or repealed by the legislature at any time after their passage." The
complaints of the people seem to have remained unheeded, resulting in the passage of the
"Potter Law." This law limited the compensation for the transportation of passengers, .classi-
fied freight, and regulated prices for its transportation within the State. It also required the
governor on or before the first of May, 1874, by and with the consent of the senate, to appoint
three railroad commissioners; one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years,
whose terms of office should commence on the fourteenth day of May, and that the governor,
thereafter, on the first day of May, of each year, should appoint one commissioner for three
years. Under this law, the governor appointed J. H. Osborn, for three years ; George H. Paul,
for two years ; and J. W. Hoyt, for one year. Under executive direction, this commission inau-
gurated its labors by compiling, classifying, and putting into convenient form for public use for
the first time, all the railroad legislation of the State.
At the outset the two chief railroad corporations of the State — the Chicago, Milwaukee and
St. Paul, and the Chicago and Northwestern — served formal notice upon the governor of Wis-
consin that they would not respect the provisions of the new railroad law. Under his oath of
office, to support the constitution of the State, it was the duty of Governor Taylor to expedite
all such measures as should be resolved upon by the legislature, and to take care that the laws
be faithfully executed. No alternative, therefore, was le*'t the chief executive but to enforce the
law by all the means placed in his hands for that purpose. He promptly responded to the noti-
fication of the railroad companies by a proclamation, dated May i, 1874, in which he enjoined
compliance with the statute, declaring that all the functions of his office would be exercised in
faithfully executing the laws, and invoking the aid of all good citizens thereto. " The law of the
land," said Governor Taylor, "must be respected and obeyed." "While none," continued he,
WISCON'SIK AS A STATE. 101
" are so weak as to be without its protection, none are so strong as to he above its restraints. If
provisions of the law be deemed oppressive, resistance to its mandates will not abate, but rather
multiply the anticipated evils." '"It is the right," he added, "of all to test its validity through
the constituted channels, but with that right is coupled the duty of yielding a general obedience
to its requirements until it has been pronounced invalid by competent authority."
The railroad companies claimed not merely the unconstitutionality of the law, but that its
enforcement would bankrupt the companies^ and suspend the operation of their lines. The
governor, in reply, pleaded the inviolability of his oath of office and his pledged faith to the people.
The result was an appeal to the courts, in which the State, under the direction of its governor,
was compelled to confront an array of the most formidable legal talent of the country. Upon
the result in Wisconsin depended the vitality of much similar legislation in neighboring Slates,
and Governor Taylor and his associate representatives of State authority were thus compelled
to bear the brunt of a controversy of national extent and consequence. The contention extended
both to State and United States courts, the main question involved being the constitutional
power of the State over corporations of its own creation. In all respects, the State was fully
sustained in its position, and, ultimately, judgments were rendered against the corporations in
all the State and federal courts, including the supreme court of the United States, and estab-
lishing finally the complete and absolute power of the people, through the legislature, to modify
or altogether repeal the charters of corporations.
Another act of the session of 1874 abolished the office of State commissioner of immigra-
tion, "on and after " the first Monday of January, 1876. The legislature adjourned on the
twelfth of March, 1874, after a session of fifty-eight days.,
.The office of state prison commissioner having, by operation of law, become vacant on the
fifth day of January, 1874, the governor, on the twenty-third of that month, appointed for State ■
prison directors, Joel Rich, for twj years; William E. Smith, for four years; and Nelson Dewey,
for six years : these to. take the place of that officer.
On the sixteenth of June, Chief Justice Dixon, whose term of office would have expired on
the first. Monday in January, 1876, resigned his seat upon the bench of the supreme court,
Governor Taylor appointing Edward G. Ryan in his place until his successor should be elected
and qualified. At the November election of this year, the members chosen to the forty-fourth
congress were — Charles G. Williams, from the first district; Lucian B. Caswell, from the
second; Henry S. Magoon, from the third ; William Pitt Lynde, from the fourth; Samuel D.
Burchard, from the fifth; A. M. Kimball, from the sixth; Jeremiah M. Rusk, from the seventh,
and George W. Gate, from the eighth district. Lynde, Burchard and Cate were " reform ; " the
residue were republican.
At the same election, an amendment to section 3 of article 1 1 of the constitution of the
State was duly ratified and adopted by the people. Under this section, as it now stands, it is
the duty of the legislature, and they are by it empowered, to provide for the organization of
cities and incorporated villages, and to restrict their power of taxation, assessment, borrowing
money, contracting debts, and loaning their credit, so as to prevent abuses in assessments and
taxation, and in contracting debts, by such municipal corporations. No county, city, town,
village, school district, or other municinc' corporation, shall be allowed to become indebted in
any manner, or for any purpose, to a"'/ ..^.iiiount, including existing indebtedness in the aggregate,
exceeding five per centum on the vai^e of the taxable property therein, to be ascertained by the
last assessment for State and county taxes previous to the incurring of such indebtedness. Any
county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal corporation, incurring any indebt-
edness as aforesaid, shall, before, or at the time of doing so, provide for the collection of a direct
102
HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
annual tax sufficient to pay the interest on such debt as it falls due, and also to pay and discharge
the principal thereof within twenty years from the time of contracting the same. ^
In 1872, the first appropriation for fish culture in Wisconsin was made by the legislature,
subject to the direction of the United States commissioner of fisheries. In 1874, a further sum
was appropriated, and the governor of the State authorized to appoint three commissioners,
whose duties were, upon receiving any spawn or fish, by or through the United States commis-
sioner of fish and fisheries, to immediately place such spawn in the care of responsible pisci-
culturists of the State, to be hatched and distributed in the different waters in and surrounding
Wisconsin. Two more members have since been added by law to the commission ; their labors
have been much extended, and liberal appropriations made to further the object they have in
view — with flattering prospects of their finally being able to stock the streams and lakes of the
State with the best varieties of food fish.
The year 1874, in Wisconsin, was characterized as one of general prosperity among farmers,
excepting the growers of wheat. The crop of that cereal was light, and, in places, entirely
destroyed by the chinch-bug. As a consequence, considerable depression existed in business in
the wheat-growing districts. Trade and commerce continued throughout the year at a low ebb,
the direct result of the monetary crisis of 1873.
The legislature commenced its twenty-eighth regular session on the thirteenth of January,
1875, with a republican majority in both houses. F. W. Horn was elected speaker of the
assembly. The governor delivered his message in person, on the fourteenth, to the two houses.
" Thanking God for all His mercies," are his opening words, " I congratulate you that order and
peace reign throughout the length and breadth of our State. Our material prosperity has not
fulfilled our anticipations But let us remember that we bear no burden of financial depression
not common to all the States, and that the penalties of folly are the foundation of wisdom." In
regard to the " Potter Law," the governor said, " It is not my opinion that this law expressed the
best judgment of the legislature which enacted it. While the general principles upon which it
is founded command our unqualified approbation, and can never be surrendered, it must be
conceded that the law is defective in some of its details. . . . The great object sought to be
accomplished by our people," continued the speaker, "is not the management of railroad property
by themselves, but to prevent its mismanagement by others." Concerning the charge that
Wisconsin was warring upon railways within her limits, the governor added, " She has never
proposed such a war. She proposes none now. She asks only honesty, justice and the peace of
mutual good will. To all men concerned, her people say in sincerity and in truth that every
dollar invested in our State shall be lawfully entitled to its just protection, whencesoever the.
danger conies. In demanding justice for all, the State will deny justice to none. In forbidding
mismanagement, the State will impose no restraints upon any management that is hjnest and
just. In this, the moral and hereditary instincts of our people furnish a stronger bond of good
faith than the judgments of courts or the obligations of paper constitutions. Honest capital
may be timid and easily frightened; yet it is more certain to seek investment among a people
whose laws are at all times a shield for the weak and a reliance for the strong — where the
wholesome restnints of judicious legislation are felt alike by the exalted and tfie humble, the
rich and the poor."
The first important business to be transacted by this legislature was the election of a United
States senator, as the term for which M. H Carpenter had been elected would expire on the
fourth of March ensuing. Much interest was manifested in the matter, not only in the .two
houses, but throughout the State. There was an especial reason for this ; for, although the then
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 103
incumbent was a candidate for re-election, with a republican majority in the legislature, yet it
was well known that enough members of that party were pledged, before the commencement of
the session, to vote against him, to secure his defeat, should they stand firm to their pledges.
•The republicans met in caucus and nominated Carpenter for re-election; but the recalcitrant
members held themselves aloof. Now, according to usual precedents, a nomination by the domi-
nant party was equivalent to an election; not so, however, in this case, notwithstanding the friends
of the nominee felt sanguine of his election in the end. The result of the first ballot, on the
twenty-sixth of January, was, in the senate, thirteen for the republican candidate ; in the
assembly, forty-six votes, an aggregate of only fifty-nine. He lacked four votes in the assembly
and an equal number in the senate, of having a majority i.i each house. On the twenty-seventh,
the two houses, in joint convention, h.iving met to compare the record of the voting the day
previous, and it appearing that no one person had received a majority of the votes in each house
for United States senator, they proceeded to their first joint ballot. The result was, no election.
The balloting was continued each day, until the third of February, when, on the eleventh joint
trial, Angtis Cameron, of LaCJrosse, having received sitxty-eight votes, to Carpenter's fifty-nine,
with five scattering, was declared elected.
As in the previous session so in this, — one of the most absorbing subjects before the legisla-
ture was that of railroads; the " Potter Law" receiving a due share of attention in both houses.
The result was an amendment in some important particulars without changing the right of State
control : rates were modified. The law as amended was more favorable to the railroad compa-
nies and was regarded as a compromise. The legislature adjourned sine die on the 6th of March.
This was the shortest session ever held in the State except one of twenty-five years previous.
On the i6th of February, O. W, Wight was appointed by the governor chief geologist of
Wisconsin, in place of I. A. Lapham, whose appointment had not been acted upon by the Senate.
On the 24th of the same month, J. \V. Hoyt was appointed railroad commissioner for three
years from the first day of May .'"ollowing, on which day his one-year term in the same office would
expire. At the regular Spring election on the 6th of April following, Edward G. Ryan was
elected, without opposition, chief justice of the supreme court for the unexpired terra of Chief
Justice Dixon, ending the first Monday in January, 1876, and for a full term of six years from
the last mentioned date; so that his present term of office will expire on the ist Monday in Jan-
uary, 1882. An act providing for taking the census of Wisconsin on or before the ist of July,
1875, was passed by the legislature and approved the 4th of March pievious. It required an
enumeration of all the inhabitants of the State except Indians, who were not entitled to the right
of suffrage. The result of this enumeration gave a total population to Wisconsin of one million
two hundred and thirty-six thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine.
At the November election, republican and " reform ' tickets were in the field for State
officers, resulting in the success of the latter, except as to governor. For this office Harrison
Ludington was chosen by a majority, according to the State board of canvassers, over William
R. Taylor, of eight hundred and forty-one. The rest of the candidates elected were : Charles
D. Parker, lieutenant governor ; Petei Doyle, secretary of state ; Ferdinand Kuehn, treasurer
of state, A. Scott Sloan, attorney general; and Edward Searing, superintendent of public
instruction. The act abolishing the office of state commissionei of immigration was to take
effect " on and after " the close of this administration ; so, 01 course, no person was voted for to
fill that position at the Fall election of 1875.
During this administration the principle involved m a long-pending controversy between the
State and Minnesota relating to valuable harbor privileges at the head of Lake Superior, was suc-
cessfully and finally settled in favor of Wisconsin. The influence of the executive was larj^ely
104
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
instrumental in initiating a movement which resulted in securing congressional appropriations
amounting to $800,000 to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement. A change was inaugu-
rated in the whole system of timber agencies over State and railroad lands, by which the duties of '
agents were localized, and efficiency was so well established that many important trespasses were-
brought to light from which over $60,000 in penalties was collected and paid into the Treasury,
while as much more was subsequently realized from settlements agreed upon and proceedings
instituted. By decisive action on the part of the governor an unsettled printing claim of nearly
a hundred thousand dollars was met and defeated in the courts. During this period also appro-
priations were cut down, and the rate of taxation diminished. Governor Taylor bestowed unre-
mitting personal attention to details of business with a view of promoting the public interests
with strict economy, while his countenance and support was extended to all legitimate enter-
prises. He required the Wisconsin Central railroad company to give substantial assurance that
it would construct a branch line from Stevens Point to Portage City as contemplated by congress,
before issuing certificates for its land grants.
The closing year of the century of our national existence — 1875, was one somewhat discour-
aging to certain branches of the agricultural interests of Wisconsin. The previous Winter had
been an unusually severe one. A greater breadth of corn was planted than in any previous year
in the State, but the unusually late season, followed by frosts in August and September, entirely
ruined thousands of acres of that staple.
Fifteenth Administration. — Harrison Ludington, Governor — 1876-1877.
The fifteenth administration of Wisconsin commenced at noon on Monday, January 3, 1876,
by the inauguration of State officers — Harrison Ludington, as previously stated, having been
elected upon the republican ticket, to fill the chief executive office of the State ; the others, to
the residue of the offices, upon the democratic reform ticket : the governor, like three of his
predecessors — Farwell, Bashford, and Randall (first term) — having been chosen by a majority
less than one thousand ; and, like two of his predecessors — Farwell and Bashford — when all the
other State officers differed with him in politics.
The twenty-ninth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin began on the 12 th of Janu-
ary, 1876, at Madison. The republicans were in the majority in both houses. Samuel S.
Fifield was elected speaker of the assembly. On the 13th, Governor Ludington delivered in
person, to a joint convention of that body, his message, communicating the condition of affairs of
the State, and recommending such matters for the consideration of the legislators as were thought
expedient : it was brief; its style condensed ; its striking peculiarity, a manly frankness. " It is
not the part of wisdom," said he, in his concluding remarks, "to disguise the fact that the people
of this State, in common with those of all sections of the Union, have suffered some abatement of
the prosperity that they have enjoyed in the past.'' "We have entered," he continued, "upon
the centennial of our existence as an independent nation. It is fit that we should renew the spirit
in which the Republic had its birth, and our determination that it shall endure to fulfill the great
purposes of its existence, and to justify the noble sacrifices of its founders." The legislature
adjourned sine die on the 14th of March, 1876, after a session of sixty-three days. The chief
measures of the session were : The amendment of the railroad laws, maintaining salutary restric-
tions while modifying those features which were crippling and crushing an important interest of
the State ; and the apportionment of the State into senate and assembly districts. It is a pro-
vision of the constitution of the State that the number of the members of the assembly shall
never be Ipss than fifty-four, nor more than one hundred ; and that the senate shall consist of a
number not more than one-third nor less than one-fourth of the number of the members of the '
■WISCONSIN AS A STATE. 106
assembly. Since the year 1862, the aggregate allotted to both houses had been one hundred and
thirty-three, the maximum allowed by the constitution; one hundred in the assembly and thirty-
three in the senate. The number of this representation was not diminished by the apportion-
ment of 1876. One of the railroad laws abolished the board of railroad commissioners, confer-
ring its duties upon a railroad commissioner to be appointed by the governor every two years.
Under this law. DanaC. J^amb was appointed to that office, on the loth of March, 1876. On the
2d day of February, previous, George W. Burchard was by the governor appointed state prison
director for six years, in place of Joel Rich, whose term of office had expired. On the same day
T. C. Chamberlin was appointed chief geologist of Wisconsin in place of O. W. Wight.
The application of Miss Lavinia Goodell, for admission to the bar of Wisconsin, was
rejected by the supreme court of the State, at its January term, 1876. "We can not but think,"
jaid Chief Justice Ryan, in the decree of refusal, " we can not but think the common law wise
in excluding women from the profession of the law." "The profession," he added, "enters
largely into the well-being of society, and, to be honorably filled, and safely to society, exacts
the devotion of life. The law of nature destines and qualifies the female sex for the bearing
and nurture of the children of our race, and for the custody of the homes of the world, and
their maintenance in love and honor. And all life-long callings of women inconsistent with
these radical and social duties of their sex, as is the profession of the law, are departures from
the order of Nature, and, when voluntary, are treason against it." By a law since passed, no
person can be denied admission to any court in the State on account of sex ; and Miss Goodell
has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court.
By an act of the legislature, approved March 13, 1876, a State board of health was estab-
lished, the appointment of a superintendent of vital statistics, was provided for, and certain
duties were assigned to local boards of health. The State board was organized soon after;
the governor having previously appointed seven persons as its members. The object of the
organization, which is supported by the State, is, to educate the people of Wisconsin into a better
knowledge of the nature and causes of disease, and a better knowledge and observance of
hygienic laws.
By a law passed in 1868, as amended in 1870 and 1873, the secretp.ry of state, state
treasurer, and attorney general, were constituted a State board of assessment, to meet in the
city of Madison, on the third Wednesday in May, 1874, and biennally thereafter, to make an
equalized valuation of the property in the State, as a guide to assessment for taxation. In the
tables of equalized valuations compiled by this board in 1876, the whole amount of taxable
property in Wisconsin, is set down at $423,596,290 ; of which sum $337,073,148, represents real
estate and $86,523,142 personal property.
This being the year for the election of president and vice president of the United States,
the two political parties in Wisconsin — republican and deniocratic — had tickets in the ' field.
At the election on Tuesday, November 7, the republican presidential electors received a
majority of the votes cast in the State, securing Wisconsin for Hayes and Wheeler. The eight
congressional districts elected the same day their members to the forty-fifth congress, whose
terms of office would expire on the 4th of March, 1879. Charles G. Williams was elected in the
first district; Lucieh B. Caswell, in the second; George C. Hazelton, in the third; William P.
Lynde, in the fourth ; Edward S. Bragg, in the fifth ; Gabriel Bouck, in the sixth ; H. L.
Humphrey, in the seventh; and Thad. C. Pound, in the eighth district. A majority of the
delegation was republican, the representatives from the fourth, fifth and sixth districts only, being
democrats.
106 HISTORY or wiscoNsrur.
There was a general and spontaneous exhibition of patriotic impulses throughout the length
and breadth of Wisconsin, on the part of both native and foreign-born citizens, at the com-
mencement of the centennial year, and upon the fourth of July. The interest of the people of
the State generally, in the Exposition at Philadelphia, was manifested in a somewhat remarkable
manner from its inception to its close. By an act of congress, approved March 3, 187 1, pro-
vision was made for celebrating the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence, by
holding in that city, in 1876, an exhibition of arts, manufactures, and the products of the soil
and mines of the country. A centennial commission, consisting of one commissioner and one
alternate commissioner, from each State and Territory, was authorized to be appointed, to carry-
out the provisions of the act. David Atwood, as commissioner, and E. D. Holton, as alternate,
Were commissioned by the president of the United States, from Wisconsin. This commission
gradually made progress in preparing for an international exposition. " The commission has
been organized," said Governor Washburn, in his message to the legislature in January, 1873,
" and has made considerable progress in its work. The occasion will be one to which I'he
American people can not fail to respond in the most enthusiastic manner." The president of
the United States, by proclamation, in July, 1873, announced the exhibition and national celebra-
tion, and commended them to the people of the Union, and of all nations. " It seems fitting,"
said Governor Taylor, in his message to the Wisconsin legislature in 1874, " that such a cele-
bration of this important event, should be held, and it is hoped it will be carried out in a manner
worthy of a great and enlightened nation." By the close of 1874, a large number of foreign
governments had signified their intention to participate in the exhibition.
The legislature of Wisconsin, at its session in 1875, deeming it essential that the State,
with its vast resources in agricultural, mineral, lumbering, manufacturing, and other products
and irldustries, should be fully represented at Philadelphia, passed an act which was approved
March 3, 1875, to provide for a "Board of State Centennial Managers." Two thousand dollars
were appropriated to pay its necessary expenses. The board was to consist of five members to
be appointed by the governor ; and there were added thereto, as ex-officio members, the United
States centennial commissioner and his alternate. The duties of the members were to dis-
seminate information regarding the Exhibition ; to secure the co-operation of mdustrial, scien-
tific, agricultural, and other associations in the State ; to appoint co-operative local committees,
representing the different industries of the State ; to stimulate local action on all measures
intended to render the exhibition successful, and a worthy representation of the. industries of
the country ; to encourage the production of articles suitable for the Exhibition ; to distribute
documents issued by the centennial commission among manufacturers and others in the State; •
to render assistance in furthering the financial and other interests of the exhibition j to furnish
information to the commission on subjects that might be referred to the board; to care for the
interests of the State and of its citizens in matters relating to the exhibition ; to receive and
pronounce upon applications for space ; to apportion the space placed at its disposal among the
exhibitors from the State ; and to supervise such other details relating to the representation of
citizens of Wisconsin in the Exhibition, as might from time to time be delegated by the United
States centennial commission.
The board was required to meet on the first Wednesday of April, 1875, at the capitol,' in
Madison, to organize and adopt such by-laws and regulations as might be deemed necessary for
the successful prosecution of the work committed to their charge Governor Taylor appointed
Eli Stilson, J. I. Case, J. B. Parkinson, T. C. Pound, and E. A. Calkins, members of the board.
Its organization was perfected, at the appointed time, by the election of J. B. Parkinson as pre-
sident, and W. W. Field, secretary. The ex-officio members of the board, were David Atwood,
WISCONSIN AS A STATE. lOT
United States commissioner, and E. D. Helton, alternate From this time forward, the board
was untiring in its efforts to secure a full and proper representation of the varied interests of
Wisconsin in the centennial exhibition of 1876. E. A. Calkins having resigned his position as
member of the board, Adolph Meinecke took his place by appointment of the governor July
24, 1875. Governor Ludington, in his message to the legislature in January, 1876, spoke in
commendation of the coming exhibition. "The occasion," said he, "will afford an excellent
opportunity to display the resources and products of the State, and to attract hither capital and
immigration."
Soon after the organization of the United States centennial commission, a national organ-
ization of the women of the country was perfected. A lady of Philadelphia was placed at its
head; and 3 presiding officer from each State was appointed. Mrs. A. C. Thorp assumed the
duties of chairman for Wisconsin, in March, 1875, appointing assistants in various parts of the
State, when active work was commenced. This organization was efficient in Wisconsin in
arousing an interest in the general purposes and objects of the exhibition.
By an act of the legislature, approved March 3, 1876, the sum of twenty thousand dollars
was appropriated to the use of the board of centennial managers, for the purpose of arranging
for, and making a proper exhibition of, the products, resources, and advantages of the State at
the exposition. The treasurer of Wisconsin was, by this act, made an ex-officio member of the
board. By this and previous action of the legislature — by efforts put forth by the board of
managers — by individual enterprise — by the untiring labors of the "Women's Centennial Execu-
tive Committee," to whom, by an act of the legislature, approved the 4th of March, 1875, one
thousand dollars were appropriated — Wisconsin was enabled to take a proud and honorable
position in the Centennial Exposition — a gratification not only to the thousands of her citizens
who visited Philadelphia during its continuance, but to the people generally, throughout the
State.
In Wisconsin, throughout the centennial year, those engaged in the various branches of
agriculture and other useful avocations, were reasonably prosperous. The crop of wheat and
oats was a light yield, and of poor quality ; but the corn crop was the largest ever before raised
in the State, and of superior quality. The dairy and hog product was large, and commanded
remunerative prices. Fruits were unusually plenty. Trade and business enterprises, however,
generally remained depressed.
By section five of article seven of the constitution of Wisconsin, the counties of the State
were apportioned into five judicial circuits : the county of Richland being attached to Iowa,
Chippewa to Crawford, and La Pointe to St. Croix. In 1850, the fifth circuit was divided, and a
sixth circuit formed. In 1864, Crawford and Richland were made part of the fifth circuit. By
an act which took effect in 1854, a seventh circuit was formed. On the first day of January,
1855, the sixth circuit was divided, and an eighth and ninth circuit formed, the county of
Columbia being made a part of the last mentioned one. In the same year was also formed a
tenth circuit; and, in 1858, Winnebago county was attached to it; but, in 1870, that county was
attached to the third circuit. In 1858, Kewaunee county was attached to the fourth circuit.
An eleventh circuit was formed in 1864, from which, in 1865, Dallas county was detached, and
made part of the eighth. By an act which took effect on the first day of January, 1871, the
twelfth circuit was formed. In 1876, a thirteenth circuit was " constituted and re-organized."
At that time, the whole sixty counties of the State stood apportioned in the thirteen judicial
circuits as follows: First circuit, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha; second £Jrcuit, Milwaukee,
and Waukesha; third circuit. Green Lake, Dodge, Washington, Ozaukee, and Winnebago;
fourth circuit, Sheboygan, Calumet, Kewaunee, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc ; fifth circuit.
108
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
Grant, Iowa, La Fayette, Richland, and Crawford ; sixth circuit, Clark, Jackson, Monroe, La
Crosse, and Vernon ; seventh circuit, Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Wood, Waushara, Lincoln,
and Taylor; eighth circuit, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix; ninth circuit, Adams, Columbia!,
Dane, Juneau, Sauk and Marquette ; tenth circuit, Outagamie, Oconto, Shawano, Door, and
Brown : eleventh circuit, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, and Polk ;
twelfth circuit. Rock, Green, and Jefferson ; and the thirteenth circuit, Buffalo, Eau Claire, and
Trempeleau, Marinette and New are now in the tenth ; Price is in the seventh circuit.
The thirtieth regular session of the legislature of Wisconsin commenced, pursuant to law,
on the loth of January, 1877. The republicans had working majorities in both houses. J. B.
Cassoday was elected Speaker of the Assembly. Governor Ludington delivered" his message to
the joint convention of the legislature the following day. " We should not seek," said he, in
his concluding remarks, " to conceal from ourselves the fact that the prosperity which our people
have enjoyed for a number of years past, has suffered some interruption. Agriculture has ren-
dered less return; labor in all departments has been less productive, and trade has consequently
been less active, and has realized a reduced percentage of profit." " These adverse circum-
stances," continued the governor, " will not be wholly a misfortune if we heed the lesson that
they convey. This lesson is the necessity of strict economy in public and private affairs. We
have been living upon a false basis ; and the time has now come when we must return to a solid
foundation." The legislature adjourned sine die on the 8th of March, after a session of fifty-
eight days, passing three hundred and one acts — one hundred and thirteen less than at the
session of 1876. The most important of these, as claimed by the dominant party which passed
it, is one for the maintenance of the purity of the ballot box, known as the " Registry Law." On
the 3d day of April, at the regular Spring election, William P. Lyon was re-elected, without
opposition, an associate justice of the supreme court for six years from the first Monday in
January, 1878, his term of office expiring on the first Monday of January, 1884.
Under a law of 1876, to provide for the revision of the statutes of the State, the justices of
the supreme court were authorized to appoint three revisors. The persons receiving the appoint-
ment were David Taylor, William F. Vilas and J. P. C. Cottrill. By an amendatory law of 1877,
for the purpose of having the revision completed for the session of 1878, the justices of the
supreme court were authorized to appoint two additional revisors, and assign them special duties
on the commission. H. S. Orton was appointed to revise the criminal law and proceedings, and
J. H. Carpenter to revise the probate laws.
Governor Ludington declined being a candidate for renomination. His administration was
characterized as one of practical efficiency. As the chief executive officer of Wisconsin, he kept
in view the best interests of the State. In matters coming under his control, a rigid system of
economy prevailed.
There were three tickets in the field presented to the electors of Wisconsin for their suffrages
at the general election held on the sixth of November, 1877 : republican, democratic, and the
"greenback" ticket. The republicans were successful, electing William E. Smith, governor;
James M. Bingham, lieutenant governor; Hans B. Warner, secretary of state; Richard Guenther,
treasurer ; Alexander Wilson, attorney general ; and William C. Whitford, state superintendent
of public instruction. At the same election two amendments to the constitution of the State
were voted upon and both adopted. The first one amends section four of article seven ; so that,
hereafter, " the supreme court shall consist of one chief justice and four associate justices, to be
elected by the qualified electors of the State. The legislature shall, at its first session after the
adoption of this amendment, provide by law for the election of two associase justices of said
court, to hold their offices respectively for terms ending two and four years, respectively after the
WISCONSIN AS A STATE.
109
end of the term of the justice of the said court then last to expire. And thereafter the chief
justices and associate justices of said court shall be elected and hold their offices respectively
for the term of ten years." The second one amends section two of article eight ; so that, here-
after, " no money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation by
law. No appropriation shall be made for the payment of any claim against the State, except
claims of the United States, and judgments, unless filed within six years after the claim accrued."
The year 1877, in Wisconsin, was notable for excellent crops. A depression in monetary
matters continued, it is true, but not without a reasonable prospect of a change for the better
within the near future.
Sixteenth Administration. — William E. Smith, Governor — 1878 — 1879.
At noon, on Monday, January 7, 1878, began the sixteenth administration of Wisconsin, by
the inauguration of the State officers elect. On , the 9th of the same month, commenced the
thirty-first regular session of the Legislature. A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly.
On the day following. Governor Smith delivered his message — a calm, business-like document — to
the Legislature. Both Houses adjourned sine die on the 21st of March following. On the ist day
of April, Harlow S. Orton and David Taylor were elected Associate Justices of the Supreme Court;
the term of the first named to expire on the first Monday of January, 1888 ; that of the last men-
tioned, on the first Monday of January, 1886. In obedience to a proclamation of the Governor,
the Legislature convened on the 4th day of June, A. D. 1878, in extra session, to revise the statutes,
A. R. Barrows was elected Speaker of the Assembly. The Legislature adjourned sine die on the
7th of the same month. In November following, the members chosen to the Forty-sixth Congress
were C. G. Williams, in the First District ; L. B. Caswell, in the Second ; George C. Hazelton, in
the Third ; P. V. Deuster, in the Fourth ; E. S. Bragg, in the Fifth ; Gabriel Bouck, in the Sixth ;
H. L. Humphrey, in the Seventh ; and T. C. Pound, in the Eighth. The thirty-second regular
session of the Legislature commenced on the 8th day of January, 1879. D. M. Kelly was elected
Speaker of the Assembly ; the next day, the message of the Governor — a brief, but able State
paper — was delivered to both Houses. On the 21st, Matthew H. Carpenter was elected United
States Senator for six years, from the 4th of March thereafter, in place of Timothy O. Howe.
The Legislature adjourned sine die on the 5th of March, 1879. Ori the ist day of April following,
Orsamus Cole was elected Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, for a term of ten years.
Wisconsin has many attractive features. It is a healthy, fertile, well-watered and well-wooded
State. Every where within its borders the rights of each citizen are held sacred. Intelligence and
education are prominent characteristics of its people. All the necessaries and many of the comforts
and luxuries of life are easily to be obtained. Agriculture, the chief source of wealth to so many
nations, is here conducted with profit and success. Generally speaking, the farmer owns the
land he cultivates. Here, the laboring man, if honest and industrious, is most certain to secure
a competence for himself and family. Few States have made more ample provisions for the
unfortunate — the deaf and dumb, the blind, and the insane — than has Wisconsin. Nor has she
been less interested in her reformatory and penal institutions. In her educational facilities, she
already rivals the most advanced of her sister States. Her markets are easily reached by rail-
ways and water-navigation, so that the products of the country find ready sale. Her commerce
is extensive ; her manufactures remunerative ; her natural resources great and manifold. In
morality and religion, her standard is high. Her laws are lenient, but not lax, securing the
greatest good to those who are disposed to live up to their requirements. Wisconsin has, in
fact, all the essential elements of prosperity and good government. Exalted and noble, there-
fore, must be her future career.
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.
By T. C. CHAMBERLIN, A. M., State Geologist.
The surface features of Wisconsin are simple and symmetrical in character, and present a con-
figuration intermediate between the mountainous, on the one hand, and a monotonous level, on the
other. The highest summits within the state rise a little more than 1,200 feet above its lowest sur-
faces. A few exceptional peaks rise from 400 to 600 ieet above their bases, but abrupt elevations of
more than 200 or 300 feet are not common. Viewed as a whole, the state may be regarded as oc-
cupying a swell of land lying between three notable depressions ; Lake Michigan on the east, about
578 feet above the mean tide of the ocean. Lake Superior on the north, about 600 feet above the
sea, and the valley of the Mississippi river, whose elevation at the Illinois state line is slightly below
that of Lake Michigan. From these depressions the surface slopes upward to the summit altitudes
of the state. But the rate of ascent is unequal. From Lake Michigan the surface rises by a long,
gentle acclivity westward and northward. A similar slope ascends from the Mississippi valley to
meet this, and their junction forms a north and south arch extending nearly the entire length of tb°
state. From Lake Superior the surface ascends rapidly to the watershed, which it reaches within
about thirty miles of the lake.
If we include the contiguous portion of the upper peninsula of Michigan, the whole elevation
may be looked upon as a very low, rude, three-sided pyramid, with rounded angles. The apex is
near the Michigan line, between the headwaters of the Montreal and Brule rivers. The
northern side is short and abrupt. The southeastward and southwestward sides are long, and
decline gently. The base of this pyramid may be considered as, in round numbers, 600 feet
above the sea, and its extreme apex 1,800 feet.
Under the waters of Lake Michigan the surface of the land passes below the sea level
before the limits of the state are reached. Under Lake Superior the land-surface descends to
even greater depths, but probably not within the boundaries of the state. The regularity of the
southward slopes is interrupted in a very interesting way by a remarkable diagonal valley
occupied by Green bay and the Fox and Wisconsin rivers. This is a great groove, traversing
the state obliquely, and cutting down the central elevation half its height. A line passing across,
the surface, from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, at any other point, would arch upward from
about 400 to 1,000 feet, according to the location, while along the trough of this valley it would
reach an elevation barely exceeding 200 feet. On the northwest side of this trough, in general,,
the surface rises somewhat gradually, giving at most points much amplitude to the valley, but
on the opposite side, the slope ascends rapidly to a well marked watershed that stretches across
the state parallel to the valley. At Lake Winnebago, this diagonal valley is connected with a
scarcely less notable one, occupied by the Rock river. Geologically, this Green-bay -Rock-
topogrtO'hy and geology. Ill
liver valley is even more noticeable, since it lies along the trend of the underlying strata, and
was in large measure plowed out of a soft stratum by glacial action. Where it crosses the water-
shed, near Horicon marsh, it presents the same general features that are seen at other points,
and in an almost equally conspicuous degree. Except in the southern part of the state, this
valley is confined on the east by an abrupt ascent, and, at many points, by a precipitous, rocky
acclivity, known as "The Ledge " — which is the projecting edge of the strata of the Niagara
limestone. On the watershed referred to — between the St. Lawrence and Mississippi basins —
this ledge is as conspicuous and continuous as at other points, so that we have here again the
phenomenon of a valley formed by excavation, running up over an elevation of 300 feet, and
connecting two great systems of drainage.
On the east side of this valley, as already indicated, there is a sharp ascent of 200 feet,
on an average, from the crest of which the surface slopes gently down to Lake Michigan. The
uniformity of this slope is broken by an extended line of drift hills, lying obliquely along it and
extending from Kewaunee county southward to the Illinois line and known as the Kettle range.
A less conspicuous range of similar character branches off from this in the northwest corner of
Walworth county and passes across the Rock river valley, where it curves northward, passing
west of Madison, crossing the great bend in the Wisconsin river, and bearing northeastward
into Oconto county, where it swings round to the westward and crosses the northern part of the
state. As a general topographical feature it is not conspicuous and is rather to be conceived as
a peculiar chain of drift hills winding over the surface of the state, merely interrupting in some
degree the regularity of its slopes There will be occasion to return to this feature in our
discussion of the drift. It will be observed that the southeastward slope is interrupted By
valleys running across it, rudely parallel to Lake Michigan, and directing its drainage northward
and southward, instead of directing it down the slope into the lake.
The Mississippi slope presents several conspicuous ridges and valleys, but their trend is
toward the great river, and they are all due, essentially, to the erosion of the streams that
channel the slope. One of these ridges constitutes the divide south of the Wisconsin river,
already referred to. Another of these, conspicuous by reason of its narrowness and sharpness,
lies between the Kickapoo and the Mississippi, and extends through Crawford, Vernon and
Monroe counties. Still another is formed by the quartzite ranges of Sauk county and others
of less prominence give a highly diversified cha;acter to the slope.
Scattered over the surface of the state are prominent hills, some swelling upward into rounded
domes, some rising symmetrically into conical peaks, some ascending precipitously into castel-
lated towers, and some reaching prominence without regard to beauty of form or convenience of
description. A part of these hills were formed by the removal by erosion of the surrounding
strata, and a part by the heaping up of drift material by the glacial forces. In the former case,
they are composed of rock; in the latter, of clay, sand, gravel and bowlders. The two forms
are often combined. The highest peak in the southwestern part of the state is the West
Blue mound, which is r,i5i feet above Lake Michigan; in the eastern part, Lapham's peak, 824
feet, and in the central part, Rib hill, 1263 feet. The crest of Penokee range in the northern
part of the state rises 1,000 feet, and upwards, above Lake Michigan.
The drainage systems correspond in general to these topograpical features, though several
minor eccentricities are to be observed. The streams of the Lake Superior system plunge
rapidly down their steep slopes, forming numerous falls, some of them possessing great beauty,
prominent among which are those of the Montreal river. On the southern slope, the rivers, in the
upper portion of their courses, likewise descend rapidly, though less so, producing a succession
of rapids and cascades, and an occasional cataract. In the lower part of their courses, the
112 HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN.
descent becomes much more gentle and many of them are navigable to, a greater or less extent.
The rivers west of the Wisconsin pursue an essentially direct course to the Mississippi,
attended of course with minor flexures. The Wisconsin river lies, for the greater part of its
course, upon the north and south arch of the state, but on encountering the diagonal valley
above mentioned it turns southwestward to the "Father of Waters." The streams east of the
Wisconsin flow southerly and southeasterly until they likewise encounter this valley when they
turn in the opposite direction and discharge northeasterly into Lake Michigan, through Green
bay. Between the Green-bay-Rock-river valley and Lake Michigan, the drainage is again in
the normal southeasterly direction. In the southern part of the state, the rivers flow in a gen-
eral southerly direction, but, beyond the state, turn westward toward the Mississippi.
If the courses of the streams be studied in detail, many exceedingly interesting and instruc-
tive features will be observed, due chiefly to peculiarities of geological structure, some of which
will be apparent by inspecting the accompanying geological map. Our space, however,
forbids our entering upon the subject here.
The position of the watershed between the great basins of the Mississippi and the St. Law-
rence is somewhat peculiar. On the Illinois line, it lies only three and one half miles from Lake
Michigan and about 160 feet above its surface. As traced northward from this point, it retires
from the lake and ascends in elevation till it approaches the vicinity of Lake Winnebago, when
it recurves upon itself and descends to the portage between the Fox and the Wisconsin rivers,
whence it pursues a northerly course to the heights of Michigan, when it turns westward and
passes in an undulating course across the northern part of the state. It will be observed that
much the greater area of the state is drained by the Mississippi system.
The relationship which the drainage channels have been observed to sustain to the topo-
graphical features is partly that of cause and partly that of effect. The general arching of the
surface, giving rise to the main slopes, is due to deep-seated geological causes that produce an
upward swelling of the center of the state. This determined the general drainage systems. On
the other hand, the streams, acting upon strata of varying hardness, and presenting different atti-
tudes, wore away the surface unequally and cut for themselves anomalous channels, leaving
corresponding divides between, which gave origin to the minor irregularities that diversify the
surface. In addition to this, the glacier — that grea.t ice stream, the father of the drift — planed
and plowed the surface and heaped up its debris upon it, modifying both the surface and drainage
features Looked at from a causal standpoint, we see the results of internal forces elevating, and
external agencies cutting down, or, in a word, the face of the state is the growth of geologic ages
furrowed by the teardrops of the skies.
GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
In harmony with the historical character of this atlas, it may be most acceptable to weave
our brief sketch of the geological structure of the state into the form of a narrative of its growth.
THE ARCHAEAN AGE.
LAURKNTIAN PERIOD.
The physical history of Wisconsin can be traced back with certainty to a state of complete
submergence beneath the waters of the ancient ocean, by which the material of our oldest and
deepest strata were deposited. Let an extensive but shallow sea, covering the whole of the
present territory of the state, be pictured to the mind, and let it be imagined to be depositing
TOPOGEAPHY AND GEOLOGY 113
mud and sand, as at the present day. and we have before us the first authentic stage of the history
under consideration. Back of that, the history is lost in the mists of geologic antiquity. The
thickness of the sediments that accumulated in that early period was immense, being measured
by thousands of feet. These sediments occupied of course an essentially horizontal position, and
were, doubtless, in a large degree hardened into beds of impure sandstone, shale, and other sedi-
mentary rock. But in the progress of time an enormous pressure, attended by heat, was brought
to bear upon them laterally, or edgewise, by which they were folded and crumpled, and forced
up out of the water, giving rise to an island, the nucleus of Wisconsin. The force which pro-
duced this upheaval is iDelieved to have arisen from the cooling and consequent contraction of
the globe. The foldings may be imaged as the wrinkles of a shrinking earth. But the contor-
tion of the beds was a scarcely more wonderful result than the change in the character of the
rock which seems to have taken place simultaneously with the folding, indeed, as the result of the
heat and pressure attending it. The sediments, that seem to have previously taken the form of
impure sandstone and shale for the most part, underwent a change, in which re-arrangement and
crystalization of the ingredients played a conspicuous part. By this raetamorphism, granite, gneiss,
mica schist, syenite, hornblende rocks, chloritic schists and other crystalline rocks were formed.
These constitute the Laurentian formation and belong to the most ancient period yet distinctly
recognized in geology, although there were undoubtedly more ancient rocks. They are therefore
very fittingly termed Archaean — ancient — rocks (formerly Azoic.) No remains of life have been
found in this formation in Wisconsin, but from the natureof rocks elsewhere, believed to be of the
same age, it is probable that the lowest forms of life existed at this time. It is not strange that
the great changes through which the rocks have passed should have so nearly obliterated all
traces of them. The original extent of this Laurentian island can not now be accurately ascer-
tained, but it will be sufficiently near the truth for our present purposes to consider the formation
as it is now exposed, and as it is represented on the maps of the geological survey, as showing
approximately the original extent. This will make it include a large area in the north-central
portion of the state and a portion of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All the rest of the state
was beneath the ocean, and the same may be said of the greater portion of the United States
The height of this island was doubtless considerable, as it has since been very much cut down by
denuding agencies. The strata, as now exposed, mostly stand in highly inclined attitudes and
present their worn edges to view. The tops of the folds, of which they are the remnants, seem
to have been cut away, and we have the nearly vertical sides remaining.
HURONIAN PERIOD.
As soon as the Laurentian island had been elevated, the waves of the almost shoreless
ocean began to beat against it, the elements to disintegrate it, and the rains of the then tropical
climate to wash it ; and the sand, clay and other debris, thus formed, were deposited beneath the
waters around its base, giving rise to a new sedimentary formation. There is no evidence that
there was any vegetation on the island : the air and water were, doubtless, heavily charged with
carbonic acid, an efficient agent of disintegration : the climate was warm and doubtless very
moist — circumstances which combined to hasten the erosion of the island and increase the
deposition in the surrounding sea. In addition to these agencies, we judge from the large amount
of carbonaceous matter contained in some of the beds, that there must have been an abundance
of marine vegetation, and, from the limestone beds that accumulated, it is probable that there
was marine animal life also, since in later ages that was the chief source of limestone strata.
The joint accumulations from these several sources gave rise to a series of shales, sandstones
and limestones, whose combined thickness was several thousand feet.
114 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
At length the process of upheaval and metamorphism that closed the Laurentian period
Was repeated, and these sandstones became quartzites; the limestones were crysfalized, the
shales were changed to slates or schists, and intermediate grades of sediments became diorites,
quartz- porphyries and other forms of crystalline rocks. The carbonaceous matter was changed
in part to graphite. There were also associated with these deposits extensive beds of iron ore,
which we now find chiefly in the form of magnetite, hematite and specular ore. These constitute
the Huronian rocks. From the amount of iron ore they contain, they are also fittingly termed
the iron-bearing series. As in the preceding case, the strata were contorted, flexed and folded,
and the whole island was further elevated, carrying with it these circumjacent strata, by which
its extent was much enlarged. The area of the island after receiving this increment was con-
siderably greater than the surface represented as Laurentian and Huronian on the accompanying
map, since it was subsequently covered to a considerable extent by later formations. Penokec
range, in Ashland county, is the most conspicuous development of the Huronian rocks in the
state. The upturned edge of the formation forms a bold rampart, extending across the country
for sixty miles, making the nearest approach to a mountain range to be found within the state.
A belt of magnetic schist may be traced nearly its entire length. In the northern part of
Oconto coufity ,there is also an important development of this formation, being an extension
of the Menomonee iron-bearing series. A third af ea is found in Barron county, which includes
deposits of pipestone. In the south central part of the state there are a considerable number
of small areas and isolated outliers of quartzite and quartz- porphyry, that, without much doubt,
belong to this series. The most conspicuous of these are the Baraboo quartzite ranges, in
Sauk and Columbia counties, and from thence a chain of detached outliers extends northeasterly
through several counties. The most southerly exposure of the formation is near Lake Mills, in
Jefferson county.
THE COPPER-BEARING SERIES.
Previous to the upheaval of the Huronian strata, there occurred in the Lake Superior region
events of peculiar and striking interest. If we may not speak with absolute assurance, we may
at least say with reasonable probability, that the crust of the earth was fissured in that re-TJon,
and that there issued frorn beneath an immense mass of molten rock, that spread itself over an
area of more than three hundred miles in length and one hundred miles in width. The action
was not confined to a single overflow, but eruption followed eruption, sometimes apparently in
quick succession, sometimes evidently at long intervals. Each outpouring, when solidified,
formed a stratum of trap rock, and where these followed each other without any intervening
deposit, a series of trappean beds were formed. In some cases, however, an interval occurred,
during which the waves, acting upon the rock previously formed, produced a bed of sand, gravel
and clay, which afterward solidified into sandstone, conglomerate and shale. The history of
these beds is lithographed on their surface in beautiful ripple-marks and other evidences of wave-
action. After the cessation of the igneous eruptions, there accumulated a vast thickness of
sandstone, shale and conglomerate, so that the whole series is literally miles in thickness.
The eruptive portions have been spoken of as traps, for convenience; but they do not now
possess the usual characteristics of igneous rocks, and appear to have undergone a chemical
metamorphism by which the mineral ingredients have been changed, the leading ones now being
an iron chlorite and a feldspar, with which are associated, as accessory minerals, quartz, epidote,
prenite, calcite, laumontite, analcite, datolite, magnetite, native copper and silver, and, more
rarely, other minerals. The rock, as a whole, is now known as a melaphyr. The upper portion
of each bed is usually characterized by almond-sized cells filled with the minerals above men-
tioned, giving to the rock an amygdaloidal nature. The native copper was not injected in a
(deceased) WAUKESHA.
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 115
molten state, as has very generally been supposed, but was deposited by chemical means after
the beds were formed and after a portion of the chemical change of the minerals above mentioned
had been accomplished. The same is true of the silver. The copper occurs in all the different
forms of rock — the melaphyrs, amygdaloids, sandstones, shales and conglomerates, but most
abundantly in the amygdaloids and certain conglomerates.
This series extends across the northern portion of the state, occupying portions of Ashland,
Bayfield, Douglas, Burnett and Polk counties. When the Huronian rocks were elevated, they
carried these up with them, and they partook of the folding in some measure. The copper-
bearing range of Keweenaw Point, Michigan, extends southwestward through Ashland, Burnett
•and Polk counties, and throughout this whole extent the beds dip north-northwesterly toward
Lake Superior, at a high angle; but in Douglas and Bayfield counties there is a parallel range
in which the beds incline in the opposite direction, and undoubtedly form the opposite side of a
trough formed by a downward flexure of the strata.
PALEOZOIC TIME — SILU RIAN AGE.
Potsdam Sandstone.
After the great Archaean upheaval, there followed a long period, concerning wnich very little
13 known — a " lost interval " in geological history. It is only certain that immense erosion of
the Archaean strata took place, and that in time the sea advanced upon the island, eroding its
strata and redepositing the wash and wear beneath its surface. The more resisting beds with-
stood this advance, and formed reefs and rocky islands off the ancient shore, about whose bases
the sands and sediments accumulated, as they did over the bottom of the surrounding ocean.
The breakers, dashing against the rocky cliffs, threw down masses of rock, which imbedded them-
selves in the sands, or were rolled and rounded on the beach, and at length were buried, in
either case, to tell their own history, when they should be again disclosed by the ceaseless gnaw-
ings of the very elements that had buried them. In addition to the accumulations of wash and
wear that have previously been the main agents of rock-formations, abundant life now swarms in
the ocean, and the sands become the great cemetery of its dead. Though the contribution of each
little being was small, the myriad millions that the waters brought forth, yielded by their remains,
a large contribution to thfe accumulating sediments. Among plants, there were sea-weeds, and
among animals, protozoans, radiates, mollusks and articulates, all the sub-kingdoms except the
vertebrates. Among these, the most remarkable, both in nature and number, were the trilobites,
who have left their casts in countless multitudes in certain localities. The result of the action
of these several agencies was the formation of extensive beds of sandstone, with interstratified
layers of limestone and shale. These surrounded the Archaean nucleus on all sides, and reposed
on its flanks. On the Lake Superior margin, the sea acted mainly upon the copper and iron-
bearing series, which are highly ferruginous, and the result wa; the red Lake Superior sandstone.
On the opposite side of the island, the wave-action was mainly upon quartzites, porphyries and
'granites, and resulted in light-colored sandstones. The former is confined to the immediate
vicinity of Lake Superior; the latter occupies a broad, irregular belt bordering the Archaean
area on the south, and, being widest in the central part of the state, is often likened to a rude
crescent. The form and position of the area will be best apprehended by referring to the
accompanying map. It will be understood from the foregoing description, that the strata of this
formation lie in a nearly horizontal position, and repose unconformably upon the worn surface
of the crystalline rocks. The close of this period was not marked by any great upheaval; there
116 HISTOEY OF "WISCONSIN.
was no crumpling or metamorphism of the strata, an(l they have remained to the present day
very much as they were originally deposited, save a slight arching upward in the central
portion of the state. The beds have been somewhat compacted by the pressure of superin-
cumbent strata and solidified by the cementing action of calcareous and ferruginous waters, and
by their own coherence, but the original character of the formation, as a great sand-bed, has not
been obliterated. It still bears the ripple-marks, cross-lamination, worm-burrows, and similar
markin:gs that characterize a sandy beach. Its thickness is very irregular, owing to the uneven-
ness of its Archaean bottom, and may be said to range from i,ooo feet downward. The strata
slope gently away from the Archaean core of the state and underlie all the later formations, and
may be reached at any point in southern Wisconsin by penetrating to a sufficient depth, which
can be calculated with an approximate correctness. As it is a water-bearing formation, and the
source of fine Artesian wells, this is a fact of much importance. The interbedded layers of lime-
stone and shale, by supplying impervious strata, very much enhance its value as a source of
fountains.
Lower Magnesian Limestone.
During the previous period, the accumulation of sandstone gave place for a time to the
formation of limestone, and afterward the deposit of sandstone was resumed. At its close, with-
out any very marked disturbance of existing conditions, the formation of limestone was resumed,
and progressed with little interruption till a thickness ranging from 50 to 250 feef was attained.
This variation is due mainly to irregularities of the upper surface of the formation, which is
undulating, and in some localities, may appropriately be termed billowy, the surface rising and
falling ICO feet, in some cases, within a short distance. This, and the preceding similar deposit,
have been spoken of as limestones simply, but they are really dolomites, or magnesian limestones,
since they contain a large proportion of carbonate of magnesia. This rock also contains a
notable quantity of silica, which occurs disseminated through the mass of the rock; or, variously,
as nodules or masses of chert ; as crystals of quartz, filling or lining drusy cavities, forming
beautiful miniature grottos; as the nucleus of oolitic concretions, or as sand. Some argillaceous
matter also enters into its composition, and small quantities of the ores of iron, lead and copper,
are sometimes found, but they give little promise of value. The evidences of life are very
scanty. Some sea-weeds, a few moUusks, and an occasional indication of other forms of life
embrace the known list, except at a few favored localities where a somewhat ampler fauna is
found. But it is not, therefore, safe to assume the absence of life in the depositing seas, for it
is certain that most limestone has orignated from the remains of animals and plants that secrete
calcareous material, and it is most consistent to believe that such was the case in the present
instance, and that the distinct traces of life were mostly obliterated. This formation occupies an
irregular belt skirting the Potsdam area. It was, doubtless, originally a somewhat uniform band
swinging around the nucleus of the state already formed, but it has since been eroded by
streams to its present jagged outline.
St. Peter's Sandstone.
At the close of this limestone-making period, there appears to have been an interval of which
we have no record, and the next chapter of the history introduces us to another era of sand
accumulation. The work began by the leveling up of the inequalities of the surface of the Lower
Magnesian limestone, and it ceased before that was entirely accomplished in all parts of the
State, for a few prominences were left projecting through the sand deposits. The material laid .
down consisted of a silicious sand, of uniform, well-rounded — doubtless well-rolled — grains. This
was evidently deposited horizontally upon the uneven limestone surface, and so rests in a sense
TOPOGKAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 117
unconformably upon it. Where the sandstone abuts against the sides of the limestone promi-
nences, it is mingled with material derived by wave action from them, which tells the story of
its formation. But aside from these and other exceptional impurities, the formation is a very
pure sandstone, and is used for glass manufacture. At most points, the sandstone has never become
firmly cemented and readily crumbles, so that it is used for mortar, the simple handling with pick
and shovel being sufficient to reduce it to a sand. Owing to the unevenness of its bottom, it
varies greatly in thickness, the greatest yet observed being 212 feet, but the average is less than
100 feet. Until recently, no organic remains had ever been found in it, and the traces no<v col-
lected are very meager indeed, but they are sufficient to show the existence of marine life, and
demonstrate that it is an oceanic deposit. The rarity of fossils is to be attributed to the porous
nature of the rock, which is unfavorable to their preservation. This porosity, however, subserves
a very useful purpose, as it renders this pre-eminently a water-bearing horizon, and supplies some
of the finest Artesian fountains in the state, and is. competent to furnish many more. It occupies
but a narrow area at the surface, fringing that of the Lower Magnesian limestone on the south,
Trenton Limestone.
A slight change in the oceanic conditions caused a return to limestone formation, accompa-
nied with the deposit of considerable clayey material, which formed shale. The origin of the
limestone is made evident by a close examination of it, which shows it to be full of fragments of
shells, corals, and other organic remains, or the impressions they have left. Countless numbers
of the lower forms of life flourished in the seas, and left their remains to be comminuted and
consolidated into limestone. A part of the time, the accumulation of clayey matter predominated,
and so layers of shale alternate with the limestone beds, and shaly leaves and partings occur in
the limestone layers. Unlike the calcareous strata above and below, a portion of these are true
limestone, containing but a very small proportion ol magnesia. A sufficient amount of carbon-
aceous matter is present in some layers to cause them to burn readily. This formation is quite
highly metalliferous in certain portions of the lead region, containing zinc especially, and con-
siderable lead, with less quantities of other metals. The formation abounds in fossils, many of
them well preserved, and, from their great antiquity, they possess uncommon interest. All the
animal sub-kingdoms, except vertebrates, are represented. The surface area of this rock borders
the St. Peter's sandstone, but, to avoid too great complexity on the map, it is not distinguished from
the next formation to which it is closely allied. Its thickness reaches 120 feet.
The Galena Limestone.
With scarcely a change of oceanic conditions, limestone deposit continued, so that w€ find
reposing upon the surface of the Trenton limestone, 250 feet, or less, of a light gray or buff
colored highly magnesian limestone, occurring in heavy beds, and having a sub-crystalline struc-
ture. In the southern portion of the state, it contains but little shaly matter, but in the north-
eastern part, it is modified by the addition of argillaceous layers and leaves, and presents a bluish
or greenish-gray aspect. It receives its name from the sulphide of lead, — galena, of which it
contains large quantities, in the southwestern part of the state. Zinc ore is also abundant, and
these minerals give to this and the underlying formation great importance in that region. Else-
where, although these ores are present in small quantities, they have not developed economic
importance. This limestone, though changing its nature, as above stated, occupies a large area in
the southwestern part of the state, and a broad north and south belt in east-central Wisconsin.
It will be seen that our island is growing apace by concentric additions, and that, as the several
formations sweep around the central nucleus of Archaean rocks, they swing off into adjoining
states, whose formation was somewhat more tardy than that of Wisconsin
118 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
Cincinnati Shales.
A change ensued upon the formation of the Galena limestone, by virtue of which there fol-
lowed the deposition of large quantities of clay, accompanied by some calcareous material, the
whole reaching at some points a thickness of more than 200 feet. The sediment has never
become more than partially indurated, and a portion of it is now only a bed of compact clay.
Other portions hardened to shale or limestone according to the material. The shales are of
various gray, green, blue, purple and other hues, so that where vertical cliffs are exposed, as along
Green bay, a beautiful appearance is presented. As a whole, this is a very soft formation, and
hence easily eroded. Owing to this fact, along the east side of the Green-bay-Rock-river val-
ley, it has been extensively carried away, leaving the hard overlying Niagara limestone projecting
in the bold cliffs known as " The Ledge." The prominence of the mounds in the southwestern
part of the state are due to a like cause. Certain portions of this formation abound in astonish-
ing numbers of well preserved fossils, among which corals, bryozoans, and brachiopods, pre-
dominate, the first named being especially abundant. A little intelligent attention to these might
have saved a considerable waste of time and means in an idle search for coal, to which a slight
resemblance to some of the shales of the coal measures has led. This formation underlies the
mounds of the lead region, and forms a narrow belt on the eastern margin of the Green-bay-Rock-
river valley. This was the closing period of the Lower Silurian Age.
Clinton Iron Ore.
On the surface of the shales just described, there were accumulated, here and there, beds of pecu-
liar lenticular iron .ore. It is probable that it was deposited in detached basins, but the evidence
' of this is not conclusive. In our own state, this is chiefly known as Iron Ridge ore, from the
remarkable development it attains at that point. It is made up of little concretions, which from
their size and color are fancied to resemble flax seed, and hence the name " seed ore," or the
roe of fish, and hence oolitic ore. "Shot ore" is also a. common term. This is a soft 6re occur-
ring in regular horizontal beds which are quarried with more ease than ordinary limestone. This
deposit attains, at Iron Ridge, the unusual thickness of twenty-five feet, and affords a readily
accessible supply of ore, adequate to all demands for a long time to come. Similar, but much
less extensive beds, occur at Hartford, and near Depere, besides some feeble deposits elsewhere.
Large quantities of ore from Iron Ridge have been sh'pped to various points in this and neigh-
boring States for reduction, in addition to that sme ted in the vicinity of the mines.
Niagara Limestone.
Following the period of iron deposit, there ensued the greatest Umestone-forming era in the
history of Wisconsin. During its progress a series of beds, summing up, at their points of great-
est thickness, scarcely less th in eight hundred feet, were laid down. The process of formation
was essentially that already described, the accumulation of the calcareous secretions of marine
life. Toward the close of the period, reefs appeared, that closely resemble the coral reefs of the
present seas, and doubtless have a similar history. Corals fo.m a very prominent element m the
life of this period, and with them were associated great numbers of moUusks, one of which
(Pentamerus oblongus) sometimes occurs in beds not unlike certain bivalves of to-day, and may '
be said to have been the oyster of the Silurian seas. At certain points, those wonderful animals,
the stone liHes {Crinoids), grew in remarkable abundance, mounted on stems like a plant, yet
true animals. Those unique crustaceans, the trilobites, were conspicuous in numbers and variety,
while the gigantic cephalopods held sway over the life of the seas. In the vicinity of thj reefs,
TOPOGKAPHY AND GEOLOGY. 119
there seem to have been extensive calcareous sand flats and areas over which fine calcareous mud
settled, the former resulting in a pure granular dolomite, the latter in a compact close-textured
stone. The rock of the reefs is of very irregular structure. Of other portions of the formation,
some are coarse heavy beds, some fine, even-bedded, clos^-grained layers, and some, again, irregu-
lar, impure and cherty. All are highly magnesian, and some are among the purest dolomites
known. The Niagara limestone occupies a broad belt lying adjacent to Lake Michigan.
Lower Helderberg Limestone.
On Mud creek, near Milwaukee, there is found a thin-bedded slaty limestone, that is
believed to represent this period. It has neglected, however, to leave us an unequivocal record
of its history, as fossils are extremely rare, and its stratigraphical relations and lithographical
character are capable of more than one interpretation. Near the village of Waubeka in
Ozaukee county, there is a similar formation, somewhat more fossiliferous, that seems to repre-
sent the same period. The area which these occupy is very small and they play a most insignifi-
cant part in the geology of the state. They close the record of the Silurian age in Wisconsin.
During its progress the land had been gradually emerging from the ocean and increasing its
amplitude by concentric belts of limestone, sandstone and shale. There had been no general
disturbance, only those slight oscillations which changed the ''nature of the forming rock and
facilitated deposition. At its close the waters retired from the borders of the state, and an
interval supervened, during which no additions are known to have been made to its substructure.
DEVONIAN AGE.
Hamilton Cement Rock.
After a lapse of time, during which the uppermost Silurian and the lowest Devonian strata,
as found elsewhere, were formed, the waters again advanced slightly upon the eastern margin of
the state and deposited a magnesian limestone mingled with silicious and almuninous material,
forming a combination of which a portion has recently been shown to possess hydraulic
properties of a high degree of excellence. With this deposition there dawned a new era in the
life- history of Wisconsin. While multitudes of protozoans, radiates, moUusks and articulates
swarmed in the previous seasi no trace of a vertebrate has been found. The Hamilton period
witnessed the introduction of the highest type of the animal kingdom into the Wisconsin series.
But even then only the lowest class was represented — the fishes. The lower orders of, life, as
before, were present, but the species were of the less ancient Devonian type. Precisely how far
the deposit originally extended is not now known, as it has undoubtedly been much reduced by
the eroding agencies that have acted upon it. That portion which remains, occupies a limited
area on the lake shore immediately north of Milwaukee, extending inland half a dozen miles.
The cement rock proper is found on the Milwaukee river just above the city. At the close of
the Hamilton period the oceanic waters retired, and, if they ever subsequently encroached upon
our territory, they have left us no permanent record of their intrusion.
The history of the formation of the substructure of the state was, it will be observed, in an
unusual degree, simple and progressive. Starting with a firm core of most ancient crystalline
Tocks, leaf upon leaf of stony strata were piled around it, adding belt after belt to the margin of
the growing island until it extended itself far beyond the limits of our state, and coalesced with
the forming continent. An ideal map of the state would show the Archsean nucleus surrounded
by concentric bands of the later formations in the order of their deposition. But during all the
120 HISTORY OF 'WISCONSIN.
vast lapse of time consumed in their growth, the elements were gnawing, carving and channeling
the surface, and the outcropping edges of the formations were becoming more and more jagged,
and now, after the last stratum had been added, and the whole had been lifted from the waters
that gave it birth, there ensued perhaps, a still vaster era, during which the history was simply
that of surface erosion. The face of the state became creased with the wrinkles of age. The
edges of her rocky wrappings became ragged with the wear of time. The remaining Devonian
periods, the great Carboniferous age, the Mesozoic era, and the earlier Tertiary periods passed,
leaving no other record than that of denudation.
THE GLACIAL PERIOD.
With the approach of the great Ice Age, a new chapter was opened. An immense sheet of
ice moved slowly, but irresistibly, down from the north, planing down the prominences, filling up
the valleys, polishing and grooving the strata, and heaping up its rubbish of sand, gravel, clay and
bowlders over the face of the country. It engraved the lines of its progress on the rocks, and, by
reading these, we learn that one prodigious tongue of ice plowed along the bed of Lake Michi-
gan, and a smaller one pushed through the valley of Green bay and Rock river, while another
immense ice-stream flowed southwestward through the trough of Lake Superior and onward
into Minnesota. The diversion of the glacier through these great channels seems to have left
the southwestern portion of the state intact, and over it we find no drift accumulations. With
the approach of a warmer climate, the ice-streams were melted backward, leaving their debris
heaped promiscuously over the surface, giving it a new configuration. In the midst of this
retreat, a series of halts and advances seem to have taken place in close succession, by which the
drift was pushed up into ridges and hills along the foot of the ice, after which a more rapid
retreat ensued. The effect of this action was to produce that remarkable chain of drift hills and
ridges, known as the Kettle range, which we have already described as winding over the
surface of the state in a very peculiar manner. It is a great historic rampart, recording the
position of the edge of the glacier at a certain stage of its retreat, and doubtless at the same time
noting a great climatic or dynamic change.
The melting of the glacier gave rise to large quantities of water, and hence to numerous
torrents, as well as lakes. There occurred about this time a depression of the land to the north-
ward, which^'was perhaps the cause, in part or in whole, of the retreat of the ice. This gave
origin to the great lakes. The waters advanced somewhat upon the laud and deposited the red
clay thalt borders Lakes Michigan and Superior and occupies the Green bay valley as far up as
the vicinity of Fond du Lac. After several oscillations, the lakes settled down into their present
positions. Wherever the glacier plowed over the land, it left an irregular , sheet of commingled
clay, sand, gravel and bowlders spread unevenly over the surface. The depressions formed by
its irregularities soon filled with water and gave origin to numerous lakelets. Probably not one
of the thousands of Wisconsin lakes had an existence before the glacial period. Wherever the
great lakes advanced upon the land, they leveled its surface and left their record in lacustine
clays and sandy beach lines.
With the retreat of the glacier, vegetation covered the surface, and by its aid and the action
of the elements our fertile drift soils, among the last and best of Wisconsin's formations, were
produced. And the work still goes on-,
CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN.
By Prof. H. H. OLDENHAGE.
The climate of a country, or that peculiar state of the atmosphere in regard to heat and
moisture which prevails in any given place, and which directly affects the growth of plants and
animals, is determined by the following causes : ist. Distance from the equator. 2d. Distance
from the sea. 3d. Height above the sea. 4th. Prevailing winds; and 5th. Local influences,
such as soil, vegetation, and proximity to lakes and mountains.
Of these causes, the first, distance from the equator, is by far the most important. The
warmest climates are necessarily those of tropical regions where the sun's rays are vertical. But
in proceeding from the equator toward the poles, less and less heat continues to be received by
the same extent of surface, because the rays fall more and more obliquely, and the same amount
of heat-rays therefore spread over an increasing breadth of surface ; while, however, with the
increase of obliquity, more and more heat is absorbed by the atmosphere, as the amount of air
to be penetrated is greater. If the earth's surface were either wholly land or water, and its
atmosphere motionless, the gradations of climate would run parallel with the latitudes from the
equator to the poles. But owing to the irregular distribution of land and water and the prevail-
ing winds, such an arrangement is impossible, and the determination of the real climate of a given
region, and its causes, is one of the most difficult problems of science.
On the second of these causes, distance from the sea, depends the difference between oce-
anic and continental climates. Water is more slowly heated and cooled than land ; the climates
of the sea and the adjacent land are therefore much more equable and moist than those of the
interior.
A decrease of temperature is noticeable in ascending high mountains. The rate at which
the temperature falls with the height above the sea is a very variable quantity, and is influenced
by a variety of causes, such as latitude, situation, moisture, or dryness, hour of the day and season
of the year. As a rough approximation, however, the fall of 1° of the thermometer for every
300 feet is usually adopted.
Air in contact with any part of the earth's surface, tends to acquire the temperature of that
surface. Hence, winds from the north are cold ; those from the south are warm. Winds from
the sea are moist, and winds from the land are usually dry. Prevailing winds are the result of
the relative distribution of atmospheric pressure blowing y>-£?»2 places where the pressure is high-
est, toward places where it is lowest. As climate practically depends on the temperature and
moisture of the air, and as these again depend on the prevailing winds which come charged with
the temperature and moisture of the regions they have traversed, it is evident that charts show-
ing the mean pressure of the atmosphere give us the key to the climates of the different regions
of the world. The effect of prevailing winds is seen in the moist and equable climate of West-
ern Europe, especially Great Britain, owing to the warm and moist southwest winds ; and in the
extremes of the eastern part of North America, due to the warm and moist winds prevailing in
summer and the Arctic blasts of winter.
122 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Among local influences which modify climate, the nature of the soil is one of the most
important. As water absorbs much heat, wet, marshy ground usually lowers the mean tempera-
ture. A sandy waste presents the greatest extremes. The extremes of temperature are also modi-
fied by extensive forests, which prevent the soil from being as much warmed and cooled as it
would be if bare. Evaporation goes on more slowly under the trees, since the soil is screened
from the sun. And as the air among the trees is little agitated by the wind, the vapor is left to
accumulate, and hence the humidity of the air is increased. Climate is modified in a similar man-
ner by lakes and other large surfaces of water. During-summer the water cools the air and
reduces the temperature of the locality. In winter, on the other hand, the opposite effect is pro-
duced. The surface water which is cooled sinks to lower levels; the warmer water rising to the
surface, radiates heat into the air and thus raises the temperature of the neighboring region.
This influence is well illustrated, on a great scale, in our own state by Lake Michigan.
It is, lastly, of importance whether a given tract of country is diversified by hills, valleys and
mountains. Winds with their warm vapor strike the sides of mountains and are forced up into
higher levels of the atmosphere, where the vapor is condensed into clouds. Air coming in con-^
tact, during the night or in winter, with the cooled declivities of hills and rising grounds becomes
cooled and consequently denser and sinks to the low-lying grounds, displacing the warmer and
lighter air. Hence, frosts often occur at these places, when no trace of them can be found at
higher levels. For the same reason the cold of winter is generally more intense in ravines and
valleys than on hill tops and high grounds, the valleys being a receptacle for the cold-air currents
which descend from all sides. These currents give rise to gusts and blasts of cold wind, which
are simply the out-rush of cold air from such basins. This is a subject of great practical impor-
tance to fruit-growers.
In order to understand the principal features of the climate of Wisconsin, and the conditions
on which these depend, it is necessary to consider the general climatology of the eastern United
States. The chief characteristic of this area as a whole is, that it is subject to great extremes — to
all those variations of temperature which prevail from the tropical to the Arctic regions. This
is principally due to the topographical conditions of our continent. The Rocky mountains con-
densing the moisture of the warm winds from the Pacific and preventing them from reaching far
inland, separate the climate of the Mississippi valley widely from that of the Pacific slope. Between
the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic sea there is no elevation to exceed 2,000 feet to arrest the
flow of the hot southerly winds of summer, or the cold northerly winds of winter. From this
results a variation of temperature hardly equaled in any part of the world.
In determining the climates of the United States, western Europe is usually taken as the
basis of comparison. The contrast between these regions is indeed very great. New York is in
the same latitude with Madrid, Naples and Constantinople. Quebec is not so far north as Paris.
London and Labrador are equi-distant from the equator ; but while England, with her mild, moist
climate, produces an abundance of vegetation, in Labrador all cultivation ceases. In the latitude
of Stockholm and St. Petersburg, at the 60th parallel, we find in eastern North America vast ice-
fields which seldom melt. The moist and equable climate of western Europe in high latitudes
is due to the Gulf Stream and the southwest winds of the Atlantic, which spread their warmth
and moisture over the western coast. Comparison, however, shows that the climate of the Pacific
coast of North America is quite as mild as that of western Europe ; and this is due to the same
kind of influences, namely, to the warm, moist winds and the currents of the Pacific. And to con-
tinue the comparison still further, in proceeding on both continents from west to east, or from
ocean into the interior, we find a general resemblance of climatic conditions, modified greatly, it
ijS true, by local influences.
CLIMATOLOGT OF WISCONSIN. 123
The extreme summer climate of the eastern United States is owing to the southerly and
southwesterly wmds, which blow with great regularity during this season, and, after traversing
great areas of tropical seas, bear the warmth and moisture of these seas far inland, and give this
region the peculiar semi-tropical character of its summers. The average temperature of summer
varies between 80" for the Gulf states, and 60° for the extreme north. While in the Gulf states
the thermometer often rises to 100°, in the latitude of Wisconsin this occurs very seldom. During
winter the prevailing winds are from the northwest. These cold blasts from the Arctic sea are
deflected by the Rocky mountains, sweep down unopposed into lower latitudes, and produce all
the rigors of an arctic winter. The mean temperature for this season varies between 60" for the
Gulf coast and 15° for the extreme northern part of Wisconsin. In the northern part of the
valley the cold is sometimes so intense that the thermometer sinks to the freezing point of
mercury.
The extreme of heat and cold would give a continental climate if this extreme were not accom-
panied by a profusion of rain. The southerly winds, laden with moisture, distribute this moist,
ure with great regularity over the valley. The amount of rainfall, greater in summer than in
winter, varies, from the Gulf of Mexico to Wisconsin, from 63 inches to 30 inches. On the At-
lantic coast, where the distribution is more eqaal throughout the year on account of its proximity
to the ocean, the amount varies, from Florida to Maine, from 63 to 40 inches. The atmospheric
movements on which, to a great extent, the climatic conditions of the eastern United States
depend, may be summed up as follows :
"i. That the northeast trades, deflected in their course to south and southeast winds in
their passage through the Carribean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, are the warm and moist winds
which communicate to the Mississippi valley and the Atlantic slope their fertility.
"2. That the prevalence of these winds from May to October communicates to this region
a sub-tropical climate.
" 3. That in the region bordering on the Gulf of Mexico, the atmospheric disturbances are
propagated from south to north ; but in the northern and middle states,' owing to a prevailing
upper current, from west to east.
" 4. That while this upper current is cool and dry, and we have the apparent anomaly of
rain storms traveling from west to east, at the same time the moisture supplying them comes from
the south.
"5. That, in the winter, the south and southeast winds rise into the upper current, while
the west and northwest winds descend and blow as surface winds, accompanied by an extraor-
dinary depression of temperature, creating, as it were, an almost arctic climate.
" 6. That the propagation of the cold winds from west to east is due to the existence of a
warmer and lighter air to the eastward.
"7. That in summer the westerly currents seldom blow with violence, because, in passing
over the heated plains, they acquire nearly the same temperature as the southerly currents, but in
winter the conditions are reversed."
The line of conflict of these aerial currents, produced by unequal atmospheric pressure,
shift so rapidly that the greatest changes of temperature, moisture, and wind, are experienced
within a few hours, these changes usually affecting areas of great extent. In the old world, on
the other hand, the mountain systems, generally running from east to west, offer an impediment,
especially to the polar currents, and the weather is therefore not so changeable.
Wisconsin, situated in the upper and central part of the Mississippi valley, is subject to the
same general climatic conditions which give this whole area its peculiar climate.
The highest mean summer temperature is 72" Fahrenheit in the southwestern part of the
124 HISTOBY OV WISCONSIN.
State, and the lowest 64° at Bayfield, Lake Superior. During the months of June, July and
August, the thermometer often rises as higli as 90°, seldom to 100°. In 1874 the mercury reached
this high point twice at LaCrosse, and three times at Dubuque, Iowa. There are usually two or
three of these "heated terms " during the summer, terminated by abrupt changes of temperature.
The isotherm of 70" (an isotherm being a line connecting places having the same mean tem-
perature) enters this state from the west, in the northern part of Grant county, touches Madison, takes
a southerly direction through Walworth county, passes through southern Michigan, Cleveland, and
Pittsburg, reaching the Atlantic ocean a little north of New York city. From this it is seen that
southern Wisconsin, southern and central Michigan, northern Ohio, central Pennsylvania, and
southern New York have nearly the same summer temperature. Northwestward this line runs
through southern Minnesota and along the Missouri to the foot of the mountains. Eastern Ore-
gon, at 47° 30' north latitude, has the same average summer temperature ; the line then returns
and touches the Pacific coast at San Diego.
The remarkable manner in which so large a body of water as Lake Michigan modifies the
temperature has been carefully determined, so far as it relates to Wisconsin, by the late Dr. Lap-
ham, of Milwaukee. It is seen by the map that the average summer temperature of Racine is
the same as that of St. Paul. The weather map for July, 1875, in the signal service report for
1876, shows that the mean temperature for July was the same in Rock county, in the souihern
part of the state, as that of Breckenridge, Minn., north of St. Paul. The moderating effect of
tbii lake during hot weather is felt in the adjacent region during both day and night.
Countries in the higher latitudes having an extreme summer temperature are usually charac- .
terized by a small amount of rain-fall. The Mississippi valley, however, is directly exposed in
spring and summer to the warm and moist winds from the south, and as these winds condense
their moisture by coming in contact with colder upper currents from the north and west, it has a
profusion of rain which deprives the climate largely of its continental features. As already
stated, the average amount of rain-fall in Wisconsin is about 30 inches annually. Of this amount
about one-eighth is precipitated in winter, three-eighths in summer, and the rest is equally dis-
tributed between spring and autumn — in other words, rain is abundant at the time of the year
when it is most needed. In Wisconsin the rainfall is greatest in the southwestern part of the
state; the least on and along the shore of Lake Michigan. This shows that the humidity of the
air of a given area can be greater, and the rainfall less, than that of some other.
In comparison with western Europe, even where the mean temperature is higher than in the
Mississippi valley, the most striking fact in the climatic conditions of the United States is the
^reat range of plants of tropical or sub-tropical origin, such as Indian corn, tobacco, etc. The
conditions on which the character of the vegetation depends are temperature and moisture, and
the mechanical and chemical composition of the soil.
" The basis of this great capacity (the great range of plants) is the high curve of heat and
moisture for the summer, and the fact that the measure of heat and of rain are almost or quite
tropical for a period in duration from one to five months, in the range from Quebec to the coast
of the Gulf." Indian corn attains its full perfection between the summer isotherms 72*^ and 77",
in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas ; but it may be grown up to the line of 65", which includes
the whole of' Wisconsin. The successful cultivation of this important staple is due to the mtense
heat of summer and a virgin soil rich in nitrogen.
While Milwaukee and central Wisconsin have a mean annual temperature of 45", that of
southern Ireland and central England is 50" ; the line of 72", the average temperature for July,
runs from Walworth county to St. Paul, while during the same month Ireland and England have
a mean temperature of only 60°. In Wisconsin the thermometer rises as high as 90** and above,
CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSIN. 125
■while the range above the mean in England is very small. It is the tropical element of our sum-
mers, then, that causes the grape, the corn, etc., to ripen, while England, with a higher mean
temperature, is unable to mature them successfully. Ireland, where southern plants may remain
out-doors, unfrosted, the whole winter, can not mature those fruits and grasses which ripen in
Wisconsin. In England a depression of 2° below the mean of 60° will greatly reduce the quan-
tity, or prevent the ripening of wheat altogether, 60" being essential to a good crop. Wheat, re-
quiring a lower temperature than corn, is better adapted to the climate of Wisconsin. This grain
may be grown as far north as Hudson bay.
Autumn, including September, October and November, is of short duration in Wisconsin.
North of the 42d parallel, or the southern boundary line of the state, November belongs properly
to the winter months, its mean temperature being about 32". The decrease of heat from August to
September is generally from 8° to 9°; 11'' from September tro October, and 14' from October to
November. The average temperature for these three months is about 45°. A beautiful season,
commonly known as Indian summer, frequently occurs in the latter part of October and in No-
vember. This period is characterized by a mild temperature and a hazy, calm atmosphere.
According to Loomis, this appears to be due to "an uncommonly tranquil condition of the atmos-
phere, during which the air becomes filled with dust and smoke arising from numerous fires, by
which its transparency is greatly impaired." This phenomenon extends as far north as Lake
Superior, but it is more conspicuous and protracted in Kansas and Missouri, and is not observed
in the southern states.
Destructive frosts generally occur in September, and sometimes in August. " Atemperature
of 36° to 40° at sunrise is usually attended with frosts destructive to vegetation, the position of
the thermometer being usually such as to represent less than the actual refrigeration at the open
surface." In 1875, during October, at Milwaukee, the mercury fell seven times below the freez-
ing point, and twice below zero in November, the lowest being 14".
The winters are generally long and severe, but occasionally mild and almost without snow.
The mean winter temperature varies between 23" in the southeastern part of the state, and 16° at
Ashland, m the northern. For this season the extremes are great. The line of 20° is of im-
portance, as it marks the average temperature which is fatal to the growth of all the tender trees,
such as the pear and the peach. In the winter of 1875 and 1876, the mean temperature for De-
■cember, January and February, in the upper lake region, was about 4° above the average mean
for many years, while during the previous winter the average temperature for January and Feb-
ruary was about 12° below the mean for many years, showing a great difference between cold and
mild winters. In the same winter, i875-'76, at Milwaukee, the thermometer fell only six times
below zero, the lowest being 12", while during the preceding winter the mercury sank thirty-six
times below zero, the lowest being 23". In the northern and northwestern part of the state the
temperature sometimes falls to the freezing point of mercury. During the exceptionally cold
Winter of 1872-3, at La Crosse, the thermometer sank nearly fifty times below zero; on Decem-
ber 24, it indicated 37° below, and on January 18, 43'' below zero, averaging about 12° below
the usual mean for those months. The moderating effect of Lake Michigan can be seen
by observing how the lines indicating the mean winter temperature curve northward as they
approach the lake. Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, and the Grand Traverse
region of Michigan, have the same average wintei temperature. The same is true regarding
Galena, 111., Beloit, and Kewaunee. A similar influence is noticed in all parts of the state. Dr.
Lapham concludes that this is not wholly due to the presence of Lake Michigan, but that the
mountain range which extends from a little west of Lake Superior to the coast of Labrador (from
I, too to 2,240 feet high) protects the lake region in no inconsiderable degree from the excessive
-cold of winter.
126 HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
According to the same authority, the time at which the Milwaukee river was closed wi h ice,
for a period of nine years, varied between November 15 and December i ; the time at which it
became free fr6m ice, between March 3 and April 13. In the lake district, snow and rain are
interspersed through all the winter months, rain being sometimes as profuse as at any other sea-
son. In the northwestern part the winter is more rigid and dry. Northern New York and the
New England states usually have snow lying on the ground the whole winter, but in the southern
lake district it rarely remains so long. In i842-'43, however, sleighing commenced about the
middle of November, and lasted till about the same time in April — five months.
The average temperature for the three months of spring, March, April and May, from Wal-
worth county to St. Paul, is about 45". In central Wisconsin the mean for March is about 2"]°,
which is an increase of nearly 7° from February. The lowest temperature of this month in
1876 was 40° above zero. April shows an average increase of about 9" over March. In 1876
the line of 45" for this month passed from LaCrosse to Evanston, 111., touching Lake Erie at
Toledo, showing that the interior west of Lake Michigan is warmer than the lake region. The
change from winter to spring is more sudden in the interior than in the vicinity of the lakes.
"In the town of Lisbon, fifteen miles from Lake Michigan," says Dr. Lapham, " early spring
flowers show themselves about ten days earlier than on the lake. In sprinig vegetation, in places
remote from the lakes, shoots up in a very short time, and flowers show their petals, while on the
lake shore the cool air retards them and brings them more gradually into existence." The in-
crease from April to May is about 15". In May, 1876, Pembina and Milwaukee had nearly the
same mean temperature, about 55".
The extremes of our climate and the sudden changes of temperature no doubt have a
marked influence, both physically and mentally, on the American people. And though a more
equable climate may be more conducive to perfect health, the great range of our climate from
arctic to tropical, and the consequent variety and abundance of vegetable products, combine to
make the Mississippi valley perhaps one of the most favorable areas in the world for the develop-
ment of a strong and wealthy nation.
During the months of summer, in the interior of the eastern United States, at least three-
fourths of the rain-fall is in showers usually accompanied by electrical discharges and limited to
small areas. But in autumn, winter, and spring nearly the whole precipitation takes place in
general storms extending over areas of 300, 500 and sometimes over 1,000 miles in diameter, and
generally lasting two or three days. An area of low atmospheric pressure causes the wind to blow
toward that area from all sides, and when the depression is sudden and great; it is accompanied
by much rain or snow. On account of the earth's rotation, the wind blowing toward this region
of low pressure is deflected to the right, causing the air to circulate around the center with a
motion spirally inward. In our latitude the storm commences with east winds. When the storm
center, or area of lowest barometer, is to the south of us, the wind gradually veers, as the storm
passes from west to east with the upper current, round to the northwest by the north point.
On the south side of the storm center, the wind veers from southeast to southwest, by the south
point. The phenomena attending such a storm when we are in or near the part of its center are
usually as follows : After the sky has become overcast with clouds, the wind from the northeast
generally begins to rise and blows in the opposing direction to the march of the storm. The
clouds which are now moving over us, discharge rain or snow according to circumstances. The
barometer continues to fall, and the rain or snow is brought obliquely down from the northern
quarter by the prevailing wind. After a while the wind changes slightly in diiection and then
ceases. The thermometer rises and the barometer has reached its lowest point. This is the center
of the storm. After the calm the wind has changed its direction to northwest or west. The
CLIMATOLOGY OF WISCONSm. 127
■wind blows again, usually more violently than before, accompanied by rain or snow, which is now
generally of short duration. The sky clears, and the storm is suddenly succeeded by a tempera-
ture 10 or 20 degrees below the mean. Most of the rain and snow falls with the east winds, or
before the center passes a given point. The path of these storms is from west to east, or nearly
so, and only seldom in other directions. These autumn, winter, and spring rains are generally
first noticed on the western plains, but may originate at any point along their path, and move
eastward with an average velocity of about 20 miles an hour in summer and 30 miles in winter,
but sometimes attaining a velocity of oyer 50 miles, doing great damage on the lakes. In pre-
dicting these storms, the signal service of the army is of incalculable practical benefit, as well
as in collecting data for scientific conclusions.
A subject of the greatest importance to every inhabitant of Wisconsin is the influence of
forests on climate and the effects of disrobing a county of its trees. The general influence of
forests in modifying the extremes of temperature, retarding evaporation and the increased
humidity of the air, has already been mentioned. That clearing the land of trees increases the
temperature of the ground in summer, is so readily noticed that it is scarcely necessary to men-
tion it ; while in winter the sensible cold is never so extreme in woods as on an open surface
exposed to the full force of the winds. " The lumbermen in Canada and the northern United
States labor in the woods without inconvenience; when the mercury stands many degrees below
zero, while in the open grounds, with only a moderate breeze, the same temperature is almost
insupportable." " In the state of Michigan it has been found that the winters have greatly
increased in severity within the last forty years, and that this increased severity seems to move
along even-paced with the destruction of the forests. Thirty years ago the peach was one of the
most abundant fruits of that State ; at that time frost, injurious to corn at any time from May to
October, was a thing unknown. Now the peach is an uncertain crop, and frost often injures the
corn.'' The precise influence of forests on temperature may not at present admit of definite solu-
tion, yet the mechanical screen which they furnish to the soil often far to the leeward of them,
is sufficiently established, and this alone is enough to encourage extensive planting wherever this
protection is wanting.
With regard to the quantity of rain-fall, " we can not positively affirm that the total annual
quantity of rain is even locally diminished or increased by the destruction of the woods, though
both theoretical considerations and the balance of testimony strongly favor the-opinion that more
rain falls in wooded than in open countries. One important conclusion, at least, upon the
meteorological influence of forests is certain and undisputed : the proposition, namely, that,
within their own limits, and near their own borders, they maintain a more uniform degree of
humidity in the atmosphere than is observed in cleared grounds. Scarcely less can it be
questioned that they tend to promote the frequency of showers, and, if they do not augment the
amount of precipitation, they probably equalize its distribution through the different seasons."
There is abundant and undoubted evidence that the amount of water existing on the surface
in lakes and rivers, in many parts of the world, is constantly diminishing. In Germany, observa-
tions of the Rhine, Oder, Danube, and the Elbe, in the latter case going back for a period of 142
years, demonstrate beyond doubt, that each of these rivers has much decreased in volume, and
there is reason to fear that they will eventually disappear from the list of navigable rivers.
" The * Blue-Grass ' region of Kentucky, once the pride of the West, has now districts of
such barren and arid nature that their stock farmers are moving toward the Cumberland mount-
ains, because the creeks and old springs dried up, and their wells became too low to furnish
water for their cattle." In our own state "such has been the change in the flow of the Milwau-
128 HISTORY OF WISCOSTSIN.
kee river, even while the area from which it receives its supply is but partially cleared, that the
proprietor? 01" most of the mills and factories have found it necessary to resort to the use of
steam, at a largely increased yearly cost, to supply 'the deficiency of water-power in dry seasons
of the year." "What has happened to the Milwaukee river, has happened to all the other water
courses in the state from whose banks the forest has been removed ; and many farmers who-
selected land uqon which there was a living brook of clear, pure water, now find these brooks,
dried up during a considerable portion of the year.''
Districts stripped of their forest are said to be more exposed than before to loss of harvests,
to droughts and frost. " Hurricanes, before unknown, sweep unopposed over the regions thus,
denuded, carrying terror and devastation in their track." Earts of Asia Minor, North Africa,
and other countries bordering on the Mediterranean, now almost deserts, were once densely
populated and the granaries of the world. And there is good reason to believe " that it is the
destruction of the forests which has produced this devastation." From such facts Wisconsin,,
already largely robbed of its forests, should take warning before it is too late.
TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES.
By p. R. hoy, M.D.
It is not the purpose of this article to give a botanical description, but merely brief notes on
the economical value of the woods, and the fitness of the various indigenous trees, shrubs and
vines for the purpose of ornament, to be found in "Wisconsin.
White Oak — Quercus Alba. — This noble tree' is the largest and. most important of the
American oaks. The excellent properties of the wood render it eminently valuable for a great
variety of uses. Wherever strength and durability are required, the white oak stands in the first
rank. It is employed in making wagons, coaches and sleds ; staves and hoops of the best quality
for barrels and casks are obtained from this tree ; it is extensively used in architecture, ship-
building, etc.; vast quantities are used for fencmg ; the bark is employed in tanning. The domes-
tic consumption of this tree is so great thai; it is of the first importance to preserve the young
trees wherever it is practicable, and to make young plantations where the tree is not found. The
white oak is a graceful, ornamental tree, and worthy of particular attention as such ; found abun-
dantly in most of the timbered districts.
Burr Oak — Q. Macrocarpa. — This is perhaps the most ornamental of our oaks. Nothing
can exceed the graceful beauty of these trees, when not crowded or cramped in their growth, but
left free to follow the laws of their development. Who has not admired these trees in our exten-
sive burr oak openings .' The large leaves are a dark green above and a bright silvery white
beneath, which gives the tree a singularly fine appearance when agitated by the wind. The wood
is tough, close-grained, and more durable than the white oak, especially when exposed to frequent
changes of moisture and drying ; did the tree grow to the same size, it would be preferred for
most uses. Abundant, and richly worthy of cultivation, both for, utility and ornament.
Swamp White Oak — Q. Bicolor. — Is a valuable and ornamental tree, not quite so large or
as common as the burr oak. The wood is close-grained, durable, splits freely, and is well worthy
of cultivation in wet, swampy grounds, where it will thrive.
Post Oak — Q. Obtusiloba. — Is a scraggy, small tree, found sparingly in this state. The tim-
ber is durable, and makes good fuel. Not worthy of cultivation.
TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES. 129
Swamp Chestnut Oak — Q. Prinus. — This species of chestnut oak is a large, graceful tree,
wood rather open-grained, yet valuable for most purposes to which the oaks are applied ; makes
the best fuel of any of this family. A rare tree, found at Janesville and Brown's lake, near Bur,
lington. Worthy of cultivation.
Red Oak — Q. Rubra. — The red oak is a well-known, common, large tree. The wood is
coarse-grained, and the least durable of the oaks, nearly worthless for fuel, and scarcely worthy
of cultivation, even for ornamelit.
Pin Oak — Q. Palustris. — This is one of the most common trees in many sections of the
state. The wood is of little value except for fuel. The tree is quite ornamental, and should be
sparingly cultivated for this purpose.
Shingle Oak" — Q. Imbricaria. — Is a tree of medium size, found sparingly as far north as
Wisconsin. It is ornamental, and the wood is used for shingles and staves.
Scarlet Oak — Q. Coccinea. — This is an ornamental tree, especially in autumn, when its
leaves turn scarlet, hence the name. Wood of little value ; common.
Sugar Maple — Acer Saccharium. — This well-known and noble tree is found growing abun-
dantly in many sections of the state. The wood is close-grained and susceptible of a beautiful
polish, which renders it valuable for many kinds of furniture, more especially the varieties known
as bird's-eye and curled maples. The wood lacks the durability of the oak ; consequently is not
valuable for purposes where it will be exposed to the weather. For fuel it ranks next to hickory.
The sugar manufactured from this tree affords no inconsiderable resource for the comfort and
even wealth of many sections of the northern states, especially those newly settled, where it
would be difficult and expensive to procure their supply from a distance. As an ornamental tree
it stands almost at the head of the catalogue. The foliage is beautiful, compact, and free from
the attacks of insects. It puts forth its yellow blossoms early, and in the autumn the leaves
change in color and show the most beautiful tints of red and yellow long before they fall. Worthy
of especial attention for fuel and ornament, and well adapted to street-planting.
Red Maple — A. Rubrum. — Is another fine maple of more rapid growth than the foregoing
species. With wood rather lighter, but quite as valuable for cabinet-work — for fuel not quite so
good. The young trees bear transplanting even better than other maples. Though highly orna-
mental, this tree hardly equals the first-named species. It puts forth, in early spring, its scarlet
blossoms before a leaf has yet appeared. Well adapted to street-planting.
Mountain Maple — A. Spicatum. — Is a small branching tree, or rather shrub, found grow-
ing in clumps. Not worthy of much attention.
Silver Maple — A. Dasycarpum. — This is a common tree growing on the banks of streams,
especially in the western part of the state, grown largely for ornament, yet for the purpose it is
the least valuable of the maples. The branches are long and straggling, and so brittle that they
are liable to be injured by winds.
Box Maple — Negundo Aceroides. — This tree is frequently called box elder. It is of a rapid
growth and quite ornamental. The wood is not much used in the arts, but is good fuel. Should
be cultivated. It grows on Sugar and Rock rivers.
White Elm — Ulmus Americana. — This large and graceful tree stands confessedly at the
head of the list of ornamental deciduous trees. Its wide-spreading branches and long, pendu-
lous branchlets form a beautiful and conspicuous head. It grows rapidly, is free from disease
and the destructive attacks of insects, will thrive on most soils, and for planting along streets, in
public grounds or lawns, is unsurpassed by any American tree. The wood is but little used in
the arts ; makes good firewood ; should be planted along all the roads and streets, near every
dwelling, and on all public grounds.
130
HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
Slippery Elm — V. Fulva. — This smaller and less ornamental species is also common. The
wood, however, is much more valuable than the white elm, being durable and splitting readily.
It makes excellent rails, and is much used for the framework of buildings ; valuable for fuel ;
should be cultivated.
Wild Black Cherry — Cerasus Serotina. — This large and beautiful species of cherry is one
of the most valuable of American trees. The wood is compact, fine-grained, and of a brilliant
reddish color, not liable to warp, or shrink and swell with atmospheric changes ; extensively em-
ployed by cabinet-makers for every species of furnishing. It is exceedingly durable, hence is
Valuable for fencing, building, etc. Richly deserves a place in the lawn or timber plantation.
Bird Cherry — C. Pennsylvanica. — Is a small northern species, common in the state and
worthy of cultivation for ornament.
Choke Cherry — C. Virginiana. — This diminutive tree is of little value, not worth the trouble
of cultivation.
Wild Plum — Prunus Americana. — The common wild plum when in full bloom is one of the
most ornamental of small flowering trees, and as such should not be neglected. The fruit is
rather agreeable, but not to be compared to fine cultivated varieties, which may be engrafted on
the wild stock to the very best advantage. It is best to select small trees, and work them on the
roots. The gsrafts should be inserted about the middle of April.
Hackberry — Celtis Occidentalis. — This is an ornamental tree of medium size ; wood hard,
close-grained and elastic ; makes the best of hoops, whip-stalks, and thills for carriages. The
Indians formerly made great use of the hackbeiry wood for their bows. A tree worthy of a lim-
ited share of attention.
American Linden or Basswood — Tilia Americana. — Is one of the finest ornamental trees for
public grounds, parks, etc., but will not thrive where the roots are exposed to bruises ; for this
reason it is not adapted to planting along the streets of populous towns. The wood is light and
tough, susceptible of being bent to almost any curve ; durable if kept from the weather ; takes
paint well, and is considerably used in the arts ; for fuel it is of little value. This tree will
flourish in almost any moderately rich, damp soil; bears transplanting well; can be propagated
readily from layers.
White Thorn — Crataegus Coccinea, and Dotted Thorn — C. Punctata. — These two species
of thorn are found everywhere on the rich bottom lands. When in bloom they are beautiful, and
should be cultivated for ornament. The wood is remarkably compact and hard, and were it not
for the small size of the tree, would be valuable. '
Crab Apple — Pyrus Coronaria. — This common small tree is attractive when covered with
its highly fragrant rose-colored blossoms. Wood hard, fine, compact grain, but the tree is too
small for the wood to be of much practical value. Well worthy of a place in extensive grounds.
Mountain Ash — P^ Americana. — This popular ornament to our yards is found growing in
the northern part of the state and as far south as 43". The wood is useless.
White Ash — Fraxinus Acuminata. — Is a large, interesting tree, which combines utility with
beauty in an eminent degree. The wood possesses strength, suppleness and elasticity, which
renders it valuable for a great variety of uses. It is extensively employed in carriage manufact-
uring; for various agricultural implements ; is esteemed superior to any other wood for oars;
excellent for fuel. The white ash grows rapidly, and in open ground forms one of the most
lovely trees that is to be found. The foliage is clean and handsome, and in autumn turns from
its bright green to a violet purple hue, which adds materially to the beauty of our autumnal syl-
van scenery. It is richly deserving our especial care and protection, and will amply repay all
labor and expense bestowed on its cultivation.
^'^-^ "i^a^v---/^
SUSSEX
TEEES, SHKUBS AND VINES. 131
Black Ash — F Sambuci folia. — This is another tall, graceful and well-known species of ash.
The wood is used for making baskets, hoops, etc. ; when thoroughly dry, affords a good article of
fuel. Deserves to be cultivated in low, rich, swampy situations, where more useful trees will not
thrive.
Black Walnut — Juglans Nigra. — This giant of the rich alluvial bottom lands claims
special attention for its valuable timber. It is among the most durable and beautiful of Ameri-
can woods ; susceptible of a fine polish ; not liable to shrink and swell by heat and moisture.
It is extensively employed by the cabinet-makers for every variety of furniture. Walnut forks,
are frequently found which rival in richness and beauty the far-famed mahogany. This tree,
in favorable situations, grows rapidly ; is highly ornamental, and produces annually an abundant
crop of nuts.
Butternut — J. Cinerea. — This species of walnut is not as valuable as the above, yet for its
beauty, and the durability of its wood, it should claim a small portion of attention. The wood
is rather soft for most purposes to which it otherwise might be applied. When grown near
streams, or on moist side-hills, it produces regularly an ample crop of excellent nuts. It grows
rapidly.
Shell-Bark Hickory — Carya Alba. — This, the largest and finest of American hickories,
grows abundantly throughout the state. Hickory wood possesses probably the greatest strength
and tenacity of any of our indigenous trees, and is used for a variety of purposes, but,
unfortunately, it is liable to be eaten by worms, and lacks durability. For fuel, the shell-bark
hickory stands unrivaled. The tree is ornamental and produces every alternate year an ample
crop of the best of nuts.
Shag-Bark Hickory — C. Inclata. — Is a magnificent tree, the wood of which is nearly as
valuable as the above. The nuts are large, thick-shelled and coarse, not to be compared to the
C. alba. A rare tree in Wisconsin ; abundant further south.
Pignut Hickory — C. Glabra. — This species possesses all the bad and but few of the good
quaUties of the shell-bark. The nuts are smaller and not so good. The tree should be pre-
served and cultivated in common with the shell-bark. Not abundant.
BiTTERNUT — C. Amara. — Is an abundant tree, valuable for fuel, but lacking the strength and
elasticity of the preceding species. It is, however, quite as ornamental as any of the hickories.
Red Beech — Fagus Ferruginea. — This is a common tree, with brilliant, shining light-green
leaves, and long, flexible branches.' It is highly ornamental, and should be cultivated for this
purpose, as well as for its useful wood, which is tough, close-grained and compact. It is much
used for plane-stocks, tool handles, etc., and as an article of fuel is nearly equal to maple.
Water Beech — Carpinus Americana. — Is a small tree, called hornbeam by many. The
wood is exceedingly hard and compact, but the small size of the tree renders it almost
useless.
Iron Wood — Ostrya Virginica. — This small tree is found disseminated throughout most of
our woodlands. It is, to a considerable degree, ornamental, but of remarkably slow growth. The
wood possesses valuable properties, being heavy and strong, as the name would indicate ; yet,
from its small size, it is of but little use.
Balsam YovLK^—Populus Candicans. — This tree is of medium size, and is known by sev-
eral names : Wild balm of Gilead, cottonwood, etc. It grows in moist, sandy soil, on river bot-
toms. It has broad, heart-shaped leaves, which turn a fine yellow after the autumn frosts. It
grows more rapidly than any other of our trees ; can be transplanted with entire success when
eight or nine inches in diameter, and makes a beatiful shade tree — the most ornamental of pop-
lars. The wood is soft, spongy^ and nearly useless.
132 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN -
Quaking Aspen — P. Tremuloides. — Is a well-known, small tree. It is rather ornamental,
but scarcely worth cultivating.
Large Aspen — P. Grandidentata.- — Is the largest of our poplars. It frequently grows to
the height of sixty or seventy feet, with a diameter of two and one-half feet. The wood is soft,
easily split, and used for frame buildings. It is the most durable of our poplars.
Cotton Wood — P. Monolifera. — This is the largest of all the poplars ; abundant on the
Mississippi river. Used largely for fuel on the stearnboats. The timber is of but little use in
the arts.
Sycamore or BuTT0NwooD^7'/a;?a«a.f Occiderdalis. — This, the largest and most majestic
of our trees, is found growing only on the rich alluvial river bottoms. The tree is readily
known, even at a considerable distance, by its whitish smooth branches. The foliage is large
and beautiful, and the tree one of the most ornamental known. The wood speedily decays, and
when sawed into lumber warps badly; on these accounts it is but little used, although susceptible
of a fine finish. As an article of fuel it is of inferior merit.
Canoe Birch — Betula Papyracea.- — Is a rather elegant and interesting tree. It grows abund-
antly in nearly every part of the state. The wood is of a fine glossy grain, susceptible of a good
finish, but lacks durability and strength, and, therefore, is but little used in the mechanical arts.
For fuel it is justly prized. It bears transplanting without difficulty. The Indians manufacture
their celebrated bark canoes from the bark of this tree.
Cherry Birch — B. Lenta. — This is a rather large, handsome tree, growing along streams.
Leaves and bark fragrant. Wood, fine-grained, rose-colored ; used largely by the cabinet-
makers.
Yellow Birch — B. Lutea. — This beautiful tree occasionally attains a large size. It is
highly ornamental, and is of value for fuel ; but is less prized than the preceding species for cab-
inet work.
Kentucky Coffee Tree — Gymnocladus Canadensis. — This singularly beautiful tree is only
found sparingly, and on rich alluvial lands. I met with it growing near the Peccatonica, in
Green county. The wood is fine-grained, and of a rosy hue ; is ejsceedingly durable, and well
worth cultivating. >
June Berry — Amelanchier Canadensis. — Is a small tree which adds materially to the beauty
of our woods in early spring, at which time it is in full bloom. The wood is of no particular
value, and the tree interesting only when covered with its white blossoms.
White Pine — Pinus Strolus. — This is the largest and most valuable of our indigenous pines.
The wood is soft, free from resin, and works easily. It is extensively employed in the mechan-
ical arts. It is found in great profusion ih the northern parts of the state. This species is
readily known by the leaves being in fives. It is highly ornamental, but in common with all
pines, will hardly bear transplanting. Only small plants should be moved.
Norway or Red Pine — P. Resinosa, and Yellow Pine — P. Mitis. — ^These are two large
trees, but little inferior in size to the white pine. The wood contains more resin, and is conse-
quently more durable. The leaves of both these species are in twos. Vast quantities of lumber
are yearly manufactured from these two varieties and the white pine. The extensive pineries
of the state are rapidly diminishing.
Shrub Pine — P. Banksiana. — Is a small, low tree ; only worthy of notice here for the orna-
mental shade it produces. It is found in the northern sections of the state.
Balsam Fir — Abies Balsamea. — This beautiful evergreen is multiplied to a great extent on
the shores of Lake Superior, where it grows forty or fifty feet in height. The wood is of but
TREES, SHEUBS AND VHSTES. 133
little value The balsam of fir, or Canadian balsam, is obtained from this tree.
Double Spruce — -A. Nigra. — This grows in the same localities with the balsam fir, and
assumes the same pyramidal form, but is considerably larger. The wood is light and possesses
considerable strength and elasticity, which renders it one of the best materials for yard's and top-
masts for shippmg. It is extensively cultivated for ornament.
Hemlock — A. Canadensis. — The hemlock is the largest of the genus. It is gracefully orna-
mental, but the wood is of little value. The baik is extensively employed in tanning.
Tamarack — Larix Americana. — This beautiful tree grows abundantly in swampy situations
throughout the state. It is not quite an evergreen It drops its leaves in winter, but quickly
recovers them in early spring. The wood is remarkably durable and valuable for a varietv of
uses. The tree grows rapidly, and can be successfully cultivated in peaty situations, where other
trees would not thrive.
Arbor Vit^e — Thuja Occidentalis. — This tree is called the white or flat cedar. It grows
abundantly in many parts of the state. The wood is durable, furnishing better fence posts than
any other tree, excepting the red cedar. Shingles and staves of a superior quality are obtained
from these trees. A beautiful evergreen hedge is made from the young plants, which bear trans-
planting better than most evergreens. It will grow on most soils if sufficiently damp.
Red C^TiKK — Juniperus Virginiana. — Is a well known tree that furnishes those celebrated
fence posts that " last forever." The wood is highly fragrant, of' a rich red color, and fine
grained ; hence it is valuable for a variety of uses. It should be extensively cultivated.
Dwarf Juniper — /. Sabina. — This is a low trailing shrub. Is conside'ably prized for
ornament. Especially worthy of cultivation in large grounds.
Sassafras — Sassafras officinale. — Is a small tree of fine appearance, with fragrant leaves
bark. Grows in Kenosha county. Should be cultivated.
Willows. — There are many species of willows growing in every part of the state, several of
which are worthy of cultivation near streams and ponds.
White Willow — Salix alba. — Is a fine tree, often reaching sixty feet in height. The wood
is soft, and makes the best charcoal for the manufacture of gun-powder. Grows rapidly.
Black Willow — S. Nigra. — This is also a fine tree, but not quite so large as the foregoing.
It is used for similar purposes.
There are many shrubs and vines indigenous to the state worthy of note. I shall, however,
call attention to only a few of the best.
Dogwoods. — There are several species found in our forests and thickets. All are ornamen-
tal when covered with a profusion of white blossoms. I would especially recommend : corns
sericea, C. stolonifera, C. paniculata, and C. alternifolia. All these will repay the labor of trans-
planting to ornamental grounds.
Viburnums. — These are very beautiful. 'Wtha.Yt viburnum lentago, V . prunifolium, V.nudunty
V. dentatum, V. pubesceiis, V. acerifoliutn, V. pauciflorum, and V. opulus. The last, is known as
the cranberry tree, and is a most beautiful shrub when in bloom, and also when covered with its
red, acid fruit. The common snow-ball tree is a cultivated variety of the V. opulus.
Witch Hazel — Hamainelis Virginica. — Is an interesting, tall shrub that flowers late in
autumn, when the leaves are falling, and matures the fruit the next summer. It deserves more
attention than it receives.
Burning Bush — Euonymus atropurpureus. — This fine shrub is called the American straw-
berry, and is exceedingly beautiful when covered with its load of crimson fruit, which remains
during winter.
134 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIlir.
Sumach— i?/4M typhina. — Is a tall shrub, 11 known, but seldom cultivated. When well
grown it is ornamental and well adapted for planting in clumps.
Hop Tree — Ptclea trifoliata. — This is a showy shrub with shining leaves, which should be
Cultivated. Common in rich, alluvial ground.
Bladder Nut — Staphyka trifolia. — Is a fine, upright, showy shrub, found sparingly all over
the state. Is ornamental, with greenish striped branches and showy leaves.
Vines.
Virginia CvcE^'PS.'R.—Ampelopsis guinquefolia.— This is a noble vine, climbing extensively by
disc-bearing tendrils, so well known as to require no eulogy. Especially beautiful in its fall
colors.
Bitter Sweet — Celastrus scandens. — Is a stout twining vine, which would be an ornament to
any grounds. In the fall and early winter it is noticeable for its bright fruit. Common.
Yellow Honeysuckle — Lonicera flava. — Is a fine native vine, which is found climbing over
tall shrubs and trees. Ornamental. There are several other species of honeysuckle ; none, how-
ever, worthy of special mention.
FfiosT Grape — Vitce cordifolia. — This talKgrowing vine has deliciously sweet blossoms,
which perfume the air for a great distance around. For use as a screen, this hardy species will
be found highly satisfactory.
FAUNA OF WISCONSIN.
By p. R. hoy, M.D.
FISH AND FISH CULTURE.
Fish are cold blooded aquatic vertebrates, having fins as organs of progression. They have
a two-chambered heart ; their bodies are mostly covered with scales, yet a few are entirely naked,
like catfish and eels ; others again are covered with curious plates, such as the sturgeon. Fish
inhabit both salt and fresh water. It is admitted by all authority that fresh-water fish are more
universally edible than those inhabiting the ocean. Marine fish are said to be more highly
flavored than those inhabiting fresh waters ; an assertion I am by no means prepared to admit.
As a rule, fish are better the colder and purer the water in which they are found, and where can
you find those ccnditions more favorable than in the cold depths of our great lakes .^ We have
tasted, under the most favorable conditions, about every one of the celebrated salt-water fish, and
can say that whoever eats a whitefish just taken from the pure, cold water of Lake Michigan will
have no reason to be envious of the dwellers by the sea.
Fish are inconceivably prolific; a single female deposits at one spawn from one thousand to
one million eggs, varying according to species.
Fish afford a valuable article of food for man, being highly nutritious and easy of digestion ;
they abound in phosphates, hence are valuable as affording nutrition to the osseous and nervous sys-
tem, hence they have been termed, not inappropriately, brain food — certainly a very desirable article
of diet for some people. They are more savory, nutritious and easy of digestion when just taken
from the water ; in fact, the sooner they are cooked after being caught the better. No fish should
be more than a few hours from its watery element before being placed upon the table. For con-
venience, I will group our fish into families as a basis for what I shall offer. Our bony fish,
FAUNA OP WISCONSIN. 135
having spine rays and covered with comb-like scales, belong to the perch family — a valuable
family ; all take the hook, are gamey, and spawn in the summer.
The yellow perch and at least four species of black or striped bass have a wide range, being
found in all the rivers and lakes in the state. There is a large species of fish known as Wall-
eyed pike {Leucoperca americand) belonging to this family, which is found sparingly in most of our
rivers and lakes. The pike is an active and most rapacious animal, devouring fish of consider-
able size. The flesh is firm and of good flavor. It would probably be economical to propagate
it to a moderate extent.
The six-spined bass {Pomoxys hexacanthus, Agas.) is one of the most desirable of the spine-
' rayed fish found in the State. The flesh is fine flavored, and as the fish is hardy and takes the
hook with avidity, it should be protected during the spawning season and artificially propagated.
I have examined the stomachs of a large number of these fish and in every instance found small
crawfish, furnishing an additional evidence in its favor. Prof. J. P. Kirtland, the veteran ichthy-
ologist of Ohio, says that this so-callea " grass bass" is the fish for the million.
The white bass {Roccus chrysops) is a species rather rare even in the larger bodies of water,.
but ought to be introduced into every small lake in the State, where I am certain they would
flourish. It is an excellent fish, possessing many of the good qualities and as few of the bad as
any that belong to the family. There is another branch of this family, the sunfish, Pomotis,
which numbers at least six species found in Wisconsin. They are beaiitiful fish, and afford
abundant sport for the boys ; none of them, however, are worth domesticating (unless it be in the
aquarium) as there are so many better.
The carp family (Cyprinidce) are soft finned fish without maxillary teeth. They include by
far the greater number of fresh-water fish. Some specimens are not more than one inch, while
others are nearly two feet in length. Our chubs, silversides and suckers are the principal mem-
bers of this family. Dace are good pan-fish, yet their small size is objectionable; they are the
children's game fish. The Cyprinidce all spawn in the spring, and might be profitably propa-
gated as food for the larger and more valuable fish.
There are six or seven species of suckers found in our lakes and rivers. The red horse,
found every where, and at least one species of the bufi'alo, inhabiting the Mississippi and its trib-
utaries, are the best of the genus Catastomus. Suckers are bony, and apt to taste suspiciously of
mud ; they are only to be tolerated in the absence of better. The carp {Cyprenius carpo) has been,
successfully introduced into the Hudsonriver.
The trout family (^SalmonidcB) are soft-finned fish with an extra dorsal adipose fin without
rays. They inhabit northern countries, spawning in the latter part of fall and winter. Their
flesh is universally esteemed. The trout family embrace by far the most valuable of our fish,
including, as it does, trout and whitefish. The famous speckled trout {Salmo fonlinalis) is a
small and beautiful species which is found in nearly every stream in the northern half of the
State. Wherever there is a spring run or lake, the temperature of which does not rise higher than
sixty-five or seventy in the summer, there trout can be propagated in abundance. The great
salmon trout (^Sal. amethystus) of the great lakes is a magnificent fish weighing from ten to sixty
pounds. The Siscowit salmo siscowit of Lake Superior is about the same size, but not quite so
good a fish, being too fat and oily. They will, no doubt, flourish in the larger of the inland
lakes.
The genus Coregonus includes the true whitefish, or lake shad. In this genus, as now
restricted, the nose is square and the under jaw short, and when first caught they have the
fragrance of fresh cucumbers. There are at least three species found in Lake Michigan. In my
136 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
opinion these fish are more delicately flavored than the celebrated Potomac shad ; but I doubt
whether they will thrive in the small lakes, owing to the absence of the small Crustacea <:" which
they subsist. The closely allied genus Argyrosomus includes seven known species inhabitmg the
larger lakes, and one, the Argyrosomus sisco, which is found in several of the lesser lakes. The
larger species are but little inferior to the true whitefish, with which they are commonly
confounded. The nose is pointed, the under jaw long, and they take the hook at certain seasons
with activity. They eat small fish as well as insects and crustaceans.
Of the pickerel family, we have three or four closely allied species of the genus Esox, armed
with prodigious jaws filled with cruel teeth. They lie motionles eady to dart, swift as an
arrow, upon their prey. They are the sharks of the fresh water. The pickerel are so rapacious
that they spare not their own species. Sometimes they attempt to swallow a fish nearly as large
as themselves, and perish in consequence! Their flesh is moderately good, and as they are game
to the backbone, it might be desirable to propagate them to a moderate extent under peculiar
circumstances. ■
The catfish {Siluridcz) have soft fins, protected by sharp spines, and curious fleshy barbels
floating from their lips, without scales, covered only with a slimy coat of mucus. The
•genus Pimlodus are scavengers among fish, as vultures among birds. They are filthy in habit
^nd food. There is one interesting trait of the catfish — the vigilant and watchful motherly
•care of the young by the male. He defends them with great spirit, and herds them together
when they straggle. Even the mother is driven far off; for he knows full well that she would
not scruple to make a full meal off her little black tadpole-like progeny. There are four species
known to inhabit this State — one peculiar to the great lakes, and t-wo found in the numerous
affluents of the Mississippi. One of these, the great yellow catfish, sometimes weighs over one
hundred pounds. When in good condition, stuffed and well baked, they are a fair table fish.
The small bull-head is universally distributed.
The sturgeons are large sluggish fish, covered with plates instead of scales. There
are at least three species of the genus Acipenser found in the waters of Wisconsin. Being so
large and without bones, they afford a sufficiently cheap article of food ; unfortunately, however,
the quality is decidedly bad. Sturgeons deposit an enormous quantity of eggs ; the roe not
unfrequently weighs one fourth as much as the entire body, and numbers, it is said, many
millions. The principal commercial value of sturgeons is found in the roe and swimming
bladder. The much prized caviare is manufactured from the former, and from the latter the best
of isinglass is obtained.
The gar-pikes {Leptdosteus) are represented by at least three species of this singular fish.
They have long serpentine bodies, with jaws prolonged into a regular bill, which is well provided
with teeth. The scales are composed of bone covered on the outside with enamel, like teeth.
The alligator gar, confined to the depths of the Mississippi, is a large fish, and the more common
species, Leptdosteus bison, attains to a considerable size. The Lepidosteous, now only found in
North America, once had representatives all over the globe. Fossils of the same family of which
the gar-pike is the type, have been found all over Europe, in the oldest fossiliferous beds, in the
strata of the age of coal, in the new red sandstone, in oolitic deposits, and in the chalk and
tertiary formations — being one of the many living evidences that North America was the first
country above the water. For all practical purposes, we should not regret to have the gar-pikes
follow in the footsteps of their aged and illustrious predecessors. They could well be spared.
There is a fish {Lota maculose) which belongs to the cod-fish family, called bythe fishermen
the "lawyers," for what reason I am not able to say — at any rate, the fish is worthless. There
are a great number of small fish, interesting only to the naturalist, which I shall omit to men-
tion here.
FAUNA OF WISCOlSrSIN. 13T
Fish of the northern countries are the most valuable, for the reason that the water is colder
and purer. Wisconsin, situated between forty-two thirty, and forty-seven degrees of latitude,
bounded on the east and north by the largest lakes in the world, on the west by the "Great river,"
traversed by numerous fine and rapid streams, and sprinkled all over with beautiful and pictu-
resque lakes, has physical conditions certainly the most favorable, perhaps of any State, for an
abundant and never-failing supply of the best fish. Few persons have any idea of the importance
of the fisheries of Lake Michigan. It is difficult to collect adequate data to form a correct
knowledge of the capital invested and the amount of fish taken; enough, however, has been
ascertained to enable me to state that at Milwaukee alone $100,000 are invested, and not less
than two hundred and eighty tons of dressed fish taken annually. At Racine, during the entire
season of nine months, there are, on an average, one thousand pounds of whitefish and trout,
each, caught and sold daily, amounting to not less than $16,000. It is well known that, since the
adoption of the gill-net system, the fishermen are enabled to pursue their calling ten months of
the 'year.
When the fish retire to the deep water, they are followed with miles of nets, and the poor
fish are entangled on every side. There is a marked falling off in the number and size of white-
fish and trout taken, when compared with early years. When fish were only captured with seines,
they had abundant chance to escape and multiply so as to keep an even balance in number.
Only by artificial propagation and well enforced laws protecting them during the spawning
season, can we hope now to restore the balance. In order to give some idea of the valuable
labors of the state fish commissioners, I will state briefly that they have purchased for the
state a piece of property, situated three miles from Madison, known as the Nine Springs,
including forty acres of land, on which they have erected a dwelling-house, barn and hatchery,
also constructed several ponds, in which can be seen many valuable fish in the enjoyment of
perfect health and vigor. As equipped, it is, undoubtedly, one of the best, if not the best, hatchery
iri the states. In this permanent establishment the commission design to hatch and distribute
to the small lakes and rivers of the interior the most valuable of our indigenous fish, such as
bass, pike, trout, etc., etc., as, well as many valuable foreign varieties. During the past season,
many fish have been distributed from this state hatchery. At the Milwaukee Water Works, the
commission have equipped a hatchery on a large scale, using the water as pumped directly from
the lake. During the past season there was a prodigious multitude of young trout and whitefish
distributed from this point. The success of Superintendent Welcher in hatching whitefish at
Milwaukee has been the best yet gained, nearly ninety per cent, of the eggs "laid down"
being hatched. Pisciculturists will appreciate this wonderful success, as they well know how
difficult it is to manage the spawn of the whitefish.
I append the following statistics of the number of fish hatched and distributed from the
Milwaukee hatchery previous to 1878 :
Total number of fish hatched, 8,000,000 — whitefish, 6,300,000; salmon trout, 1,700,000.
They were distributed as follows, in the month of May, 1877 : Whitefish planted in Lake
Michigan, at Racine, 1,000,000; at Milwaukee, 3,260,000; between Manitowoc and Two Rivers
1,000,000; in Green bay, 1,000,000; in Elkhart lake, 40,000.
Salmon trout were turned out as follows : Lake Michigan, near Milwaukee, 600,000 ;
Brown's lake, Racine county, 40,000 ; Delavan lake, Walworth county, 40,000 ; Troy lake, Wal-
worth county, 40,000 ; Pleasant lake, Walworth county, 40,000 ; Lansdale lake, Walworth
county, 40,000; Ella lake, Milwaukee county, 16,000; Cedar lake, Washington county, 40,000;
Elkhart lake, Sheboygan county, 40,000 ; Clear lake. Rock county, 40,000 ; Ripley lake,
138 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN".
Jefferson county, 40,000 ; Mendota lake, Dane county, 100,000 ; Fox lake, Dodge county,
40,000 ; Swan and Silver lakes, Columbia county, 40,000 ; Little Green lake, Green Lake
county, 40,000; Big Green lake, Green Lake county, 100,000; Bass lake, St. Croix county,
40,000; Twin lakes, St. Croix county, 40,000 ; Long lake, (Jhippewa county, 40,000; Oconomo-
woc lake, Waukesha county, 100,000; Pine lake, Waukesha county, 40,000; Pewaukee lake,
Waukesha^ county, 100,000 ; l^orth lake, Waukesha county, 40,000 ; Nagawicka lake, Waukesha
County, 40,000 ; Okanche lake, Waukesha county, 40,000.
LARGE ANIMALS.— TIME OF THEIR DISAPPEARANCE.
Fifty years ago, the territory now included in the state of Wisconsin, was nearly in a state
of nature, all the large wild animals were then abundant. Now, all has changed. The ax and
plow, gun and dog, railway and telegraph, have metamorphosed the face of nature. Most of
the large quadrupeds have been either exterminated, or have hid themselves away in the wilder-
ness. In a short time, all of these will have disappeared from the state. The date and order
in which animals become extinct within the boundaries of the state, is a subject of great interest.
There was a time when the antelope, the woodland caribou, the buffalo, and the wild turkey,
were abundant, but are now no longer to be found.
The Antelope, Antilocarpa Americana, now confined to the Western plains, did, two hun-
dred years ago, inhabit Wisconsin as far east as Michigan. In October, 1679, Father Hennepin,
with La Salle and party, in four canoes, coasted along the Western shore of Lake Michigan. In
Hennepin's narrative, he says; " The oldest of them " (the Indians) " came to us the next morn-
ing with their calumet of peace, and brought some Tznld goats." This was somewhere north of
Milwaukee. " Being in sore distress, we saw upon the coast a great many ravens and eagles "
(turkey vultures), " from whence we conjectured there was some prey, and having landed upon
that place, we found above the half of a fat wilti goat, which the wolves had strangled. This
provision was very acceptable to us, and the rudest of our men could not but praise the Divine
Providence which took so particular care of us." This must have been somewhere near Racine.
"On the 1 6th" (October, 1679), " we met with abundance of game. A savage we had with us,
killed several stags (deer) and wild goats, and our men a great many turkeys, very fat and big."
This must have been south of Racine. These goats were undoubtedly antelopes. Schoolcraft
mentions antelopes as occupying the Northwest territory.
When the last buffalo crossed the Mississippi is not precisely known. It is certain they
lingered in Wisconsin in 1825. It is said there was a buffalo shot on the St. Croix river as late
as 1832, so Wisconsin claims the last buffalo. The woodland caribou — Rangifer caribou — were
never numerous within the limits of the state. A few were seen not far from La Pointe in c^Al-
The last wild turkey in the eastern portion of the state, was in 1846. On the Mississippi, one
was killed in 1856. I am told by Dr. Walcott, that turkeys were abundant in Wisconsin previous
to the hard winter of 1842-3, when snow was yet two feet deep in March, with a stout crust, so
that the turkeys could not get to the ground. They became so poor and weak, that they could
not fly, and thus became an easy prey to the wolves, foxes, wild cats, minks, etc., which exter-
minated almost the entire race. The Doctor says he saw but one single individual the next
winter. Elk were on Hay river in 1863, and I have little doubt a few yet remain. Moose are
not numerous, a few yet remain in the northwestern part of the state. I saw moose tracks on
the Montreal river, near Lake Superior, in the summer of 1845. A few panthers may still
inhabit the wilderness of Wisconsin. Benjamin Bones, of Racine, shot one on the headwaters of
FAUNA OF WISCONSIN. 139
Black river, December, 1863. Badgers are now nearly gone, and in a few years more, the only
badgers found within the state, will be two legged ones. Beavers are yet numerous in the
small lakes in the northern regions. Wolverines are occasionally met with in the northern
forests. Bears, wolves, and deer, will continue to flourish in the northern and central counties,
where underbrush, timber, and small lakes abound.
All large animals will soon be driven by civilization out of Wisconsin. The railroad and
improved firearms will do the work, and thus we lose the primitive denizens of the forest and
prairies.
PECULIARITIES OF THE BIRD FAUNA.
The facts recorded in this paper, were obtained by personal observations within fifteen
miles of Racine, Wisconsin, latitude 42° 46' north, longitude 87° 48' west. This city is situated
on the western shore of Lake Michigan, at the extreme southern point of the heavy lumbered
district, the base of which rests on Lake Superior. Racine extends six miles further into the
lake than Milwaukee, and two miles further than Kenosha. At this point the great prairie
approaches near the lake from the west. The extreme rise of the mercury in summer, is from
90" to 100° Fahrenheit. The isothermal line comes further north in summer, and retires further
south in winter than it does east of the great lakes, which physical condition will sufficiently
explain the remarkable peculiarities of its animal life, the overlapping, as it were, of two distinct
faunas. More especially is this true of birds, that are enabled to change their locality with the
greatest facility. Within the past thirty years, I have collected and observed over three hundred
species of birds, nearly half of all birds found in North America. Many species, considered
rare in other sections, are found here in the greatest abundance. A striking peculiarity of the
ornithological fauna of this section, is that southern birds go farther north in summer, while
northern species go farther south in winter than they do east of the lakes. Of summer birds
that visit us, I will ennumerate a few of the many that belong to a more southern latitude in the
Atlantic States. Nearly all nest with us, or, at least, did some years ago.
Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virdis ; mocking bird, Mimus pollyglottus ; great Carolina wren,
Thrioihorus ludovicianus ; prothonotary warbler, Protonoiaria citreaj summer red bird, Pyrangia
(estiva; wood ibis, Tantalus loeulator.
Among Arctic birds that visit us in winter are :
Snowy owl, Nyciea nivea; great gray owl, Syrnium cinerus; hawk owl, Surnia ulula; Arctic
three-toed woodpecker, Picoides arciicusj banded three-toed woodpecker, Picoides hirsutusj mag-
pie. Pica hudsonica; Canada jay, Perisorius canadensis ; evening grosbeak, Hesperiphona vesper-
tina; Hudson titmouse, Parus hudsonicus ; king eder, Somateria speciabilis; black- throated diver,
Colymbus arcticusj glaucus gull, Laurus glaucus.
These examples are sufficient to indicate the rich avi fauna of Wisconsin. It is doubtful if
there is another locality where the Canada jay and its associates visit in winter where the mock-
ing bird nests in summer, or where the hawk owl flies silently over the spot occupied during
the warmer days by the summer red bird and the yellow-breasted chat. But the ax has already
leveled much of the great woods, so that there is now a great falling off in numbers of our old
familiar feathered friends. It is now extremely doubtful if such a collection can ever again be
madf within the boundaries of this state, or indeed, of any other.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
By Prof. EDWARD SEARING, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
From the time of the earliest advent of the families of French traders into the region now
known as Wisconsin, to the year 1818, when that region became part of Michigan territory,
education was mostly confined to private instruction, or was sought by the children of the
wealthier in the distant cities of Quebec, Montreal, and Detroit. The early Jesuit missionaries,
apd — subsequently to 1816, when it came under the military control of the United States —
representatives of various other religious denominations, sought to teach the Indian tribes of
this section. In 1823, Rev. Eleazar Williams, well known for his subsequent claim to be the
Dauphin of France, and who was in the employ of the Episcopal Missionary Society, started a
school of white and half-breed children on the west side of Fox river, opposite " Shanty-Town."
A Catholic mission school for Indians was organized by an Italian priest near Green Bay, in
1830. A clause of the treaty with the Winnebago Indians, in 1832, bound "the United States to
maintain a school for their children near Prairie du Chien for a period of twenty-seven years.
The Original School Code.
From 1818 to 1836, Wisconsin formed part of Michigan territory. In the year 1837, Michi-
gan was admitted into the Union as a state, and Wisconsin, embracing what is now Minnesota,
Iowa, and a considerable region still further westward, was, by act of congress approved April
20th of the year previous, established as a separate territory. The act provided that the existing
laws of the territory of Michigan should be extended over the new territory so far as compatible
with the provisions of the act, subject to alteration or repeal by the new government created.
Thus with the other statutes, the school code of Michigan became the original code of Wiscon-
sin, and it was soon formally adopted, with almost no change, by the first territorial legislature,
which met at Belmont. Although modified in some of its provisions almost every year, this
imperfect code continued in force until the adoption of the state constitution in 1848. The
first material changes in the code were made by the territorial legislature at its second session,
in 1837, by the passage of a bill " to regulate the sale of school lands, and to provide for organ-
izing, regulating, and perfecting common schools." It was provided in this act .that as soon as
twenty electors should reside in a surveyed township, they should elect a board of three com-
missioners, holding office three years, to lay off districts, to apply the proceeds of the leases of
schoollands to the payment of teachers' wages, and to call school meetings. It was also pro-
vided that each district should elect a board of three directors, holding office one year, to locate
school-houses, hire teachers for at least three months in the year, and levy taxes for the support
of schools. It was further provided that a third board of five inspectors should be elected
annually in each town to examine and license teachers and inspect the schools. Two years
subsequently (1839) the law was revised and the family, instead of the electors, was made the
basi.s of the town organization. Every town with not less than ten families was made a school
district and required to provide a competent teacher. More populous towns were divided into
two or more districts. The office of town commissioner was abolished, its duties with certain
others being transferred to the inspectors. The rate-bill system of taxation, previously in
existence, was repealed, and a tax on the whole county for building school-houses and support-
EDUCATIONAJL HISTORY. 141
ing schools was provided for. One or two years later the office of town commissioners was
restored, and the duties of the inspectors were assigned to the same. Other somewhat important
amendments were made at the same time.
In 1840, a memorial to congress from the legislature represented that the people were
anxious to establish a common-school system, with suitable resources for its support. From
lack of sufficient funds many of the schools were poorly organized. The rate-bill tax or private
subscription was often necessary to supplement the scanty results of county taxation. Until a
state government should be organized, the fund accruing from the sale of school lands could not
be available. Congress had made to Wisconsin, as to other new states, for educational purposes,
a donation of lands. These lands embraced the sixteenth section in every township in the state,
the 500,000 acres to which the state was entitled by the provisions of an act of congress passed
in 1841, and any grant of lands from the United States, the purposes of which were not speci-
fied. To obtain the benefits of this large fund was a leading object in forming the state con-
stitution.
Agitation for Free Schools.
Shortly before the admission of the state the subject of free schools began to be quite
widely discussed. In February, 1845, Col. M. Frank, of Kenosha, a member of the territorial
legislature, introduced a bill, which became a law, authorizing the legal voters of his own town
to vote taxes on all the assessed property lor the full support of its schools. A provision of the
act required its submission to the- people of the town before it could take effect. It met with
strenuous opposition, but after many public meetings and lectures held in the interests of public
enlightenment, the act was ratified by a small majority in the fall of 1845, and thus the first free school
in the state was legally organized. Subsequently, in the legislature, in the two constitutional con-
ventions, and in educational assemblies, the question of a free-school system for the new state
soon to be organized provoked much interest and discussion. In the constitution framed by the
convention of 1846, was provided the basis of a free-school system similar to that in our present
constitution. The question of establishing the office of state superintendent, more than any
other feature of the proposed school system, elicited discussion in that body. The necessity of
this office, and the advantages of free schools supported by taxation, were ably presented to the
convention by Hon. Henry Barnard, of Connecticut, in an evening address. He afterward pre-
pared, by request, a draft of a free-school system, with a state superintendent at its head, which
was accepted and subsequently embodied in the constitution and the school law. In the second
constitutional convention, in 1848, the same questions again received careful attention, and the
article on education previously prepared, was, after a few changes, brought into the shape in
which we now find it. Immediately after the ratification by the people, of the constitution pre-
pared by the second convention, three commissioners were appointed to revise the statutes. To
one of these, Col. Frank, the needed revision of the school laws was assigned. The work was
acceptably performed, and the new school code of 1849, largely the same as the present one,
went into operation May first of that year.
The School System under the State Government.
In the state constitution was laid the broad foundation of our present school system. The
four corner stones were: (i) The guaranteed freedom of the schools; (2) the school fund
created ; (3) the system of supervision ; (4) a state university for higher instruction. The
school fund has five distinct sources for its creation indicated in the constitution: (i) Proceeds
from the sale of lands granted to the state by the United States for educational purposes ; (2)
142
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
all moneys accruing from forfeiture or escheat ; (3) all fines collected in the several counties for
breach of the penal laws ; (4) all moneys paid for exemption from military duty ; (5) five per cent,
of the sale of government lands within the state. In addition to these constitutional sources of
the school fund, another and sixth source was open from 1856 to 1870. By an act of the state
legislature in the former year, three-fourths of the net proceeds of the sales of the swamp and
overflowed lands, granted to the state by congress, Sept. 28, 1850, were added to the common-
school fund, the other fourth going into a fund for drainage, under certain circumstances ; but if
not paid over to any town for that purpose within two years, to become a part of the school
fund. The following year one of these fourths was converted into the normal-school fund,
leaving one-half for the common-school fund. In 1858, another fourth was given to the drainage
fund, thus providing for the latter one-half the income from the sales, and leaving for the school
fund, until the year 1865; only the remaining one-fourth. In the latter year this was transferred
to the normal-school fund, with the provision, however, that one-fourth of the income of this
fund should be transferred to the common-school fund until the annual income of the latter
fund should reach $200,000. In 1870 this provision was repealed, and the whole incorne of the
normal fund left applicable to the support of normal schools and teachers' institutes.
At the first session of the state legislature in 1848, several acts were passed which carried
out in some degree the educational provisions of the constitution. A law was enacted to pro-
vide for the election, and to define the duties, of a state superintendent of public instruction. A
district board was created, consisting of a moderator, director, and treasurer; the office of town
superintendent was established, and provision was made for the creation of town libraries, and
for the distribution of the school fund. The present school code of Wisconsin is substantially
that passed by the legislature of 1848, and which went into operation May i, 1849. The most
important change since made was the abolition of the office of town superintendent, and the
substitution therefor of the county superintendency. This change took effect January i, 1862.
The School-Fund Income.
The first annual report of the state superintendent, for the year 1849, gives the income of
the school fund for that year as $588, or eight and three-tenth mills per child. Milwaukee
county received the largest amount, $69.63, and St. Croix county the smallest, twenty-four cents.
The average in the state was forty-seven cents per district. The following table will show at a
glance the quinquennial increase in the income of the fund, the corresponding increase in the
number of school children, and the apportionment per child, from 1849 to 1875, inclusive ; also,
the last published apportionment, that for 1878. It will be seen that since 1855 the increase of
the fund has not kept pace with the increase of school population :
Year.
NO. CHILDREN
OF SCHOOL-AGE.
INCOME OF
SCHOOL FUND
RATE PER
CHILD.
Year.
NO. CHILDREN
OF SCHOOL-AGE.
INCOME OF
SCHOOL FUND
RATE PER
CHILD.
1849- -
1850..
1855--
i86o_ .
70,457
92,105
186,085
288,984
$588 00
47,716 00
125,906 02
184,949 76
$0.0083
.518
.67
.64
1865..
1870..
1875--
1878..
335.582
412,481
450,304
478,692
151,816 34
159,271 38
184,624 64
185,546 01
.46
.40
.41
.39
The amount of productive school fund reported September 30, 1878, was $2,680,703.27.
The portion of the fund not invested at that date, was ;?s8,823.7o.
EDUCATIONAL HISTOEY. 143
The State University.
In his message to the first territorial legislature, in 1836, Governor Dodge recommended
asking from congress aid for the establishment of a state educational institution, to be governed
by the legislature. This was the first official action looking to the establishment of a state
university. The same legislature passed an act to establish and locate the Wisconsin univer-
sity at Belmont, in the county of Iowa. At its second session, the following year, the legislature
passed an act, which was approved January 19, 1838, establishing " at or near Madison, the seat
of government, a university for the purpose of educating youth, the name whereof shall be ' The
University of the Territory of Wisconsin. " A resolution was passed at the same session, direct-
ing the territorial delegate in congress to ask of that body an appropriation of $20,000 for the
erection of the buildings ol said university, and also to appropriate two townships of vacant land
for its endowment. Congress accordingly appropriated, in 1838, seventy-two sections, gr two
townships, for the support of a " seminary of learning in the territory of Wisconsin," and this
was afterward confirmed to the state for the use of the university. No effectual provision, how-
ever, was made for the establishment of the university until ten years later, when the state was
organized. Congress, as has been said, had made a donation of lands to the territory for the
support of such an institution, but these lands could not be made available for that purpose until
the territory should become a state. The state constitution, adopted in 1848, declared that pro-
vision should be made for the establishment of a state university, and that the proceeds of all
lands donated by the United States to the state for the support of a university should remain a
perpetual fund, the interest of which should be appropriated to its support
The state legislature, at its first session, passed an act, approved July 26, 1848, establishing
the University of Wisconsin, defining its location, its government, and its various departments,
and authorizing the regents to purchase a suitable site for the buildings, and to proceed to the
erection of the same, after having obtained from the legislature the approval of plans. This act
repealed the previous act of 1838. The regents were soon after appointed, and their first annual
report was presented to the legislature, January 30, 1849. This report announced the selection
of a site, subject to the approval of the legislature, announced the organization of a preparatory
department, and the election of a chancellor or president. The university was thus organized,
with John H. Lathrop, president of the University of Missouri, as its first chancellor, and John
W. Sterling as principal of the preparatory 'department, which was opened February 5, 1849.
Chancellor Lathrop was not formally inaugurated until January 16, 1850.
Owing to the short-sighted policy of the state in locating without due care, and in apprais-
ing and selling so low the lands of the original grant, the fund produced was entirely inadequate
to the support of the institution. Congress, therefore, made, m 1854, an additional grant of
seventy-two sections of land for its use. These, however, were located and sold in the same
inconsiderate and unfortunate manner, for so low a price as to be a means of inducing immigra-
tion, indeed, but not of producing a fund adequate for the support of a successful state univer-
sity. Of the 92,160 acres comprised in the two grants, there had been sold prior to September
30, 1866, 74,178 acres for the sum of $264,570.13, or at an average price of but little more than
$3.50 per acre.* Besides this, the state had allowed the university to anticipate its income to the
extent of over $100,000 for the erection of buildings. By a law of 1862 the sum of $104,339.43
was taken from its fund (already too small) to pay for these buildings. The resulting embar-
rassment made necessary the re-organization of 1866, which added to the slender resources of
the institution the agricultural college fund, arising from the sale of lands donated to the state by
the congressional act of r862.
♦Compare the price obtained for the lands of the University of Michigan. The first sale of those lands averaged
$22.85 per acre, and brought in a single year (1837) $150,447.90. Sales were made in succeeding years at $15, $17,
and $19 per acre.
144 HISTORY OF WISCONSIlSr.
The first university building erected was the north dormitory, which was completed in 185 1.
This is no feet in length by 40 in breadth, and four stories in height. The south dormitory, of
the same size, was completed in 1855. The main central edifice, known as University Hall, was
finished in 1859. The Ladies' College was completed in 1872. This latter was built with an
appropriation of $50,000, made by the legislature in 1870 — the first actual donation the univer-
sity fiad ever received from the state. The legislature of 1875 appropriated $80,000 for the
erection of Science Hall, a building to be devoted to instruction in the physical sciences. This
was completed and ready for occupancy at the opening of the fall term of 1877.
The growth of this institution during the past fourteen years, and especially since its re-
organization in 1866, has been rapid and substantial. Its productive fund on the 30th day of
September, 1877, aside from the agricultural college fund, was $223,240 32. The combined uni-
versity and agricultural funds amounted, at the same date, to $464,032 22. An act of the legis-
lature in 1867 appropriated to the university income for that year, and annually for the next ten
years, the sum of $7,303.76, being the interest upon the sum taken from the university fund by
the law of 1862 for the erection of buildings, as before mentioned. Chapter 100 of the general
laws of 1872 also provided for an annual state tax of $10,000 to increase the income of the uni-
versity. Chapter 119 of the laws of 1876 provides for an annual state tax of one-tenth of one
mill on the taxable property of the state for the increase of the university fund income, this tax
to be " in lieu of all other appropriations before provided for the benefit of said fund income,"
and to be " deemed a full compensation for all deficiencies in said income arising from the dis-
position of the lands donated to the state by congress, in trust, for the benefit of said income."
The entire income of the university from all sources, including this tax (which was $42,359.62),
was, for the year ending September 30, 1878, ^81,442.63. The university has a faculty of over
thirty professors and instructors, and during the past year — 1877-8 — it had in its various depart-
ments 388 students. The law department, organized in 1868, has since been in successful opera-
ation. Ladies are admitted into all the departments and classes of the university.
Agricultural College.
The agricultural college fund, granted to the state by the congressional act of 1862, was
by a subsequent legislative enactment (1866) applied to the support, not of a separate agricultural
college, but of a department of agriculture in the existing university, thus rendering it unneces-
sary for the state to erect separate buildings elsewhere. Under the provisions of chapter 114,
laws of 1866, the county of Dane issued to the state, for the purpose of purchasing an experi-
mental farm, bonds to the amount of $40,000. A farm of about 200 acres, adjoining the univer-
sity grounds, was purchased, and a four years' course of study provided, designed to be thorough
and extensive in the branches that relate to agriculture, in connection with its practical application
upon the experimental farm.
The productive agricultural college fund has increased from g8,o6i.86, in 1866, to ^244,263, 1 8,
in 1878.
Normal Schools.
The propriety of making some special provision for the instruction of teachers was
acknowledged in the very organization of the state, a provision for normal schools having been
embodied in the constitution itself, which ordains that after the support and n.aintenance of the
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 145
common schools is insured, the residue of the school fund shall be appropriated to academies and
normal schools. The state legislature, in its first session in 1848, in the act establishing the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin, declared that one of the four departments thereof should be a department
of the theory and practice of elementary instruction. The first institution ever chartered in
the state as a normal school was incorporated by the legislature at its second session — 1849 —
under the title of the " Jefferson County Normal School." This, however, was never organized.
The regents, when organizing the university, at their meeting in 1849, ordained the estab-
lishment of a normal professorship, and declared that in organizing the normal department it
was their fixed intention " to make the University of Wisconsin subsidiary to the great cause of
popular education, by making it, through its normal department, the nursery of the educators of
the popular mind, and the central point of union and harmony to the educational interests of the
commonwealth." They declared that instruction in the normal department should be free to all
suitable candidates. Little was accomplished, however, in this direction during the next ten
years. In 1857 an act was passed by the legislature appropriating twenty-five per cent, of the
income of the swamp-land fund " to normal institutes and academies under the supervision and
direction of a board of regents of normal schools," who were to be appointed in accordance
with the provisions of the act. Distribution of this income was made to such colleges, acade-
mies, and high schools as maintained a normal class, in proportion to the number of pupils pass-
ing a successful examination conducted by an agent of the board. In 1859, Dr. Henry Barnard,
who had become chancellor of the university, was made agent of the normal regents. He
inaugurated a system of teachers' institutes, and gave fresh vigor to the normal work throughout
the state. Resigning, however, on account of ill-health, within two years. Professor Chas. H.
Allen, who had been conducting institutes under his direction, succeeded him as agent of the
normal regents, and was elected principal of the normal department of the university, entering
upon his work as the latter in March, 1864. He managed the department with signal ability and
success, but at the end of one or two years resigned. Meantime the educational sentiment of
the state had manifested itself for the establishment of separate normal schools.
In 1865, the legislature passed an act repealing that of two years before, and providing
instead that one-half of the swamp-land fund should be set apart as a normal-school fund, the
income of which should be applied to establishing and supporting normal schools under the
direction and management of the board of normal regents, with a proviso, however, that one-
fourth of such income should be annually transferred to the common-school fund income, until
the latter should amount annually to $200,000. This proviso was repealed by the legislature of
1870, and the entire income of one-half the swamp-land fund has since been devoted to normal-
school purposes. During the same year proposals were invited for aid in the establishment of a
normal school, in money, land, or buildings, and propositions from various places were received
and considered. In 1S66, the board of regents was incorporated by the legislature. In the
same year Platteville was conditionally selected as the site of a school, and as there was already
a productive fund of about $600,000, with an income of over $30,000, and a prospect of a steady
increase as the lands were sold, the board decided upon the policy of establishing several schools,
located in different parts of the state. In pursuance of this policy, there have already been
completed, and are now in very successful operation, the Platteville Normal School, opened
October 9, 1866; the Whitewater Normal School, opened April 21, 1868 ; the Oshkosh Normal
School, opened September 19, 1871, and the River Falls Normal School, opened September
2, 1875. Each assembly district in the state is entitled to eight representatives in the
normal schools. These are nominated by county and city superintendents. Tuition is
free to all normal students. There are in the normal schools two courses of study — an
146 HISTOBY or WISCONSIN".
elementary course of two years, and an advanced course of four years. The student completing
the former, receives a certificate ; the one completing the latter, a diploma. The certificate, when
the holder has successfully taught one year after graduation, may be countersigned by the sup-
erintendent of public instruction, when it becomes equivalent to a five-years' state certificate,
The diploma, when thus countersigned, after a like interval, is equivalent to a permanent state
certificate.
It is believed that the normal-school system of Wisconsin rests upon a broader and more
secure basis than the corresponding system of any other state. That basis is an independent
and permanent fund, which has already reached a million dollars. The precise amount of this
securely invested and productive fund, September 30, 1878, was ;gi, 004,907.67, and the sum of
;g33, 290.88 remained uninvested.
Teachers' Institutes.
In addition to the work of the normal schools, the board of regents is authorized to expend
$5,000 annually to defray the expenses of teachers' institutes. A law of 1871, amended in 1876,
provides for normal institutes, which shall be held for not less than two consecutive weeks, and
appropriates from the state treasury a sum not exceeding $2,000 per annum for their support.
There were held in the State, in 1878, sixty-six institutes, varying in length from one to two
■weeks. The total number of persons enrolled as attendants was 4,944
Graded Schools.
Including those in the cities, the graded schools of the State number about four hundred.
The annual report of the State superintendent for 1878 gives, the number with two departments
as 207, and the number with three or more as 225.
A law of March, 1872, provided that "all graduates of any graded school of the state, who
shall have passed an examination at such graded school satisfactory to the faculty of the univer-
sity for admission into the sub-freshman class and college classes of the university, shall be at
once and at all times entitled to free tuition in all the colleges of the university." A consider-
able number of graduates of graded schools entered the university under this law during the
next four years, but it being deemed an unwise discrimination in favor of this class of students,
in 1876, in the same act which provided for the tax of one tenth of one mill, the legislature pro-
vided that from and after the 4th of July of that year no student, except students in law and
those taking extra studies, should be required to pay any fees for tuition. Few graded schools
of the state are able as yet to fully prepare students for entrance into the regular classes of the
classical department of the university. The larger number prepared by them still enter the
scientific department or the sub-freshman class.
The Township System.
In 1869 the legislature passed a law authorizing towns to adopt by vote the " township sys-
tem of school government." Under this system each town becomes one school district, and the
several school districts already existing become sub-districts. Each sub-district elects a clerk,
and these clerks constitute a body corporate under the name of the " board of school directors," and
are invested with the title and custody of all school houses, school-house sites, and other prop-
erty belonging to the sub-districts, with power to control them for the best interests of the
schools of the town. The law provides for an executive committee to execute the orders of the
— cT^^y^^^lt-o^ /p^oijy-^^^
HARTLAND.
EDUCATIONAL HISTOET. 147
board, employ teachers, etc., and for a secretary to record proceedings of the board, have imme-
diate charge and supervision of the schools, and perform other specified duties. But few towns
have as yet made trial of this system, although it is in successful operation in Pensylvania, Mas-
sachusetts, and some other states, and where fully and fairly tried in our own, has proved entirely
satisfactory. It Is the general belief of our enlightened educational men that the plan has such
merits as ought to secure its voluntary adoption by the people of the state.
Free High Schools.
In 1875 the legislature enacted that any town, incorporated village, or city, may establish
and maintain not more than two free high schools, and provided for an annual appropriation of
not to exceed $25,000, to refund one-half of the actual cost of instruction in such schools, but
no school to draw in any one year more than $500. At the session of 1877 the benefits of the
act were extended to such high schools already established as shall show by a proper report that
they have confornied to the requirements of the law. If towns decline to establish such a
school, one or more adjoining districts in the same have the privilege of doing so. The law has
met with much favor. For the school year ending August 31, 1876 (the first year in which it was
in operation), twenty such schools reported, and to these the sum of $7,466.50 was paid, being
an average of $373-52 per School. For the year ending August 31, 1878, eighty-five schools
reported and received a pro rata division of the maximum appropriation. The high school law
was primarily designed to bring to rural neighborhoods the twofold advantages of (i) a higher
instruction than the common district schools afford, and (2) a better class of teachers for these
schools. It was anticipated, however, from the first that the immediate results of the law would
be chiefly the improvement of existing graded schools in the larger villages and in cities.
School Officers.
The school officers of Wisconsin are, a state superintendent of public instruction, sixty-four
county superintendents, twenty-eight city superintendents, and a school board in each district,
consisting of a director, treasurer, and clerk. The state and county superintendents hold office
two years, the district officers three years. In each independent city there is a board of educa-
tion, and the larger cities have each a city superintendent, who in some cases is also principal of
the high school. He is appointed for one year. The county board of supervisors determine,
within certain limits, the amount of money to be raised annually in each town and ward of their
county for school purposes, levy an additional amount for the salary of the county superintend-
ents, may authorize a special school tax, and may under certain circumstances determine that
there shall be two superintendents for their county. The town board of supervisors have authority
to form and alter school districts, to issue notice for first meeting, to form union districts for high
school purposes, and appoint first boards for the same, to locate and establish school-house sites
under certain circumstances, to extinguish districts that have neglected to maintain school for
two years, and to dispose of the property of the same. The district clerks report annually to the
town clerks, the town clerks to the county superintendents, and the county and city superintend-
ents to the state superintendent, who in turn makes an annual report to the governor.
State Teachers' Certificates.
The state superintendent is authorized by law " to issue state certificates of high grade to
teachers of eminent qualifications." Two grades of these are given, one unlimited, and the
other good for five years. The examination is conducted by a board of three examiners,
appointed annually by the state superintendent, and acting under rules and regulations prescribed
by him.
148 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
Teachers' Associationsj
Besides the Wisconsin State Teachers' Association, holding its annual session in the summer
and a semi-annual or " executive " session in the winter, there are, in several parts of the state,
county or district associations, holding stated meetings. The number of such associations is
annually increasing.
Libraries.
The utility of public libraries as a part of the means of popular enlightenment, was early
recognized in this state. The constitution, as seJt forth in 1848, required that a portion of the
income of the school fund should be applied to the " purchase of suitable libraries and ap'pa-
ratus" for the common schools. The same year the legislature of the state, at its first session,
enacted that as soon as this income should amount to $60,000 a year (afterwards changed to
$30,000), each town superintendent might devote one tenth of the portion of this income received
by his town annually, to town library purposes, the libraries thus formed to be distributed among
the districts, in sections, and in rotation, once in three months. Districts were also empowered
to raise money for library books. The operation of this discretionary and voluntary system was
not successful. In ten years (1858) only about one third of the districts (1,121) had libraries,'
embracing in all but 38,755 volumes, and the state superintendent, Hon. Lyman C. Draper, urged
upon the legislature a better system, of " town libraries," and a state tax for their creation and
maintenance. In 1857, the legislature enacted that ten per cent, of the yearly income of the
school fund should be applied to the purchase of town school libraries, and that an annual tax of
one tenth of one mill should be levied for the same purpose. The law was left incomplete, how-
ever, and in 1862, before the system had been perfected, the exigencies of the civil war led to
the repeal of the law, and the library fund which had accumulated from the ten per cent, of the
school fund income, and from the library tax, amounting in all to $88,784.78, was transferred to
the general fund. This may be considered a debt to the educational interests of the slate that
should be repaid. Meanwhile the single district library system languishes and yearly grows
weaker. The re-enacting of a town library system, in which local effort and expenditure shall
be stimulated and supplemented by State aid, has been recommended by the State Teachers'
Association, and will, it is hoped, be secured, at no distant day, as a part of a complete town
system of schools and of public education.
List of State Superintendents.
The act creating the office was passed at the first session of the state legislature, in 1848,
The incumbents up to the present time have been as follows :
NAME OF INCUMBENT. DURATION OF INCUMBENCY.
Hon. E. Root Three years — 1849-50-51. 1
Hon. A. P. Ladd ..Two years — 1852-53.
Hon. H. A. Wright* One year and five months — 1854-55.
Hon. A. C. Barry ..Two years and seven months — 1855-56-57.
Hon. L. C. Draper Two years — 1858-59.
Hon. J. L. Pickardf Three years and nine months — 1860-61-62-63.
Hon. J. G. McMynn .Four years and three months — 1863-64-65-66-67.
Hon. A. J. CraigJ Two years and six months — 1868-69-70.
Hon. Samuel Fallows Three years and six months — 1870-71-72-73.
Hon. Edward Searing Four years— 1874-75-76-77.
Hon. W. C. Whitford ...Two years— 1878-79.
* Died, May 29, 1845. •)• Resigned, October i, 1863. X Died, July 3, 1870.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY. 149
Sketches of Colleges in Wisconsin.*
Beloit College was founded in 1847, at Beloit, under the auspices of the Congregational and
Presbyterian churches of Wisconsin and northern Illinois. In 1848, Rev. Joseph Emerson and
Rev. J. J. Bushnell were appointed professors, and in 1849, Rev. A. L. Chapin was appointed
president, and has continued such until the present time The institution has had a steady
growth, has maintained a high standard of scholarship and done excellent work, both in its pre-
paratory and college departments. Two hundred and thirty-six young men have graduated.
Its. lands and buildings are valued at $78,000, and its endowments and funds amount to about
$122,000.
Lawrence University, at Appleton, under the patronage of the Methodist church, was
organized as a college in 1850, having been an " institute " or academy for three years previous,
under the Rev. W. H. Sarhpson. The first president was Rev. Edward Cook ; the second, R.
Z. Mason ; the present one is the Rev. George M. Steele, D. D. It is open to both sexes, and
has graduated 130 young men, and 68 young women. It still maintains a preparatory depart-
ment. It has been an institution of great benefit in a new region of country, in the northeastern
part of the state. Receiving a liberal donation at the outset from the Hon. Amos A. Lawrence,
of Boston, it has land and buildings valued at $47,000, at Appleton, and funds and endowments
amounting to $60,000.
Milton College, an institution under the care of the Seventh Day Baptists, was opened as a
college in 1867, having been conducted as an academy since 1844. Rev. W. C. Whitford, the
president, was for many years the principal of the academy The institution has done much
valuable work, particularly in preparing teachers for our public schools. The college has gradu-
ated 38 young men and women, having previously graduated 93 academic students. It has lands,
buildings and endowments to the amount of about $50,000.
Ripon College, which was known till 1864 as Brockway College, was organized in 1853, at
Ripon, and is supported by the Congregational church. Since its re-organization, in 1863, it has
graduated 77 students (of both sexes) in the college courses, and has always maintained a large
and flourishing preiparatory department. Under its present efficient head, the Rev. E. H. Mer-
rell, A. M., it is meeting with continued success. Its property amounts to about $125,000.
Racine College was founded by the Episcopal Church, at Racine, in 1852, under the Rev.
Roswell Park, D. D., as its first President. It was for a long time under the efficient administra-
tion of Rev. James De Koven, D. D., now deceased, who was succeeded by Rev. D. Stevens
Parker. It maintains a large boys' school also, and a preparatory department. It was designed,
in part, to train young men for the Nashotah Theological Seminary. It has property, including
five buildings, to the amount of about ;g 180,000, and has graduated ninety-nine young men. Its
principal work, in which it has had great success, is that of a boys' school, modeled somewhat
after the English schools.
The Seminary of St. Francis of Sales, an ecclesiastical school, was established at St. Fran-
cis Station, near Milwaukee, chiefly by the combined efforts of two learned and zealous priests',
the Rev. Michael Heiss, now bishop of La Crosse, and the Rev. Joseph Salzmann. It was
opened in January, 1856, with Rev. M. Heiss as rector, and with 25 students. Rev. Joseph
; alzmann was rector from September, 1868, to the time of his death, January 17, 1874, since
which time Rev. C. Wapelhorst has held the rectorship. The latter is now assisted by twelve
professors, and the students number 267, of whom 105 are theologians, 31 students of philosophy,
and the rest classical students.
Pio Nono College is a Roman Catholic institution, at St. Francis Station, in the immediate
neighborhood of the Seminary of St. Francis. It was founded in 187 1, by Rev. Joseph Salzmann,
* The statistics in this division were obtained in 1877. and are for the Drevious year.
150 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
who was the first rector. He was succeeded in r874 by the present rector, Rev. Thomas Brue-
ner, vvho is assisted by a corps of seven professors. Besides the college proper, there is a nor-
mal department, in which, in addition to the education that qualifies for teaching in common and
higher schools, particular attention is given to church music. There is also, under the same
management, but in an adjoining building, an institution for the instruction of the deaf and dumb.
The pupils in the latter, both boys and girls, numbering about 30, are taught to speak by sounds,
and it is said with the best success.
An institution was organized in 1865, at Prairie du Chien, under the name of Prairie du
Chien College, and under the care of J. T. Lovewell, as principal. In the course of two or three
years it passed into the hands of the Roman Catholic church, and is now known as St. John's
College. It has so far performed principally preparatory work.
Sinsinawa Mound College, a Roman Catholic institution, was founded in 1848, through the
labors of Father Mazzuchelli, but after doing a successful work, was closed in 1863, and in 1867
the St. Clara academy was opened in the same buildings.
The Northwestern University, which is under the Lutheran church, was organized in 1865,
at Watertown, under Rev. August F. Ernst, as president. It has graduated 21 young men, and
has a preparatory department. Its property is valued at $50,000.
Galesville University was organized in 1859, under the patronage of the Methodist church
at Galesville, in the northwest part of the state. The first president was the Rev. Samuel Fal-
lows, since state superintendent. It has graduated ten young men and eight young women, its
work hitherto having been mostly preparatory. It is now under the patronage of the Presby-
terian denomination, with J. W. McLaury, A. M., as president: It has property valued at
$30,000, and an endowment of about $50,000.
Carroll College was established at Waukesha, by the Presbyterian church, in 1846. Prof. J.
W. Sterling, now of the state university, taught its primary classes that year. Under President
John A. Savage, D.D., with an able corps of professors, it took a high rank and graduated
classes ; but for several years past it has confined its work principally to academic studies.
Under W. L. Rankin, A. M.,the present principal, the school is doing good service.
Wayland University was established as a college, by the Baptists, at Beaver Dam, in 1854,
but never performed much college work. For three years past, it has been working under a new
charter as an academy and preparatory school, and is now known as Wayland Institute.
In 1841, the Protestant Episcopal church established a mission in the wilds of Waukesha
county, and, at an early day, steps were taken to establish in connection therewith an institution
of learning. This was incorporated in 1847, by the name of Nashotah House. In 1852 the
classical school was located at Racine, and Nashotah House became distinctively a theological
seminary. It has an endowment of one professorship, the faculty and students being otherwise
sustained by voluntary contributions. It has a faculty of five professors, with Rev. A. D.
Cole, D.D., as president, buildings pleasantly situated, and has graduated 185 theological students.
Female Colleges.
Two institutions have been known under this designation. The Milwaukee Female College
was founded in 1852, and ably conducted for several years, under the principalship of Miss Mary
Mortimer, now deceased. It furnished an advanced grade of secondary instruction. The Wis-
consin Female College, located at Fox Lake, was first incorporated in 1855, and re-organized in
r863. It has never reached a collegiate course, is now known as Fox Lake Seminary, and
admits both sexes. Rev. A. O. Wright, A. M., is the present principal.
AGEICULTXJBE. 151
Academies and Seminaries.
The following institutions of academic grade, are now in operation : Albion Academy ;
Benton Academy ; Big Foot Academy ; Elroy Seminary ; Fox Lake Seminary ; two German and
English academies in Milwaukee ; Janesville Academy ; Kemper Hall, Kenosha ; Lake Geneva
Seminary, Geneva; Lakeside Seminary, Oconomowoc; Marshall Academy, Marshall; Merrill
Institute, Fond du Lac ; Milwaukee Academy ; Racine Academy ; River Falls Institute ;
Rochester Seminary; St. Catherine's Academy, Racine; St. Clara Academy; Sinsinawa
Mound ; St. Mary's Institute, Milwaukee ; Sharon Academy ; and Wayland Institute, Beaver
Dam. Similar institutions formerly in operation but suspended or merged in other institu-
tions, were : Allen's Grove Academy ; Appleton Collegiate Institute ; Baraboo Collegiate Insti-
tute; Beloit Female Seminary; Beloit Seminary; Brunson Institute, Mount Hope ; Evansville Sem-
inary ; Janesville Academy (merged in the high school) ; Kilbourn Institute ; Lancaster Institute;
Milton Academy ; Platteville Academy ; Southport Academy (Kenosha) ; Waterloo Academy ;
Waukesha Seminary; Wesleyan Seminary, Eau Claire; and Patch Grove Academy. The
most important of these were the Milton and Platteville Academies, the former merged in Mil-
ton College, the latter in the Platteville Normal School. Of the others, several were superseded
by the establishment of public high schools in the same localities.
Commercial Schools.
Schools of this character, aiming to furnish what is called a business education, exist in Mil-
waukee, Janesville, Madison, LaCrosse, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. The oldest and
largest is in Milwaukee, under the care of Prof. R. C. Spencer, and enrolls from two to three
hundred students annually.
AGRICULTURE.
By W. W. DANIELLS, M.S., Prof, of Chemistry and Agriculture at the University
OF Wisconsin.
The trend of the earliest industries of a country, is the result of the circumstances under
which those industries are developed. The attention of pioneers is confined to supplying the
immediate wants of food, shelter, and clothing. Hence, the firs tsettlers of a country are farm-
ers, miners, trappers, ,or fishermen, according as they can most readily secure the means of pres-
ent sustenance for themselves and their families. In the early history of Wisconsin this law is
well exemplified. The southern part of the state, consisting of alternations of prairie and tim-
ber, was first settled by farmers. As the country has developed, wealth accumulated, and means
of transportation have been furnished, farming has ceased to be the sole interest. Manufactories
have been built along the rivers, and the mining industry of the southwestern part of the state has
grown to one of considerable importance. The shore of Lake Michigan was first mainly settled
tied by fishermen, but the later growth of agriculture and manufactures has nearly overshadowed
the fishing interest ; as has the production of lumber, in the north half of the state, eclipsed the
trapping and fur interests of the first settlers. That the most important industry of Wisconsin
is farming, may be seen from the following statistics of the occupation of the people as given by
the United States census. Out of each one hundred inhabitants, of all occupations, 68 were
152
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
farmers, in 1840; 52 in 1850; 54 in i860; 55 in 1870. The rapid growth of the agriculture of
the state is illustrated by the increase in the number of acres of improved land in farms, and in
the value of farms and of farm implements and machinery, as shown by the following table, com-
piled from the United States census :
ACRES IMPROVED LAND
IN FARMS.
VALUE OF FARMS,
INCLUDING IMPROV-
ED AND UNIMPROV-
ED LANDS.
VALUE OF FARM
IMPLEMENTS
YEAR.
TOTAL.
TO EACH
INHAB.
AND
MACHINERY.
1850
i860
1870
1,045,499
3,746.167
5,899,343
3.4
4.8
5.6
$ 28,528,563
131,117,164
300,414,064
$ 1,641,568
5.758,847
14,239,364
Farming, at the present time, is almost entirely confined to the south half of the state, the
northern half being still largely covered by forests. A notable exception to this statement is
found in the counties on the western border, which are well settled by farmers much farther north.
The surface of the agricultural portion of the state is for the most part gently undulating, afford-
ing ready drainage, without being so abruptly broken as to render cultivation difficult. The soil
is varied in character, and mostly very fertile. The southern portion of the state consists of
undulating prairies of variable size — the largest being Rock prairie — alternating with oak openings.
The prairies have the rich alluvial soil so characteristic of the western prairies, and are easily
worked. The soil of the "openings " land is usually a sandy loam, readily tilled, fertile, but not
as " strong " as soils having more clay. The proportion of timber to prairie increases passing north
from the southern boundary of the state, and forests of maple, basswood and elm, replace, to
some extent, the oak lands. In these localities, the soil is more clayey, is strong and fertile, not
as easily tilled, and not as quickly exhausted as are the more sandy soils of the oak lands. In
that portion of the state known geologically as the " driftless " region, the soil is invariably good
where the surface rock is limestone. In some of the valleys, however, where the lime-rock has
been removed by erosion, leaving the underlying sandstone as the surface rock, the soil is sandy
and unproductive, except in those localities where a large amount of alluvial matter has been
deposited by the streams. The soils of the pine lands of the north of the state, are generally
sandy and but slightly fertile. However, where pine is replaced Ity maple, oak, birch, elm and
basswood, the soil is "heavier " and very fertile, even to the shores of Lake Superior.
The same natural conditions that make Wisconsin an agricultural state, determined that
during its earlier years the main interest should be grain-growing. The fertile prairies covering
large portions of the southern part of the state had but to be plowed and sowed with grain to
produce an abundant yield. From the raising of cereals the • pioneer farmer could get the
quickest returns for his labor. Hence in 1850, two years after its admission to the Union, Wis-
consin was the ninth state in order in the production of wheat, while in i860 this rank was raised
to third, Illinois and Indiana only raising more. The true rank of the state is not shown by
these figures. Were the number of inhabitants and the number of acres of land in actual culti-
vation taken into account in the comparison, the state would stand still higher in rank than is
here indicated. There is the same struggle for existence, and the same desire for gain the world
over, and hence the various phases of development of the same industry in different civilized
countries is mainly the result of the widely varying economical conditions imposed upon that
irdustry. Land is thoroughly cultivated in Europe, not because the Europeans have any
inherent love for good cultivation, but because there land is scarce and costly, while labor is
superabundant and cheap. In America, on the other hand, and especially in the newer states,
AGBICULTURB. 153
land is abundant and cheap, while labor is scarce and costly. In its productive industries each
country is alike economical in the use of the costly element in production, and more lavish in
the use of that which is cheaper. Each is alike economically wise in following such a course
when it is not carried to too great extremes. With each the end sought is the greatest return for
the expenditure of a given amount of capital. In accordance with this law of economy, the
early agriculture of Wisconsin was mere land-skimming. Good cultivation of the soil was never
thought of The same land was planted successively to one crop, as long as it yielded enough
to pay for cultivation. The economical principle above stated was carried to an extreme. Farm-
ing as then practiced was a quick method of land exhaustion. It was always taking out of the
purse, and never putting in. No attention was paid to sustaining the soil's fertility. The only
aim was to secure the largest crop for the smallest outlay of capital, without regard to the future.
Manures were never used, and such as unavoidably accumulated was regarded as a great nuis-
ance, often rendering necessary the removal of stables and outbuildings. Straw-stacks were
invariably burned as the most convenient means of disposing of them. Wheat, the principal
product, brought a low price, often not more than fifty cents a bushel, and had to be marketed
by teams at some point from which it could be carried by water, as this was, at an early day, the
only means of transportation. On account of the sparse settlement of the country, roads were
poor, and the farmer, after raising and threshing his 'wheat, had to spend, with a team, from two
to five days, marketing the few bushels that a team could draw. So that the farmer had every
obstacle to contend with except cheap and very fertile land, that with the poorest of cultivation
gave a comparatively abundant yield of grain. Better tillage, accompanied with the use of
manures and other fertilizers, would not, upon the virgin soils, have added sufficiently to the
yield to pay the cost of applying them. Hence, to the first farmers of the state, ^oar farming was
the only profitable farming, and consequently the only goo^ farming, an agriculturo-economical
paradox from which there was no escape. Notwithstanding the fact that farmers could economi-
cally follow no other system than that of land-exhaustion, as described, such a course was none
the less injurious to the state, as it was undermining its foundation of future wealth, by destroy-
ing the fertility of the soil, that upon which the permanent wealth and prosperity of every agri-
cultural community is first dependent. Besides this evil, and together with it, came the habit of
loose and slovenly farming acquired by pioneers, which continued after the conditions making
that method a necessity had passed away. With the rapid growth of the northwest came better
home markets and increased facilities for transportation to foreign markets, bringing with them
higher prices for all products of the farm. As a consequence of these better conditions, land in
farms in the state increased rapidly in value, from $9.58 per acre in 1850, to $16.61 in i860, an
increase of 62 per cent., while the total number of acres in farms increased during the
same time from 2,976,658 acres to 7,893,587 acres, or 265 per cent. With this increase in the
value of land, and the higher prices paid for grain, should have come an improved system of hus-
bandry which would prevent the soil from deteriorating in fertility. This could have been
accomplished either by returning tp the soil, in manures and fertilizers, those ingredients of which
it was being rapidly drained by continued grain-growing, or by the adoption of a system of mixed
husbandry, which should include the raising of stock and a judicious rotation of crops. Such a
system is sure to come. Indeed, it is now slowly coming. Great progress upon the earlier
methods of farming have already been made. But so radical and thorough a change in the
habits of any class of people as that from the farming of pioneers to a rational method that will
preserve the soil's fertility and pay for the labor it demands, requires many years for its full
accomplishment. It will not even keep pace with changes in those economical conditions which
154
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
favor it. In the rapid settlement of the northwestern states this change has come most rapidly
with the replacement of the pioneer farmers by immigrants accustomed to better methods of
culture. In such cases the pioneers usually '' go west ' ' again, to begin anew their frontier farming
upon virgin soil, as their peculiar method of cultivation fails to give them a livelihood. In Wis-
consin as rapid progress Is being made in the system of agriculture as, all things considered,
could reasonably be expected. This change for the better has been quite rapid for the past ten
years, and is gaining in velocity and momentum each year. It is partly the result of increased
intelligence relating to farming, and partly the result of necessity caused by the unprofitableness
of the old method.
The estimated value of all agricultural products of the state, including that of orchards,
market gardens, and betterments, was, in 1870, as given in the census of that year, $79,072,967,
which places Wisconsin twelfth in rank among the agricultural states of the Union.. In 1875,
according to the " Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture," the value of the principal farm
crops in this state was $58,957,050. According to this estimation the state ranks ninth in agri-
cultu'-al importance. As has been before stated, Wisconsin is essentially a grain-growing state.
This interest has been the principal one, not because the soil is better adapted to grain-growing
than to general, stock, or dairy farming, but rather because this course, which was at an early
day most immediately profitable, has been since persistently followed from force of habit, even
after it had failed to be remunerative.
rhfe following table shows the bushels of the different grains raised in the state for the years
indicated :
Year.
WHEAT.
RYE.
CORN.
OATS.
BARLEY.
BUCK-
WHEAT.
1850
i860
1870
1875*---
4,286,131
15.657.458
25,606,344
25,200,000
81,253
888,544
1,325,294
1,340,000
1,988,979
7,517,300
15,033,988
15,200,000
3,414,672
11,059,260
20,180,016
26,600,000
209,672
707,307
1,645,019
2,200,000
79,878
38,987
408,897
275,000
From these statistics it will be seen that the increase in the production of grain was very
rapid up to 1870, while since that time it has been very slight. This rapid increase in grain
raising is first attributable to the ease with which this branch of farming was carried on upon the
new and very rich soils of the state, while in the older states this branch of husbandry has been
growing more difficult and expensive, and also to the fact that the war in our own country so
increased the demand for grain from 1861 to 1866 as to make this course the most immediately
profitable. But with the close of the war came a diminished demand. Farmers were slow to
recognize this fact, and change the character of their productions to accord with the wants of
the market, but rather continued to produce the cereals in excess of the demand. The chinch
bug and an occasional poor season seriously injured the crops, leaving those who relied princi-
pally upon the production of grain Httle or nothing for their support. Hard times resulted from
these poor crops. More wheat and corn was the farmer's usual remedy for hard times. So that
more wheat and corn were planted. More crop failures with low prices brought harder times
until gradually the farmers of the state have opened their eyes to the truth that they can succeed
in other branches of agriculture than grain growing, and to the necessity of catering to the
♦Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture.
AGRICULTURE. 155
demands of the market. The value in 1869 of all farm products and betterments of the state
was $79,072,967. There were raised of wheat the same year 25,606,344 bushels, which at $1.03
per bushel, the mean price reported by the Milwaukee board of trade, for No. 2 wheat (the lead-
ing grade), for the year ending July 31, 1870, amounts to $26,374,524, or one third the value of
all agricultural products and betterments. The average production per acre, as estimated by the
commissioner of agriculture, was 14 bushels. Hence there were 1,829,024 acres of land devoted to
this one crop, nearly one third of all the improved land in the state. Of the wheat crop of 1869
24,375,435 bushels were spring wheat, and 1,230,909 bushels were winter wheat, which is 19.8
bushels of spring to i bushel of winter wheat. The latter is scarcely sown at all on the prairies,
or upon light opening soils. In some of the timbered regions hardy varieties do well, but it is
not a certain crop, as it is not able to withstand the winters, unless covered by snow or litter. It
is not injured as seriously by the hard freezing, as by the alternate freezing and thawing of Feb-
ruary and March.
The continued cropping of land with grain is a certain means of exhausting the soil of the
phosphates, and of those nitrogenous compounds that are essential to the production of grain, and
yet are present even in the most fertile soils in but small quantities. To the diminished yield,
partly attributable to the overcropping of the land, and partially to poor seasons and chinch bugs,
and to the decline in prices soon after the war, owing to an over production of wheat, may largely
be attributed the hard times experienced by the grain growing farmers of Wisconsin from 1872 to
1877. The continued raising of wheat upon the same land, alternated, if any alternation
occurred, with barley, oats, or corn, has produced its sure results. The lesson has cost the
. farmers of the state dearly, but it has not been altogether lost. A better condition of affairs has
already begun. Wheat is gradually losing its prestige as the farmers' sole dependence, while
stock, dairy, and mixed farming are rapidly increasing. The number of bushels of wheat
raised to each inhabitant in the state was in 1850 fourteen, in i860 twenty-three and eight tenths,
in 1870 twenty-four, and in 1875 twenty and four tenths. These figures do not indicate a dimin-
ished productiveness of the state, but show, with the greatly increased production in other
branches of husbandry, that farmers are changing their system to one more diversified and
rational. Straw stacks are no longer burned, and manure heaps are not looked upon as altogether
useless. Much more attention is now paid to the use of fertilizers. Clover with plaster is looked
upon with constantly increasing favor, and there is a greater seeking for light upon the more
difficult problems of a profitable agriculture
Corn is raised to a large extent, although Wisconsin has never ranked as high in corn, as in
wheat growing. Sixteen states raised more corn in 1870 than this state, and in 1875, seventeen
states raised more. Corn requires a rich, moist soil, with a long extended season of warm sun-
shine. While this crop can be raised with great ease in the larger portion of the state, it will
always succeed better farther south, both on account of the longer summers and the greater
amount of rainfall. According to the statistics of the commissioner of agriculture, the average
yield per acre for a period of ten years, is about 30 bushels. Corn is an important crop in the
economy of the farmer, as from it he obtains much food for his stock, and it is his principal
dependence for fattening pork. On these accounts it will, without doubt, retain its place in the
husbandry of the state, even when stock and dairy farming are followed to a much greater extent
than at present. Barley is cultivated largely throughout the state, but five states produced more
in 1870, than Wisconsin. The great quantity of beer brewed here, furnishes a good home market
for this grain. Barley succeeds best in a rather moist climate, having a long growing season.
The dry, short summers of Wisconsin, are not well adapted to its growth. Hence the average
156 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
yield is but a medium one, and the quality of the grain is only fair. According to the returns
furnished the commissioner of agriculture, the average yield for a period of ten years, is 22
bushels per acre.
Next to wheat, more bushels of oats are raised than of any other grain. Wisconsin was, in
t86o, fifth in rank among the oat-growing states ; in 1870, sixth. The rich soils of the state
raise an abundant crop of oats with but little labor, and hence their growth in large quantities is
hot necessarily an indication of good husbandry. They will bear poor cultivation better than
corn and are frequently grown upon land too weedy to produce that grain. It is 3i favorite
grain for feeding, especially to horses. With the best farmers, oats are looked upon with less
favor than corn, because it is apt to leave land well seeded with weeds which are difficult to
exterminate. In the production of rye, Wisconsin ranked seventh in i860, and fourth in 1870,
It is a much surer crop in this state than winter wheat, as it is less easily winter-killed when not
protected by snow, than is that grain. Besides, it ripens so early as not to be seriously injured
by drouth in summer, and succeeds well even upon the poorer soils. The average yield per acre
is about 16 bushels.
But few hops were grown in Wisconsin, up to i860, when owing to an increased demand by
the breweries c f the state, there was a gradual but healthful increase in hop culture. A few
years later the advent of the hop louse, and other causes of failure at the east, so raised the price
of hops as to make them a very profitable crop to grow. Many acres were planted in this state
from 1863 to 1865, when the total product was valued at nearly $350,000. The success of those
engaged in this new branch of farming, encouraged others to adopt it. The profits were large.
Wheat growing had not for several years been remunerative, and in 1867 and 1868, the " hop
fever " became an epidemic, almost a plague. The crop of Sauk county alone was estimated at
over 4,000,000 pounds, worth over $2,000,000. The quality of the crop was excellent, the yield
large, and the price unusually high. The secretary of the State Agricultural society says, in his
report for that year, " Gases are numerous in which the first crop has paid for the land and all
the improvements." To many farmershop raising appeared to offer a sure and speedy course to
Wealth. But a change came quickly. The hop louse ruined the crop, and low prices caused by
over production, aided in bringing ruin to many farmers. In 1867, the price of hops was from
40 to 55 cents per pound, while in 1869 it was from lo to 15 cents, some of poor quality selling
as low as 3 cents. Many hop yards were plowed up during 1869 and 1870. The area under
cultivation to this crop in 1875, was, according to the " Report of the Secretary of State," 10,932
acres.
The production of tobacco has greatly increased since i860, when there were raised in the
state 87,340 pounds. In 1870, the product was 960,813 pounds. As is well known, the quality
of tobacco grown in the northern states is greatly inferior for chewing and smoking, to that grown
in the south, although varieties having a large, tough leaf, suitable" for cigar wrappers, do well
here. The variety principally grown is the Connecticut seed leaf. Tobacco can only be grown
Successfully on rich, fertile soils, and it is very exhausting to the land. Of the amount produced
in 1870, there were raised in Rock county 645,408 pounds, and in Dane county, 229,568 pounds;
the entire remaining portion of the state raised but 85,737 pounds. According to the report of
the secretary of state, the whole number of acres planted to tobacco in 1875, was 3,296. Of this
amount Rock county planted 1,676 acres, and Dane county, 1,454 acres, leaving for the remain-
der of the state but 166 acres. While the crop has been fairly productive and profitable, these
statistics show that up to the present time tobacco-raising has been a merely local interest.
The production of flax is another merely local industry, it being confined principally to the
AGEICULTURE. ■ 157
counties of Kenosha, Grant, Iowa and LaFayette. Of flax fibre, Kenosha county raised in 1869,
nearly four fifths of the entire amount grown in the state, the total being 497,398 pounds. With
the high price of labor and the low price of cotton now ruling, it is scarcely possible to make the
raising of flax fibre profitable. Flax seed is raised to a small extent in the other counties men-
■ tioned. The present price of oil makes this a fairly profitable crop. If farmers fully appreciated
that in addition to the oil, the oil cake is of great value as a food for cattle and sheep, and also
that the manure made by the animals eating it, is of three times the value of that made by ani-
•mals fed upon corn, doubtless much more flax seed would be raised than is at present. Ameri-
can oil-cake finds a ready market in England, at prices which pay well for its exportation. If
English farmers can afford to carry food for their stock so far, American farmers may well strive
to ascertain if they can afford to allow the exportation of so valuable food. When greater atten-
tion is paid in our own country to the quality of the manure made by our stock, more oil-cake
will be fed at home, and a much smaller proportion of that made here will be exported.
The amount of maple sugar produced diminishes as the settlement of the state increases,
and is now scarcely sufficient in amount to be an item in the state's productions. The increase
in the price of sugar from 1861 to 1868 caused many farmers to try sorghum raising. But the
present low prices of this staple has caused an abandonment of the enterprise. Two attempts
have been made in Wisconsin to manufacture beet-root sugar, the first at Fond du Lac in 1867
the second at Black Hawk, Sauk county, in 1870. The Fond du Lac company removed their
works to California in 1869, not having been successful in their efforts. The Black Hawk com-
pany made, in 1871, more than 134,000 pounds of sugar, but have since abandoned the business.
Both these failures may be attributed to several causes, first of which was the want of sufficient
capital to build and carry on a factory sufficiently large to enable the work to be done economi-
cally ; secondly, the difficulty of sufficiently interesting farmers in the business to induce thenj
to raise beets on so large a scale as to warrant the building of such a factory; and, thirdly, the high
price of labor and the low price of sugar. The quality of beets raised was good, the polarization
test showing in many instances as high as sixteen per cent, of sugar. The larger proportion of
hay made in the state is from the natural meadows, the low lands or marshes, where wild grasses
grow in abundance, and hay only costs the cutting and curing. Cultivated grasses do well
"throughout the state, and " tame hay '' can be made as easily here as elsewhere. The limestone
soils, where timber originally grew, are of the uplands, most natural to grass, and, consequently,
furnish the richest meadows, and yield the best pasturage. Ye e only soils where grasses do
not readily grow, are those which are so sandy and dry as to be nearly barrens. Clover grows
throughout the state in the greatest luxuriance. There is occasionally a season so dry as to make
" seeding down " a failure, and upon light soils clover, when not covered with snow, is apt to win-
ter-kill. Yet it is gaining in favor with farmers, both on account of the valuable pasturage and
hay it affords, and on account of its value as a soil renovator. In wheat-growing regions, clover
is now recognized to be of the greatest value in a " rotation," on account of its ameliorating
influence upon the soil. Throughout the stock and dairy regions, clover is depended upon to a
large extent for pasturage, and to a less extent for hay.
There has been a growing interest in stock raising for the past ten years, although the
increase has not been a rapid one. Many of the herds of pure-blood cattle in the state rank
high for their great excellence. The improvement of horses has been less rapid than that of cattle,
sheep, and swine ; yet this important branch of stock farming is improving each year. The most
attention is given to the improvement of draught and farm horses, while roadsters and fast horses
are not altogether neglected. There are now owned in the state a large number of horses of the
heavier English and French breeds, which are imparting to their progeny their own characteristics
158
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
of excellence, the effects of which are already visible in many of the older .regions of the state.
Of the different breeds of cattle, the Short-horns, the Ayrshires, the Devons, and the Jerseys are
well represented. The Short-horns have met with most favor with the general farmer, the grades
of this breed being large, and possessing in a high degree the quiet habits and readiness to fat-
ten, so characteristic of the full-bloods. Without doubt, the grade Short-horns will continue in
the high favor in which they are now held, as stock-raising becomes a more important branch of
the husbandry of the state. Of pure blood Short-horns there are many herds, some of which
are of the very highest excellence. At the public sales of herds from this state, the prices
have ranked high universally, and in a few cases have reached the highest of " fancy " prices,
showing the estimate placed by professional breeders upon the herds of Wisconsin. The Ayr-
shires are increasing in numbers, and are held in high esteem by many dairymen. They are not
yet, however, as generally disseminated over the state, as their great merit as a milking breed
would warrant. The rapid growth of the dairy interest will doubtless increase their numbers
greatly, at least as grades, in the dairying region. Of pure bred Devons and Jerseys, there are
fewer than of the former breeds. The latter are principally kept in towns and cities to furnish
milk for a single family. The following table shows the relative importance of stock raising in
the state for the years mentioned. The figures are an additional proof to those already given,
that the grain industry has held sway in Wisconsin to the detriment of other branches of farming,
as well as to the state's greatest increase in wealth.
1850.
i860.
1870.
1875*
WHOLE NUM-
BER OF NEAT
CATTLE.
183.433
521,860
693.294
922,900
NO. TO EACH
100 ACRES OF
IMPROVED
LAND.
17
14
12
II
WHOLE NUM-
BER OF SHEEP.
124,896
332,954
1,069,282
1,162,800
NUMBER TO
EACH 100
ACRES OF
IMPROVED
LAND.
12
9
18
14
POUNDS OF
WOOL PRO-
DUCED.
253,963
1,011,933
4,090,670
(?)
POUNDS
OF WOOL
PER
HEAD.
2.03
304
3.82
(?)
* Estimated in report of commissioner of agriculture.
The growth and present condition of sheep husbandry, compare much more favorably with
the general development of the state than does that of cattle raising. In a large degree this
may be accounted for by the impetus given to wool raising during our civil war by the scarcity
of cotton, and the necessary substitution to a great extent, of woolen for cotton goods. This
great demand for wool for manufacturing purposes produced a rapid rise in the price of this
staple, making its production a very profitable branch of farming. With the close of the war
came a lessened demand, and consequently lower prices. Yet at no time has the price of wool
fallen below that at which it could be profitably produced. This is the more notably true when
the value of sheep in keeping up the fertility and productiveness of land, is taken into account.
The foregoing table shows the improvement in this branch of husbandry since 1850
Although many more sheep might profitably be kept in the state, the above figures show that
the wool interest is fairly developed, and the average weight of fleece is an assurance of more
than ordinarily good stock. The fine-wooled sheep and their grades predominate, although
there are in the state some excellent stock of long-wools — mostly Cotswold — and of South-
downs.
Of all the agricultural interests of the state, no other has made as rapid growth during the
last ten years, as has that of dairying. With the failure of hop-growing, began the growth 'J
the factory system of butter and cheese making, and the downfall of the one was scarcely more
rapid than has been the upbuilding of the other. The following statistics of the production of
butter and cheese illustrate this rapid progress. It will be remembered that for the years 1850,
AGEICULTUKE.
159
i860, and 1870 the statistics are from ttie U. S. census, and hence include all the butter and
cheese made in the state, while for the remaining years, only that made by factories and pro-
fessional dairymen as reported to the secretary of the State Dairymen's Association, is included.
It has been found impossible to obtain the statistics of butter, except for the census years.
YEAR.
BUTTER.
CHE. SE.
1850
lbs.
3.633.750
13,611,328
22,473,036
lbs.
400,283
1,104,300
1. 591. 798
13,000,000
15,000,000
17,000,000
i860
I87O-- - -
l87d
1871;
1876 --
The quality of Wisconsin dairy products is excellent, as may be judged by the fact that, at
the Centennial Exhibition, Wisconsin cheese received twenty awards, a larger number than was
given to any other state except New York, and for butter Wisconsin received five awards. No
state received more, and only New York and Illinois received as many. Wisconsin received one
award for each fourteen cheeses on exhibition No other state received so large a proportion.
New York received the largest number of awards, viz., twenty-one, but only secured one award
for each thirty cheeses on exhibition. The number of cheese and butter factories is increasing
each year, and there is being made in the better grazing regions of the state, as rapid a transition
from grain to dairy-farming as is consistent with a healthful growth. This interest, which is now
an important one in the state's industrial economy, has before it a promising future, both in its
qwn development, and in its indirect influence upon the improvement of the agriculture of the
state.
The history of the earlier attempts in fruit raising in Wisconsin would be little more than a
record of failures. The pioneers planted apple, peach, plum, and cherry trees, but they gathered
little or no fruit. As was natural, they planted those varieties that were known to do well in the
older states of the same latitude. Little was known of the climate, and there was no apparent
reason why those varieties should not do well here. The first orchards died The same varie-
ties were replanted, and again the orchards died. Gradually, through the costly school of
experience, it was learned that the climate was different from that of the eastern states, and that
to succeed here varieties of fruit must be such as were adapted to the peculiar climate of this
state. These peculiarities are hot, and for the most part, dry summers, cold and dry winters.
The dryness of the climate has been the greatest obstacle to success, as this is indirectly the cause
of the great extremes of temperature experienced here. The summers are often so dry that the
growth of the trees is not completed, and the wood sufficiently well ripened to enable it to with-
stand the rigors of winter. And the clear, dry atmosphere of winter allows the sun's rays to
pass through it so unobstructedly as to warm the body of the tree upon the sunny side, above
the freezing point, even though the temperature of the air is much lower. The alternate thawing
and freezing ruptures the tender cells connecting the bark and wood, producing a complete sepa-
ration of these parts, and often besides bursts the bark. The separation of bark and wood
destroys the circulation of the sap upon that side of the tree, thus enfeebling the entire
plant. The tree is not able to form new bark over the ruptured part, and a diseased spot
results. Such a plant makes but a feeble growth of poorly ripened wood, and soon dies
160 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
altogether. Besides the above cause, the extreme cold weather occasionally experienced will kill
healthy trees of all varieties not extremely hardy. Notwithstanding these natural obstacles, a
good degree of success has been attained in the raising of apples and grapes. This success has
been the result of persevering effort upon the part of the horticulturists of the state, who have
sought the causes of failure in order that they might be removed or avoided. It is thus by intel-
ligent observation that the fruit growers have gained the experience which brings with it a
creditable success. The first requisite to success is the planting of varieties sufficiently hardy
to withstand our severe winters. This has been accomplished by selecting the hardiest of the
old varieties, Snd by raising seedlings, having besides hardiness, qualities sufficiently valuable to
make them worthy of cultivation. The second requisite to success is in the selection of a situa-
tion having suitable soil and exposure, and thirdly, proper care after planting. Among the
hardy varieties of apples regarded with greatest favor are Tetofski, Red Astrachan, and Duchess
of Oldenberg, all Russian varieties, and Fameuse from Canada. Besides these there are a few
American varieties so hardy as to prove reliable in the south half of the state. Among these
are a few seedlings that have originated in Wisconsin. Apple trees are less apt to be injured by
the winter upon a site sloping to the northeast or north, where they are less directly exposed to
the rays of the winter's sun. High ground is much better than low, and a good, strong, not too
rich soil is best. Apples do better upon soils where timber originally grew than on the prairies^
and they are grown more easily along the border of Lake Michigan than in the interior of the
state. Pears are raised to but a slight extent, as only a few of the hardiest varieties will succeed
at all, and these only in favorable situations. Grapes are grown in great abundance, and in
great perfection, although not of the more tender varieties. The Concord, on account of its
hardiness and excellent bearing qualities, is cultivated most generally. Next to this comes the
Delaware, while many other varieties, both excellent and prolific, are raised with great ease. The
season is seldom too short to ripen the fruit well, and the only precaution necessary to protect
the vines during the winter is a covering of earth or litter. Cranberries grow spontaneously
upon many marshes in the interior of the state. Within a few years considerable attention has
been given to improving these marshes, and to the cultivation of this most excellent fruit.
Doubtless within a few years the cranberry crop will be an important one among the fruit pro-
ductions of the state. All of the small fruits adapted to this latitude are cultivated in abundance,
and very successfully, the yield being often times exceedingly large. Altogether, the horticul-
tural interests of the state are improving, and there is a bright prospect that in the near future
fruit growing will not be looked upon with the disfavor with which it has been regarded here-
tofore.
Of the associations for advancing the agricultural interests of the state, the first organized
was the "State Agricultural Society." The earliest efforts to establish such an organization were
made at Madison in December, 1846, during the session of the first constitutional convention -of
the territory. A constitution was adopted, but nothing further was done. In February, 1849
another meeting was held in Madison, at which it was " Resolved, That in view of the great
importance of agriculture in the west, it is expedient to form a state agricultural society in
Wisconsin." Another constitution was adopted, and officers were elected, but no effectual
organization resulted from this second attempt. " The " Wisconsin State Agricultural Society" —
the present organization — had its inception in a meeting held at Madison, March 8, 1851, at
which a committee was appointed to report a constitution and by-laws, and to nominate persons
to fill the various offices of said society. At its organization, the society was composed of annual
members, who paid one dollar dues each year, and of life members, who, upon the payment of
ten dollars, were exempt from the annual contribution. The annual membership was afterward
AGRICULTURE. 161
abolished, and in 1869 the fee constituting one a life member was raised to twenty dollars. The
first annual fair of the society was held in Janesville, in October, 185 1 Fairs have been held
annually since, except during the years 1861, 1862 and 1863. In 1851 premiums were paid to
the amount of only $140, while at the present time they amount to nearly $10,000. In 1851
there were five life members. At the present time there are over seven hundred, representing all
the various industries of the state. The fairs held under the auspices of this society have been
of excellent character, and have been fruitful of good to aJl the industries of the state, but more
especially to the farmers. The state has been generous m aid of this society, having furnished
commodious rooms for its use in the capitol building, prmted the annual report of the secretary,
a volume of about 500 pages, and donated annually, for many years, $2,000 toward its support.
Besides its annual fairs, for the past five years there has been held an annual convention, under
the auspices of this society, for the reading and discussing of papers upon topics of interest to
farmers, and for a general interchange of ideas relating to farming. These conventions are held
in high esteem by the better class of farmers, and have added greatly to the usefulness of the
society. The " Wisconsin State Horticultural Society" was originally the "Wisconsin State
Fruit Growers' Association," which was organized in December, 1853, at Whitewater. Its
avowed object was "the collecting, arranging, and disseminatingfacts interesting to those engaged
in the culture of fruits, and to embody for their use the results of the practice and experiments
of fruit growers in all parts of the state." Exhibitions and conventions of the association were
held annually up to i860, after which the society was disorganized, owing to the breaking out of
the war of the rebellion A volume of " Transactions " was published by the association in
1855. In 1859 its transactions were published with those of the state agricultural society. From
i860 to 186-5 *i° state horticultural association was in existence. In September of, the latter
year the " Wisconsin Fruit Growers' Association " was reorganized as the " Wisconsin State Hor-
ticultural Society." The legislature had previously provided for the publication of the proceedings
of such a society, in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society. The new society has
held annual exhibitions, usually in connection with those of the State Agricultural Society, and
annual conventions for the reading of papers upon, and the discussion of, horticultural subjects. In
1871 an act was passed by the legislature incorporating the society, and providing for thd separate
printing of 2,000 copies annually of its transactions, of which there are now seven volumes. The
most active, intelligent, and persevering of the horticulturists of the state are members of this
association, and to their careful observation, to their enthusiasm and determined persistence in
seeking means to overcome great natural difficulties, the state is largely indebted for the success
already attained in horticulture. Besides these state associations, there are many local agricul-
tural and horticultural societies, all of which have been useful in aiding the cause for which they
were organized. Farmers' clubs and granges of the "Patrons of Husbandry" have also
done much, both directly and indirectly, to promote the industrial interests of the state. By thej
frequent meetings, at which discussions are held, views compared, and experiences related, much
valuable intelligence is gained, thought is stimulated, and the profession of farming advanced.
As agriculture, like all kindred professions, depends upon intelligence to direct its advancement,
all means intended to stimulate thought among farmers will, if wisely directed, aid in advancing
this most complex of all industries. To those above named, and to other like associations,
is in a large degree to be attributed the present favorable condition of tlis agriculture of
the state.
Wisconsin is yet, comparatively, a new State. It was mainly settled by men who had little
moneyed capital. Markets were distant, and means of transportation poor. The early settlers had
consequently to struggle for a livelihood in the face of the greatest difficulties. When these opposing
162 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
circumstances are taken into account, and the improvement in methods of culture, and changes
from grain to stock and dairy-farming that are now being made, are given their due weight, it
must be acknowledged that the present condition of the agriculture of the state is excellent:, and
that the future of this most important industry is rich in promise of a steady, healthful growth,
toward a completer development of all the agricultural resources of the state.
MINERAL RESOURCES.
By ROLAND D. IRVING, Professor of Geology, etc., at the University of
Wisconsin.
The useful mineral materials that occur within the limits of the state of Wisconsin, come
Under both of the two grand classes of such substances : the metallic ores, from which the
metals ordinarily used in the arts are extracted ; and the non-metallic substances, which are used in
the arts for the most part without any preliminary treatment, or at least undergo only a very
, partial alteration before being utilized. Of the first class are found in Wisconsin the ores of
lead, zinc, iron and copper, besides minute traces of the precious metals ; of the second class, the
principal substances found s^xt brick-clay, kaolin, cement-rock, limestone for burning into quick-lime,
limestone for flux, glass sand, peat and building stone.
LEAD AND ZINC.
These metals are considered together because they are found occurring together in the same
region and under exactly the same circumstances, being even obtained from the same openings.
Lead has for many years been the most important metallic production of Wisconsin, and, together
with zinc, whose ores have been utilized only since i860, still holds this prominent position,
although the production is not so great as formerly. Small quantities of lead and zinc ores have
been found in the crystalline (Archaean) rocks of the northern part of the state and in the copper-
bearing rocks of the Lake Superior country, but there are no indications at present that these
regions will ever produce in quantity. All of the lead and zinc obtained in Wisconsin comes
then from that portion of the southwestern part of the state which lies west of Sugar river and
south of the nearly east and west ridge that forms the southern side of the valley of the Wis-
consin, from the head of Sugar river westward. This district is commonly known in Wisconsin
as the " Lead Region," and forms the larger part of the " Lead Region of the Upper Missis-
sippi," which includes also smaller portions of Iowa and Illinois.
What European first became acquainted with the deposits of lead in the upper portion of
valley of the Mississippi is a matter of some doubt. Charlevoix (Histoire de la Nouvelle France,
III, 397, 398.) attributes the discovery to Nicolas Perrot, about 1692; and states that in 1721
the deposits still bore Perrot's name. Perrot himself, however, in the only one of his writings
that remains, makes no mention of the matter. The itinerary of Le Sueur's voyage up the
Mississippi, 1700-1701, given in La Harpe's History of Louisiana, which was written early in
the rSth century, shows that the former found lead on the banks of the Mississippi, not far from
NORTH PRARIE STA.
MINEEAL RESOUECES.
163
the present soutkern boundary of Wisconsin, August 25, 1700. Captain Johathan Carver,
1766, found lead in abundance at the Blue Mounds, and found the Indians in all the country
around in possession of masses of galena, which they had obtained as " float mineral," and
which they were incapable of putting to any use. There is no evidence of any one mining
before Julien Dubuque, who, 1788 to 1809, mined in the vicinity of the flourishing city which
nowbears his name. After his death in 1809 nothing more was done until 1821, when the
attention of American citizens was first drawn to the rich lead deposits of this region. By 1827,
the mining had become quite general and has continued to the 'present time, the maximum
production having been reached, however, between the years 1845 and 1847.
The following table, prepared by the late Moses Strong, shows the mineral production of
southwestern Wisconsin for the years i860 to 1873 in pounds:
YEARS.
GALENA.
SMITHSONITE.
YEAR.
GALENA.
SMITHSONITE.
BLENDE.
i860
320,000
266,000
1,120,000
3,173.333
4,198,200
7.373.333
1867
1868
1869
1870
187I
1872
1873
13.820,784
13,869,619
13,426,721
13.754,159
13,484,210
11,622,668
9,919,734
5,181,445
4,302,383
4.547.971
4.429.585
16,618,160
27,021,383
18,528,906
841,310
3,078,435
6,252,420
7,414,022
9,303,625
16,256,970
15,074,664
l86l
1862
I863
1864
1865
1866
17,037.912
15.105.577
13,014,210
14.337,895
14,029, 193
Until within the last decade the lead mines of the Mississippi valley, including now both
the " Upper " and the " Lower " regions — the latter one of which lies wholly within the limits of
the state of Missouri — have far eclipsed the rest of the United States in the production of lead,
the district being in fact one of the most important of the lead districts in the world. Of late
years, however, these mines are far surpassed in production by the " silver-lead " mines of Utah
and other Rocky Mountain regions, which, though worked especially for their silver, produce
incidentally a very large amount of lead. Nevertheless, the mines of the Mississippi valley will
long continue to be a very important source of this metal. The lead ore of the Wisconsin lead
region is of one kind only, the sulphide known as galena, or galenite. This ore, when free from
mechanically mingled impurities, contains 86.6 per cent, of lead, the balance being sulphur.
Small quantities of other lead ores are occasionally found in the uppermost portions of the deposits,
having been produced by the oxidizing influence of the atmosphere. The chief one of these
oxidation products is the earthy carbonate known as cerussite. Galena almost always contains
some silver, commonly enough to pay for its extraction. The Wisconsin galenas, however, are
unusually free from silver, of which they contain only the merest trace.
The zinc ores are of two kinds, the most abundant being the ferruginous sulphide, or the
"black-jack " of the miners. The pure sulphide, sphalerite, contains 67 per cent, of zinc, but the
iron-bearing variety, known minerallogically as marmatite, generally contains 10 per cent, or
more of iron. A ferruginous variety of the carbonate, sviithsonite, also occurs in abundance, and
is known to the miners as " dry-bone," the name being suggested by the peculiar structure of the
ore.
Both lead and zinc ores occur in limited deposits in a series of limestone beds belonging to
the Lower Silurian series. The lead region is underlaid by a nearly horizontal series of strata,
with an aggregate thickness of 2,000 feet, which lie upon an irregular surface of ancient crystal-
line rocks (gneiss, granite, etc.). The names and order of succession of the several strata are
indicated in the following scheme, the last named being the lowest in the series :
^^* HISTORY or "WISCONSIN.
Formation, Thickness, '
Niagara dolomitic limestone 300 — 300 feet,
Cincinnati shales. 60 — 100 "
( Galena dolomitic limestone 250 — 275 "
Lead Horizon .< Blue limestone _ _ 50 — 75 "
( Buff dolomitic limestone 15 — 20 "
Lower Magnesian (dolomitic) limestone 250 "
Potsdam sandstone series ,.j : 800 — looo "
The first two of these layers, in the Wisconsin part of the lead region, are naet with only in a
few isolated peaks and ridges. The prevailing surface rock is the Galena limestone, through
which, however, the numerous streams cut in deep and narrow valleys which not unfrequently
are carved all the way into the Lower Magnesian.
The lead and zinc ores are entirely confined to the Galena, Blue and Buff limestones, an
aggregate vertical thickness of some 350 to 375 feet. The upper and lower strata of the series
are entirely barren. Zinc ^and kad ores are found in the same kind of deposits, and often
together; by far the larger part of the zinc ores, however, come from the Blue and Buff limestones,
and the lowest layers of the Galena, whilst the lead ores, though obtained throughout the whole
thickness of the mining ground, are especially abundant in the middle and upper layers of the
Galena beds.
The ore deposits are of two general kinds, which may be distinguished as vertical crevicesj
and flat crevices, the former being much the most common. The simplest form bf the vertical
crevice is a narrow crack in the rock, having ,a width of a few inches, an extension laterally from
a few yards to several hundred feet, and a vertical height of 20 to 40 feet, thinning out to noth-
ing in all directions, and filled from side to side with highly crystalline, brilliant, large-surfaced
galena, which has no accompanying metallic mineral, or gangue matter. Occasionally the vertical
extension exceeds a hundred feet, and sometimes a number of these sheets are close together
and can be mined as one. Much more commonly the vertical crevice shows irregular expan-
sions, which are sometimes large caves, or openings in certain layers, the crevice between retain-
ing its normal character, while in other cases the expansion affects the whole crevice, occasion-
ally widening it throughout into one large opening. These openings are rarely entirely filled,
and commonly contain a loose, disintegrated rock, in which the galena lies loose in large masses,
though often adhering to the sides of the cavity in large stalactites, or in cubical crystals. The
vertical crevices show a very distinct arrangement parallel with one another, there being two
systems, which roughly trend east and west, and north and south. The east and west crevices are
far the most abundant and most productive of ore. The veirtical crevices are confined nearly
altogether to the upper and middle portions of the Galena, and are not productive of zinc ores.
They are evidently merely the parallel joint cracks which affect every great rock formation, filled
by chemical action with the lead ore. The crevices with openings have evidently been enlarged
by the solvent power of atmospheric water carrying carbonic acid, and from the way in which the
ore occurs loose in the cavities, it is evident that this solving action has often been subsequent
to the first deposition of lead ore in the crevice.
The "flat crevices," " flat sheets," and "flat openings," are analogous to the deposits just
described, but have, as indicated by the names, a horizontal position, being characteristic of
certain layers, which have evidently been more susceptible to chemical action than others, the
dissolving waters having, moreover, been directed along them by less pervious layers above and
below. The flat openings differ from the vertical crevices also, in having associated with the
MISTERAL EESOUKCES. 165
galena much of either the black-jack or dry-bone zinc ores, or both, the galena not unfrequentiy
being entirely wanting. Cleavable calcite also accompanies the ores in these openings in large
quantities, and the same is true of the sulphide of iron, which is the variety known as marcasite.
These materials have sometimes a symmetrical arrangement on the bottom and top of the open-
ing, the central portion being empty. The flat openings characterize the Blue and Buff and
lower Galena beds, and from them nearly all the zinc ore is obtained.
It is not possible, in the limits of this short papei, even . to mention the various mining
districts. It may merely be said that the amount of galena raised from single crevices has often
been several hundred thousand, or even over a million pounds, and that one of the principal
mining districts is in the vicinity of Mineral Point, where there are two furnaces constantly
engaged in smelting. Between the years 1862 and 1873, these two establishments have produced
23,903,260 pounds of metallic lead, or an average of 1,991,938 pounds, the maximum being, in
1869, 2,532,710 pounds, the minimum, in 1873, 1,518,888 pounds.
The zinc ores were formerly rejected as useless, and have only been utilized since i860. An
attempt to smelt them at Mineral Point was not successful, because the amount needed of fuel
and clay, both of which have to come from a distance, exceeding even the amount of ore used,
caused a very heavy expense for transportation. The ores are therefore now taken altogether to
LaSalle, Illinois, where they meet the fuel and clay, and the industry at that place has become
a flourishing one. The amount of zinc ore in the Wisconsin lead region is, beyond doubt, veiy
great, and will be a source of wealth for a long time to come.
Since the ores of zinc and lead in this region are confined to such a small thickness of strata
greatly eroded by the atmospheric waters, the entire thickness having frequently been removed,
it becomes a matter of great importance to know how much of the mining ground remains at
every point throughout the district. The very excellent topographico-geological maps of the
region, made by Mr. Moses Strong, and since published by the State in the Report of the
Geological Survey, make this knowledge accessible to all.
IRON.
Iron mining in Wisconsin is yet in its infancy, although some important deposits are
producing a considerable quantity of ore. A number of blast furnaces have sprung up in the
eastern part of the state, but these smelt Michigan ores almost entirely. Mach remains yet to
be done in the way of exploration, for the most promising iron fields are in the heavily timbered
and unsettled regions of the north part of the state, and are as yet imperfectly known. It
appears probable, however, that iron ores will, in the near future, be the most important mineral
production of Wisconsin. The several ores will be' noted in the order of their present im-
portance.
Red Hematites.
The iron in these ores exists as an anhydrous sesquioxide, which is, however, in an earthy
condition, and entirely without the brilliant metallic luster that characterizes the specular hema-
tites. Pure hematite contains seventy per cent, of metallic iron, but the red hematites, as mined,
are always so largely mingled with mechanical impurities that they rarely contain more than fifty
per cent. The most important red hematite mined in Wisconsin is that known as the Clinton iron
ore, the name coming from the formation in which the ore occurs. This formation is a member
of the Upper Silurian series, and is named from a locality in Oneida county. New York, where it
was first recognized. Associated with its rocks, which are limestones and shales, is con-
stantly found a peculiar red hematite, which is so persistent in its characters, both physical and
166 HISTORY OF WISCOSrSIN.
and chemical, that one familiar with it from any one locality can hardly fail to recognize it when
coming from others. The iron produced from it is always "cold-short," on account of the large
content of phosphorus; but, mingled with siliceous ores free from phosphorus, it yields always
a most excellent foundry iron. It is mined at numerous points from New York to Tennessee,
and at some points reaches a very great total thickness. In Wisconsin the Clinton rocks merge
into the great Niagara lim estone series of the eastern part of the state, but at the bottom of the
series, in a few places, the Clinton ore is found immediately overlying the Cincinnati shales. The ■
most important locality is that known as Iron Ridge, on sections twelve and thirteen in the town
of Hubbard, in Dodge county. Here a north-and-south ledge of Niagara limestone overlooks lower
land to the west. Underneath, at the foot of the ridge, is the ore bed, fifteen to eighteen feet in
thickness, coftsisting of horizontally bedded ore, in layers three to fourteen inches thick. The
ore has a concretionary structure, being composed of lenticular grains, one twenty-fifth of an inch
in diameter, but the top layer is without this structure, having a dark purplish color, and in places
a slight metallic appearance. Much of the lower ore is somewhat hydrated. Three quarters of
a mile north of Iron Ridge, at Mayville, there is a total thickness of as much as forty feet.
According to Mr. E. T. Svyeet, the percentages of the several constituents of the Iron Ridge ore
are as follows: iron peroxide, 66.38; carbonate of lime, 10.42; carbonate of magnesia, 2.79;
silica, 4.72; alumina, 5.54; manganese'oxide, 0.44; sulphur, 0.23 ; phosphoric acid, 0.73; water,
8.75 = 100: metallic iron, 46.66.
Two small charcoal furnaces at Mayville and Iron Ridge smelt a considerable quantity of
these ores alone, producing an iron very rich in phosphorus. An analysis of the Mayville pig
iron, also by Mr. Sweet, shows the following composition: iron, 95.784 per cent; phosphorus,
1.675 : carbon, 0.849; silicon, 0.108 = 100.286. The average furnace yield of the ore is forty-
five per cent. By far the larger part of the ore, however, is sent away to mingle with other ores.
It goes to Chicago, Joliet and Springfield, 111., St. Louis, Mo., Wyandotte and Jackson, Mich.,
and Appleton, Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wis. In 1872, the Iron Ridge mines yielded 82,371
tons. The Clinton ore is found at other places farther north along the outcrop of the base of
the Niagara formation in Wisconsin, but no one of these appears to promise any great quantity
of good ore. Red hematite is found at numerous places in Wisconsin, highly charging certain
layers of the Potsdam sandstone series, the lowest one of the horizontal Wisconsin formations.
In the eastern part of the town of -Westfield, Sauk county, the iron ore excludes the sandstone,
forming an excellent ore. No developments have been made in this district, so that the size of
the deposit is not definitely known.
Brown Hematites.
These ores contain their iron as the hydrated, or brown, sesquioxide, which, when pure,
has about sixty per cent, of the metal ; the ordinary brown hematites, however, seldom
contain over forty per cent. Bog iron ore, a porous brown hematite that forms by deposi-
tion from the water of bogs, occurs somewhat widely scattered underneath the large marshes of
Portage, Wood and Juneau counties. Very excellent bog ore, containing nearly 50 per cent, of
iron, is found near Necedah, Juneau county, and near Grand Rapids, Wood county, but the
amount obtainable is not definitely known. The Necedah ore contains: silica, 8.52 ; alumina,
377; iron peroxide, 71.40; manganese oxide, 0.27; lime, 0.58; magnesia, trace; phosphoric
acid, 0.21; sulphur, 0.02; organic matter, 1.62; water, 13.46=99.85; metallic iron, 49.98 —
according to Mr. E. T. Sweet's analysis. An ore from section 34, twp. 23, range 6 east, Wood
county, yielded; to Mr. Oliver Matthews, silica, 4.81 ; alumina, i.oo; iron peroxide, 73.23 ; lime,
o.ii, magnesia, 0.25; sulphuric acid, 0.07 ; phosphoric acid, o. 10 ; organic matter, 5.88; water,
MINERAI. KESOUECES. 167
14.24; =99.69: metallic iron, 51.26.
Brown hematite, mingled with more or less red ore, occurs also in some quantity filling cracks
and irregular cavities in certain portions of the Potsdam series in northwestern Sauk county and
the adjoining portion of Richland. A small charcoal furnace has been in operation on this ore
at Ironton, Sauk county, for a number of years, and recently another one has been erected at
Cazenovia in the same district.
Magnetic Ores and Specular Hematites.
These are taken together here, because their geological occurrence is the same, the two ores
occurring not only in the same group of rocks, but even intimately mingled with one another.
These ores are not now produced in Wisconsin ; but it is quite probable that they may before
many years become its principal mineral production. In magnetic iron ore, the iron is in the
shape of the mineral magnetite, an oxide of iron containing 72 4 per cent of iron when pure, and
this is the highest percentage of iron that any ore can ever have. Specular hematite is the same
as red hematite, but is crystalline, has a bright, metallic luster, and a considerable hardness. As
mined the richest magnetic and specular ores rarely run over 65 per cent., while in most regions
where they are mined they commonly do not reach 50 per cent. The amount of rich ores of this
kind in the northern peninsula of Michigan is So great, however, that an ore with less than 50 per
cent, finds no sale; and the same must be true in the adjoining states. So largely does this mat-
ter of richness affect the value of an ore, that an owner of a mine of 45 per cent. " hard " ore in Wis-
consin would find it cheaper to import and smelt Michigan 65 per cent, ore, than to smelt his own,
even if his furnace and mine were side by side.
The specular and magnetic ores of Wisconsin occur in two districts — the Penokee iron dis-
trict, ten to twenty miles' south of Lake Superior, in Bayfield, Ashland and Lincoln counties, and
the Menomonee iron district, ijear the head waters of the Menomonee river, in township 40,
ranges 17 and 18 east, Oconto county. Specular iron in veins and nests is found in small quan-
tities with the quartz rocks of the Baraboo valley, Sauk county, and Necedah, Juneau county ;
and very large quantities of a peculiar quartz-schist, charged with more or less of the magnetic
and specular iron oxides, occur in the vicinity of Black River Falls, Jackson county ; but in none
of these places is there any promise of the existence of valuable ore.
In the Penokee and Menomonee regions, the iron ores occur in a series of slaty and
quartzose rocks known to geologists as the Haronian series. The rocks of these districts are
really the extensions westward of a great rock series, which in the northern Michigan peninsula
contains the rich iron ores that have made that region so famous. In position, this rock series
may be likened to a great elongated parabola, the head of which is in the Marquette iron district
and the two ends in the Penokee and Menomonee regions of Wisconsin. In all of its extent, this
rock series holds great beds of lean magnetic and specular ores. These contain large quantities
of quartz, which, from its great hardness, renders them very resistant to the action of atmospheric
erosion. As a result, these lean ores are found forming high and bold ridges. Such ridges of
lean ores have deceived many explorers, and not a few geologists. In the same rock series, for
the most part occupying portions of a higher layer, are found, however, ores of extraordinary
richness and purity, which, from their comparative softness, very rarely outcrop. The existence
in quantity of these very rich ores in the Menomonee region has been definitely proven. One
deposit, laid open during the Summer of 1877, shows a width of over 150 feet of first class
specular ore ; and exceeding in size the greatest of the famous deposits of Michigan. In the
Penokee region, however, though the indications are favorable, the existence of the richer
ores is as yet an inference -only. The Penokee range itself is a wonderful development of
168 HISTOEYOr WISCOKSIN".
lean ore, which forms a continuous belt several hundred feet in width and over thirty miles in
length. Occasionally portions of this belt are richer than the rest, and become almost merchant-
able ores. The probability is, however, that the rich ores of this region will be found in the
lower country immediately north of the Penokee range, where the rocks are buried beneath
heavy accumulations of drift material.
Copper.
The only copper ore at present raised in Wisconsin is obtained near Mineral Point, in the
lead region of the southwestern part of the state, where small quantities of chalcopyrite, the yellow
sulphide of copper and iron, are obtained from pockets and limited crevices in the Galena lime-
stone. Copper pyrites is known to occur in this way throughout the lead region, but it does not
appear that the quantity at any point is sufficient to warrant exploration.
Copper occurs also in the northernmost portions of Wisconsin, where it is found under alto-
gether different circumstances. The great copper-bearing series of rocks of Keweenaw point and
Isle Royale stretch southwestward into and entirely across the state of Wisconsin, in two parallel
belts. One of these belts enters Wisconsin at the mouth of the Montreal river, and immediately
leaving the shore of Lake Superior, crosses Ashland and Bayfield counties, and then widening
greatly, occupies a large area in Douglas, St. Croix, Barron and Chippewa counties. The other
belt forms the backbone of the Bayfield peninsula, and crosses the northern part of Douglas
county, forming a bold ridge, to the Minnesota line. The rocks of this great series appear to
be for the most part of igneous origin, but they are distinctly bedded, and even interstratified
with sandstone, shales, and coarse boulder-conglomerate, the whole series having generally a
tilted position. In veins crossing the rock-beds, and scattered also promiscuously through the
layers of both conglomerates and igneous rocks, pure metallic copper in fine flakes is often
found. Mining on a small scale has been attempted at numbers of points where the rivers
flowing northward into Lake Superior make gorges across the rock series, but at none of them
has sufficient work been done to prove or disprove the existence of copper in paying quantity.
Gold and Silver.
Small traces of gold have been detected by the writer in quartz from the crystalline rocks
of Clark county, but there is no probability that any quantity of this metal will ever be found in
the state. Traces of silver have also been found in certain layers of the copper series in Ash-
land county. Judging from the occurrence of silver in the same series not far to the east in
Michigan, it seems not improbable that this metal may be found also in Wisconsin.
Brick Clays.
These constitute a very important resource in Wisconsin. Extending inland for many miles
fiom the shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior are stratified beds of clay of lacustrine origin,
having been deposited by the lakes when greatly expanded beyond their present sizes. All of
these clays are characterized by the presence of a large amount of carbonate of lime. Along
Lake Superior they have not yet been utilized, but all through the belt of country bordering
Lake Michigan they are dug and burned, fully 50,000,000 bricks being made annually in this
region. A large proportion of these bricks are white or cream-colored, and these are widely
known under the name of "Milwaukee brick," though by na means altogether made at Mil-
waukee. Others arc ordinary red brick. The difference between the light-colored and red
bricks js ordinarily attributed to the greater amount of iron in the clay from which the latter are
MINEEAL KESOUBCES.
16&
burned, but it has been shown by Mr. E. T, Sweet that the white bricks are burned from clay
which often contains more iron than that from which the red bricks are made, but which also
contains a very large amont of carbonate of lime. The following analyses show (i) the compo-
sition of the clay from which cream-colored brick are burned at Milwaukee, (2) the composition
of a red-brick clay from near Madison, and (3) the composition of the unutilized clay from
Ashland, Lake Superior. Nos. i and 2 are by Mr. E. T. Sweet, No. 3 by Professor W. W.
Daniells :
(I)
(2)
(3)
(I)
(2)
(3)
Silica..
38.22
9-75
2.84
1.16
16.23
7-54
18.50
75-80
11.07
3-53
0.31
1.84 [
.08
I.O^
58.08
25-38
4.44
8.30
Potash
2.16
0.65 ,
0.95
, 1-85
1.74
0.40
1-54
2.16
Soda.. ..
Iron peroxide
Iron protoxide...
Water
\ 4-09
Moisture
Totals
Magnesia
Carbonic acid
99.85
99.56
100. rg
At Milwaukee 24,000,000 cream-colored brick are made annually; at Racine, 3,500,000; at
Appleton and Menasha, 1,800,000 each; at Neenah, 1,600,000; at Clifton, 1,700,000; at Wat-
erloo, 1,600,000 ; and in smaller quantities at Jefferson, Ft. Atkinson, Edgerton, Whitewater,
Geneva, Ozaukee, Sheboygan Falls, Manitowoc, Kewaunee, and other places. In most cases the
cream-colored bricks are made from a bright-red clay, although occasionally the clay is light-
colored. At Whitewater and other places tile and pottery are also made from this clay.
Although these lacustrine clays are much the most important in Wisconsin, excellent brick
clays are also found in the interior of the state. In numbers of places along the Yahara valley,
in Dane county, an excellent stratified clay occurs. At Madison this is burned to a red brick ; at
Stoughton and Oregon to a fine cream-colored brick. At Platteville, Lancaster, and other points
in the southwestern part of the state, red bricks are made from clays found in the vicinity.
Kaolin (Porcelain - Clay — Fire - Clay).
The word "kaolin*' is applied by geologists to a clay-like material which is used in making
chinaware in this country and in Europe. The word is of Chinese origin, and is applied by the
Chinese to the substance from which the famous porcelain of China is made. Its application to
the European porce\a.[n-c/ay was made under the mistaken idea — one which has prevailed among
scientists until very recently — that the Chinese material is the same as the European. This we
now know to be an error, the Chinese and Japanese wares being both made altogether from a
solid rock.
True kaolin, using the word in its European sense, is unlike other ordinary clays, in being
the result of the disintegration of felspathic crystalline rocks "in place," that is without being
removed from the place of its first formation. The base of kaolin is a mineral known as kaolinite, a
compound of silica, alumina and water, which results from a change or decay of the felspar of
felspar-bearing rocks. Felspar contains silica, alumina, and soda or potash, or both. By perco-
lation through the rocks of surface water carrying carbonic acid, the potash and soda are
removed and kaolinite results. Mingled with the kaolinite are, however, always the other ingre-
dients of the rock, quartz, mica, etc., and also always some undecomposed, or only partly decom-
posed felspar. These foreign ingredients can all, however, be more or less perfectly removed by
a system of levigation, when a pure white clay results, composed almost wholly of the scales of
170
HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
the mineral kaolinite. Prepared in this way the kaolin has a high value as a refractory njaterial,
and for forming the base of fine porcelaih wares.
The crystalline rocks, which, by decomposition, would produce a kaolin, are widely spread
over the northern part of Wisconsin ; but over the most of the region occupied by them there is no
sign of the existence of kaolin, the softened rock having apparently been removed by glacial
action. In a belt of country, however, which extends from Grand Rapids on the Wisconsin,
westward to Black river, in Jackson county, the drift is insignificant or entirely absent; the glacial
forces have not acted, and the crystalline rocks are, or once were, overlaid by sandstone, along
whose line of junction with the underlying formation numerous water-courses have existed, the
result being an unusual a,mount of disintegration. Here we find, in the beds of the Wisconsin,
Yellow, and Black rivers, large exposures of crystalline rocks, which between the rivers
are overlaid by sandstone. The crystalline rocks are in distinct layers, tilted at high angles,
and in numerous places decomposed into a soft white kaolin. Inasmuch as these layers
Strike across the country m long, straight lines, patches of kaolin are found ranging
themselves into simikr lines. The kaolin patches are most abundant on the Wisconsin
in the vicinity of the city of Grand Rapids, in Wood county. They vary greatly in size,
one deposit even varying from a fraction of an inch to a number of feet in thickness.
The kaolin varies, also, greatly in character, some .being quite impure and easily fusible
from a large content of iron oxide or from partial decomposition only, while much of it is very
pure and refractory. There is no doubt, however, that a large amount of kaolin exists in this
region, and that by selection and levigation an excellent material may be obtained, which, by
mingling with powdered quartz, may be made to yield a fire-brick of unusual refractoriness, and
which may even be employed in making fine porcelain ware.
The following table gives the composition of the raw clay, the fine clay obtained from it by
levigation, and the coarse residue from the same operation, the sample having been taken from
the opening on the land of Mr. C. B. Garrison, section 5, town 22, range 6 east. Wood county :
Silica
Alumina j.
Iron peroxide
Lime
Magnesia
Potash
RAW CLAY,
78.83
13-43
0.74
0.64
0.07
0-37
LEVIGATION
.PRODUCTS.
FINE CLAY.
COARSE
RESIDUE.
49-94
36.80
q2.86
208
0.72
. trace
0.74
0.96
O.IO
0.51
0.28
Soda . _
Carbonic Acid
Water_
Totals
RAW CLAY.
0.0,7
O.OI
5-45
99.60
LEVIGATION PRODUCTS
FINE CLAY.
0.08
11.62
99.67
, COARSE
RESIDUE.
0.05
2.53
99.60
Cement - Rock-.
Certain layers of the Lower Magnesian limestone, as at Ripon, and other points in the east-
ern part of the state, are known to produce a lime which has in some degree the hydraulic
property, and the same is true of certain layers of the B'lue limestone of the Trenton group, in
the southwestern part of the state ; the most valuable material of this kind, however, that is as yet
known to exist in Wisconsin, is found near Milwaukee, and has become very recently somewhat
widely known as the " Milwaukee " cement-rock. This rock belongs to the Hamilton formation,
and is found near the Washington street bridge, at Brown Deer, on the lake shore at Whitefish
MINERAL BESOURCES.
171
bay, and at other points in the immediate vicinity of Milwaukee. The quantity attainable ia
large, and a very elaborate series of tests by D. J. Whittemore, chief engineer of the Milwau.
kee and St. Paul railroad, shows that the cement made from it exceeds all native and foreign
cements in strength, except the famous English " Portland " cement. The following are
three analyses of the rock from different points, and they show that it has a very constant
composition :
I-
2.
3-
Carbonate of Lime
45-54
32.46
17-56
1.41
3-03
48.29
29.19
17.36
1.40
2.24
41-34
.34-88
16.99
5.00
Carbonate of Magnesia __
Silica _ _.
1-79
Totals
100.00
g8.68
100.00
Limestone for Making Quick - lime.
Quick-lime is made from all of the great limestone formations of Wisconsin, but more is.
burnt from the Lower Magnesian and Niagara formations, than from the others. The Lower
Magnesian yields a very strong mortar, but the lime burned from it is not very white. It is burned
largely in the region about Madison, one of the largest quarries being on the south line of section
33 of that town, where some 20,000 bushels are produced annually, in two kilns. The lime from
this place has a considerable local reputation under the name of " Madison lime." The Trenton
limestone is burned at a few points, but yields an inferior lime. The Galena is not very generally
burned, but yields a better lime than the Trenton. In the region about Watertown and White-
water, some 40,000 to 50,000 barrels are made annually from this formation.
The Niagara, however, is the great lime furnisher of the northwest. From its purity it is
adapted to the making of a most admirable lime. It is burned on a large scale at numbers of
points in the eastern part of the state, among which may be mentioned, Pellon's kilns, Pewau-
kee, where 12,000 barrels are made weekly and shipped to Chicago, Grand Haven, Des Moines,
etc.; and Holick & Son's kilns, Racine, which yield 60,000 to 75,000 barrels annually. A total
ot about 400,000 barrels is annually made from the Niagara formation in eastern Wisconsin.
Limestone for Flux in Iron Smelting.
The limestones of Wisconsin are rarely used as a flux, because of their prevalent magnesian,
character. The stone from Schoonmaker's quarry, near Milwaukee, is used at the Bay View
iron works, and is one of the few cases. There are certain layers, however, in the Trenton lime-
stone, widely spread over the southern part of the state, which are non-magnesian, and frequently
sufficiently free from earthy impurities to be used as a flux. These layers deserve the attention
of the iron masters of the state.
Glass Sand.
Much of the St. Peter's sandstone is a purely siliceous, loose, white sand, well adapted to
the making of glass. It is now being put to this use at points in the eastern part of the state.
172 HISTORY OiT WISCONSIN".
Peat.
Peat exists in large quantities and of good quality und'erneath the numerous marshes of the
eastern and central parts of the state. Whether it can be utilized in the future as a fuel, will
depend altogether upon the cost of its preparation, which will have to be very low in order that
it may compete with superior fuels. As a fertilizer, peat has always a great value, and requires
no "^reliminarv treatment.
Building Stones.
All the rocky formations of Wisconsin are used in building, and even the briefest synopsis
of the subject of the building stones of the state, would exceed the limits of this paper. A few
of the more prominent kinds only are mentioned.
Granite occurs in protruding masses, and also grading into gneiss, in the northern portions
of the state, at numerous points. In many places on the Wisconsin, Yellow, and Black rivers,
and especially at Big Bull Falls, Yellow river, red granites of extraordinary beauty and value
occur. These are not yet utilized, but will in the future have a high value.
The handsomest and most valuable sandstone found in Wisconsin, is that which extends
along the shore of Lake Superior, from the Michigan to the Minnesota line, and which forms the
basement rock of the Apostle islands. On one of these islands a very large quarry is opened,
from which are taken masses of almost any size, of a very close-grained, uniform, dark brown
stone, which has been shipped largely to Chicago and Milwaukee. At the latter place, the well
known court house is built of this stone. An equally good stone can be obtained from the neigh-
boring islands, and from points on the mainland. A very good white to brown, indurated sand-
stone is obtained from the middle portions of the Potsdam series, at Stevens Point, Portage
county; near,Grand Rapids, Wood county; at Black River Falls, Jackson county; at Packwaii-
kee, Marquette county ; near Wautoma, Waushara county ; and at several points in the Baraboo
valley, Sauk county. A good buff-colored, calcareous sandstone is quarried and used largely in
the vicinity of Madison, from the uppermost layers of the Potsdam series.
All of the limestone formations of the state are quarried for building stone. A layer known
locally as the " Mendota" limestone, included in the upper layers of the Potsdam series, yields a
very evenly bedded, yellow, fine-grained rock, which is largely quarried along the valley of the
lower Wisconsin, and also in the country about Madison. In the town of Westport, Danfe
county, a handsome, fine-grained, cream-colored limestone is obtained from the Lower Magne-
sian. The Trenton limestone yields an evenly bedded, thin stone, which is frequently used for
laying in wall. The Galena and Niagara are also utilized, and the latter is capable, in much of
the eastern part of the state, of furnishing a durable, easily dressed, compact, white stone.
In preparing this paper, I have made use of Professor Whitney's " Metallic Wealth of the
United States," and " Report on the Geology of the Lead Region;" of the advance sheets of
Volume II of the Reports of the State Geological Survey, including Professor T. C. Chamberhn's
Report on the Geology of Eastern Wisconsin, my own Report on the Geology of Central Wisconsin,
and Mr. Strong's Report on the Geology of the Lead Region ; Mr. E. T. Sweet's account of the
mineral exhibit of the state at the Centennial Exposition ; and of my unpublished reports on the
geology of the counties bordering Lake Superior.
WISCONSIN RAILROADS.
By Hon. H. H. GILES.
The territory of Wisconsin offered great advantages to emigrants. Explorers had published
accounts of the wonderful fertility of its soil, the wealth of its broad prairies and forest openings,
and the beauty of its lakes and rivers. Being reached from the older states by way of the lakes
and easily accessible by a long line of lake coast, the hardships incident to weeks of land travel
were avoided. Previous to 1836 but few settlements had been made in that part of the
then territory of Michigan, that year organized into the territory of Wisconsin, except
as mining camps in the southwestern part, and scattered settlers in the vicinity of the
trading posts and military stations. From that time on, with the hope of improving their condi-
tion, thousands of the enterprising yeomanry of New England, New York and Ohio started for
the land of promise. Germans, Scandinavians and other nationalities, attracted by the glowing
accounts sent abroad, crossed the ocean on their way to the new world ; steamers and sail-craft
laden with families and their household goods left Buffalo and other lake ports, all bound for
the new Eldorado. It may be doubted if in the history of the world any country was ever peo-
pled with the rapidity of southern and eastern Wisconsin. Its population in 1840 was 30,749;
in 1850,304,756; in i860, 773,693; in 1870, 1,051,351; in 1875, 1,236,729. With the develop-
ment of the agricultural resources of the new territory, grain raising became the most prominent
interest, and as the settlements extended back from the lake shore the difficulties of transporta-
tion of the products of the soil were seriously felt. The expense incurred in moving a load of
produce seventy or eighty miles to a market town on the lake shore frequently exceeded the gross
sura obtained for the same. All goods, wares and merchandise, and most of the lumber used
must also be hauled by t€ams from Lake Michigan. Many of our early settlers still retain
vivid recollections of trying experiences in the Milwaukee woods and other sections bordering
on the lake shore, from the south line of the state to Manitowoc and Sheboygan. To meet the
great want — better facilities for transportation — a valuable land grant was obtained from
congress, in 1838, to aid in building a canal from Milwaukee to Rock river The company which
was organized to construct it, built a dam across Milwaukee river and a short section of the canal ;
then the work stopped and the plan was finally abandoned. It was early seen that to satisfy the
requirements of the people, railroads, as the most feasable means of communication within
their reach, were an indispensable necessity.
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
' Between the years^i838 and 1841, the territorial legislature of Wisconsin chartered several
railroad companies, but with the exception of the " Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company,''
incorporated in 1847, none of the corporations thus created took any particular shape. The
commissioners named in its charter met November 23, 1847, and elected a president, Dr. L. W.
Weeks, and a secretary, A. W. Randall (afterward governor of Wisconsin). On the first Monday
of February, 1848, they opened books of subscription. The charter of the company provided
174 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
that f 100,000 should be subscribed and five percent, thereof paid in before the company should
fully organize as a corporation, ''The country was new. There were plenty of active, energetic
men, but money to build railroads was scarqe, and not until April 5, 1849, was the necessary
subscription raised and percentage paid. A board of directors was elected on the ipth day of
May, and Byron Kilbourn chosen president. The charter had been previously amended, in 1848,
authorizing the company to build a road to the Mississippi river, in Grant county, and in 1850,
its na:me was changed to the " Milwaukee & Mississippi Ra,ilroad Company." After the company
was fully organized, active measures were taken to push the enterprise forward to completion.
The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit, and in 185 1 the pioneer Wisconsin railroad rsached
Waukesha, twenty miles out from Milwaukee. In the spring of 1852, Edward H. Broadhead, a
prominent engineer, from from the state of New York, was put in charge of the work as chief
engineer and superintendent. Under his able and energetic administration the road was pushed
forward in 1852 to Milton, in 1853 to Stoughton, in 1854 to^ Madison, and in 1856 to the Mis-
sissippi river, at Prairie du Chien. In 185 1 John Catlin of Madison, was elected president
in place of Kilbourn.
The proposed length of this article will not admit of any detailed statement of the trials,
struggles and triumphs of the men who projected, and finally carried across the state, from the
lake to the river, this first Wisconsin railroad. Mitchell, Kilbourn, Holton, Tweedy, Catlin,
Walker, Broadhead, Crocker and many others, deserve to be remembered by our people as bene-
factors of the state. In 1859 and i860, the company defaulted in the payment of the interest on
its bonds. A foreclosure was made and a new company, called the " Milwaukee & Prairie du
Chien," took its place, succeeding to all its rights and propertyi
The "Southern Wisconsin Railway Company" was chartered in 1852, and authorized to build
a road from Milton to the Mississippi river. When the Milwaukee and Mississippi road reached
Milton in 1852, it was not authorized by its charter to go to Janesville, but, under the pharter of
the Southern Wisconsin, a company was organized that built the eight miles to Janesville in 1853.
Under a subsequent amendment to the charter, the Milwaukee and Mississippi company was
authorized to build from Milton to the Mississippi river. The Janesville branch was then
purchased and extended to Monroe, a distance of about thirty-four miles, or forty-two miles wesr
of Milton. Surveys were made and a line located west of Monroe to the river. ' The people of
La Fayette and Grant counties have often been encouraged to expect a direct railroad communi-
cation with the. city of Milwaukee, Other and more important interests, at least so considered
by the railroad company, have delayed the execution of the original plan, and the road through
the counties mentioned still remains unbuilt.
The " LaCrosse & Milwaukee Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852, to construct a road
from LaCrosse to Milwaukee. During the year in which the charter was obtained, the company
was organized, and the first meeting of the commissioners held at LaCrosse. Among its pro-
jectors were Byron Kilbourn and Moses M. Strong. Kilbourn was elected its first president.
No work was done upon this line until after its consolidation with the " Milwaukee, Fond du Lac
& Green Bay Railroad Company" in 1854. The latter company was chartered in 1853, to build a
road from Milwaukee via West Bend to Fond du Lac and Green Bay. It organized in the spring of
1853, and at once commenced active operations under the supervision of James Kneeland, its
first president. The city of Milwaukee loaned its credit for $200,000, and gave city bonds. The
company secured depot grounds in Milwaukee, and did considerable grading for the first twenty-
five miles ouf. Becoming embarrassed in January, 1854, the Milwaukee, Fond du Lac & Green
Bay consolidated with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company. Work was at once resumed on
the partially graded line. In 1855 the road was completed to Horicon, fifty miles.
WISCONSIN RAILROABS. 175
The Milwaukee & Watertown company was chartered in 1851, to build from Milwaukee to
Watertown. It soon organized, and began the construction of its line from Brookfield, fourteen
miles west of Milwaukee, and a point on the Milwaukee & Mississippi road leading through
Oconoraowoc to Watertown. The charter contained a provision that the company might extend
its road by way of Portage to La Crosse. It reached Watertown in 1856, and was consolidated
with the LaCrosse & Milwaukee road in the autumn of the same year.
In the spring of 1856 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin, to aid in the
building of a railroad from Madison, or Columbus, via Portage City, to the St. Croix river or
lake, between townships 25 and 31. and from thence to the west end of Lake Superior, and to
Bayfield. An adjourned session of the Wisconsin legislature met on September 3 of that year,
to dispose of the grant. The disposal of this grant had been generally discussed by the press,
and the public sentiment of the state seemed to tend toward its bestowal upon a new company.
There is little doubt but that this was also the sentiment of a large majority of the members of
both houses when the session commenced. When a new company was proposed a joint com-
mittee of twenty from the senate and assembly was appointed to prepare a bill, conferring the
grant upon a company to be created by the bill itself. The work of the committee proceeded
harmoniously until the question of who should be corporators was to be acted upon, when a
difference of opinion was found to exist, and one that proved difficult to harmonize. In the mean-
time the LaCrosse and Watertown companies had consolidated, and a sufficient number of the
members of both houses were "propitiated" by "pecuniary compliments" to induce them to
pass the bill, conferring the so called St. Croix grant upon the LaCrosse & Milwaukee railroad
company. The vote in the assembly in the passage of the bill was, ayes 62, noes 7. In the senate
it stood, ayes 17, noes 7.
At the session of the legislature of 1858 a committee was raised to investigate the matter,
and their report demonstrated that bonds were set apart for all who voted for the LaCrosse bill ;
to members of assembly $5,000 each, and members of senate fio,ooo each. A few months
after the close of the legislative sesssion of 1856 the land grant bonds of the LaCrosse road
became worthless. Neither the LaCrosse company nor its successors ever received any portion
of the lands granted to the state. During the year 1857 the LaCrosse company completed its
line of road through Portage City to LaCrosse, and its Watertown line to Columbus.
The "Milwaukee & Horicon Railroad Company" was chartered in 1852. Between the
years 1855 and 1857 it built through Waupun and Ripon to Berlin, a distance of forty-two miles.
It was, in effect, controlled by the LaCrosse & Milwaukee company, although built as a separate
branch. This line was subsequently merged in the LaCrosse company, and is now a part of the
northern division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway.
The '' Madison, Fond du Lac & Lake Michigan Railroad Company" was chartered in 1855,
to build a road from Madison w/a Fond du Lac to Lake Michigan. In 1857 it bought of the
LaCrosse company that portion of its road acquired by consolidation with the Milwaukee &
Watertown company. Its name was then changed to " Milwaukee & Western Railroad Com-
pany." It owned a line of road from Brookfield to Watertown, and branches from the latter
place to Columbus and Sun Prairie, in all about eighty miles in length.
In 1858 and 1859 the La Crosse & Milwaukee and the Milwaukee & Horicon companies
defaulted in the payment of the interest on their bonded debts. In the same years the bond-
holders of the two companies instituted foreclosure proceedings on the different trust deeds given to
secure their bonds. Other suits to enforce the payment of their floating debts were also com-
menced. Protracted litigation in both the state and federal courts resulted in a final settlement
in 1868, by a decision of the supreme court of the United States. In the meantime, in 1862 and
176 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
1863, both roads were sold, and purchased by an association of the bondholders, who organized
the " Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company. " The new company succeeded to all the rights
of both the La Crosse and Horicon companies, and soon afterward, in 1863, purchased the
property of the Milwaukee & Western company, thus getting control of the roads from Mil-
waukee to La Crosse, from Horicon to Berlin, from Brookfield to Watertown, and the branches
to Columbus and Sun Prairie. In 1864 it built from Columbus to Portage, from Brookfield to
Milwaukee, and subsequently extended the Sun Prairie branch to Madison, in 1869. It also
purchased the Ripon & Wolf River road, which had been built fifteen miles in length, from
Ripon to Omro, on the Fox river, and extended it to Winneconne on the Wolf river, five miles
farther, and twenty miles from Ripon. In 1867 the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company
obtained control of the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien railroad. The legislature of 1857 had
passed an act, authorizing all stock-holders in all incorporated companies to vote on shares of
stock owned by them. The directors of the Milwaukee & St. Paul company had secured a
majority of the common stock, and, at the election of 1867, elected themselves a board of
directors for the Prairie du Chien company. All the rights, property and interests of the
latter company came under the ownership and control of the former.
In 1865, Alexander Mitchell, of Milwaukee, was elected president, and S. S. Merrill general
manager of the Milwaukee & St. Paul railway company. They were retained in their respective
positions by the new organization, and still continue to hold these offices, a fact largely owing to
the able and efficient manner that has characterized their management "of the company's affairs.
The company operates eight hundred and thirty-four miles of road in Wisconsin, and in all two
thousand two hundred and seven miles. Its lines extend to St. Paul and Minneapolis in
Minnesota, and to Algona in Iowa, and over the Western Union to Savanna and Rock Island
in the State of Illinois.
The "Oshkosh & Mississippi Railroad Company" was chartered in 1866 to build a road
from the city of Oshkosh to the Mississippi river. Its construction to Ripon in 1872 was a
move on the part of citizens of Oshkosh to connect their town with the Milwaukee & St. Paul
road. It is twenty miles in length and leased to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company.
In 1871 and 1872 the "Wisconsin Union Railroad Company," of which John W. Cary was
president, built a road from Milwaukee to the state Hne between Wisconsin and IlHnois, to
connect with a road built from Chicago to the state line of Illinois. This new line between
Milwaukee and Chicago was built in the interest of, and in fact by, the Milwaukee & St. Paul
company to afford a connection between its Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota system of roads,
and the eastern trunk lines centering in Chicago. It runs parallel with the shore of Lake
Michigan and from three to six miles from it, and is eighty-five miles in length.
The Chicago & Northwestern Railway.
The territorial legislature of 1848 chartered the " Madison & Beloit Railroad Company "
with authority to build a railroad from Beloit to Madison only. In 1850, by an act of the
legislature, the company was authorized to extend the road to the Wisconsin river and La CrOsse,
and to a point on the Mississippi river near St. Paul, and also from Janesville to Fond du Lac.
Its name was changed, under legislative authority, to the "Rock River Valley Union Railroad
Company." In 1851, the line from Janesville north not being pushed as the people expected,
the legislature of Illinois chartered the " Illinois & Wisconsin Railroad Company " with authority
to consolidate with any road in Wisconsin. In 1855, an act of the Wisconsin legislature consoli-
dated the Illinois and Wisconsin companies with the " Rock River Valley Union Railroad Com-
pany," and the new organization took the name of the " Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac Rail-
WISCONSIN RAILEOADS. 177
road Company." In 1854, and previous to the oonsdlidation, the company had failed and
passed into the hands of the bondholders, who foreclosed and took stock for their bonds. The
old management of A. Hyatt Smith and John B. Macy was superseded, and Wm. B. Ogden was
made' president. Chicago was all along deeply interested in reaching the rich grain fields of the
Rock river valley, as well as the inexhaustible timber and mineral wealth of the northern part
-of Wisconsin and that part of Michigan bordering on Lake Superior, called the Peninsula. It
also sought a connection with the upper Mississippi region, then being rapidly peopled, by a line
of railroad to run through Madison to St. Paul, in Minnesota. Its favorite road was started from
Chicago on the wide (six feet) gauge, and so constructed seventy miles to Sharon on the Wis-
consin state line. This was changed to the usual (four feet, eight and one-half inches) width,
and the work was vigorously pushed, reaching Janesville in 1855 and Fond du Lac in 1858. The
Rock River Valley Union railroad company had, however, built about thirty miles from Fond
du Lac south toward Minnesota Junction before the consolidation took place. The partially
graded line on a direct route between Janesville and Madison was abandoned. In 1852 a new
charter had been obtained, and the " Beloit & Madison Railroad Company " had been organized
to build a road from Beloit via Janesville to Madison. A subsequent amendment to this charter
had left out Janesville as a point, and the Beloit branch was pushed through to Madison, reach-
ing that city in 1864.
The " Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Company" had built a branch of the Galena
line from Belvedere to Beloit previous to 1854. In that year, it leased the Beloit & Madison
road, and from r856 operated it in connection with the Milwaukee & Mississippi, reaching Janes-
ville by way of Hanover Junction, a station on its Southern Wisconsin branch, eight miles west
of Janesville. The consolidation of the Galena & Chicago Union and the Chicago, St. Paul &
Fond du Lac companies was effected and approved by legislative enactment in 1855, and a new
organization called the "Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company " took their place.
The "Green Bay, Milwaukee & Chicago Railroad Company " was chartered in 185 1 to build
a road from Milwaukee to the state line of Illinois to connect with a road from Chicago, called
the Chicago & Milwaukee railroad. Both roads were completed in 1855, and run in connection
until 1863, when they were consolidated under the name of the "Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad
Company." To prevent its falling into the hands of the Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago &
Northwestern secured it by perpetual lease, May 2, i866, and it is now operated as its Chicago
division.
The " Kenosha & Beloit Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1853 tb build a road from
Kenosha to Beloit, and was organized soon after its charteriwas obtained. Its name was after-
ward changed to the "Kenosha, Rockford & Rock Island Railroad Company," and its route
changed to run to Rockford instead of Beloit. The line starts at Kenosha, and runs through the
county of Kenosha and crosses the state line near the village of Genoa in the county of Wal-
worth, a distance of thirty miles in the state of Wisconsin, and there connects with a road in
Illinois running to Rockford, and with which it consolidated. Kenosha and its citizens were the
principal subscribers to its capital stock. The company issued its bonds, secured by the usual
mortgage on its franchises and property. Failing to pay its interest, the mortgage was foreclosed,
and the road was sold to the Chicago & Northwestern company in 1863, and is now operated by
it as the Kenosha division. The line was constructed from Kenosha to Genoa in 1862.
The "Northwestern Union Railway Company " was organized in 1872, under the general rail-
road law of the state, to build a line of road from Milwaukee to Fond du Lac, with a branch to
Lodi. The road was constructed during the years 1872 and 1873 from Milwaukee to Fond du
Lac. The Chicago & Northwestern company were principally interested in its being built, to
178 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
shorten its line between Chicago and Green Bay, and now uses it as its main through line between
the two points.
The " Baraboo Air-Line Railroad Company" was' incorporated in 1876, to build a road from
Madison, Columbus, or Waterloo via Baraboo, to La Crosse, or any point on the Mississippi
river. It organized in the interest of the Chicago & Northwestern, with which company it con-
solidated, and the work of building a connecting line between Madison and Winona Junction
Was vigorously pushed forward; Lodi was reached in 1870, Baraboo in 1871, and Winona Junc-
tion in 1874. The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with
much difficulty. In 1874 the company reported an expenditure for its three tunnels of
^476,743.32, and for the 129 i-io miles between Madison and Winona Junction of $5,342,169.96,
and a large expenditure yet required to be made on it. In 1867 the Chicago & Northwestern
company bought of ,D. N. Barney & Co. their interest in the Winona & St. Peters railway, a line
being built westerly from Winona in Minnesota, and of which one hundred and five miles had
been built. It also bought of the same parties their interest in the La Crosse, Trempealeau &
Prescott railway, a line being built from Winona Junction, three miles east of La Crosse, to
Winona, Minn. The latter line was put in operation in 1870, and is twenty-nine miles long.
With the completion of its Madison branch to Winona junction, in 1873,11 had in operation a
line from Chicago, via Madison and Winona, to Lake Kampeska, Minn., a distance of six: hundred
and twenty-three miles.
In the year 1856 a valuable grant of land was made by congress to the state of Wisconsin
to aid in the construction of railroads. The Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac company claimed
that the grant was obtained through itsvefforts, and that of right it should havef the northeastern
grant, so-called. At the adjourned session of the legislature of 1856, a contest over the dispo-
sition of the grant resulted in conferring it upon the " Wisconsin & Superior Railroad Company,"
a corporation chartered for the express purpose of giving it this grant. It was generally believed
at the time that the new company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul &
Fond du Lac company, and at the subsequent session, in the following year, it was authorized to
Consolidate with the new company, which it did in the spring of that year, and thus obtained the
grant of 3,840 acres per mile along its entire line, from Fond du Lac northerly to the state line
between Wisconsin and Michigan. It extended its road to Oshkosh in 1859,10 Appleton in
t86i, and in 1862 to Fort Howard, forming a line two hundred and forty-two miles long. The
line from Fort Howard to Escanaba, one hundred and fourteen miles long, was opened in Decem-
ber, 1872, and made a connection with the peninsular railroad of Michigan. It now became a part
of the Chicago & Northwestern, extending from Escanaba to the iron mines, and thence to
Lake Superior at Marquette. Albert Keep, of Chicago, is president, and Marvin Hughitt, a
gentleman of great railroad experience, is general superintendent. The company operates five
hundred and sixty-seven miles of road in Wisconsin, and in all sixteen hundred and sixteen miles.
Its lines extend into five different states. Over these lines its equipment is run in common, or
transferred from place to place, as the changes in business may temporarily require.
Wisconsin Central Railroad.
The " Milwaukee & Northern Railway Company " was incorporated in 1870, to build a road
from Milwaukee to some point on the Fox river below Winnebago lake, and thence to Lake
Superior, with branches. It completed its road to Menasha, one hundred and two miles from
Milwaukee, with a branch from Hilbert to Green Bay, twenty-seven miles, in 1873, and in that
vear leased its line to the " Wisconsin Central Railroad Company," which is still operating it. In
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B I 6 BEND
WISCONSIN RAILEOADS. 179
1864 congress made a grant of land to the state of Wisconsin to aid in the construction of a rail-
road from Berlin, Doty's Island, Fond du Lac, or Portage, by way of Stevens Point, to Bayfield
or Superior, granting the odd sections within ten miles on each side of the line, with an indem-
nity limit of twenty miles on each side. The legislature of 1865 failed to dispose of this grant,
but that of 1866 provided for the organization of two companies, one to build from Portage City
by way of Berlin to Stevens Point, and the other from Menasha to the same point, and then
jointly to Bayfield and Lake Superior. The former was called the " Winnebago and Lake Superior
Railroad Company," and the latter the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company." In 1869 an act
was passed consolidating the two companies, which was done under the name of the " Portage,
Winnebago & Superior Railroad Company." In 1871 the name of the company was changed to
the "Wisconsin Central Railroad Company." The Winnebago & Lake Superior company was
organized under Hon. George Reed as president, and at once commenced the construction of its
line of road between Menasha and Stevens Point. In 187 1 the Wisconsin Central consolidated
with the " Manitowoc & Mississippi Railroad Company." The articles of consolidation provided
that Gardner Colby, a director of the latter company, should be president, and that George Reed,
a director of the former, should be vice president of the new organization; with a firrther provision
that Gardner Colby, George Reed, and Elijah B. Phillips should be and remain its executive
committee.
In 1-871, an act was passed incorporating the " Phillips and Colby Construction Company,"
which created E. B. Phillips, C. L. Colby, Henry Pratt, and such others as they might associate
with them, a body corporate, with authority to build railroads and do all manner of things relat-
ing to railroad construction and operation. Under' this act the construction company contracted
with the Wisconsin Central railroad company, to build its line of road from Menasha to Lake
Superior. In November, 1873; the Wisconsin Central leased of the Milwaukee & Northern com-
pany its line of road extending from Schwartzburg to Menasha, and the branch to Green Bay, for
the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, and also acquired the rights of the latter com-
pany to use the track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company between Schwartzburg and
Milwaukee, and to depot facilities in Milwaukee. The construction of the land grant portion
of this important line of road was commenced in 187 1, and it was completed to Stevens Point in
November of that year. It was built from Stevens Point north one hundred miles to Worcester
in 1872. During 1872 and 1873, it was built from Ashland south to the Penoka iron ridge, a dis-
tance of thirty miles. The straight line between Portage City and Stevens Point, authorized by
an act of the legislature of 1875, was constructed between October i, 1875, and October, 1876,
seven'i.y-one miles in length. The gap of forty-two miles between Worcester and Penoka iron
ridge was closed in June, 1877. E. B. Phillips, of Milwaukee, is president and general manager.
This line of road passes through a section of our state hitherto unsettled. It has been pushed
through with energy, and opened up for settlement an immense region of heavily timbered land,
and thus contributed to the growth and prosperity of the state.
The Western Union Railroad.
The " Racine, Janesville & Mississippi Railroad Company " was chartered in 1852,10 build
a road from Racine to Beloit, and was organized the same year. The city of Racine issued its
bonds for $300,000 in payment for that amount of stock. The towns of Racine, Elkhorn, Dele-
van and Beloit gave f igo,ooo, and issued their bonds, and farmers along the line made liberal
subscriptions and secured the same by mortgages on their farms. The road was built to Burling-
ton in 1855, to Delavan early in 1856, and to Beloit, sixty-eight miles from Racine, during the
same year. Failing to meet the interest on its bonds and its floating indebtedness, it was sur-
180 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
rendered by the company, to the bond-holders in 1859, who completed it to Freeport during that
year, and afterward built to the Mississippi river at Savannah, and thence to Rock Island. The
bond-holders purchased and sold the road in 1866, and a new organization was had as the " West-
ern Union Railroad Company," and it has since been operated under that name. In 1869, it
bu'ilt a line from Elkhorn to Eagle, seventeen miles, and thus made a connection with Milwau-
kee over the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line. The latter company owns a controlling
interest it its line. Alexander Mitchell is the president of the company, and D. A. Olin,
general superintendent.
West Wisconsin Railroad.
The lands granted by congress in 1856 to aid in the construction of a railroad in Wisconsin,
from Tomah to Superior and Bayfield, were disposed of as mentioned under the history of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul company. The La Crosse company, as we have seen, prevailed in
the legislature of 1856, and secured legislation favorable to its interests; but it failed to build the
line of road provided for, and forfeited its right to lands granted. In 1863, the " Tomah & Lake
St. Croix Railroad Company " was incorporated, with authority to construct a railroad from some
point in the town of Tomah in Monroe county, to such point on Lake St. Croix, between town-
ships 25 and 31 as the directors might determine. To the company, by the act creating it, was
granted all the interest and estate of this state, to so much of the lands granted by the United
States to the state of Wisconsin, known as the St. Croix grant, as lay between Tomah and Lake
St. Croix. A few months after its organization, the company passed substantially into the hands
of D. A. Baldwin and Jacob Humbird, who afterward built a line of road from Tomah, via Black
River Falls, and Eau Claire to Hudson, on Lake St. Croix, one hundred and seventy-eight miles.
Its name was afterward changed to the "West Wisconsin Railroad Company." In 1873, it built
its road from Warren's Mills via Camp Douglass, on the St. Paul road to Elroy, and took up its
track from the first-named place, twelve miles, to Tomah. A law-suit resulted, which went against
the railroad company, and the matter was finally compromised by the payment of a sum of money
by the company to the town of Tomah. The road was built through a new and sparsely settled
country, and its earnings have not been sufiScient to enrich its stock-holders. It connects at
Camp Douglass with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, and at Elroy with the Chicago &
Northwestern railway company's line, which gives the latter a through line to St. Paul. It is
operated in connection with the Chicago & Northwestern railway, and managed in its interest.
It is now in the hands of Wm. H. Ferry, of Chicago, as receiver ; H. H. Potter, of Chicago, as
president'; and E. W. Winter, of Hudson, superintendent.
The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway.
In 1870, the "Milwaukee, Manitowoc & Green Bay Railroad Company " was chartered to
build a road from Milwaukee to Green Bay by way of Manitowoc. It built its line from Mil-
waukee to Manitowoc in 1873, when its name was changed to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & West-
ern Railroad Company." Under a decree of foreclosure, it was sold Dec. 10, 1875, and its name
was changed to " Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railway Company," by which name it is
still known.
In 1866, the " Appleton & New London Railroad Company" was incorporated to build a
road from Appleton to New London, and thence to Lake Superior. A subsequent amendment
to its charter authorized it to extend its road to Manitowoc. It built most of the line from
Appleton to that city, and then, under legislative authority, sold this extension to the Milwau-
WISCONSIN RAILKOADS. 181
kee, Lake Shore & Western railroad company. The last-named company extended it to New
London, on the Wolf river, twenty-one miles, in 1876,1 where it connects with the Green Bay &
Minnesota road. It now operates one hundred and forty-six miles of road, extending from Mil-
waukee to New London, passing through Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Appleton, which includes
a branch line six miles in length from Manitowoc to Two Rivers. F. W. Rhinelander, of New
York, is i'ts president, and H. G. H. Reed, of Milwaukee, superintendent.
The Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad.
The line of road operated by this company extends from Fort Howard to the Mississippi
river, opposite Winona, Minnesota. It is two hundred and sixteen miles in length, and was
built through a sparsely settled and heavily timbered section of the state. It began under most
discouraging circumstances, yet was pushed through by the energy of a few men at Green Bay
and along its line. It was originally chartered in 1866 as the "Green Bay & Lake Pepin Rail-
road Company " to build a road from the mouth of the Fox river near Green Bay to the Missis-
sippi river opposite Winona. But little was done except the making of preliminary surveys in
1870. During 1870 and 187 1, forty miles were constructed and put in operation. In 1872, one
hundred and fourteen miles were graded, the track laid, and the river reached, sixty-two miles
farther, in 1873. In 1876, it acquired the right to use the "Winona cut-off " between Winona
and Onalaska, and built a line from the latter point to La Crosse, seven miles, thus connecting its
road with the chief city of Wisconsin on the Mississippi river. The city of La Crosse aided this
extension by subscribing $75,000 and giving its corporation bonds for that amount. Henry
Ketchum, of New London, is president of the company, and D. M. Kelly, of Green Bay, gen-
eral manager.
Wisconsin Valley Road.
The " Wisconsin Valley Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1871 to build a road from
a point on or near the line of the Milwaukee & La -Crosse railroad, between Kilbourn City and
the tunnel in said road to the village of Wausau, in the county of Marathon, and the road to pass
not more than one mile west of the village of Grand Rapids, in the county of Wood. The road
was commenced at Tomah, and graded to Centralia in 1872, and opened to that village in 1873,
and during 1874 it was completed to Wausau, ninety miles in its whole length. Boston capitalists
furnished the money, and it is controlled in the interest of the Dubuque & Minnesota railroad,
through which the equipment was procured. The lumber regions of the Wisconsin river find an
outlet over it, and its junction with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road at Tomah enables
a connection with the railroads of Iowa and Minnesota. It gives the people of Marathon county
an outlet long needed for a large lumber traffic, and also enables them to receive their goods and
supplies of various kinds for the lumbering region tributary to Wausau. Jaraes F. Joy, of
Detroit, is president, and F. O. Wyatt, superintendent.
Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad.
The " Sheboygan & Mississippi Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1852, to build a
road from Sheboygan to the Mississippi river. It was completed from Sheboygan to Plymouth
in 1858, to Glenbeulah in i860, to Fond du Lac in 1868, and to Princeton in 1S72. The extension
from Fond du Lac to Princeton was built under authority of an act passed in 187 1.
Under a foreclosure in 1861 the line from Sheboygan to Fonddu Lac was sold, and the name
of the company changed to " Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad Company." The length of
182 HISTORY OF WISCONSm,
the line is seventy-eight miles, and it passes through a fertile agricultural country. The city of
Sheboygan, county, city and town of Fond du Lac, and the towns of Riverdale, Ripon, Brooklyn, .
Princeton, and St. Marie, aided in its building to an amount exceeding $250,000. D. L. Wells
is president, and Geo. P. Lee, superindendent.
The Mineral Point Railroad.
The " Mineral Point Railroad Company " was chartered in 1852, to build a road from Mineral
Point, in the county of Iowa, to the state line, in township number one, in either the county of
Green or La Fayette. It was completed to Warren, in the state of Illinois, thirty-two miles, in
1855, making a connection at that point with the Illinois Central, running from Chicago to Galena.
Iowa county loaned its credit and issued its bonds to aid in its construction. It was sold under
foreclosure in 1856. Suits were brought against Iowa county to collect the amount of its bonds,
and judgment obtained in the federal courts. Much litigation has been had, and ill feeling
engendered, the supervisors of the county having been arrested for contempt of the decree of
the court. Geo. W. Cobb, of Mineral Point, is the general manager.
The Dubuque, Platteville & Milwaukee railroad was completed in July, 1870, and extends
from Calamine, a point on the Mineral Point railroad, to the village of Platteville, eighteen miles,
and is operated by the Mineral Point railroad company
Madison & Portage Railroad.
The legislature of 1855 chartered the " Sugar River Valley Railroad Company " to build a road
from a point on the north side of the line of the Southern Wisconsin road, within the limits of
Green county, to Dayton, on the Sugar river. In 1857 it was authorized to build south to the state
line, and make its northern terminus at Madison. In 1861 it was authorized to build from Madi-
son to Portage City, and from Columbus to Portage City, and so much of the land grant act of
1856, as related to the building of the road from Madison, and from Columbus to Portage City,
was annulled and repealed, and the rights and privileges that were conferred upon the LaCrosse
company were given to the Sugar River Valley railroad company, and the portion of the land
grant, applicable to the lines mentioned, was conferred upon the last named company. Under
this legislation about twenty miles of the line between Madison and Portage were graded, and
the right of way secured for about thirty of the thirty-nine miles. The LaCrosse company had
done considerable grading before its right was annulled. In 1866 the company was relieved
from constructing the road from Columbus to Portage City. In 1870 the purchasers of that part
of the Sugar River Valley railroad lying between Madison and Portage City were incorporated
as the " Madison & Portage Railroad Company," and to share all the rights, grants, etc., that
were conferred upon the Sugar River railroad company by its charter, and amendments thereto,
so far as related to that portion of the line.
Previous to this time, in 1864 and 1865, judgments had been obtained against the Sugar
River Valley company ; and its right of way, grading and depot grounds sold for a small sum.
James Campbell, who had been a contractor with the Sugar River Valley company, with others,
became the purchasers, and organized under the act of 1870, and, during the year 1871, com-
pleted it between Madison and Portage City, and in March, 1871, leased it to the Milwaukee &
St. Paul company, and it is still operated by that corporation. In 1871 the Madison & Portage
company was authorized to extend its road south to the Illinois state line, and north from
Portage City to Lake Winnebago. The same year it was consolidated with the " Rockford Central
WISCONSIN EAILROADS. J83
Railroad Company," of Illinois, and its name changed to the "Chicago & Superior Railroad
Company," but still retains its own organization. The Madison & Portage railroad company
claims a share in the lands granted by acts of congress in 1856, and have commenced proceed-
ings to assert its claim, which case is still pending in the federal courts.
North Wisconsin Railroad.
The "North Wisconsin Railroad Company" was incorporated in 1869, to build a road from
Lake St. Croix, or river, to Bayfield on Lake Superior. The grant of land by congress in 1856, to
aid in building a road from Lake St. Croix to Bayfield on Lake Superior, under the decision of
the federal court, was yet at the disposal of the state. This company, in 1871, built a short
section of its line of road, with the expectation of receiving the grant. In 1873, the grant was
conferred upon the Milwaukee & St. Paul company, but under the terms and restrictions con-
tained in the act, it declined to accept it. The legislature of 1874 gave it to the North Wiscon-
sin company, and it has built forty miles of its road, and received the lands pertaining thereto.
Since 1876, it has not completed any part of its line, but is trying to construct twenty miles
during the present year. The company is authorized to construct a road both to Superior and
to Bayfield, but the act granting the lands confers that portion from Superior to the intersection
of the line to Bayfield upon the Chicago & North Pacific air-line railroad. This last-named
company have projected a line from Chicago to the west end of Lake Superior, and are the
owners of an old grade made through Walworth and Jefferson counties, by a company chaitered
in 1853 as the "Wisconsin Central," to build a road from Portage City to Geneva, in the county
of Walworth. The latter company had also graded its line between Geneva and the state line
of Illinois. This grade was afterward appropriated by the Chicago & Northwestern, and over it
they now operate their line from Chicago to Geneva.
Prairie du Chien & McGregor Railroad.
This is a line two miles in length, connecting Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin, with McGregor
in Iowa. It is owned and operated by John Lawler, of the latter-named place. It extends across
both channels of the Mississippi river, and an intervening island. The railroad bridge consists
of substantial piling, except a pontoon draw across each navigable channel. Each pontoon is four
hundred feet long and thirty feet wide, provided with suitable machinery and operated by steam
power. Mr. Lawler has secured a patent on his invention of the pontoon draw for railroad
bridges. His line was put in operation in April, 1874.
The Chippewa Falls & Western Railroad.
This road was built in 1874, by a company organized under the general law of the state. It
is eleven miles in length, and connects the " Falls " with the West Wisconsin line at Eau Claire.
It was constructed by the energetic business men and capitalists of Chippewa Falls, to afford an
outlet for the great lumber and other interests of that thriving and prosperous city. The road
is substantially built, and the track laid with steel rails.
Narrow Gauge Railroads.
The " Galena & Southern Wisconsin Railroad Company " was incorporated in 1857. Under
its charter, a number of capitalists of the city of Galena, in the state of Illinois, commenced
18 i HISTORY OF WISCONSIN".
the construction of a narrow (three feet) gauge road, running from that city to Platteville, thirty-
one miles in length, twenty miles in Wisconsin. It runs through a part of La Fayette county to
Platteville, in Grant county, and was completed to the latter point in 1875. Surveys are being
made for an extension to Wingville, in Grant county.
The " Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria Railway Company " was organized under the general
law of the state, in 1874, to build a narrow gauge road from the city of Fond du Lac to the south
line of the state in the county of Walworth or Rock, and it declared its intention to consolidate
with a company in Illinois that had projected a line of railroad from Peoria, in Illinois, to the south
line of the state of Wisconsin. The road Is constructed and in operation from Fond du Lac to
Iron Ridge, a point on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railway, twenty-nine miles from Fond
du Lac.
The "Pine River & Steven's Point Railroad Company" was organized by the enterprising
citizens of Richland Center, and has built a narrow gauge road from Lone Rock, a point on the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul road, in Richland county, to Richland Center, sixteen miles in
length. Its track is laid with wooden rails, and it is operated successfully.
The '• Chicago & Tomah Railroad Company " organized under the general railroad law of
the state, in 1872, to construct a narrow gauge road from Chicago, in Illinois, to the city of
Tomah, in Wisconsin. Its president and active manager is D. R. Williams, of Clermont, Iowa,
and its secretary is L. M. Culver, of Wauzeka. It has graded about forty-five miles, extending
from Wauzeka up the valley of the Kickapoo river, in Crawford county, Wisconsin. It expects
to have fifty-four miles in operation, to Bloomingdale, in Vernon county, the present year (1877).
The rolling stock is guaranteed, and the president is negotiating for the purchase of the iron.
South of Wauzeka the line is located to Belmont, in Iowa county. At Wauzeka it will connect
with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul line.
The public-spirited citizens of Necedah, in Juneau county, have organized under the general
Jaw of the state, and graded a road-bed from their village to New Lisbon, on the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul company's line. The latter company furnish and lay the iron, and will
«(perate the road. It is thirteen miles in length.
Conclusion.
The railroads of Wisconsin have grown up under the requirements of the several localities
that have planned and commenced their construction, and without regard to any general
system. Frequently the work of construction was begun before adequate means were provided,
and bankruptcy overtook the roads in their early stages. The consolidation of the various
companies, as in the cases of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, the Chicago & Northwestern,
and others, has been effected to give through lines and the public greater facilities, as well as to
introduce economy in management. At times the people have become apprehensive, and by legisla-
tive action prohibited railroads from consolidating, and have sought to control and break down
the power of these corporations and to harmonize the interests of the companies and the
public. • The act of 1874, called the "Potter law," was the assertion, by the legislative power of
the state, of its right to control corporations created by itself, and limit the rates at which freight
and passengers should be carried. After a long and expensive contest, carried through the state
and federal courts, this right has been established, being finally settled by the decision of the
supreme court of the United States.
Quite all the railroads of Wisconsin have been built with foreign capital. The plan pursued
after an organization was effected, was to obtain stock subscriptions from those immediately
LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 186
interested in the enterprise, procure the aid of counties and municipalities, and then allure the
farmers, with the prospect of joint ownership in railroads, to subscribe for stock and mortgage
their farms to secure the payment of their subscriptions. Then the whole line was bonded and
a mortgage executed. The bonds and mortgages thus obtained, were taken to the money
centers of New York, London, Amsterdam and other places, and sold, or hypothecated to
obtain the money with which to proseciite the work. The bonds and mortgages were made to
draw a high rate of interest, and the earnings of these new roads, through unsettled localities,
were insufficient to pay more than running and incidental expenses, and frequently fell short of
that. Default occurring in the payment of interest, the mortgages were foreclosed and the
property passed into the hands and under the control of foreign capitalists. Such has been the
history of most of the railroads of our state. The total number of farm mortgages given has
been 3,785, amounting to $4,079,433 ; town, county and municipal bonds, amounting to
$6,910,652. The total cost of all the railroads in the state, as given by the railroad commissioner
in his report for 1876, has been $98,343,453.67. This vast sum is, no doubt, greatly in excess of
what the cost should have been, but the roads have proved of immense benefit in the develop-
ment of the material resources of the state.
Other lines are needed through sections not yet traversed by the iron steed, and present
lines should be extended by branch roads. The questions upon which great issues were raised
between the railway corporations and the people, are now happily settled by securing to the latter
their rights ; and the former, under the wise and conciliatory policy pursued by their managers,
are assured of the sa;fety of their investments. An era of good feeling has succeeded one of
distrust and antagonism. The people must use the railroads, and the railroads depend upon the
people for sustenance and protection. This mutuality of interest, when fully recognized on both
irides, will result in giving to capital a fair return and to labor its just reward.
LUMBER MANUFACTURE.
By W. B. JUDSON.
Foremost among the industries of Wisconsin is that of manufacturing lumber. Very much
of the importance to which the state has attained is due to the development of its forest wealth.
In America, agriculture always has been, and always will be, the primary and most important
interest; but no nation can subsist upon agriculture alone. While the broad prairies of Illinois
and Iowa are rich with a fertile and productive soil, the hills and valleys of northern Wisconsin
are clothed with a wealth of timber that has given birth to a great manufacturing interest, which
employs millions of capital and thousands of men, and has peopled the northern wilds with
energetic, prosperous communities, built up enterprising cities, and crossed the state with a net-
work of railways which furnish outlets for its productions and inlets for the new populations
which are ever seeking for homes and employment nearer to the setting sun.
If a line be drawn upon the state map, from Green Bay westward through Stevens Point,
to where it would naturally strike the Mississippi river, it will be below the southern boundary of
the pine timber regions, with the single exception of the district drained by the Yellow river, a
tributary of the Wisconsin, drawing its timber chiefly from Wood and Juneau counties. The
territory north of this imaginary line covers an area a little greater than one half of the state.
The pine timbered land is found in belts or ridges, interspersed with prairie openings, patches
of hardwood and hemlock, and drained by numerous water-courses. No less than seven large
186 HISTOBY OF WISCONSIN.
rivers traverse this northern section, and, with their numerous tributaries, penetrate every county,
affording facilities for floating the logs to the mills, and, in many instances, the power to cut them
into lumber. This does not include the St. Croix, which forms the greater portion of the
boundary line between Wisconsin and Minnesota, and, by means of its tributaries, draws the most
and best of its pine from the former state. These streams divide the territory, as far as lumbering
is concerned, into six separate and distinct districts : The Green bay shore, which includes the
Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, the Peshtigo and Oconto rivers, with a number of creeks
which flow into the bay between the mouths of the Oconto and Fox rivers ; the Wolf river
district ; the Wisconsin river, including the Yellow, as before mentioned ; the Black river ; the
Chippewa and Red Cedar ; and the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix.
Beginning with the oldest of these, the Green bay shore, a brief description of each will be
attempted. The first saw-mill built in the state, of which there is now any knowledge, was put in
Operation in 1809, in Brown county, two or three miles east from Depere, on a little stream which
was known as East river. It was built by Jacob Franks, but probably was a very small affair.
Of its machinery or capacity for sawing, no history has been recorded, and it is not within the
memory of any inhabitant of to-day. In 1829, John P. Arndt, of Green Bay, built a water-
power mill on the Pensaukee river at a point where the town of Big Suamico now stands. In
1834, a mill was built on the Wisconsin side of the Menomonee, and, two years later, one at
Peshtigo. Lumber was first shipped to market from this district in 1834, which must be termed
the beginning of lumbering operations on the bay shore. The lands drained by the streams
which flow into Green bay are located in Shawano and Oconto counties, the latter being the
largest in the state. In 1847, Willard Lamb, of Green Bay, made the first sawed pine shingles in
that district ; they were sold to the Galena railroad company for use on depot buildings, and
were the first of the kind sold in Chicago. Subsequently Green Bay became one of the greatest
points for the manufacture of such shingles in the world. The shores of the bay are low, and
gradually change from marsh to swamp, then to level dry land, and finally become broken and
mountainous to the northward. The pine is in dense groves that crowd closely upon the swamps
skirting the bay, and reach far back among the hills of the interior. The Peshtigo flows into the
bay about ten miles south of the Menomonee, and takes its rise far back in Oconto county, near
to the latter's southern tributaries. It is counted a good logging stream, its annual product
being from 40,000,000 to 60,000,000 feet. The timber is of a rather coarse quality, running but
a small percentage to what the lumbermen term "uppers." About ten per cent, is what is
known as Norway pine. Of the whole amount of timber tributary to the Peshtigo, probably
about one third has been cut off to this date. The remainder will not average of as good quality,
and only a limited portion of the land is of any value for agricultural purposes after being cleared
of the pine. There are only two mills on this stream, both being owned by one company. The
Oconto is one of the most important streams in the district. The first saw-mill was built
on its banks about the year 1840, though the first lumbering operations of any account were
begun in 1845 by David Jones. The business was conducted quite moderately until 1856,
in which year several mills were built, and from that date Oconto has been known as quite
an extensive lumber manufacturing point. The timber tributary to this stream has been of
the best quality found in the state. Lumber cut from it has been known to yield the
extraordinarily high average of fifty and sixty per cent, uppers. The timber now being cut
will not average more than half that. The proportion of Norway is about five per cent. It is
estimated that from three fourths to four fifths of the timber tributary to the Oconto has been
cut away, but it will require a much longer time to convert the balance into lumber than was
necessary to cut its equivalent in amount, owing to its remote location. The annual production
LUMBER MA:N'UFACTURE. 187
of pine lumber at Oconto is from 50,000,000 to 65,000,000 feet. The whole production of the
district, exclusive of the timber which is put into the Menomonee from Wisconsin, is about
140,000,000 feet annually.
The Wolf river and its tributaries constitute the next district, proceeding westward. The
first saw logs cut on this stream for commercial purposes were floated to the government mill at
Neenah in 1835. In 1842, Samuel Farnsworth erected the first saw-mill on the upper Wolf
near the location of the present village of Shawano, and in the following spring he sent the first
raft of lumber down the Wolf to Oshkosh. This river also rises in Oconto county, but flows in
a southerly direction, and enters Winnebago lake at Oshkosh. Its pineries have been very exten-
sive, but the drain upon them within the past decade has told with greater efiFect than upon any
other district in the state. The quality of the timber is very fine, and the land is considered good
for agricultural purposes, and is being occupied upon the lines of the different railways which
cross it. The upper waters of the Wolf are rapid, and have a comparatively steady flow, which
renders it a very good stream for driving logs. Upon the upper river, the land is quite rolling,
and about the head-waters is almost mountainous. The pine timber that remains in this dis-
trict is high up on the main river and branches, and will last but a few years longer. A few years
ago the annual product amounted to upward of 250,000,000 feet; in 1876 it was 138,000,000,
The principal manufacturing points are Oshkosh and Fond du Lac ; the former has 21 mills, and
the latter 10.
Next comes the Wisconsin, the longest and most crooked river in the state. It rises in the
extreme northern sections, and its general course is southerly until, at Portage City, it makes a
grand sweep to the westward and unites with the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien. It has numer.
ous tributaries, and,' together with these, drains a larger area of country than any other river in
the state. Its waters flow swiftly and over numerous rapids and embryo falls, which renders log-
driving and raft-running very difficult and even hazardous. The timber is generally near the
banks of the main stream and its tributaries, gradually diminishing in extent as it recedes from
them and giving place to the several varieties of hard-woods. The extent to which operations
have been carried on necessitates going further up the stream for available timber, although there
is yet what may be termed an abundant supply. The first cutting of lumber on this stream, of
which there is any record, was by government soldiers, in 1828, at the building of Fort Winne-
bago. In 1831, a mill was built at Whitney's rapids, below Point Bass, in what was then Indian
territory. By 1840, mills were in operation as high up as Big Bull falls, and Wausau had a
population of 350 souls. Up to 1876, the product of the upper Wisconsin was all sent in rafts
to markets on the Mississippi. The river above Point Bass is a series of rapids and eddies ; the
current flows at the rate of from 10 to 20 miles an hour, and it can well be imagined that the
task of piloting a raft from Wausau to the dells was no slight one. The cost of that kind of
transportation in the early times was actually equal to the present market price of the lumber.
With a good stage of water, the length of time required to run a raft to St. Louis was 24 days,
though quite frequently, owing to inability to get out of thei Wisconsin on one rise of water, sev-
eral weeks were consumed. The amount of lumber manufactured annually on this river is from
140,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet.
Black river is much shorter and smaller than the Wisconsin, but has long been known as a
very important lumbering stream. It is next to the oldest lumber district in the state. The
first saw-mill west of Green Bay was built at Black River Falls in 1819 by Col. John Shaw.
The Winnebago tribe of Indians, however, in whose territory he was, objected to the innovation
of such a fine art, and unceremoniously offered up the mill upon the altar of their outraged
188 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
solitude. The owner abruptly quitted that portion of the country. In 1839 another attempt
to establish a mill on Black river was more successfully made. One was erected at the same
point by two brothers by the name of Wood, the millwright being Jacob Spaulding, who
eventually became its possessor. His son, Mr. Dudley J. Spaulding, is now a very extensive
operator upon Black river. La Crosse is the chief manufacturing point, there being ten saw-mills
located there. The annual production of the stream ranges from 150,000,000 to 225,000,000 feet
of logs, less than 100,000,000 feet being manufactured into lumber on its banks. The balance
is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi. It is a very capricious river to float logs in, which
necessitates the carrying over from year to year of a very large amount, variously estimated at
from 150,000,000 to 200,000,000 feet, about equal to an entire season's product. This makes the
business more hazardous than on many other streams, as the loss from depreciation is very great
after the first year. The quality of the timber is fine, and good prices are realized for it when
sold within a year after being cut.
The Chippewa district probably contains the largest and finest body of white pine timber
now standing, tributary to any one stream, on the continent. It has been claimed, though with
more extravagance than truth, that the Chippewa pineries hold one-half the timber supply of
the state. The river itself is a large one, and has many tributaries, which penetrate the rich
pine district in all directions. The character of the tributary country is not unlike that through
which the Wisconsin flows. In 1828 the first mill was built in the Chippewa valley, on Wilson's
creek, near its confluence with the Red Cedar. Its site is now occupied by the village of Meno-
monee. In 1837 another was built on what is the present site of the Union Lumbering Company's
mill at Chippewa Falls. It was not until hear 1865 that the Chippewa became very prominent as a
lumber-making stream. Since that date it has been counted as one of the foremost in the north-
west. Upon the river proper there are twenty-two saw-mills, none having a capacity of less than
3,500,000 feet per season, and a number being capable of sawing from 20,000,000 to 25,000,000
The annual production of sawed lumber is from 250,000,000 to 300,000,000 feet; the production
of logs from 400,000,000 to 500,000,000 feet. In 1867 the mill-owners upon the Mississippi,
between Winona and Keokuk, organized a corporation known as the Beef Slough Manufactur-
ing, Log-Driving and Transportation Company. Its object was to facilitate the handling of logs
/ cut upon the Chippewa and its tributaries, designed for the Mississippi mills. At the confluence
of the two rivers various improvements were made, constituting the Beef Slough boom, which is
capable of assorting 200,000,000 feet of logs per season. The Chippewa is the most difficult
stream in the northwest upon which to operate. In the spring season it is turbulent and
ungovernable, and in summer, almost destitute of water. About its head are numerous lakes
which easily overflow under the influence of rain, and as their surplus water flows into the
Chippewa, its rises are sudden and sometimes damaging in their extent. The river in many
places flows between high bluff's, and, under the influence of a freshet, becomes a wild and
Unmanageable torrent. Logs have never been floated in rafts, as upon other streams, but are
turned in loose, and are carried down with each successive rise, in a jumbled and confused mass,
which entails much labor and loss in the work of assorting and delivering to the respective
owners. Previous to the organization of the Eagle Rapids Flooding Dam and Boom Company,
in 1872, the work of securing the stock after putting it into the river was more difficult than to
cut and haul it. At the cities of Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, .where most of the mills are
located, the current, under the influence of high water, is very rapid, and for years the problem
was, how to stop and retain the logs, as they would go by in great masses and with almost resist-
less velocity. In 1847 is recorded one of the most sudden and disastrous floods in the history
of log-running streams. In the month of June the Chippewa rose twelve feet in a single night,
LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 189
and, in the disastrous torrent that was created, piers, booms, or " pockets " for holding logs at the
mills, together with a fine new mill, were swept away, and the country below where Eau Claire
now stands was covered with drift-wood, saw-logs, and other debris. Such occurrences led to
the invention of the since famous sheer boom, which is a device placed in the river opposite
the mill boom into which it is desired to turn the logs. The sheer boom is thrown diagonally
across the river, automatically, the action of the current upon a number of ingeniously arranged
'"fins" holding it in position. By this means the logs are sheered into the receptacle until it is
filled, when the sheer boom, by closing up the " fins" with a windlass, falls back and allows the
logs to go on for the next mill to stop and capture its pocket fall in like manner. By this
method each mill could obtain a stock, but a great difficulty was experienced from the fact that
the supply was composed of logs cut and owned by everybody operating on the river, and the
process of balancing accounts according, to the "marks," at the close of the season, has been
one prolific of trouble and legal entanglements. The building of improvements at Eagle
Rapids by the company above mentioned remedied the difficulty to some extent, but the process
of logging will always be a difficult and hazardous enterprise until adequate means for holding
and assorting the entire log product are provided. Upon the Yellow and Eau Claire rivers, two
important branches of the Chippewa, such difficulties are avoided by suitable improvements.
The entire lumber product of the Chippewa, with the exception of that consumed locally, is
floated in rafts to markets upon the Mississippi, between its mouth and St. Louis. The quality
of the timber is good, and commands the best market price in the sections where it seeks
market.
West of the Chippewa district the streams and timber are tributary to the St. Croix, and in
all statistical calculations the entire product of that river is credited to Minnesota, the same as
that of the Menomonee is given to Michigan, when in fact about one half of each belongs to
Wisconsin. The important branches of the St. Croix belonging in this state are the Apple
Clam, Yellow, Namekogan, 'Totagatic and Eau Claire. The sections of country through which
they flow contain large bodies of very fine pine timber. The St. Croix has long been noted for
the excellence of its dimension timber. Of this stock a portion is cut into lumber at Stillwater,
and marketed by rail, and the balance is sold in the log to mills on the Mississippi.
Such is a brief and somewhat crude description of the main lumbering districts of the state.
Aside from these, quite extensive operations are conducted upon various railway lines which
penetrate the f6rests which are remote from log-running streams. In almost every county in
the state, mills of greater or less capacity may be found cutting up pine or hard-woods into
lumber, shingles, or cooperage stock. Most important, in a lumbering point of view; of all the
railroads, is the Wisconsin Central. It extends from Milwaukee to Ashland, on Lake Superior,
a distance of 351 miles, with a line to Green Bay, 113 miles, and one from Stevens Point to
Portage, 71 miles, making a total length of road, of 449 miles. It has only been completed to
Ashland within the last two years. From Milwaukee to Stevens Point it passes around to the
east and north of Lake Winnebago, through an excellent hard-wood section. There are many
stave mills in operation upon and tributary to its line, together with wooden-ware establishments
and various manufactories requiring either hard or soft timber as raw material. From Stevens
Point northward, this road passes through and has tributary to it one of the finest bodies of tim-
ber in thfe state. It crosses the upper waters of Black river and the Flambeau, one of the main
tributaries of the Chippewa. From 30,000,000 to 50,000,000 feet of lumber is annually" manu-
factured on its line, above Stevens Point. The Wisconsin Valley railroad extends from Tomah
to Wausau, and was built "to afford an outlet, by rail, for the lumber produced at the latter point.
The extent of the timber supply in this state has been a matter of much speculation, and
190
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
is a subject upon which but little can be definitely said. Pine trees can not be counted Or
measured until reduced to saw-logs or lumber. It is certain that for twenty years the
forests of Wisconsin have yielded large amounts of valuable timber, and no fears are
entertained by holders of pine lands that the present generation of owners will witness
an exhaustion of their supply. In some sections it is estimated that the destruction to
the standing timber by fires, which periodically sweep over large sections, is greater than
by the axes of the loggers. The necessity for a state system of forestry, for the protection of
the forests from fires, has been urged by many, and with excellent reason ; for no natural resource
of the state is of more value and importance than its wealth of timber. According to an esti-
mate recently made by a good authority, and which received the sanction of many interested
parties, there was standing in the state in 1876, an amount of pine timber approximating
35,000,000,000 feet.
The annual production of lumber in the districts herein described, and from logs floated out
of the state to mills on the Mississippi, is about ] ,200,000,000 feet. The following table gives
the mill capacity per season, and the lumber and shingles manufactured in 1876 :
Green Bay Shore
Wolf River _
Wisconsin Central R ailroad
Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad
Wisconsin River _
Black River
Chippewa River _ _ _._
Mississippi River — using Wisconsin logs
Total
SEASON
CAPACITY.
206,000,000
258,500,000
72,500,000
34,500,000
222,000,000
101,000,000
311,000,000
509,000,000
1,714,500,000
LUMBER
MANUFACTUEED
IN 1876.
138,250,000
138,645,077
31,530,000
17,700,000
139,700,000
70.852,747
255,866,999
380,067,000
1,172,611,823
SHINGLES
MANUFACTURED
IN 1876.
85,400,000
123,192,000
132,700,000
10,700,000
106,250,000
37,675,000
79,250,000
206,977,000
782,144,000
If to the above is added the .production of mills outside of the main districts and lines of rail-
way herein described, the amount of pine lumber annually produced from Wisconsin forests would
'reach 1,500,000,000 feet. Of the hard-wood production no authentic information is obtainable
To cut the logs and place them upon the banks of the streams, ready for floating to the mills"
requires the labor of about 18,000 men. Allowing that, upon an average, each man has a family
of two persons besides himself, dependent upon his labor for support, it would be apparent that
the first step in the work of manufacturing lumber gives employment and support to 54,000
persons. To convert 1,000,000 feet of logs into lumber, requires the consumption of 1,200
bushels of oats, 9 barrels of pork and beef, 10 tons of hay, 40 barrels of flour, and the use of 2
pairs of liorses. Thus the fitting out of the logging companies each fall makes a market for
1,800,000 bushels of oats, 13,500 barrels of pork and beef, 15,000 tons of hay, and 60,000 barrels
of flour. Before the lumber is sent to market, fully $6,000,000 is expended for the labor
employed in producing it. This industry, aside from furnishing the farmer of the west with the
cheapest and best of materials for constructing his buildings, also furnishes a very important
market for the products of his farm.
The question of the exhaustion of the pine timber supply has met with much discussion
during the past few years, and, so far as the forests of Wisconsin are concerned, deserves a brief
notice. The great source of supply of white pine timber in the country is that portion of the
northwest between the shores of Lake Huron and the banks of the Mississippi, comprising the
LUMBER MANUFACTURE. 191
northern portions of the states of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. For a quarter of a
century these fields have been worked by lumbermen, the amount of the yearly production
having increased annually until it reached the enormous figure of 4,000,000,000 feet. With all
of this tremendous drain upon the forests, there can be pointed out but one or two sections that
are actually exhausted. There are, however, two or three where the end can be seen and the
date almost foretold. The pineries of Wisconsin have been drawn upon for a less period and
less amount than thqse of Michigan, and, it is generally conceded, will outlast them at the present
proportionate rate of cutting. There are many owners of pine timber lands who laugh at the
prospect of exhausting their timber, within their lifetime. As time brings them nearer to the end,
the labor of procuring the logs, by reason of the distance of the timber from the water-courses,
will increase, and the work will progress more slowly.
In the future of this industry there is much promise. Wisconsin is the natural source of
supply for a very large territory. The populous prairies of Illinois and Iowa are near-by and
unfailing markets. The broad plains of Kansas and the rich valleys of Nebraska, which are still in
the cradle of development, will make great drafts upon her forests for the material to construct cities
in which the first corner-stone is yet unlaid. Minnesota, notwithstanding the fact that large
forests exist within her own confines, is even now no mean customer for Wisconsin lumber, and
the ambitious territory of Dakota will soon clamor for material to build up a great and wealthy
state. In the inevitable progress of development and growth which must characterize the great
west, the demand for pine lumber for building material will be a prominent feature. With the
growth of time, changes will occur in the methods of reducing the forests. With the increasing
demand and enhancing values will come improvements in manipulating the raw material, and a
stricter economy will be preserved in the handling of a commodity which the passage of time
only makes more valuable. Wisconsin will become the home of manufactories, which will
convert her trees into finished articles of daily consumption, giving employment to thousands of
artisans where it now requires hundreds, and bringing back millions of revenue where is now
realized thousands. Like all other commodities, lumber becomes more valuable as skilled labor
is employed in its manipulation, and the greater the extent to which this is carried, the greater is
the growth in prosperity, of the state and its people.
BANKING IN WISCONSIN.
By JOHN P. McGregor.
Wisconsin was organized as a territory in 1836, and the same year several acts were passed
by the territorial legislature, incorporating banks of issue. Of these, one at Green Bay and
another at Mineral Point went into operation just in time to play their part in the great panic
of 1837. The bank at Green Bay soon failed and left its bills unredeemed. The bank at
Mineral Point is said to have struggled a little longer, but both these concerns were short lived,
and their issues were but a drop in the great flood of worthless wild-cat bank notes that spread
over the whole western country in that disastrous time. The sufferings of the people of Wis-
consin, from this cause, left a vivid impression on their minds, which manifested its results in the
legislation of the territory and in the constitution of the state adopted in 1848. So jealous were
the legislatures of the territory, of banks and all their works, that, in every act of incorporation
for any purpose, a clause was inserted to the effect that nothing in the act contained should bs
192 HISTORY 01' WISOOKSIN.
taken to authorize the corporation to assume or exercise any banking powers ; and this proviso
was even added to acts incorporating church societies. For some years there can hardly be said
to have been any banking business done in the territory ; merchants and business men were left
to their own devices to make their exchanges, and every man was his own banker.
In the year 1839 an act was passed incorporating the " Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance
Company," of Milwaukee. This charter conferred on the corporation, in addition to the usual
powers of a fire and marine insurance company, the privilege of receiving deposits, issuing certifi-
cat'J of deposit and lending money, — and wound up with the usual prohibition from doing a
banking business. This company commenced business at once under the management of George
Smith as president and Alexander Mitchell as secretary. The receiving deposits, issuing certifi-
cates of deposit and lending money, soon outgrew and overshadowed the insurance branch of the
institution, which accordingly gradually dried up. In fact, the certificates of deposit had all the
appearance of ordinary bank notes, and served the purposes of an excellent currency, being
always promptly redeemed in coin on demand. Gradually these issues attained a great
circulation all through the west, as the people gained more and more confidence in the honesty
and ability of the managers ; and though " runs '' were several times made, yet being successfully-
met, the public finally settled down into the belief that these bills were good beyond question, so
that the amount in circulation at one time, is said, on good authority, to have been over
$2,000,000.
As the general government required specie to be paid for all lands bought of it, the Wis-
consin Marine and Fire Insurance company, by redemption of its '' certificates of deposit,"
furnished a large part of the coin needed for use at the Milwaukee land office, and more or les!5
for purchases at land offices in other parts of the state, and its issues were of course much in
request for this purpose. For many years this institution furnished the main banking facilities
for the business men of the territory and young state, in the way of discounts and exchanges.
Its right to carry on the operations it was engaged in, under its somewhat dubious and incon-
sistent charter, was often questioned, and, in 1852, under the administration of Governor Farwell,
some steps were taken to test the matter ; but as the general banking law had then been passed
by the legislature, and was about to be submitted to the people, and as it was understood that the
company would organize as a bank under the law, if approved, the legal proceedings were not
pressed. While this corporation played so important a part in the financial history and commer-
cial development of Wisconsin, the writer is not aware of any available statistics as to the
amount of business transacted by it before it became merged in the "Wisconsin Marine and
Fire Insurance Company's Bank."
In 1847, the foundation of the present well-known firm of Marshall & Ilsley was laid by
Samuel Marshall, who, in that year, opened a private banking office in Milwaukee, and was joined
in 1849 by Charles F. Ilsley. This concern has always held a prominent position among the
bankirig institutions of our state. About this time, at Mineral Point, Washburn & Woodman
(C. C. Washburn and Cyrus Woodman) engaged in private banking, as a part of their business.
After some years they were succeeded by Wm. T. Henry, who still continues the banking office.
Among the early private bankers of the state were Mr. Kellogg, of Oshkosh ; Ulmann and Bell, of
Racine; and T. C. Shove, of Manitowoc. The latter still continues his business, while that of
the other firms has teen wound up or merged in organized banks.
In 1848, Wisconsin adopted a state constitution. This constitution prohibited the legislature
from incorporating banks and from conferring banking powers on any corporation; but provided
the question of " banks or no banks " might be submitted to a vote- of the electors, and, if the
decision should be in favor of banks, then the legislature might charter banks or might enact a
JBANKING IJf WISOONSIK. 198
general banking law, but no such special charter or general banking law should have any force
until submitted to the electors at a general election, and approved by a majority of votes cast on
that subject. In 185 1, the legislature submitted this question to the people, and a majority of
the votes were cast in favor of " banks." Accordingly the legislature, in 1852, made a general
banking law, which was submitted to the electors in November of that year, and was approved
by them. This law was very similar to the free banking law of the state of New York, which
had then been in force about fifteen years, and was generally approved in that state. Our law
authorized any number of individuals to form a corporate association for banking purposes, and
its main provisions were intended to provide security for the circulating notes, by deposit of state
and United States stocks or bonds with the state treasurer, so that the bill holders should sustain.
no loss in case of the failure of the banks. Provision was made for a bank comptroller, whose
main duty it was to see that countersigned circulating notes were issued to banks jonly in proper
amounts for the securities deposited, and upon compliance with the law, and that the banks kept
these securities good.
The first bank comptroller was James S. Baker, who was appointed by Governor Farwell.
The first banks organized under the new law were the " State Bank," established at Madi-
son by Marshall & Ilsley, and the "Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank,"
established at Milwaukee under the old management of that company. These banks both went
intooperation early in January, 1853, and, later in that year, the " State Bank of Wisconsin " (now
Milwaukee National Bank of Wisconsin), and the " Farmers' and Millers' Bank " (now First
National Bank of Milwaukee), were established, followed in January, 1854, by the "Bank of Mil.
waukee " (now National Exchange Bank of Milwaukee). From this time forward banks were
rapidly established at different points through the state, until in July, 1857, they numbered sixty
— with aggregate capital, $4,205,000; deposits, $3,920,238; and circulation, $2,231,829. In
October, the great revulsion and panic of 1857 came on, and in its course and effects tried pretty
severely the new banks in Wisconsin. Some of them succumbed to the pressure, but most of
-them stood the trial well.
The great source of loss and weakness at that time was found in the rapid decline of the
market value of the securities deposited to protect circulation, which were mostly state bonds,
and largely those of the southern states; so that this security, when it came to be tried, did not
prove entirely sufficient. Another fault of the system, or of the practice under it, was developed
at this time. It was found that many of the banks had been set up without actual working capi-
tal, merely for the purpose of issuing circulating notes, and were located at distant and inaccessible
points in what was then the great northern wilderness of the state ; so that it was expensive and
in fact impracticable to present their issues for redemption. While these evils and their rem-
edies were a good deal discussed among bankers, the losses and inconveniences to the people
were not yet great enough to lead to the adoption of thorough and complete measures of reform.
The effect of these difficulties, however, was to bring the bankers of the state into the h^bit of
consulting and acting together in cases of emergency, the first bankers' convention having been
held in 1857. This was followed by others from time to time, and it would be difficult to over-
value the great good that has resulted, at several important crises from the haru.onious and con-
servative action of the bankers of our state. Partly, at least, upon their recommendations the
legislature, in 1858, adopted amendments to the banking law, providing that no bank should be
located in a township containing less than two hundred inhabitants ; and that the comptroller
should not issue circulating notes, except to banks doing a regular discount deposit and exchange
business in some inhabited town, village, city, or where the ordinary business of inhabited towns,
villages and cities was carried on. These amendments were approved by the people at the fall
194 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
election of that year.
Banking matters now ran along pretty smoothly until the election in i860, of the republican
presidential ticket, and the consequent agitation in the southern states threatening civil war, the
effects of which were speedily felt; first, in the great depreciation of the bonds of the southern
states, and then in a less decline in those of the northern states. At this time (taking the state-
ment of July, i860,) the number of banks was 104, with aggregate capital, $6,547,000; circula-
tion, $4,075,918; deposits, $3,230,252.
During the winter following, there was a great deal of uneasiness in regard to our state cur-
rency, and co.itinuous demand upon our banks for the redemption of their circulating notes in
coin. Many banks of the wild-cat sort failed to redeem their notes, which became depreciated
and uncurrent; and, when the rebellion came to a head by the firing on Fort Sumter, the banking
interests of the state were threatened with destruction by compulsory winding up and enforced
sale at the panic prices then prevailing, of the securities deposited to secure circulation. Under
these circumstances, on the 17th of April, 1861, the legislature passed " an act to protect the
holders of the circulating notes of the authorized banks of the state of Wisconsin." As the
banking law could not be amended except by approval of the electors, by vote at a general
election, a practical suspension of specie payment had to be effected by indirect methods. So
this act first directed the bank comptroller to suspend all action toward banks' for failing to
redeem their circulation. Secondly, it prohibited notaries public from protesting bills of banks
until Dec i, 1861. Thirdly, it gave banks until that date to answer complaints in any proceed-
ing to compel specie payment of circulating notes. This same legislature also amended the
banking law, to cure defects that had been developed in it. These amendments were intended
to facilitate the presentatton and protest of circulating notes, and the winding up of banks
failing to redeem them, and provided that the bank comptroller should not issue circulating notes
except to banks having actual cash capital ; on which point he was to take evidence in all cases ;
that after Dec. i, 1861, all banks of the state should redeem their issues either at Madison or
Milwaukee, and no bonds or stocks should be received as security for circulation except those of
the United States and of the state of Wisconsin.
Specie payment of bank bills was then practically suspended, in our state, from April 17 to
December i, 1861, and there was no longer any plain practical test for determining which were
good, and which not. In this condition of things, bankers met in convention, and, after discus-
sion and inquiry as to the condition and resources of the different banks, put forth a list of those
whose issues were to be considered current and bankable. But things grew worse, and it was
evident that the list contained banks that would never be able to redeem their circulation, and
the issues of such were from time to time thrown out and discredited without any concert of
action, so that the uneasiness of people in regard to the financial situation was greatly increased.
The bankers finally met, gave the banks another sifting, and put forth a list of seventy banks,
whose<circulating notes they pledged themselves to receive, and pay out as current, until Decem-
ber I. There had been so many changes that this pledge was thought necessary to allay the
apprehensions of the public. But matters still grew worse instead of better. Some of the
banks in the " current " list closed their doors to their depositors, and others were evidently
unsound, and their circulation so insufficiently secured as to make it certain that it would never
be redeemed. There was more or less sorting of the currency, both by banks and business men,
all over the state, in the endeavor to keep the best and pay out the poorest. In this state of
things, some of the Milwaukee banks, without concert of action, and acting under the apprehen-
sion of being loaded up with the very worst of the currency, which, it was feared, the country
banks and mercbants were sorting out and sending to Milwaukee, revised the list again, and
> '
^/Ci^l^'7^^-'^'^
VERNON
BANKING IN WISCONSIN. 195
threw out ten of the seventy banks whose issues it had been agreed should be received as
current. Other banks and bankers were compelled to take the same course to protect them-
selves. The consequence was a great disturbance of the public mind, and violent charges of
bad faith on the part of the banks, which culminated in the bank riots of June 24, i86r. On
that day, a crowd of several hundred disorderly people, starting out most probably only with the
idea of making some sort of demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the action of the banks
and bankers and with the failure to keep faith with the public, marched through the streets with
a band of music, and brought up at the corner of Michigan and East Water streets.
The banks had just sufficient notice of these proceedings to enable them to lock up their
money and valuables in their vaults, before the storm broke upon them. The mob halted at the
place above mentioned, and for a time^ contented themselves with hooting, and showed no dispo-
sition to proceed to violence; "but, after a little while, a stone was thrown through the windows
of the Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Company's Bank, situated at one corner of the
above streets, and volley ; of stones soon followed, not only against that bank, but also against
the State Bank of Wisconsin, situated on the opposite corner. The windows of both these
institutions and of the offices in the basements under them were effectually demolished.
The mob then made a rus-h into these banks and offices, and completely gutteJ them, offering
more or less violence to the inmates, though no person was seriously hurt. The broken furni-
ture of the offices under the State Bank of Wisconsin was piled up, and the torch was applied
by some of the rioters, while others were busy in endeavoring to break into the safes of the offices
and the vaults of the banks. The debris of the furniture in the office of the Wisconsin Marine
and Fire Insurance ('ompany's Bank, was also set on fire, and it was plain that if the mob was
not immediately checked, the city would be given up to conflagration and pillage — the worst
elements, as is always the case with mobs, having assumed the leadership. Just at that juncture,
the Milwaukee zouaves, a small military company, appeared on the scene, and with the help of
the firemen who had been called out, the mob was put to flight, and the incipient fire was extin-
guished.
The damage so far done was not great in amount, and the danger for the moment was over ;
but the situation was still grave, as the city was full of threats, disturbance and apprehension.
By the prompt action of the authorities, a number of companies of volunteers were brought from
different places in the state, order was preserved, and, after muttering for three or four days, the
storm died away. The effect of that disturbance and alarm was, however, to bring home to the
bankers and business men the conviction that effectual measures must be taken to settle our
state currency matters on a sound and permanent basis, and that the issues of all banks that
could not be put in shape to meet specie payment in December, must be retired from circulation
and be got out of the way. A meeting of the bankers was held ; also of the merchants' association
of Milwaukee, and arrangements were made to raise $100,000, by these two bodies, to be used in
assisting weak and crippled banks in securing or retiring their circulation. The bankers
appointed a committee to take the matter in charge.
It happened that just at this time Governor Randall and State Treasurer Hastings returned
frorii New York City, where they had been making unsuccessful efforts to dispose of $800,000 of
Wisconsin war bonds, which had been issued to raise funds to fit out Wisconsin volunteers.
Our state had never had any bonds on the eastern market. For other reasons, our
Credit was not high in New York, and it had been found impossible to dispose of these bonds for
Over sixty cents on the dollar. The state officers conferred with the bankers to see what could
be done at home ; and it was finally arranged that the bankers' committee should undertake to
get the state banks to dispose of their southern and other depreciated state bonds on deposit to
1?6 HISTORY or WISCONSIK.
secure circulation, for what they would bring in coin, in New York, and replace these bonds with
those of our own state,. which were to be taken by our banks nominally at par — seventy percent,
being paid in cash, and the different banks purchasing bonds, giving their individual obligation
for the thirty per cent, balance, to be paid in semi-annual installments, with an agreement that the
state should deduct these installments from the interest so long as these bonds should remain on
deposit with the state. By the terms of the law, sixty per cent, of the proceeds of the bonds had to
be paid in coin. The bankers' committee went to work, and with some labor and difficulty
induced most of the banks to sell their southern securities at the existing low prices in New
York, and thus produce the coin required to pay for our state bonds. From the funds provided
by the , merchants and bankers, they assisted many of the weaker banks to make good their
securities with the banking department of the state. By the 19th of July, six of the ten rejected
banks that had been the occasion of the riot, were made good, and restored to the list. The
other four were wound up, and their issues redeemed at par, and, before the last of August, the
value of the securities of all the banks on the current list were brought up to their circulation,,
as shown by the comptroller's report.
Wisconsin currency at the time of the bank riot was at a discount of about 15 per cent., as
compared with gold or New York exchange. At the middle of July the discount was 10 to 12
per cent., and early in August it fell to 5 per cent. The bankers' committee continued their
work in preparation for the resumption of specie payment on December i. While the securities
for the bank circulation had been made good, it was, nevertheless, evident that many of the
banks on the current list would not be equal to the continued redemption of their bills in specie,
and that they would have to be wound up and got out of the way in season. Authority was got
from such institutions, as fast as possible, for the bankers' committee to retire their circulation
and sell their securities. The Milwaukee banks and bankers took upon themselves the great
burden of this business, having arranged among themselves to sort out and withhold from cir-
culation the bills of these banks, — distributing the load among themselves in certain defined
proportions. Instead of paying out these doubted bills, the different banks brought to the bank-
ers' committee such amounts as they accumulated from time to time, and received from the
committee certificates of deposit bearing seven per cent, interest, and these bills were locked up
by the committee until the securities for these notes could be sold and the proceeds realized.
Over $400,000 of this sort of paper was locked up by the committee at one time ; but it was all
converted into cash, and, when the first of December came, the remaining banks of this state
were ready to redeem their issues in gold or its equivalent, and so continued to redeem until the
issue of the legal-tender notes and the general suspension of specie payment in the United
States.
In July, 1861, the number of our banks was 107, with capital, $4,607,000; circulation,
$2,3i7.9°7 ; deposits, $3,265,069.
By the contraction incident to the preparations for redem.ption in specie, the amount of cur-
rent Wisconsin bank notes outstanding December i, 1861, was reduced to about $1,500,000.
When that day came, there was quite a disposition manifested to convert Wisconsin currency
into coin, and a sharp financial pinch was felt for a few days ; but as the public became satisfied
that the banks were prepared to meet the demand, the call for redemption rapidly fell off, and
the banks soon began to expand their circulation, which was now current and in good demand
all through the northwestern states. The amount saved to all the interests of our state, by this
successful effort to save our banking system from destruction, is beyond computation. From
this time our banks ran along quietly until prohibitory taxation by act of congress drove the bills
of state banks out of circulation.
BA:NKI]SrG IN WISCONSIN. 197
The national banking law was passed in 1863, and a few banks were soon organized under
it in different parts of the country. The first in Wisconsin was formed by the re-organization of
the Farmers' and Millers' Bank, in August, 1863, as the First National Bank of Milwaukee,
with Edward D. Holton as president, and H. H. Camp, cashier. The growth of the new system,
however, was not very rapid ; the state banks were slow to avail themselves of the privileges of
the national banking act, and the central authorities concluded to compel them to come in ; so
facilities were offered for their re-organization as national banks, and then a tax of ten per cent,
was laid upon the issues of the state banks. This tax was imposed by act of March, 1865, a^nd
at once caused a commotion in our state. In July, 1864, the number of Wisconsin state banks
was sixty-six, with capital $3,147,000, circulation $2,461,728, deposits $5,483,205, and these
figures were probably not very different in the spring of 1865. The securities for the circulating
notes were in great part the bonds of our own state, which, while known by our own people to
be good beyond question, had never been on the general markets of the country so as to be cur-
rently known there ; and it was feared that in the hurried retirement of our circulation these
bonds would be sacrificed, the currency depreciated, and great loss brought upon our banks and
people. There was some excitement, and a general call for the redemption of our state circula-
tion, but the banks mostly met the run well, and our people were disposed to stand by our own
state bonds.
In April, 1861, the legislature passed laws, calling in the mortgage loans of the school fund,
and directing its investment in these securities. The state treasurer was required to receive
Wisconsin bank notes, not only for taxes and debts due the state, but also on deposit, and to
issue certificates for such deposits bearing seven per cent, interest. By these and like means
the threatened panic was stopped ; and in the course of a few months Wisconsin state currency
was nearly all withdrawn from circulation. In July, 1865, the number of state banks was
twenty-six, with capital $1,087,000, circulation $192,323, deposits $2,284,210. Under the
pressure put on by congress, the organization of national banks, and especially the re-organiza-
tion of state banks, under the national system, was proceeding rapidly, and in a short time nearly
every town in our own state of much size or importance was provided with one or more of these
institutions.
In the great panic of 1873, all the Wisconsin banks, both state and national (in common
with those of the whole country), were severely tried; but the failures were few and unimpor-
tant ; and Wisconsin went through that ordeal with less loss and disturbance than almost any
other state.
We have seen that the history of banking in Wisconsin covers a stormy period, in which
great' disturbances and panics have occurred at intervals of a few years. It is to be hoped that
a more peaceful epoch will succeed, but permanent quiet and prosperity can not rationally be
expected in the present unsettled condition of our currency, nor until we have gone through the
temporary stringency incidental to the resumption of specie payment.
According to the last report of the comptroller of the currency, the number of national
banks in Wisconsin in November, 1876, was forty, with capital $3,400,000, deposits $7,145,360,
circulation $2,072,869.
At this time (July, 1877) the number of state banks is twenty-six, with capital $1,288,231,
deposits $6,662,973. Their circulation is, of course, merely nominal, though there is no legal
obstacle to their issuing circulating notes, except the tax imposed by congress.
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
By Hon. H. H. GILES.
The material philosophy of a people has to do with the practical and useful. It sees in
iron, coal, cotton, wool, grain and the trees of the forest, the elements of personal comfort and
sources of material greatness, and is applied to their development, production and fabrication for
purposes of exchange, interchange and sale. The early immigrants to Wisconsin territory found
a land teeming with unsurpassed natural advantages ; prairies, timber, water and minerals, invit-
ing the farmer, miner and lumberman, to come and build houses, furnaces, mills and factories.
The first settlers were a food-producing people. The prairies and openings were ready for the
plow. The ease with which farms were brought under cultivation, readily enabled the pioneer
to supply the food necessary for himself and family, while a surplus was often' produced in a few
months. The hardships so often encountered in the settlement of a new country, where forests
must be felled and stumps removed to prepare the soil for tillage, were scarcely known, or greatly
mitigated.
During the decade from 1835 to 1845, so great were the demands for the products of the
soil, created by the tide of emigration, that the settlers found a home market for all their surplus
products, and so easily were crops grown that, within a very brief time after the first emigration,
but little was required from abroad. The commerce of the country was carried on by the
exchange of products. The settlers (they could scarcely be called farmers) would exchange
their wheat, corn, oats and pork for the goods, wares and fabrics of the village merchant. It
was an age of barter ; but they looked at the capabilities of the land they had come to possess,
and, with firm faith, saw bright promises of better days in the building up of a great state.
It is not designed to trace with minuteness the history of Wisconsin through the growth of
its commercial and manufacturing interests. To do it justice would require a volume. The
aim of this article will be to present a concise view of its present status. Allusion will only be
incidentally made to stages of growth and progress by which it has been reached.
Few states in the Union possess within their borders so many, and in such abundance,
elements that contribute to the material prosperity of a ^people. Its soil of unsurpassed
fertility ; its inexhaustible mines of lead, copper, zinc and iron ; its almost boundless forests ;
its water-powers, sufficient to drive the machinery of the world ; its long lines of lake shore on
two sides, and the " Father of waters " on another, — need but enterprise, energy and capital to
utilize them in building an empire of wealth, where the hum of varied^industries shall be heard
in the music of the sickle, the loom and the anvil.
The growth of manufacturing industries was slow during the first, twenty-five years of our
history. The early settlers were poor. Frequently the land they tilled was pledged to obtain
means to pay for it. Capitalists obtained from twenty to thirty per cent, per annum for the use
of their money. Indeed, it was the^rule, under the free-trade ideas of the money-lenders for
them to play the Shy lock. While investments in bonds and mortgages were so profitable, few
were ready to improve the natural advantages the country presented for building factories and
work-shops.
COMMEKCE AND MANT^FACTTTRES. 199
For many years, quite all the implements used in farming were brought from outside the
state. While this is the case at present to some extent with the more cumbersome farm
machinery, quite a proportion of that and most of the simpler and lighter implements are made
at home, while much farm machinery is now manufactured for export to other states.
Furs.
The northwest was visited and explored by French voyageurs and missionaries from Canada
at an early day. The object of the former was trading and gain. The Jesuits, ever zealous in
the propagation of their religion, went forth into the unknown wilderness to convert the natives
to their faith. As early as 1624, they were operating about Lake Huron and Mackinaw. Father
Menard, it is related, was with the Indians on Lake Superior as early as 1661. The early
explorers were of two classes, and were stimulated by two widely different motives — the voyag-
eurs, by the love of gain, and the missionaries, by their zeal in the propagation of their faith.
Previous to 1679, a considerable trade in furs had sprung up with Indian tribes in the vicinity of
Mackinaw and the northern part of " Ouisconsin." In that vear more than two hundred canoes,
laden with furs, passed Mackinaw, bound for Montreal. The whole commerce of this vast region
, then traversed, was carried on with birch-bark canoes. The French used them in traversing
wilds — otherwise inaccessible by reason of floods of water at one season, and ice and snow at
another — also lakes and morasses which interrupted land journeys, and rapids and cataracts
that cut off communication by water. This little vessel enabled them to overcome all difficulties.
Being buoyant, it rode the waves, although heavily freighted, and, of light draft, it permitted the
traversing of small streams. Its weight was so light that it could be easily carried from one
stream to another, and around rapids and other obstructions. With this little vessel, the fur
trade of the northwest was carried on, as well as the interior of a vast continent explored.
Under the stimulus of commercial enterprise, the French traders penetrated the recesses ot the
immense forests whose streams were the home of the beaver, the otter and the mink, and in
whose depths were found the martin, sable, ermine, and other fur-bearing animals. A vast trade
in furs sprung up, and was carried on by different agents, under authority of the French
government.
When the military possession of the northwestern domain passed from the government of
France to that of Great Britain in 1760, the relationship of the fur trade to the government
changed. The government of France had controlled the traffic, and made it a means of strength-
ening its hold upon the country it possessed. The policy of Great Britain was, to charter
companies, and grant them exclusive privileges. The Hudson bay company had grown rich and
powerful between r67o and 1760. Its success had excited the cupidity of capitalists, and rival
drganizations were formed. The business of the company had been done at their trading-stations
— the natives bringing in their furs for exchange and barter. Other companies sent their
voyageurs into every nook and corner to traffic with the trappers, and even to catch the fur-bear-
ing animals themselves. In the progress of time, private parties engaged in trapping and dealing
in furs, and, under the competition created, the business became less profitable. In 1815,
congress passed an act prohibiting foreigners from dealing in furs in the United States, or any
of its territories. This action was obtained through the influence of John Jacob Astor. Mr.
Astor organized the American fur company in 1809, and afterward, in connection with the North-
west company, bought out the Mackinaw company, and the two were merged in the Southwest
company. The association was suspended by the war of i8r2. The American re-entered the
field in i8r6. The fur trade is still an important branch of traffic in the northern part of the
state, and, during eight months of the year, employs a large number of men.
200
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
Lead and Zinc.
In 1824, the lead ore in the southwestern part of Wisconsin began to attract attention.
From 1826 to 1830, there was a great rush of miners to this region, somewhat like the Pike's
Peak excitement at a, later date. The lead-producing region of Wisconsin covers an area of
about 2,200 square miles, and embraces parts of Grant, Iowa and La Fayette counties. Between
1829 and 1839, the production of lead increased from 5,000 to 10,000 tons. After the latter
year it rose rapidly, and attained its maximum in 1845, when it reached nearly 25,000 tons.
Since that time the production has decreased, although still carried on to a considerable extent.
The sulphate and carbonate of zinc abound in great quantities with the lead of southwest
Wisconsin. Owing to the difficulty of working this class of ores, it was formerly allowed to
accumulate about the mouths of the mines. Within a few years past, metallurgic processes
have been so greatly improved, that the zinc ores have been largely utilized. At La Salle, in the
state of Illinois, there are three establishments for smelting zinc ores. There is also one at Peru,
111. To smelt zinc ores economically, they are taken where cheap fuel is available. Hence, the
location of these works in the vicinity of coal mines. The works mentioned made in 1875,
from ores mostly- taken from Wisconsin, 7,510 tons of zinc. These metals are, therefore, impor-
tant elements in the commerce of Wisconsin.
Iron.
The iron ores of Wisconsin occur in immense beds in several localities, and are destined to
prove of great value. From their product in 1863, there were 3,735 tons of pig iron received at
Milwaukee; in 1865, 4,785 tons ; in 1868, 10,890 tons. Of the latter amount, 4,648 tons were
from the iron mines at Mayville. There were shipped from Milwaukee, in 1868, 6,361 tons of
pig iron. There were also received 2,500 tons of ore from the Dodge county ore beds. During
1869, the ore beds at Iron Ridge were developed to a considerable extent, and two large blast
furnaces constructed in Milwaukee, at which place there were 4,695 tons of ore received, and
2,059 tons were shipped td Chicago and Wyandotte. In 1870, 112,060 tons of iron ore were
received at Milwaukee, 95,000 tons of which were from Iron Ridge, and 17,060 tons from Esca-
naba and Marquette, in Michigan. The total product of the mines at Iron Ridge in 1871 was
82,284 tons. The Milwaukee iron company received by lake, in the same year, 28,094 tons of
Marquette jjon ore to mix with the former in making railroad iron. In 1872, there were receivea
from Iron Ridge 85,245 tons of ore, and 5,620 tons of pig iron. Much of the metal made by the
Wisconsin iron company in 1872 was shipped to St. Louis, to mix with the iron made from
Missouri ore.
The following table shows the production of pig iron in Wisconsin, for 1872, 1873 and 1874,
in tons :
Furnaces.
1872.
1873.
1874.
Milwaukee Iron Company, Milwaukee
Minerva Furnace Company, Milwaukee..
21,818
3.350
5.033
4,888
6,910
3,420
5.600
1,780
29,326
5,822
4.155
4,137
8,044
6,141
7,999
6,832
1,528
33,000
Wisconsin Iron Company, Iron Ridge
Northwestern Iron Company, Mayville
Appleton Iron Company, Applet on ...
3,306
3,000
6,500
Green Bay Iron Company, Green Bay.
National Iron Company, Depere
6,500
7,000
1,300
Fox River Iron Company, W. Depere..
Ironton Furnace, Sauk county
52,797
73.980
66,600
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. 201
The Milwaukee iron company, during the year 1872, entered into the manufacture of mer-
chant iron — it having been demonstrated that the raw material could be reduced there cheaper
than elsewhere. The Minerva furnace company built also during the same year one of the
most compact and complete iron furnaces to be found any where in the country. During the
year 1873, the iron, with most other material interests, became seriously prostrated, so that the
total receipts of ore in Milwaukee in 1874 amounted to only 31,993 tons, against 69,418 in 1873,
and 85,245 tons in 1872. There were made in Milwaukee in 1874, 29,680 tons of railroad iron.
In 1875, 58,868 tons of ore were received at Milwaukee, showing, a revival of the trade in an
increase of 19,786 tons over the previous year. The operation of the works at Bay View having
suspended, the receipts of ore in 1876, at Milwaukee, were less than during any year since 1869,
being only 31,119 tons, of which amount only 5,488 tons were from Iron Ridge, and the total
shipments were only, 498 tons.
Lumber.
The business of lumbering holds an important rank in the commerce of the state. For
many years the ceaseless hum of the saw and the stroke of the ax have been heard in all our
great forests. The northern portion of the state is characterized by evergreen trees, principally
pine ; the southern, by hard- woods. There are exceptional localities, but this is a correct state-
ment of the general distribution. I think that, geologically speaking, the evergreens belong to
the primitive and sandstone regions, and the hard wood to the limestone and clay formations.
Northern Wisconsin, so called, embraces that portion of the state north of forty-five degrees,
and possesses nearly all the valuable pine forests. The most thoroughly developed portion of
this region is that lying along the streams entering into Green bay and Lake Michigan, and border-
ing on the Wisconsin river and other streams entering into the Mississippi. Most of the pine in
the immediate vicinity of these streams has been cut off well toward their sources ; still, there
are vast tracts covered with dense forests, not accessible from streams suitable for log-driving
purposes. The building of railroads into these forests will alone give a market value to a large
portion of the pine timber there growing. It is well, perhaps, that this is so, for at the present
rate of consumption, but a few years will elapse before these noble forests will be totally destroyed.
Most of the lumber manufactured on the rivers was formerly taken to a market by being floated
down the streams in rafts. Now, the railroads are transporting large quantities, taking it directly
from the mills and unloading it at interior points in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, and some of it
in eastern cities. From five to eight thousand men are employed in the pineries in felling the
trees, sawing them into logs of suitable length, and hauling them to the mills and streams during
every winter in times of fair prices and favorable seasons. The amount of lumber sawed in
i860, as carefully estimated, was 3SS>oSS!iSS ^eei. The amountof shingles made was 2,272,061,
and no account Was made of the immense number of logs floated out of the state, for manufac-
ture into lumber elsewhere. The amount of logs cut in the winter of 1873 and 1874 was
987,000,000 feet. In 1876 and 1877 the Black river furnished 188,344,464 feet. The Chippewa,
90,000,000; the Red Cedar, 57,000,000. There passed through Beef Slough 129,384,000 feet of
logs. Hon. A. H. Eaton, for fourteen years receiver of the United States land office at Stevens
Point, estimated the acreage of pine lands in his district at 2,000,000, and, taking his own district
as the basis, he estimated the whole state at 8,000,000 acres. Reckoning this at 5,000 feet to the
acre, the aggregate pine timber of the state would be 40,000,000,000 feet. The log product
annually amounts to an immense sum. In 1876, 1,172,611,823 feet were cut. This is about the
average annual draft that is niade on the pine lands. There seems to be no remedy for the
202
HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
wholesale destruction of our pine forests, except the one alluded to, the difficulty of transporta-
tion, and this will probably save a portion of them for a long time in the future. At the rate of
consumption for twenty years past, we can estimate that fifty years would see northern Wiscon-
sin denuded of its pine forests ; but our lumber product has reached its maximum, and will
probably decrease in the coming years as the distance to be hauled to navigable streams
increases. In the mean time lumber, shingles and lath will form an important factor in our
commerce, both state and inter-state, and will contribute millions to the wealth of our citizens.
Grain.
Up to 1841, no grain was exported from Wisconsin to be used as food; but, from the time
of its first settlement in 1836 to 1840, the supply of bread stuffs from abroad, upon which the
people depended, was gradually diminished by the substitution of home products. In the winter
of 1840 and 1841, E. D. Holton, of Milwaukee, purchased a small cargo of wheat (about 4,000
bushels), and in the spring of 1841, shipped it to Buffalo. This was the beginning of a traffic
that has grown to immense proportions, and, since that time, wheat has formed the basis of the
commerce and prosperity of the state, until the city of Milwaukee has become the greatest
primary wheat mart of the world.
The following table gives the exports of flour and grain from Milwaukee for thirty-two years,
commencing in 1845.:
FLOUR,
bbls.
WHEAT,
bus.
CORN,
bus.
OATS,
bus.
BARLEY,
bus.
RYE,
bus.
l»45
1846
1847
1848
1849
1850
1851
1852.
1853
1854
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859
i860
I86I,
1862
1863.
1864
1865.
1866.
1867
1868.
1869.
1876.
I87I.
1872.
1873-
1874.
1875
1876.
7,550
15,756
34,840
92,732
136,657
100,017
51,889
92,995
104,055
145,032
181,568
188,455
228.442
298,668
282,956
457,343
674,474
711.405
603,525
414,833
567.576
720,365
921,663
1,017,598
1,220,058
1,225,941
1,211,427
1,232,036
1,805,200
2,217,579
2,163,346
2,654,028
95,510
213,448
598,411
602,474
1,136,023
297,570
317,285
564,404
956.703
1,809,452
2,641,746
2,761,976
2,581,311
3,994,213
4,732,957
7,568,608
13,300,495
14,915,680
12,837,620
8,992,479
10.479,777
11,634,749
'9.598,452
9,867,029
14,272,799
16,127,838
13,409,467
11,570,565
24,994,266
22,255,380
22,681,020
16,804,394
2,500
5,000
13,828
2,220
270
164,908
112,132
218
472
43,953
41,364
37,204
1,485
9,489
88,989
140,786
71,203
480,408
266,249
342,717
93,806
103,173
419,133
1,557,953
197,920
556,563
226,895
96,908
4,000
2,100
7,892
363,841
131,716
404,999
13,833
5,433
2,775
562,067
299,002
64,682
1,200
79,094
831,600
811,634
326,472
1,636,595
622,469
536,539
351,768
210,187
772,929
1,323,234
990,525
726,035
1,160,450
1,377,560
15,000
15,270
103,840'
322,261
291,890
339,338
,63,379
10,398
800
-63,178
53,216
28,056
5,220
44,800
133,449
23,479
29,597
18,988
30,822
95,036
120,662
469,325
576,453
931,725
688.455
464,837
867,970
1,235.481
54,69a
80,365
113,443
20,030
5,378
11,577
9,735
29,810
126,301
84,047
18,210
51,444
255.329
106,795
91,443
78,035
62,494
208,896
209,751
255,928
79,879
98,923
220,964
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES.
203
Up to 1856, the shipments were almost wholly of Wisconsin products ; but with the comple-
tion of lines of railroad from Milwaukee to the Mississippi river, the commerce of Wisconsin
became so interwoven with that of Iowa and Minnesota, that the data furnished by the transpor-
tation companies, give us no definite figures relating to the products of our own state.
Dairy Products.
Wisconsin is becoming largely interested in the dairy business. Its numerous springs,
streams, and natural adaptability to grass, make it a fine grazing country, and stock thrives
remarkably well. Within a few years, cheese-factories have become numerous, and their owners
are meeting with excellent success. Wisconsin cheese is bringing the highest price in the markets,
and much of it is shipped to England. Butter is also made of a superior quality, and is exten-
sively exported. At the rate of progress made during the last few years, Wisconsin will soon
take rank with the leading cheese and butter producing states. The counties most largely inter-
ested in dairying, are Kenosha, Walworth, Racine, Rock, Green, Waukesha, Winnebago, Sheboy-
gan, Jefferson and Dodge. According to estimates by experienced dairymen, the manufacture
of butter was 22,473,000 pounds in 1870; 50,130,000 in 1876; of cheese, 1,591,000 pounds in
1870, as against 17,000,000 in 1876, which will convey a fair idea of the increase of dairy produc-
tion. The receipts of cheese in Chicago during 1876, were 23,7 80,000 pounds, against 12,000,000
in 1875 ; and the receipts of butter were 35,384,184, against 30,248,247 pounds in 1875. It is esti-
mated that fully one-half of these receipts were from Wisconsin. The receipts of butter in
Milwaukee were, in 1870, 3,779,114 pounds ; in 1875, 6,625,863; in 1876, 8,938,137 pounds; ot
cheese, 5,721,279 pounds in 1875, and 7,055,573 in 1876. Cheese is not mentioned in the trade
and commerce reports of Milwaukee until 1873, when it is spoken of as a new and rapidly
increasing commodity in the productions of the state.
Pork and Beef.
Improved breeds, both of swine and cattle, have been introduced into the state during a
few years past. The grade of stock has been rapidly bettered, and stock raisers generally are
striving with commendable zeal to lival each other in raising the finest of animals for use and
the market.
The following table shows the receipts of live hogs and beef cattle at Milwaukee for thir-
teen years :
YEARS.
LIVE HOGS.
BEEF CATTLE.
YEARS.
LIVE HOGS.
BEEF CATTLE.
I876_
1875
1874
1873
1872
1871
1870.
254,317
144,961
242,326
241,099
138,106
126,164
66,138
36,802
46,717
22,748
17,262
14,172
9,220
12,972
i86g
1868
1867
1866
1865
1864
1863
52,296
48,717
76,758
31,881
7,546
42,250
56,826
12,521
13,200
15,527
12,955
14,230
18,345
I4,«55
204 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
The following table shows the movement of hog products and beef from Milwaukee since
1862 •
Shipments by Rail
PORK, HAMS, MIDDLES AND SHOULDERS.
LARD.
1 ' —
BEEF.
and Lake.
Barrels.
Tierces.
Boxes.
Bulk, lbs.
Barrels.
Tierces.
Barrels.
Tierces.
Totals 1876
62,461
56,778
53.702
80,010
90,038
88,940
77,655
69,805
73,526
88,888
74,726
34,013
67,933
90,387
56,432
15-439
15,292
17,124
24,954
20,115
20,192
15,819
9-546
13-146
11,614
7,805
2,713
5-927
15,811
12,685
42,678
28,374
39,572
62,211
39,209
14,938
5,875
5,298
3-239
4,522
34.164
5-000
11-634
5,123,818
2,736,778
1,494,112
1,915,610
4,557,950
5,161,941
4,717,630
2,325,150
1,768,190
454,786
863,746
3,301
601
9,110
4,065
6,276
3,932
2,535
1,180
3.637
2,523
3-287
1,929
5,677
10,987
13,538
21,356
18,950
18,509
24,399
27,765
19,746
10,950
8,568
. 5-055
8,820
6,292
2,487
7,207
10,546
6,761
7,333
4,734
5,015
5,365
4,757
3,892
4,427
7,538
10,150
18,984
11,852
10,427
36866
42:987
33,174
3.439
421
707
462
1,500
1,606
" 187";
" 1874
" 1873
" 1872 ...
" 1871.
" 1870
925
2,185
2 221
" i86q..
" i85S
" 1867
6,804
4.5'84
5,528
5,871
6,377
3.217
" 1866
" 1865
" 1864..
" 1863
" 1862. __
Hops.
The culture of hops, as an article af commerce, received but little attention prior to i860.
In 1865, 2,864 bales only were shipped from Milwaukee. In addition, a large amount was used
by the brewers throughout the state. In 1866, the amount exported was increased, and 5,774
bales were shipped to eastern markets. The price, from forty-five to fifty-five cents per pound,
stimulated production, and the article became one of the staple products of the counties of Sauk,
Columbia, Adams and Juneau, besides being largely cultivated in parts oif some other counties.
In 1867, 26,562 bales were received at Milwaukee, and the prices ranged from fifty to seventy cents
per pound. The estimated crop of the state for 1867 was 35,000 bales, and brought over
$4,200,000. In 1868, not less than 60,000 bales were grown, in the state. The crop everywhere
was a large one, and in Wisconsin so very large that an over-supply was anticipated. But few,
however, were prepared for the decline in prices, that far exceeded the worst apprehensions of
those interested. The first sales were made at twenty-five to thirty-five cents per pound, and the
prices were reluctantly accepted by the growers. The price continued to decline until the article
was unsalable and unavailable in the, market. Probably the average price did not exceed ten
cents per pound. Notwithstanding the severe check which hop-growing received in 1868, by the
unprofitable result, growers were not discouraged, and the crop of 1869 was a large one. So
much of the crop of 1868 remained in the hands of the growers, that it is impossible to estimate
that of 1869. The new crop sold for from ten to fifteen cents, and the old for from three to five cents
per pound. Hop-cultivation received a check ffom over-production in 1868, from which it did not
soon recover. A large proportion of the yards were plowed under in 1870. The crop of 1869
was much of it marketed during 1870, at a price of about two and one-half to three and one-
half cents per pound, while that of 1870 brought ten to twelve and a half cents. During
the year 1871, a great advance in the price, caused by the partial failure of the crop
in some of the eastern states, and the decrease in price causing a decrease in production,
what was left over of the crop of 1870 more than doubled in value before the new reached the
market. The latter opened at thirty cents, and steadily rose to fifty and fifty-five for prime
COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. ' 205
qualities. The crop of 1872 was of good quality, and the market opened at forty to fifly-five
cents as the selling price, and fell fifteen to twenty cents before the close of the year. A much
larger 'quantity was raised than the year previous. In 1873 and 1874, the crop was fair and
prices ruled from thirty-three to forty-five cents, with increased production. About 18,000 bales
were reported as being shipped from the different railway stations of the state. Prices were
extremely irregular during 1875, and, after the new crop reached market, fell to a point that
would not pay the cost of production. In 1876, prices ruled low at the opening of the year, and
advanced from five to ten cents in January to twenty-eight to thirty in November. Over 17,000
bales were received at Milwaukee, over 10,000 bales being of the crop of the previous year.
Over 13,000 bales were shipped out of the state.
Tobacco.
Tobacco raising is comparatively a new industry in Wisconsin, but is rapidly growing in
importance and magnitude. It sells readily for from four to ten cents per pound, and the plant
is easily raised. It is not regarded as of superior quality. It first appears as a commodity of
transportation in the railway reports for the year 187 1, when the Prairie du Chien division
of the St. Paul road moved eastward 1,373,650 pounds. During the four years ending with
1876, there were shipped from Milwaukee an average of 5,118,530 pounds annually, the ;. axi-
mum being in 1874, 6,982,175 pounds; the minimum in 1875, 2,743,854 pounds. The crop of
1876 escaped the early frosts, and netted the producer from five to seven cents per pound. The
greater part of it was shipped to Baltimore and Philadelphia. Comparatively .little of the leaf
raised in the state is used here or by western manufacturers. The crop of the present year,
1877, is a large one, and has been secured in good order. Itis being contracted for at from four to
six cents per pound.
Cranberries.
The cranberry trade is yet in its infancy, But little, comparatively, has been done in devel-
oping the capabilities of the extensive bodies of marsh and swamp lands interspersed throughout
the northern part of the state. Increased attention is being paid to the culture of the fruit ; yet,
the demand will probably keep ahead of the supply for many years to come. In 1851, less than
1,500 barrels were sent out of the state. In 1872, the year of greatest production, over 37,000
barrels were exported, and, in 1876, about 17,000 barrels. The price has varied in different
years, and. taken a range from eight to fifteen dollars a barrel.
Spirituous and Malt Liquors.
The production of liquors, both spirituous and malt, has kept pace with the growth of
population and with the other industries of the state. There were in Wisconsin, in 1872, two
hundred and ninety-two breweries and ten distilleries. In 1876, there were two hundred and
ninety-three of the former and ten of the latter, and most of them were kept running to their
full capacity. Milwaukee alone produced, in 1876, 321,611 barrels of lager beer and 43,175
bai-rels of high wines. In 1865, it furnished 65,666 barrels of beer, and in 1870, 108,845 barrels.
In 1865, it furnished 3,046 barrels of high wines; in 1870, 22,867 barrels; and in 1875, 39,005.
A large quantity of the beer made was shipped to eastern and southern cities. The beer made
in 1876 sold at the rate of ten dollars per barrel, the wholesale price of the brewers bringing the
sum of $3,216,110. The fame of Milwaukee lager beer is widely extended. This city has
furnished since 1870, 1,520,308 barrels which, at the wholesale price, brought $15,203,170. The
total production of beer by all the two hundred and ninety-three breweries of the state for 1876,
was 450,508 barrels.
206 HISTORY or WISCO?fSIN.
In 1876, Milwaukee produced 43,175 barrels of high wines, or distilled spirits, and the
state of Wisconsin 51,959 barrels. In 1870, the former produced 108,845 barrels of beer and
22,867 barrels of distilled spirits, and in the same year the state of Wisconsin produced 189,664
barrels of beer and 36,145 barrels of distilled spirits.
.'Miscellaneous.
Porcelain clay, or kaolin, is found in numerous places in Wood and Marathon counties. The
mineral is found in but few places in the United States in quantities sufficient to justify the
investment of capital necessary to manufacture it. In the counties mentioned, the deposits are
found in extensive beds, and only capital and enterprise are needed to make their development
profitable. Clay of superior quality for making brick and of fair quality for pottery, is
found in numerous localities. The famous " Milwaukee brick,'' remarkable for their beautiful
cream color, is made from a fine clay which is abundant near Milwaukee, and is found in exten-
sive beds at Watertown, Whitewater, Edgerton, Stoughton, and several places on the lake shore
north of Milwaukee. ' At Whitewater and some other places the clay is used with success for the
making of pottery ware. Water-lime, or hydraulic cement, occurs in numerous places throughout
the state. An extensive bed covering between one and two hundred acres, and of an indefinite
depth, exists on the banks of the Milwaukee river, and not over one and a half miles from the city
limits of Milwaukee. The cement made from the rock of this deposit is first-class in quality, and
between twenty and thirty thousand barrels were made and sold last year. The capacity of the
works for reducing the rock to cement has been increased to 500 barrels per day. Stones suita-
ble for building purposes are widely distributed throughout the state, and nearly every town has
its available quarry. Many of these quarries furnish stone of fine quality for substantial and
permanent edifices. The quarry at Prairie du Chien furnished the stone for the capital building
at Madison, which equals in beauty that of any state in the Union. At Milwaukee, Waukesha,
Madison, La Crosse, and many other places are found quarries of superior building stone.
Granite is found in extensive beds in Marathon and Wood counties, and dressed specimens
exhibited at the " Centennial " last year, attracted attention for their fine polish. Marbles of
various kinds are likewise found in the state. Some of them are beginning to attract attention
and are likely to prove valuable. The report of Messrs. Foster & Whitney, United States geol-
ogists, speaks of quarries on the Menomonee and Michigamig rivers as affording beautiful varie-
ties and susceptible of a high polish. Richland county contains marble, but its quality is gen-
erally considered inferior.
Water Powers.
Wisconsin is fast becoming a manufacturing state. Its forests of pine, oak, walnut, maple^
ash, and other valuable woods used for lumber, are well-nigh inexhaustible. Its water-power for
driving the wheels of machinery is not equaled by that of any state in the northwest. The Lower
Fox river between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay, a distance of thirty-five miles, furnishes
some of the best facilities for manufacturing enterprise in the whole country. Lake Winnebago
as a reservoir gives it a great and special advantage, in freedom from liability to freshets and
droughts. The stream never varies but a few feet from its highest to its lowest stage, yet gives
a steady flow. The Green Bay and Mississippi canal company has, during the last twenty-five
years, constructed numerous dams, canals and locks, constituting very valuable improvements.
All the property of that company has been transferred to the United, States government, which
has entered upon a system to render the Fox and Wisconsin rivers navigable to the Mississippi.
The fall between the lake and Depere is one hundred and fifty feet, and the water can be utilized
COMMEKCE AND MANirFACTHRES. 207
in propelling machinery at Neenah, Mena^ha, Appleton, Cedar, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Rapid
Croche, Little Kaukauna and Depere. The water-power at Appleton in its natural advantages
is pronounced by Hon. Hiram Barney, of New York, superior to those at Lowell, Paterson
and Rochester, combined. The water-power of the Fox has been improved to a considerable
extent, but its full capacity has hardly been touched. Attention has been drawn to it, how-
ever, and no doubt is entertained that in a few years the hum of machinery to be propelled
by it, will be heard the entire length of the thirty-five miles. The facilities presented by its
nearness to timber, iron, and a rich and productive agricultural region, give it an advantage over
any of the eastern manufacturing points.
The Wisconsin river rises in the extreme northern part of the state, and has its source in a
great number of small lakes. The upper portion abounds in valuable water privileges, only a
few of which are improved. There are a large number of saw-mills running upon the power of
this river. Other machinery, to a limited extent, is in operation.
The " Big Bull '' falls, at Wausau, are improved, and a power of twenty-two feet fall is obtained.
At Little Bull falls, below Wausau, there is a fall of eighteen feet, partially improved. There are
many other water-powers in Marathon county, some of which are used in propelling flouring-
mills and saw-mills. At Grand Rapids, there is a descent of thirty feet to the mile, and the
water can be used many times. Each time, 5,000 horse-power is obtained. At Kilbourn City
a large amount of power can be obtained for manufacturing purposes.
Chippewa river has its origin in small streams in the north part of the state. Explorers
tell us that there are a large number of water powers on all the upper branches, but as the
country is yet unsettled, none of them have been improved, and very few even located on our maps.
Brunette falls and Ameger falls, above Chippewa Falls city, must furnish considerable water-
power, but its extent is not known At Chippewa Falls is an excellent water-power, only partially
improved. The river descends twenty-six feet in three-fourths of a mile. At Duncan creek at the
same place, there is a good fall, improved to run a large flouring mill. At Eagle Rapids, five
miles above Chippewa Falls, $120,000 has been expended in improving the fall of the Chippewa
river. The' city of Eau Claire is situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire
rivers, and possesses in its immediate vicinity water-powers almost unrivaled. Some of them
are improved. The citizens of Eau Claire have, for several years, striven to obtain legislative
authority to dam the Chippewa river, so as to improve the water-power of the Dells, and a lively
contest, known as the " Dells fight," has been carried on with the capitalists along the river above
that town. There are immense water-powers in Dunn county, on the Red Cedar, Chippewa
and Eau Galle rivers, on which there are many lumbering establishments. In Pepin county also
there are good powers. The Black river and its branches, the La Crosse, Buffalo, Trempealeau,
Beaver, and Tamaso, furnish many valuable powers. The St. Croix river is i;iot excelled in the value
of its water privileges by any stream in the state, except the Lower Fox river. At St. Croix Falls,
the water of the river makes a descent of eighty-five feet in a distance of five miles, and the vol-
ume of water is sufficient to move the machinery for an immense manufacturing business, and the
banks present good facilities for building dams, and the river is not subject to freshets. The
Kinnekinnick has a large number of falls, some of them partially improved. Within twenty-five
miles of its entrance into Lake St. Croix, it has a fall of two hundred feet, and the volume of
water averages about three thousand cubic feet per minute. Rock river affords valuable water-
privileges at Watertown (with twenty-four feet fall), and largely improved ; at Jefferson, Indian
Ford and Janesville, all of which are improved. Beloit also has an excellent water-rpower, and
it is largely improved. Scattered throughout the state are many other water- powers, not alluded
208 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
to in the foregoing. There are several in Manitowoc county ; in Marquette county, also. In
Washington county, at West Bend, Berlin, and Cedar Creek, there are good water-powers, partly
utilized. At Whitewater, in Walworth county, is a good power. In Dane county, there is a
water-power at Madison, at the outlet of Lake Mendota; also, a good one at Stoughton, below
the first, or Lake Kegonsa ; also at Paoli, Bellville, Albany and Brodhead, on the Sugar river.
In Grant county there are not less than twenty good powers, most of them well-developed. In
Racine county, three powers of fine capacity at Waterford, Rochester and Burlington, all of
which are improved. The Oconto, Peshtigo and Menomonee rivers, furnish a large number of
splendid water- powers of large capacity. The Upper Wolf river has scores of water-powers on
its main stream and numerous branches ; but most of the country is still a wilderness, though
containing resources which, whei) developed, will make it rich and prosperous. There are
numerous other streams of less consequence than those named, but of great importance to the
localities they severally drain, that have had their powers improved, and their waterfalls are
singing the songs of commerce. On the rivers emptying into Lake Superior, there are numerous
and valuable water-powers. The Montreal river falls one thousand feet in a distance of thirty
miles. ,
Manufactures.
The mechanical and manufacturing industries of Wisconsin demonstrate that the people do
not rely wholly upon agricultural pursuits, or lumbering, for subsistence, but aim to diversify
their labors as much as possible, and to give encouragement to the skill and ingenuity of their
mechanics and artisans. All our cities, and most of our villages, support establishments that
furnish wares and irriplements in common use among the people. We gather from the census
report for 1870 a few facts that will give us an adequate idea of what was done in a single year,
remembering that the data furnished is six years old, and that great advancement has been made
since the statistics were gathered. In 1870, there were eighty-two establishments engaged in
making agricultural implements, employing 1,387 hands, and turning out products valued at
$2,393,400. There were one hundred and eighty-eight furniture establishments, employing 1,844
men, and making $1,542,300 worth of goods. For making carriages and wagons there were four
hundred and eighty-five establishments, employing 2,184 men, and their product was valued at
$2,596,534; for clothing, two hundred and sixty -three establishments, and value of product
$2,340,400 ; sash, doors and blinds, eighty-one shops, and value of product $1,852,370 ; leather,
eighty-five tanneries, employing 577 men, and value of products $2,013,000; malt liquors, one
hundred and seventy-six breweries, 835 men, and their products valued at $1,790,273.
At many points the business of manufacturing is carried on more or less extensively ;
indeed, there is hardly a village in the state where capital is not invested in some kind
of mechanical industry or manufacturing enterprise, and making satisfactory returns ; but for
details in this respect, the reader is referred to the department of local history.
The principal commodities only, which Wisconsin contributes to trade and commerce, have
been considered. There remains quite a number of minor articles from which the citizens of the
state derive some revenue, such as flax and maple sugar, which can not be separately considered
in this paper.
Concluding Remarks.
Statistics are usually dry reading, but, to, one desiring to change his location and seeking
information regarding a new country and its capabilities, they become intensely interesting and
of great value. The farmer wishes to know about the lands, their value and the productiveness,
of the soil ; the mechanic about the workshops, the price of labor, and the demand for such wares
COMMERCE AND MAISTUFACTUKES. 209
as he is accustomed to make ; the capitalist, concerning - all matters that pertain to resources,
advantages, and the opportunities for investing his money. Our own people want all the infor-
mation that can be gained by the collection of all obtainable facts. The sources of such infor-
mation are now various, and the knowledge they impart fragmentary in its character.
Provision should be made by law, for the collection and publication of reliable statistics
relating to our farming, manufacturing, mining, lumbering, commercial and educational interests.
Several of the states of the Union have established a "Bureau of Statistics," and no more valua-
ble reports emanate from any of their state departments than those that exhibit a condensed
view of the material results accomplished each year. Most of the European states foster these
agencies with as much solicitude as any department of their government. Indeed, they have
become a social as well as a material necessity, for social science extends its inquiries to the
physical laws of man as a social being ; to the resources of the country ; its productions ; the
growth of society, and to all those facts or conditions which may increase or diminish the strength,
growth or happiness of a people. Statistics are the foundation and corner-stone of social science,
which is the highest and noblest of all the sciences.
A writer has said that, " If God had designed Wisconsin to be chiefly a manufacturing state,
instead of agricultural, which she claims to be,' and is, it is difficult to see more than one partic-
ular in which He could have endowed her more richly for that purpose." She has all the mate-
rial for the construction of articles of use and luxury, the means of motive power to propel the
machinery, to turn and fashion, weave, forge, and grind the natural elements that abound in such
rich profusion. She has also the men whose enterprise and skill have accomplished most sur-
prising results, in not only building up a name for themselves, but in placing the state in a proud
position of independence.
It is impossible to predict what will be the future growth and development of Wisconsin.
From its commercial and manufacturing advantages, we may reasonably anticipate that she will
in a few years lead in the front rank of the states of the Union in all that constitutes real great-
ness. Her educational system is one of the best. With her richly endowed State University, her
colleges and high schools, and the people's colleges, the common schools, she- has laid a broad
and deep foundation for a great and noble commonwealth. It was early seen what were the
capabilities of this their newly explored domain. The northwestern explorer, Jonathan Carver,
in 1766, one hundred and thirteen years ago, after traversing Wisconsin and viewing its lakes of
crystal purity, its rivers of matchless utility, its forests of exhaustless wealth, its prairies of won-
derful fertility, its mines of buried treasure, recorded this remarkable prediction of which we see
the fulfillment: "To what power or authority this new world will become dependent after it has
arisen from its present uncultivated state, time alone can discover. But as the seat of empire from
time immemorial has been gradually progressive toward the west, there is no doubt but that at
some future period mighty kingdoms will emerge from these wildernesses, and stately palaces
and solemn temples with gilded spires reaching to the skies supplant the Indian huts, whose
only decorations are the barbarous trophies of'their vanquished enemies."
" Westward the course of empire takes its way ;
The four first acts already passed,
A fifth shall close the drama with the day ;
Time's noblest offspring is the last."
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.
By D. S. DURRIE.
In the early part of the seventeenth century, all the territory north of the Ohio river,
including the present state of Wisconsin, was an undiscovered region. As far as now known, it
was never visited by white men until the year 1634, when Jean Nicolet came to the Green bay
country as an ambassador from the French to the Winnebagoes. The Jesuit fathers in 1660
visited the south shore of Lake Superior ; and, soon after, missions were established at various
points in the northwest.
The French government appreciating the importance of possessing dominion over this sec-
tion, M. Talon, intendant of Canada, took steps to carry out this purpose, and availed himself
of the good feelings entertained toward the French by a number of the Indian tribes, to establish
the authority of the French crown over this remote quarter. A small party of men led by
Daumont de St. Lusson, with Nicolas Perrot as interpreter, set out from Quebec on this mission,
in 1670, and St. Lusson sent to the tribes occupying a circuit of a hundred leagues, inviting the
nations, among them the Wisconsin tribes inhabiting the Green bay country, by their chiefs and
ambassadors, to meet him at the Sault Sainte Marie the following spring.
In the month of May, 167 1, fourteen tribes, by their representatives, including the Miamis,
Sacs, Winnebagoes, Menomonees, and Pottawattamies, arrived at the place designated. On the
morning of the fourteenth of Jiine, " St. Lusson led his followers to the top of the hill, all fully
equipped and under arms. Here, too, in the vestments of their priestly office were four Jesuits :
Claude Dablon, superior of the mission on the lakes, Gabriel Druillettes, Claude AUouez, and
Andr6. All around, the great throng of Indians stood, or crouched, or reclined at length with
eyes and ears intent. A large cross of wood had been made ready. Dablon, in solemn form,
pronounced his blessing on it ; and then it was reared and planted in the ground, while the
Frenchmen, uncovered, sang the Vexilla Regis. Then a post of cedar was planted beside it,
with a metal plate attached, engraven with the royal arms ; while St. Lusson's followers sang the
exaudiat, and one of the priests uttered a prayer for the king. St. Lusson now advanced, and,
holding his sword in one hand, and raising with the other a sod of earth, proclaimed in a loud
voice " that he took possession of all the country occupied by the tribes, and placed them under
the king's protection.
This act, however, was not regarded as sufficiently definite, and on the eighth of May, 1689,
Pei-rot, who was then commanding for the king at the post of Nadouesioux, near Lake Pepin on
the west side of the Mississippi, commissioned by the Marquis de Denonville to manage the
interests of commerce west of Green bay took possession, in the name of the king, with
appropriate ceremonies, of the countries west of Lake Michigan as far as the river St. Peter.
The papers were signed by Perrot and others.
By these solemn acts, the present limits of Wisconsin with much contiguous territory, came
under the dominion of the French government, the possession of which continued until October,
1 761 — a period of ninety years from the gathering of the chiefs at the Sault Ste. Marie in 1671.
From the commencement of French occupancy up to the time when the British took posses-
sion, the district of country embraced within the present limits of this state had but few white
inhabitants besides the roaming Indian traders ; and of thesfe few, the locations were separated by
a distance of more than two hundred miles in a direct line, and nearly double that distance by
(deceased) pewaukee
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 211
the usual water courses. There was no settlement of agriculturists; there were no missionary-
establishments ; no fortified posts at other points, except at Depere and Green bay on Fox -iver,
and perhaps at Prairie du Chien, near the junction of the Wisconsin and the Mississippi.
The French government made no grant of lands; gave no attention to settlers or agrica.-
turists, and the 'Occupation of the country was strictly military. There were, indeed, a few grants
of lands made by the French governors and commanders, previous to 1750, to favored indi-
viduals, six of which were afterward confirmed by the king of France. There were also others
which did not require confirmation, being made by Cardillac, commanding at Detroit, under
special authority of the king; of this latter kind, one for a small piece of thirty acres bears with
it, says a writer, " so many conditions, reservations, prohibitions of sale, and a whole cavalcade
of feudal duties to be performed by the grantee, that in itself, it would be a host in opposition to
the agricultural settlement of any country."
The grants just referred to, relate to that part of the French possessions outside the limits
of the present state of Wisconsin. Within its limits there was a grant of an extensive territory
including the fort at the head of Green bay, with the exclusive right to trade, and other valuable
privileges, from the Marquis de Vaudreuil, in October, 1759, to M. Rigaud. It was sold by the
latter to William Gould and Madame Vaudreuil, to whom it was confirmed by the king pf
France in January, 1760, at a very critical period, when Quebec had been taken by the British,
and Montreal was only wanting to complete the conquest of Canada. This grant was evidently
intended as a perquisite to entrap some unwary persons to give a valuable consideration for it,
as it would be highly impolitic for the government to make such a grant, if they continued mas-
ters of the country, since it would surely alienate the affections of the Indians. The whole
country had already been virtually conquered by Great Britain, and the grant of course was not
confirmed by the English government.
Of the war between the French and English governments in America, known as the French
and Indian war, it is not necessary to speak, except in general terms. The English made a
determined effort to obtain the possessions claimed by the French. The capture of Quebec in
1759, and the subsequent capitulation of Montreal in 1760, extinguished the domination of
France in the basin of the St. Lawrence ; and by the terms of the treaty of Paris, concluded
February 10, r763, all the possessions in, and all the claims of the French nation to, the vast
country watered by the Ohio and the Mississippi were ceded to Great Britain.
Among the first acts of the new masters of the country was the protection of the eminent
domain of the government, and the restriction of all attempts on the part of individuals to acquire
Indian titles to lands. By the King of England's proclamation of 1763, no more grants of land
jvithin certain prescribed limits could be issued, and all private persons were interdicted the
liberty of purchasing lands from the Indians, or of making settlements within those prescribed
limits. The indulgence of such a privilege as that of making private purchases of the natives,
conduced to the most serious difficulties, and made way for the practice of the most reprehensible
frauds. The policy pursued by the English government has been adopted and acted upon by the
government of the United States in the extinguishment of the Indian title to lands in every part
of the country.
In face of the proclamation of 1763, and within three years after its promulgation, under
a pretended purchase from, or voluntary grant of the natives, a tract of country nearly one hundred
miles square, including large portions of what is now northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, was
claimed by Jonathan Carver, and a ratification of his title solicited from the king and council.
This was not conceded ; and the representatives of Carver, after the change of government had
212 HISTOEY 01" WISCONSIN.
brought the lands under the jurisdiction of the United States, for a series of years presented the
same claims before congress, and asked for their confirmation. Such a demand under air the
circumstances, could not justify an expectation of success; and, of course, has often been refused.
But notwithstanding the abundant means which the public have had of informing themselves of
the true nature and condition of Carver's claim, bargains and sales of portions of this tract have
been made among visionary speculators for more than half a century past. It is now only a
short period since the maps of the United States ceased to be defaced by a delineation of
4he " Carver Grant."
The mere transfer of the dominion over the country from the French to the English govern-
ment, and the consequent occupation of the English posts by the new masters, did not in any
great degree affect the social condition of the inhabitants. By the terms of capitulation, this
French subjects were permitted to remain in the country, in the full enjoyment of their civil and
religious privileges.
The English, however, did not hold peaceable possession of the territory acquired. The war
inaugurated by Pontiac and his Indian allies on the military posts occupied by the English soon
followed, and in the month of May, 1763, nine posts were captured with much loss of life. In
the spring of 1 764, twenty-two tribes who were more or less identified in the outbreak, concluded
a treaty of peace with General Bradstreet at Niagara.
The expedition of Colonel George Rogers Clark to the Illinois country, and the conquest
of the British posts in 1778- and 1779, had the effect to open the way for the emigration of the
Anglo-American population to the Mississippi valley; and at the close of the revolutionary
war. Great Britain renounced all claim to the whole territory lying east of the Mississippi river.
The dominion of the English in the Illinois and Wabash countries, ceased with the loss of the
military posts which commanded the Northwestern territory of the United States. As a result of
the enterprise and success of Clark, Virginia obtained possession of the Illinois country ; his
expedition having been undertaken and carried forward under the auspices of that state.
Several of the eastern states under their colonial charters, laid claim to portions of the land
comprised in the territory northwest of the Ohio river. The claim of Massachusetts was derived
from a grant from King James of November 3, 1620 ; and included from lat. 42° 2' to about lat.
45°, extending to the south sea; Connecticut claimed from lat. 410 north t0 420 2'. The claims of
Virginia were from grants from King James, bearing date, respectively, April 10, 1606, May 23,
1609, and March 12, 1611, and an additional claim for the territory conquered by Clark in the
Illinois country; but they extended no farther north than the southern end of Lake Michigan.
It is a popular impression that the territory of the present state of Wisconsin was compre-
hended in the lands northwest of the river Ohio, over which Virginia exercised jurisdiction, and,
consequently, was included in her deed of cession of lands to the United States. This opinion so
generally entertained by writers on American history, is a statement which does not appear to
have any solid foundation in fact. Virginia never made any conquests or settlements in Wiscon-
sin, and at no time prior to the proffer of her claims to the general government had she ever
exercised jurisdiction over it. In fact, there were no settlements in Wisconsin except at Green
Bay and Prairie du Chien before that time, and these were made by French settlers who were in
no wise interfered with while the revolution continued. In Illinois it was otherwise ; and the
possession of its territory by Virginia was an undisputed fact. During the revolution the title of
the sovereignty in Wisconsin was actually in Great Britain, and so remained until the definite
treaty of peace in 1783; at which date England yielding her right constructively to the United
States, retaining possession, however, until 1796 ; at which time the western posts were transferred
to the United States.
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 213
All the claiming states finally ceded their interests to the general government, giving the
latter a perfect title, subject only to the rights of the Indians. The deed of cession from Virginia
was dated March i, 1784. The other states ceded their claims, some before this date, others
subsequent thereto.
Virginia made a number of stipulations in her deed of cession; among others, that the
French and Canadian inhabitants and the neighboring villages who had professed themselves
citizens of Virginia, should have their possessions and title confirmed to them, and be protected in
the enjoyment of their rights and liberties; thr.t 150,000 acres of land near the rapids of the Ohio,
should be reserved for that portion of her state troops which had reduced the country; and about
3,500,000 acres between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami be reserved for bounties to her troops
■ on the continental establishment.
In consequence of certain objectionable stipulations made by Virginia as to the division of
the territory into states, the deed of cession was referred back to that state with a recommenda-
tion from congress that these stipulations should be altered. On the 30th of December, 1788,
Virginia assented to the wish of congress, and formally ratified and confirmed the fifth article of
compact which related to that subject, and tacitly gave her consent to the whole ordinance of 1787.
The provisions of this ordinance have since been applied to all the territories of the United
States lying north of the 360 40'. After the adoption of the constitution of the United States the
the new congress, among its earliest acts, passed one, recognizing the binding force of the ordi-
nance of 1787.
Of this ordinance it has been said ; " It was based on the principles of civil liberty, maintained
in the magna charta of England, re-enacted in the bill of rights, and incorporated in our differ-
ent state constitutions. It was the fundamental law of the constitution, so to speak, of the great
northwest, upon which were based, and with which harmonized all our territorial enactments, as
well as our subsequent state legislation, and, moreover, it is to that wise, statesman-like document
that we are indebted for much of our prosperity and greatness."
After the close of the revolutionary war, enterprising individuals traversed the whole country
which had been ceded to the government, and companies were formed to explore and settle the
fertile and beautiful lands beyond the Ohio ; but the determination of the British cabinet not to
evacuate the western posts, was well known, and had its effect on the people who were disposed
to make settlements.
The western tribes were also dissatisfied and threatened war, and efforts were made by the
government to settle the difficulties. A grand council was held at the mouth of Detroit river
in December, 1787, which did not result favorably, and two treaties were subsequently held,
which were not respected by the savages who were parties to them. Soon an Indian war ensued,
/hich resulted at first disastrously to the American troops under Generals Harmar and St. Clair,
but finally with success to the American arms under General Wayne. The treaty of Greenville
followed. It was concluded August 3, 1795. At this treaty there were present eleven hundred
and thirty chiefs and warriors. It was signed by eighty-four chiefs and General Anthony Wayne,
sole commissioner of the United States. One of the provisions of the treaty was that in consid-
eration of the peace then established, and the cessions and relinquishments of lands made by the
tribes of Indians, and to manifest the liberality of the United States as the great means of render-
ing this peace strong and perpetual, the United States relinquished their claims to all other
Indian lands northward of the river Ohio, eastward of the Mississippi, and westward and south-
ward of the great lakes and the waters united by them, except certain reservations and portions
before purchased of the Indians, none of which were within the present limits of this state. The
Indian title to the whole of what is now Wisconsin, subject only to certain restrictions, became
214 HISTORY OF WISCONSm.
*
absolute in the various tribes inhabiting it. By this treaty it was stipulated that, of the lands relin-
quished by the United States, the Indian tribes who have a right to those lands, were quietly to
enjoy them ; hunting, planting, and dwelling thereon so long as they pleased ; but, when those
tribes or any of them should be disposed to sell them, or any part of them, they were to be sold
only to the United States, and until such sale, the United States would protect all of the tribes
in the quiet enjoyment of their lands against all citizens of the United States, and all other white
persons who might intrude on the same. At the same time all the tribes acknowledged them-
selves to be under the protection of the United States, and no other person or power what-
soever.
The treaty also prohibited any citizen of the United States, or any other white man, settling
upon the lands relinquished by the general government ; and such person was to be considered '
as out of the protection of the United States; and the Indian tribe on whose land the settlement
might be made, could drive off the settler, or punish him in such liianner as it might see fit.
It will be seen that the Indians were acknowledged to have an unquestionable title to the
lands they occupied until that right should be extinguished by a voluntary cession to the general
government; and the Constitution of the United States, by declaring treaties already made, as
well as those to be made, to be the supreme law of the land, adopted and sanctioned previous
treaties with the Indian nations, and consequently admitted their rank among those powers who
are capable of making treaties.
The several treaties which had been made between commissioners on the part of the United
States and various nations of Indians, previous to the treaty of Greenville, were generally
restricted to declarations of amity and friendship, the establishment and confirming of bounda-
ries, and the protection of settlements on Indian lands ; those that followed were generally for a
cession of l^nds and provisions made for their payment. It is proposed to notice the several
treaties that took place after that held at Greenville, showing in what way the territory of the
present state, came into possession of the government. As will be seen hereafter, it required trea-
ties with numerous tribes of Indians to obtain a clear, undisputed title, as well as many years
before it was fully accomplished.
1. A treaty was held at St. Louis, November 3, 1804, between the Sacs and Foxes and the
United States. William Henry Harrison was acting commissioner on the part of the govern-
ment. By the provisions of the treaty, the chiefs and head men of the united tribes ceded to
the United States a large tract on both sides of the Mississippi, extending on the east from the
mouth of the Illinois to the head of that river, and thence to the Wisconsin ; and including on
the west considerable portions of Iowa and Missouri, from the mouth of the Gasconade north-
ward. In what is now the state of Wisconsin, this grant embraced the whole of the present
counties of Grant and La Fayette and a large portion of Iowa and Green counties. The lead
region was included in this purchase. In consideration of this cession, the general government
agreed to protect the tribes in the quiet enjoyment of their land, against its own citizens and
all others who should intrude on them. The tribes permitted a fort to be built on the upper
side of the Wisconsin river, near its moutfi, and granted a tract of land two miles square, adjoin-
ing the same. The government agreed to give them an annuity of one thousand dollars per
annum. The validity of this treaty was denied by one band of the Sac Indians, and this cession
of land became, twenty-eight years after, the alleged cause of the Black Hawk war.
2. Another treaty was held at Portage des Sioux, now a village in St. Charles county, Mis-
souri, on the Mississippi river, September 13, iSrs, with certain chiefs of that portion of the
Sac nation then residing in Missouri, who, they said, were compelled since the commencement of
THE PUBLIC DOMAIK. 216
the late war, to separate themselves from the rest of their nation. They gave their assent to the
treaty made at St. Louis in 1804, and promised to remain separate from the Sacs of Rock river,
and to give them no aid or assistance, until peace should be concluded between the United
States and the Foxes of Rock river.
3. On the 14th of September, a treaty was made with the chiefs of the Fox tribe at the
same place. They agreed that all prisoners in their hands should be delivered up to the govern-
ment. They assented to, recognized, re-established and confirmed the treaty of 1804, to the full
extent of their interest in the same.
4. A treaty was held at St. Louis, May 13, 1816, with the Sacs of Rock river, who affirmed
the treaty of 1804, and agreed to deliver up all the property stolen or plundered, and in failure
to do so, to forfeit all title to their annuities. To this treaty, Black Hawk's name appears with
others. That chief afterward affirmed that though he himself had " touched the quill " to
this treaty, he knew not what he was signing, and that he was therein deceived by the agent and
others, who did not correctly explain the nature of the grant; and in reference to the treaty of
St. Louis in 1804, and at Portage des Sioux in 1815, he said that he did not consider the same
valid or binding on him or his tribe, inasmuch as by the terms of those treaties, territory was
described which the Indians never intended to sell, and the treaty of 1804, particularly, was
made by parties who had neither authority in the nation, nor power to dispose of its lands.
Whether this was a true statement of the cas,e, or otherwise, it is quite certain that the grant of
lands referred to was often confirmed by his nation, and was deemed conclusive and binding by
the government. The latter acted in good faith to the tribes, as well as to the settlers, in the
disposition of the lands.
5. A treaty of peace and friendship was made at St. Louis, June 3, 1816, between the chiefs
and warriors of that part of the Winnebagoes residing on the Wisconsin river. In this treaty the
tribe state that they have separated themselves from the rest of their nation ; that they, for
themselves and those they represent, confirm to the United States all and every cession of land
heretofore made by their nation, and every contract and agreement, as far as their interest
extended.
6. On the 30th of March, 1817, the Menomonee tribe concluded a treaty of peace and
friendship at St. Louis with the United States, and confirmed all and every cession of land
before made by them within the limits of the United States.
7. On the 19th of August, 1825, at Prairie du Chien, a treaty was made with the Sioux,
Chippewas, Sacs and Foxes, Winnebagoes, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which the boundary
between the two first nations was agreed upon; also between the Chippewas, Winnebagoes and
other tribes.
8. Another treaty was held August 5, 1826, at Fond du Lac of Lake Superior, a small
settlement on the St. Louis river, in Itaska county, Minn., with the same tribes, by which the
previous treaty was confirmed in respect to boundaries, and those of the Chippewas were defined,
as a portion of the same was not completed at the former treaty.
9. A treaty was made and concluded August 1, 1827, at Butte des Morts, between the United
States and the Chippewa, Menomonee and Winnebago tribes, in which the boundaries of their
tribes were defined ; no cession of lands was made.
10. A treaty was made at Green Bay, August 25, 1828, with the Winnebagoes, Pottawat-
tamies and other tribes. This treaty was made to remove the difficulties which had arisen in
consequence of the occupation by white men of that portion of the mining country in the south-
western part of Wisconsin which had not been ceded to the United States. A provisional
216 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
boundary was provided, and privileges accorded the government to freely occupy their territory
until a treaty should be made 'for the cession of the same. This treaty was simply to define the
rights of the Indians, and to give the United States the right of occupation.
11. Two treaties were made at Prairie du Chien, on the 29th of July, 1829, and August i,
1829 : at the first date, with the Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies, by which these nations
ceded all their lands which they claimed in the northwestern part of Illinois ; and at the latter
date with the Winnebagoes, by which that nation ceded and relinquished all their right, title and
claim to all their lands south of the Wisconsin river, thus confirming the purchase of the lead-
mine region. Certain grants were made to individuals, which grants were not to be leased or
sold by the grantees.
By this important treaty, about eight millions of acres of land were added to the public
domain. The three tracts ceded, and forming one whole, extended from the upper end of Rock
river to the mouth of the Wisconsin, from latitude 41° 30' to latitude 43° 15', on the Mississippi:
Following the meanderings of the river, it was about two hundred and forty miles from west to
east, extending along the Wisconsin and Fox rivers, affording a passage across the country from
the Mississippi to Lake Michigan. The south part of the purchase extended from Rock Island
to Lake Michigan.
12. Another important treaty was made at Green Bay, February 8, 1831, between the Meno-
mohee Indians and the United States. That nation possessed an immense territory. Its eastern
division was bounded by the Milwaukee river, the shore of Lake Michigan, Green bay. Fox river,
and Lake Winnebago ; its western division, by the Wisconsin and Chippewa rivers on the west.
Fox river on the south, Green bay on the east, and the high lands which flow the streams into
Lake Superior on the north. By this treaty all the eastern division, estimated at two and a half
millions of acres, was ceded to the government. By certain other provisions, the tribe was to
occupy a large tract lying north of Fox river and east of Wolf river. Their territory farther west
was reserved for their hunting-grounds until such time 'as the general government should desire
to purchase it. Another portion, amounting to four millions of acres, lying between Green bay
on the east and Wolf river on the west, was also ceded to the United States, besides a strip of
country, three miles in width, from near the portage of the Wisconsin and Fox rivers north, on
each side of the Wisconsin river, and forty-eight miles long— still leaving, the tribe in peaceable
possession of a country about one hundred and twenty miles long, and about eighty broad. By
supplementary articles to the treaty, provision was made for the occupancy of certain lands by
the New York Indians — two townships on the east side of Lake Winnebago.
13. At the conclusion of the Black Hawk war, in 1832, for the purpose of clearing up the
Indian title of the Winnebago nation in the country, a treaty was made and concluded at Fort
Armstrong, September 15, 1832. All the territory claimed by this nation lying south and east of
the Wisconsin and Fox river of Green bay, was ceded to the United States, and no band or party
of Winnebagoes was allowed to reside, plant, fish or, hunt on these grounds, after June i, 1833,
or on any part of the country therein ceded.
14. On the 27th of October, 1832, articles of agreement were made and concluded at Green
Bay between the United States and the Menomonee Indians, by the terms of which that nation
ceded to the New York Indians certain lands on Fox river.
15. An important treaty was made at Chicago, September 26, 1833, between the United
States and the Chippewas, Ottawas and Pottawattamies. Those nations ceded to the government
all their lands along the western shore of Lake Michigan, and between that lake and the land
ceded to the United States by the Winnebago nation at the treaty at Fort Armstrong, September
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 217
15, 1832, bounded on the north by the country lately ceded by the Menomonees, and on the
south by the country ceded at the treaty at Prairie dn Chien, July 19, 1829 — containing about
five millions of acres.
16. On the 3d of September, 1836, a tieaty was made at Cedar Point with the Menomonees,
by which lands lying west of Green bay, and a strip on the upper .Wisconsin, were ceded to the
United States — the quantity of land ceded being estimated at four millions of acres in the Green
bay portion ; on the Wisconsin rivei, a strip three miles wide on each side of the river, running
forty-eight miles north in a direct line, equivalent to 184,320 acres.
17. On the 29th of July, 1837, a treaty was made with the Chippewas of the Mississippi, at
Fort Snelling, and the United States, the nation ceding to the government all their lands in
Wisconsin lying south of the divide between the waters of Lake Superior and those of the
Mississippi.
18. Certain chiefs and braves of the Sioux nation of the Mississippi, while visiting Washing-
ton, September 29, 1837, ceded to the United States all their lands east of the Mississippi, and all
their islands in said river.
19. The Winnebago nation, by the chiefs and delegates, held a treaty with the government
at Washington, November i, 1837. That nation ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi,
and obligated themselves to remove, within eight months after the ratification of the treaty, to
certain lands west of the river Mississippi which were conveyed to them by the treaty of Sep-
tember 21, 1832.
20. The Oneida or New York Indians, residing near Green Bay, by their chief and repre-
sentative, on the 3d of February, 1838, at Washington City, ceded to the United States their title
and interest in the land set apart by the treaty made with the Menomonees, May 8, 1831, and the
treaty made with the same tribe, October 7, 1832, reserving about 62,000 acres.
21. Another treaty was made at Stockbridge on the 3d of September, 1839, by which the
Stockbridge and Munsee tribes (New York Indians) ceded and relinquished to the United States
the east half of the tract of 46,080 acres which was laid off for their use on the east side of Lake
Winnebago by treaty of October 7, 1832
22. On the 4th of October, 1842, a treaty was made at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, with the
Chippewas. All their lands in the northern and northwestern parts of Wisconsin were ceded, to
the United States.
23. The Menomonee nation, on the i8th of October, 1848, at Pow-aw-hay-kon-nay, ceded
and relinquished to the United States all, their lands in the state, wherever situated — the gov-
ernment to furnish the nation as a home, to be held as Indian lands are held, all the country ceded
to the United States by the Chippewa nation August 2, 1847, the consideration being the sum of
$350,000, to be paid according to the stipulations of the treaty. A supplementary treaty was
made on the 24th of November, 1848, with the Stockbridges — the tribe to sell and relinquish to
the United States the township of land on the east side of Lake Winnebago, secured to said tribe
by treaty of February 8, 1831.
24. A treaty was made with the Menomonee nation, at the falls of Wolf river, May 12, 1854,
being a supplementary treaty to one made October 18, 1848. All the lands ceded to that nation
under the treaty last named was ceded to the United States — the^ Menomonees to receive from
the United States a tract of country lying on Wolf river, being townships 28, 29 and 30, of ranges
13, 14, 15, 16.
25. A treaty was made with the Chippewas of Lake Superior, at La Pointe, on the 30th of
September, 1854. That nation ceded to the United States all lands before owned by them ia
common with the Chippewas of the Mississippi — lying in the vicinity of Lake Superior in WiSt
218 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
consin anfl Minnesota.
26. On the 5th of February, t8s6, a treaty was held with the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes,
at Stockbridge. All the remaining right and title to lands in the town of Stockbridge, possessed
by them, was ceded to the United States ; and the said tribes were to receive in exchange a tract
of land near the southern boundary of the Menomonee reservation, and by treaty made at
Keshena, February 11, 1856, the Menomonees ceded two townships to locate the said tribes.
With this last treaty, the Indian title to all the lands of the present state of Wisconsin was
ceded to the United States government, except a few small reservations to certain tribes, and a
perfect, indefeasible title obtained to all the territory within its borders.
In the region of country which is now the state of Wisconsin, the settlements in early times
were, as before stated, near Green Bay and at Prairie du Chien. Soon after the organization of
the Northwest territory, the subject of claims to private property therein received much attention.
By an act of congress approved March 3, 1805, lands lying in the districts of Vincennes, Kas-
kaskia and Detroit, which were claimed by virtue of French or British grants, legally and fully
executed, or by virtue of grants issued under the authority of any former act of congress by
either of the governors of the Northwest or Indiana territory, which had already been surveyed,
were, if necessary, to be re-surveyed ; and persons claiming lands under these grants were to have
until November i, 1805, to give notice of the same. Commissioners were to be appointed to
examine, and report at the next session of congress. An act was also passed, approved April 25,
1806, to authorize the granting of patents for lands, according to government surveys that had
been made, and to grant donation rights to certain claimants of land in the district of Detroit,
and for other purposes Another act was approved May 11, 1820, reviving the powers of the
commissioners for ascertaining and deciding on claims in the district of Detroit, and for settling the
claims to land at Green Bay and Prairie du Chien, in the territory of Michigan ; the commis-
sioners to have power to examine and decide on claims filed with the register of the land office,
and not before acted on, in accordance with the laws respecting the same. The commissioners
discharged the duties, imposed on them, and in their report to congress in reference to the claims
at Green Bay, they said that the antiquity of this settlement being, in their view, sufficiently
established, and that they, being also satisfied that the Indian title must be considered to have
been extinguished, decide favorably on the claims presented. About seventy,-five titles were con-
firmed, and patents for the same were sent to the proper parties by the government. In relation
to the Prairie du Chien titles, they reported " that they had met few difficulties in their investi-
gations ; that, notwithstanding the high antiquity which may be claimed for the settlement of that
place, no one perfect title founded on French or British grant, legally authenticated, had been
successfully made out; and that but few deeds of any sort have been exhibited." This they
attribute to the carelessness of the Canadians in respect to whatever concerned their land titles, and
accords with whatever is known in this regard, of the French population throughout the country.
They therefore came to the conclusion that whatever claim the people of the place possessed,
and might have for a confirmation of their land titles, they must be founded upon proof of con
tinued possession since the year 1796 The commissioners further say, that " since the ancestors
of these settlers were cut off, by the treaty which gave the Canadas to the English, from all inter-
course with their parent country, the people both of Prairie du Chien and Green Bay have been
'eft, until within a few years, quite isolated, almost without any government but their own ; and,
although the present population of these settlements are natives of the countries which they
inhabit, arid, consequently, are by birth citizens of the northwest, yet, until a few years, they have
had as little political connection with its government as their ancestors had with the British.
Ignorant of their civil rights, careless of their land titles, docility, habitual hospitality, cheerful
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 219
submission to the requisitions of any government which may be set over them, are their universal
characteristics."
In reference to grants by the French and English governments, the commissioners say, they
" have not had access to any public archives by which to ascertain with positive certainly, whether
either the French or English ever effected a formal extinguishment of the Indian title at the
mouth of the Wisconsin, which also may be said of the land now covered by the city of Detroit ,
that the French government was not accustomed to hold formal treaties for such purposes with
the Indians, and when the lands have been actually procured from them, either by virtue of the
assumed right of conquest, or by purchase, evidence of such acquisition is rather to be sought in
the traditionary history of the country, or in the casual or scanty relations of travelers, than
among collections of state papers. Tradition does recognize the fact of the extinguishment of
the Indian title at Prairie du Chien by the old French government, before its surrender to the
English; and by the same species of testimony, more positive because more recent, it is estab-
lished also, that, in the year 1781, Patrick Sinclair, lieutenant governor of the province of Upper
Canada, while the English government had jurisdiction over this country, made a formal purchase
from the Indians of the lands comprehending the settlement of Prairie du Chien."
The territories and states formed from the section known as the Northwest territory^
were :
I The Northwest territory proper (1787-1800) having jurisdiction over all the lands referred
to in the ordinance of 1787. In 1802, Ohio was organized as a state with its present boun-
daries.
1. Indiana terrritory was formed July 4, 1800, with the seat of government at Vincennes
That territory was made to include all of the northwest, except what afterward became the state
of Ohio.
3. Michigan territory was formed June 30, 1805. It was bounded on the south by a line
drawn east from the south bend of Lake Michigan, on the west by the center of Lake Michigan.
It did not include what is now Wisconsin. The upper peninsula was annexed in r836. The
state of Michigan was formed January 26, 1837, with its present boundaries.
4. Illinois territory was formed March 2, 1810. It included all of the Indiana territory west
of the Wabash river and Vincennes, and a line running due north to the territorial line. All of
Wisconsin was included therein, except what lay east of the line drawn north from Vincennes.
5. Indiana was admitted as a state April 19, 181 6, including all the territory of Indiana
territory, except a narrow strip east of the line of Vincennes, and west of Michigan territory, her
western boundary.
6. Illinois was admitted as a state April 11, 1 8x8. It included all of Illinois territory south
of latitude 42° 30'. All of Wisconsin was added to Michigan territory. In the month of Octo-
ber of that year, the counties of Michilimackinac, Brown and Crawford were formed, comprising
besides other territory, the whole of the present state of Wisconsin.
7. Iowa district was attached to Michigan for judicial purposes, June 30, 1834, out of which
Des Moines and Dubuque counties were formed.
8. Wisconsin territory was formed April 20, 1836. The state was formed May 29, 1848.
The territory of Wisconsin being a part of the Northwest territory claimed, and congress by
direct action confirmed to her, all the rights and privileges secured by the ordinance of 1787^
one of which was that congress should have authority to form one or two states in that part of
the territory lying north of an east and west line, drawn through the southerly bend or extreme
of Lake Michigan. Notwithstanding this plain provision of the ordinance, which is declared to.
220 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
be articles of compact between the original states and the people and states in the said territory,
and forever to remain unalterable unless by consent ; yet congress, in establishing the boundaries
of the state of Illinois, extended that state about sixty miles north of the line established by the
ordinance. This action was claimed to b& unjust and contrary to the spirit and letter of the
compact with the original states. The legislative assembly of Wisconsin passed resolutions
which were approved January 13, 1840, that it was inexpedient for the people of the territory to
form a constitution and state government until the southern boundary to which they are so justly
entitled by the ordinance of 1787 shall be fully recognized by the parties of the original com-
pact. Owing to various complications over which the territory had no control, her people never
succeeded in obtaining from congress what they considered their just rights.
It was also contended by many, that the portion of country set off to Michigan on Lake
Superior given as a compensation in part for the strip of land awarded to Ohio from her south-
ern border, should also have constituted a portion of Wisconsin, especially as Michigan' never
made the least claim to it by her delegate in congress, who was decidedly opposed to the exten-
sion of Michigan beyond the limits of the lower peninsula.
The first survey of the public lands northwest of the Ohio river, was made pursuant to an
act of congress approved May 20, 1785 The geographer of the confederation was diected to
commence the survey of the government lands on the north side of the river Ohio — the first line
running north and south, to begin on said river at 'a point that should be found to be due north
from the western termination of a line which had been run as the southern boundary of the state
of Pennsylvania ; the firSt line running east and west, to begin at the same point, and to extend
through the whole territory. The survey comprised seven ranges, composing ten counties of
the present state of Ohiol Other surveys followed when the Indian title was extinguished.
Thomas Hutchins, who held the office of geographer, is believed to be the inventor of the
mode of laying out land which was then introduced by him, and is still in general use by the
government.
Soon after the government had acquired title to the Indian lands south of the Wisconsin
river, the public authorities commenced a systematic survey of the lands, for the purpose of
bringing the same into market at the earliest possible period.
The public lands in Wisconsin are, as elsewhere in the west, surveyed in uniform rec-
tangular tracts, each six miles square, by lines running north and south, intersecting others,
running east and west. These townships are numbered from two lines called the principal
meridian and the base line. The principal meridian by which the Wisconsin surveys are gov-
erned is that known as the fourth, and extends from the Illinois boundary line to Lake Superior,
at the mouth of Montreal river, about two hundred and eighty-two miles. It divides Grant
from LaFayette county, and passes through the eastern parts of Vernon, Monroe, Jackson, Clark,
Chippewa, and Ashland counties. The base line separates Wisconsin from Illinois in north
latitude forty-two degrees, thirty minutes. There are nearly, seventeen hundred townships, in
the state. Each township is subdivided into thirty-six sections by lines running parallel to the
sides of the township, one mile apart. A section is, therefore, one mile square, and contains six
hundred and forty acres. In fractional townships, each section is numbered the same as the
corresponding section in whole townships. Each section is subdivided into half-mile squares,
called quarter-sections, each containing one hundred and sixty acres, and the subdivision is
carried still further into half-quarter or quarter-quarter sections. It is found necessary to estab-
• lish at stated intervals standard parallels, commonly called correction lines, to obviate the eff'ect
of the curvature of the earth's surface. The convergence in a single township is small, though
quite perceptible, the actual excess in length of its south over its north line being in the state
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 221
about three rods. The townships north of the base line, therefore, become narrower toward the
north, and if continued for too great a distance, this narrowing would cause serious inconvenience.
In the state of Wisconsin there are four of these correction lines. The first is sixty miles
north of the base line, and accordingly runs between townships ten and eleven. The second is
between townships twenty and twenty-one, and so on. They are usually sixty miles apart. On
these parallels, which" form new base lines, fresh measurements are made . from the principal
meridian, and the corners of new townships are fixed six miles apart as on the original base line.
This method of procedure hot only takes up the error due to convergency of meridians, but
arrests that caused by want of precision in the surveys already made.
The northern or western sections of townships, which contain more or less than six hun-
dred and forty acres, are called fractional sections, for the reason that the surplusage or
deficiency arising from errors in surveying, and from other causes, is by law added to or
deducted from the western or northern ranges of sections according as the error may be in run-
ning the lines from east to west, or from north to south.
As soon as the surveys were completed in southern Wisconsin and the Green Bay section,
and a knowledge of the superior qualities of the land for agricultural purposes were known to
the people, the emigration became large. In fact much land was taken possession of by settlers
in advance of being surveyed and brought into market. As soon as the land offices at Green
Bay, Mineral Point, and Milwaukee were located, public announcement was made by the govern-
ment, of the time of the sale, when the lands were put up to the highest bidder, and such as were
unsold were afterward subject to private entry. The first sales were held at Green Bay and
Mineral Point in the year 1835. The sale at Milwaukee was in 1839. From the reports of the
general land office, it appears that from 1835 to 1845 inclusive, there were sold at the three land
offices from public sale, 2,958,592^*5^ acres, amounting to $3,768,106.51.
Fort Howard military reservation was set apart by order of the president March 2, 1829,
and comprised all the lands lying upon Fox river and Green bay, in township 24 north, range 20
east, 4th principal meridian, being about four thousand acres. The lands were abandoned for
military purposes, by the war department, December 4, 1850. By an act of congress approved
March 3, 1863, the commissioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause
the reservation, including the site of the fort, containing three and four-hundredths acres, situated
in the county of Brown, between Fox river and Beaver Dam run, and which is not included in
the confirmations to T. C. Dousman and Daniel Whitney, nor in the grant to the state of Wis-
consin, under resolutions of congress approved April 25, 1862, granting lands to Wisconsin to
aid in the construction of railroads, to be surveyed and subdivided into lots not less than one-
fourth of an acre, and not more than forty acres, deducting such portions of the same as the
J)ublic interest and convenience may require ; and when so surveyed and platted, to be sold sep-
arately at auction. On the loth of November, 1864, under directions of the commissioner, the
lands were offered for sale at auction at the fort. About one-half of the lands were sold, and
purchased by actual settlers, and but few for speculation. The fort and the lands contiguous
were sold for six thousand four hundred dollars. The other lands sold brought about the sum
of nineteen thousand dollars.
That portion of the reservation unsold was to be subject to private entry at the appraised
value, and that portion lying between Duck creek and Beaver Dam creek, was subject to entry
as other public lands were offered.
On the 20th of May, 1868, a joint resolution of congress was approved, by which the com-
missioner of the general land office was authorized and directed to cause a patent to be issued
to the Chicago & Northwestern railroad company, in pursuance of a resolution passed by con-
222 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
gress, granting the same to the state of Wisconsin, approved April 25, 1862, and by act of the
legislature approved June 16, 1862, granting the same to that company for eighty acres of land,
as was .surveyed and approved by said commissioner June 11, 1864. The lands thus donated
are now used by the railroad cotapany for their depot grounds
The Fort Crawford military reservation was purchased from J. H. Lockwood and James D.
Doty by the government in the year 1829, and covered the front and main portions of farm lots
numbered thirty-three and thirty-four, of the private land claims at Prairie du Chien, and com-
prised about one hundred and sixty acres. , Fort Crawford was built on this tract in 1829, 1830
and 1831. There was also a reservation of section eighteen, township seven, north' of range
four west, known as the Cattle Yard. This land was at the mouth of the Kickapoo river, and
is now known as the village of Wauzeka. In addition to these lands which were located in Wis-
consin, there was a reservation of lands lying on the west side of the Mississippi river, in Iowa.
The lands in Wisconsin were relinquished by the secretary of wai, January 10, 1851, and were
originally set apart by the president of the United States, February 17, 1843.
In the month of April, 1857, the secretary of war authorized Hon. H. M. Rice, of Minne-
sota, to sell that part of the reservation not improved, m tracts not exceeding forty acres each;
and, in the month of June of that year, he sold at auction five hundred and seven acres of the
reserve opposite Fort Crawford, none of which was claimed by actual settlers ; and in the month
of December, 1857, he sold the remainder to claimants of lands, also on the west side, and the
section in Wisconsin known as the Cattle Yard, amounting to i77i%- acres. A portion of this
reservation was subdivided into town lots, 80 by 140 feet, with streets 66 feet and alleys 20 feet
wide November 17, 1864, the acting commissioner of the general land office, by order
of the war department, offered for sale at public auction at La Crosse the reservation at Fort
Crawford, which had been surveyed and subdivided into town lots, eighty by one hundred and
forty feet, with streets sixty-five feet and alleys twenty feet wide, conforming to the plat of the
village of Prairie du Chien. The lands unsold were subsequently opened to private entry and
disposed of.
The lands of the Fort Winnebago reservation were set apart by order of the president,
February 9, 1835, and consisted of the following territory: sections two, three, and that part of
four lying east of Fox river, and fractional section nine, all in township twelve, north of range
nine east , also fractional section thirty-three, in township thirteen, north of range nine east,
lying west of Fox river, and the fraction of section four, township twelve north, of range nine
east, lying west of claim numbered twenty-one of A. Grignon, and adjacent to Fort Winnebago,,
reserved by order of the president, July Sg, 1S51.. the whole amounting to about four thousand
flCres. September the first, 1853, these lands were by order of the president offered for sale
at public auction at the fort, by F. H. Masten, assistant quartermaster United States army,
having previously been surveyed into forty acre lots, and were purchased by J. B. Martin, G. C.
Tallman, W. H. Wells, Wm. Wier, N. H. Wood, M. R. Keegan, and others.
The first land offices in Wisconsin were established under an act of congress approved
June 26, 1834, creating additional land disthcts in the states of Illinois and Missouri, and in the
territory north of the state of Illinois. The first section provides " that all that tract lying north
of the state of Illinois, west of Lake Michigan, south and southeast of the Wisconsin and Fox
rivers, included in the present territory of Michigan, shall be divided by a north and south line,
drawn from the northern boundary of Illinois along the range of township line west of Fort
Winnebago to the Wisconsin river, and to be called — the one on the west side, the Wisconsin
land district, and that on the east side the Green Bay land district of the territory of Michigan,
which two districts shall embrace the country north of said rivers when the Indian title shall be
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 223
extinguished, and the Green Bay district may be divided- so as to form two districts, whe»
the president shall deem it proper ;" and by section three of said act, the president was author-
ized to appoint a register and receiver for such office, as soon as a sufficient number of townships
are surveyed.
An act of congress, approved June 15, 1836, divided the Green Bay land district, as estab-
lished in 1834, " by a line commencing on the western boundary of said district, and running
thence east between townships ten and eleven north, to the line between ranges seventeen and
eighteen east, thence north between said ranges of townships to the line between townships
twelve and thirteen north, thence east between said townships twelve and thirteen to Lake
Michigan ; and all the country bounded north by the division line here described, south by the
base line, east by Lake Michigan, and west by the division line between ranges eight and nine
east," to be constituted a separate district and known as the " Milwaukee land district." It
included the present counties, of Racine, Kenosha, Rock, Jefferson, Waukesha, Walworth and
Milwaukee, and parts of Green, Dane, Washington, Ozaukee, Dodge and Columbia.
An act was approved March 3, 1847, creating an additional land district in the territory.
All that portion of the public lands lying north and west of the following boundaries, formed a
district to be known as the Chippewa land district : commencing at the Mississippi river on the
line between townships twenty-two and twenty-three north, running -thence east along said line
to the fourth principal meridian, thence north along said meridian line to the line dividing town-
ships twenty-nine and thirty, thence east along such township line to the Wisconsin river, thence up
the main channel of said river to the boundary line between the state of Michigan and the territory
of Wisconsin. The counties now included in this district are Pepin, Clark, Eau Claire, Dunn,
Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, Barron, Burnett, Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, Taylor, Chippewa, and parts
of Buffalo, Trempeleau and Jackson ; also, the new county of Price.
An act of congress, approved March 2, 1849, changed the location of the land office in the
Chippewa district from the falls of St. Croix to Stillwater, in the county of St. Croix, in the
proposed territory of Minnesota ; and, by section two of the act, an additional land office and
district was created, comprising all the lands in Wisconsin not included in the districts of land
subject to sale at Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Mineral Point, which was to be known as the Western
land district, and the president was authorized to designate the site where the office should be
heated. Willow River, now Hudson, was selected. The district was usually known as the St.
Croix and Chippewa district, and included St. Croix, La Pointe, and parts of Chippewa and
Marathon counties. By an act of congress, approved July 30, 1852, so much of the public lands
in Wisconsin as lay within a boundary line commencing at the southwest corner of township
fifteen, north of range two east of the fourth principal meridian, thence running due east to the
southeast corner of township fifteen, north of range eleven, east of the fourth principal meridian,
thence north along such range line to the north line of the state of Wisconsin, thence westwardly
along said north line to the line between ranges one and two east of fourth principal meridian,
thence south to the place of beginning, were formed into a new district, and known as the
Stevens Point land district, and a land office located at that place.
The boundaries enclosed the present counties of Juneau, Adams, Marquette, Green Lake,
Waushara, Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Lincoln, Shawano, New and Majinette. The
La Crosse land district was formed of the following territory : " Commencing at a point where
the line between townships ten and eleven north touches the Mississippi river, thence due east to
the fourth principal meridian, thence north to the line between townships fourteen and fifteen
north, thence east to the southeast comer of township fifteen north, of range one east of the
224
HISTORY OP WISCONSIN
fourth principal meridian, thence north on the range line to the south line of township number
thirty-one nonh, thence west on the line between townsliips number thirty and thirty-one to the
Chippewa river, thence down said river to its junction with the Mississippi river, thence down
said river to the place of beginning.'' The present counties of Vernon, La Crosse, Monroe, Buf-
falo, Trempealeau, Eau Claire, Clark, and parts of Juneau and Chippewa were included in
its limits.
By act of congress, approved February 24, 1855, an additional district was formed of all that
portion of the Willow river land district lying north of the line dividing townships forty and
forty-one, to be called the Fond du Lac district — the office to be located by the president as he
might from time to time direct. The present counties of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and part
of Burnett were included within its boui^daries.
By an act of congress, approved March 3, 1857, so much of the districts of land subject to
sale at La Crosse and Hudson, in the state of Wisconsin, contained in the following boundaries,
were constituted a new district, to be known as the Chippewa land district : North of the line
dividing townships twenty-four and twenty-five north ; south of the line dividing townships forty
and forty-one north ; west of the line dividing ranges one and two east ; and east of the line
dividing ranges eleven and twelve west. The location of the office was to be designated by the
president as the public interest might require. The present counties of Chippewa, .Taylor, Eau
Claire and Clark were in this district.
There are at the present time six land offices in the state. They are located at Menasha,
Falls of St. Croix, Wausau, La Crosse, Bayfield and Eau Claire. By the provisions of law, when
the number of acres of land in any one district is reduced to one hundred thousand acres, sub-
ject to private entry, the secretary of the interior is required to discontinue the office, and the
lands remaining unsold are transferred to the nearest land office, to be there subject to sale. The
power of locating these offices rests with the president (unless otherwise directed by law), who is
also authorized to change and re-establish the boundaries of land districts whenever, in his
opinion, the public service will be subserved thereby.
The pre-emption law of 1830 was intended for the benefit of actual settlers against compe-
tition in open market with non-resident purchasers. It gave every person who cultivated any
part of a quarter section the previous year, and occupied the tract at the date mentioned, the
privilege of securing it by payment of the minimum price at any time before the day fixed for
the commencement of the public sale. To avail himself of this provision he was to file proof
of cultivation and occupancy. As men frequently located claims in advance of the survey, it
occasionally happened that two or more would find themselves upon the same quarter section
in which case the pre-emption law permitted two joint occupants to divide the quarter section
equally between them, whereupon each party received a certificate from the land office, author-
izing him to locate an additional eighty acres, elsewhere in the same land district, not interfering
with other settlers having the right of preference. This was called a floating right. This pro-
vision of the law was ingeniously perverted from its plain purpose in various ways.
As fast as these evasions came to the notice of the department, all certificates given to
occupants of the same quarter section in excess of the t.wo first, or to more than one member of
the same family, to employees, to any person who had not paid for eighty acres originally
occupied, as well as those which were not located at the time of such payment, and the additional
tract paid for before the public sale, were held to be worthless or fraudulent ; but a large number
of these certificates had been issued, and passed into the hands of speculators and designing
men, and were a source of almost endless vexation and annoyance to settlers. The law of 1830
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 225
expired by limitation in one year from its passage, but was revived by the law of 1834 for two
years. In the interim no settler could obtain his land by pre-emption. The law of 1834 extended
only to those who had made cultivation in 1833, consequently the settlers of later date were
excluded from its benefits. Meanwhile the fraudulent floats were freely used to dispossess actual
settlers as late as 1835.
The pre-emption law of congress, approved September 4, 1841, provided that every person
who should make a settlement in person on public land, and erect a dwelling, should be author-
ized to enter a quarter section (one hundred and sixty acres), at the minimum price (one dollar
and twenty-five cents per acre), and thus secure the same against competition ; and if any person
should settle upon and improve land subject to private entry, he might within thirty days give
notice to the register of the land office of his intention to claim the land settled upon, and might
within one year upon making proof of his right, enter the land at the minimum price.
At the public land sales at Mineral Point, held in 1835, all those tracts on which leaa was
found, or on which it was supposed to exist, were reserved to the United States, and were leased
under certain regulations by the government for a rent of ten per centum of all the lead raised.
The quantity of land thus reserved was estimated at one million acres. Considerable difficulty
was found in collecting these rents, and subsequently it was abandoned, as the amount
expended in collecting exceeded the value of the lead collected. In the period of four years
the government suffered a loss of over nineteen thousand dollars.
The act of congress, approved July 11, 1846, authorized the sale of the reserved mineral
lands in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, and provided that, after six months' public notice, the lands
should not be subject to the rights of pre-emption until after the same had been offered at public
sale, when they should be subject to private entry. The law also provided, that, upon satisfac-
tory proof being made to the register and receiver of the proper land office, any tract or tracts
of land containing a mine or mines of lead ore actually discovered and being worked, would be
sold in such legal subdivisions as would include lead mines, and no bid should be received
therefor at less than the sum of two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and if such tract or tracts
should not be sold at such public sale, at such price, nor should be entered at private sale within
twelve months thereafter, the same should be subject to sale as other lands. This act was
changed by an act approved March 3, 1847, providing that any one being in possession by
actual occupancy of a mine discovered prior to the passage of this act, who should pay the same
rents as those who held leases from the secretary of war, should be entitled to purchase the lands
prior to the day of sale at five dollars per acre. Mineral lands were to be offered for sale in forty
acre pieces, and no bids were to be received less than five dollars per acre, and if not sold they
were then to be subject to private entry at the same price. In 1847 or r848 the reserved mineral
lands were sold at public sale at Mineral Point at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, and they
were all disposed of at that price.
Soon after the formation of Wisconsin territory, an act was passed by its legislature,
approved January 5, 1838, incorporating the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, and by
an act of congress approved June 18 of the same year, a grant of land was made to aid in the
construction of the canal. The grant consisted of the odd-numbered sections on a belt of ten
miles in width from Lake Michigan to Rock river, amounting to 139,190 acres. Of those lands
43,447 acres were sold at public sale in July, 1839, at the minimum price of two dollars and fifty
cents per acre. Work was commencedon the canal at Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee river for
a short distance from its outlet was improved by the construction of a dam acsoss the river,
which was made available for manufacturing and other purposes. A canal was also built about
a mile in length and forty feet wide, leading from it down on the west bank of the river. Much
226 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
dissatisfaction subsequently arose ; the purchasers at this sale, and others occupying these canal
and reserved lands felt the injustice of being compelled to pay double price for their lands, and
efforts were made to repeal all laws authorizing further sales, and to ask congress to repeal the
act making the grant. The legislation on the subject of this grant is voluminous. In 1862 the
legislature of the state passed an act to ascertain and settle the liabilities, if any, of Wisconsin
and the company, and a board of commissioners was appointed for that purpose. At the session
of the legislature in 1863, the committee made a report with a lengthy opinion of the attorney-gen-
eral of the state. The views of that officer were, that the company had no valid claims for damages
against the state. In this opinion the commissioners concurred. On the 23d of March, 1875,
an act was approved by the governor, giving authority to the attorney-general to discharge and
release of record any mortgage before executed to the late territory of Wisconsin, given to secure
the purchase money or any part thereof of any lands granted by congress to aid in the construc-
tion of this canal. The quantity of lands unsold was subsequently made a part of the 500,000
acre tract granted by congress for school purposes. It is believed the whole matter is now closed
against further legislative enactments.
The next grant of lands made by congress lor internal improvements in Wisconsin, was one
approved August 8, 1846, entitled " an act to grant a certain quantity of land to aid in the
improvement of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers, and to connect the same by canal." By this act
there was granted to Wisconsin on her becoming a state, for improving the navigation of the
above-named streams, and constructing the canal to unite the same, a quantity of land equal to
one-half of three sections in width on each side of Fox river, and the lakes through which it
passes from its mouth to the point where the portage canal should enter the same, and each side
of the canal from one stream to the other, reserving the alternate sections to the United States
with certain provisions in relation thereto. On the 3d of August, 1854, an act of congress was
approved, authorizing|^the governor of Wisconsin to select the balance of lands to which the state
was'entitled to under the provisions of the act of 1846, out of any unsold government lands sub-
ject to private entry in the state, the quantity to be ascertained upon the principles which gov-
erned the final adjustment of the grant to the state of Indiana, for the Wabash and Erie canal,
approved May 9, 1848. In the years 1854 and 1855, acts of congress were passed, defining and
enlarging the grant. Under the grants of 1846, 1854 and 1855, the number of acres donated for
this purpose and certified to the state, was 674,100.
After the admission of Wisconsin into the Union, by an act of its legislature, approved
August 8, 1848, a board of public works was created, through which the work of improving the
said rivers, by the application thereto of the proceeds of the sale of the lands granted by con-
gress, was undertaken by the state.
It soon became apparent that the moneys realized from the sale of lands were insufficient to
meet the obligations of the state issued by its board of public works as they became due ; and
in 1853 the work was turned over to the Fox and Wisconsin Improvement company, a corpora-
tion created under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin approved July 6, 1853. In 1856, by an
act of the legislature of Wisconsin, approved October 3, 1856, the lands granted by congress
then unsold were granted by the state, through the said company, to trustees, with power to
sell, and to hold the proceeds in trust for the payment of state indebtedness, the completion
of the work, thereafter for the payment of bonds issued by the said company, and the balance, if
any, for the company itself.
In February, 1866, the trustees, in execution of the powers contained in the deed of trust
made to them, and pursuant to a judgment of the circuit court of Fond du Lac county, sold at
public sale at Appleton, Wisconsin, the works of improvement and the balance of lands granted
r'^^.^^y^^^^
(deceased)
PEWAUKEE
THE PUBLIC IJOMAI-NT. 227
by congress then unsold, and applied the proceeds to the purposes expressed in the deed of trust.
The proceeds were sufficient to pay in full the expenses of the trust, the then outstanding
state indebtedness, and to provide a fund sufficient to complete the work according to the plan
specified in the act approved October 3, 1856.
Under an act of the legislature of Wisconsin ; pproved April 13, 1861, and the acts amend-
atory thereof, the purchasers at said sale, on the isth day of August, 1866, filed their certificate
in the office of the secretary of state, and thereby became incorporated as the Green Bay and
Mississippi canal company, holding, as such company, the said works of improvement.
At a subsequent date, under instructions from the engineer department of the United States,
the surveys of the Fox and Wisconsin rivers were placed in the charge of General G. K. War-
ren, and by act of congress approved July 7, 1870, the secretary of war was authorized to
appoint a board of arbitrators to ascertain how much the government should pay to the suc-
cessors of the Improvement company, the Green Bay and Mississippi canal company, for the
transfer of all its property and rights; and by a subsequent act, approved June 10, 1872, an
appropriation was made therefor.
The legislation on matters connected with the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement would
make a chapter of itself. The work is now in charge of the government, and will be prosecuted
to completion in a satisjfactory manner.
On the 29th of May, 1848, an act was approved by the president "to enable the people of
Wisconsin territory to form a constitution and state government, and for the admission of such
state into the Union," by which certain propositions were to be submitted to the convention
which were to be acted upon, and subsequently submitted to the people for their approval. The
first constitutional convention was held in October, 1846, and, having framed a constitution, it
was submitted to a vote of the people at the election in 1847, and it was rejected. The second
convention met December 15, 1847, and, having formed a constitution, it was adopted by the
people at the election in 1848. The following are the propositions proposed by congress :
1. That section sixteen numbered in every township of the public lands of said state, and
where such section has been sold or otherwise disposed of, other lands equivalent thereto, and
as contiguous as may be, shall be granted to the said state for the use of schools.
2. That seventy-two sections, or two entire townships, of land set apart and reserved for
the use and support of a university by act of congress approved June 12, 1838, are hereby granted
and conveyed to the state, to be appropriated solely to the use and support of such university in
such manner as the legislature may prescribe.
3. That ten entire sections of land to be selected and located under the direction of the
legislature, in legal subdivisions of not less than one quarter of a section from any of the unap-
propriated lands belonging to the United States within the state are granted to the state for
completing the public buildings, or for the erection of others at the seat of government, under
the direction of the legislature.
4. That all salt-springs within the state, not exceeding twelve in number, shall be granted to
the state, to be selected by the legislature, and when selected, to be used or disposed of on such
terms, conditions, and regulations as the legislature shall direct.
The title to all lands and other property which accrued to the territory of Wisconsin by
grant, gift, purchase, forfeiture, escheat, or otherwise, were, by the provisions of the constitution
of the state, vested in the state ; and the people of the state, in their right of sovereignty, were
declared to possess the ultimate property in and to all lands within its jurisdiction ; and all
lands, the title of which shall fail from a defect of heirs, shall revert or escheat to the people.
The act of congress for the admission of the state into the Union gave formal assent to the
228 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
grant relative to the Fox and Wisconsin river improvement, and the lands reserved to the United
States by said grant, and also the grant to the territory of Wisconsin, for the purpose of aiding
in opening a canal to connect the waters of Lake Michigan with those of Rock river, were to be
offered for sale at the same minimum price, and subject to the same rights of pre-emption as
Other public lands of the United States.
By the provisions of the state constitution, the secretary of state, the state treasurer and
attorney-general, were constituted a board of commissioners for the sale of the school and
university lands, and for the investment of the funds arising therefrom. In the year 1850 the
commissioners put into market, for the first time, the school lands which had been donated to the
state. The total quantity of lands offered was 148,021, 44-100 acres, which sold for the sum of
$444,265.19.
By an act of congress, approved September 4, 1841, there were granted to the state 500,000
acres of land, which were, by act of the territorial legislature of 1849, appropriated to the school
fund, and the unsold lands of the Milwaukee and Rock river canal company, amounting to about
140,000 acres, were to be included as a part of the above grant. These lands, and the sixteenth
section of each township, make up the whole of the school lands of the state. The whole
number of acres sold up to the year 1877 is 1,243,984 acres, and there remain unsold, subject'
to entry, 216,016 acres.
The state university land grant was made in 1838, and seventy-two sections set apart and
reserved. The lands were selected in 1845 and 1846. On the 15th of December, 1854, an act
of congress was approved, relinquishing to' the state tjie lands reserved for the salt-springs, and
seventy-two sections were granted in lieu thereof, in aid of the university of the state The
number of acres amounts to 92,160, all of which have been sold excejit 4,407 acres, which are
subject to entry. Under the re-organization and enlargement of the university, under provisions
of chapter 114, of general laws of 1866, section thirteen provides, among other things, that the
income of a fund to be derived from the sales of the two hundred and forty thousand acres,
gra,nted by congress by act approved July z, 1862, entitled : "An act donating lands to the
several states and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and
mechanic arts," be devoted to the state university, and the funds arising therefrom to be known
as the " agricultural college fund." All of the grant of lands have been sold except 51,635 acres.
The quantity of lands donated by act of congress August 6, 1846, for the purpose of completing or
erecting public buildings at the seat of government, known as " Capitol Lands," amounted to
ten entire sections, or six thousand four hundred acres. A grant of lands was made to the state
by act of congress, approved September 28, 1850, of all the swamp and overflowed lands within
its limits. The total number of acres of this grant, as certified to the state from the government,
to the year 1877, is 1,869,677.
A grant of land was made by congress, approved March 3, 1863, for the construction of a
military road from Fort Wilkins, Michigan, to Fort Howard, Wisconsin, of every alternate
section of public lands, designated by even numbers for three sections in width on each side of
said road, and subject to the disposal of the legislature. In 1865 sales of land were made to
the number of 85,961.89 acres, which realized the sum of $114,856.54.
An act of congress was approved June 25, 1864, granting lands to the state to build a military
road from Wausau, Wisconsin, to Ontonagon, on Lake Superior, of every alternate section of
land designated as odd sections, for three sections in width on each side of the road. The grant
was accepted by the state by law, approved April 10, 1865.
An act was also passed by congress, approved April 10, 1866, granting to the state of Wis-
consin a donation of public lands to aid in the construction of a breakwater and harbor and ship
THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 229
canal at the head of Sturgeon bay, Wis., to connect the waters of Green bay with Lake Michigan.
The grant was for 200,000 acres of land. The grant was accepted by the legislature of 1868.
In 1874, thesamebody by resolution transferred to the Sturgeon bay and Lake Michigan ship canal
and harbor company 32,342 acres, and the remaining portion was authorized to be sold for agri-
cultural purposes by said company.
The first railroad grant in Wisconsin was by act of congress, approved June 3, 1856, by the
first section of which there was granted to the state, for the purpose of aiding in the construction
of a railroad from Madison or Columbus, by the way of Portage City, to the St. Croix river or
lake, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one, and from thence to the west end of Lake
Superior and to Bayfield ; and from Fond du Lac, on Lake Winnebago, northerly to the state line,
every alternate section of land designated by odd numbers, for six sections in width on each side
of said roads, respectively; the land to be applied exclusively in the construction of said roads,
and to no other purpose whatever, and subject to the disposal of the legislature, and the same
shall remain public highways for the use of the government, free from toll and other charges
upon the transportation of property or troops of the United States, with other conditions as to
the disposal of said lands.
The grant was accepted by the legislature by an act approved October 8, 1856, and on the
nth of the same month an act was approved granting a portion of the lands to the La Crosse &
Mississippi railroad company, who were to carry out all the requirements of the original grant.
A supplementary act was approved the same session, October 13, incorporating the Wisconsin &
Superior railroad, which company was required to commence the construction of their road on
or before January i, 1857, and to complete the same to Oshkosh before August i, 1858. Of this
land grant John W. Cary says : " That portion of the grant given to aid in the construction of
a railroad northerly to the state line was conferred on the Wisconsin & Superior railroad company.
This company was organized in the interest of the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac railroad
company, and that part of the grant was transferred to it. The road was, in 1859, extended to
Oshkosh, and thence to Menasha, and finally to Green Bay. In the panic of 1857, the company
failed to meet its obligations, but was afterward enabled to go on, and continued in possession
until June 2, 1859, when its road was sold on the foreclosures of the mortgages given thereon ;
and on the sixth of the same month the present Chicago & Northwestern railroad company was
organized under the statute, by purchasers at said sale, and took possession."
A large portion of the original grant was given for the construction of a road from Madison
or Columbus to the St. Croix river, as before stated. The La Crosse company, during the years
1857 and 1858, completed its main line to La Crosse; the Watertown line, from Watertown to
Columbus, and partially graded the line from Madison to Portage City. Neither it nor its suc-
cessors ever received any part of the lands of the land grant.
In 1856 and 1857, the La Crosse & Milwaukee railroad graded most of the line from Madi-
son to Portage. After the failure of the company, this line was abandoned, and so remained
until 1870, when a new company was organized, under the name of the Madison & Portage City
railroad company. In 1873, an act was passed chartering the Tomah & Lake St. Croix railroad
company, and repealing and annulling that portion of the land grant which bestowed the lands
from Tomah to Lake St. Croix upon the La Crosse company, and bestowing the same upon the
company chartered by this act. This road is known as the West Wisconsin railroad.
An act of congress was approved May 5, 1864, granting lands to aid in the construction of
certain roads in the state. This was a re-enactment of the law of 1856, and divided the grant
in three sections, one of which was for a road from a point on the St. Croix river or lake, between
230 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
townships twenty-five and thirty-one, to the west end,of Lake Superior, and from some point on
the line of said road, to be selected by the state, to Bayfield — every alternate section designated
by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each side of said road, with an indemnity extending
twenty miles on each side, was granted, under certain regulations ; another, for aiding in building
a road from Tomah to the St. Croix river, between townships twenty-five and thirty-one — every
alternate section by odd riumbers, for ten sections in width on each side of the road ; another
for aiding and constructing a railroad from Portage City, Berlin, Doty's Island, or Fond du Lac,
as the legislature may determine, in a northwestern direction, to Bayfield, on Lake Superior, and
a grant of every alternate section designated by odd numbers, for ten sections in width on each
side of said road, was donated.
The legislature of 1865 failed to agree upon a disposition of the grant. The succeeding
legislature conferred the grant partly upon the " Winnebago & Lake Superior Railroad Company,"
and partly upon the " Portage & Superior Railroad Company," the former April 6, 1866, and the
latter April 9, 1866. The two companies were consoHdated, under the name of the "Portage,
Winnebago & Superior Railroad," by act of the legislature, March 6, 1869, and by act of legis-
lature approved February 4, 1871, the name was changed to the "Wisconsin Central Railroad."
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN.
By JOSEPH HOBBINS, M.D.
An article on state health, necessarily embracing the etiology, or causes of disease, involves
the discussion of the geographical position of the state ; its area, physical features ; its elevations,
depressions ; water supply ; drainage ; its mean level above the sea ; its geology ; climatology ;
the nationality of its people ; their occupations, habits, food, education ; and, indeed, of all the
physical, moral and mental influences which affect the public health.
Geographical Position.
The geographical position of Wisconsin, considered in relation to health, conveys an imme-
diate and favorable impression, which is at once confirmed by a reference to the statistical atlas
of the United States. On its north it is bounded by Lake Superior, Minnesota, and the northern
peninsula of Michigan; on the south by Illinois; on the east by Lake Michigan, and on the
west by the Mississippi. It lies between 42° 30' and 46° 55' N.' latitude, and between 87° and
92° 50' W. long.; is 285 miles long from north to south, and 255 ,in breadth from east to west,
giving it an area of some 53,924 square miles, or 34,511,360 acres. Its natural surface divisions,
or proportions, are 16 per cent, of prairie, 50 of timber, 19 of openings, 15 of marsh, mineral
undefined. North of 45° the surface is nearly covered with vast forests of pine. The proportion
of the state cultivated is nearly one-sixth.
Physical Features.
Among these, its lacustrine character is most conspicuous, so much so that it may not inaptly
be called the state of a thousand lakes, its smaller ones being almost universal and innumerable.
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 231
It has an almost artificially perfect arrangement of its larger rivers, both for supply and drainage,
is rolling in its surface, having several dividing ridges or water sheds, and varies from 600 to 1,600
feet above the level of the sea. Blue Mounds being 1,729 feet above sea level. Its pine and
thickly wooded lands are being rapidly denuded, and to some extent converted to agricultural
purposes ; its marshes in the north are being reclaimed for cranberry cultivation, and in the more
thickly settled parts of the state for hay purposes. The surface of the state is beautifully diver-
sified with stream, waterfall and rapids ; richly wooded bluffs several hundred feet in height,
assuming the most romantic and pleasing forms, and composed of sandstone, magnesian
limestone, granite, trap, etc. The health and summer resorts of Wisconsin are illustrative of its
beauty, and its numerous mineral springs have long since formed an important feature of its
character for salubrity.
Geology.
The geology of Wisconsin does not require from us but a very general notice, as it is only
from its relation to disease that we have to consider it. This relation is in a measure apparent
in the fact that everywhere the topographical features are governed by the strata below them.
The relationship will be seen still further in the chemical or sanitary influence of the geological
structures. Through the greater part of the south half of the state, limestone is found, the cliff
prevailing in the mineral region, and the blue in the other parts ; while in the north part of the
state the primitive rocks, granite, slate, and sandstone prevail. South of the Wisconsin river
sandstone in layers of limestone, forming the most picturesque bluffs, abounds. While west of
Lake Michigan extends up to these rocks the limestone formation, being rich in timber or prairie
land. Sandstone is found underneath the blue limestone. The general dip of the stratified
rocks of the state is toward the south, about 8 feet to the mile.
Medical geology treats of geology so far only as it affects health. Thus, some diluvial soils
and sands are known to be productive of malarial fevers ; others, of a clayey character, retaining
water, are productive of cold damp, and give rise to pulmonary and inflammatory diseases •
while others still, being very porous, are promotive of a dry and equable atmosphere. In
the Potsdam rocks arise our purest waters and best supply, while our magnesian limestone rocks
(a good quality of this kind of rock being composed of nearly equal parts of carbonate of lime
and carbonate of magnesia) affect the water to the extent of producing simple diarrhoea in those
unaccustomed to drinking it, as is observed in southern visitors, and was especially noticeable
in the rebel prisoners at Camp Randall, though singularly enough do not seem to produce
stone and gravel, as is alleged of the same kind of water in the north of England. Why this is
so — if so — is a question of some interest. Goitre and cretinism are both attributed to the use
of the same magnesian limestone water. Goitre is by no means an uncommon affection here,
but not common enough, perhaps, to warrant us in thinking its special cause is in the water.
Boiling the water is a preventive of all injurious effects. There is still another objection — partic-
ularly applicable to cities — to this kind of water, the carbonates of lime and magnesia which
it contains, not simply making it hard, but giving it the power to promote the decomposition of
organic matters, and thus where the soil is sandy or porous, endangering the purity of our well-
water. Geology in general affects all our soils and their products ; all our drainage ; even our
architecture, the material with which we build. Our building stone for half of the state is a
magnesian limestone, a rather soft or poor quality of which will absorb one-third of its bulk of
water, or two and a half gallons to the cubic foot, while most kinds of sandstone are nearly as
porous as loose sand, and in some of them the penetrability for air and water is the same. (A
single brick of poor quality will absorb a pint of water). Such materials used in the construction
232 HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN.
of our dwellings, without precautionary measures, give rise to rheumatism, other grave diseases,
and loss of strength. Besides, this character of stone absorbs readily all kinds of liquid and
gaseous impurities, and though hardening in dry air, decays soon when exposed to underground
moisture. The material of which our roads are made, as well as the kind of fuel we use inour
homes, have the same unquestionable relationship to geology and disease.
Drainage.
The natural drainage of the state, bearing in mind that the mean elevation of its hydro-
graphical axis is about i,ooo feet above the sea level, is as excellent as it is obvious. (A line
running from Lake Michigan across the state to the Mississippi, shows an elevation of about 500
feet). North its drainage is by a few rapid but insignificant streams into Lake Superior, while
east it increases greatly and enters Lake Michigan by way of Green bay. The principal part of
the supply and drainage, however, is from the extreme north to the southwest through the center
of the state, by five large rivers, which empty themselves into the Mississippi at almost equal
distances from each other.
Climatology.
The climatology of Wisconsin will be exhibited in the observations taken at different times,
for longer or shorter periods, and at different points of the state. But it must be borne in mind
that climate depends quite as much and very frequently more upon the physical surroundings,
upon the presence of large bodies of water, like our lakes, upon large forests, like our pineries,
like our heavy hard-woods, and of land elevations and depressions, upon isothermal lines, etc., as
it does upon latitude. Our historic period is of a character too brief for us to assume to speak
of our climate, or of all the changing causes which influence it — in a positive manner, our
horticultural writers, to make the difficulty still greater, affirming that it has several climates within
itself J still, sufficient data have been gathered from sufficiently reliable sources to enable us to
form a tolerably accurate idea of the subject.
The great modifiers of our climate are our lakes. These, bounding as they do, the one,
Lake Superior (600 feet above the level of the sea, 420 miles long and 160 broad), on the north
side of the state, and the other. Lake Michigan (578 feet above the sea level, 320 miles long and
84 broad), on the east side of the state, serve to govern the range of the thermometer and the
mean temperature of the seasons, as much as they are governed in New England by the ocean.
Our climate is consequently very much like that of the New England sea-board. They both
exhibit the same extremes and great extremes, have the same broadly marked continental features
at some seasons, and decided tropical features at others. It is of special interest in this con-
nection to know that the climate between the eastern coast and the lakps increases in rigor as
one advances west until the lakes are reached, and again becomes still more rigorous as one
advances into the interior west of the lakes, thus affording proof, if proof were wanting, of the
modifying and agreeable influences of large bodies of water
During the winter the mean temperature of the east on the New England coast is 8.38
higher than the west (bfiyond the lakes) ; during the spring 3.53 lower ; during the summer 6.99
lower; and during the autumn 1.54 higher. In the mean temperature for the year there is but a
fractional difference. That the winters are less rigorous and the summers more temperate on
the Great Lakes is demonstrated to be owing not to elevation, but, as on the ocean, to the equal-
izing agency of an expanse of water.
On the lakes the annual ratio of fair days is 117, and on the New England coast 215 ; the
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 233
cloudy days are as 127 to 73; the rainy as 63 to 46 , and the snowy as 45 to 29 In the former
the prevailing weather is cloudy, and in the latter it is fair. The immense forests on the upper
lake shores of course exercise a considerable influence in the modification of our temperature, as
well as in the adding to our rain-fall and cloudy days. A climate of this character, with its
attendant rains, gives us that with which we are so abundantly supplied, great variety of food,
both for man and beast, the choicest kinds of fruits and vegetables in the greatest profusion, and
of the best quality, streams alive with fish, woods and prairies with game, the noblest trees, the
most exquisite flowers, and the best breeds of domestic animals the world can boast of.
The semi-tropical character of our summer, and its resemblance to that of New England, is
shown by the mean temperature — 70" — for three months at Salem, Massachusetts, at Albany,
New .York, at southern Wisconsin, Fort Snelling and Fort Benton on the Upper Missouri, being
the same ; while at Baltimore, Cincinnati and St. Louis, it is 75", and around the gulf of Mexico
it is 80°. Another feature of our climate is worthy the notice of invalids and of those who make
the thermometer their guide for comfort. It is a well-ascertained fact that during the colder
seasons the lake country is not only relatively, but positively, warmer than places far south of it.
The thermometer, during the severe cold of January, 1856, did not fall so low at the coldest, by
10* to 15" at Lake Superior as at Chicago at the same time. This remark holds true of the
changes of all periods of duration, even if continued over a month. The mean temperature at
Fort Howard, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 600 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 44° 40',
longitude 87°, observations for nine years, is 44.93; and at Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien,
Wisconsin, 580 feet above the level of the Atlantic, latitude 43" 3', longitude 90" 53', observa-
tions for four years, is 45.65, giving a just idea of our mean temperature for the state. Under
the head of distribution of heat in winter, it is found that the maximum winter range at Fort
Winnebago, Wisconsin, for sixteen years, is 9.4.
Hyetal or Rain Character.
Wisconsin is situated within what is termed the area of constant precipitation, neither affected
by a rainy season, nor by a partial dry season. The annual quantity of rain on an average for
three years at Fort Crawford, was 29.54 inches, and at Fort Howard the mean annual on an
average of four years, was '38.83 inches. The annual quantity of rain, on an average of three
years was 31.88 inches at Fort Winnebago, situate (opposite the portage between the Fox and
Wisconsin rivers) 80 miles west of Lake Michigan and 112 miles southwest of Green Bay. The
rain-fall is less in the lake district than in the valley of the Mississippi in the same latitudes.
One of the peculiarities of our winters is the almost periodical rain-fall of a few days in the
middle of the winter (usually in the middle of January), which extend3 to the Atlantic coast,
while north and nbrthwest of us the dry cold continues without a break, winter being uniform and
severe, characterized by aridity and steady low temperature. Another peculiarity of our climate
is, the number of snowy and rainy days is increased disproportionately to the actual quantity —
the large bodies of water on the boundaries of the state, contrary to the popular opinion, reduc-
ing the annual quantity of rain in their immediate vicinity instead of adding to it, the heavier
precipitation being carried further away. One of the most pleasing features of our climate is its
frequent succession of showers in summer, tempering as it does our semi-tropical heat, increasing
the fertility of the soil, and carpeting our prairies with a green as grateful to the eye as that of
England.
The hygrometric condition of Wisconsin may be judged of with proximate accuracy by that
given of Poultney, Iowa :
284
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN
Day.
Temperature
of Air.
Temperature
of Evaporat'n
Humidity,
per cent.
Day.
Temperature
of Air.
Temperature
of Evaporat'n
Humidity,
per cent.
loth
11
12 ...
13
14
92°
87
92
96
93
78°
75
77
81
78
51
55
48
50
44
iglh
20 ... ..
21 _-
29
30
94°
97
96
81
84
81"
81
80
72
71
55
48
47
63
50
The average depth of snow for three years, at Beloit, Wisconsin, was twenty-five inches,
while at Oxford county, Maine, the average for twelve years was ninety inches. The isohyetal
lines of the mean precipitation of rain and melted snow, for the year 1872, show that of Wiscon-
sin to be thirty-two.
Isotherms.
The mean temperature of spring is represented by the isotherm of 45° F. which enters Wis-
consin from the west about forty miles south of Hudson, passing in a nearly southeast direction,
and crosses the south line of the state near the west line of Walworth county. It then passes nearly
around the head of Lake Michigan, then northeast until it reaches the latitude of Milwaukee,
whence it passes in a somewhat irregular course east through Ontario, New York, and Massa-
chusetts, entering the ocean in the vicinity of Boston. The summer mean isotherm of 70° F.
enters Wisconsin from the west but little farther north than the spring isotherm, and passes
through the state nearly parallel with the course of that line, crossing the southern boundary
Hear the east line of Walworth county ; passing through Chicago it goes in a direction a little
South of east, and enters the Atlantic at New Haven. The mean isotherm of 47° F. for autumn,
enters the state about twenty miles north of Prairie du Chien, passing in a direction a little north
of east through Portage, and enters Lake Michigan near Manitowoc. The isotherm of 20° F.
representing the mean temperature of winter, enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes east
and north and enters Lake Michigan at Sturgeon bay. The annual mean temperature, is repre-
«ented by the isotherm of 45° F. which enters the state near Prairie du Chien, passes across the.
State in a direction a little south of east, and enters Lake Michigan a little south of Milwaukee.
What influence these isotherms have upon our belts of disease there are no data to show.
But from their influence upon vegetable life, one can not but infer a similar good influence on
the animal economy. This is a question for the future.
Barometrical.
Yearly mean of barometer at 32" F. as observed at the University of Wisconsin, altitude
1,088 feet above the sea :
1869 28.932 inches.
1870 28.867 "
187I-- 28.986 "
1872 28.898 "
1873 28.892 inches.
1874 28.867 "
1875 28.750 "
1876 28.920 "
Atmospheric pressure, as indicated by the barometer, is an important element in the causation
Of disease, far more so than is generally thought. The barometer indicates not only the qoming
of the storm, but that state of the atmosphere which gives rise to health at one time, and to
disease at another. When the barometer is high, both the body and mind have a feeling of
elasticity, of vigor and activity, and when the barometer ranges low, the feelings of both are just
the reverse ; and both of these states, commonly attributed to temperature, are mostly the result
of change in the barometric pressure. Many inflammations, as of the lungs, etc., commonly
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN. 235
attributed to change in the temperature, have their origin in barometrical vicissitudes.
Winds.
Generally speaking, the atmospheric movement is from the west. It is of little purpose
what the surface wind may be, as this does not affect the fact of the constancy oi the westerly
winds in the middle latitudes. The showers and cumulus clouds of the summer always have this
movement. The beltof westerly winds is the belt of constant and equally distributed rains, the
feature of our winds upon which so much of our health and comfort depends.
Climatological Changes kro.m Settling the State.
*
There are many theories afloat concerning the effects of reclaiming the soil and the destruc-
tion of its forests. To us, a new people and a new state, the question is one of great moment,
the more so that it is still in our power not only to watch the effects of such changes, but still
more so to control them in a measure for our good. As to the effects upon animal and vegetable
life, it would appear that so far as relates to the clearing away of forests, the whole change of
conditions is limited to the surface, and dependent for the most part on the retention and slow
evaporation in the forest, in contrast with the rapid drainage and evaporation in the open space.
The springs, diminishing in number and volume in our more settled parts of the state, do not
indicate a lessening rain-fall. It is a well ascertained fact that in other places so denuded, which
have been allowed to cover themselves again with forests, the springs reappear, and the streams
are as full as before such denudation. With us, happily, while the destruction of forests is going
on in various parts of the state, their second growth \'=, also going on, both in the pineries, where
new varieties of hard- wood take the place of the pine, and in the more cultivated parts of the
state, cultivation forbidding, as it does, the practice so much in vogue some years ago, of running
fires through the undergrowth. Thus, though the renewal of forests may not be keeping pace
with their destruction, it would seem clear that as time advances, the springs and streams in the
more cultivated sections of the state will fill and flow again, increasing in proportion as the second
growth increases and expands.
The change, however, from denudation, though strictly limited to the surface, affects the
surface in other ways than simply in the retention and evaporation of rain. When the winter
winds are blowing, the want of the sheltering protection of belts of trees is bitterly felt, both by
man and beast. And so, too, in the almost tropical heats of the summer ; both languish and suffer
from the want of shade. Nor is the effect of denudation less sensibly felt by vegetable life. The
growing of our more delicate fruits, like the peach, the plum, the pear, the better varieties of the
cherry and gooseberry, with the beautiful half-hardy flowering shrubs, all of which flourished so
well in a number of our older counties some twenty years ago, areas a rule no longer to be found
in those localities, having died out, as is believed, from exposure to the cold winds, to the south
west winds in particular, and for want of the protecting influence of the woods. In fruits, how
ever, we have this compensation, that, while the more tender varieties have been disappearing,
the hardier and equally good varieties, especially of apples, have been increasing, while the
grape (than which nothing speaks better for climatology), of which we grow some 150 varieties,
the strawberry, the raspberry, blackberry and currant, etc., hold their ground. Nor are the cattle
suffering as much as formerly, or as much as is perhaps popularly believed, from this want of
forests or tree shelter. With the better breeds which our farmers have been able of late years to
purchase, with better blood and better food, and better care, our stock instead of dwindling in
condition, or in number, from the effect of cold, has progressed in quality and quantity, and
competes with the best in the Chicago and the New York markets.
236 HISTORY OF WISCONSIK.
There can, however, be no doubt that the planting of groves and belts of trees in exposed
localities, would be serviceable in many ways ; in tempering the air and imparting to it an
agreeable moisture in the summer ; in modifying the severity of the cold in winter ; in moderating
the extreme changes to which our climate is subject; and thus in a measure preventing those
discomforts and diseases which occur from sudden changes of temperature. Besides, these
plantings, when made between our homes or villages and malarial marshes southwest of us, serve
(by the aid of our prevailing southwest winds) to break up, to send over and above and beyond
us the malarial substratum of air to which we are otherwise injuriously exposed.
The effects of reclaiming the soil, or "breaking " as it is called in the west, have, years ago,
when the state first began to be settled, been disastrous to health and to life. The moist sod
being turned over in hot weather, and left to undergo through the summer a putrifying fomen-
tative process, gave rise to the worst kind of malarial, typhoid (bilious) and dysenteric disease.
Not, however, that the virulence or mortality altogether depended upon the soil emanations.
These were undoubtedly aggravated by the absolute poverty of the early settlers, who were
wanting in everything, in propter homes, proper food and proper medical attendance, medicines
and nursing. These fevers have swept the state years ago, particularly in the autumns of 1844
and 1845, but are now only observed from time to time in limited localities, following in the
autumn the summer's " breaking." But it is pleasing to be able to add that through the advancing
prosperity of the state, the greater abundance of the necessaries and comforts of life, and the
facilities for obtaining medical care, the diseases incident to " settling " are much less common
and much less fatal than formerly.
Relations of Climatology to Sanitary Status.
One of the principal reasons for gathering climatological observations, is to obtain sanitary
information, which serves to show us where man may live with the greatest safety to his health.
Every country, we might perhaps correctly say every state, has, if not its peculiar diseases, at
least its peculiar type of diseases. And by nothing is either this type or variety of disease so
much influenced as by climate. Hence the great importance of the study Of climatology to
health and disease, nay, even to the kind of medicine and to the regulating of the dose to be
given. It is, however, best to caution the reader that these meteorological observations are not
always made at points where they would most accurately show the salubrity of a geographical
district, by reason of the fact that the positions were chosen not for this special purpose, biit
for purely military purposes. We allude to the forts of Wisconsin, from which our statistics for
the most part come. Another caution it is also well to bear in mind in looking over the class of
diseases reported at these stations in connection with their observations., The diseases are those
of the military of the period, a class from which no very favorable health reports could be
expected, considering theif habits, exposure, and the influences incidental to frontier life.
The geography of disease and climate is of special interest to the public, and a knowledge
especially necessary to the state authorities, as it is only by such a knowledge that state legis-
lation can possibly restrain or root out the endemic diseases of the state. In connection with
the gathering of vital statistics must go the collection of meteorological and topographical
statistics, as without these two latter the former is comparatively useless for sanitary purposes.
More particularly does this apply to the malarial diseases of the state.
Acclimation is very rarely discussed or even alluded to by our people in relation to Wisconsin,
for the reason that, come from whatever part of Europe men may, or from the eastern states,
acclimation is acquired for the most part unconsciously, rarely attended by any malarial affection,
unless by exposure in such low, moist localities, where even the natives of the state could not
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN-. 237
live with impunity. It seems to be well enough established that where malaria exists, whether
in London, New York, or Wisconsin ; where the causes of malarial disease are permanent, the
effects are permanent, and that there is no positive acclimation to malaria. Hence it should
follow that since life and malaria are irreconcilable, we should root out the enemy, as we readily
can by drainage and cultivation, or, where drainage is impossible, by the planting of those shrubs
or trees which are found to thrive best, and thereby prove the best evaporators in such localities.
Our climate, approximating as it does the 45th degree (being equi-distant from the equator and
pole), would a priori be a common ground of compromise and safety, and from this geographical
p.osition is not liable to objections existing either north or south of us.
Influence of Nationalitils.
Our population is of such a confessedly heterogeneous character that naturally enough it
suggests the question : Has this intermingling of different nationalities sensibly affected our
health conditions .' Certainly not, so far as intermarriages between the nations of the Caucasian
race are concerned. This opinion is given first upon the fact that our classes of diseases have
neither changed nor increased in their intensity by reason of such admixture, so far as can be
learned by the statistics or the history of disease in the northwest. Imported cases of disease are
of course excepted. Second, because all that we can gather from statistics and history concern-
ing such intermingling of blood goes to prove that it is beneficial in every respect, physically,
mentally and morally.
England, of all nations, is said to be the best illustration of the good attending an
intermingling of the blood of different nations, for the reason that the English character is
supposed to be, comparatively speaking, good, and that of all countries she has been perhaps
more frequently invaded, and to a greater or less part settled by foreign peoples than any other.
From a residence of nearly a quarter of a century in the center of Wisconsin, and from an
adequate knowledge of its* people, whose nationalities are so various and whose intermarriages
are sq common, it is at least presumable that we should have heard of or noted any peculiar or
injurious results, had any such occurred. None such, however, have been observed. Some fears
have been expressed concerning the influence of Celtic blood upon! the American temperament,
already too nervous, as is alleged. It is scarcely necessary to say that these fears are unsupported
by figures or facts. Reasoning from analogy, it would seem safe to affirm that the general inter-
mingling by intermarriage now going on in our population, confined to the Caucasian nationali-
ties, will tend to preserve the good old Anglo-Saxon character, rather than to create any new char-
acter for our people. If this view needed support or confirmation, it is to be found in some very
interesting truths in relation to it. Mr. Edwin Seguin, in his work on Idiocy, lays special stress
on the influences of races in regard to idiocy and other infirmities, like deafness. He says that
the crossing of races, which contributed to the elimination of some vices of the blood (as may be
the case in the United States, where there are proportionally less deaf and dumb than in Europe),
produces a favorable effect on the health of the population, and cites as an example, Belgium, which
has fewer deaf and dumb than any country in Europe, owing to the influence of the crossing of
races in past ages from the crowds of northern tribes passing, mingling and partly settling there
on the way to England.
We are aware that it has been predicted that our future will give us a new type, distinct from
all other peoples, and that with this type must come not only new diseases but modifications or
aggravations of the present diseases, in particular, consumption and insanity. - But so long
as we are in a formative state as a nation, and that this state seems likely to continue so long as
the country has lands to be occupied and there are people in Europe to occupy them, such spec-
ulations can be but of little value.
238 HISTOKY OF WISCOKSIN
Occupations, Food, Education, etc., as affecting Public' Health.
The two chief factors of the social and sanitary well-being of a people are a proper educa-
tion of the man and a proper cultivation of the soil. Our two principal occupations in Wisconsin
are education and agriculture, the learners in the schools being in excess of the laborers on the
soil. A happier combination could Scarcely be desired, to form an intelligent and a healthy
people. How this will effect our habits in the future it is easy to conceive, but for the present it
may be said (of so many different nationalities are we composed), that we have no habits which
serve to distinguish us from the people of other northwestern states. A well-fed and a well-taught
people, no matter how mixed its origin, must sooner or later become homogeneous and a maker
of customs. In the mean time we can only speak of our habits as those of a people in general
having an abundance of food, though it is to be wished the workers ate more beef aijd mutton,
and less salt-pork, and that whisky was less plentiful in the land. The clothing is sufficient,
fuel is cheap, and the dwellings comfortable. Upon the whole, the habits of the people are
conducive to health. It is thought unnecessary to refer to the influence upon health in general
of other occupations, for the reason that manufacturers, traders and transporters are for the most
part localized, and perhaps not sufficiently numerous to exercise any marked influence on the
state health.
History of Disease.
In searching for historical data of disease in Wisconsin, we are able to go back to tne year
1766, commencing with the aborigines. The Indians, says Carver, in his chapter on their diseases,
in general are healthy and subject to few diseases. Consumption from fatigue and exposure he
notices, but adds that the disorder to which they are most subject is pleurisy. They are like-
wise afflicted with dropsy and paralytic complaints. It is to be presumed that while Carver is
speaking generally, he means his remarks to apply, perhaps, more particularly to those -Indians
with whom he lived so long, the Sioux of this state. That they were subject to fevers is gathered
from the use of their remedies for fever, the " fever bush " being an ancient Indian remedy, and
equally valued by the inhabitants of the interior parts of the colonies. Besides this, they had
their remedies for complaints of the bowels, and for all inflammatory complaints. These notices
sufficiently indicate the class of diseases which have certainly followed in the wake of the Indi-
ans, and are still occurring to his white brother, making it plain enough that lung diseases, bowel
complaints, and fevers are in fact native to the state. The fact must not be ignored that the
Indian is subject to the same diseases as the human race in general.
After Carver, we may quote Major Long's expedition in 1824. The principal disease of the
Sacs appears to be a mortification of the intestinal canal, more common among men than women,
the disease proving fatal in four days if not relieved. It is unaccompanied with pain, and is neither
hernia, dysentery, nor hemorrhoids. Intermittents were prevalent, and the small-pox visited
them at different periods. As the Chippewas have a common Algonquin origin with the Sacs,
and as their home and customs were the same, it may be expected that their diseases were simi-
lar. The principal disease to which the Chippewas are liable is consumption of the lungs,
generally affecting them between the ages of 30 and 40 ; they linger along for a year or two, but
always fall victims to it. Many of them die of a bowel complaint which prevails every year.
This disease does not partake, however, of the nature of dysentery. They are frequently affected
with sore eyes. Blindness is not common. Many of them become deaf at an early age.
Referring to the report of the commissioner of Indian affairs for 1854, we find that the
decrease in the number of the Menomonees is accounted for by the ravages of small-pox, in 1838,
HEALTH OF WISCONSIN.
239
of the cholera, in 1847 (which latter was superinduced by misery and starvation), and by the
fever, which from time to time, commonly in the winter, has been raging among them, being
clearly the consequence of want of provisions and other necessaries. The report for 1850 says,
there has been considerable sickness among the Winnebagoes for several months past ; dysentery
has been the prevalent disease, confined mostly to children. For 1857 : the Winnebagoes have
suffered considerably from chronic diseases, scrofula and consumption. For 1859 : the chief
malady among the Winnebagoes is phthisis pulmonalis and its analogous diseases, having its
source in hereditary origin. Some of the malignant diseases are occasionally met with among
them, and intermittent and remittent fevers. In 1863: of the Menomonees, there is a large
mortality list of the tribes under my charge. Measles and some of the more common eruptive
diseases are the causes. But the most common and most fatal disease which affects the Indians
at this agency is pneumonia, generally of an acute character. There is but little tubercular
disease to be found in any of these tribes, Menomonees, Stockbridges, Oneidas, etc. In the
report for 1865, one can not but notice with some regret' the absence of all allusion, except to
sraall-pox, to the diseases of the Indians. Regret, because reliable information of such diseases
serves a variety of valuable purposes, for comparison, confirmation, etc., of those of the white
population. For these reasons, if for none other, it is to be hoped that the attention of the
proper authorities will be called to this feature of such reports.
The first reliable report on the diseases of the people (as distinguished from the Indians) of
Wisconsin to which we have had access, is Lawson's Army Report of Registered Diseases, for to
years, commencing 1829, and ending 1838 (ten years before the admission of Wisconsin into the
Union as a state).
FORT HOWARD, GREEN BAY.
Intermittent fever. 30
Remittent do _ ii
Synochal do 4
Typhus do
Diseases of respiratory organs loi
Diseases of digestive organs 184
Diseases of brain and nervous system 9
Dropsies — i
Rheumatic affections _ 61
This abstract exhibits the second quar-
ters only, the mean strength being
1,702.
All other diseases 114, excepting vene-
real diseases, abcesses, wounds, ul-
cers, injuries, and ebriety cases.
Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs, are comprised 384 catarrh, 6 pneu-
monia, 60 pleuritis, and 28 phthisis pulmonalis; under the class of digestive organs, 376 diar-
rhoea and dysentery, 184 colic and cholera, and 10 hepatitis; under the class of diseases of
the brain and nervous system, 15 epilepsy, etc. The deaths from all causes, according to the
post returns, are 25, being i ^ per cent, per annum. The annual rate of intermittent cases is 6,
and that of remittent is 3, per 100 of mean strength.
Table of Ratio of Sickness at Fort Howard.
Seasons.
MEAN STRENGTH.
NUMBER
TREATED.
RATE PER 1,000 OF
MEAN STRENGTH
TREATED QUARTERLY.
10 first quarters
10 second "
1,764
1,702
1,526
1.594
715
726
1,073
636
405
425
9 third "
703
10 fourth "
399
Annual rate
1.647
3.150
1,913
240
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN
Every man has consequently, on an average, been reported sick about once in every six
months, showing this region to be extraordinarily salubrious. The annual ratio of mortality,
according to the medical reports, is ^ per cent. ; and of the adjutant-general's returns, i-j^j-
per cent.
FORT WINNEBAGO.
Intermittent fever 21
Remittent fever.^ lo
Synochal fever I
Typhus fever —
Diseases of the respiratory organs 141
Diseases of digestive organs. go
Diseases of brain and nervous system. . 2
Rheumatic affections 26
This abstract exhibits the fourth quarters
only, the mean strength being 1,571.
AU other diseases, 80, with the exceptions as
above.
Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs are comprised 448 catarrh, 1 1 pneu-
monia, 29 pleuritis and 10 phthisis pulmonalis; under the head of digestive organs, 193 diarrhoea
and dysentery, 149 colic and cholera, and 17 hepatitis; under the class of brain and nervous
system, i epilepsy. The total number of deaths, according to the post returns, is 20. Of these,
3 are from phthisis pulmonalis, i pleuritis, 2 chronic hepatitis, i gastric enteritis, i splenitis, etc
TABLE OF RATIO OF SICKNESS AT FORT WINNEBAGO.
Seasons.
MEAN STRENGTH.
NUMBER
TREATED.
RATE PER 1,000 OF
MEAN STRENGTH
TREATED QUARTERLY.
10 .irst quarters
1,535
1.505
1,527
1,571
552
517
581
495
360
343
380
315
10 second "
10 fourth "
Annual ratio
1.534
2,145
1,398
Every man on an average is consequently reported sick once in eight months and a half.
FORT CRAWFORD.
Intermittent fever 262
Remittent fever 61
Synochal fever —
Typhus fever _. —
Diseases of respiratory organs 177
Diseases of digestive organs 722
Diseases of brain and nervous system 16
Rheumatic affections 58
This abstract exhibits the third quarters
only, the mean strength being 1,885.
All other diseases, 309, with the same list of
exceptions as above.
Under the class of diseases of the respiratory organs are included 1,048 of catarrh, 28 pneu-
monia, 75 pleuritis and 13 phthisis pulmonalis; under the head of digestive organs, 933 diarrhoea
and dysentery, and 195 colic and cholera; under the head of brain and nervous diseases, 7
epilepsy, etc. The total of deaths, according to the post returns, is 94, the annual ratio being
2^ per cent. The causes of death are: 6 phthisis pulmonalis, 6 epidemic cholera, i common
cholera, 4 remittent fever, 3 dysentery, etc. In the third quarter of 1830 there were 154 cases of
fever, while the same quarter of 1836, with a greater strength, affords but one case, the difference
seeming to depend upon the temperature.
HEALTH OF WISCOKSIN,
241
The relative agency of the seasons in the, production of disease in general is shown in the
annexed table :
TABLE EXHIBITING THE RATIO OF SICKNESS.
Seasons.
MEAN strength;
NUMBER
TREATED.
RATIO PER 1,000 OF
MEAN STRENGTH
TREATED QUARTERLY.
i,66o
1,749
1,885
1,878
987
1,267
1,948
1,270
595
724
1,033
676
10 third "
lo fourth "
Annual ratio ^
1,793
5.472
3,052
Consequently every man on an average has been reported sick once in nearly every four
months. But high as this ratio of sickness is, at this fort, and, indeed, at the others, it is low
considering the topographical surroundings of the posts. But besides these injurious topograph-
ical and other influences already alluded to, there were still other elements of mischief among
the men at these stations, such as " bad bread and bad whisky," and salt meat, a dietary table
giving rise, if not to " land-scurvy," as was the case at the posts lower down in the Mississippi
valley (more fatal than either small-pox or cholera), at least to its concomitant diseases.
The reason for using these early data of the United States Army medical reports in pref-
erence to later ones is, that even though the later ones may be somewhat more correct in certain
particulars, the former serve to establish, as it were, a connecting link (though a long one) between
the historical sketch of the diseases of the Indian and those of the white settler ; and again —
these posts being no longer occupied — no further data are obtainable.
To continue this historical account of the diseases of Wisconsin, we must now nave recourse
to the state institutions.
The Institution for the Education of the Blind.
The first charitable institution established by the state was formally opened in 1850, at
Janesville. The census of 1875 showed that there were 493 blind persons in the state, those
of school age — that is — under 20 years of age, probably amounting to 125. The number of
pupils in the institution that year, 82 ; the average for the past ten years being 68. If the health
report of the institution is any indication of the salubrity of its location, then, indeed, is Janes-
ville in this respect an enviable city. Its report for 1876 gives one death from consumption, and
a number of cases of whooping-cough, all recovered. In 1875, ten cases of mild scarlet fever,
recovered. One severe and two mild cases of typhoid fever, recovered. For 1873, no sick list.
For 1872, the mumps went through the school. For 1871, health of the school reasonably good ;
few cases of severe illness have occurred.
The Institute for the Deaf and Dumb.
This was organized in June, 1852, at Delavan. The whole number of deaf and dumb per-
sons in the state, as shown by the census of 1875, was 720. The report for 1866 gives the
number of pupils as 156.
Little sickness, a few cases of sore throat, and slight bowel affections coijiprise nearly all the
ailments ; and the physician's report adds : " The sanitary reports of the institution from its
earliest history to the present date has been a guarantee of the healthiness of the location.
Having gone carefully over the most reliable tabulated statements of deaf-mutism, its parent-
242 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
age, its home, its causes, and its origin, we would most earnestly call the attention of the public
to the fact that the chief cause comes under the head of congenital, 75 of the 150 pupils in this
institution having this origin. Such a fearful proportion as this must of necessity have its origin
in a cause or causes proportionately fearful. Nor, fortunately, is the causation a mystery, since
most careful examination leaves not a shadow of doubt that consanguineous marriages are the
sources of this great evil. Without occupying further space by illustrative tables and arguments,
we would simply direct the attention of our legislators and thoughtful men to ike law of this dis-
ease which is, that the number of deaf and dumb, imbeciles, and idiots is in direct keeping with the
degree of consanguinity. With such a law and exhibit before us, would not a legislative inquirj'
into the subject, with the view of adopting preventive means, be a wise step ? The evil is fear-
ful ; the cause is plain ; so, too, is the remedy."
Industrial School for Boys.
This institution is situated on the banks of the Fox river, at Waukesha, and was organized
in i860. The whole number of the inmates since it was opened in July, i860, to October 10,
1876, was 1,291. The whole number of inmates for 1876 was 415. Of these, since the period
of opening up to date, October, 1 87 6, 25 have died : 8, of typhoid fever ; 1, of typhoid erysipelas ;
I, of gastric fever: 3, of brain fever; i, nervous fever; 2, congestion of the lungs; 2, congestive
chills; 5, of consumption ; i of dropsy; and i of inflammatory rheumarism.
The State Prison.
This was located at Waupun in July, 1857. On September 30, 1876, there were 266 inmates.
But one death from natural causes occurred during the year. The health of the prisoners has
been unusually good, the prevalent affections attendai\t upon the seasons, of a mild and
manageable character.
State Hospital for the Insane.
This institution, located near Madison, was opened for patients in July, i860. The total
number of admissions down to the year 1877, was 1,227 males, 1,122 females, total 2,349. Over
one half of these have been improved ; nearly one third recovered ; while less than one quarter
have been discharged unimproved. Total number of deaths, 288. At the commencement of the
year, October i, 1875, there were in the hospital 376 patients. In the report for the year ending
September 30, 1876, we find the past year has been one of unusual health in the hospital. No
serious epidemic has prevailed, although 20 deaths have been reported, 7 fatally ill before admis-
sion, 4 worn-out cases, etc. Insanity, coming as it does, under this head of an article 'on State
Health, is of the higliest interest from a state point of view, not only because so much may be
done to remedy it, but that still more can and ought to be done by the state to prevent it. Our
insane amount to i in 700 of the whole population, the total number in hospitals, poor-houses and
prisons being in round numbers 1,400. It is a striking fact, calling for our earnest consideration,
that the Germans, Irish and Scandinavians import and transiJiit more insanity — three to one —
than the American-born population produce. The causes assigned for this disparity, are, as
affecting importation, that those in whom there is an hereditary tendency to disease constitute the
migratory class, for the reason that those who are sound and in the full possession of their powers
are most apt to contend successfully in the struggle to live and maintain their position at home;
while those who are most unsound and unequal to life's contests are unable to migrate. In other
words, the strongest' will not leave, the weakest can not leave. By this, the character of the
migratory is defined. As affects transmission, poverty is a most fruitful parent of insanity, so too is
poor land. Says Dr. Boughton, superintendent of the Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane :
M U K W A N AGO.
HEALTH OF AVISCONSIN 243
Wisconsin is characterized by a large poor class, especially in the northern part of the state,
where people without means have settled on new and poorly paying farms, where their life is
made up of hard work, exposure to a severe climate, bad and insufficient diet, cheerless homes,
etc., etc. These causes are prolific in the production of insanity. It is easy, therefore, to trace
the causes that give us so large a per cent, of insane in many of the counties of the state. Nor is
it of less interest to know, as Dr. B. adds : We draw our patients from those families where
phthisis pulmonalis, rheumatism and insanity prevail. Insanity and rheumatism are interchange-
able in hereditary cases, so too are insanity and phithisis. What may be accomplished by intel-
ligent efforts to stem the increase of insanity in our state ? Much. Early treatment is one means,
this is of course curative in its character. And its necessity and advantage are well illustrated
in table No. lo of the annual report of Dr. Boughton, for 1876, where it is seen that 45.33 of
males, and 44.59 of the females who had been sent to the State Hospital having been insane but
three months before admission, were cured, the proportion of cures becoming less in proportion
to the longer duration of insanity before admission. As a preventive means, the dissemination
of the kind of knowledge that shows indisputably that insanity is largely hereditary, and conse-
quently that intermarriage with families so tainted should on the one hand be avoided by the
citizen, and on the other hand, perhaps, prevented by the state, (congress at the same time
restraining or preventing as far as possible persons so tainted from settling in this country.)
By the state, inasmuch as the great burthen of caring for the insane falls upon the state. Still
other preventive means are found in the imprmtd cultivation of our lands and in our improved
education ; in fact, in whatever lessens the trials of the poor and lifts them out of ignorance and
pauperism. It is only by culture, says Hufeland, that man acquires perfection, morally, mentally
and physically. His whole organization is so ordered that he may either become nothing or
anything, hyperctiltiire and the want of cultivation being alike destructive.
The Northern- Hospital for the Insane.
This hospital was opened at Oshkosh, May, 1873. The total number under treatment
September 30, 1876 was — males 246, females 257, total 503. No ailment of an epidemic charac-
ter has affected the health of the household, which has been generally good. The report of Dr.
Kempster is full of suggestive matter for the legislator and sociologist.
City of Milwaukee.
Still adhering to the plan, in writing the sanitary history of the state, of gathering up all
the health statistics which properly belong to us, we now take up those of Milwaukee, the only
city in Wisconsin, so far as we know, that has kept. up a system of statistics of its diseases.
The city is built on each side of the mouth of Milwaukee river, on the west shore of Lake Michi-
gan in lat. 43" 3' 45' N., long. 87° 57' W., and is considered remarkable for its healthy climate.
The board of health has furnished us with its report for 1870 and downward. The character of
its mortality from June 19. 1869, to March 31, 1870, is thus summarized: In children under five
years of age, 758 out of 1,249 deaths, consumption, 93; convulsions, 128; cholera infantum,
59; diarrhoea, 12S; scarlet fever, 132; typhoid fever, 52; inflammation of the lungs, 41 ; still-
bom, 79. This disproportionate number of still-born children is attributed in part to a laxity of
morals. The deaths from consumption in Milwaukee are 71^ out of every 100, one third less out
of a like number of deaths than in San Francisco, in which city, in 4,000 deaths, 441 died of con-
sumption, being 11 out of every 100 deaths for the year ending July, 1869. The deaths for 1870
numbered 1,655, '^^ population being at the last census report, 71,636.
244
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Table of Principal Causes-.
Consumption 143
Inflammation' of lungs 5^
Convulsions 259
Diarrhoea 131
Diptheria 74
Scarlet fever 52
Typhoid fever. _ 49
Old age. .^ 28
Still-born 123
The Milwaukee population being about
72,000, the death rate per annum for
every 1,000 inhabitants vifould be 21,
after proper deductions of deaths from
other causes than from disease, showing
very favorably as compared with other
Glasgow has 39 to every 1,000; Liverpool, 36; London, 25 ; New Orleans, 54; New York,
32 ; San Francisco, 24; Milwaukee, 21. Among seventeen of the principal cities of the Union,
Milwaukee ranks the ninth in rate of mortality. An impression has prevailed that Milwaukee is
subject to a large and disproportionate amount of lung and allied diseases. Statistics disprove
this, its deaths from consumption being only 6 per cent., while those of Chicago are 7.75 ; of
St. Louis, 9.68; of Cincinnati, 11.95; ^^^ °^ Boston, 19.31. But few cases of malarial disease
occur in Milwaukee, and fewer cases of intestinal fever than in the interior of the state. The
mortality among children is explained by its occurring chiefly among the poor foreign-born
population, where all that can incite and aggravate disease is always to be found.
This, (the historical part of the health article), will doubtless call forth from the profession
much additional and desirable matter, but excepting what will further appear under the head of
Madison it is proper to say that we have exhausted the sources of information on the subject
within our reach.
Health Resorts.
Next in order would seem to come some notice of the summer and health resorts of Wiscon-
sin, which, significant of the salubrity of the state, are not only becoming more numerous, but
also more frequented from year to year.
Madison, the capital of the state, with apopuJation of 11,000, is built on an isthmus between
two considerable lakes, from 70 to 125 feet above their level; 80 miles west of Milwaukee, in
latitude 43*' 5' north, and longitude 89" 20' west, in the northern temperate region. The lake
basins, and also the neck of land between them, have a linear arrangement, trending northeast and
southwest. The same linear topography characterises the whole adjacent country and the boun-
dary lines of its various geological formations, this striking feature being due to the former move-
ment of glacier ice over the face of the country. At two points, one mile apart, the Capitol and
University hills, respectively 348 and 370 feet above the level of Lake Michigan, rise prominently
above the rest of the isthmus. Both of these hills are heaps of drift material from 100 to 126 feet
thickness, according to the record of the artesian well. The neck of land on which Madison stands
is of the same material. The same boring discloses to us the underlying rock structure, pene-
trating 614 feet of friable quartzose. sandstone belonging to the Potsdam series, 10% feet of red
shale belonging to the same series, and 2091^ feet of crystalline rocks belonging to the Archaean.
In the country immediately around Madison, the altitude is generally considerably greater, and
the higher grounds are occupied by various strata, nearly horizontal, of sandstone and limestone.
The Potsdam sandstone rises about 30 feet above the Ifevel of Lake Mendota, on its northern
shore, where at McBride's Point it may be seen overlaid by the next and hitherto unrecognized
layer, one of more or less impure, dark-colored, magnesian limestone, to which the name of Men-
dota is assigned, and which furnishes a good building stone. The descent of these strata is about
HEALTH OF WISCOXSIX. 245
9 feet to the mile in a due southerly direction. Overlying the Mendota beds are again sandstone
layers, the uppermost portions of which are occasionally charged with lo to 20 per cent, of calca-
reous and dolomitic matter, and then furnish a cream-colored building stone of considerable
value. Most of this stratum which has been designated as the Madison sandstone, is, however,
quite non-calcareous, being either a ferruginous brown stone, or a quite pure, white, nearly loose
sand. In the latter phase it is of value for the manufacture of glass. In a number of quarries,
cuttings and exposed places around the city, the Madison beds are seen to be overlaid by a gray-
ish, magnesian limestone, the lower magnesian, varying very considerably in its character, but
largely composed of a flinty-textured, heavy-bedded, quite pure dolomite, which is burnt into a
good quality of lime. Its thickness exceeds 80 feet. Madison, with the conveniences and com-
forts of a capital city, from its easy access by railroads, from not only in itself being beautiful,
but from its beautiful surroundings, from its good society, charming climate, and artesian
mineral water, is naturally a great summer resort.
Though there are no vital statistics of the city to refer to, a residence of nearly a quarter of
a century has made us sufficiently acquainted with its sanitary history, which is more or less the
sanitary history of this part of the state, and in a measure of the state itself. In 1844 and 1845,
it was visited by an epidemic malarial fever of a bilious type, and not unfrequently fatal, which
passed very generally through the state, and was attributed to the turning up of the soil. It was
most virulent in the autumns. Again in r854 it was visited by a light choleraic epidemic, which
also swept the state, assuming very generally a particularly mild type. Again in 1857 it suffered
lightly from the epidemic dysentery, which passed through the state. In 1865, it suffered from
a visitation of diptheria, the disease prevailing generally over the state at that time. It has also
had two visitations of the epidemic grip {grippe), or influenza. The last invasion, some five
years since, commencing in a manner perhaps worthy of noting, by first affecting the horses very
generally, and again, by beginning on the east side of the city, while the other epidemics for the
past twenty-five years (unless the choleraic visitation was an exception) came in on the south-
west side of the city, as has been the case, so far as we have been able to observe with the light
epidemics to which children are subject. But little typhoid fever is found here, and the aguish
fevers when they occur are light and easy of control. There is but little diarrhoea or dysen-
tery. Pneumonia and its allied affections are more common, so is rheumatism, and so neuralgia.
Inflammatory croup, however, is very rare, sporadic diptheria seeming to be taking its place.
All the ordinary eruptive fevers of children are and always have been of a peculiarly mild
type.
Prairie du Chien, situated immediately at the junction of the Wisconsin with the Mississippi,
is built about 70 feet above low water, and 642 feet above the level of the sea. The cliffs on
both sides of the river present on their summits the lower strata of the blue Silurian limestone
of Cincinnati, beneath which are found sandstone and magnesian limestone down to the water's
edge. We give this notice of Prairie du Chien for the purpose of bringing to the knowledge of
the public that it possesses one of the most superb artesian wells in the state, which is attracting
many persons by its remedial mineral properties.
Green Bay sanitarily may be considered as sufficiently indicated under the head of Fort
Howard. It is, however, proper to add that from its geographical position and beautiful situa-
tion at the head of the bay, its easy access both by railroad and steamboat, its pleasant days and
cool summer nights, it has naturally become quite a popular summer resort, particularly for
southern people.
Racine, some 25 miles south by east by rail from Milwaukee and 62 by rail from Chicago, is
built upon the banks and some 40 feet above the level of the lake. Its soil is a sandy loam and.
246 , HISTOBY or WISCONSIN.
gravel, consequently it has a dry, healthy surface, and is much frequented in the summer for its
coolness and salubrity.
Waukesha, i8 miles west of Milwaukee by railroad, is a healthy, pleasant place of resort at
all times on account of its mineral water, so well known and so highly appreciated throughout
the coutitry.
Oconomowoc, 32 miles by railroad west by north of Milwaukee, is a healthy and de-
lightfully located resort for the summer. Its many lakes and drives form its chief attractions,
and though its accommodations were considered ample, during the past summer they were found
totally inadequate to meet the demands of its numerous visitors.
The Dalles, at Kilbourn City, by rail 16 miles from Portage, is unsurpassed in the northwest
for the novelty, romantic character, and striking beauty of its rock and river scenery. It is
high and dry ; has pure water and fine air, and every-day boat and drive views enough to fill
up a month pleasantly.
Lake Geneva, 70 miles by rail from Chicago, is built on the north side of the lake, is justly
celebrated for its beauty, and its reputation as a summer resort is growing.
Green Lake, six miles west of Ripon, and 89 northwest from Milwaukee, is some 15 miles
long and three broad, surrounded by beautiful groves and prairies ; and is claimed to be one of
the healthiest little places on the continent.
Devil's Lake is ^6 miles by rail north of Madison. Of all the romantic little spots in Wis-
consin, and they are innumerable, there is none more romantic or worthy of a summer visitor's
admiration than this. It is, though shut in from the rude world by bluffs 500 feet high, a very
favorite resort, and should be especially so for those who seek quiet, and rest, and health.
Sparta, 246 miles by rail from Chicago, is pleasantly and healthily situated, and its artesian
mineral water strongly impregnated with carbonate of iron, having, it is said, over 14 grains in
solution to the imperial gallon, an unusually large proportion, attracts its annual summer
crowd.
Sheboygan, 62 miles by rail north of Milwaukee, from its handsome position on a bluff over-
looking the lake, and from the beauty of its surroundings as well . as from the character of its
mineral waters, is an attractive summer resort.
Elkhart Lake, 57 miles by rail north of Milwaukee^ is rapidly acquiring a good name from
those seeking health or pleasure.
Change in Diseases.
In order to ascertain whether the classes of diseases in the state at the date of Carver's
travels are the same which prevail to-day, we have compared his description of them with those
tabulated in the army medical reports of Forts Howard, Crawford and Winnebago, and again
with those given in the U. S. Census for 1870, and with the medical statistics of the city of
Milwaukee. The three distinct and prominent classes prevailing from Carver's to the present
time, are, in the order of prevalence, diseases of the respiratory organs, consumption, pneumonia,
bronchitis, etc.; diseases of the digestive organs, enteritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, etc.; and the
malarial fevers. At Fort Howard alone do the diseases of the digestive organs seem to have
outnumbered those of the respiratory organs. So far as it is possible to gather from the reports
of the commissioners of Indian affairs, these features of the relative prevalence of the three
classes of disease are not disturbed.
There are, however, some disturbing or qualifying agencies operating and affecting the
amount or distribution of these classes in different areas or belts. For instance, there are two
HEALTH OF AVISCONSIN. 247
irregular areas in the state ; the one extending from the Mississippi east and north, and the other
starting almost as low down as Madison, and running up as far as Green Bay, which are more
subject to malarial diseases than are the other parts of the state. While it is found that those
parts of the state least subject to diseases of the digestive org^s are, a belt along the western
shore of Lake Michigan, and a belt running from near Prairie du Chien north into the pineries.
Again, it is found that the part of the state most subjec'^ to enteric, cerebro-spinal and typhus
fevers, is quite a narrow belt running north from the southern border line into the center of the
state, or about two-thirds of the distance toward the pineries. All along the western shore of
Lake Michigan, and stretching across the country by way of Fond du Lac to the Mississippi, is
a belt much less subject to these disorders. It is equally beyond question that the western shore
of Lake Michigan, and the southern shore of Lake Superior, as well as the western half of the
southern boundary line of the pineries, are less affected with consumption than the interior parts
of the state.
The tendency of these diseases is certainly to amelioration. The sanitary history of Wiscon-
sin does not differ from that of any other state east of us, in this striking particular ; the farther
you trace back the history of disease, the worse its type is found to be. It follows, then, that
the improvement in public health must progress with the general improvement of the state, as
has been the case with the eastern states, and that the consequent amelioration of our malarial
diseases especially will tend to mitigate infectious diseases. The ameliorating influences, how-
ever, that sanitary science has brought to bear upon disease, of which England is so happy an
illustration, has scarcely as yet begun to be known to us. But the time has come at last when
this science is moving both the hearts and minds of thinking and humane men in the state, and
its voice has been heard in our legislative halls, evoking a law by which we are, as a people, to be
governed, as by any other enactment. The organization of a state board of health is a new era
in our humanity. In this board is invested all legal power over the state health. To it is com-
mitted all the sanitary responsibility of the state, and the greatest good to the people at large
must follow the efforts it is making.
There are many other points of sanitary interest to which it is desirable to call the attention
of those interested in Wisconsin. It is a popular truth that a dry climate, all other things being
equal, is a healthy climate. Our hygrometrical records show Wisconsin to have one of the driest
climates in the United States. Choleraic diseases rarely prevail unless in a comparatively
stagnant state of the atmosphere, where they are most fatal. Where high winds prevail such
diseases are rare. The winds in Wisconsin, while proverbially high and frequent (carrying away
and dissipating malarial emanations), are not destructive to life or property, as is the case, by
their violence, in some of the adjoining states. A moist, warm atmosphere is always provocative
of disease. Such a state of atmosphere is rare with us, and still more rarely continuous beyond
a day or two. Moist air is the medium of malarial poisoning, holding as it does in solution
gases and poisonous exhalations. Its character is readily illustrated by the peculiar smell of
some m'arsh lands on autumnal evenings. Such a state of moisture is seen only in our lowest
shut-in marshes (where there is but little or no air-current), and then only for a very limited
period, in very hot weather.
But too much importance is attached by the public to a simply dry atmosphere for respira-
tory diseases. The same mistake is made with regard to the good effects in such disorders of
simply high elevations. Dry air in itself or a high elevation in itself, or both combined, are
not necessarily favorable to health, or curative of disease. In the light and rare atmosphere of
Pike's Peak, an elevation of 6,000 feet, the pulse is accelerated, the amount of sleep is dimin-
ished, and the human machine is put under a high-pressure rate of living, conducive only to its
248
HISTOllY OF WISCONSIN.
injury. The average rate of the pulse in healthy visitors is from 1,15 to 120 per minute (the
normal rate, in moderate elevations, being about 75). And where there is any organic affection
of the heart, or tendency to bleeding from the lungs, it is just this very dry atmosphere and high
elevation that make these remedifsi?) destructive. Hence it is -that Wisconsin, for the generality
of lung diseases, especially when accompanied with hemorrhage, or with heart disease, is prefer-
able to Colorado. It may be objected, that the diseases' of the respiratory organs are in excess
of other diseases in Wisconsin. This feature, however, is not confined to the cold belt of our
temperate latitudes — our proportion of respiratory diseases, be it noted, comparing most favor-
ably with that of other states, as may be seen in the following table :
Climatological Distribution of Pulmonary Diseases.
Deaths
by
Phthisis.
Per cent,
of entire
Mortality.
Deaths by all
diseases of Res-
piratory Organs.
Massachusetts, 1850, U. S. Census
Ohio, 1849-50, U. S. Census ..-
Michigan, 1850, U. S. Census
Illinois, 1849-50, U. S. Census
Wisconsin, 1849-50, U. S. Census
3,426
17-65
2,558
8.83
657
14-55
866 .
7-36
290
9-99
4,418
3.988
1,084
i>799
535
Per cent,
of entire
Mortality.
22.27
13-77
24.00
15-00
18.43
l^ow, while the mortuary statistics of the United States census for 1850 are acknowledged
'to be imperfect, they are, nevertheless, undoubtedly correct as to the causes of mortality. But
besides this statistical evidence of the climatological causes of disease, there are certain relative
general, if not special, truths which serve to guide us in our estimate. Respiratory diseases of
all kinds increase in proportion as the temperature decreases, the humidity of the air being the
same. Another equally certain element in the production of this class of diseases is variableness
of climate. Still, this feature of our climate is only an element in causation, and affects us, as
we shall see in the table below, very little as compared with other states. Indeed, it is still
disputed whether there is not more consumption in tropical climates than in temperate climates.
This much is admitted, however, that consumption is rare in the arctic regions. Dr. Terry says
the annual ratio of pulmonary diseases is lower in the northern than in the southern regions of
the United States, and Dr. Drake, an equally eminent authority, recommends those suffering
from or threatened with pulmonary affections, to retreat to the colder districts of the country,
citing among others localities near Lake Superior — a recommendation which our experience of
nearly half a century endorses.
Proportion of Pneumonia to Consumption in the Different States.
STATES.
CONS.
PNEUM.
states.
CONS.
PNEUM.
Massachusetts
Ohio _
3,424
2,558
866
549
895
647
North Carolina
562
1,288
390
664
429
194
Illinois
When we compare the general death-rate of Wisconsin with that of the other states of the
U^nion, we find that it compares most favorably with that of Vermont, the healthiest of the New
England states. The United States census of 1850, i860 and 1870, gives Wisconsin 94 deaths
to ro,ooo of the population, while it gives Vermont loi to every io,ooo of her inhabitants. The
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
249
census of 1870 shows that the death-rate from consumption in Minnesota, Iowa, California and Wis-
consin are alike. These four states show the lowest death-rate among the states from consumption,
the mortality being 13 to 14 per cent, of the whole death-rate.
Climatologically considered, then, there is not a more healthy state in the Union than the
state of Wisconsin. But for health purposes something more is requisite than climate. Climate
and soil must be equally good. Men should shun the soil, no matter how rich it be, if the climate
is inimical to health, and rather choose the climate that is salubrious, even if the soil is not so
rich. In Wisconsin, generally speaking, the soil and climate are equally conducive to health,
and alike good for agricultural purposes.
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
1875.
ADAMS COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns, Cities and
White.
Colored
S
i
<!
300
2II
164
261
IIV
!i
121
199
189
501
127
198
2II
153
fil
62
118
99
433
115
'2"
'4'
398
Biff Flats
154
Dell Prairie
465
461
teola
Lincoln .'
Monroe
300
847
Preston
136
244
Richfield
220
330
SprlngviUe
371
934
"White Creek
242
Total
3,451
3,045
2
4
6,502
ASHL.AND COUNTY.
Ashland
268
141
Jt?
448
282
Total
409
321
730
BAYFIELD COUNTY.
BaTfleld.
538 493 1 ..
1,032
BARRON COUNTY.
•
,
POPULATION.
Towns, cities and
White.
Colored
S
2.
1
a
a
S
Barron
343
til
326
214
122
240
2S5
2 6
1 2
106
628
856
6! 3
Stanford
542
3! 6
Bice Lalce ;
206
426
2,068
1,669
3,737
BROWN COUNTY.
Aswabanon..
Allouez
BelleTue
Depere
Depere Tillage
Eaton
Port Howard city
Glenmore
Green Bay city
Green Bay
Holland
Howard
Humbolt
tawrence
Morrison
New Denmark
Pittsfleld
Preble
£ockland
Scott
Suamico
"West Depere village. .
Wrlghtstown
Total
210
143
371
410
943
291
1,889
591
8,966
581
784
687
519
499
765
616
384
838
434
774
477
982
1,222
18,376
175
136
337
358
956
208
1,721
482
4,017
642
705
579
467
408
633
629
335
792
372
696
452
941
1,058
29
16,899 53 45
385
279
711
768
1,911
499
3,610
1,073
8,037
1,123
1,489
1,266
986
909
1,398
1,145
719
1,642
806
1,470
929
1,923
8,295
35,373
260
HISTOBY or WISCONSIN.
BURNETT COUNTY.
POPULATIOir.
Towns, Citjbs and
VzLifAass.
White.
Colored
S
1
1
1
1
a
6
1
s
Orantsburg . . . . .' ...
483
231
87
379
191
82
11
5
12
4
7
14
827
434
* ?racle Lake "
195
Total
761
652
28
25
1,456
BUFFALO COUNTY.
Alma
11
307
ill
369
892
877
413
339
875
815
402
841
717
• ill
465
500
254
293
279
137
886
321
882
227
372
111
812
i!i
671
664
501
421
494
2
8
550
Belvidere i
637
586
Buffalo City
712
Cross..
690
574
504
785
Lincoln ,.
648
515
I iton
427
785
647
- 1,388
1,563
1,053
886
Fountain City village
994
Total .
7,517
6,702
2
3
14,219
CAIiUMET COUNTY.
fitothertown
Brlllion
864
666
1.061
668
1.008
1,016
837
910
690
809
607
875
949
865
639
12
1
7
'is
4
i56
1,692
1 173
Cliilton
2,093
1,267
1,884
1,965
Harrison
1,590
Stockbridee.
2,092
wooa^iift:::::::.:::::::::..
1,329
Total
7,720
6,989
193
183
15,085
CliAKK COUNTY.
Beaver
Colby
Eaton
Fremont....
Grant
Hewet
Uixon ,
Loyal
Lynn
Levis
Mentor
Mayville....
Pine Valley
Perkins
Sherman . . .
unity
Warner
Weston
Washburn . ,
Tork ,
Total..,
J9§
91
197
303
210
I. .. .
513
183
148
325
M
47
104
353
310
663
58
43
101
205
123
388
86?
287
84
71
155
151
113
264
347
307
654
M
123
260
m
736
1,525
36
37
73
132
120
252
132
107
239
186'
121
307
226
153
70
68
138
171
135
306
3,988
8,394
7,882
CHIPPEWA COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns, Citibs and
White.
Colored
1
o3
"a
a
a!
a
ID
654
3,286
389
1,360
1,046
346
442
269
420
606
1,755
288
1,074
688
252
368
"e"
"i'
"i'
630
S
Chippewa Falls city
2.434
l!688
Sigel
59S-
Wneaton
810
Total '
8,312
5,670
6
7
13,995
COIiUMBIA COUKTY.
Arlington
Caledonia
Columbus town
Columbus city
Courtland
Dekorra
Fort Winnebago
Fountain Prairie
Hampden
Leeds
Lewiston
Lodi
Lowvllle
Alarcellon. . .
Newport
Otsego
Pacific
Portage city
Randolph
Scott
Spring Vale
West Point...
Wyocena
West w. Vil. of Randolph
Total , :...
512
49-7
639
584
481
400
912
991
662
647
662
618
376
361
749
712
515
497
596
506
1
541
505
705
743
449
487
444
409
4
I
853
862
3
3
769
' 37
130
19
2,164
2, 61
7
5
630
556
409
374
428
847
442
580
540
33
84
14,710
14,069
15
9
CKAWFOBD COUNTY.
177
851
755
798
313
498
394
411
429
404
if
186
1
886
852
ill
209
"4
■2
12
6
Clayton
1,616
1,44S
1,564
671
Marietta
Prairie du Chien town
Prairie du Chlen city-
First ward i
720
768
82 S
Eourtliward
Scott -
1,11
1,470
1,094
::.'.
mica
Wauzeka
Total
7,769
7,876
18
11
16,036
DOUGLAS COUNTY.
Superior .
346 3 6
741
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
251
DOOR COHNTX.
POPULATION.
Towns, Cities and
White.
Colored
d
1
d
1
2
&
210
369
344
lit
808
377
166
394
2S6
268
11
2 0
186
316
879
310
382
206
325
107
278
192
211
259
301
214
181
396
675
623
454
ForestviUe
??t
Gibralter
702
273
672
418
549
sturgeon Bay Tillage
530
401
Total
4,343
3,677
8,020
DUNN COUNTY,
II
239
1,959
130
130
349
327
in
628
271
!i
212
170
458
490
11^
l,ie?
124
115
308
S48
229
f?l
W8
"6'
r
"l"
T
"2"
'i'
348
1,036
1.067
492
954
429
3,433
254
245
662
531
302
687
1,176
503
Talnter
663
245
400
Total
7,394
6,021
7
s
13.427
DODGE COUNTY.
742
794
1,656
567
593
451
694
701
724
471
451
985
ii
1,014
1,318
532
1,006
668
956
149
559
1,072
956
'ill
700
"l
28
"1"
1,442
1,501
3,455
1,091
Beaver Dam town
Beaver Dam city.
707
1,795
524
519
403
636
701
632
381
508
911
1,097
599
841
154
804
759
929
1,245
537
951
653
912
168
506
'ill
558
618
i"
Burnett
Cheater
854
Elba
1,402
Emmet
1,356
853
Fox Lake town
FozLakevillage. .. .
1,012
Hubbard
2240
Horlcon village
Hustisford
1,190
1,748
1 637
1,597
1,943
2,563
1,069
Lomira.
May vine village
1,868
1,065
2,098
Portland.
Randolph village, E. ward
Theresa
1,762
Westford
Willlamstown
Watertown city. 5 A 6 w'ds
Waupun village, 1st ward,.
,233
2,955
1.070
24,785
23,541
^8,894
DANE COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns, Cities and
White.
Colored
d
03
13
d
d
s
d
E
Eh
a
I
Albion
679
592
451
555
559
579
575
853
580
703
597
493
677
586
576
419
'in
726
866
540
655
530
470
569
592
663
522
728
585
III
547
646
562
813
629
618
5S2
446
474
581
740
549
727
571
413
575
587
'Hi
691
860
588
704
444
448
C87
659
504
tn
622
III
til
565
808
558
484
"l"
l"
r
"i'
41
3
2
1
"1
1
"3"
1
"4'
20
1
"i'
1
"r
1,261
1 135.
Berry
BlackEarth
897
1,03ft
1,090
1,13T
1,121
1,593.
1,130
1,430
1,168
906
BlueMouuds
Bt-istol
Christiana
Cross Plains
Deerfleld
1,253
1,173
1.061
10,093
1,635
1,417
1.718
974
Medina
Middleton
91»
1,057
1 151
1,057
1,018
1,392
1,207
972
1,02a
1,089
1,118
Westport.
1,621
1,191
York
1,00a
26,894
25,814
60
30
52,798.
FON DU LAC COUNTY.
Ashford
1,064
877
728
768
627
840
768
793
582
1,109
1,156
1,086
1,374
594
739
665
726
780
918
1,055
684
630
611
872
777
642
783
666
498
938
661
649
713
490
747
676
686
524
1,175
1,348
1,204
1.398
563
727
669
753
731
919
891
673
667
581
584
981
862
580
717
644
478
4
"i'
'i'
"i"
5
3
3
1
"8
28
23
1
1
2
■4'
"3"
"1"
2
"5"
11
2
3
1
"7"
27
21
1
"4'
l"
1
6
r
2,006
1,676
Alto
1,411
Byron - .
1,346
1,372
1,476
1,029
1,587
1445
1,479
1,107
Fond du Eac city-
2,300
2,409
2,295
Fourth ward
2,774
1,157
1,481
1,36»
1,52a
i,6ia
1,838
Marshfield
1,952
1,421
1,35}
l,2li
Rlpon city— .
1,854
1,647
1,222
1,50(
1,31
97a
Waupun TiUage, N. ward. .
25,149
24,604
98
80
50,241
252
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
EAU CliAIKE COUNTY.
POPULATION.
TowKS, Cities and
White.
Colored
6
■3
S
o
Pa
1
B
1
<
Augusta village
549
461
419
4,646
821
158
701
496
260
93
327
393
607
383
3.f??
163
553
78
290
327
13
1,056
Eau Claire city
8,440
Fairchiia
Lant.....
1,354
Otter Creek .\ .
617
720
Washington
Total.
8,724
7,250
13
4
15,991
GKEEN COUNTY.
Adams
476
565
585
ill
759
348
450
867
540
462
1,525
iiS
639
446
477
530
437
11
751
li§
847
486
441
1,693
558
445
597
496
2
'2"
"3'
T
913
1,160
1,138
1,428
1,349
1,510
701
Brodliead village
883
1,714
1,026
903
3,227
1,110
1 238
New Glarus
Sylvester.
876
York.. r...7.::::;:;::::;:::::
1.016
Total
11,102
10,900
14
11
GRANT COUNTY.
Beetown
Blue River
Boscobel
Bloomlngtoit . .
Clifton .
Cassville
Elleiiboro
Fennimore ....
Glen Haven
Hickory Grove
Hazel Green...
Harrison
■Jamestown
liima
Liberty ,
Xancaster
Little Grant
iMuscoda
Marlon
Millvllle
Mount Hope...,
Paris
Plattville...:...,
PotosI
Patch Grove...,
■Bmelser
Waterloo
Watterstown . . ,
Wingville
Wyalusing
"Woodman..;...
Total ,
865
805
27
20
413
413
974
996
5
H
607
599
2
1
487
512
709
677
425
384
935
836
611
631
2
446
397
1 047
1,074
568
491
636
557
1
539
481
458
423
1
1,376
1,368
H
2
369
349
671
604
369
357
109
97
400
381
500
440
2,000
2,064
3
3
1,373
1,268
2
1
429
401
16
H
716
613
1
486
469
330
274
5S6
481
380
354
293
269
20,037
18,944
65
40
1,717
826
1,978
1,206
999
1,386
809
1,770
1,144
843
2,121
1,049
1,194
1,020
882
2,742
708
1,275
726
206
781
940
4,060
2,644
855
1,830
955
604
1,017
734
562
39,086
GREEN LAKE COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns, Cities akd
White.
Colored
£
Villages.
6
a
B
«*
s
s
1
<1
548
, 729
452
630
737
637
1.076
390
232
554
1,755
691
• 769
442
654
682
521
1,015
336
225
1,102
3,341
"l"
6'
1,399
1,500
Kingston
l!419
1,058
Princeton
St. Marie
'■?§J
458
7,632
7,642
9
6
15,274
IOWA COUNTY.
Arena
Clyde
Dodgeville
Highland .'
Linden
Mifflin
Mineral Point
Mineral Point city
Moscow
Pulaski
Ridgeway
Waldwick
Wyoming
Total
1,004
924
2
,390
1,854
367
1,870
1
1,566
1,459
972
5
3
818
,706
3
806
716
4
2
1,468
1,581
11
4
484
443
786
712
1,299
1,174
480
338
362
12,384
11,714
26
9
JACKSON COUNTY.
Albion
1,428
699
549
714
669
226
613
128
448
566
1,334
620
477
554
688
546
82
429
467
5
...
1
2,768
\iU
1,268
1,257
423
1,169
210
Hixton..*
Irving
Manchester
Millston
Northfleld
877
1,032
Total
6,039
5,294
5
1
11,339
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
669
770
375
1,215
665
920
2,081
1,744
799
671
798
in
626
418
1,116
3,286
636
747
350
1,192
608
857
1,968
1,810
720
752
516
778
72b
255
489
897
1,066
3,283
4
3
4
3
3
5
1,312
1,522
734
2,415
1,273
Gold Spring
Farmington
Jefferson
2
1
21
"i'
13
4,041
3,556
1,499
1,551
l!576
1,483
603
Lake Mills
Milford ,
Oakland
Palmyra.
Sullivan
Waterloo
T:l
Waterloo village
Watertown town
Watertown city, 1st, 2d, 3d,
4th, and 7th wards
2,180
6,569
Total
17,702
17,137
40
29
34,908
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
253
JUNEAU COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns. Citi es a n d
White.
Colored
"(8
s
Hi
fa
3
rt
to
1
<
117
135
III
i?i
556
274
259
178
548
1,001
558
267
748
419
510
774
119
115
343
322
249
510
240
224
160
ill
ili
i??
460
719
r
"i'
i"
i"
1
236
250
740
712
658
1,072
1,066
5! 4
,483
338
1,118
1,865
1,133
516
1,438
796
970
1,495
■Clearfield
Kildare
l.emonweir .-
Lisbon
New Lisbon village
Plymouth
Summit ^
Total
7,993
7,301
3
3
15,300
KENOSHA COUNTY.
561
685
2,426
539
734
297
793
697
434
505
552
2,533
479
723
252
657
669
438
"i'
7
■5"
"2"
7
"5'
b'
1,066
1,137
4,959
1,018
1,457
549
Kenosha city
Paris
1,450
■Wheatland
'867
7,06b
6,803
19
19
13,907
ICEWAUNEE COUNTY.
A1inn.pppro^n
687
532
706
742
747
1,337
497
623
917
718
if
1,233
440
:534
780
685
1,319
1,038
1,412
Carlton 7
1,473
2,570
Kewaunee town & village.
Montpelier.
1,157
1,697
1,403
BedBiver
Total
7,506
6,899
14,405
liA CROSSE COUNTY.
366
667
516
528
919
426
863
461
1,131
725
1,784
596
1,195
712
393
482
499
348
1
940
402
1,805
640
1,916
753
982
666
287
355
423
"i'
"i'
1
Bangor
1,371
farmiugton
1,862
806
SoUand
'863
Xa Crosse city-
33
6
5
3
3
23
6
2
2
2,392
1,373
3,711
1,354
837
922
Second ward
Fourth ward
Fifth ward
Klnalaska town
Onalaska village
.Shelby:
Total
12,263
11,590
55
37
23,945
L,A FAYETTE COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns. Cities and
White.
Colored
1
E
0
rt
C
fe
be
12
■<
886
273
1,330
510
602
866
468
238
922
532
1,353
654
231
555
935
571
591
795
256
1,841
433
595
855
420
231
883
416
1,287
527
215
609
866
"l"
1,164
1,251
1,681
529
2,671
933
1,197
1,721
888
469
446
1,064
1,801
Belmont
Blanchard
"l"
1"
Darlington
Elk Grove
Fayette
Gratiot
Kendall
Monti cello
White Oak Springs.. ..
wiota.........:..*.*".'::::
11,388
10,781
2
4
32,169
LINCOLN COUNTY.
Jenny ,
523 372
MARQUETTE COUNTY.
362
384
381
260
459
356
219
331
377
274
ill
163
838
370
330
338
271
425
352
179
338
253
268
326
307
146
304
1
732
714
398
III
542
669
650
309
643
CrystalLake
Harris
Mecan
Packwaukee
Shield
Springfield
westfleld
Total
4,490
4,207
1
8,697
MAItATHON^ COUNTY.
Bergen
Berlin
Brighton
Hull
Knowlton...,
Maine
Marathon...,
Mosinee
Stettin
Texas.
Wausau
Wausau city
Wein
Weston ,
Total...,
109
685
135
414
232
807
479
159
439
1,560
110
263
50
539
223
298
129
351
235
238
430
119
385
1,260
114
215
r
5,524
4,586
1
159
1,124
682
671
264
765
467
545
909
278
824
2,820
224
479
10,111
254
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
MANITOWOC COUNTY.
POPULATION.
Towns, Cities and
White.
Colored
1
a
s
1
1
951
824
881
773
935
934
1,176
728
3,226
606
885
901
1,060
779
1,057
594
1,005
1,019
858
343
955
780
883
791
875
1,084
692
3,498
528
lil
1,014
1,016
549
953
932
857
313
l',906
1,604
1,714
1,832
21260
1,420
,662
754
Gibson
i"
Liberty
Manitowoc city
MisMcott.
Heeme
Man-itowoc Rapids
,074
1,423
3,073
1,143
:,958
1,951
1,715
656
::::
Newton
Kockland.
Two Kivers village. . . .
Two Rivers town
Two Creeks ,
Total
19,535
18 921
1
38,456
MILWAUKEE COUNTY.
Milwaukee city-
First ward
Second ward
Third ward
Fourth ward
Fifth ward
Sixth ward
Seventh ward
Eighth ward
Ninth ward
Tenth ward ,
Eleventh ward..,
Twelfth ward
Thirteenth ward,
Franklin ,
Greenfield
Wauwatosa , , ,
Granville
Oak Creek ..,
Lake ,
Milwaukee town
Total
4,437
5,101
1
3
6,874
6,617
3,693
3,483
8
6
5,025
5,491
VO
7(1
4,315
3.978
7
10
3.929
3,995
3,389
3,774
7
iJ
3,332
4,330
3,336
3,328
3,584
3,677
3,397
3,350
2,036
1,988
1,758
1,694
945
878
1,343
1,399
3
2
3,416
1,815
1
1
1,232
1,199
1,155
1,051
2,876
2,370
1,812
1,755
61,758
60,979
96
94
MONROE COUNTY.
9,532
13,491
7,190
10,656
8,310
7,934
7,072
6,668
8,658
7,161
6,647
4,014
3,452
1,823
2.646
4,333
3,481
2,306
5,346
3,567
123,927
373
274
193
18^
387
507
234
422
404
333
463
81
370
478
630
400
1,814
1,154
460
575
335
308
356
138
381
591
328
459
206
396
338
277
323
408
516
342
1,923
1,077
III
294
681
530
Byron
33
■3
■'6
35
"i'
'ii
....
331
Clifton
Glendale
1.297
715
Greenfield
440
886
Leon..."
742
843
155
OakDale...
710
RidgeviTle
1,146
742
Sheldon
Sparta
6
7
3,750
Wilton ....;::::::::::::::::::
1,0!?
629
Wells
11,000
9.935
47
54
21,026
OCONTO COUNTY.
To WHS, CITIBS AND
Villages.
Gillett
Little Suamico .
Maple Valley. . .
Marinette
Oconto town
Oconto city.
Peslitigo
Fensaulcee
Stiles
Total..
POPULATIOX.
196
551
153
1,446
663
2,371
1,495
744
268
7,786
179
361
108
1,086
453
2,086
1,023
537
185
6,017
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY.
3,307
546
636
170
689
850
842
719
562
980
363
408
111
100
290
759
3,403
493
439
463
718
179
516
140
655
731
811
669
533
937
236
338
93
100
247
634
n
"4"
"i'
"i'
i"
9
981
Bovina
974
1,009
417
Dale
1 052
Ellington
Freedom
I'^R]
i'b%4
i;38S
HoFtonia
Liberty
Maple Creek
746
Maine
New London, 3d ward
Osborn
637
1,384
Total
13,333
12,313
22
20
25,558
OZAUKEE COUNTY.
Cedarburg
Belgium
Fredonia
Grafton , . .
Mequon
Port Washington,
Saukville
Total
1,376
1,043
992
910
1,617
\^
1,268
1,009
924
844
1.522
1,481
979
1
1
8,516
8,029
1
1
PIERCE COUNTY.
Clifton
645
11
124
556
544
484
535
963
513
324
250
554
248
343
542
101
614
480
415
544
934
369
141
253
253
"i'
■ 713
'535
783
1,170
Diamond Bluff
ElPaso
Gilman
Isabella
Marten
'29
10
24
9
1,070
li916
79»
Maiden Rock
Oak Grove
River Falls.
Salem
•4
"i
Spring Lake
973"
Trimbelle
TJnion...
679
Total
7,977
7,045
44
35
15,101
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
255
POIiK COUNTY.
POPULATION
TowHS. Cities akd
Villages.
White.
Colored
S.
1
1
a)
(4
1
IS
<
Alden
610
3T6
266
209
425
399
'l\
160
105
134
447
362
322
141
45
167
86
428
\\l
12
'56
io
"9
■47
■'9
957
694
555
383
ii
209
914
406
244
Balsam Lake
-Farmington
Luck
Laketown
Milltown
•Osceola
•St. Croix Falls .
iSterllng.
3,548
3,046
78
65
6,736
PORTAGE COUNTY.
Amherst
Almoud
650
ill
39'4
277
126
622
309
244
541
671
141
651
783
234
719
741
315
ill
280
232
120
497
295
199
fA
^l
l\k
612
687
289
1
509
. \^n
271
1,267
1,494
368
1,331
1,428
Buena Vista
•Grant
Hull
Lln'woocl
Plover..:.
PlneGrove
Stockton
■Stevens Point town
■Stevens Point city-
First ward
Second ward. .
Total
7,842
7,0-
1
14,866
PEPIN COtrPfTY.
Albany
Darand....
Frankfort.
Lima
Pepin
Btockliolm .
WatervIUe,
Wanbeek..,
ToUl.
194
181
375
497
478
975
271
233
504
311
274
586
769
644
a
1,406
315
288
606
693
635
1,128
120-
117
237
3,060
2,760
2
5,816
ROCK COUNTY.
Avon
Belolttown
Beloit city
Bradford
Center
CUnton
Pulton
Harmony
JaQesTllfe town,
Janesvillecity..
Jolinstown
La Prairie
Lima
Magnolia
Milton
Newark
Plymouth
Porter
Bock.'.
Spring Valley...
■Turtle
445
377
2,162
'506
542
966
1,060
613
463
5,040
611
434
598
562
945
483
639
609
522
580
692
433
344
2,371
473
498
952
960
623
400
5,015
576
387
533
515
930
471
603
646
497
658
637
"2"
■m
33
2
1
a
«
1
34'
26 ■
4
1
1
'T
1
1
878
723
4,605
981
1,041
1,922
2,011
1,136
, 853
10,115
1,191
622
1,131
1,079
1,877
954
1,242
i,re5
1,019
1,138
1,131
2 025
39,039
RACINE COUNTY.
POPULATION.
White.
Colored
Towns, cities and
»
<D
aj
6
s
0)
1
<
Burlington . .
Caledonia. . . .
Dover
Mt. Pleasant,
Norway
Baclne city..
Raymond
Rochester. . . ,
Waterford...
TorkTllle....
Total . . .
1,403
1,602
638
1,237
606
6,571
824
436
789
810
14,616
1,424
1,346
465
1,104
467
6,590
, 710
408
726
755
13,973
53
RICHLAND COUNTY.
ST. CROIX COUNTY.
SAUK COUNTY.
2,827
2,847
993
2,341
963
13,274
"-m
1,BI4
1,565
28,702
Akan
361
685
560
573
598
490
463
622
4ti3
353
902
749
588
527
527
435
381
614
526
525
III
448
697
440
334
965
690
544
483
477
403
"5"
1
'io
"i'
742
1,299
m
1,219
903
i,i?I
1,440
ST
Forest
Ithaca
Marshall
Orion
Richland
Rlchwood
Rockbridge
westford
Willow
Total
8,896
8,436
16
5
17,363
Baldwin
160
355
184
235
636
in
i!
604
277
372
259
868
164
520
378
119
247
145
209
567
Ill
260
316
635
261
308
i?i
166
396
304
i"
279*
602
Cady
331
447
529
1,220
1,977
Pleasant Valley...:
621
Rush River
645
1,140
680
4R2
Star Prairie
672
St. Joseph
330
916
683
Total
8,009
6,941
6
1
14,966
Baraboo
1,931
402
413
281
497
11
8
592
1,063
724
932
1,057
Bear Creek
r^elton
T
Excelsior
Fairfield
Franklin
Freedom
256
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
SAUK COUNTY.^Cont'd.
POPULATIOW.
TpWHS, CiTIBS AND
White.
Colored
a5
s
ft
B
rt
n
Greenfield
Honey Creek. .
Ironton
LaValle
Merrimack....
Prairie du Sac
Reedsbnrg
Spring Creek.,
Sumpter
Troy
Washington...
Westfleld ,
Winfield
Woodland
Total
391
374
1
766
648
622
1,870
678
633
1,311
604
549
456
430
886
954
1,045
1,999
I'JJ*
1,126
2
3,242
533
516
1,049
392
381
773
551
501
1,052
567
526
1,093
683
632
3
1,320
439
378
827
645
575
1,280
13,816
13,088
17
11
86,932
SHAWANO COUNTY.
Almund
53
206
363
272
150
477
147
243
80
838
164
90
72
131
405
239
218
30
130
345
198
124
441
185
198
68
228
136
89
11
362
216
197
•14
•12
■»8
*l6
83
236
708
470
291
918
888
439
148
466
300
179
138
224
789
455
415
Belle Plaine...
Grant
Hartland
Herman
Navareno
Palla
Sessor
Seneca.
Shawano city
Waukecnan
Total
3,548
3,048
86
13
6,635
*Stockbridge Indians.
SHEBOYGAN COUNTY.
1,004
1,153
1,535
1,167
864
637
552
1,369
754
796
565
1,150
l\l
993
618
872
616
969
1,085
1,408
1,149
793
544
541
1,306
776
267
750
710
631
1,192
683
953
917
563
815
606
■ l"
1,973
2,287
2,937
2,316
1,658
1,181
1,093
8,675
1,569
550
Holland .,
Lyndon ,
Mitciiell
Mosel
Knssell
1,504
1,506
1,196
2,342
1,419
1,871
1,910
1,175
1,687
1,822
Sliebqygan city—
Sheboygan Falls village . . .
Wilson
Total
17,368
16,652
1
34,081
TREMPEALEAU COUNTY.
rOPULATIOW.
White.
Colored
Towns, Cities and
1
i
Em
6
rt
g
1
&
&
^
Arcadia
Albion
Burnside
Caledonia
Dodge
Ettrick
Gale
Hale
Lincoln
Preston
Pigeon
Sumner
Trempealeau,
Total....
1,464
1.368
2,839
301
169
37(
547
493
1,04(
293
213
51(
385
291
57(
774
741
1,515
889
856
1,746
557
463
102C
410
385
745
755
706
1,46<
316
303
■61!
406
418
87i
882
795
1
1,678
7,844
7,144
4
14,992
TAYIiOJR COUNTY.
548 1
897 I 7rl 3
VERNON COUNTY.
476
734
483
506
361
708
858
451
' 650
519
584
642
554
254
464
/ 659
355
1,046
522
442
403
458
640
456
451
343
638
569
487
534
553
561
323
435
631
266
970
473
441
344
1
55
T
1
1
53
....
r
l,ilt
939
1,341
717
1,219
1,006
1,108
1,194
1,115
447
§99
2,016
996
883
747
Forest
Genoa
Greenwood
Hillsborougii
Liberty
Stark
Union ',
Viroqua
Webster
Wheatland
Whitestown
Total
11,166
10,845
58
56
21,524
TV AL WORTH COUI^TY.
Bloomfield
Darlen
Delavan village..
Delavantown...
East Troy
Elkhorn
Geneva village..
Geneva town
La Fayette
La Grange
Linn
Lyons
Blchmond
Sharon
SpringJrairie...
Sugar Creek
Troy
Walworth
Whitewater
Total 13,149
591
516
713
729
S36
933
7
HKIi
379
704
, 685
510
589
886
844
541
468
1
.SI4
495
506
449
443
487
V86
664
49(1
435
1
001
973
7
596
584
502
476
481
530
655
616
060
8,328
2
8
149
13,067
18
86
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN.
25T
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
POPULATION.
White.
Colored
Towns, Citibs asd
YlLLAGBS.
s
o
rti
u
1
a
^
S
1
Addison
Barton
Erin
Farmlngton
Germaniowu
Hartford ,
Jackson
Kewaskum
Polk
Richfield
Schlei8lngerville. . ,
Trenton
Wayne
"West Bend town.. .
West Bend village
Total
951
85'?
660
689
1
612
571
878
889
1,030
955
1,403
1,321
H
1,038
1,014
731
703
936
820
921
819
220
160
1,005
907
855
855
451
444
601
624
12,282
11,576
4
WAUKESHA COUNTY.
WAUPACA COUNTY.
1.808
1,350
1,183
1,717
1,985
2.727
2,042
1,484
1,756
1,740
880
1,912
1,710
893
1,225
23,862
1,128
792
617
746
761
1,205
778
562
766
887
464
759
996
1,054
619
657
1,031
1,318
1,095
716
605
629
658
1,143
73B
573
684
820
419
710
1,115
1,016
540
leg
1,449
••4
4
■4
21
"i'
"4
5
ie
2,228
Delafield
1,609
1,224
Genesee
1,376
1,421
2,348
1,522
1,136
1,460
1.707
Ottawa
893
1,474
2,121
2,080
1.159
1,247
1,735
2,807
Total
15,140
14,196
83
26
29.425
.393
478
426
131
411
456
111
478
388
408
534
588
192
510
875
511
566
448
305
938
413
261
427
384
451
390
119
363
402
112
439
876
III
426
801
i?i
ni
'ill
777
929
817
250
774
Fremont
Helvetia
858
223
lola
017
Larrabee
764
771
Llnd
1,087
Little Wolf
1120
Matteson
372
JUOkwa
966
1,682
Boyalton .'.
Scandinavia
1,006
1,078
845
889
1,976
782
Weyauwega
498
815
10,146
9,451
6
4
19,646
WAUSHARA COUNTY.
population.
Towns, Cities and
White.
Colored
s
s
S
537
692
187
256
122
228
448
309
300
331
459
473
193
180
384
245
322
347
473
666
147
244
114
256
899
279
369
277
397
437
185
186
319
226
325
861
4
6
1,020
1,868
284
Bloomfield
Dakota
500
Deerfield.
236
842
588
569
608
856
Plalnfield
910
Riclif ord .
703
Springwater
471'
647
708
Wautoma
5,968
5,560
4
6
11,623
WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
893
459
691
839
1,679
276
697
573
2,062
610
1,622
8,672
463
1.055
579
588
596
1,342
460.
896
488
609
'262
578
560
1,961
510
1,690
8,263
405
1,018
499
553
535
1,230
417
"3"
i"
31"
"3'
"i'
'3
"3
41 ■
"3"
"l"
789
Black Wolf :
897
1,300
Meiiasha
720
3,170
534
Neklmi . .
1,275
1,123
4,02a
1.124
8.312'
Oshkosh city
17.015
868
2,079
Utlca
Vinland
1,078
1.141
1.131
2,577
Wolf River.. J
877
Total
23,106
21.825
51
51
45,083
WOOD COUNTY.
Aburndale
Centralia city
DextGr
Grand Rapids city
Grand Rapids
Lincoln
Port Edwards
Rudolph
Remington
Saratoga
Sigel
Seneca
Wood
Total
102
74
176
429
371
1
800
191
118
304
737
680
1
1,418
376
297
'1
1
677
485
231
194
193
117
810
472
255
217
79
73
152
159
144
303
231
201
1
488
183
165
349
125
104
229
3,291
2,760
6
1
6,048
258
HISTOEY OF WISCONSIjS^.
POPULATION BY COUNTIES.
SUMMARY FROM STATE AND FEDERAL CENSUS.
1840.
1850.
1855.
1860.
1865.
1870.
1875.
Adams
Ashland
Barron
Bayfield
Brown
Buffalo
Burnett
tJalumet
Chippewa
Clark
Columbia
Crawford
Dane
Dodge
Door
Douglas
Dunn
Bau Claire
Fond du Lac. .
'Grrant
Green
Green Lake. . .
Iowa
■Jackson
Jefferson
Juneau
Kenosha
Kewaunee
La Crosse
L^ Fayette
Lihcoln
Manitowoc . . .
Marathon..:..
Marquette
Milwaukee.. .
Monroe
Oconto
Outagamie —
Ozaukee
Pepin
Pierce
Polk
Portage
Kacine
Kichlaud
Bock
St. Croix
Sauk
Shawano
Sheboygan
Taylor
Trempealeau..
Vernon
"Walworth
Washington...
Waukesha
Waupaca
Waushara
Winnebago, . . .
Wood....:
Total. .
2,107
■"876
1,502
314
67
139
926
3,978
'■■914
18
5,605
1,623
3,475
■i,7bi
809
102
133
2,611
343
135
30,945
187
1,743
615
9,565
2,498
16,639
19,138
14,518
16,198
8,566
"■91522
■■i5i817
"16,734
11,531
""a.Y62
489.
508
31,077
1,250
14,973
963
20,750
624
4,371
"'8,876
17,862
19,485
19,258
10,167
805,391
6,868
>,699
3,631
838
232
17,965
8,323
37,714
34,540
739
385
1,796
"24i78i
23,170
14,827
15^265
1,098
26,869
■ ■i2;397
1,109
3,904
16,064
'131648
447
1,427
46,265
2,407
1,501
4,914
12,973
'"iireo
547
5,151
20,673
5,584
31,364
2,040
13,614
254
20,391
493
4,823
22,662
18,897
24,012
4,437
5,541
17,439
552,109
6.492
615
18
353
11,795
3,864
12
7.895
1,895
789
24,441
8,068
43,922
42,818
2,948
812
2,704
3,168
34,154
31,189
19,808
12,663
18,967
4,170
30,488
8,770
13,900
5,530
12,186
18,134
"22,416
2,892
8,233
62,518
8,410
3,592
9.587
15,682
2,392
4,672
1,400
7,507
21,360
9,732
36,690
5,392
18,963
829
26,875
"'2;566
11,007
26,496
23,622
26,831
8,851
8,770
23,770
2,425
775,881
5,698
266
"269
15,282
6,776
171
8,838
3,278
1,011
26,112
11,011
50,193
46,841
3,998
532
5,170
5,281
42.029
33,618
20,646
12,598
20,657
5,631
30,597
10,013
18,676
7,039
14,834
20,358
"26; 768
3.6ra
7,327
72,320
11,652
4,858
11,858
14,8S2
3,002
6,384
1,677
8,145
22,884
12,186
28,033
7,255
20,154
1,369
27,671
"5,199
13,644
25,773
24,019
27,029
11,208
9,002
29,767
2,965
888.325
6,601
221
538
344
25,168
11,183
706
12,335
8,811
3,460
28,802
13,075
53,096
47,035
4,919
1.122
9,488
10,769
46.278
37,979
23,611
13,195
24,544
7,687
34,050
12,396
13,177
10,281
20,295
22,867
"33,369
5,885
8,057
89,938
16,562
8,322
18,440
15,579
4,659
10,003
3,428
10,640
26,742
15,736
39,030
11,039
23,888
3,165
31,778
"i6',728
18,673
25,992
28,905
28,258
15,533
11,379
37,325
3,911
1,054,670
6,502
750
3.737
1,032
35,873
14,219
1,456
15,065
13,995
7,282
28,803
15,085
52,798
48,394
8,020
741
13,487
15,991
60,841
39,086
82,087
15,274
24,133
11,339
34,908
15,300
13,907
14,405
28,946
82,169
895
38,456
10,111
8,597
122,927
21,026
13,812
25,658
16,545
6,816
15,101
6,736
14,856
28,702
17,353
39,039
14,956
86,982
6,636
34,021
849
14,992
21,624
26,259
23,868
29,425
19,646
11,523
45,038
6,048
1,236,729
In a note to the territory of Indiana returns appears the following:
slppi, bad 65, and Green Bay 50 inhabitants.
•On the 1st of August, 1800, Prairledu Chien, on the Missis-
r fx
Wt LLIAM S. PARSONS.
(deceased)
NEW BERLIN.
STATISTICS OF WISCONSIN".
259
NATIVITY BY COUNTIES.
CENSUS OF 1870.
Adams
Ashland
Barron
Bayfield
Brown
Buffalo
Burnett.
Calumet
Chippewa. . .
Clark
Columbia...
Crawford
Dane
Dodge
Door
Douglas
Dunn
Eau Claire . .
Fonddu Lac
Grant
Green
Green Lake.,
Iowa
Jackson
.Teiferson
Juneau
Kenosha
Kewaunee...
La Crosse
La Fayette...
Manitowoc. .
Marathon
Marquette . . .
Milwaukee, . ,
Monroe
Oconto
Outagamie...
Ozaukee
Pepin
Pierce
Polk
Portage
Racine
Richland
Rock
Sauk...
Shawano
Sheboygan...
St. CroLK
Trempealeau
Vernon
M'alworth....
AVashington .
^Vaukesha . . .
Wanjcica
\Vaasliara
\\'innel>ago ..
Wfioil
,351
174
246
288
,728
,864
144
,661
,726
,761
,662
612
,456
,708
806
712
268
394
477
566
632
098
366
764
747
,361
066
642
695
985
868
139
128
697
512
591
741
,728
351
460
249
213
949
954
712
308
688
192
461
339
605
822
868
368
Oil
02
209
538
2,649
148
132
176
11,098
4,433
100
6,658
2,764
1,196
12,233
6,808
22,738
20,934
1,908
340
3.177
3,336
20.112
19.390
10,643
4.536
12,562
2,966
16,407
5,859
5,959
4,20JB
6,779
11,846
15,109
2..333
3,342
37,183
6,722
2.677
8.060
8,214
1.612
3,618
931
4,337
11,336
6,547
16,209
9,795
1,133
14,957
4,168
3,700
7,232
11,214
12,604
13,304
6.225
itm
1.587
FOEEION BoR>.
1,250
47
292
56
10,440
4,269
662
4.674
3,686
699
9,150
3,463
19,640
18,327
2,113
410
3,220
3,376
14,796
9,414
5,079
4,097
9.178
1,923
12,293
3,011
4,081
5,486
8,602
6.724
16,496
2,746
2,928
42,238
4,038
3,780
6,689
6,836
1,308
2,498
1,173
3,421
10,791
1,777
8,318
6.553
1.478
13.567
3,584
4.393
6,040
6,150
10,051
9.906
4,538
2,577
12,070
1,374
127
12
127
23
1,687
173
4
165
1,437
226
511
397
684
665
290
133
437
767
1,754
386
273
290
346
291
369
336
138
169
680
186
518
216
151
884
366
1.645
796
110
208
310
191
401
370
168
755
386
111
328
816
209
184
391
97
382
508
264
1,568
636
^
«
142
4
2
2
273
56
4
167
120
81
2,046
186
1,631
1,236
89
41
147
242
1,291
2,531
598
697
8,897
151
934
895
650
47
670
2,281
233
49
263
1,973
610
111
171
48
91
103
217
1,878
222
1,382
766
27
303
150
185
189
931
110
3,065
260
508
1,631
42
226
18
7
4
1,442
242
1
500
417
46
1,332
906
2,966
2.301
228
66
237
487
2,572
1,281
943
413
1,339
137
1.067
1,104
813
313
488
3,345
1,133
103
537
4.604
641
422
792
475
118
422
102
369
1,089
431
2.870
946
24
948
1.303
286
306
1,729
882
1.593
517
307
1,399
171
26
1
1
23
112
125
1
13
39
18
629
48
465
256
23
6
51
54
317
189
50
62
86
92
183
81
100
16
109
111
63
26
198
602
87
38
85
18
29
34
19
99
289
46
490
103
5
38
6K
141
87
148
86
397
60
42
146
34
41
3
3,788
1.971
1
3,267
968
236
2,774
640
6.276
12,666
426
60
842
835
7,372
8,586
892
2,634
1,447
250
8.445
518
2.082
1.611
2,881
729
9.335
2.239
1,661
29.019
1,601
797
3,262
4,422
300
449
172
1.223
3,869
481
1.142
3.433
1.096
8,497
294
776
661
1.173
8,213
4,335
1,243
816
6,261
51
84
4
30
35
160
187
27
4
17
34
126
41
11
39
22
62
17
93
19
1
288
38
23
61
93
27
16
27
39
82
26
78
65
4
119
6
22
30
§1
134
37
39
11
53
3
537
3
98
1
451
656
551
3
439
79
1,615
764
6,601
383
844
93
1,386
871
156
643
1,017
37
1,647
944
384
379
29
97
2,646
993
1,420
73
31
636
573
.321
37
98
484
1,062
483
795
1,088
237
1,438
93
146
334
940
2.688
3,138
579
40
486
1.226
220
762
106
103
67
168
34
1
34
402
196
167
43
7
547
4
343
12
309
3
11
2,011
489
2,366
1,634
40
73
7
11
1
11
708
124
6
41
281
1
296
54
e;
ia
«
^
m
w
9
6
14
31
947
941
4
82
92
35
29
1
67
44
46
3
216
17
97
77
16
3
2
2
44
3
39
1
198
627
118
71
1,247
3
1
2
31
13
6
1
144
19
11
1
30
44
27
48
271
94
21
S
153
51
3
1
4
447
864
43
26
8
79
64
785
20
34
7
76
11
8
1
6
5
67
49 :
11
4
60
6
601
34
12
99
1,683
3
38
16
6
86
3
40
15
79
,'iR
96
48
65
3
1
300
23
371
49
11
131
37
82
3
61
21
98
18
12
16
3
'15
65
71
44
55
6
180
60
56
16
■'19
106
47
1,294
3
52
9
23
8
71
9
39
38
260
HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
VALUATION OF PROPERTY
IN THE STATE OF WISCONSIN.
ASSESSED VALTJATIOIf OF TAXABLE PROPERTY FOR THE
YEAR 1876.
COUNTIEiS.
Value of per-
sonal property.
Adams
Ashland
Barron
Bayfleld
Brown
Buffalo
Burnett
Calumet.
Chippewa....
Clark
Columbia
Crawford
Dane
Dodge
Door
Douglas
Dunn.
Eau Claire...,
Fond du Lac.
Grant
Green
Green Lake..
Iowa
Jackson
Jefferson
Juneau
KenosUa
Kewaunee. . .
Lacrosse
La Fayette. . .
Lincoln
Manitowoc . .
Marathon
Marquette
Milwaukee . , ,
Monroe
Oconto
Outagamie...
Ozaukee
Pepin
Pierce
Polk
Portage
Baclne
Blchland
Sock
St. Croix
Sauk
Shewano
Sheboygan....
Taylor
Trempealeau,
Vernon
Walworth
Washington. .
Waukesha
Waupaca
Waushara....
Winnebago...
Wood
Total
$ 179,771
42.666
146,374
21,705
448,287
438,501
32,419
373,946
965,624
281,813
1,875,049
527,043
4,610,768
2,446,793
135,107
19,434
1,052,300
1,354,142
2,489,759
2,502,795
1,966,599
789,736
1,233,676
472,124
1,753,985
660,125
1,320,957
546,678
1,336,271
1,196,503
13,654
1,141,320
335,078
826,668
15,345,281
658,191
455,741
623,744
881,784
235,283
738,082
237,567
564,079
2,418,248
612,171
4,462,048
816,768
1,364,772
121,267
1,903,861
53,812
840,378
924,835
3,187,722
1,062,347
3,165,504
480,837
343,509
3,081,308
251,669
Value of
real estate.
S 624,168
889,523
1,043,964
533,167
2,195,053
890,028
442,765
2.107,811
4,369,845
2,355,972
7,083,892
1,457,586
14,882,179
11.014,318
659,650
410,227
1,875,148
4,204,233
11,649,769
7,039,201
6,290,829
3,485,819
4,348,452
1,040,417
7,896,833
1,607,845
4,488,186
2,660,641
4,016.568
4,775,417
1.533,542
5,290,599
1,744,901
1,033,967
46,477,283
1,994,911
8,411,557
3,348,267
8,803,688
595,316
2,436,319
1,121,699
1,592,018
8,071,811
1,908,386
13,931,410
8,110,445
4,036,813
685,917
7,096,170
816,421
1,904,988
2,288,420
10,559,519
4,927,684
11,892,119
1,826,908
1,343,029
9,810.290
598,920
Total.
5274,417,873
$ 803.939
932,189
1,190,338
554,872
2,637,340
1,328,529
475,184
2,481,157
5,324,869
2,637,785
8,958,941
1,984,629
19,492,947
13,461,111
,794,767
429.661
2,927,448
6,558,375
14,139,528
9,541,996
8,257,428
4,275,555
5,582,128
1,512,641
9,650,818
2,267,370
5,809,143
8,107,319
5,351,839
5,971,919
1,646,196
6,431.923
2,079,979
1,360,635
61,828,564
2,653,102
3,867,298
3,972,011
3,185,473
830,599
3,173,401
1,359,166
2,166,097
10,490,069
2,520,557
18,393,468
8.937,313
5,401,585
807,184
9,000,031
870,233
2,745,366
3,213,265
13,747,241
5,989,981
15,067,623
2,307.746
1,686.538
12,891,598
850,689
8351,780,354
Valuation op Untaxed Property, prom Assessors'
Returns por 1875 and 1876.
Co., town,
city and
village
property.
$ 6,147
2,340
""6,366
43,325
15,300
""iiibo
■■"3; 3 66
29,785
""7!206
45,800
■■■17463
"'iiiWsd
49,320
52,505
26,650
"'is.Hm
600
12,600
■■'ig^sdo
10,760
31,000
28,210
15,700
5.680
1,318,506
5,368
■■■i6!4o'd
5,280
25
13,960
■"■rooo
22,700
525
28,000
11,400
9.000
2,000
10,725
356
1,500
70,200
7,500
700
250
21,850
6,380
1,500
Scliool. col-
lege and
academy
property.
82,06.3,636
9,900
4,925
1,400
102,635
27,787
1,500
"■■5,1 60
3,000
115,605
11,000
"■so! 636
■■■■3'i'24
3,200
16,933
60,500
197,406
66,875
■"36, 774
■■■66i2d6
■"46! 365
17,720
3,500
55,930
9,640
21,248
27,303
8,735
771,265
13,200
■96!296
18;415
8,347
73,675
10,940
25,916
24,625
■■"soiodo
7,211
4,126
2,800
8,000
■'l50,2d6
6d6
34,940
21,080
29,495
Church and
cemetery
property.
J 4,713
1,000
125
2,685
83,369
39,760
3,000
13,230
55,014
1,300
91,142
4,100
359,890
131,075
7,029
2.851
3,200
56,930
259,900
109,405
76,995
23,840
55,026
15.075
172,300
19,280
46,860
18,521
110,643
71,610
"'si'Mii
16,825
12,080
1,812,390
33,158
38,100
73,375
82,920
4,180
25,115
5,273
42,470
236,000
37,915
242,650
41,370
87,670
5,714
128,895
■■"26:3dd
3,335
139,810
120,670
218,760
34,410
22,524
36,860
27,000
Railroad
property.
4,774,838
Sl,230,000
94,035
150
73
175,885
64.095
110,000
89,800
84,400
431,604
627,165
95,450
2,000
■■■ei^MO
76,000
237,915
120,000
51,800
300
"iQ2,'eo6
146,901
50,658
I,'27ii6d6
17,586
76,720
847,615
186,000
23,026
70,400
250,975
■■fsiigso
68,720
22,500
■■■55i830
336,400
8,300
■'ISO, boo
84,780
2,720
U. S., state
and all
other
property.
7,487,627
$ 400
2,780
900
1,340
10,421
100
252,987
14,400
200
60,000
16,780
32,245
500
3,730
600
sikoo
6,275
10.500
2,635
15,300
74,800
400
3,595
682,800
2,340
■■3,6"dd
3,470
9,835
1,000
5,735
900
120,950
■34.656
5,850
1,160
41,600
775
1,300
140,000
60,083
200
2,825
1,200
1,550
7,740
S 21,168
1,228,265
126
10,885
326,638
73,897
4,500
14,898
60,174
184,875
312,028
125,200
699,357
296 305
7 239
22 688
428 004
883 153
478,9-50
384.520
170,020
88.070
183,680
263,599
402,800
77,355
123,825
49,516
264,043
202,340
10,040
254,828
110,380
26,495
5,257,555
71 661
114,820
524,680
196.090
44,258
114.740
22,047
147,686
845,260
88,440
1,107,350
217,840
118.120
14,925
194,775
380,800
85,725
26,050
670,710
188,213
220,150
74,225
67,954
159,065
38.960
1,662,388 18,524,196
STATISTICS OF WLSCOX.blN.
261
ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS
GROWN IN 1876.
COUNTIES.
NUMBER OP ACRES.
Wbeat.
Corn.
Oats.
Barley.
Rye.
Hops.
Tobacco.
Flax-seed.
Adams
5.146
6
4,070^
i^
13,933
9,313M
4,583
2,734
1,696
40,274
19,173
84,073
29,4013^
353
5
9,671
11,765
98,709
68,168
15,608
46,980
8.071M
38.379
11.848M
15,8')
l,UoB
10,681
61,649
5,353
84
3.477M
5.732
12.573><
637
9,858
9,032
2,408
24,071
10,584
67,130
25,592X
3,391
50
13,833
7,183
20,763
62,054
34,191
8,013
34,433
V-i.lWH
16,845
14,273>!S
14,174
10.633
1 .■J49
!,j.l94
712
21,437>i
5,030
4,873
1(1,313K
12,864
3,412
2,447}|i
9.473
4,475
8,338
1,842
9,086)i
15,241>«
11,606>«
60,103
17,541
24,469K
4,408^4
16,704
64M
15,034
23.055
28226
14.104
18.980
7.448
13'.813
1,029
83
8.488
660
5«
759M
383S^
27
Bayfield
Brown
16.384
48.607M
1,179
32,860M
10:442
2,457
64,472
19,054
89,253
128,708
4,771
6,012
2,761
58
4,0483i'
1,258
208
7.694
3.912
23.499
11.463
696
6,254
870
264
231)i<
'11
7,648
1.588
7.410
2.134^
788
nn
9H
Buffalo
Burnett
M
"^
593^
18
317«
136
9
Chippewa
Clarl^.
3*-
15
2.469><
8
Dane
153X
Door
Dunn
27,<!n8
2' o85
8-1,612
39,648
4,409
37,064
21,676
19,963
33,569
ll,598>iJ
4,782
17,702
sap*")
4,4j.i
262
4,638M
4,548
9,517
11,774
81,634
2,490
8 076
2- ■35M
lc690ii
41,187
9,293
15,701>«
7,884 )i
13,328X
12,384M
77,810
27,701
6,485
46.959
60K
63.656
42.277
20.588
68.691
84.140
13.516
' 12,573
49,999
637
1.560
1.243
8 554
2.839
666K
1.170
2.609H
1.739
8.773
445
1.649
2.164
3.046
1.273
20
4,299
670
6,063
1,769
857
940J«
4,116)^
613?
2,851
440
1,284«
2,23ra
6895C
19,424
2,023
7,519
2
2.381>f
6,542
8,934K
6,614
8,527
1,060
636^
1,427
29K
1.156
933
764>i
3.296
3.793JS
8.465
1,892
618
7,611
3,137
611
3,520
3,177
1,735
68
11
44
113«
38
212
179 >i
71ii
840
1,169
8
24|«
IVi
H
Fond du Lac
2
Grant
, 29
44
36,317
363
1
10,145
Jackson
100
Juneau
Q
7
3II
La Crosse
Lincoln
864K
356
l.i. 121
7,104>i
12,608
734
4 761
2,684J«
6,924
8,984
4,104
11,076
1 i,904X
• 460K
l-i.041K
5.390
33,816>«
1.904
8.244
32
12.106
22.499
45.466
11.613
26.318
9.634
18.726K
16,404
958
5,233
116
10,503
3,074X
1:377
734
514
3,430>«
563
268
336
7,665V
2,212
l,7705r
15,038><
173
6,164X
1,160K
4,332
3
550
633
4,875>i
6,002
7,659
4,363
16,416
982
873)<
3
1
Maraihou , . . .
2
139
66
390
3
16
26K
3
7
Milwaukee
22
Oconto
X
Pepin
Polk
2
3
584!^
31K
499K
41M
X
Kacine
1^
2,105X
4,285M
Rock
282
St. Croix
4
Sauk
3,118k
X
49
42^
187
107X
29
239
295
340
110
14
13
Tayiofr:. ::::::::;"" ."\;;"'.:;:':
14
IIX
1,169
113
6
3
8
3
9
a
3
wJod^r*: ;;;;;:;;;;:;:::::::;;::;:
1,446.650M
1,025.801 i-
864,861«
183.030*-
176,314X
11,184M
4.842
62,008K
262
IIISTOKY OF WISCOlSrSlN.
ACREAGE OF PRINCIPAL CROPS
GROWN IN 1876.
Counties.
NUMEKE OF ACRES.
Clover Seed,
Cultivated
Grasses.
Potatoes.
Roots.
Apples.
ihiivated
Ci.iiiDfrries.
Timber.
Bushels.
8,161
241
100
771
266
30
160
909 J^
120M
1,017
425
1,918X
2.493
3.685
8,780M
100
989
6
75
55X
58
Hi
26,040
1,152,000
24,175
553
283(
5
Bayfleia
5,769^
13,361
25K
17«
37
219
4,000
12,739
57,463
553K
1,733
Chippewa . . .'.
9,348
32,326
4,925
53,219
29,552
267
100
10,032
■■'■ii.edg
37,793
28.833
13,920
16,666
6,316
17,407
8,705
29,866
5,666
11.390
22,719
316
3a.256M
5,453
8,387
20,557
14,217
6,170
11,681
8,538
78
1.533K
2,460
4,880^
16,254
136.000
51,879
""iii'.453
49,869H
104
618
80
89
36
1,689
60
30
y^
2,969^
Dodge
2;4893
10
319
2
61M
600,000
5,414
Dunn
8
2.701X
3.038
1.159
931
1,650M
510
3,209
1,738
1,060
1,487
781
1,633
106
2,261
667
926
3.030M
1.520
836
51
i.seesf
6li4
2,935<^
2.766
6.980Ji
1,467
1,987m
100
2,233
339
2,170
44
239
994
44,986
126,116
20,813M
22,393
61.026
53.880
33,774
1,500
Grant
3,848
16
5
46
41
94
63M
99
26
108?
46
566
1,615
520
2!757K
107
Jefferson
5,269
781
19.896
37.573
29.763
24.037
1 324
1,174
2
30
La Fayette. . .
1 00?
Lincoln , .
108
187X
?s
13
100
689
1,856
1,934-S-
406
257,841
774)i
Marathon
151
1
4,412
20
20,525
16,211
33,756
19,433
22,077
1,073
113
1 666
OzauKee
l,3665r
li
60X
16,004
479
3,676
457
1.0645C
73K
1,730
2
2n%
749
4.056>^
60,095
4,953
1
1,349
Pepin
12,974
2,642
10,142M
21,516}J
18,934Jf
67,133}<;
14,293
25,233SC
4,111
40,123
173
18,738
20,197
45.093
6,513
38,629
13,640
9.770
33,433
335
734
591
1,176
3,209^
648
2.723
99
878X,
1.241
2,imy.
46,821
3,982
1,696
1,342
. 1,630
169
41
178
138*-
46M
lOK
133><;
10
104"^
64^
133
84
41J.!;
140
55!^
9,430
883
98
46
85
182.671
Polk
2
680
52,150
28,718M
65,394
68,057
Richland
840
2,160K
5,416
80
1,248K
10.738
8,101
Taylor
2
1¥
12.149
91.194
50,221
50 080
42,690
82,985
66,510
25,737
93,242
270
1,134
2.798
16,080
1,629
610
117
720
Walworth
137^^
30
185
1,063
194
400
Wood...........
889.018X
133.430>i
13.624X
139,891^
17,664J<
4.090 226H
76.945J<
ABSTRACT OF LAWS,
WISCONSIN.
ELECTORS AND GENERAL ELECTIONS.
Sec. 12. Every male person of the age of twenty-one years or upward, belonging to
either of the following classes, who shall have resided in the State for one year next preceding
any election, shall be deemed a qualified elector at such election :
1. Citizens of the United States.
2. Persons of foreign birth who shall have declared their intention to become citizens con-
formably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization.
3. Persons of Indian blood who have once been declared by law of Congress to be citizens
of the United States, any subsequent law of Congress to the contrary notwithstanding.
•i. Civilized persons of Indian descent not members of any tribe. Every person convicted
of bribery shall be excluded from the right of suifrage unless restored to civil rights ;
and no person who shall have made or become directly or indirectly interested in any
bet or wager depending upon the result of any election at which he shall oifer to vote,
shall be permitted to vote at such election.
Sec. 13. No elector shall vote except in the town, ward, village or election district in which
he actually resides.
Sec. 14. The general election prescribed in the Constitution shall be held in the several
towns, wards, villages and election districts on the Tuesday next succeeding the first Monday in
November in each year, at which time there shall be chosen such Representatives in Congress,
Electors of President and Vice President, State officers, and county officers as are by law to be
elected in such year.
Sec. 15. All elections shall be held in each town at the place where the last town-meeting
was held, or at such other place as shall have been ordered at such last meeting, or as shall have
been ordered by the Supervisors when they establish more than one election poll, except that the
first election after the organization of a new town shall be held at the place directed in the act
or proceeding by which it was organized ; and all elections in villages constituting separate elec-
tion districts and in the wards of cities, shall be held at the place to be ordered by the Trustees
of such village, or the Common Council of such city, at least ten days before such election, un-
less a different provision is made in the act incorporating such village or city.
Sec. 16. Whenever it shall beciome impossible or inconvenient to hold an election at the
place designated therefor, the Board of Inspectors, after having assembled at or as near as prac-
ticable to such place, and before receiving any votes may adjourn to the nearest convenient place
for holding the election, and at such adjourned place shall forthwith proceed with the election.
Upon adjourning any election as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Inspectors shall cause proc-
lamation thereof to be made, and shall station a Constable or some other proper person at the
place where the adjournment was made, to notify all electors arriving at such place of adjourn-
ment, and the place to which it was made.
26i HISTORY OF WISCONSIN
Sec. 20. A registry of electors shall annually be made :
1. In each ward or election district of every city which, at the last previous census, had
a population of three thousand or more.
2. In each ward or election district of every incorporated village in which, by law, sep-
arate elections are held ; which village at the last preceding census, had a popula-
tion of fifteen hundred or more.
3. In every town containing a village which, at said census, had a population of fifteen
hundred or more, in which village separate general elections are not by law required to
beheld.
4. In all towns any part of which shall have been embraced in any part of any city or
village in which a registration by this chapter is required.
Such registration shall be made in the manner provided by this chapter. The persons
uuthorized by law to act as In.spectors of Election in each of such towns, wards or election dis-
tricts shall constitute the Board of Registry therefor.
Sec. 21. The said Inspectors shall have their first meeting on Tuesday, four weeks pre-
ceding each general election, at the place where said election is to be held ; and in election
districts at which there were polled at the previous general election three hundred votes or
less, they shall sit for one day, and in districts at which there were more than three hundred
votes polled, they shall have power to sit two days if necessary, for the purpose of making such
list! They shall meet at 9 o'clock in the forenoon and hold their meetings open until 8
o'clock in the evening of each day during which they shall so sit. The Clerks appointed by law
to act as Clerks of Election shall act as Clerks of the Board of Registry on the day of election
only. The proceedings shall be open, and all electors of the district shall be entitled to be
heard in relation to corrections or additions to said registry. They shall have the same powers
to preserve order which Inspectors of Election have on election days, and in towns vacancies in
the Board shall be filled in the same manner that vacancies are filled at elections.
Sec. 22. The said Inspectors at their first meeting, and before doing any business, shall
severally take and subscribe the oath of Inspectors at a general election, and said Inspectors shall
at their first meeting make a registry of all the electors of their respective districts, placing
thereon the full names, alphabetically arranged according to surnames, in one column, and in
another the residence by number and name of street or other location, if known. If any elector's
residence is at any hotel or public boarding-house the name of the hotel or boarding-house shall
be stated in the registry. They shall put thereon the names of all persons residing in their elec-
tion district appearing on the poll-list kept at the last preceding general election, and are author-
ized to take therefor such poll-list from the office where kept, omittmg such as have died or
removed from the district, and adding the names of all other persons known to them to be elect-
ors in such district. In case of the formation of a new election district since the last preceding
general election, the said Board therein may make such registry from the best means at their
command, and may, if necessary, procure therefor certified copies of the last poll-list. They shall
complete said registry as far as practicable at their first meeting, and shall make four copies
thereof, and certify the original and each copy to be a true list of the electors in their district so far
as the same are known to them. One of said copies shall be immediately posted in a conspicuous
place in the room in which their meeting was held, and be accessible to any elector for examina-
tion or making copies thereof, and one copy shall be retained by each Inspector for revision and
correction at the second meeting. They shall within two days after said first meeting file the original
registry made by them, and said poll-list in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk,
and may, in their discretion, cause ten printed copies of said registry to be made and posted in
ten of the most public places of said election district, or may publish the same in a newspaper at
an expense not exceeding one cent for each name.
Sec. 23. The Inspectors shall hold their second meeting at the same place designated for
holding elections on the Tuesday two weeks preceding the election. They shall meet at 9 o'clock
in the forenoon. In election districts having less than three hundred voters, as shown by the
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 265
preliminary registry, the Board shall complete the registry on the same day ; but if there are more
than that number of voters, they shall sit two days. They shall remain in session until 8 o'clock in
the evening. They shall revise and correct the registry first by erasing the name of any person
who shall be proved to their satisfaction by the oatns of two electors of the district to be not
entitled to vote therein at the next ensuing election, unless such person shall appear and if chal-
lenged, shall answer the questions and take the oath hereinafter provided ; secondly, by entering
thereon the names of every elector entitled to vote in the district at the next election who shall
appear before the Board and require it, and state his place of residence, giving street and num-
ber, if numbered, or location, as hereinbefore provided, if challenged answer the questions, and
take the oaths provided in case of challenge at an election ; but if any person shall refuse to
answer all such questions or to take such oath, his name shall not be registered. Any person
who is not twenty-one years of age before the date when the registry is required to be corrected, but
will be if he lives until the day of election, shall have his name put on the registry if he be other-
wise qualified to be an elector. Any elector who did not vote at the previous general election
shall be entitled to be registered either at the preliminary or the final registration of electors by
appearing before the Board of Registration of his election district and establishing his right to
be registered, or, instead of a personal appearance, he may make his application to be registered
to the Board in writing. Such application shall state the name and period of continuous resi-
dence in the election district and place of residence therein, giving the number and street of the
applicant, and, in case the person making the application is of foreign birth, he shall state when
he came to the United States and to the State of Wisconsin, and the time and place of declaring
his intention of becoming a citizen of the United States, and that he is entitled to vote at the
election. Upon receiving such application, the Board of Registration shall register the name of
such applicant, if it appears to the Board that the applicant is, by his statement, entitled to
vote. Such statement shall be made under oath, and shall be preserved by the Board and be
filed in the office of the village or city clerk, as the case may be. All city and village clerks
shall keep blanks for making the application for registration, as provided by this section. The
form shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State. Every person named in this section shall be
subject to the same punishment for any false statement or other offense in respect thereto as
is provided in case of such false statement or other offense by an elector offering to vote at an
election. After such registry shall have been fully completed on the days above mentioned,,
no name shall be added thereto by any person or upon any pretext. Within three days after the
second meeting the said Board shall cause four copies of the registry to be made, each of which
shall be certified by them to be a correct registry of the electors of their district, one of which
shall be kept by each Inspector for use on election day, and one shall forthwith be filed in the
office of the proper town, city or village clerk. All registries shall at all times be open to pub-
lic inspection at the oflfice where deposited without charge.
Sec. 24. On election day the Inspectors shall designate two oftheirnumber at the opening
of the polls, who shall check the names of every elector voting in such district whose name is on
the registry. No vote shall be received at any general election in any ward or election district
defined in Section 20, if the name of the person oflfering to vote be not on said registry made at
the second meeting as aforesaid, except as hereinafter provided ; but in case any one shall, after
the last day for completing such registry, and before such election, become a qualified voter of
the district, he shall have the same right to vote therein at such election as if his name had been
duly registered, provided he shall, at the time he off'ers to vote, deliver to the Inspectors his affi-
davit, in which he shall state the facts, showing that he has, since the completion of such regis-
try, become a qualified elector of such district, and the facts showing that he was not such
elector on the day such registry was completed, and shall also deliver to such Inspectors the affi-
davits of two freeholders, electors in such election district, corroborating all the material state-
ments in his affidavit. In case any person who was a voter at the last previous general election
shall not be registered, such person shall be entitled to vote on making affidavit that he was enti-
tled to vote at the previous election, and that he has not become disqualified by reason of removal
266 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
from the election district or otherwise, since that election, which affidavit shall also he corrobo-
rated by the affidavits of two freeholders, as is provided for other non -registered voters. No one
freeholder shall be competent to make at any one election corroborating affidavits for more than
three voters. All of said affidavits shall be sworn to before some officer authorized by the laws
of this State to take depositions. The Inspectors shall keep a list of the names and residence
of the electors voting whose names are not on said completed registry, and attach said list to the
registry and return it, together with all such affidavits, to the proper town, city or village clerk.
No compensation shall be paid or received for taking or certifying any such affidavits. On the day
following the election, one of said poll-lists and one copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be
attached together and filed in the office of the proper town, city or village clerk, and the other of
said poll-lists and copy of the registry so kept and checked shall be returned to the County
Clerk with the returns of the election. Such Inspectors shall give notice by advertisement in a
newspaper printed in the city, village or town where such registration was made, of the registry,
and shall include in such notice all additions to and omissions from the preliminary list, and
shall also state where the election is to be held. In case there be no newspaper printed in such
city, village or town, such notice shall be given by posting copies thereof in three or more public
places in each ward or election district in such city, village or town. For publication of such
notice in any such newspaper the publisher thereof shall be entitled to the same compensation
per folio as is prescribed for publishing other legal notices.
COMMON SCHOOLS.
Sec. 413.. The formation of any school district shall be by written order of the Town
Board, describing the territory embraced in the same, to be filed with the Town Clerk within
twenty days after the making thereof. The Supervisors shall deliver to a taxable inhabitant of
the district their notice thereof in writing, describing its boundaries, and appointing a time and
place for the first district meeting, and shall therein direct such inhabitant to notify every quali-
fied voter of the district, either personally or by leaving a written notice at his place of resi-
dence, of the time and place of such meeting, at least five days before the time appointed
therefor, and said inhabitant shall notify the voters of such district accordingly, and indorse
■ thereon a return containing the names of all persons thus notified, and said notice and return
shall be recorded as a part of the record of the first meeting in such district.
Sec. 414. In case such notice shall not be given, or the inhabitants of a district shall neg-
lect or refuse to assemble and form a district meeting when so notified, or in case any school dis-
trict having been formed or organized shall afterward be disorganized, so that no competent
authority shall exist therein to call a special district meeting, in th6 manner hereinafter pro-
vided, notice shall be given by the Town Board, and served in the manner prescribed in the pre-
ceding section. Whenever a district meeting shall be called as prescribed in this and the
preceding section, it shall be the duty of the electors of the district to assemble at the time
and place so directed.
Sec. 415. Whenever it shall be necessary to form a district from two or more adjoining
towns, the Town Boards of such towns shall meet together and form such districts by their writ-
ten order, describing the territory embraced in such district, signed by at least two of the Super-
visors of each town; and shall file one such order with the Town Clerk of each town, and
deliver the notice of formation to a taxable inhabitant of such district, and cause the same to be
served and returned in the time and manner hereinbefore prescribed ; and any such district may
be altered only by the joint action of the Town Boards of such towns in the same manner that
Other districts are altered.
Sec. 416. Every school district shall be deemed duly organized when any two of the offi-
cers elected at the first legal meeting thereof shall have consented to serve in the offices to which
they have been respectively elected, by a written acceptance thereof filed with the clerk of the
first meeting, and recorded in the minutes thereof; and every school district shall be considered
ABSTRACT UF LAAVS. 267
as duly organized after it shall have exercised the franchises and privileges of a district for the
term of two years.
Sec. 426. The annual meeting of all school districts in which graded schools of two or
more departments are taught, shall be held on the second Monday of July, and of all other
school districts on the last Monday of September, in each year. The hour of such meeting shall
be seven o'clock in the afternoon, unless otherwise provided by a vote of the district, duly
recorded at the last previous annual meeting ; but at any annual meeting a majority of the
electors present may determine that the annual meeting of such district shall be held on the last
Monday of August instead of the last Monday of September. Said determination to take effect
when a copy of the proceedings of said annual meeting in reference to such change shall have
been filed with the Town Clerk in which the schoolhouse of such district is situated, and to
remain in force until rescinded by a like vote of the electors of such district.
Sec. 426. The Clerk shall give at least six days' previous notice of every annual district
meeting, by posting notices thereof in four or more public places in the district, one of which
shall be affixed to the outer door of the schoolhouse, if there be one in the district, and he shall
give like notices for every adjourned district meeting when such meeting shall have been
adjourned for more than one month ; but no annual meeting shall be deemed illegal for want of due
notice, unless it shall appear that the omission to give such notice was willful and fraudulent.
Sec. 427. Special district meetings may be called by the Clerk, or, in his absence, by the
Directors or Treasurer, on written request of five legal voters of the district, in the manner
prescribed for calling an annual meeting ; and the electors, when lawfully assembled at a special
mieting, shall have power to transact the same business as at the first and each annual meeting,
except the election of officers. The business to be transacted at any special meeting shall be
particularly specified in the notices calling the same, and said notices shall be posted six full
days prior to the meeting. No tax or loan or debt shall be voted at a special meeting, unless
three-fourths of the legal voters shall have been notified, either personally or by a written notice
left at their places of residence, stating the time and place and objects of the meeting, and
specifying the amount proposed to be voted, at least six days before the time appointed therefor.
Sec. 428. Every person shall be entitled to vote in any school district meeting who is
qualified to vote at a general election for State and county officers, and who is a resident of such
school district.
ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION OF DISTRICT TAXES.
Sec. 469. All school district taxes, unless otherwise specially provided by law, shall be
assessed on the same kinds of property as taxes for town and county purposes ; and all personal
property which, on account of its location or the residence of its owner, is taxable in the town,
shall, if such locality or residence be in the school district, be likewise taxable for school district
purposes.
BORROWING- MONEY.
Sec. 474. "Whenever, upon any unusual exigency, any school district shall, before the annual
meeting, vote a special tax to be collected with the next levy, the district may, by vote, author-
ize the District Board to borrow for a period not exceeding one year a sum not exceeding the
amount of such tax, and by such vote set apart such tax when collected to repay such loan, and
thereupon the District Board may borrow such money of any person and on such terms and exe-
cute and deliver to the lender such obligation therefor, and such security for the repayment,
including a mortgage or pledge of any real or personal property of the district, subject to the
directions contained in the vote of the district as may be agreed upon and not prohibited by
law.
Sec. 498. Every District Clerk who shall willfully neglect to make the annual report for
his district as required by law shall be liable to pay the whole amount of money lost by such
268 HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN.
district in consequence of his neglect, which shall be recovered in an action in the name of and
for the use of the district.
Sec. 499. Every Town Clerk who shall neglect or refuse to make and deliver to the County
Superintendent his annual report, as required in this chapter within the time limited therefor,
shall be liable on his official bond to pay the town the amount which such town or any school
district therein, shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon ; and every County
Superintendent who shall neglect or refuse to make the report required of him by this chapter
to the' State Superintendent shall be liable to pay to each town the amount which such town or
any school district therein shall lose by such neglect or refusal, with interest thereon, to be
recovered in either case in an action prosecuted by the Town Treasurer in the name of the
town.
Sec. 503. Every member of a district board in any school district in this State in which
a list of text-books has been adopted according to law, who shall, within three years from the
date of such adoption, or thereafter, without the consent of the State Superintendent, order a
change of text-books in such district, shall forfeit the sum of fifty dollars.
Sec. 513. Every woman of twenty-one years of age and upward may be elected or
appointed as director, treasurer or clerk of a school district, director or secretary of a town board
under the township system ; member of a board of education in cities, or county superintendent.
Sec. 560. In reckoning school months, twenty days shall constitute a month and one hun-
dred days five months.
ASSESSMENT OF TAXES.
Sec. 1035. The terms "real property," "real estate" and "land," when used in this
title, shall include not only the land itself, but all buildings, fixtures, improvements, rights and
privileges appertaining thereto.
Sec. 1036. The term " personal property," as used in this title, shall be construed to mean
and include toll-bridges, saw-logs, timber and lumber, either upon land or afloat, steamboats,
ships and other vessels, whether at home or abroad ; buildings upon leased lands, if such build-
ings have not been included in the assessment of the land on which they are erected ;
ferry-boats, including the franchise for running the same ; all debts due from solvent debtors,
whether on account, note, contract, bond, mortgage or other security, or whether such debts are
due or to become due ; and all goods, wares, merchandise, chattels, moneys and efi"ects of any
nature or description having any real or marketable value and not included in the term " real
property," as above defined.
Sec. 1037. The improvements on all lands situated in this State, which shall have been
entered under the provisions of the act of Congress entitled " An act to secure homesteads to act-
ual settlers on the public domain," approved May twentieth, one thousand eight hundred and
sixty-two, and which shall be actually occupied and improved by the person so entering the same,
or his heirs, shall be subject to taxation, and such improvements shall be assessed as personal
property. All taxes levied thereon shall be collected out of the personal property of the occu-
pant of such lands, and in no other manner.
Sec. 1038. The property in this section described is exempt from taxation, to wit:
1. That owned exclusively by the United States or by this State, but no lands contracted to
be sold by the State shall be exempt.
2. That owned exclusively by any county, city, village, town or school district ; but lands
purchased by counties at tax sales shall be exempt only in the cases provided in Sec-
tion Eleven Hundred and Ninety-one.
3. Personal property owned by any religious, scientific, literary or benevolent association,
used exclusively for the purposes of such association, and the real property, if not
leased, or not otherwise used for pecuniary profit, necessary for the location and con-
venience of the buildings of such association, and embracing the same not exceeding
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 269
ten acres ; and the lands reserved for grounds of a chartered college or university,
not exceeding forty acres ; and parsonages, whether of local churches or districts, and
whether occupied by the pastor permanently or rented for his benefit. The occasional
leasing of such buildings for schools, public lectures or concerts, or the leasing of such
parsonages, shall not render them liable to taxation.
4. Personal property owned and used exclusively by the State or any county agricultural
society, and the lands owned and used by any such society exclusively for fair grounds.
5. Fire engines and other implements used for extinguishing fires, owned or used by any
organized fire company, and the buildings and necessary grounds connected therewith,
owned by such company, and used exclusively for its proper purposes.
6. The property of Indians who are not citizens, except lands held by them by purchase.
7. Lands used exclusively as public burial-grounds, and tombs and monuments to the dead
therein.
8. Pensions receivable from the United States.
9. Stock in any corporation in this State which is required to pay taxes upon its property
in the same manner as individuals.
10. So much of the debts due or to become due to any person as shall equal the amount of
bona-fide and unconditional debts by him owing.
11. Wearing apparel, family portraits and libraries, kitchen furniture and growing crops.
12. Provisions and fuel provided by the head of a family to sustain its members for six
months ; but no person paying board shall be deemed a member of a family.
13. All the personal property of all insurance companies that now are or shall be organized
or doing business in this State.
14. The track, right of way, depot grounds, buildings, machine-shops, rolling-stock and
other property necessarily used in operating any railroad in this State belonging to any
railroad company, including pontoon, pile and pontoon railroads, and shall henceforth
remain exempt from taxation for any purpose, except that the same shall be subject to
special assessments for local improvements in cities and villages and all lands owned or
claimed by such railroad company not adjoining the track of such company, shall be
subject to all taxes. The provision of this subdivision shall not apply to any railroad
that now is or shall be operated by horse-power, whether now or hereafter constructed
in any village or city.
15. The property, except real estate, of all companies which are or shall be engaged in the
business of telegraphing in this State.
16. The real estate of the Home of the Friendless in the city of Milwaukee, not exceeding
one lot in amount, is exempted, so long as the same shall continue to be used as such home.
17. All property of any corporation or association formed under the laws of this State for
the encouragement of industry by agricultural and industrial fairs and exhibitions,
which shall be necessary for fair grounds, while used exclusively for such fairs and
exhibitions, provided the quantity of land so exempt shall not exceed forty acres.
18. Such tree-belts as are or may be planted and maintained in compliance with chapter
sixty -six of one of these statutes.
Sec. 1191. Real property, upon which the county holds any certificates of tax sale, shall
continue liable to taxation and to sale for unpaid taxes, and the county shall be the exclusive
purchaser at the sale ; but when a tax deed shall be issued to the county, and it shall hold tax
certificates of sale unredeemed on the same property for two successive years subsequent to the
date of the sale on which such deed shall issue, including certificates of sale made prior to the
passage of these statutes, such property shall thereafter be exempt from taxation until the same
is sold by the county. The County Clerk shall annually, before the first day of June, furnish
to the Assessors of each town a list of the lands in such town exempt under this section. Noth-
ing in this section shall be so construed as to apply to lands owned by minors, married women,
■widowed women, idiots or insane persons.
270 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
COLLECTION OF TAXES.
Sec. 1089. The Town Treasurer of each town, on the receipt of the tax-roll for the cur-
rent year, shall forthwith post notices in three or four public places in such towns, that the tax-
roll for such town is in his hands for collection, and that the taxes charged therein are subject
to payment at his office at any time prior to the first day of January in such year ; and after
the said first day of January he shall proceed to collect the taxes charged in such roll and
remaining unpaid, and for that purpose shall call at least once on the person taxed, or at any
place of his usual residence, if within the town, and demand payment of the taxes charged to
him on such roll.
Sec. 1090. On all taxes paid or tendered at the office of such Treasurer prior to said first
day of January, he shall remit all of the 5-per-cent collection fees, except so much thereof as
he is authdrized by law to have for his fees upon taxes so paid.
Sec. 1091. Town orders shall be receivable for taxes in the town where issued, and shall
be allowed the Town Treasurer on settlement of town taxes; and county orders and jurors' cer-
tificates shall be receivable for taxes in the county where issued, and shall be allowed such Treas-
urer on settlement of county taxes with the County Treasurer, but no Town Treasurer shall
receive town orders in payment for taxes to a larger amount than the town taxes included in his
assessment-roll exclusiye of all taxes for school purposes, nor county orders and jurors' certifi-
cates to a greater amount than the county tax included therein.
Sec. 1097. In case any person shall refuse or neglect to pay the tax imposed upon him,
the Town Treasurer shall levy the same by distress and sale of any goods and chattels belong-
ing to such person, wherever the same may be found within his town ; and if a sufficient amount
of such property cannot be found in such town, the Town Treasurer may levy the same by dis-
tress and sale of the goods and chattels belonging to such person, wherever the same may be
found in the county or in any adjoining counties.
Sec. 1098. The Town Treasurer shall give public notice of the time and place of such
sale, at least six days previous thereto, by advertisement, containing a description of the prop-
erty to be sold, to be posted up in three public places in the town where the sale is to be made.
The sale shall be at public auction, in the daytime, and the property sold shall be present ;
such property may be released by the payment of the taxes and charges for which the same is
liable, to be sold ; if the purchase-money on such sale shall not be paid at such time as the
Treasurer may require, he may again, in his discretion, expose such property for sale, or sue, in
his name of office, the purchaser for the purchase-money, and recover the same with costs and
10-per-centum damages.
Sec. 1099. If the property so levied upon shall be sold for more than the amount of tax
and costs, the surplus shall be returned to the owner thereof; and if it cannot be sold for want
of bidders, the Treasurer shall return a statement of the fact, and return the property to the
person from whose possession he took the same ; and the tax, if unsatisfied, shall be collected in
the same manner as if no levy had been made.
HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES.
Sec. 1223. The Supervisors of the several towns shall have the care and supervision of
the highways and bridges therein, and it shall be their duty :
1. To give directions for repairing the highways and bridges within their respective towns,
and cause to be removed all obstructions therefrom.
2. To cause such of the roads used as highways as have been laid out but not sufficiently
described, and such as have been lawfully laid out and used as such up to the then
present time, but not fully and sufficiently recorded, to be ascertained, described and
entered of record in the Town Clerk's office.
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 271
3. To cause bridges which are or may be erected over streams intersecting highways to be
kept in repair.
4. To divide their respective towns into so many road districts as they shall judge conven-
ient, and specify every such division in writing under their hands, to be recorded in
the office of the Town Clerk ; but no such division shall be made within ten days next
preceding the annual town meeting.
6. To assign to each of the said road districts such of the inhabitants liable to pay taxes
on highways as they think proper, having regard to the nearness of residence as much
as practicable.
6. To require the Overseers of Highways from time to time, and as often as they shall
deem necessary, to perform any of the duties required of them by law.
7. To assess the highway taxes in their respective towns in each year, as provided by law.
8. To lay out and establish upon actual surveys, as hereinafter provided, such new roads in
their respective towns as they may deem necessary and proper ; to discontinue such
roads as shall appear to them to have become unnecessary, and to widen or alter such
roads when they shall deem necessary for public convenience, and perform all other
duties respecting highways and bridges directed by this chapter.
INTOXICATING LIQUORS.
Sec. 1648. The Town Boards, Village Boards and Common Councils of the respective
towns, villages and cities may grant license to such persons as they may deem proper, to keep
groceries, saloons or other places, within their respective towns, villages or cities, for the sale in
quantities less than one gallon of strong, spirituous, malt, ardent or' intoxicating liquors, to be
drank on the premises ; and in like manner may grant licenses for the sale in any quantity of
such liquors not to be drank on the premises. The sum to be paid for such license for the sale
of such liquor to be drank on the premises shall not be less than twenty-five nor more than one
hundred and fifty dollars ; and for the sale of such liquors not to be drank on the premises shall
be not less than ten nor more than forty dollars.
Sec. 1549. Every applicant for such license shall, before delivery thereof, file with such
town, village or city clerk a bond to the State in the sum of five hundred dollars, with at
least two sureties, to be approved by the authorities granting the license, who shall each justify
in double its amount over and above their debts and liabilities and exemptions, and be freehold-
ers and residents of the county, conditioned that the applicant, during the continuance of his
license will keep and maintain an orderly and well-regulated house ; that he will permit no
gambling with, cards, dice or any device or implement for that purpose, within his premises or
any out-house, yard or shed appertaining thereto ; that he will not sell or give away any intoxi-
cating liquor to any minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, unless upon the writ-
ten order of the parents or guardian of such minor, or to persons intoxicated or bordering upon
intoxication, or to habitual drunkards ; and that he will pay all damages that may be recovered
by any person, and that he will observe and obey all orders of such Supervisors, Trustees or
Aldermen, or any of them, made pursuant to law. In case of the breach of the condition of
any such bond, an action may be brought thereon in the name of the State of Wisconsin, and
judgment shall be entered against the principals and sureties therein named for the full penalty
thereof; and execution may issue thereupon by order of the court therefor, to satisfy any
judgment that may have been recovered against the principal named in said bond, by reason of
aiiy breach in the conditions thereof, or for any penalties of forfeitures incurred under this chap-
ter. If more than one judgment shall have been recovered, the court, in its discretion, may
apply the proceeds of said bond toward the satisfaction of said several judgments, in whole or
in part, in such manner as it may see fit.
Sec. 1550. If any person shall vend, sell, deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading
this chapter, give away, any spirituous, malt, ardent or intoxicating liquors or drinks in any
272 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
quantity whatever without first having obtained license therefor, according to the provisions of
this chapter, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction thereof shall be
punished by fine of not less than ten nor more than forty dollars, besides the costs of suit, or,
in lieu of such fine, by imprisonment in the county jail of the proper county not to exceed sixty
days nor less than twenty days ; and, in case of punishment by fine as above provided, such per'
son shall, unless the fine and costs be paid forthwith, be committed to the county jail of the proper
county until such fine and costs are paid, or until discharged by due course of law ; and, in case
of a second or any subsequent conviction of the same person during any one year, the punish-
ment may be by both fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court.
Sec. 1551. Upon complaint made to any Justice of the Peace by any person that he
knows or has good reason to believe that an ofiense against this chapter, or any violation thereof,
has been committed, he shall examine the complainant on oath, and he shall reduce such com-
plaint to writing and cause the same to be subscribed by the person complaining. And if it
shall appear to such Justice that there is reasonable cause to believe that such offense has been
committed, he shall immediately issue his warrant, reciting therein the substance of such com-
plaint and requiring the officer to whom such warrant shall be directed forthwith to arrest the
accused and bring him before such Justice, to be dealt with according to law ; and the same war-
rant may require the officer to summon such persons as shall be therein named to appear at the
trial to give evidence.
Sec. 1552. The District Attorney of the proper county shall, on notice given to him by
the Justice of the Peace before whom any such complaint shall be made, attend the trial before
such Justice and conduct the same on behalf of the State.
Sec. 1553. Every supervisor, trustee, alderman and justice of the peace, police ofiicer>
marshal, deputy marshal and constable of any town, village or city who shall know or be credi-
bly informed that any offense has been committed against the provisions of this chapter shall
make complaint against the person so offending within their respective towns, villages or cities
to a proper Justice of the Peace therein, and for every neglect or refusal so to do every such
officer shall forfeit twenty-five dollars, and the Treasurer of such town, village or city shall pros-
ecute therefor.
Sec. 1557. Any keeper of any saloon, shop or place of any name whatsoever for the sale
of strong, spirituous or malt liquors to be drank on the premises in any quantity less than one
gallon, who shall sell, vend or in any way deal or traffic in or for the purpose of evading this
chapter, give away any spirituous, ardent or malt liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever
to or with a minor, having good reason to believe him to be such, or to a person intoxicated or
bordering on a state of intoxication, or to any other prohibited person before mentioned, shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor ; nor shall any person sell or in any way deal or traffic in, or,
for the purpose of evading this chapter, give away, any spirituous, ardent, intoxicating or malt
liquors or drinks in any quantity whatsoever within one mile of either of the hospitals for the
insane ; and any person who shall so sell or give away any such liquors or drinks shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.
BILLS OF EXCHANGE AND PROMISSORY NOTES.
Sec. 1675. All notes in writing made and signed by any person or for any corporation,
and all certificates of the deposit of money issued by any person or corporation, whereby he or
it shall promise to pay to any person or order, or unto the bearer, any sum of money, as therein
mentioned, shall be due and payable as therein expressed, and shall have the same effect and
shall be negotiable in like manner as inland bills of exchange, according to the custom of mer-
chants. But no order drawn upon or accepted by the Treasurer of any county, town, city, village
or school district, whether drawn by any officer thereof or any other person, and no obligation nor
instrument made by such corporation or any officer thereof, unless expressly authorized by law
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 273
to be made negotiable, shall be, or shall be deemed to be, negotiable according to the customs of
merchants, in whatever form they may be drawn or made.
Sec. 1680. On all bills of exchange payable at sight, or at future day certain, within
this State, and all negotiable promissory notes, orders and drafts payable at a future day cer-
tain, within this State, in which there is not an express stipulation to the contrary, grace should
be allowed in like manner as it is allowed by the custom of merchants on foreign bills of exchange
payable at the expiration of a certain period after date or sight. The provisions of this section
shall not extend to any bill of exchange, note or draft payable on demand.
Sec. 1684. All notes, drafts, bills of exchange or other negotiable paper maturing on
Sunday or upon any legal holiday shall be due and payable on the next preceding secular day.
HOURS OF LABOR.
Sec. 1728. In all manufactories, work-shops and other places used for mechanical or
manufacturing purposes, the time of labor of children under eighteen years of age and of women
employed therein, shall not exceed eight hours in one day ; and any employer, stockholder,
director, oflBcer, overseer, clerk or foreman who shall compel any woman or any child to labor
exceeding eight hours in any one day, or who shall permit any child under fourteen years of age
to labor more than ten hours in any one day in any such place, if he shall have control over
such child sufficient to prevent it, or who shall employ at manual labor any child under twelve
years of age in any factory or work-shop where more than three persons are employed, or who
shall employ any child of twelve and under fourteen years of age in any such factory or work-
shop for more than seven months in any one year, shall forfeit not less than five nor more than
fifty dollars for each such ofiense.
Sec. 1729. In all engagements to labor in any manufacturing or mechanical business,
where there is no express contract to the contrary, a day's work shall consist of eight hours, an(j
all engagements or contracts for labor in such cases shall be so construed ; but this shall no/
apply to any contract for labor by the week, month or year.
FORM OF CONVEYANCES.
Sec. 2207. A deed of quitclaim and release of the form in common use or of the form
hereinafter provided, shall be sufficient to pass all the estate which the grantor could lawfully
convey by deed of bargain and sale.
tJEC. 2208. Conveyances of land may be in substantially the following form:
WARRANTY DEED.
A B, grantor of County, Wisconsin, hereby conveys and warrants to C D, grantee,
of County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in
County.
[jffere describe the premises.)
Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — .
In the presence of]
[SEAL.j
QDITCLAIM DEED. [SEAL.]
A B, grantor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby quitclaims to C D, grantee, of
County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in County,
[Here describe the premises.)
Witness the hand and seal of said grantor this day of , 18 — .
In presence of ~|
V [SEAL.J
j [seal.]
274 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Such deeds, when executed and atknowledged as required by law, shall, when of the first
of the above forms, have the effect of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and
assigns of the premises therein named, together with all the appurtenances, rights and privileges
thereto belonging, with a covenant from the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives, that
he is lawfully seized of the premises ; has good right to convey the same ; that he guaran-
tees the grantee, his heirs and assigns in the quiet possession thereof; that the same are free from
all incumbrances, and that the grantor, his heirs and personal representatives will forever war-
rant and defend the title and possession thereof in the grantee, his heirs and assigns against all
lawful claims whatsoever. Any exceptions to such covenants may be briefly inserted in such
deed, following the description of the land ; and when in the second of the above forms, shall
have the effect of a conveyance in fee simple to the grantee, his heirs and assigns, of all the right,
title, interest and estate of the grantor, either in possession or expectancy, in and to the prem-
ises therein described, and all rights, privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging.
MORTGAGES.
Sec. 2209. A mortgage may be substantially in the following form :
A B, mortgagor, of County, Wisconsin, hereby mortgages to C D, mortgagee, of
County, Wisconsin, for the sum of dollars, the following tract of land in ,
County.
(Here describe the premises.)
This mortgage is given to secure the following indebtedness :
^Here state amount or amounts and form of indebtedness^ whether on note, bond or otherwise, time or times when due, rate
of interest, by and to whom payable, etc.)
The mortgagor agrees to pay all taxes and assessments on said premises, and the sum of
dollars attorney's fees in case of foreclosure thereof
Witness the hand and seal of said mortgagor this day^of , 18 — .
In presence of ~|
I [seal.]
j [seal.]
when executed and acknowledged according to law shall have the effect of a conveyance of
the land therein described, together with all the rights, privileges and appurtenances thereunto
belonging in pledge to the mortgagee, his heirs, assigns and legal representatives for the payment
of the indebtedness therein set forth, with covenant from the mortgagor that all taxes and assess-
ments levied and assessed upon the land described during the continuance of the mortgage shall
be paid previous to the day appointed by law for the sale of lands for taxes, as fully as the forms
of mortgage now and heretofore in common use in this State, and may be foreclosed in the same
manner and with the same effect, upon any default being made in any of the conditions thereof
as to payment of either principal, interest or taxes.
ASSIGNMENT OF MORTGAGE.
Sec. 2210. An assignment of a mortgage substantially in the following form :
For value received I, A B, of — ■, Wisconsin, hereby assign to C D, of , Wis-
consin, the within mortgage (or a certain mortgage executed to by E F and wife, of
County, Wisconsin, the day of , 18 — , and recorded in the office of the Register of
Deeds of County, Wisconsin, in Vol. of mortgages, on page ), together with
the and indebtedness therein mentioned.
Witness my hand and seal this day of , 18 — .
Tn presence of I
^ A B. [SEAL.j
\
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 275
shall be sufficient to vest in the assignee for all purposes all the rights of the mortgagee
under the mortgage, and the amount of the indebtedness due thereon at the date of assignment.
Such assignment, when indorsed upon the original mortgage, shall not require an acknowledg-
ment in order to entitle the same to be recorded.
TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY BY DESCENT.
Sec. 2270. When any person shall die, seized of any lands, tenements or hereditaments, or
any right thereto, or entitled to any interest therein in fee simple, or for the life of another, not
having lawfully devised the same, they shall descend subject to his debts, except as provided in
the next section, in the manner following :
1 . In equal shares to his children, and to the lawful issue of any deceased child, by right
of representation; and if there be no child of the intestate living at his death, his
estate shall descend to all his other lineal descendants ; and if all the said descendants
are in the same degree of kindred to the intestate, they shall share the estate equally,
otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation.
2. If he shall leave no lawful issue, to his widow ; if he shall leave no such issue or widow,
to his parents, if living ; and if either shall not be living, the survivor shall inherit
his said estate. If a woman shall die, leaving no issue, her estate shall descend to
her husband, if she shall have one at the time of her decease, and if she shall leave,
surviving her, neither issue nor husband, to her parents, if living; and if either shall
not be living, the survivor shall inherit her said estate.
3. If he shall leave no lawful issue, nor widow, nor father, nor mother, his estate shall
descend in equal shares to his brothers and sisters, and to the children of any deceased
brother or sister, by right of representation.
4. If the intestate shall leave no lawful issue, widow, father, mother, brother nor sister,
his estate shall descend to his next of kin in equal degree, except that when there are
two or more collateral kindred in equal degree, but claiming through diiFerent ances-
tors, those who claim through the nearest ancestor shall be preferred to those claiming
through an ancestor more remote; provided, however,
6. If any person die leaving several children, or leaving one child, and the issue of one or
more other children, and any such surviving child shall die under age, and not having
been married, all the estate that came to the deceased child, by inheritance from such
deceased parent, shall descend in equal shares to the other children of the same parent,
and to the issue of any such other children who shall have died, by right of representation.
6. If, at the death of such child, who shall die under age, and not having been married, all
the other children of his said parent shall also be dead, and any of them shall have left
issue, the estate that came to said child by inheritance from his said parent, shall
descend to all the issue of the other children of the same parent ; and if all the said
issue are in the same degree of kindred to said child, they shall share the said estate
equally ; otherwise they shall take according to the right of representation.
7. If the intestate shall have no widow nor kindred, his estate shall escheat to the State,
and be added to the capital of the school fund.
Sec. 2271. When the owner of any homestead shall die, not having lawfully devised the
same, such homestead shall descend free of all judgments and claims against such deceased
owner or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and mechanics'
liens, in the manner following :
1. If he shall have no lawful issue, to his widow.
2. If he shall leave a widow and issue, to his widow during her widowhood, and, upon her
marriage or death, to his heirs, according to the next preceding section.
3. If he shall leave issue and no widow, to such issue, according to the preceding section.
4. If he shall leave no issue or widow, such homestead shall descend under the next pre-
ceding section, subject to lawful liens thereon.
276 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
OF WILLS.
Sec. 2277. Every person of full age, and any married woman of the age of eighteen years
and upward, being of sound mind, seized in his or her own right of any lands, or of any right
thereto, or entitled to any interest therein, descendible to his or her heirs, may devise and dis-
pose of the same by last will and testament in writing ; and all such estate not disposed of by
will, shall descend as the estate of an intestate, being chargeable, in both cases, with the pay-
ment of all his debts or her debts, except as provided in the next preceding chapter, and in sec-
tion twenty-two hundred and eighty.
Sec. 2278. Every devise of land in any will shall be construed to convey all the estate
of the devisor therein, which he could lawfully devise, unless it shall clearly appear by the will
that the devisor intended to convey a less estate.
Sec. 2279. Any estate, right or interest in lands acquired by the testator, after the making
of his will, shall pass thereby in like manner as if possessed at the time of making the will, if
such shall manifestly appear, by the will, to have been the intention of the testator.
Sec. 2280. When any homestead shall have been disposed of by the last will and testa-
ment of the owner thereof, the devisee shall take the same, free of ail judgments and claims
against the testator or his estate, except mortgages lawfully executed thereon, and laborers' and
mechanics' liens.
Sec. 2281. Every person of full age, and every married woman of the age of eighteen
years and upward, being of sound' mind, may, by last will and testament in writing, bequeath
and dispose of all his or her personal estate remaining at his or her decease, and all his or her
rights thereto and interest therein, subject to the payment of debts ; and all such estate not dis-
posed of by tb.e will shall be administered as intestate estate.
Sec. 2284. All beneficial devises, legacies and gifts whatsoever, made or given in any will
to a subscribing witness thereto, shall be wholly void, unless there be two other competent sub-
scl-ibing witnesses to the same ; but a mere charge on the lands of the devisor for the payment
of debts, shall not prevent his creditors from being competent witnesses to his will.
Sec. 2285. But if such witness, to whom any beneficial devise may have been made or
given, would have been entitled to any share of the estate of the testator, in case the will was
not established, then so much of the share that would have descended or been distributed to
such witness as will not exceed the devise or bequest made to him in the will, shall be saved to
him, and he may recover the same of the devisees or legatees named in the will, in proportion
to and out of the parts devised or bequeathed to them.
Sec. 2286. When any child shall be born, after the making of his parent's will, and no
provision shall be made therein for him, such child shall have the same share in the estate of the
testator as if he had died intestate ; and the share of such child shall be assigned to him, as pro-
vided by law, in case of intestate estates, unless it shall be apparent from the will that it was
the intention of the testator that no provision should be made for such child.
Sec. 2290. No will, or any part thereof, shall be revoked, unless by burning, tearing, can-
celing or obliterating the same, with the intention of revoking it, by the testator, or by some
person in his presence, and by his direction, or by some other will or codicil in writing, executed
as prescribed in this chapter, or by some other writing, signed, attested and subscribed in the
manner provided in this chapter, for the execution of a will ; excepting, only, that nothing con-
tained in this section shall prevent the revocation implied by law, from subsequent changes in
the condition or circumstances of the testator. The power to make a will implies the power to
revoke the same.
OF THE ADOPTION OF CHILDREN.
Sec. 4021. Any inhabitant of this State may petition the County Court, in the county of
his residence, for leave to adopt a child not his own by birth ; but no such petition made by a
married person shall be granted, unless the husband or wife of the petitioner shall join therein ;
ABSTEACT OF LAWS. 277
nor shall any such petition be granted^ unless the child, if of the age of fourteen years, or more,
shall consent thereto in writing, in the presence of the court.
Sec. 4022. No such adoption shall be made, without the written consent of the living
parents of such child, unless the court shall find that one of the parents has abandoned the child,
or gone to parts unknown, when such consent may be given by the parent, if any, having the
care of the child. In case where neither of the parents is living, or if living, have abandoned
the child, such consent may be given by the guardian of such child, if any ; if such child has no
guardian, such consent may be given by any of the next of kin of such child, residing in this State,
or, in the discretion of the court, by some suitable person to be appointed by the court.
2. In case of a child not born in lawful wedlock, such consent may be given by the mother,
if she is living, and has not abandoned such child.
Sec. 4023. If upon such petition and consent, as herein provided, the County Court shall
be satisfied of the identity and the relations of the persons, and that the petitioners are of sufii-
cient ability to bring up, and furnish suitable nurture and education for the child, having refer-
ence to the degree and condition of its parents, and that it is proper that such adoption shall
take efi'ect, such court shall make an order, reciting said facts that, from and after the date
thereof, such child shall be deemed, to all legal intents and purposes, the child of the petitioners ;
and by such order the name of such child may be changed to that of the parents by adoption.
Sec. 4024. A child so adopted, shall be deemed for the purposes of inheritance and succes-
sion by such child, custody of the person and right of obedience by such parents by adoption,
and all other legal consequences and incidents of the natural relation of parents and children,
the same to all intents and purposes as if such child had been born in lawful wedlock of such
parents by adoption, excepting that such child shall not be capable of taking property
expressly limited to the heirs of the body of such parents.
The natural parents of such child shall be deprived, by such order of adoption, of all legal
rights whatsoever, respecting such child, and such child shall be freed from all legal obligations of
maintenance and obedience to such natural parents.
INTEREST.
The legal rate of interest is 7 per cent. A higher rate of interest, not exceeding 10 per
cent, may be contracted for, but the same must be clearly expressed in writing. If a higher
rate than 10 per cent is collected or paid, the party so paying may, by himself or his legal rep-
resentative, recover treble the amount so paid above the 10 per cent, if the action is brought
within one year, and all bills, notes, or other contracts whatsoever, whereby a higher rate than 10
per cent is secured, shall be liable for the principal sum, but no interest shall be recovered.
JURISDICTION OF COURTS.
The Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal actions within their
respective circuits, subject to a re-examination by the Supreme Court.
The County Courts shall have jurisdiction over the probate matters in their respective
counties, and shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction in the counties of Brown, Dodge, Fond
du Lac, Milwaukee and Winnebago in all cases of appeals from Justices of the Peace in civil
actions, and all cases commenced in Justices' Courts therein, there shall be an answer put in,
showing that the title of lands will come in question.
And such Courts shall have concurrent and equal jurisdiction in all civil actions and pro-
ceedings with the Circuit Courts of said counties to the following extent respectively :
The County Court of Brown, when the value of the property in controversy, after deduct-
ing all payments and set-ofis, shall not exceed five thousand dollars.
The County Court of Dodge County, when such value shall not exceed twenty-five thousand
dollars.
278 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The County Court of Fond du Lac, when such value shall not exceed twenty thousand
dollars.
The County Court of Milwaukee, when such value does not exceed five million dollars.
The County of Winnebago, when such value does not exceed twenty thousand dollars.
They shall have jurisdiction of all actions for foreclosure where the value does not exceed
the above amounts, and of all actions for divorce or for affirmation or annuUment of marriage
contract.
Justices of the Peace have jurisdiction in civil matters where two hundred dollars or less
are involved.
The criminal jurisdiction of Justices extends to all cases where the fine is one hundred dol-
lars, or the imprisonment six months.
JURORS.
All persons who are citizens of the United States, and qualified electors of the State shall
be liable to be drawn as jurors, except as provided as follows :
The following persons shall be exempt from serving as jurors :
All ofiicers of the United States, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State,
Attorney General, State Superintendent and Treasurer ; all Judges, Clerks of Courts of Record ;
all county officers, Constables, attorneys and counselors at law, ministers of the Gospel of any
religious society, practicing physicians, surgeons, dentists, and the President, professors and
instructors of the University and their assistants, and of the several colleges and incorporated
academies ; all teachers of the State Normal Schools, one teacher in each common school, the
officers and employes of the several State institutions, one miller in each grist-mill, one ferry-
man at each licensed ferry, one dispensing druggist in each prescription drug-store, all telegraph
operators and superintendents, conductors, engineers, firemen, collectors and station-agents of
any railroad or canal, while in actual employment as such ; all officers of fire departments, and
all active members of fire companies organized according to law ; all persons more than sixty
years of age, and all persons of unsound mind or subject to any bodily infirmity amounting to
disability ; all persons who have been convicted of any infamous crime, and all persons who have
served at any regular term of the Circuit Court as a grand or petit juror within one year, except
he shall be summoned on a special venire or as a talesman.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.
Capital punishment has been abolished in this State.
WOLF SCALPS.
A bounty of five dollars is paid for each wolf scalp.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
Whenever either of the articles, sis commodities hereafter mentioned, shall be sold by the
bushel, and no special agreement as to measure or weight thereof shall be made by the parties,
the measure shall be ascertained by weight, and shall be computed as follows:
Sixty pounds for a bushel of wheat, clover seed, potatoes or beans.
Fifty pounds for a bushel of green apples ; fifty-six pounds for a bushel of rutabagas, flax-
seed, rye or Indian corn shelled, and seventy pounds of Indian corn unshelled ; fifty pounds for
a bushel of rape seed, buckwheat, beets, carrots or onions ; forty-eight pounds for a bushel of
barley ; forty-five pounds for a bushel of timothy seed ; forty-four pounds for a bushel of pars-
nips ; forty-two pounds for a bushel of common flat turnips ; thirty-two pounds for a bushel of
oats ; and twenty-eight pounds for a bushel of dried apples or dried peaches.
ABSTRACT OP LAWS. 279
No person shall sell, buy or receive in store any grain at any weight or measure per bushel
other than the standard weight or measure per bushel fixed by law ; and, for any violation, the
offender shall forfeit not less than five nor more than fifty dollars.
DAMAGES FOR TRESPASS.
Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly destroy, remove, throw down or
injure any fence, hedge or wall inclosing any orchard, pasture, meadow, garden, or any field
whatever on land belonging to or lawfully occupied by another, or open and leave open, throw
down, injure, remove or destroy any gate or bars in such fence, hedge or wall, or cut down, root
up, sever, injure, destroy or carry away when severed, any fruit, shade, ornamental or other tree,
or any shrub, root, plant, fruit, flower, grain or other vegetable production, or dig up, sever or
carry away any mineral, earth or stone, or tear down, mutilate, deface or injure any building,
signboard, fence or railing, or sever and carry away any part thereof, standing or being upon the
land of another or held in trust, or who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly cut down, root
up, injure, destroy or remove or carry away any fruit, ornamental or other tree, or any shrub,
fruit, flower, vase or statue, arbor, or any ornamental structure, standing or being in any street
or public ground in any city or village, in any private inclosure or highway, or destroy, remove,
mutilate or injure any milestone or board, or any guide-post or board erected in any highway or
public way, or on any turnpike, plank-road or railroad, or deface or obliterate any device or inscrip-
tion thereon, or cut down, break down, remove, mutilate or injure any monument erected or tree
marked for the purpose of designating the boundaries of any town or tract of land or subdivision
thereof, or deface or obliterate any figures, letters, device or inscription thereon, made for such
purpose, or break, remove, destroy or injure any post, guard, railing or lamp-post or lamp
thereon, erected or being on any bridge, street, sidewalk, alley, court, passage, park, public
ground, highway, turnpike, plank or rail road, or extinguish or break any lamp on any such
lamp-post, or tear, deface, mutilate or injure any book, map, pamphlet, chart, picture or other
property belonging to any public library, or take and carry away the same with intent to con-
vert to his own use, or shall injure or destroy any personal property of another, shall be pun-
ished by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months, or by fine not exceeding
one hundred dollars^
Any person who shall willfully, maliciously or wantonly kill, maim, mutilate, disfigure or
injure any horse, mule, cattle, sheep or other domestic animal of another, or administer poison
to such animal, or expose any poison, with intent that the same may be taken or swallowed by
such animal ; and any person who shall overdrive, overwork, overload, maim, wound, torture,
torment, cruelly beat or kill any such animal belonging to himself or another, or being the owner
or having the care or charge thereof, shall fail to provide necessary food, water or shelter for any
such animal, or who shall turn out and abandon, without prop6r care and protection, or cruelly
work any such animal when old, diseased, disabled or unfit for work, or shall carry or confine
any live animal, fowl or bird, in a cruel or inhuman manner, or who shall cause, procure or abet
any cruelty above mentioned, or the fighting or baiting of bulls, dogs or cocks, shall be punished
by imprisonment in the county jail not more than six months or by fine not exceeding one hun-
dred dollars.
ESTRAYS.
No stray, except horses and mules, shall be taken up by any person not a resident of the
town in which it is found ; nor unless it is found upon land owned or occupied by him. Every
finder for a stray must notify the owner, if he is known, within seven days, and request him to
pay all reasonable charges and take the stray away. If the owner is not known, he must file a
notice with the Town Clerk within ten days, who shall transmit a copy thereof to the County
Clerk.
If the stray is not worth five dollars, the finder shall post a copy of such notice in two pub-
lic places in such town ; if it exceed five dollars in vabie, he shall publish such notice four
280 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
successive weeks either in some newspaper published in the county or in an adjoining county, if one
be published nearer his residence than any published in his county ; but if no newspaper is pub-
lished within twenty miles of his residence, then he must post such notice in three public places
in his county. Such notice shall describe the stray by giving its marks, natural or artificial, as'
near as possible, the name and residence of the finder, specifying the section and town, and the
time when such stray was taken up. For neglect to post up or publish as required, the finder
shall be liable to double the amount of damages sustained by the owner. For neglect to post or
publish for one year, the finder shall be liable for its full value, to be recovered in the name of
the town, and the amount recovered to be added to the school fund of such town.
The finder shall, within one month, cause the stray to be appraised by a Justice of the Peace
and a certificate of such appraisal signed by such Justice filed in the Town Clerk's office. The
finder shall pay the Justice fifty cents for such certificate, and ten cents per mile for each mile
necessarily traveled to make the same.
The owner may have the same restored to him any time within one year after such notice
is filed in the town Clerk's office, by proving that the stray belongs to him, and paying all lawful
charges incurred in relation to the same. If the owner and finder cannot agree as to the charges,
either party, on notice to the other, may apply to a Justice of such town to settle the same, who,
for that purpose, may examine witnesses upon oath, and the amount found due, with the
costs, shall be a lien upon such stray. If no owner applies for the return of such stray, as pro-
vided, and the same is not worth more than ten dollars, it shall become the absolute property of
such finder ; but if the appraisal shall exceed ten dollars, it shall be sold at public auction by
the Sheriff or any Constable of the county, on the request of the finder, and he shall be entitled
to one-half the proceeds, and the other half shall be paid to the Treasurer of the town within
ten days. If the finder shall neglect or refuse to cause such sale, he shall pay to the town the
value of such stray, to be recovered by the town.
If any person, without the consent of the owner, shall take away such stray, without first
paying the lawful charges, he shall be liable to the finder for the value of such stray. If the finder
shall neglect to do any act prescribed above, he shall be precluded from acquiring any right in
such stray, and from receiving any charges or expenses relative thereto.
FENCES.
The Overseers of Highways in their respective towns, the Aldermen of cities in their
respective wards, and the Trustees of villages in their respective villages, shall be Fence Viewers,
and in towns having less than three road districts, the Supervisors shall be Fence Viewers.
All fences four and a half feet high, and in good repair, consisting of rails, timber, boards
or stone walls, or any combination thereof, and all brooks, rivers, ponds, creeks, ditches and
hedges or other things which shall be considered equivalent thereto, in the judgment of the
Fence Viewers, within whose jurisdiction the same may be, shall be deemed legal and sufficient
fences. Every partition of a fence, or line upon which a fence is to be built, made by the owners
of the adjoining lands, in writing, sealed and witnessed by two witnesses, or by Fence Viewers
in writing, under their hands, after being recorded in the Town Clerk's office, shall oblige such
owners and their heirs, as long as they remain owners, and after parting with the ownership,
until a new partition is made. A division of a partition fence, or line upon which a partition
fence between adjoining lands shall be built, may be made by Fence Viewers in the following
cases :
1. When any owner of uninclosed lands shall desire to inclose the same, he may have the
line between his land and the adjoining land of any other person divided, and the portion upon
which the respective owners shall erect their share of the partition fence assigned, whether such
adjoining land be inclosed or not.
2. When any lands belonging to diiferent persons in severalty, shall have been occupied
in common, or without a partition fence between them, and one of the occupants shall be desirous
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 281
to occupy his part in severalty, and the others shall refuse or neglect, on demand, to divide
with him the line where the fence ought to be built, or to build a sufficient fence on his part of
the line, when divided, the occupant desiring it may have the same divided, and the share of
each assigned.
3. When any controversy shall arise about the right of the respective occupants in parti-
tion fences, or their obligations to maintain the same, either party may have the line divided, and
the share of each assigned.
In either case, application may be made to two or more Fence Viewers of the town where
the lands lie, who shall give reasonable notice in writing to each party, and they shall in writing
under their hands, divide the partition fence or line, and assign to each owner or occupant his
share thereof, and in the second and third cases direct within what time each party shall build
or repair his share of the fence, having regard to the season of the year, and shall file such deci-
sion in the Town Clerk's office. If either party shall neglect or refuse to build or repair within
the time so assigned, his part of the fence, the other may, after having completed his own part,
build or repair such part, and recover double the expense thereof
Where the whole or a greater share than belongs to him has been built by one of the occu-
pants, before complaint to the Fence Viewers, the other shall be obliged to pay for his share of
such fence.
Where uninclosed land is afterward inclosed, the owner shall pay for one-half the partition
fence upon the line between him and any other owner or occupant.
If any person shall determine not to keep inclosed any part of his land adjoining any par-
tition fence, and shall give six months' notice of such determination to all adjoining occupants,
he shall not be required to maintain any part of such fence during the time his lands shall lie
open.
LANDLORD AND TENANT.
The common law right to destrain for rent is abolished.
The atonement of a tenant to a stranger shall be absolutely void, and shall not in anywise
effect the possession of his landlord, unless it be made
1. With the consent of the landlord ; or
2. Pursuant to, or in consequence of, a judgment or order of a court of competent juris-
diction; or
3. To a purchaser upon a judicial sale, who shall have acquired title to the lands by a
conveyance thereof, after the period for redemption, if any, has expired. A tenancy, a will or
sufferance may be determined by the landlord, giving one month's notice to quit, or the tenant
giving one month's notice of his intention to quit, or if the terms of payment are for less than a
month, notice equal to the time between payments, or for non-payment of rent, fourteen days'
notice to quit. Such notice shall be served by delivering the same to such tenant, or to some
person of proper age residing on the premises, or if no such person can be found, by affixing the
same in a conspicuous part of the premises, where it may be conveniently read, and, at the expi-
ration of the time required after the service of such notice, the landlord may re-enter, or main-
tain an action for the recovery of the possession thereof, or proceed in the manner prescribed by
law to remove such tenant without further or other notice to quit. If, after giving notice of deter-
mination to quit, the tenant neglects or refuses to deliver up the premises, he shall be liable to
double the rent agreed upon, to be collected the same as single rent.
MARKS AND BRANDS.
Every Town Clerk shall, on application of any person residing in his town, record a
description of the marks or brands with which such person may be desirous of marking his
horses, cattle, sheep or hogs ; but the same description shall not be recorded or used by more
than one resident of the same town. If any person shall mark any of his horses, cattle, sheep
282 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
or hogs, with the same mark or brand previously recorded by any resident of the same town,
and while the same mark or brand shall be used by such resident, he shall forfeit for every such
offense $5 ; if any person shall willfully mark or brand any of the horses, cattle, sheep or hogs,
of any other person with his mark or brand, he shall forfeit for every such offense $10 ; and, if
any person shall willfully destroy or alter any mark or brand upon any of the horses, cattle, sheep
or hogs of another, he shall forfeit $10, and pay to the party injured double damages.
SURVEYORS AND SURVEYS.
A County Surveyor is elected every two years.
The surveyor may appoint and remove deputies at will, on filing a certificate thereof with
the County Clerk. He shall be responsible on his bond for the faithful performance by every
deputy of his duties.
It shall be the duty of the County Surveyor :
(1.) To execute, himself or by his deputy, any survey which may be required of him by
order of court, or upon application of any individual or corporation.
(2.) To make a record of the plat and field notes of each survey made by him or his
deputies, in record books kept therefor, and to so arrange or index the same as to be easy of
reference, and to file and preserve in his ofiice the original field notes and calculations thereof.
(3.) To safely keep all books, records, plats, files, papers and property belonging to his
office ; afford opportunity to examine the same to any person desiring, and deliver the same to
his successor in office.
(4.) To furnish a copy of any record, plat or paper in his office, to any person on demand
and payment of his legal fees therefor.
(5.) To administer to every chainman and marker assisting in any survey, before com-
mencing their duties as such, an oath or affirmation faithfully and impartially to discharge the
duties of chainman or marker, as the case may be ; and the surveyor and his deputies are
empowered to administer the same.
(6.) To perform such other duties as may be required by law.
The surveyor and his deputies may demand and receive the following fees, except it be other-
wise agreed upon with the parties employing them, to wit :
For each day's service, $3.
For each mile traveled in going from his office to the place of rendering service and return-
ing, 10 cents.
For plat and certificate, except town plats, 50 cents.
For recording a survey, 50 cents.
For each chainman and marker necessarily employed, $1.50 per day, unless they be fur-
nished by the person for whom the survey is made.
For making a copy, 10 cents a folio, and 25 cents for his certificate.
SUPPORT OF THE POOR.
Every town shall relieve and support all poor and indigent persons lawfully settled therein,
whenever they shall stand in need thereof, excepting as follows :
The father, mother and children, being of sufficient ability, of any poor person, who is blind,
old, lame, impotent or decrepit, so as to be unable to maintain himself, shall, at their own
charge, relieve and maintain such poor person in such manner as shall be approved by the Super-
visors of the town where such person may be, and, upon the failure of any such relative so to do,
the Supervisors shall apply to the County Judge for an order to compel such relief.
Legal settlement may be acquired by one year's residence in a town of this State.
ABSTRACT OF LAWS. 283
MARRIED WOMEN.
In Wisconsin, the marriage of a femme sole, executrix or administratrix, extinguishes her
authority ; and of a female ward, terminates the guardianship as to custody of person, but not
as to estate. The husband holds his deceased wife's lands for life, unless she left, by a former
husband, issue to whom the estate might descend. Provisions exist by which powers may be
given to married women, and regulating their execution of them. If husband and wife are
impleaded, and the husband neglects to defend the rights of the wife, she applying before judg-
ment, may defend without him ; and, if he lose her land, by default, she may bring an action
for ejectment after his death. The real estate of females married before, and the real and per-
sonal property of those after February 21, 1850, remain their separate property. And any
married woman may receive, but not from her husband, and hold any property as if unmarried.
She may insure the life of her husband, son, or any other person, for her own exclusive benefit.
The property of the wife remains to her separate use, not liable for her husband's debts, and
not subject to his disposal. She may convey her separate property. If her husband desert
her, or neglect her, she may become a sole trader; and she may insure his life for her benefit.
Her husband is not liable for her debts contracted before marriage ; the individual earnings of
the wife are her separate property, and she may sue, and be sued alone, in regard to the same.
She may make and hold deposits in savings-banks. She may, by a separate conveyance, release
her dower in any lands which her husband has conveyed.
If a woman has authority, she can transact all her husband's business for him ; and while
they live together, the wife can buy all family things necessary for the support of the family,
and for which he is liable.
The husband is responsible for necessaries supplied to his wife, if he does not supply them
himself ; and he continues so liable, if he turns her out of his house, or otherwise separates him-
self from her without good cause. But he is not so liable, if she deserts him (unless on extreme
provocation), or if he turns her away for good cause. If she leaves him, because he treats her
so ill, that she has good right to go from him, this is the same thing as turning her away, and
she carries with her his credit for all necessaries supplied to her ; but what the misconduct must
be, to give this right, is uncertain. In America the law must be, and undoubtedly is, that the
wife is not obliged to stay and endure cruelty and indecency.
If a man lives with a woman as his wife, and represents her to be so, he is responsible, the
same as if she were his wife, even if it is known that she is not his wife.
ACTIONS:
All distinctions have been abolished, and there is now but one form, which must be prose-
cuted in the name of the real party in interest, except in case of executors, administrators and
trustees, and which is begun by the service of a summons on the defendant, to be answered
within twenty days.
ARREST.
Defendant may be arrested : 1. In an action to recover damages not on contract, where
the defendant is a non-resident, or is about to remove from the State, or where the action is for
injury to the person or character, or for injury to, or wrong taking, detaining or converting
property, or in an action to recover damages for property taken under false pretenses.
2. In an action for a fine or penalty or for money received or property embezzled or
fraudulently misapplied by a public officer or attorney, solicitor, or counsel or officer of a corpora-
tion as such, or factor agent or broker, or for misconduct or neglect in official or professional
employment.
3. In an action to recover property unjustly detained where it is so concealed that the
Sheriff cannot find the same.
234 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
4. Where the defendant was guilty of fraud in contracting the debt, or in concealing or
disposing of the property for the taking, detaining or disposing of which the action is brought.
An affidavit must be made on the part of the plaintiff, stating the cause of action and one
of the above causes.
ATTACHMENT
is allowed on an affidavit that the defendant is indebted to plaintiff, and stating the amount and
that it is due on contract ; and,
1. That defendant has absconded, or is about to abscond, or is concealed to the injury of
his creditors.
2. That defendant has assigned, disposed or concealed his property or is about to do so
with intent to defraud creditors.
3. That the defendant has removed, or is about to remove, his property from the State
with intent to defraud creditors.
4. That the debt was fraudulently contracted.
5. That he is a non-resident.
6. Or a foreign corporation.
7. That he has fraudulently conveyed or disposed of his property with intent to defraud
■creditors.
The amount sued for must exceed $50.
GARNISHMENT
is allowed on an affidavit on behalf of the creditor, that he believes that any third person (naming
him) has property effects, or credits of defendant, or is indebted to him, also in execution, on a
similar affidavit.
JUDGMENT
is a lien on real estate in the county where rendered from the date of docketing, and in other
counties from the time of filing a transcript, and the lien continues for ten years. It bears
interest at 7 per cent, or as high as 10 per cent if stipulated for in the contract.
STAY LAWS.
In Justices' Courts, on giving bond with surety within five days after judgment was ren-
dered, stay of execution is allowed, as follows :
On sums not exceeding $10, exclusive of costs, one month ; between $10 and $30, two
months ; between $30 and $50, three months ; over $50, four months.
EXEMPTIONS.
A homestead not exceeding forty acres, used for agriculture and a residence, and not
included in a town plat or a city or village ; or, instead, one-quarter of an acre in a recorded
town plat, city or village. Also, 1, Family Bible ; 2, Family pictures and school-books ; 3,
Private library ; 4, Seat or pew in church ; 5, Right of burial ; 6, Wearing-apparel, beds, bed-
steads and bedding, kept and used in the family, stoves and appurtenances, put up and used,
cooking utensils and household furniture to the value of $200, one gun, rifle or fire-arm to the
Value of $50 ; 7, Two cows, ten swine, one yoke of oxen and one horse or mule, or, in iieu
thereof, a span of horses or mules, ten sheep and the wool therefrom, necessary food for exempt
stock for one year, provided or growing or both, one wagon, cart or dray, one sleigh, one plow,
one drag and other farm utensils, including tackle for the teams to the value of $50 ; 8, Provis-
ions and fuel for the family for one year ; 9, Tools and implements or stock-in-trade of a
ABSTBACT OF LAWS. 285
mechanic or miner, used and kept, not exceeding $200 in value, library and implements of a
professional man to the value of $200 ; 10, Money arising from insurance of exempt property
destroyed by fire; 11, Inventions for debts against the inventor; 12, Sewing-machines; 13,
Sword, plate, books or articles presented by Congress or Legislature of a State ; 14, Printing-
material and presses to the value of $1,500 ; 15, Earnings of a married person necessary for
famDy support for sixty days previous to issuing process.
LIMITATIONS OF ACTIONS.
Real actions, twenty years ; persons under disabilities, five years after removal of the same.
Judgments of Courts of Record of the State of Wisconsin and sealed instruments when the
cause accrues within the State, twenty years. Judgments of other Courts of Record and sealed
instruments accruing without the State, ten years. Other contracts, statute liabilities
other than penalties and forfeitures, trespass on real property, trover detinue and replevin,
six years. Actions against Sheriffs, Coroners and Constables, for acts done in their oflScial
capacity, except for escapes, three years. Statutory penalties and forfeitures, libel, slander,
assault, battery and false imprisonment, two years. Actions against Sheriffs, etc., for escapes,
one year. Persons under disabilities, except infants, may bring action after the disability ceases,
provided the period is not extended more than five years, and infants one year after coming of
age. Actions by representatives of deceased persons, one year from death ; against the same,
one year from granting letters testamentary or of administration. New promise must be in
writing.
COMMERCIAL TERMS.
$ — Means dollars, being a contraction of U. S., which was formerly placed before any
denomination of money, and meant, as it means now. United States currency.
£ — M.ea.us, pounds, English money.
@ — Stands for at or to ; ft) for pounds, and bbl. for barrels ; '^ for per, or hy the. Thus :
Butter sells at 20@30c "f lb, and Flour at $8@12 f bbl. % for per cent., and | for numbers.
May 1. Wheat sells at $1.20@|1.25, " seller June." Seller June means that the person
who sells the wheat has the privilege of delivering it at any time during the month of June.
Selling short is contracting to deliver a certain amount of grain or stock at a fixed price,
within a certain length of time, when the seller has not the stock on hand. It is for the interest
of the person selling short to depress the market as much as possible, in order that he may buy
and fill his contract at a profit. Hence the " shorts " are termed " bears."
Buying long is to contrive to purchase a certain amount of grain or shares of stock at a
fixed price, deliverable within a stipulated time, expecting to make a profit by the rise in prices.
The " longs " are termed " bulls," as it is for their interest to " operate " so as to " toss " the
prices upward as much as possible.
SUGGESTIONS TO THOSE PURCHASING BOOKS BY SUBSCRIPTION.
The business of publishing books by subscription having so often been brought into disre-
pute by agents making representations and declarations not authorized by the publisher, in
order to prevent that as much as possible, and that there may be more general knowledge of
the relation such agents bear to their principal, and the law governing such cases, the following
statement is made :
A subscription is in the nature of a contract of mutual promises, by which the subscriber ,
agrees to pay a certain sum for the work described ; the consideration is concurrent that the
publisher shall publish the book named, and deliver the same, for which the subscriber is to
pay the price named. The nature and character of the work is described by the prospectus
and sample shown. These should be carefully examined before subscribing, as they are the
286 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
basis and consideration of the promise to pay, and not the too often exaggerated statements of
the agent, who is merely employed to solicit subscriptions, for which he is usually paid a com-
mission for each subscriber, and has no authority to change or alter the conditions upon which
the subscriptions are authorized to be made by the publisher. Should the agent assume to
agree to make the subscription conditional or modify or change the agreement of the publisher,
as set out by the prospectus and sample, in order to bind the principal, the subscriber should
see that such condition or changes are stated over or in connection with his signature, so that
the publisher may have notice of the same.
All persons making contracts in reference to matters of this kind, or any other business,
should remember that the law as written is, that they cannot be altered, varied or rescinded
verbally, but, if done at all, must be done in writing. It is therefore important that all persons
contemplating subscribing should distinctly understand that all talk before or after the sub-
scription is made, is not admissible as evidence, and is no part of the contract.
Persons employed to solicit subscriptions are known to the trade as canvassers. They are
agents appointed to do a particular business in a prescribed mode, and have no authority to do
it in any other way to the prejudice of their principal, nor can they bind their principal in any
Other matter. They cannot collect money, or agree that payment may be made in anything
else but money. They cannot extend the time of payment beyond the time of delivery, nor
bind their principal for the payment of expenses incurred in their business.
It would save a great deal of trouble, and often serious loss, if persons, before signing
their names to any subscription book, or any written instrument, would examine carefully what
it is ; if they cannot read themselves call on some one disinterested who can.
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN.
CONDENSKr).
PREAMBLE.
We, the People of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ; in order to secure
its blessings, form a more perfect government, insure domestic tranquillity, and promote the
general welfare, do establish this Constitution.
Article I.
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS.
Section 1. All men are born free and independent, and have, among other rights, those
of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to secure these rights.
Sec. 2. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except for the punish-
ment of crimes.
Sec. 3. Liberty of speech and of the press shall not be abridged.
Sec. 4. The right of the people to peaceably assemble to consult for the common good
shall never be abridged.
Sec. 5. The right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate.
Sec. 6. Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel pun-
ishments inflicted.
Sec. 7. In criminal prosecutions, the rights of the accused shall be protected.
Sec. 8. Criminal offenses shall be prosecuted on presentment of a grand jury. No one
shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense, nor be compelled to be a witness against
himself Every one shall have the right of giving bail except in capital oflFenses ; and the writ of
habeas corpus shall not be suspended, except in case of rebellion or invasion.
Sec. 9. Every person is entitled to a certain remedy for all injuries or wrongs.
Sec. 10. Treason consists in levying war against the State, or giving aid and comfort to
its enemies. Two witnesses are necessary to convict a person of the crime.
Sec. 11. The people are to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Sec. 12. Bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or laws impairing obligation of contracts,
shall never be passed.
Sec. 13. No property shall be taken for public use without compensation.
Sec. 14. All laws in the State are allodial. Feudal tenures are prohibited.
Sec. 15. The rights of property are the same in resident aliens and citizens.
Sec. 16. No person shall be imprisoned for debt.
Sec. 17. Wholesome exemption laws shall be passed.
Sec. 18. Liberty of conscience and rights of worship shall never be abridged. The
public money shall never be applied to sectarian uses.
Sec. 19. No religious test shall ever be required as a. qualification for any office.
287
288 HISTOKY OF WISCONSIN.
Sec. 20. The military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.
Sec. 21. Writs of error shall never be prohibited by law.
Sec. 22. A free government can only be maintained by adhering to justice, moderation,
temperance, frugality and virtue.
Article II.
BOUNDARIES.
Section 1. The boundary of the State, beginning at the northeast corner of the State of
Illinois, runs with the boundary line of Michigan, through Lake Michigan and Green Bay, to
the mouth. of the Menominie River; up that stream and the Brule River to Lake Brule; along
the southern shore of that lake to the Lake of the Desert ; thence in a direct line to the head
of Montreal River ; down the main channel of that stream to the middle of Lake Superior ;
thence through the center of said lake to the mouth of St. Louis River ; up the channel of that
stream to the first rapids ; thence due south to the main branch of the St. Croix ; down that
river and the Mississippi to the northwest corner of Illinois ; thence due east with the northern
boundary of that State to the place of beginning.
Sec. 2. The propositions in the enabling act of Congress are accepted and confirmed.
Article III.
SUFFRAGE.
Section 1. The qualified electors are all male persons twenty-one years of age or upward,
who are (1.) white citizens of the United States ; (2.) who are white persons of foreign birth that
have declared their intentions, according to law, to become citizens ; (3) who are persons of
Indian blood and citizens of the United States ; and (4.) civilized Indians not members of any
tribe.
Sec. 2. Persons under guardianship, such as are non compus mentis or insane, and those
convicted of treason and felony and not pardoned, are not qualified electors.
Sec. 3. All votes shall be by ballot, except for township officers when otherwise directed
by law.
Sec. 4. No person shall be deemed to have lost his residence by reason of his absence on
business for the State or United States.
Sec. 5. No person in the army or navy shall become a resident of the State in conse-
quence of being stationed therein.
Sec. 6. Persons convicted of bribery, larceny or any infamous crime, or those who bet
on elections, may be excluded by law from the right of suffrage.
Article IV.
LEGISLATIVE.
Section 1. The Legislative power is vested in a Senate and Assembly.
Sec. 2. Members of the Assembly shall never number less than fifty-four, nor more than
one hundred; of the Senate, not more than one-third, nor less than one-fourth of the mem-
bers of the Assembly.
Sec. 3. Census shall be taken, every ten years, of the inhabitants of the State, beginning
with 1855, when a new apportionment of members of the Senate and Assembly shall be made ;
also, after each United States census.
Sec. 4. Members of the Assembly shall be chosen on the Tuesday succeeding the first
Monday of November of each year.
Sec. 5. Members of the Senate shall be elected for two years, at the same time and in
the same manner as members of the Assembly.
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISC0NS1J.S'. 289
Sec. 6. No person shall be eligible to tbe Legislature, unless a resident of the State one
year, and a qualified elector.
Sec. 7. Each House shall be the judge of the qualifications of its members. A majority
shall be necessary to form a quorum.
Sec. 8. Each House shall make its own rules.
Sec. 9. Each House shall choose its own officers.
Sec. 10. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings.'
Sec. 11. The Legislature shall meet at the seat of government once a year.
Sec. 12. No member shall be eligible to any other civil office in the State, during the
term for which he was elected.
Sec. 13. No member shall be eligible to any office of the United States, during the term
for which he was elected.
Sec. 14. Writs of election, to fill vacancies in either House, shall be issued by the Gov-
ernor.
Sec. 15. Except treason, felony and breach of the peace, members are privileged from
arrest in all cases ; nor subject to any civil process during a session.
Sec. 16. Members are not liable for words spoken in debate.
Sec. 17. The style of all laws shall be, " The people of the State of Wisconsin rep-
resented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : "
Sec. 18. Private or local bills shall not embrace more than one subject.
Sec. 19. Bills may originate in either House, and a bill passed by one House may be
amended by the other.
Sec. 20. Yeas and nays, at the request of one-sixth of the members present, shall be
entered on the journal.
Sec. 21. [Each member shall receive, as an annual compensation, three hundred and
fifty dollars and ten cents for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the seat of gov-
ernment]. As amended in 1867.
Sec. 22. Boards of Supervisors may be vested with powers of a local, legislative and
administrative character, such as shall be conferred by the Legislature.
Sec. 23. One system only, of town and county government, shall be established by the
Legislature.
Sec. 24. The Legislature shall never authorize any lottery, or grant any divorce.
Sec. 25. Stationery, for State use and State printing, shall be let by contract to the low-
est bidder.
Sec. 26. Extra compensation to any public officer shall not be granted after service is
rendered, nor shall his compensation b» increased or diminished during his term of office.
Sec. 27. The Legislature shall direct, by law, in what manner and in what Courts suits
against the State may be brought.
Sec. 28. Public officers shall all take an oath of office.
Sec. 29. The Legislature shall determine what persons shall constitute the militia, and
may provide for organizing the same.
Sec. 30. Members of the Legislature shall vote viva voce in all elections made by
them.
Sec. 31. [Special legislation is prohibited (1) for changing the names of persons, or con-
stituting one person the heir-at-law of another ; (2) for laying out, opening or altering high-
ways, except in certain cases; (3) for authorizing persons to keep ferries; (4) for authorizing
the sale of the property of minors ; (5) for locating a county seat ; (6) for assessment of taxes ;
(7) for granting corporate powers, except to cities ; (8) for apportioning any part of the school
fund ; and (9) for incorporating any town or village, or to award the charter thereof]. Added
by amendment, in 1871.
Sec. 32. [General laws shall be passed for the transaction of any business prohibited by
Section 21 of this Article.] Added by amendment, in 1871.
290 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
Article V.
Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a Governor, who shall hold his oflSce
two years. A Lieutenant Governor shall be elected at the same time and for the same term.
Sec. 2. Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be citizens of the United States, and
qualified electors of the State.
Sec. 3. Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected at the times and places of choosing
members of the Legislature.
Sec. 4. The Governor shall be (1) commander-in-chief of the military and naval forces of
the State ; (2) he has power to convene the Legislature in extra session ; (3) he shall communi-
cate to the Legislature all necessary information ; (4) he shall transact all necessary business
with the officers of the State ; and (5) shall expedite all legislative measures, and see that th^
laws are faithfully executed.
Sec. 5. [The Governor's salary shall be five thousand dollars per annum.] As amended
in 1869.
Sec. 6. The Governor shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons.
Sec. 7. The executive duties shall devolve upon the Lieutenant Governor when, from any
cause, the executive office is vacated by the Governor.
Sec. 8. The Lieutenant Governor shall be President of the Senate. The Secretary of
State shall act as Governor when both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are incapacitated
from any causes to fill the executive office.
Sec. 9. [The Lieutenant Governor shall receive a salary of one thousand dollars per
annum.] As amended in 1869.
Sec. 10. All legislative bills shall be presented to the Governor for his signature before
they become laws. Bills returned by the Governor without his signature may become laws by
agreement of two-thirds of the members present in each house.
Article VI.
ADMINISTRATION.
Section 1. A Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall be elected at the
times and places of choosing members of the Legislature, who shall severally hold their offices
for two years.
Sec. 2. The Secretary of State shall keep a record of the official acts of the Legislature
and Executive Department. He shall be ex officio Auditor.
Sec. 3. The powers, duties and compensation of the Treasurer and Attorney General
shall be prescribed by law.
Sec. 4. Sherifis, Coroners, Registers of Deeds and District Attorneys shall be elected
every two years.
Article Vn.
JUDICIARY.
Section 1. The Senate shall form the Court of Impeachment. Judgment shall not
extend further than removal from office ; but the person impeached shall be liable to indictment,
trial and punishment, according to law.
Sec. 2. The judicial power of the State is vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts,
Courts of Probate, and in Justices of the Peace. Municipal courts, also, may be authorized.
Sec. 3. The Supreme Court shall have appellate jurisdiction only. Trial by jury is not
allowed in any case. The Court shall have a general superintending control over inferior courts,
and power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and
other original and remedial writs.
, <f,pc^
M^-a^ fn.v^ ^^
LISBON
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 293
Sec. 4. [The Supreme Court shall consist of one Chief Justice, and four Associate
Justices, each for the term of ten years.] As amended in 1877.
Sec. 5. The State shall be divided into five Judicial Circuits.
Sec. 6. The Legislature may alter the limits or increase the number of the circuits.
Sec. 7. There shall be a Judge chosen for each Circuit, who shall reside therein ; his
term of oflSce shall be six years.
Sec. 8. The Circuit Courts shall have original jurisdiction in all matters civil and crim-
inal, not excepted in this Constitution, and not prohibited hereafter by law, and appellate juris-
diction from all inferior courts. T^hey shall have power to issue writs of habeas corpus, man-
damus, injunction, quo warranto, certiorari, and all other writs necessary to carry their orders
and judgments into eflfect.
Sec. 9. Vacancies in the office of Supreme or Circuit Judge shall be filled by the Gover-
nor. Election for. Judges shall not be at any general election, nor within thirty days before or
after said election.
Sec. 10. Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts shall receive a salary of not less than
one thousand five hundred dollars, and shall hold no other office, except a judicial one, during
the term for which they are respectively elected. Each Judge shall be a citizen of the United
States, and have attained the age of twenty-five years. He shall also be a qualified elector within
the jurisdiction for which he may be chosen.
Sec. 11. The Supreme Court shalV hold at least one term annually. A Circuit Court
shall be held at least twice in each year, in each county of this State organized for judicial pur-
poses.
Sec. 12. There shall be a Clerk of the Circuit Court chosen in each county, whose term
of office shall be two years. The Supreme Court shall appoint its own Clerk. •
Sec. 13. Any Judge of the Supreme or Circuit Court may be removed from office by vote
of two-thirds of all the members elected to both Senate and Assembly.
Sec. 14. A Judge of Probate shall be elected in each county, who shall hold his office for
two years.
Sec. 15. Justices of the Peace shall be elected in the several towns, villages and cities of
the State, in such manner as the Legislature may direct, whose term of office shall be two years.
Their civil and criminal jurisdiction shall be prescribed by law.
Sec. 16. Laws shall be passed for the regulation of tribunals of conciliation. These may
be established in and for any township.
Sec. 17. The style of all writs and process shall be " The State of Wisconsin." Criminal
prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by authority of the State ; and all indictments
shall conclude against the peace and dignity of the same.
Sec. 18. A tax shall be imposed' by the Legislature on all civil suits, which shall consti-
tute a fund, to be applied toward the payment of the salary of Judges.
Sec. 19. Testimony in equity causes shall be taken the same as in cases at law. The
office of Master in Chancery is prohibited.
Sec. 20. Any suitor may prosecute or defend his case in his own proper person, or by
■ attorney or agent.
Sec. 21. Statute laws and such judicial decisions as are deemed expedient, shall be pub-
lished. No general law shall be in force until published.
Sec. 22. The Legislature at its first session shall provide for the appointment of three
Commissioners to revise the rules of practice in the several Courts of Record in the State.
Sec. 23. The Legislature may confer judicial powers on one or more persons in each
organized county of the State. Powers granted to such Commissioners shall not exceed that of
a Judge of a Circuit Court at chambers.
294 HISTORY or WISCONSIN.
Article VIII.
FINANCE.
Section 1. Taxation shall be uniform, and taxes shall be levied upon such property as the
Legislature may prescribe.
Sec. 2. [No money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appro-
priation by law. Claims made against the State must be filed within six years after having
accrued.] As amended in 1877.
Sec. 3. The credit of the State shall never be given or loaned in aid of any individual,
association or corporation.
Sec. 4. The State shall never contract any public debt, except in the cases and manner
provided in this Constitution.
Sec. 5. A tax shall be levied each year sufficient to defray estimated expenses.
Sec. 6. \ Debts not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars may be contracted by the State,
which shall be paid within five years thereafter.
Sec. 7. The Legislature may borrow money to repel invasion, suppress insurrection or
defend the State in time of war.
Sec. 8. All fiscal laws in the Legislature shall be voted on by yeas and nays.
Sec. 9. State scrip shall not be issued except for such debts as are authorized by the sixth
and seventh sections of this article.
Sec. 10. No debt for internal improvements shall be contracted by the State.
Article IX.
EMINENT DOMAIN AND PROPERTY OP THE STATE.
Section 1. The State shall have concurrent jurisdiction on all rivers and lakes border-
ing on Wisconsin.
Sec. 2. The title to all property which has accrued to the Territory of Wisconsin shall
vest in the State of Wisconsin.
Sec. 3. The ultimate property in and to all lands of the State is possessed by the
people.
Article X.
education.
Section 1. The supervision of public instruction shall be vested in a State Superintend-
ent and such other officers as the Legislature shall direct. The annual compensation of the
State Superintendent shall not exceed twelve hundred dollars.
Sec. 2. The school fund to support and maintain common schools, academies and nor-
mal schools, and to purchase apparatus and libraries therefor, shall be created out of (1) the
proceeds of lands from the United States; (2) out of forfeitures and escheats; (3) out of
moneys paid as exemptions from military duty ; (4) out of fines collected for breach of penal
laws; (5) out of any grant to the State where the purposes of such grant are not specified; (6)
out of the proceeds of the sale of five hundred thousand acres of land granted by Congress Sep-
tember 14, 1841 ; and (7) out of the five per centum of the net proceeds of the public lands to
which the State shall become entitled on her admission into the Union (if Congress shall con-
sent to such appropriation of the two grants last mentioned.)
Sec. 3. District schools shall be established by law which shall be free to all children be-
tween the ages of four and twenty years. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed therein.
Sec, 4. Each town and city shall raise for common schools therein by taxation a sum equal
to one-half the amount received from the school fund of the State.
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF WISCONSIN. 295
Sec. 5. Provisions shall be made by law for the distribution of the income of the school
fund among the several towns and cities for the support of common schools therein ; but no
appropriation shall be made when there is a failure to raise the proper tax, or when a school
shall not have been maintained at least three months of the year.
Sec. 6. Provision shall be made by law for the establishment of a State University. The
proceeds of all lands granted for the support of a university by the United States shall consti-
tute "the University fund," the interest of which shall be appropriated to the support of the
State University. No sectarian instruction shall be allowed in such university.
Sec. 7. The Secretary of State, Treasurer and Attorney General shall constitute a Board
of Commissioners to sell school and university lands and for the investments of the proceeds
thereof.
Sec. 8. School and university lands shall be appraised and sold according to law. The
Commissioners shall execute deeds to purchasers, and shall invest the proceeds of the sales of
such lands in such manner as the Legislature shall provide.
Article XI.
CORPORATIONS.
Section 1. Corporations without banking powers may be formed under general laws, but
shall not be created by special act, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where, in the
judgment of the Legislature, the objects of the corporation cannot be attained under general laws.
Sec. 2. No municipal corporation shall take private property for public use, against the
consent of the owner, except by jury trial.
Sec. 3. Cities and incorporated villages shall be organized, and their powers restricted by
law so as to prevent abuses. [No county, city, town, village, school district, or other municipal
corporation, shall become indebted to exceed five per centum on the value of the taxable property
therein.] As amended in 1874.
Sec. 4. Banks shall not be created except as provided in this article.
Sec. 5. The question of " bank " or ''no bank " may be submitted to the voters of the
State; and if a majority of all the votes cast shall be in favor of banks, the Legislature shall
have power to grant bank charters, or pass a general banking law.
Article XIL
Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed in either house of the Legis-
lature, and referred to the next Legislature and published for three months previous. If agreed
to by a majority of all the members elected to each house, then the amendment or amendments
shall submit them to the vote of the people ; and if the people shall approve and ratify such
amendment (Jr amendments, they shall become a part of the Constitution.
Sec. 2. If a convention to revise or change the Constitution shall be deemed necessary by
the Legislature, they shall recommend to the electors of the State to vote at the next general
election for or against the same. If the vote shall be for the calling of such convention, then
the Legislature, at its next session, shall provide for the same.
Article XIII.
miscellaneous provisions.
Section > 1. The political year for Wisconsin shall commence on the first Monday in Jan-
uary in each year. General elections shall be holden on the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday
in November.
Sec. 2. A duelist shall not be qualified as an elector in this State.
Sec. 3. United States officers (except Postmasters), public defaulters, or persons convicted
of infamous crimes, shall not be eligible to office in this State.
296 HISTOEY OF WISCONSIN.
- Sec. 4. A great seal for the State shall be provided, and all official acts of the Governor
(except his approbation of the laws), shall be authenticated thereby.
Sec. 5. Residents on Indian lands may vote, if duly qualified, at the polls nearest their
residence.
Sec. 6. Elective officers of the Legislature, other than the presiding officers, shall be a
Chief Clerk, and a Sergeant-at-Arms, to be elected by each House.
Sec. 7.. No county with an area of nine hundred square miles or less, shall be divided,
without submitting the question to the vote of the people of the county.
Sec. 8. [The Legislature is prohibited from enacting any special or private laws, for locating
or changing any county seat.] See amendment adopted in 1871, as Sec. 31 (Subdivision 5) of
Art. IV.
Sec. 9. Officers not provided for by this Constitution shall be elected as the Legislature
shall direct.
Sec. 10. The Legislature may declare the cases in which any office shall be deemed
vacant, and also the manner of filling the vacancy, where no provision is made for that purpose
in this Constitution.
Article XIV.
SCHEDULE.
Section 1. All rights under the Territorial government are continued under the State
government. Territorial processes are valid after the State is admitted into the Union.
Sec. 2. Existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin not repugnant to this Constitution
shall remain in force until they expire by limitation or are altered or repealed.
Sec. 3. All fines, penalties or forfeitures accruing to the Territory of Wisconsin shall
inure to the use of the State.
Sec. 4. Territorial i-ecognizances, bonds and public property shall pass to and be vested
in the State. Criminal prosecutions, offenses committed against the laws, and all actions at law
and suits in equity in the Territory of Wisconsin shall be contained in and prosecuted by the
State.
Sec. 5. Officers holding under authority of the United States or of the Territory of Wis-
consin shall continue in office until superseded by State authority.
Sec. 6. The first session of the State Legislature shall commence on the first Monday in
June next, and shall be held at the village of Madison, which shall be and remain the seat of
government until otherwise provided by law.
Sec. 7. Existing county and town officers shall hold their offices until the Legislature of
the State shall provide for the holding of elections to fill such offices.
Sec. 8. A copy of this Constitution shall be transmitted to the President of the United
States to be laid before Congress at its present session.
Sec. 9. This Constitution shall be submitted to the vote of the people for ratification or
rejection on the second Monday in March next. If ratified, an election shall be held for
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Attorney General, members of the State Legisla-
ture and members of Congress, on the second Monday of May next.
Sec. 10. \_Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.]
Sec. 11. The several elections provided for in this Article shall be conducted according
to the existing laws of the Territory of Wisconsin.
Sec. 12. [^Omitted. See Section 1, Chapter 3, Acts of Extra Session of 1878.]
Sec. 13. The common law in force in the Territory of Wisconsin shall continue in force
in the State until altered or suspended by the Legislature.
Sec. 14. The Senators first elected in the even-numbered Senate districts, the Governor,
Lieutenant Governor and other State officers first elected under this Constitution, shall enter
upon their duties on the first Monday of June next, and hold their offices for one year from the
first Monday of January next. The Senators first elected in the odd-numbered districts and the
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 297
members of the Assembly first elected shall enter upon their duties on the first Monday of June
next, and continue in office until the first Monday in January next.
Sec. 15. The oath of office may be administered by any Judge or Justice of the Peace,
until the Legislature shall otherwise direct.
We, the undersigned, members of the Convention to form a Constitution for the State of
Wisconsin, to be submitted to the people thereof for their ratification or rejection, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is the Constitution adopted by the Convention.
In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, at Madison, the 1st day of Feb-
ruary, A. D. 1848.
Morgan L. Martin,
President of the Convention and Delegate from Brown County.
Thomas McHush,
Secretary.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
CONDENSE r>.
PREAMBLE.
We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice,
insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare,
and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish
this Constitution for the United States of America.
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress, which shall
consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of members chosen every second
year by the people of the States, and electors shall have qualifications for electors of the most
numerous branch of the State Legislature.
Representatives must be twenty-five years of age, and must have been seven years citizens
of the United States, and inhabitants of the State in which they shall be chosen.
Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the several States according to
population, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including
apprentices and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. The enumeration
shall be made within three years after the first meeting of Congress, and every ten years there-
after in such manner as Congress shall by law direct. States shall have one Representative only
fur each thirty thousand, but each State shall have at least one Representative ; and until such
enumeration shall be made, New Hampshire shall choose three ; Massachusetts, eight ; Rhode
Island, one; Connecticut, five; New York, six; New Jersey, four; Pennsylvania, eight; Del-
aware, one ; Maryland, six ; Virginia, ten ; North Carolina, five ; South Carolina, five, and
Georgia, three.
Vacancies in the representation from any State shall be filled by elections, ordered by the
executive authority of the State.
298 HISTORY OF WISCOXSIM.
The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other officers, and shall have
the sole power of impeachment.
Sec. 3. The Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the
Legislature thereof for six years ; and each Senator shall have one vote.
I Senators shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes immediately after assem-
bling, in consequence of the first election. The first class shall vacate their seats at the expira-
tion of the second year ; the second class, at the expiration of the fourth year, and the third
class, at the expiration of the sixth year, so that one-third may be chosen every second year ;
and vacancies happening by resignation or otherwise during the recess of the Legislature of any
State may be filled by temporary appointments of the Executive until the next meeting of the
Legislature.
All Senators shall have attained the age of thirty years, and shall have been nine years
citizens of the United State^p, and shall be inhabitants of the State for which they shall be
chosen.
The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have
no vote, unless they be equally divided.
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the
absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the office of President,
The Senate shall have the sole power to try impeachments. When sitting for that purpose,
they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the President is tried, the Chief Justice shall pre-
side, and concurrence of two-thirds of the members present shall be necessary to conviction.
Judgment in cases of impeachment shall be limited to removal from office and disqualifica-
tion to hold any office under the United States ; but the party convicted shall be liable to trial
and punishment according to law.
Sec. 4. The Legislature of each State shall prescribe the times, places and manner of
liolding elections for Senators and Representatives, but Congress may make or alter such regu-
lations, except as to the place of choosing Senators.
Congress shall assemble annually, on the first Monday in December, unless a different day
be appointed.
Sec. 5. Each House shall be the judge of the elections, returns and qualifications of its
own members, and a majority of each shall constitute a quorum to do business ; but a smaller
number may adjourn from day to day, and may compel attendance of absent members, under
penalties.
Each House may determine its own rules of proceeding, punish its members, and, by a two-
thirds vote, expel a member.
Each House shall keep a journal, which shall be published at their discretion, and one-fifth
of those present may require the yeas and nays to be entered on the journal.
Neither House shall adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other,
nor to any other place than that in which they are sitting.
Sec. 6. The compensation of Senators and Representatives shall be fixed by law, and
paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall be privileged from arrest during
attendance at the session of their respective Houses, except for treason, felony and breach of
the peace, and shall not be questioned in any other place for any speech or debate in either
House.
No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appomted
to any civil office under the United States which shall have been created or the emoluments
whereof shall have been increased during such time ; and no person holding office under the
United States shall be a member of either House during his continuance in office.
Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but
may be amended by the Senate.
Every bill passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate shall, before it becomes
a law, be presented to the President ; if he approve, he shall sign it ; but if not, he shall return
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 299
it, with his objections, to that House in which it originated, who shall enter the objections on
their journal and proceed to reconsider it. If, after reconsideration, two-thirds shall agree to
pass the bill, it shall be sent, with the objections, to the other House, and, if approved by two-
thirds of that House, it shall become a law. But in all such cases, the yeas and nays shall be
taken, and entered upon the journal of each House, respectively. Any bill not returned by
the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, shall
be a law, as if he had signed it, unless Congress, by adjournment, shall prevent its return, in
which case it shall not be a law.
Every order, resolution or vote requiring the concurrence of the Senate and House of Rep-
resentatives (except a question of adjournment), shall be approved by the President before tak-
ing eifect ; or, being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by a two-thirds vote of each House,
as in the case of a bill.
Sec. 8. Congress shall have power :
To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the
common defense and general welfare of the United States ; but all duties, imposts and excises
shall be uniform throughout the United States ;
To borrow money on the public credit ;
To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several States and with the
Indian tribes ;
To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bank-
ruptcies ;
To coin money, regulate the value thereof and foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights
and measures ;
To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United
States ;
To establish post ofiSces and post roads ;
To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors
and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries ;
To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ;
To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas, and offenses against
the laws of nations ;
To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on
land and water ;
To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer
term than two years ;
To provide and maintain a navy ;
To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces ;
To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insur-
rection and repel invasions ;
To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and for governing such parts
of them as may be employed in the service of the United States — the several States to appoint
the ofiScers and to train the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress ;
To exercise exclusive legislation, in all cases, over the seat of Government, and over all
forts, magazines, arsenals, dock -yards and other needful buildings ; and
To make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution all powers vested by this
Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or oflScer thereof.
Sec. 9. Foreign immigration or the importation of slaves into the States shall not be pro-
hibited by Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty
may be imposed not exceeding ten dollars for each person so imported.
The writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless required by the public safety in
cases of rebellion or invasion.
No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed.
300 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the census or enu-
meration hereinbefore directed to be made.
No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any State.
In regulating commerce or revenue, no preference shall be given to the ports of one State
over those of another ; nor shall vessels bound to or from one State be obliged to enter, clear or
pay duties in another.
No money shall be drawn from the Treasury unless appropriated by law ; and accounts of
the receipts and expenditures of all public money shall be published from time to time.
No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States ; and no person holding any
office under them shall accept any present, emolument, office or title from any foreign . State,
without the consent of Congress.
Sec. 10. No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confederation ; grant letters of
marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; make anything but gold and silver coin
a tender in payment of debts ; pass bills of attainder, ex post facto laws, or law impairing the
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility.
No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any imposts or duties on imports or
exports, except for the execution of its inspection laws ; and all such duties shall be for the use
of the United States; and all such laws shall be subject to the revision and control of Congress.
No State shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty of tonnage, keep troops or
ships of war in time of peace, enter into any agreement or compact with another State or with a
foreign power, or engage in war unless actually invaded or in imminent and immediate danger.
Article II.
Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President. He shall hold office for
four years, and, together with the Vice President chosen for the same term, shall be elected as
follows :
Bach State shall appoint in the manner directed by the Legislature, a number of electors
equal to the whole number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress ; but no Senator or
Representative or person holding any office under the United States shall be appointed an
elector.
[The third clause of this section has been superseded and amended hy the 12th Amendment^
Congress may determine the time of choosing the electors, and the day on which they shall
give their votes, which day shall be the same throughout the United States.
A natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of this
Constitution, only shall be eligible to the office of President; and he must have attained the age
of thirty -five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.
If the President be removed from office, die, resign, or become unable to discharge the duties
of his office, the same shall devolve upon the Vice President, and Congress may provide by law
for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability of both the President and Vice President,
declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the
disability be removed or a President elected.*
The President shall receive a compensation for his services, which shall be neither increased
nor. diminished during the period for which he shall have been electedf and within that period
he shall not receive any other emolument from the United States or from any of them.
Before entering upon office he shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly
swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and
will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United
States."
* By act of March 1, 1792, Congress provided for this contingency, designating the President of the Senate vto tempore, or if there be none
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to succeed to the chief Executive office in the event of a vacancy in the offices of both President
and Vice President. '
t The President's salary was fixed February" 18, 1793, at $25,000, and was increased March 3, 1873, to 850,000.
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 301
Sec. 2. The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy of the
United States, and of the militia of the several States, when' in actual service of the United
States; he may require the written opinion of the principal officers of the several executive
departments upon subjects relating to the duties of their respective offices, and shall have power to
grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment.
He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties,
provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur, and shall nominate to the Senate ambassa-
dors, other public ministers and consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of
the United States whose appointment is not otherwise provided for ; but Congress may vest the
appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of
departments.
The President may fill all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by
granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session.
He shall, from time to time, give Congress information of the state of the Union, and
recommend measures to their consideration ; he may, oh extraordinary occasions, convene both
Houses or either of them, and, in case of disagreement between them as to the time of adjourn-
ment, he may adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive ambassadors
and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall com-
mission all the officers of the United States.
Sec. 4. The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be
removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes
and misdemeanors.
Article III.
Section 1. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme
Court, and in such inferior courts as Congress may establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme
and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall receive a compensa-
tion which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.
Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this
Constitution, the laws of the United States, treaties, cases affecting ambassadors, other public
ministers and consuls, all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which
the United States shall be a party ; controversies between two or more States ; between a State
and citizens of another State ; between citizens of diiferent States ; between citizens of the same
State claiming lands under grants of different States, and between a State or the citizens thereof
and foreign States, citizens or subjects.
In all cases affecting Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State is a party, the
Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction. In all other cases mentioned, the Supreme
Court shall have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, subject to exceptions and regu-
lations made by Congress.
All crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be tried by jury, and in the State where
the crime was committed ; but Congress shall fix the place of trial for crimes not committed
within any State.
Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levying war against them,
or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be convicted of
treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open
court.
Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of treason
shall work corruption of blood or forfeiture, except during the life of the person attainted.
Article IV.
Section 1. Each State shall give full faith and credit to the public acts, records and judi-
cial proceedings of every other State, and Congress may prescribe the manner in which such
acts, records and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.
302 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Sec. 2. The citizens of each State shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of
citizens in the several States.
Fugitives from justice in any State found in another State, shall, on demand of the Execu-
tive, be delivered up and removed to the State having jurisdiction of the crime.
No person held to service or labor in one State under the laws thereof, escaping into another,
shall, in consequence of any law or regulation therein, be discharged from such service or labor,
but shall be delivered up on claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due.
Sec. 3. New States may be admitted to the Union, but no new State shall be formed
within the jurisdiction of any other State; nor by the junction of two or more States, or parts
of States, without the consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned, as well as of Congress.
Congress shall have power to dispose of and to regulate and govern the territory or other
property belonging to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be construed to
prejudice any claims of the United States, or any particular State.
Every State shall be guaranteed a republican form of government, and shall be protected
against invasion ; and on an application of the Legislature, or of the executive (when the Legis-
lature cannot be convened), against domestic violence.
Article V.
Congress, whenever two-thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amend-
ments to this Constitution, or, on application of two-thirds of the Legislatures of the several
States, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all
intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution when ratified by the Legislatures of three-fourths
of the several States, or by conventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of
ratification may be proposed by the Congress ; provided that no amendment which may be made
prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner aifect the first and
fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article ; and that no State, without its consent,
shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.
Article VI.
All existing debts and engagements shall be valid against the United States under this
Constitution.
This Constitution and the laws of the United States made in pursuance thereof, and all
treaties made under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the land,
and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby ; anything in the Constitution or laws of
any State to the contrary notwithstanding.
Senators and Representatives, members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive
and judicial officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by oath
or affirmation, to support this Constitution ; but no religious test shall ever be required as a
qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.
Article VIL
The ratification of the Convention of nine States shall be sufficient for the establishment of
this Constitution between the States so ratifying the same.
Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day
of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the
independence of the United States of America the twelfth.
In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.
GEORGE WASHINGTON,
President and Deputy from Virginia.
[Other signatures omitted.]
constitution of the united states. 303
Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America.
Proposed by Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to
the Fifth Article of the original Constitution.
Article I.
Congress shall make no law respecting religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press ; or of the right of the people peaceably to
assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article II.
A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the
people to keep and bear arras shall not be infringed.
Article III.
No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without the consent of the
owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Article IV.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons and property against unreasonable
searches and seizures shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the
persons or things to be seized.
Article V.
No person shall be held to answer for any infamous crime unless on an indictment of a
grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be twice put in jeopardy of life
or limb for the same ofiense ; nor shall he be compelled, in any criminal case, to be a witness
against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law ; nor
shall private property be taken for oublic use without just compensation.
Article VI.
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to speedy and public trial,
by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, and
to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses
against him ; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the
assistance of counsel for his defense.
Article VII.
In suits at common law, when the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the
right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury shall be otherwise
re-examined in any court of the United States than according to the rules of the common law.
Article VIII.
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual pun-
ishments inflicted.
304 HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Article IX.
The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or dis-
parage others retained by the people.
Article X.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to
the States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the people.
Article XI.
The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law
or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by citizens of another
State, or by citizens or subjects of any foreign State.
Article XII.
The electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by ballot for President and Vice
President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same State with themselves ;
distinct ballots shall be made for President and Vice President, and distinct lists made of such
ballots and of the number of votes for each, which lists they shall sign and certify and transmit
sealed to the seat of government, addressed to the President of the Senate ; the President of the
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates,
and the votes shall then be counted ; the person having the greatest number of votes for Presi-
dent shall be President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed ;
if no person have such majority, then from those having the highest numbers, not exceeding
three on the list of those voted for as President, the House of Representatives shall choose imme-
diately by ballot the President. But, in choosing the President, the vote shall be taken by
States, each State having one vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or mem-
bers from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice.
If, whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, the House of Representatives shall not
choose a President before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice President shall
act as President, as in the case of death or disability of the President. The person having the
greatest number of votes as Vice President shall be the Vice President, if such number be a
majority of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a majority, then from
the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose the Vice President ; a quorum for
the purpose shall consist of two-thirds of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the
whole number shall be necessary to a choice. But no person ineligible to the office of President
shall be eligible to that of Vice President of the United States.
Article XIII.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime
whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any
place subject to their jurisdiction.
Sec. 3. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Article XIV.
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, or subject to the juris-
diction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and of the State wherein they reside. No
State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens
of the United States ; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property without
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES.
305
due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the
law.
Sec. 2. Representatives shall be apportioned among the States according to population,
counting the whole number of persons in each State, including Indians not taxed. But when
the right to vote is denied to any of the male inhabitants of a State, being twenty-one years of
age and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in
rebellion or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion
which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-
one years of age in such State.
Sec. 3. No person shall hold any oiBce under the United States or under any State, who
having previously, as an ofiScer of the tlnited States of any State, taken an oath to support the
Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the
same, or given aid and comfort to the enemies thereof But Congress may, by a vote of two-
thirds of each House, remove such disability. ,
Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, including pensions and
bounties, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume
or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the ■ Uniied
States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave ; but all such debts, obligations
and claims shall be held illegal and void.
Sec. 5. Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions
of this article.
Article XV.
Section 1. The right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States, or by any State, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
306
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF COUNTIES AND CITIES
WITH GUBERNATORIAL AND PRESIDENTIAL VOTES.
Note. — The Republican or Democratic majority in each county is given as between Smith and Mallory. Green-
back majority is only given when the vote for Allis exceeds the others, and is taken from the highest vote.
GOVEENOK.
1877.
PEESIDENT.
1876
Smith.
Mallory.
Allis.
Maj.
Hayes.
Tilden.
maj.
580
86
459
40
1387
1075
336
450
685
449
2048
806
3613
2333
477
21
1174
1208
3086
2620
1823
879
1461
802
1917
1045
938
247
1968
1409
27
1365
301
447
5843
1102
1059
777
437
521
1523
916
1080
2304
233
163
203
34
1740
810
24
1130
693
153
1597
1008
3903
4267
126
28
407
805
3414
1938
849
896
1175
391
2418
883
907
558
1115
1300
15
1951
755
730
6388
1096
764
2005
1579
171
545
363
917
1906
116
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
D.
G.
R
D.
D.
D.
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
R.
R.
D.
R.
R.
G.
D.
D.
D.
D.
R.
R.
D.
D.
R.
R.
R.
R.
R.
347
77
256
6
353
265
312
680
18
367
451
202
290
1934
351
7
767
403
328
682
974
17
286
411
201
162
31
311
853
109
142
586
454
283
545
6
295
1228
1142
350
978
553
163
398
981
109
644
86
2755
1186
285
1012
1596
1255
3532
1355
5435
3236
1095
42
2033
2266
4845
4723
2601
1739
2651
1507
2874
1714
1610
561
2644
2424
71
2700
668
697
9981
2558
1813
1859
583
836
2135
1019
1855
3560
442
189
257
74
3647
1162
28
2145
1774
660
2493
1604
5726
6361
596
67
894
1785
5660
3198
1735
1514
2348
718
4134
1458
1432
1654
2481
2299
174
3908
1796
1112
12026
2030
1174
3608
5480
394
985
362
1794
2880
R. 539
D. 80
Barron
53
2
1015
76
R. 387
Bayfield ■.
R. 12
Brown
D. 892
Buffalo
R. 24
R. 257
389
S89
816
118
146
614
381
283
D. 1133
D. 178
Clark
R. 595
R. 1039
Crawford
D. 24&
D. 291
Dodsre
D. 3125
R. 499
D. 25
412
597
1249
1037
580
215
1031
521
296
463
51
20
524
269
169
98
746
76
1228
1019
157
992
17
123
408
60
728
112
R. 1139
R. 481
D. 815
Qrant > ••
R. 1525
R. 866
R. 225
R. 303
R. 789
D. 1260
R. 256
R. 178
D. 1093
R. 163
La Favette
R. 125
D. 103
D. 1208
D. 1128
D. 415
D. 2045
R. 528
R. 639
D. 1749
D. 1897
R. 447
R. 1152
R. 650
R. 61
R. 680
307
GUBEENATORIAL AND PRESIDENTIAL VOTES— 1877-1876— C07lfi?lMed.
COUNTIES— CondiiHed.
Richland
Rook
St. Croix
Sauk
Shawano
Sheboygan
Taylor
Trempealeau
Vernon
Walworth
Washington
Waukesha
Waupaca
Waushara
Winnebago
Wood
CITIES.
Appleton
Beaver Dam
Beloit
Berlin
Buffalo.
Geutralia
Chilton
Chippewa Falls . ..,.
Columbus
Dau Claire
Fond du Lac
Fort Howard
Grand Rapids
Green Bay
Hudson
Janesville
Kenosha
La Crosse
Madison
Manitowoc
Menasha
Milwaukee
Mineral Point
Neenah
New London
Oconomowoc
Oconto
Oshkosh
Plymouth
Portage
Prairie du Cbien
Prescott
Racine
Ripon
Shawano
Sheboygan
Stevens Point
Watertown
Waupaca
Waueau
GOVERNOE.
PRESIDENT.
li
77,
1876.
Smith.
Mallory.
Allis.
Maj.
Hayes.
Tilden.
Maj.
1201
729
703
R.
472
2088
1591
R.
447
3375
1620
781
R.
1755
5755
2814
R.
2893
1558
1489
93
R.
70
1776
1736
R.
39
1826
922
574
R.
904
3395
2201
R.
1194
269
605
92
D.
336
582
873
D.
291
1598
1737
750
D.
139
3224
3633
D.
409
195
254
53
D.
59
240
246
D.
6
2483
731
176
R.
1452
2360
790
R.
1570
1678
416
846
R.
1262
2764
1117
R.
1647
2904
1374
160
R.
1530
4212
1970
R.
2242
994
2187
187
D.
1993
1321
3047
D.
1726
2484
2388
276
R.
96
3129
3335
D.
206
1473
990
772
R.
483
2642
1592
R.
1050
1282
257
377
R.
1025
2080
548
R.
1632
2068
2238
1887
D.
170
5092
4426
R.
666
247
196
601
G
354
668
746
D.
87
231
522
201
D.
291
549
911
D.
362
320
361
6
D.
41
367
465
D.
108
377
109
240
R.
268
745
627
R.
118
219
197
36
R.
22
456
312
R.
144
25
17
5
R.
G.
8
81
14
64
31
93
D.
D.
17
16
97
29
31
128
294
33
143
D.
D.
97
66
229
475
572
D.
97
210
123
3
R.
87
254
212
R.
42
620
459
250
R.
161
1205
1013
R.
189
862
884
520
D.
22
1382
1542
D.
160
160
85
195
G.
45
669
288
R.
81
50
42
110
G.
60
121
191
D.
70
432
333
181
R.
99
696
647
R.
49
226
207
3
R.
19
250
224
R.
26
771
605
31
R.
166
1036
848
R.
188
281
314
42
1).
33
614
544
D.
30
712
671
351
R.
41
1085
1549
D.
464
740
1057
13
D.
317
834
1252
D.
418
349
284
17
R.
61
660
512
R.
148
146
311
67
D.
165
291
344
D.
53
4816
5027
1050
D.
211
8218
9625
D.
1407
260
249
21
R.
11
348
324
R.
24
115
146
376
G.
230
511
386
R.
126
84
125
118
D.
41
206
208
D.
2
172
167
24
R.
5
222
238
D.
16
270
311
6
D.
41
399
506
0.
107
724
954
375
D.
230
1496
1910
D.
414
69
127
406
28
7
D.
D.
58
160
245
366
632
D.
166
155
267
3
D.
112
216
377
D.
162
87
61
10
R.
26
143
108
R.
35
1052
921
82
R.
131
1672
1324
R.
348
270
239
33
R.
31
397
333
R.
64
55
73
13
D
18
87
83
R.
4
248
440
68
D.
192
676
873
D.
298
252
270
146
D.
18
423
663
D.
140
232
687
164
D.
445
372
1295
D,
923
210
49
20
R.
161
280
52
R.
228
76
170
300
G.
130
210
595
1).
385.
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
"Mile?
K. R.
1872.
Area in
States and square
Territories. Miles.
States.
Alabama
Arkansas
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts...
Michigan*
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina..
Ohio
Oregon
47,
50,
39,
95,
* Last Census of
50,
68,
188,
i.
2,
59,
58,
65,
83,
55,
81,
37,
41,
31,
11,
7,
56,
83,
47,
66,
75,
112,
Popdlatioh,
1870.
1,350,644
528,349
857,039
996,992
484.471
660,247
537,454
125,015
187,748
1,184,109
2,539,891
1,680,637
1,191.792
364,399
1,321,011
726,915
626,915
780,894
1,457,861
1,184,059
439,706
827,922
1,721,295
123,993
42,491
318,300
906,096
4.382,759
1,071,361
2,665,260
90,983
Michigan taken in 1874,
Miles
E. R,
1876. 1872.
1,651,918
1,834,031
598,429
246,280
52,540
1,026,602
4,705,208
1,671
25
1,013
820
227
466
8,108
6,904
3,529
8,160
1,760
1,123
539
871
880
1,606
2,235
1,612
990
2,580
828
693
790
1,265
4,470
1,190
3,740
1»9
States ahd
Territories.
States.
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina..
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Total States.
Territories.
Arizona
Colorado
Daltota
Dist. of Columbia.
Idaho
Montana
New Mexico
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
Total Territories.
Area in
square
Miles.
46,000
1,306
29,386
45,600
237,504
10,212
40,904
23,000
53.924
1,950,171
113,916
104,600
147,490
60
90,932
143,776
121,201
80,066
69,944
98,107
965,032
Popplatiok.
1870.
3,521,
217,
705,
1,258,
818,
330,
1,225,
442,
1,054,
38,113,253
89,
14,
131,
14,
20,
91,
86,
,658
,864
,181
700
999
,595
874
786
955
118
442,730
1875.
258,839
985,145
1,236,729
5,113
136
1,801
1,530
865
675
1,490
485
1,725
59,587
398
375
1,265
.\ggregate of U. S.. 2,915,203 38,555,983 60,85r!
• Included in the Railroad Mileage of Marylard.
PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD;
l^OPTJLATION AND AkEA.
Countries.
Date of
Area in
Inhabitants
Population.
Census.
Square
Miles.
10 Square
Mile.
446,500,000
1871
8.741,846
119.3
226,817,108
1871
4,677,438
48.6
81,925,400
1871
8,003,778
10.2
88,926,600
1870
2,608,884
7.78
36,469.800
1866
804,091
178.7
36.904,400
1869
240,348
149.4
84,786,300
1871
149,399
81,817,100
1871
181,315
262.3
29,906,092
1871
160,207
187.
27,489,921
1871
118,847
830.9
16,642,000
1867
195 775
86.
10,000,000
3,253,029
3.07
16,463,000
678.621
84.4
9,173,000
1869
761,586
6,921,500
1870
898,871
80.
5,000,000
• 1870
635,964
7.8
6,021,300
1669
11,373
441.5
4,861,400
1871
29,292
165.9
8,995,200
1868
34,494
115.8
3,688,300
1870
18,680
290.9
3,000,000
1870
357,157
8.4
2,000,000
1869
132,616
15.1
2,669,100
1870
16,992
166.9
. 2,500,000
1871
471,838
5.3
2,000,000
497,321
4.
1,812,000
1869
871,848
2.1
1,818,500
1871
7,533
241.4
1,784,700
1870
14,753
180.9
1,600,000
368,838
4.2
1,461.400
1871
6,918
247.
1,467,900
1870
19,353
75.3
1,180,000
1871
40,879
28.9
1,800,000
818,988
5.9
1,000,000
1871
63,787
15.6
823,188
2,969
277.
718,000
1871
9,576
74.9
600,000
1871
7,335
81.8
578,000
10,205
56.
360,000
1871
58,171
6.
SOg-fiOS
1871
66,728
6.5
350,000
1871
47,092
7.4
136,000
17,827
7.6
165,000
1870
81,505
7.7
62.950
7,633
80.
Population.
China
British Empire
Russia
United States with Alaska. .
France
Austria and Hungary
Japan.
Great Britain and Ireland. .
German Empire
Italy
Spain
Brazil
Turlrey
Mexico ,
Sweden and Norway
Persia
Belgium
Bavaria
Portugal ,
Holland ,
s^ ew Grenada
Chili
Switzerland
Peru
Bolivia
Argentine Republic ,
Wurtemburg ,
Denmark:
Venezuela
Baden
Greece
Guatemala
Ecuador
Paraguay ,
Hesse
Liberia
San Salvador
Hayti
Nicaragua
Uruguay
Honduras
San Domingo
Costa Rica
Hawaii
Pekin
London
St. Petersburg..
Washington
Paris
Vienna
Yeddo
London
Berlin
Rome
Madrid
Rio Janeiro
Constantinople .
Mexico
Stockholm
Teheran
Brussels
Munich!.
Lisbon
Hague
Bogota ,
Santiago
Berne ,
Lima
Chuquisaca
Buenos Ayres..
Stuttgart ,
Copenhagen
Caraccas ,
Carlsruhe ,
Athens ,
Guatemala
Quito ,
Asuncion
Darmstadt
Monrovia
Sal Salvador . . .
Port au Prince
Managua
Monte Video...
Coraayagua ....
San Domingo...
San Jose
Honolulu
1,648.800
3,251,800
667,000
109,199
1,825.300
833,900
1,554,900
3,251,800
825,400
244,484
332,000
420,000
1.075,000
310.300
136,900
120,000
314,100
169,500
224.063
90,100
45.000
115.400
36,000
160,100
35,000
177,800
91,600
162,043
47.000
36.600
43,400
40.000
70,000
48,000
30.000
3,000
15.000
20,000
10,000
44,500
12,000
20,000
2,000
7.683
r7<^c^o~^x_
LISBON
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNT 7.
POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY.
ri^HE territory now included within the boundaries of Waukesha County, as well as that of the
JL entire Northwest, was claimed by France from 1671 to 1763, when it was surrendered to the
British. By the " Quebec Act" of 1774, the whole was placed under the local administration
of Canada. It was, however, practically put under a despotic military rule, and so continued until
possession passed to the United States. Before the last-mentioned event, and during and after
the Revolution, the conflicting claims of Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut
to portions of the country were relinquished to the General Government. All the claims were
based upon chartered rights, and Virginia added to hers the right of conquest of the " Illinois
country" during the Revolution. As early as October, 1778, she declared, by an act of her
General Assembly, that all the citizens of that commonwealth who were then settled, or should
thereafter settle, on the western side of the Ohio, should be included in a distinct county, which
should be called Illinois. No Virginians were then settled so far north as what is now Wiscon-
sin ; and as none thereafter located so far north before she relinquished all her rights to the
United States, it follows that Waukesha was not included in Illinois County, and that Virginia
never exercised any practical jurisdiction over any portion of Wisconsin; nor did she make
claim to any portion of it by right of conquest.
Notwithstanding the passage of the ordinance of 1787, establishing a government over the
territory northwest of the Ohio River, which territory was acquired by the treaty of 178.3 from
Great Britain, possession only was obtained by the United States of the southern portion, the
northern part being held by the British Government until 1794.
The county of Wayne, organized in 1796, was made to include, besides much other territory,
all of the present State of Wisconsin, watered by streams flowing into Lake Michigan. As it
was not then known how far back into the interior the Menomonee and Root Rivers extended,
all of what is now Waukesha County was laid down on the temporary maps of the time as
belonging to Wayne County. This was of no consequence, however, as not a white man had
taken up an abode within its limits. That was probably the first county in Wisconsin. From
1800 to 1809, what is now included in its boundaries was within the Territory of Indiana, and
in the last-mentioned year, passed into the Territory of Illinois. It is probable that Indiana
Territory exercised jurisdiction over Wisconsin to the extent of appointing two Justices of the
Peace — one for Green Bay and one for Prairie du Chien. In the year 1809, the Illinois Terri-
torial Government commissioned three Justices of the Peace and two militia officers at Prairie
du Chien, St. Clair County having been extended so as to include that point, and, probably,
Green Bay. Other Illinois counties subsequently had jurisdiction, until 1818, when what is
now Wisconsin became a portion of the Territory of Michigan. On the 16th of October of
that year, the Legislature of Michigan organized the county of Brown. It included all of the
territory embraced between Lake Michigan and a line drawn north from the State line, through
the "portage" between the Wisconsin and Fox (not the Waukesha County Fox) Rivers. There-
after, until September 6, 1834, what is now Waukesha County belonged to Brown County for
judicial and all other purposes; but it might as well have belonged to Russia or Great Britain,,
810 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTS.
for until the May previous to its being set off in September, 1834, it contained no white settlers
to transact business at Green Bay— =-the county seat of Brown County — or elsewhere. On the
day last mentioned, the Legislature of Michigan set off from Brown the county of Milwaukee,
which extended from the Illinois line seventy-two miles north, and to the west, a little beyond
Madison, in what is now Dane County, As hardly males enough for the purpose lived within
its ample limits at that time, the county was not organized until 1835. The next year, 1886,
Congress erected Wisconsin into a Territory, and that ended all "jurisdiction by outsiders," as
James Duane Doty expressed it. The county seat was established at Milwaukee, and the name
and county of Waukesha were still unknown. Finally, after Milwaukee County had been
several times divided, leaving but a comparatively small portion of its territory, the county of
Waukesha, just as it now exists, was erected by the Legislature, and ratified at the polls, early
in 1846. Thus the territory of the snug little county of Waukesha has been under rule as
follows : France, 1670 to 1759 — 89 years ; Great Britain, 1759 to 1794 — 35 years ; Virginia
and Ohio, 1794 to 1800—6 years; Indiana, 1800 to 1809—9 years; Illinois,. 1809 to 1818—9
years; Michigan (being a portion of Brown County), 1818 to 1835 ; Milwaukee County, to 1846 ;
total, 176 years. It is bounded on the north by Dodge and Washington, on the east by Milwau-
kee, on the south by Racine and Walworth, and on the west by Rock Counties. The parallels
of 43° north latitude, and 88° west longitude cross near the village of Waukesha.
TOPOGRAPHY.
The almost unsurpassable works donated to the public by the State through its geologist
and his corps of workers, on the subjects which might- properly be treated in the subdivisions
naturally coming under the head of this article, have wiped out the necessity for an elaborate
chapter on this subject in a work of the character here presented. Simple outlines generally,
and more salient features particularly, will therefore only be attempted.
Few counties in Wisconsin — the mining regions alone excepted — present such an exceed-
ingly rich and rare field for general study to the geologist and archaeologist as Waukesha ; and
for the more particular examination of the details of that wondrous period during which the
different strata of limestone were given to man, no other county is its equal. Peculiar features
of the not less peculiar lacustrine system for which Wisconsin is famous, are quickly discern-
ible in this county, as well as of springs and, the unmistakable evidences of the glacial period's
stupendous work.
When that portion of Wisconsin which is now called Waukesha County first emerged from
the ocean, there are evidences that its surface, in common with that of the entire southeastern
portion of the State, sloped more or less to the east and south, and was pretty nearly a plane
surface. The little inequalities now visible — ^large, perhaps, as compared with the county, but
insignificant as compared with the whole extent of similar geological formations — are ^due to
subsequent changes, the running water of the pre-glacial period leaving few, if any, traces of
its work in this vicinity, though long ages swept over the earth before any other marked geo-
logical changes took place. This next change is designated as the Glacial Period, and the evi-
dences of its power and work can never be effaced from Waukesha by the engines of mankind.
The causes which led to the formation of vast ice-fields — thicker, perhaps, to the north and
east of this section — are not of concern to this chapter ; but it is not doubted that they had an
existence, and the results of their movement and melting are salient features of the county.
The work of the ice was twofold : First, in the leveling of the surface by planing down the
hills and filling up the valleys ; and second, in the creation of a new uneven surface, by heaping
up in an irregular and promiscuous manner the clay, sand, gravel and bowlders it had formed,
thus giving the surface a new aspect. Among the features produced by the action of the ice
are parallel ridges, sometimes miles in length, having the same direction as the ice movement ,;
hills of rounded, flowing contour, sometimes having a linear arrangement in the direction of
glacial progress : mounds of drift promiscuously arranged on an otherwise plane surface ; oval
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 311
domes of rock {roehes moutonees) ; sharp gravel ridges, often having a tortuous, serpentine
course, transverse to the drift movement; peculiar depressions known as " kettles," and half-
submerged rock gorges, known as "fiords," all of which combine to form a peculiar and dis-
tinctive surface contour. The melting of the ice mass gave rise to swollen lakes and flooded
rivers, which eroded at some points and filled up at others, and so still farther modified the face
of the country. All these peculiarities, being the result, directly or indirectly, of the ice
action, may be denominated glacial features.
And they are particularly noticeable in almost every portion of Waukesha County. There
are two distinctive features of the glacial drift, or glacial formations, in Waukesha as elsewhere :
(1) The primary drift, consisting of ridges, or " hog's backs," and " kettle-holes ;" and (2) the
modified drift. The former consists of glacial formations jiist as they were left at the end of
the great ice movement, and the latter of deposits of sand, gravel and lacustrine deposits of
clay, which received their present forms from the action of water and wind since the termination
of the glacial movement. This glacial movement appears to have been a little west of south in
direction in Waukesha County, the principal force and mass of ice coming from the north,
although some of its moraines indicate a more westerly direction. The vast glacier that cov-
ered the surface of this portion of the earth, lifted segments of disintegrated rocks which were
imbedded in its lower side, and these were ground and crushed on the upper surface of the
earth's crust as the ice plowed its mighty course to the south. They also scored the ledges,
thus leaving the record of the glacial movements engraven on the enduring surfaces of the
rock. Sometimes the ice-cakes raised sections of the earth's surface, thus leaving "kettle-
holes," and the retrograde movements bunche^. into hillocks the masses of rounded rock and
gravel. Both are to be seen in Waukesha County, the hillocks outnumbering the "kettle-
holes." The latter vary from the merest indentation, not noticeable by the untrained observer,
to bowls 100 feet in depth and generally from 50 to 500 feet across. Some of them, however,
have greater diameters, and are filled with water. There are several of these in Waukesha
County — beautiful, deep and clear lakes, having, apparently, neither inlets nor outlets. The
slope of the sides of some of them are as steep as loose earth will lie, while others are
beautifully curved hollows, with gradually descending sides. They are round, oblong, and
sometimes long and trough-like. Ordinarily, the owners of "pots and kettles" — so named
from their resemblance to the form of these articles of furniture — have very crude ideas as to
the origin or date of them. They think but little about them, unless to grumble because their
sloping sides and water-soaked bottoms are worthless except for grazing. It may be interest-
ing, therefore, for them to know that "hog's backs" and "kettle-holes" are the results of the
movements of ice and water during the glacial period ages ago, which movements pulverized
the various rocks of which the earth is composed, into soil, sand and gravel, and brought bowl-
ders, or " erratics," from the regions of harder metamorphic and igneous rocks, for the farmers'
stone walls and "underpinning," as well as made some of his fields so stony as to be fitted only
for sheep pastures.
The counterparts of these " kettle-holes " are the hillocks called " hog's backs." They vary
in form, size and height, and in Waukesha County are composed of almost impenetrable masses
of coarse gravel, sand and bowlders. Any attempt to penetrate some of them suggests that
they are compact enough to warrant the conclusion that the mass was glued firmly together, as
separate kernels are stuck together to form popcorn balls. Some of these hills have had a thin
layer of soil — finely pulverized rock — spread over them by the last of the glacial flow, and are
therefore tillable ; but most of them are called " gravel-knolls " by the farmers, and are hard,
dry, barren, and able to resist all efforts of the plow. With the unlearned, " gravel-knolls " are
usually ascribed to violent upheavals of the earth's surface, caused by internal forces. This is
a positive error, even if they do not owe their origin to the glacial period. That they do owe
their origin to that period there is little doubt now among savans, however.
In Waukesha County, the " kettle range " comprises among its elevations the highest points
of land in the county. They are high and bold in Delafield, Grovernment Hill being 611 feet
312 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
above Lake Michigan. They are numerous, and of marked elevation in Menomonee, Eagle,
Pewa'ikee, Waukesha, Vernon, Delafield, and in fact almost every town in the county.
Th« fact that not all of the series of hillocks in the "kettle range" extend in the same
direction has been a subject of much discussion, the question being raised as to whether the gla-
cial flow was really from northeast to southwest, or whether there was first one to the west, or
east, and another across it to the south. There was probably but one general direction, so far
as any evidences are left in this county, and that toward the southeast ; but that flow may have
been violently interrupted, or turned aside by some ice-mountain, or other obstacle not now dis-
cernible, thus causing lateral moraines, and in some places leaving hills and "kettle-holes"
well intermingled, giving the surface the appearance of a chopped sea, similar in likeness to the
famous cairns of Scotland.' The erosion, abrasion and trains of gravel, bowlders and silt, show
that the general flow was from the north to the south, southeast or southwest.
In the town of Eagle, where the range of kettles crosses the Cincinnati group' of limestone,
large quantities of calcareous shales, belonging to that formation, are found. These, at Lake
Winnebago, lie about two hundred feet below the upper face of the group mentioned. In the
same town are large quantities of that unmistakable, fine-grained, white dolomite, which came
from the Waukesha beds of the Niagara group, and which journeyed only a few miles before
being deposited. They came, however, from the northeast, which is the important point, thus
establishing the direction of the glacial flow. Pieces of native copper have been found from
time to time, usually near the surface, in Waukeslia County, whioh is further evidence of the
general southerly direction of the great glacial drift movement, all copper, of course coming
from the North.
Occasionally, a large hillock of drift deposit is found in the shape'of an elbow, or acute,
obtuse, or right angle. Wherever such are found, their structure conflicts with the theory of a
general flow in a southern or any other direction ; but they are generally such as suggest the
theory that perhaps an ice mass moving forward cornerwise, on the surface of the earth's crust,
was halted, and that either melting or retreating, the sand and gravel which had been scraped
up and pushed along before it, were left to conflict with the conclusions of geological theorists,
and to show the outlines of some vast fragment of ice.
Some of the " hog's backs " in this county, so far as examined, are composed entirely of
sand of nearly uniform fineness. Occasionally, one of this kind is found between large hillocks
of gravel and bowlders, as though the ice masses had halted, and a vast stream of water, heavily
charged with sand, had rushed on through an opening, thus forming a large rounded hillock of
clean sand, while on all sides, perhaps, the halted ice masses were finally melted, thus deposit-
ing in irregular shapes their mixed burdens of fragmentary rocks, rounded bowlders and coarse
gravel.
The " modified drift " — consisting of clay, finer sand and gravel, which shows the actidn of
water or wind some time after the end of the glacial flow — is not so conspicuous in Waukesha.
A section of this drift might present a horizontal stratum of deposit, or an undulating one,.or a
sharply waving one, or all three of these features. The strata may be composed of thin layers
of clay, fine 6and, coarse sand, and coarse gravel, in almost any order, the coarser deposits, how-
ever, generally being below. The most casual observer will notice these features in the softer
sandpits, which have been opened to secure material for buildings and road-beds.
Farmers, when contemplating the worthlessness of their " pots and kettles," should recollect
that the rich, strong soil of this portion of Wisconsin is due to the grinding, pulverizing and
intermingling of many difierent rock formations, by the advances and retreats of the great ice-
fields of the glacial period, thus furnishing a soil of such varied ingredients as make it adapted
to the production of more numerous varieties of plants, fruits and grains, than could otherwise
have been possible.
The surface of Waukesha County is composed of prairies, oak openings, small marshes,
almost innumerable lakes and small hills. The openings and prairies are rich, productive and
valuable lands ; the marshes are mostly drained, and used for meadows, while the hills are no
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 318
■where — to any extent — so barren and precipitous as not to be utilized for grazing purposes.
But comparatively little of the surface, except that covered by lakes, is worthless for all the
branches of agriculture. The natural resources of the county are therefore as varied as they
are extensive, while its natural beauties would seem to be unsurpassed. It presents a surface
neither flat nor precipitous ; submerged nor lakcless ; a jungle nor treeless, but a well-watered,
generally well-timbered, undulating and pleasing landscape, combining hill, valley, lake, prai-
rie, stream and forest in one beautiful landscape gem.
GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS.
Geologically speaking, the vicinity of Waukeshais the oldest in Wisconsin — that is, it was
covered by the ocean for ages after later formations began to come into existence in other local-
ities. It was, for unknown centuries, the bed of an ocean teeming with invertebrate, or back-
boneless, life, while the earth's crust in other States was undergoing various changes and receiv-
ing additions. Waukesha, geologically, belongs to the first or oldest period of the Paleozoic
Age — the Silurian, or Age of Invertebrates. The backboneless fossils of this age are visible
everywhere, almost, in the county. After the Silurian came, successively, the Devonian, or
Age of Fish ; Carboniferous, or Age of Coal ; Reptilian, or Age of Reptiles ; Mammalian, or
Age of Animals which give birth to their young alive, and, lastly, the Age of Man. Thus,
gold, silver, coal and granite will never be found native in Waukesha County.
Archcean Rocks. — The Archaean formation of rocks is the oldest that crops out in Wis-
consin, and of this, only the upper stratum is visible. It is the great, sloping floor of quartzite,
porphyritic and granitic rock on which rest, successively, all the later formations. Were it not
for its great irregularity of surface, Archaean rocks would appear nowhere in the State. Its
knobs protrude through the superincumbent deposits as far south as Green Lake County, but
none are visible in Waukesha and Southeastern Wisconsin. The thickness of this formation
varies, and can only be estimated, so far as that portion underlying this county is concerned,
but extends downward many thousands of feet. The ordinary observer may distinguish the
formation by the numerous specimens of heavy, hard or crumbly, bluish, flesh-colored, pinkish
or grayish bowlders and erratics which appear in the trains of glacial drift in various portions
of the county. They are all true igneous rocks.
Potsdam Sandstone. — Next above the Archaean floor is Potsdam sandstone, which is also
next younger. It varies in thickness, mostly on account of the uneven surface of the rock on
which it lies, but its depth is generally from eight hundred to one thousand one hundred feet.
" Sandstone Bluff," at Green Lake, is the most southern outcrop of this formation, so that none
can be found visible in Waukesha County. It is the lowest stratum of the Lower Silurian
formations, whose superincumbent strata are so conspicuous in this vicinity. The evidences of
marine animal life in the Potsdam sandstone indicate that it was deposited beneath the ocean.
Lower Magnesian Limestone. — Dr. Owen gave this name to the silicious dolomitic beds of
limestone, which rest upon the upper surface of the Pottsdam sandstone. This is in contra-
distinction to the Galena and Niagara limestones, which were once called Upper Magnesian.
The term dolomite, given to most of the limestones in Waukesha County, has no significance,
geologically, but is so called from a once famous French geologist named Dolomieu. When
pure, it is composed of 54 per centum of carbonate of lime and 46 per centum of carbonate of
magnesia. Although geologists credit none of this Lower Magnesian limestone formation to
Waukesha, it probably underlies the county in a thin bed. Much of the true and general geo-
logical character of the district has undoubtedly been obscured by the various local terms given
to the same formations by different persons, the names being determined by the names of the
localities where the outcrops are visible, or by some slight local modification.
St. Peters Sandstone. — Although geologists credit none of this formation to Waukesha,
they desaribe its unmistakable outcroppings in Rock Courity, a few miles distant. It is also
known to exist to the northwest and north of this section, and therefore probably stretches
314 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
along under Waukesha, between the Lower Magnesian and Trenton limestones, in a stratum
varying in thickness from 8 to 130 feet. It is undoubtedly a submarine deposit, as is evi-
denced by ocean fossils, laminations and ebb and flow structure. There are some modifications,
but this rock may be generally described as being composed of rounded, nearly uniform, trans-
parent and incoherent grains of igneous rock, making a very friable formation. It is too soft
for building purposes, but it is a water-bearing formation, valuable also for glass-making pur-
poses. Glass has already been successfully made from it in Wisconsin.
Trenton Group. — This large and remarkable bed of limestone has frequently been obscured
by local names. It consists of (1) Trenton limestone, lying next above the St. Peters sand-
stone ; (2) Galena limestone, and (8) Cincinnati shales, which are the latest formations in the
Lower Silurian group. The whole group may possibly be five hundred feet in thickness.
(1) Trenton limestone is the lower stratum of the Trenton group. It has several features,
which has caused it to be subdivided, so far as name is concerned, into as many different groups
or heads. They are essentially limestone and dolomite, blue and buff. All contain numerous
fossils.
(2) Immediately upon the blue or Trenton limestone rests the gray or Galena limestone,
possessing similar characteristics. It derives its name from the fact that it is the main formation
that beiirs Galena or lead in the southwestern part of the State. It differs from the Trenton in
being deeper bedded and having a more irregular texture, weathering into rough, craggy forms,
sometimes with a rotten appearance. Being essentially dolomite, the weather disintegrates
much of its lime and magnesia, giving any outcroppings a jagged appearance. It is not visible
in Waukesha County.
(3) The Galena limestone is succeeded by a series of shales and limestone known as the
Cincinnati group, which constitute the upper series of the Lower Silurian period. Just where
this series begins and ends, however, is a matter of some dispute among geologists. The thick-
ness varies from 180 to 255 feet. The formation contains fossils of seaweeds, radiates, mollusks,
and articulates. The shales that form the prominent member of this group have a varied
character ; one kind is but little else than silicate of alumina. It is indurated, of a greenish or bluish
color, and contains but little sand or other hard material. It graduates, however, by the addi-
tion of fossils, iron pyrites, calcareous and silicious matter and gypsum, into impure, worthless
shales. A second class is more shaly and easily splits into thin, brittle, regular plates. A
third has something of the appearance of fine-grained sandstone. These three general classes
are subdivided into minor varieties. The characteristics of the rock are no reliable guide to
what may be found below. Some sanguine parties expended large sums in piercing this forma-
tion for coal in Waukesha County, but, of course, found none. Probably none will ever be
found in or beneath it. Its most southern outcrop is probably in the town of Eagle, in this
county. The exposure at that point is slight, and is not, contrary to geological theory, next
below the Niagara limestone, a bed of clayey shale separating them. On Section 10 of the
same town, there is a plain line of demarkation between this group and the bed of Niagara lime-
stone above it. It is the dividing line between the Upper and Lower Silurian formations.
At Pewaukee, in this county, it is almost impossible to distinguish where the lower beds of
Niagara limestone end and the upper beds of the Cincinnati shales begin. In fact, in a shaft fifty
feet in depth, sunk in the before-mentioned search for coal, limestone was found in which at
least eight new fossils were discovered. That is to say, eight never before known to exist in what
have been named Cincinnati shales and Niagara limestone in other localities. This is signifi-
cant, as well as confusing to those who read the printed works of professional geologists. It
indicates that if there was not some distinct formation between the Cincinnati shales and
Niagara limestone, the lower beds of the latter or the upper beds of the former had some
features and fossils in Waukesha not yet found elsewhere.
Niagara Limestone. — This, with its various subdivisions, is the latest geological formation
that appears in Waukesha County, except the drift, which was merely a shifting and changing
of form, in formations already completed. It belongs to the Upper Silurian series. Dr.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 315
Increase A. Lapham gave to the limestone in this vicinity the name of " Waukesha Beds."
This name is still retained.
The reports of the State Geologists will be used as authority in treating. of the so-called
Waukesha beds. They consist of three classes of limestone. In the quarry near Carroll Col-
lege, in the village of Waukesha, the upper fourteen feet consists of layers of soft, yellowish,
coarse dolomite, which in other localities, is called Racine limestone. Below it is the more
regular bed of hard, compact, firm-textured, crystalline dolomite. This is of a grayish color
and conchoidal fracture. "It is characterized," quoting from the State Geologist's report, " by
the presence of much chert in the form of nodules, distributed chiefly in layers coinciding with
the bedding joints. These strata abound in orthoceratites, but contain few other fossils. They
constitute the type of the Waukesha beds. The transition to the Racine beds is quite abrupt,
but does not correspond to a bedding joint. From three to four inches of the base of the thick
layer consists of compact rock, like that below, while the remainder has the open texture and
fossils of the Racine beds. Passing by several intermediate quarries for the moment, we find
at the limekilns, two miles above Waukesha, a fine display of Racine limestone reposing upon
similar cherty flags, which form the sole of the quarry. * * * jjj ^j^g j-o^^ south of
this quarry the porous Racine limestone appears ; but 100 yards beyond, and at the same eleva-
tion, occurs a light-colored, hard, close-grained, sub-crystalline dolomite, resembling closely
Waukesha flags, except the chert is absent. * * * Several openings follow at short
intervals, including Mr. Hadfield's main quarry, which exhibit the same character. This is true
also of the several quarries on the opposite side of the Fox River. * * * rpj^g only
undoubted members of the Waukesha beds are the cherty flags near the [Carroll] College and
the kiln " [in Waukesha Village].
In Menomonee the cherty flags appear, but at Pewaukee the Racine beds appear. At Pel-
ton's quarry both Racine and Waukesha beds appear, the former being above the latter.
" An interesting feature of this locality, " again quoting from the State Geologist's report, " is
a mound of rock, lying a short distance west of the main quarries, which rises ten or twelve feet
above its base. * * * It is hard, compact, white and in some portions cherty, and contains
a few brachiopods. It owes its origin (position) to irregularities of disposition and not to
upheaval. Johnson's quarry, in the town of Genesee, presents a vertical exposure of twenty-
five feet of beautiful white, fine-grained dolomite, in beds twenty inches in thickness and less,
having an eastward dip of one foot in sixty. * * * ^ fe^ rods distant, on the opposite
side of the road, a quarry displays very similar beds ; but they are more porous and abound in
chert in certain layers, which is rare or absent at the other locality. In Section 34, town of Lis-
bon, we find a formation that may be said to be identical in character with the upper strata at
Pewaukee. To the east and northeast, in that and the adjoining towns, are numerous openings
upon white, fine-grained, even-bedded dolomite, with few or no fossils, which renders their place
in the series somewhat doubtful. As the horizon of the Waukesha beds is traced northward, it
plunges beneath the deep drift of the kettle range, and on emergiiig beyond, the Byron beds
and upper and lower coral beds are found to occupy the space between the Racine beds above
and the Mayville beds below. The cherty flags at Waukesha most closely resemble the upper
portion of the upper coral beds, which occupy the same stratigraphical position beneath the
Racine strata, but nowhere in the southern counties is there manifested that abundance and
variety of coralline forms that distinguish the formation to the northward. The Pentamerus beds
at Pewaukee bear a closer alliance to certain members of the lower coral beds than to any other
member of the Northern Niagara series, while the white, compact, chertless beds bear so striking
a lithological resemblance to the Byron beds (in Fond du Lac County) that they have been some-
times regarded as equivalents. But to satisfy all these affinities would be to impose incredible
_if not impossible demands upon the stratigraphical relations upon the southern members ;
besides, the aflSnities are not by any means unequivocal. The facts seem to be that in this case,
with the lower formations, the deposits in the southern counties differ from the corresponding
ones in the northern counties, and that the Waukesha group of strata is the equivalent of the
316 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
three more ponderous northern members that lie, like it, between the Mayville and Racine
horizons."
This incongruity of names as well as of descriptions of the same or similar formations in
different localities, makes it exceedingly diiBcult to clearly and properly describe, in general
terms, the formations that appear at any given locality, so the untrained reader can understand
them.
Following is a popular description of what is not the occult geology of Waukesha, written
by the late Dr. Increase A. Lapham, when he was State Geologist, to C. C. Olin :
" In reply to your request for a statement of the geological features to be found at and
around Waukesha, and of the character of the rocks out of which at least some of the numer-*
ous springs having medical virtues issue, I have to say that these rocks are limestones of the
Niagara group (Upper Silurian), so called because they are of the same age or period as those
over which the water falls at Niagara. No other rocks are found in their natural bed at Wau-
kesha. They occur in two very distinct varieties ; the lower, compact and evenly bedded is very
much used for building and as flagstones for sidewalks ; the upper, more irregularly bedded, is
quarried chiefly for the manufacture of quicklime, and corresponds in many particulars with
the limestone found at Racine. The first has been named Waukesha limestone, and is generally
known under that name. The long, jointed fossil, so common at Waukesha, often seen in the
flagging of the sidewalks, is not a petrified snake as many suppose, but a very old marine
chambered shell, like the modern nautilus, except that it is straight instead of coiled.
" These, like all other limestones, are marine deposits, as is clearly evinced by the shells
and corals so abundantly found in the quarries. Hence we come to the strange conclusion that
Waukesha was in the old Silurian times the bottom of the sea. Limestones are formed by the
deposition of soft calcareous mud upon the sea bottom, which cannot be free from the salts con-
tained in the sea water. These salts have remained dormant until the present time, when they
are gradually being re- dissolved and carried away by the ever-flowing springs. Visitors
will find many curious relics of this old ocean by an occasional visit to the several stone
quarries.
" The limestones at Waukesha contain a large proportion of magnesia; so large, that they
may properly be called by their mineralogical name of dolomite, instead of limestone.
Spring water, while percolating through the rocks, contains free carbonic acid, which seems to
give it the power to soften and dissolve this dolomite ; and to this source we must attribute the
carbonates of lime and magnesia found in the Waukesha waters; and also the soft white grains
found bubbling up from the bottom of the springs.
"An examination of any of the quarries will show that the limestones have been subjected
to movements of elevation at some very remote time, causing numerous crevices, by which they
are divided into large squares or irregular cubical blocks. ,These crevices afford passages
through which rain water, falling upon the surface, penetrates to great depths, only to be
returned in the form of springs, charged with the various mineral substances taken up during
its passage through the rocks. The uniformity of temperature of the springs, winter and sum-
mer, shows that their sources are deep in the ground, being below the level to which the changes
of the seasons affect the temperature of the earth.
"Those who are even slightly posted in modern geological science will know that the
Niagara limestones at Waukesha belong far down in the geological scale, and far back in the
order of time. When they were deposited, no animal of the vertebrate branch had yet appeared
upon the face of the earth, and no plants of higher organization than the humble seaweed ; the
. fishes of the Devonian, the tree-ferns of the coal period, the reptile of the middle ages, had
not yet been brought into existence. There were then no Kocky Mountains, no AUeghanies,
no Mississippi River.
" Such facts may give the numerous visitors to your springs some idea of the great age of
the rocks around them, whose dissolution is now giving health and strength to their enfeebled
constitutions.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. • 317
" Above the limestones around Waukesha, there is a layer of drift, either in its original
condition as left by the old ' continental glaciers,' when our country had the climate of Green-
land, or in a condition modified by subsequent causes. These glaciers left their marks upon the
surface of the rocks precisely like the grooves and scratches of the glaciers of the Alps. The
grooves show that the motion of the glaciers was toward the southwest, or down the valley of
the- river. In the beds of this drift are -found pebbles and bowlders of nearly all the different
kinds and qualities of rocks ; and we may suppose that they also, by their decay and solution,
aid in supplying the mineral ingredients of the Waukesha Springs.
" Remains of coniferous wood have been found in digging wells near Waukesha at great
depth below the surface ; and the discovery of a tooth of the fossil elephant (mammoth) has
shown that at one time the woods and prairies around were enlivened by that uncouth animal.
" Next folloTving the now long extinct mammoth and mastodon, were an ancient race
of men, almost as strange, and about whojm as little is known. The ' turtle mound ' (now
destroyed) left by them near the site of the court house, was one of the first of those strange
animal-shaped earthworks to attract the attention of the curious. Implements of stone and cop-
per with remains of pottery further attest the former existence of these people, and give but a
faint knowledge of their habits.
" Accumulations of marl and peat are found under the larger marshes, which have been
formed in modern times — indeed are still in process of formation.
" We have, then, at Waukesha, as matters of geological interest : 1st. — The Waukesha
Limestone. 2d. — The Racine Limestone belonging to the Niagara Group of Silurian Age.
3d.— The Glacial Drift. 4th.— The Modified Drift. 5th.— The age of Mammoths and Masto-
dons ; and, 6th. — The age of pre-historic man ; each a fruitful subject for study by the thought-
ful— each affording opportunities for investigation and elucidation."
STONE QUARRIES AND LIMEKILNS.
The cheapness with which buildings have always been erected in Waukesha County, as well
as their substantial character, is owing to the abundance and excellence of the stone which is
quarried at almost every desirable point. The oldest structure of stone in the county — the old
Prairieville Academy building — still retains its original clear, bluish color. When dressed, Wau-
kesha stone, as it is. popularly termed, makes an exceedingly fine-appearing building. It is a
close- textured, light-colored magnesian stone, of which many of the business blocks and private
residences at the county seat are constructed. At the village of Waukesha there are three
classes of limestone. The upper layers of the quarry near Carroll College consist of a soft,
coarse dolomite, corresponding with the Racine limestone, under which are the hard, compact,
and crystalline blocks of building stone of which the Fountain Spring House is constructed.
West of the river and above the village is found a mottled stone of blue and white in addition to
the two classes already mentioned. All the quarries at Waukesha, now being worked, belong
to the Messrs. Hadfield.
The large group of buildings used for the workshops and accommodation of the Wisconsin
Industrial School for Boys is built of Waukesha limestone ; and the balance of the best buildings
in the county are of that material. The durability of this building stone, so far as experience
has proven, will be almost infinite, and the supply is practically inexhaustible.
The principal quarries of these kinds of stone are Hinckley's in the town of Eagle, Hun-
ter's in Ottawa, Audley & Graham's and Robert's in Delafield, Johnson's in Genesee, Ross &
Cairncross' and Ormsby Brothers' in Pewaukee, Colville & Ormsby's, Gray's, Davidson's and
Caldwell's in Lisbon, and Saunders' and Howard's in Menomonee.
The first stone quarry ever worked in Waukesha County was opened in the early spring of
1840 by Lyman Goodnow. The land in which the stone was noticed was leased by him from
Morris D. Cutler, in the village of Waukesha, and the first stone taken out was used in building
the old Prairieville Academy that same spring. The work was prosecuted in the top layers, but
318 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
the product of even that portion of the quarries proved so compact and hard that from that day
the fame of Waukesha limestone was firmly established.
The first limekiln to burn lime for sale, in Waukesha County, was opened by Lyman Good-
now, as soon as the snow left in 1840. At first the product was sold only in the immediate
vicinity, but now Waukesha County lime is sold extensively in Chicago and in States west of
Wisconsin, notwithstanding the cost of transportation, on account of the marked excellence of
the article. There are kilns at almost every important stone quarry, and an analysis of their
products shows that when properly burned, Waukesha lime is almost pure oxide of calcium. It
is the whitest and strongest lime in the market.
RIVERS.
The watershed of Waukesha County is somewhat peculiar. Its streams flow into both the
Mississippi and St. Lawrence basins. The sources of most of its rivers and streams being
principally within its limits, they must necessarily be small. They are of great importance,
however, furnishing, as they do, fish, admirable systems of drainage _.to lakes and marshes, an
abundant supply of good water where there are no marshes and lakes, and water-powers of con-
siderable value.
Fox River. — This is the principal stream of the county, in which the head-waters of its
taain branches take their rise. Originally it was called Pishtaka, a name erroneously supposed
to have been given to the stream by " the Indians." This stream has branches in twelve of the
sixteen towns in the county ; and although its general course is south and southeast to the
Mississippi River, into which it empties, it flows in every conceivable direction before leaving
the county, on Section 34, in the town of Vernon. It enters that town from the north ; flows
across and out of it in a southwesterly direction, enters again from the west and flows almost
entirely across to Muskego in an easterly direction, and then flows out in a southwesterly
direction, thus afi"ording an opportunity for almost every resident of the town to have a farm
or a house on its banks. The Fox is not a large river and is generally sluggish, affording but
few water-powers, and those with but little fall. Its waters drive mills at Waukesha, Powaukee
and Section 26, town of Pewaukee. One of its principal branches takes its rise in Pewaukee
Lake; another in New Berlin, and another in Genesee. All the old settlers agree that the
Fox River is but little more than half as large as it was in 1835. Its size then indicated the
possibility of an unlimited water-power.
Poplar Creek. — This is a branch of the Fox River, which takes its rise on Section 21,
town of New Berlin ; flows north into Brookfield ; southwest into Pewaukee, in which, on Sec-
tion 21, it empties into the Fox. The stream is much smaller now than when the county was
first settled. It is fed mostly by springs. The early settlers testify that when they first knew
Poplar Creek, so named from the poplar trees along its banks, it contained trout ; but this was
probably a mistake. At least it contains no trout now.
Bark River. — The most remote head-waters of this stream have their source in Washing-
ton County ; but by far the larger portion of its volume is furnished by the astonishing number,
size and character of the lakes and springs in three of the northwest towns of the county,
Merton, Delafield and Summit. Its bed lies in Lisbon, Merton, Delafield, Summit and Ottawa.
On Section 6, of Ottawa, the Bark River crosses into Jefl"erson County, flowing west, in which
it empties into Rock River, at Fort Atkinson. It affords several good water-powers, mostly by
damming the outlets of the lakes through which it flows.
Oconomowoc River. — This stream averages next in size to the Fox River in Waukesha
County. North Lake, in the town of Merton, is its principal source, though two streams — one
of them large enough to drive a mill, flow into North Lake from the southern portion of Wash-
ington County. This branch rises in Section 19, town of Polk, in Washington County. At
the outlet of Okauchee Lake, and in the city of Oconomowoc, this stream furnishes good water-
powers. Chas. B. Sheldon remembers that Oconomowoc River is not much more than one-half
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 319
as large as it was forty years ago, and does not contain, with the lake through which it passes,
one-half as many fish. The stream is fed by springs and spring lakes.
Muhwonago River. — This creek, more properly speaking, takes its rise partly in Wal-
worth County, in the south, but mostly in the towns of Eagle and Mukwonago, the north branch
rising near the line of Section 1, in the former, and Section 6, in the latter. The stream turns
a mill in Section 36, of Eagle ; furnishes good water-power at the village of Mukwonago, and
empties into the Fox River on Section 30, in Vernon.
Menomonee River. — One branch of this stream takes its rise in Washington County and
flows southeast through Menomonee, while another rises in Brookfield and Menomonee. The
river flows nearly east, emptying into the Milwaukee River at Milwaukee. It is a small stream
in Waukesha County. At Menomonee Falls the river has cut through high banks of limestone,
where also it has a fall of fifty feet in a half-mile of distance, affording a good water-power.
Aahippun River. — This little creek, the outlet of a small lake of the same name, in the
town of Oconomowoc, rises mostly in Dodge County. It crosses the northwest corner of the
town just named and soon commingles with the Rock River, in Jefierson County.
Muskego Greek. — This is the outlet of Muskego Lake, in the town of the same name,
though the lake has several feeders which rise in New Berlin. It is finally a confluent of the
Fox, into which it empties at Rochester, Racine County.
Root River. — The head-waters of this river take their rise in New Berlin, but a few rods
from those of Poplar Creek, and other branches of the Fox. The Root empties into Lake
Michigan at Racine. One of its branches joins a creek which flows into Muskego Lake, and
at one point it is diflScult to tell which way its waters flow.
LAKES.
To the casual observer, no matter whether he be hastening through the county on
business, wanderiilg in search of health, or roaming in quest of nature's rarest embellish-
ment of earth, the most remarkable feature of Waukesha County is its wonderful lacustrine
system. The number, character and beauty of her lakes astonish all. They are mostly, with-
out doubt, the deep bowls formed by the glacial movements of bygone ages filled by numer-
ous springs. Some of them have neither inlets nor outlets, except such springs as can
be seen boiling up through their gravelly bottoms, and which keep the water at a certain depth,
no matter how rapidly evaporation takes place. All of these quaternary lakelets abound in
black, rock, green and strawberry bass, perch, sunfish, pickerel and other fish, as well as all the
water-fowl common to Southern Wisconsin ; and a dozen or more of them have large summer
hotels, costly residences and scores of summer cottages of numerous fantastic designs overlook-
ing their clear depths.
There are sixty-three lakes in the county, the greater number of which belong to its north-
west quarter — the towns of Oconomowoc, Delafield, Summit and Merton.
Muskego Lake. — This body of water is the largest in the county — contains a few more
square rods than any other, though Pewaukee Lake has generally been supposed to be larger.
It lies in the town of Muskego ; has fewer bays, more irregular shores than any other of the larger
lakes, and has much the appearance of being, so far as its basin is concerned, the direct result of
the glacial movement. It is about four miles in length, two miles in width and eleven in cir-
cumference, and contains 3,165 acres — nearly five sections. Its outlet is Muskego Creek, which
flows into the Fox River at Rochester, Racine Co., Wis.
Pewaukee Lake. — This is a noted as well as exceedingly beautiful sheet of water. As
near as can be measured, one-half of it lies in the town of Pewaukee — the town taking its name
from the lake — and the other half in the town of Delafield. It is nearly ten times as long as
wide ; has high but not precipitous banks most beautifully wooded, and deep, clear, cool water.
It was formerly called Snail Lake, but this slimy and common-place term was long since dropped.
This was a ridiculous name, as the shells on the shore of the lake, whence the term arose, are
320 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
not snail shells. The lake covers about three and one-half sections and ha? a coast-line of eleven
and one-sixth miles. Before the erection of the dam for mill purposes at PeWaukee Village, the
lake was a trifle less than four and one-half miles in length ; now it is a trifle more than that.
Its depth is fifty feet ; its elevation above Lake Michigan is 263 feet, and its outlet discharges,
on an average, 300 cubic feet of water per minute, which is supplied by springs. Dr. I. A.
Lapham wrote in 1843: " Around this lake, at many places, as well as other lakes in Wiscon-
sin, may be observed a singular wall of round stones or bowlders, laid up with such regularity
as to suggest that it was the work of art. A little further observation, however, will show that
these walls were made by the expansion of the ice during the winter, which has a tendency to
push the bowlders up the shore. The sandy ridges around some of the lakes were formed in the
same way."
La Belle Lake. — This, "the beautiful lake," is the lowest and largest of what is termed the
Oconomowoc group of lakes. It is in the southwestern portion of the town of Oconomowoc ;
two and one-half miles in length ; occupies an area of about one thousand three hundred acres,
and is six and one-fourth miles in circumference. The Rock River is only twenty-five feet below
this lake and 500 rods west of it. Long Island, the largest in La Belle Lake, is a beautiful
place. The lake is comparatively shallow ; 273 feet above Lake Michigan, and filled with
springs. Some are small, but several are very large, and keep the water cool in summer, and
so warm in winter that ice never forms over where they boil up, during even the coldest weather.
The shores of La Belle Lake probably have more summer residences than those of any other
lake in the county.
Nagawioka Lake. — This is a beautiful sheet of water, 304 feet above Lake Michigan ; two
and one-fourth miles in length ; five and one-fourth miles in circumference, and containing about
seven hundred acres. Its outlet is Bark River, which also flows into it. A dam built at Dela-
field for a grist-mill raised this lake several feet. It is the largest lake in Delafield, and con-
tains a high and attractive island.
Okauchee Lake. — This irregular body of water is partly in Oconomowoc and partly in
Merton ; contains 957 acres of surface ; is 5f miles in circumference and is fed and drained by
Oconomowoc River. A dam, built for a water-power, raised the lake several feet.
Oconomowoc Lake. — This lake, lying in the town of Summit, near the north line, is 282
feet above Lake Michigan ; contains 750 acres, and has a circumference of 6| miles. It is not
very deep and by some is considered an enlargement of Oconomowoc River, which flows through it.
Pine Lake. — Originally this was called Chenequa Lake, signifying pine, on account of'the ,
existence of a few pine-trees on the small island in it. The outlet of Beaver Lake empties into
it, and thence flows into North Lake. Jts area is nearly 700 acres, lying mostly in the south
part of the town of Merton.
Twin Lakes. — The Indian name of these two hill-bound lakelets is Nee-sho-tah, now
spelled Nashotah, or twins, which is still the proper term by which to designate them on the
maps. They are situated in the east portion of the town of Summit, and have become famous
as the seat of the Episcopal college, called Nashotah House, which was established at a very
early day. Their shores are high, thickly wooded, and as beautiful as nature could make
them.
Other Lakes. — Not all of the fifty-four other lakes in Waukesha County have been honored
with names. There are, however, Denoon and Little Muskego in Muskego ; Mukwonago,
lying mostly in the town of the same name ; School Section and Pretty Lakes in Ottawa ; Mud,
Golden, Silver, Duck, Egg, Genesee, Crooked and Nehmabin in Summit ; Ashippun and Fowler
in Oconomowoc ; Mouse, Beaver, North, Mud and Keesus in Merton. This leaves forty-three
lakelets scattered over the county, many of them with only an outlet, and some with neither
outlet nor inlet, which have not been named ; or, if they have been, their names have not
become generally known, or cut upon the maps.
So far as known, no county in the United States of the same, or even larger size, has such
a remarkable lake record as Waukesha.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 321
In his article on the lacustrine system of Wisconsin, State Greologist Chamberlain said :
*' Muskego, Wind (in Racine County,) and several smaller lakes associated with them, bear
evidence of having formerly constituted parts of a much more extended body of water, which
leveled by erosion and deposition the original uneven surface in their vicinity, so that its primi-
tive drift features disappeared, and with them the corresponding features of those lakes. They,
.therefore, do not now present those features common to the majority of the others. There are
other evidences that the southeastern portion of the county was once covered, at a period com-
paratively recent, with a fresh-water lake."
The " Ogonomowoc chain " comprises the most remarkable group of lakes in Wisconsin.
Their number is about forty, and their beds, together with the surrounding land, except perhaps
a few bluflPs which were islands, constituted the bed of a large lake immediately, and for ages,
after the glacial epoch. To the action of their waters, no doubt, is due the level character of
the country about Oconomowoc.
WATER-POWERS.
The close observer will conclude, from present indications, that water-powers in Waukesha
County have more of a past than a future. Concerning volume of water in all her streams, from
the spring's bubbling outlet to the Fox River, this is true. The marshes have been ditched and
plowed; ponds drained, and various changes have been wrought by man during the last forty
years, which have diminished the available flow of water-power streams. This is indeed unfor-
tunate, not only for the producers of food and wood and wool, but for the cities and consumers
of the county. There would have been no Waukesha Village (so those who first entered the
land on which it stands, declare to-day), had there been no rapids in the Fox River at that point,
out of which a water-power might be built. But Waukesha has been compelled to live and
thrive independent of the aid which the original owners of the place calculated would be suffi-
cient to build up a goodly city, and maintain it in prosperity ; for the Fox River at Waukesha
drives one ilouring-mill, and nothing else. There are no great water-powers in this county, but
the shrewd Eastern mechanic can see that not 50 per cent of the moving force of those which
do exist is utilized. This is true of the power at Delafield, which is backed by Nagawicka Lake
as a reservoir; at Oconomowoc, backed by Fowler Lake; at Menomonee Falls, when there is a
fall of fifty feet, and at other places. There are not in Waukesha County the latest improved
appliances for utilizing the moving force of water. This is not the fault of the locality, nor of
the water-pjower, but of the manufacturers. The wealth of the West will begin to increase more
rapidly, when these matters receive their proper attention. The inhabitants of Waukesha County
produce vast quantities of crude material needing mahufacture. This bulky and heavy matter
they transport a thousand miles to be worked up, and their food products are sent the same
thousand miles to feed those who manufacture the other material. They then bring back the
manufactured article, murmuring at its expense. The situation is this : At one end of a thou-
sand miles is a man and his tools ; at the other end is the heap of crude material he is to manu-
facture, the bulky food he is to eat, and the market for his products ; and the problem is, " Shall
the mountain go to Mohammed, or will Mohammed come to the mountain ? " What is needed
is for capitalists to fully realize that the natural facilities for manufacturing in the interior must,
in the immediate futur^ be utilized to their utmost capacity. Those who first turn their atten-
tion to utilizing to their utmost capacity all the powers in Waukesha County, will reap the
greatest benefits. A small water-power often yields as great a profit as a large steam-power,
and requires only a little of the outlay to put it to use.
SOILS OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The soil is the latest and most important geological formation. To make a report at once
accurate and intelligible to the general reader is as difficult as the subject is important. Scien-
tific farming is rapidly taking the place of the blundering, hap-hazard manner of tilling the soil
322 , HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
which has been the rule for so many years and to such great cost in this country ; and farmers,
therefore, desire to understand the value of soil ingredients, that they may till and sow accord-
ingly. The difficulty in presenting an intelligible article on soils arises partly from the
vagueness of the descriptive terms used by different persons. People speak of "light "and
"heavy " soils, the majority of them supposing reference is had to the actual weight or specific
gravity of them. This is a great error. For example : localities are described as composed of
a " heavy clay," and " a light sandy " soil ; but literally the sand weighs almost twice as much
as the clay, measure for measure. Light and heavy, as commonly used, are terms intended to
describe adhesiveness, power of holding water, comminution — in short, the manner in which
the soil "works." Again, purely scientific persons generally suppose that sandy soils are com-
posed of grains of quartz — globules of hard igneous rocks — and are, therefore, barren. This is
not always true, as, sandy soils may contain grains of limestone and be very fertile.
The leading elements of soils are derived from the original rocks, which were broken into
fragments by internal forces, and ground, pulverized and transported by water mostly, either as
ice during the glacial period, or later by streams and lakes. These elements were, however,
generally not left by these agencies in such a state as to be fertile. Ages of leeching, weather-
ing and wearing, by such agencies as winds, sun, rain and frosts, prepared the beds of soil
which were afterward self-enriched for ages by vegetation. It will now be clear that the char-
acter of a soil will depend upon (1) the nature of the rock from which it is derived ; (2) the
manner and degree of its reduction; (3) the amount lost by leeching and otherwise, and (4) the
amount gained from vegetation above, or capillary attraction from beneath. Or, to put the' mat-
ter in simpler terms, a soil depends upon (1) the chemical nature of the material and (2) its
physical state, or degree of fineness to which it has been reduced.
Prairie Loam. — This soil owes its origin to the decomposition of underlying limestone ; to
the disintegration of limestone gravel, or to the deposits of ancient lakes. The true type may
be described as a black, light soil, that works like an ash heap when dry ; rolls into little pellets
when wet and refuses to "scour," except with the very best steel plows. It is a very warm
soil, but not so rich as its dark color might lead some to suppose. It is very responsive to
fertilizers. This soil is easily penetrated by the humus of vegetable matter, hence its dark color.
The apparent absence of the carbonates of lime and magnesia is owing to the fact that this soil
is the residue of rocks from which the lime and magnesia have been dissolved. The necessary
mineral substances, however, will always be found in the subsoil. There are only a few small
patches of this soil in the county.
Clayey Loams. — These are sometimes called marly clays, and are drift soils derived chiefly
from calcareous or limey clay, formed by glacial agencies. The top is composed largely of lime
and magnesia, but the subsoil is more marly. The plow frequently turns up a reddish or yel-
lowish subsoil, which contains but very little decayed vegetable matter. It is a fertile soil, and
stands floods and droughts well. The marly clay soils are light and heavy, but their origin and
character are essentially the same. The latter is apt to contain "hard-heads," and works
heavily at first, but more easily afterward. Thus, crops which at first were failures, finally
produce well upon it.
Red Glay. — This does not appear to any extent in Waukesha, although it is prominent in
Milwaukee, and counties along the lake shore. It is hard when dry, and always requires a great
amount of working. It is easily distinguishable by the tendency to crack, the cracks occasion-
ally widening into large fissures in dry weather. Such a soil is not the true clay ; it contains
some lime and magnesia, silicious matter and hematite. The hematite, or sesqui-oxide of iron,
may be easily found by drawing a magnet through a handful of the dust, and is the substance
which aids in giving the color to the clay.
Silicious Sand. — This forms a small portion of the soil in Waukesha County. It needs
no description. Without mixtures of other soils it is sterile. It is hot and dry, and, when
mixed with adjoining clays, produces certain crops in abundance. It is also wonderfully
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
323
prolific when heavily and continually enriched by artificial means. The western portion of the
county has some of this soil.
lAmestone Loam. — This is an improper term, used to designate a soil composed of decom-
posed limestone, unmixed with much drift matter. It is easily worked, and supports a heavy
growth of hard timber. It produces excellent wheat, and is > one of the valuable soils of the
county.
Calcareous Sand. — This is a drift soil, having its origin in the reduction of the dolomitic
beds of the Niagara group of limestone, mixed with silicious sand. It is the principal soil of
most of the towns in the county, though found in various slightly modified forms. It will, and
generally does, support a heavy growth of hard timber, being well adapted to the growth of
maple. It is light, warm and arenaceous, but has little appearance of fertility. This is owing
to the fact that the sand has been left by decomposition and bleaching on the surface. The sub-
soil, being essentially dolomitic, adds 100 per cent to the value of the land for agricultural pur-
poses. Being a drift soil, it is found pure in but few localities, being modified, for better or
worse, by mixture of the substances which compose other soils.
Ilumus Soils. — These are chiefly peat and swamp muck, or vegetable mold. They are
generally very rich, though sometimes thorough drainage is necessary to make them productive,
and sometimes the acids of the decomposed vegetation render them too " sour " for the profita-
ble growth of cereals. They generally produce grasses, but do not contain mineral ingredients
enough for cereals. Some of the finest pastures in the county, as well as many of the best
meadows, are humus swamp muck.
Economic Considerations. — Prairie loam is generally covered with such grasses and plants
as the virgin prairies presented to the first settlers — the light, marly clays are covered with
oaks ; maples grow in heavy, marly clays ; red clays have about the same- growth of trees ;
limestone loam is generally covered with oaks in this zone ; maple, oak and beech grow on cal-
careous sands ; conifers, pine, hemlock, etc., on silicious sands ; swamp vegetation on humus
soils.
The natures of soils may be also known by the following tables, the plant growing most
rapidly and thriftily in soil where its principal ingredient is found in the most liberal quan-
tities :
Magnesia.
Lime.
Magnesia.
liime.
Wheat
12.2
10.9
8.3
7.3
14.6
13.4
13.2
18.9
8.7
6.7
8.0
6.7
7.5
12.2
4.5
3.1
2.7
2.5
3.8
2.7
3.3
8.4
15.6
17.4
38.8
4.2
5.2
7.7
6.2
2.3
2.6
3.1
2.4
4.0
5.5
7.7
7.8
5.2
3.6
4.8
7.5
7.5
10.0
7.7
4.2
5.7
8.8
45.8
5.9
24.5
6 2
Rye
IRye
7 7
7 6
Oats
[Oats
8 2
10.5
Buckwheat ...
Peaae
37 9
Flax-
i Field beans
23 1
Beet
274
18 4
Carrot
Oak, body wood
73.5
Pease
Oak, small branches, with bark
54.0
Field beans....! ...
Poplar, young twigs
58 4
37.9
47.8
29.9
81.0
'
!Apple-tree, entire fruit
4.1
Beech
16 8
White pine
60.1
27.1
These tables show that lime is concerned more in the formation of fiber of all kinds, and
magnesia in the growth and production of the fruit. This accounts for the excellence of
Waukesha County wheat, and may be of value to farmers in sowing their various crops on
proper soils.
324
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
ELEVATIONS OF DIFFERENT LOCALITIES.
To know some of the different elevations of the surface of Waukesha County may be of'
value, and will certainly be of interest. The Government and State surveyors will be given as
authority for these figures, which are undoubtedly correct. However, the State Geologist's
report, page 126, contains a statement, which, if correct, is certainly astonishing. It places Fox
River, in Section 17, town of Waukesha, eighty feet higher than at the depot in Waukesha Vil-
lage, two miles up the stream. It has been testified in court that Waukesha mineral water will
" flow up hill ; " but the Fox River is generally considered too much of a sluggard to climb a
hill, even to bear out the statements made in a public document. More seriously, this may be
considered the only error in the ofiicial elevations of the county, only a few of which will be
given, beginning with the highest.
Government Hill, Section 29, Delaiield 611
Menomonee River, at Verbryck's mill 144
Big Meadow, Brookfield 252
Poplar Creek, old Prairieville road 240
Hills between Poplar Creek and Waukesha 329
Fox River, at Waukesha 211
Pewaukee Summit (M. & R. R. Canal) 316
Hill, west of Pewaukee Lake 393
Railroad station at Waukesha 225
Public school at Waukesha 243
Northeast quarter of Section 13, town of Waukesha.. 336
Creek on Section 17, town of Waukesha 30-5
Silver Lake, Summit 278
Pewaukee Lake and Station 263
Section 1, Pewaukee 262
■' 12, " 368
" 32, "■ 330
" 26, " (railroad crossing) 248
Marsh on Section 6, Mukwonago 305
Mukwonago Village 276
Section 14, Mukwonago '. 335
Muskego Lake .^ 191
Section 13, Muskego.... 205
'" " '■ south line 227
Menomonee, northeast quarter of Section 2 193
Sections 384
Falls 238
" Section 17........ ' '. 314
Merton, valley west of Pine Lake 318
" east of Pine Lake „...' 384
FEET.
Merton, North Lake.... i.... 309
" Lake Keesus 376
Fox River at Big Bend, Vernon 268
Vernon, east line of Section 10 359
Vernon, valley, Section 28 'i'*\
Oconomowoe, station 283
Oconomowoc, La Belle Lake ., 273
Prospect Hill, New Berlin 344
Section 21, New Berlin.. 291
Saylesville pond, Genesee 232
Genesee, southwest quarter of Section 25 22j
" northwest quarter of Seoti()p 35 367
" creek on Section 21 .^ 315
" station '. 325
Eagle, Section 22 : 365
" 19 266
" " 14, northeast quarter 370
" 21.... 355
Delaiield, Lakeside Station: 292
" Nagawicka 304
" Pewaukee Lake 263
Brookfield, Elm Grove Station 170
" Junction 246
'■ northwest quarter of Section 9 431
" northeast quarter of Section 11 < 219
" Forest House Station 240
Genesee Lake 281
Duck Lake.......... 283
Otis Lake :..... 283
Hill at Nehmabin Spring 397
NATIVE VEGETATION.
The plow, the ox, and herds and flocks have driven much of the native vegetation of Wau-
kesha County out of existence. A list of the prominent products of the virgin soil, before the march
of civilization had wrought her wondrous artificial change, may be of interest and value. There
are (a) upland, (b) marsh, and (c) intermediate groups of vegetation, and each has its groups of
representatives in Waukesha County.
Upland Vegetation.. — This is comprised in what is technically termed the prairie group,
consisting of prairie grass and prairie blossoms, and plants of all kinds, and the various arbor-
eous or tree groups. The oak group comprises the burr-oak (quercus macrocarpa), white-oak
[quercus alba), and pin-oak (quercus palustris), which are the prominent species, and give name
to the whole. With them are found poplar or aspen {populus tremuloides), shell-bark hickory
[carga alba), pig-nut or bitter-nut hickory [oarya glabra), crab-apple (pyrus coronaria), choke-
cherry [prunus Virginiana), black cherry [prunus serotina), wild plum (jprunus Americana),
sumac (rhus typhina), hazlenut {corylus Americana), sugar-manle {acer saccharinum), red maple
A. VIEAU
MUSKEGO CENTRE
(SE£ PAGE 3f^7)
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUXTY. 327
{aeer rubrum), elms {ulmus Americana and U. fulva), basswood or linden [tilia Americana),
ironwood (os^?-a virginica)' hlAok ash (froxinus sambucifolia), butternut [juglans cinera).
Marsh Vegetation. — Waukesha County has not much marsh, but its vegetation is the same
as that of larger marshes. The grasses are luxuriant and indicate a soil that may be easily
reclaimed. The sedges (cyerdcece), occupy marshes that usually cannot be easily reclaimed.
The heath family (ericaceee), comprises some important plants. The most characteristic
ones, the leather leaf {cassandra calyculata), cranberry [vaceinium macrocarpon), willows,
larch, mosses and erratic plants. The existence of native cranberry plants in Waukesha County
is a matter worthy of some attention, as it indicates a condition of soi-l and climate which will
insure the cultivation of the plant as an industry of profit. The simple presence of that plant
■alone, in a wild state, is not all-sufiScient ; but when leather-leaf, gander-bush and feather-leaf
abound also, cranberry culture is sure to be a success. Native cranberries are found in Eagle,
Section 31 ; Ottawa, Sections 28 and 32 ; Summit, Sections 9 and 12 ; Delafield, Sections 34
and 27 ; Oconomowoc, Section 4. Next in importance in marsh vegetation is the tamarack
group, so far as this county is concerned. It is the American larch [larix Americana). A few
white cedars [thuga occidentalis), and black spruces (abies nigra), are found in some of the
swamps. The rosin plant [sUlphium laciniatum), or compass weed as it is sometimes called,
grows in Mukwonago, on Dr. Youman's farm. It was a popular belief that its broad leaves
always point north and south, thereby furnishing travelers in uninhabited countries a sure guide
by which to keep their proper course.
Intermediate G-roups- — These are of very little importance in this county. They com-
prise stray witch-hazel clumps, black alder, yellow birch and cohosh.
Miscellaneous. — There have been discovered and classified, in Waukesha County, over six
hundred different plants, not including mosses. Many of them are valuable for their medicinal
properties, and others as articles of food, i Among the 600 may be mentioned cowslip (caltha
palustris), gold thread (coptis trifolia), golden seal, bloodroot (sanguinaria Canadensis), prickly
ash (zanthoxylum), snake root, [polygala Senega), tea (oeajwthus), grape (vitis cestivalis), wild
pea — three varieties — which, in early days, were considered of great value as food ,for stock ;
wild bean, Indian potato {apios tuberosa), used not only by Indians but by the early white set-
tlers as a substitute for potatoes ; strawberry {fragaria Virginiana), red and black raspberry,
prickly gooseberry (ribes cynosbati), wild red and black cuYra,nt {ribes Jloridune a,nd R. rubrum),
spikenard [aralia racemosa), sarsaparilla {A. nudicaulus), wild coffee (triosteum perfoliatum),
high-bush cranberry [vibernum opulus) Indian tobacco [lobelia injlatd), popularly called Thomp-
son's physic ; "ginseng" [genitiana), yi\\di hop (humulus lupulus), Indian turnip {arum tri
phyllum), wild asparagus* [A. officinalis), sweet flag (aeorus calamus), wild rice (zizania- aquatica),
and fifty species of wild grasses. Many of these are gone, but they, with the carices, which
were used for hay, formed a most valuable wild product in early times, as farmers could cut fod-
der enough without waiting to make " tame " meadows.
FOSSIL REMAINS.
The most noticeable fossils in the limestones of Waukesha County are to be seen in great
numbers in the paving stones of the village of Waukesha, and are the remains of those old
species of cuttle-fish which are provided with chambered ahells — either straight, when they are
termed ortlioceratites ; somewhat curved, called cyrtoceratites, or voluted, like the shell of ihe
nautilus, when they receive the name of gyroceratites. These petrified shells may be found by
hundreds, visible to the casual pedestrian along the streets of Waukesha, and are from one to
two feet in length, ordinarily. The pentamerus, a shell bearing some resemblance to the oyster,
but thicker and smoother, is common in the Pewaukee limestone, and various forms of trilobites
are to be found in both places, though not so plentifully. Of stone corals, the halysites and
♦There is little doubt that thia is a degenerated plant, introduced a* asparagus by the French settlers. None is known to exist in thU
county now. Solomon Juneau pointed out a few plants near Muskego Center, years ago.
328 HISTORY OP WAUKESHA COUNTY.
favosites are to be found almost everywhere in the county where limestone appears on the sur-
face, either in quarries or as drift, and crinoid specimens are also quite numerous.
For the benefit of those who desire a more particular knowledge of the fossils to be found
in the limestones of Waukesha County, a more detailed list is here subjoined.
At Pewaukee, of crinoids : caryocrinisooratus, encalyptocrinus, erassus and coelatus ; of
trilobites : lUmms ioxus and pteroeephalus, and several corals.
At Johnson's quarry in Genesee the same and several brachiopods, including the orthia
flahellula and spirifera plicatilla.
At Waukesha, besides those mentioned above, there are more than twenty species of coral,
ten of cystidea, three of bryozoa, twenty of brachiopods, five of lamillibranchiata, nine of gas-
teropods, and ten of Crustacea.
At Menomonee Palls, the fossils are principally corals and brachiopods.
MINERAL SPRINGS.
Nothing ever gave Waukesha County so great a notoriety as her numerous mineral springs,
whose waters are drank everywhere for the restoration of health. The providential discovery
of the virtues of these springs at once gave the entire county a reputation world-wide in extent ;
springs wholly invaluable to the thousands afflicted with several fatal diseases for which their min-
eral properties are a specific. The elements of all of them throughout the county are very
similar, the mineral substances and curative properties being nearly the same in each. They
may be found, too, almost anywhere, but only a few springs, compared with the number known
to exist, have been improved, advertised and their waters sent abroad. They are nearly all of
astonishing size, almost any one being large enough to furnish as much water as could be
shipped with ordinary railway facilities ; and the flow from all the springs in Waukesha County
would be sufiicient to more than slake the thirst of all the inhabitants of the Union. Thus,
nature has provided, free and delicious, a remedy so unlimited that every person in the civilized
world afiiicted with the peculiar diseases for which it is a specific, can have an abundance of it.
The existence of good, pure springs in Waukesha County has been known, it is true, ever since
the country was first settled by whites ; but their wonderful curative properties were never fully
understood, probably not known at all to the whites, until 1868. The Indians, however, had
'one of their oldest and largest trails leading to Mineral Rock Springs, another to Bethesda and
another to the springs at Pewaukee ; and their Medicine Man told some of the first settlers that
the water of the two springs at Waukesha was " sick." It may be judged from these facts that the
aborigines understood the peculiarities of them and drank of their waters with that understanding.
In fact, George Washington Featherstonhaugh, now of Milwaukee, sent out nearly fifty
years ago as a surveyor and geologist by the English government, and as the commander of the
party referred to in the extract, furnishes the following : j
"In 1834, a party was dispatched by the Topographical Bureau to survey and fix a road
from Port Lawrence and Vistula to Fort Armstrong, Rock Island on the Mississippi, nearly
opposite to the mouth of the Rock River.
'' The survey was arrested at the confluence of the Fox River with the Illinois, opposite to
the town of Ottawa, Illinois, by the illness of the men. Fourteen or fifteen had complication
of fever and ague, and many other bad consequences resulting from exposure and bad water.
" At this time the whole region from Portage City to Chicago was purely an Indian terri-
tory and the Indians outnumbered the whites by immense odds. A half-breed guide informed
the commanding officer that at the head of the Fox River was a spring of great virtue well
known to the Indians. Having some faith in the information thus obtained, a small party was
detailed to follow the Fox River and endeavor to find this healing water.
"By following up the main water-course they arrived at the present site of Waukesha and
encamped on the bluff". No less than 100 Indians were engaged in drinking the waters, using
them as external applications and pouring them into rude vessels for transportation.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 32! >
-" On the historical branch of this vitally interesting question it is a work of supererogation
to dwell any longer. A cloud of living witnesses can at any moment be summoned before the
tribunal of public opinion."
In handling the waters of the various springs in this county as a business enterprise, a
rivalry sprang up between their proprietors. This may have misled the public somewhat ; but
there was no occasion for it, as the published analyses of several chemists of unblemished repu-
tation demonstrated that there is but very little difference in the mineral properties of the
various springs. The chief difference, discovered by careful observation, is that the waters of
most of them are more strongly impregnated with mineral substances in dry weather than
during the wet periods of spring and late autumn ; but all are subject to exactly the same con-
ditions and changes, river over-flow alone excepted. Their similarity renders them unusually
valuable, for abounding in various portions of the county as they do, ample room is furnished
for all who may come — the great annual influx of pleasure-seekers, as well as afflicted, not
being compelled to crowd around one little fountain.
The source of the curative properties of these waters has never been satisfactorily
explained. The use, by the most skillful physicians, of the substances found in Waukesha
water would have very little effect in curing diseases for which these springs are a specific.
When all other remedies failed in the attempt to overcome retention of urine among the victims
of yellow fever in the South in 1878 and 1879, Waukesha water " acted like a charm," in the
language of Dr. Broaddus, of New Orleans, " and numerous cases of recovery can be attributed
alone to its use." This was an invaluable boon to the fever-stricken South, as the water loses
none of its curative properties by transportation.
The flow of the Waukesha Springs has no peculiarities. Their temperature remains the
same throughout the year. A beautiful and interesting phenomenon was thus described by a
Milwaukee chemist in 1873 :
" Every one who has observed any of the springs in this vicinity, may have noticed small
white particles constantly bubbling up with the water. They vary from the size of a grain of
sand to that of a pea, and are of irregular shapes and very white. They are tossed up by the
action of the water and fall back again ; they are rolled out and roll back again, appearing and
re-appearing, and performing all kinds of pretty and curious revolutions. If you endeavor to
keep your eyes upon one particular particle, you will find your strictest watch evaded, and in
the course of one or two pretty parabolas it will give you the go-by in spite of yourself.
" Taken in the fingers, one of these little globules is quite soft and smooth, giving no indi-
cation of grit, and rather soapy when rubbed between the fingers. They are regarded by many
as being composed of magnesia, but this is not strictly true. Their composition is about one-
fourth carbonate of magnesia and three-fourths carbonate of lime. They, moreover, undoubt-
edly have their origin in the course of the water which evidently comes from the limestone.
How they should consist of so large a per cent of carbonate of magnesia may be explained in
this way.
" The limestone of this place is to some extent magnesian (carbonate of lime and carbon-
ate of magnesia, the latter being in a very small proportion). The water, percolating through
the strata of the stone, disintegrates the carbonate of magnesia more easily than the carbonate
of lime, hence the greater proportion of magnesia is found in the water, and the solid substance
which it carries with it.
" If the course of any one of the numerous springs of this place were traced to the limestone
bed, there would perhaps be found, near the outlet of the water from the strata, considerable
quantities of the same substance as the little moving particles alluded to. In the Waukesha
Mineral Rock Spring, which flows directly from a spur of Mr. A. Hadfield & Co.'s quarry bed,
this substance exists in bulk. Pounds of it may be taken out in a fine condition, soft and pasty
and white as snow.
" In noting these facts, I do not wish to be understood as claiming any medicinal virtues
for the waters hy reason of the presence of carbonate of magnesia, although its admixture in
330 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
suitable proportions may contribute to the general effect. The phenomena, however, have
given rise to some inquiry, which it is hoped, the above explanation will tend to satisfy."
Bethesda Spring. — The late Richard Dunbar, the first white man to discover the virtues of
Waukesha mineral water and receive an almost miraculous benefit from them, relates the not
wholly unromantic story of the discovery as follows :
" I had been afilicted with the disease known as diabetes, in its worst form. I resorted to
the most eminent physicians in this country, but without avail. My family physician, the dis-
tinguished Dr. Willard Parker, of New York City, having exhausted his skill in medicine,
advised me as a last resort to visit Europe. I went but returned home unbenefited. On my
return I called on Dr. Parker. He told me that there was no use in resorting to any more rem-
edies ; that my case was beyond the reach of medical aid. I then concluded that there was
nothing more for me to do but put my house in order and resign myself to my fate.
" In pursuit of a matter of family interest, I visited South Bend, Ind., accompanied by
Mrs. Dunbar, and while there I was summoned to Waukesha, by the death of Mrs. Clarke, my
wife's mother, who had resided there. I was very feeble, at this time, and enduring much
bodily suffering. My insatiable thirst was beyond the power of man to describe. My tongue
and gums were ulcerated ; my bodily suffering was intense. Under these conditions I reluctantly
made my way to Waukesha. This was the autumn of 1868. On the following day after the
burial I was invited by Miss Clarke to ride out to see some real estate she had purchased within
the corporate limits of the city. I protested strongly against my going ; finally I reluctantly
consented, feeling but little interest in, to me, earth's fast receding affairs, as I did not expect to
live one day beyond the limit set by Dr. Willard Parker — six weeks.
" When I entered the field on which the spring is located, the intolerable thirst which had
so long afflicted me had nearly overpowered me, and at this time I bemoaned my imprudence in
leaving the house, and wished to return to obtain water to slake my insatiate thirst. Miss
Clarke remarked that there was plenty of water on the property which we were viewing.
" A tumbler was immediately procured. As if providentially, I went to the right spring.
1 drank six tumblerfuls, and felt instantly a most grateful and refreshed sensation, as I felt the
water coursing through my system. My tongue and gums were raw ; my lips were parched ; the
water seemed to coat my tongue, and my lips became moistened. The water seemed to me so
rmild and soothing, I at once remarked to the ladies that there was something peculiar in the
water. Reader, it was to me the most delicious, the most grateful beverage that entered my
mouth in years. I immediately sought rest under the shade of a wide-spreading oak which then
stood and now stands overlooking the spring, like a guardian angel watching it.
^' After a rest of one-half hour I returned again to the spring, and drank six tumblerfuls
"in succession, making twelve in all within the space of half an hour. I felt then, and expressed
the opinion that there was something wonderful in the water, as I felt it working a great change
in me. Previous to my reaching the house, a profuse perspiration broke out all over me, a result
science and medical skill had failed to produce in the three and a half years of my illness. That
, night I retired at half-past 9 and slept all night. Such a night of undisturbed repose I had
;not enjoyed for years. I arose that morning feeling well. At 11 o'clock A. M., on that day, I
' considered myself as well as ever I felt ; nevertheless I remained three days and drank the water
■freely, but never exceeding twelve glasses per day. I then returned to Indiana, finishing
my business there, after which I returned to New York, feeling I had a new lease of life, so
benefited and restored did I feeL
" I again called on Dr. Parker. He felt a great surprise to see me, and so well, for he said
when last I took my leave of him he would never see me again alive, and questioned me about
what brought on this change. I told him about my visit to Waukesha, and the almost miracu-
lous cure. He said it was wonderful ; had never heard of anything like it.
" In the following January, while at Washington, I suffered a relapse. I felt it was a pun-
ishment inflicted on me by Divine Providence for my neglecting to introduce to suffering human-
ity the great and wonderful specific. On that day I telegraphed Dr. Parker saying I had a
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 331
relapse. He answered by saying, there is no other remedy but the Wisconsin water. I left
Washington that evening for New York, and called on the Doctor previous to my going home.
He (Dr. Parker) then told me there would have been a foot of grass on my grave if it had not been for
that water, and then advised me to send for a cask of the water. I told him there were several other
springs adjacent to the spring from which I drank, and that my. friends might make a mistake.
One of these springs was twenty feet from the Bethesda, on the same level, and boiling up out
of the earth ; on the other side, about fifty feet, was another large spring boiling. I told him I
would go to Waukesha. He said that was well, and keep him posted on the effect of the water
on me. If it had the same effect as before, it was the most wonderful thing he had ever heard
of, and if it could be purchased, to spare no time in obtaining it. 1 arrived in Waukesha. In
due time I hastened to the spring, and I found the same effect as before. I then made the ben-
eficial effects of the water known, and people crowded here, drank the water and were healed.
" I determined to be a help to humanity, but was derided, abused, persecuted by many of
the good people of Waukesha. I was even accused of drugging the spring. So fierce was the
blast I had to encounter, that I would have relinquished the spring, if I had not been drawn and
impelled forward by an influence which I could neither fully analyze nor resist. I would hear
that word as distinctly as I now can see to write — ^' Push Bethesda ; you cannot say two much
for it; don't abandon it.' While introducing the water throughout this nation, it never failed
to perform all I claimed for it, and, in fact, more than I had ever anticipated it would do. To-
day it has no counterpart on earth as a grand specific for all kidney troubles.
'' Time, which makes all things even, had made Bethesda a victor. The voice of sneering
incredulity was silenced ; the healing properties of the spring were acknowledged. I have been
the means of enriching those miserable persecutors. I have snatched Waukesha from obscurity,
and set it in a large place; its'conspicuity is widening, as everybody can see. The acknowledged
merits of the spring are attracting the attention of this and other countries, and the present
and prospective wealth of Waukesha has been increased $1,000,000 or more.
'' Prof. C. F. Chandler, of Columbia College, N. Y., made an analysis of the water. I
found nothing remarkable in the analysis, but public incredulity could not induce me to disbe-
lieve the evidence of my own senses, or forget my rescue from an imminent and painful death.
I proclaimed and do proclaim the fact of my cure. I refer to Dr. Willard Parker for the facts
in my own case. Throughout this nation and Europe, I have invited for it the severest tests,
that of actual trial, and serenely awaited a verdict which I knew to be inevitable, and have pub-
lic confidence obtained.
" I called the spring Bethesda, because the Lord was merciful to me in leading me
to the healing fount. The word Bethesda signifies the house of mercy, and was the name of a
pool at Jerusalem, which had five porticoes, piazzas or covered walks around it. — ^John, v, 2
and 4.
" The generality of expositors think it had this name rather from the great goodness of
Go:l, manifested to his people in bestowing healing virtues upon its waters. It was at
this pool that Jesus directed a blind man to wash for the recovery of his sight. — John ix, 7.
" The five porches mentioned by the Evangelist, John, v, 2 and 4, are supposed to have been
five apartments for the accommodation of the multitude that came to the pool to be cured of
their bodily diseases. In these porches, says the Evangelist, lay a great many of impotent
people, blind, halt and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters, for an angel went down
at a certain season into the pool and troubled the water. Whosoever the first after the troubling
of the waters stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had. The modern pool of
Bethesda is about the same dimensions as the ancient pool. The five springs encircling the
pool of Bethesda, I compared to the five porches at the ancient pool — the five porticoes, or cov-
ered walks, all are built. Of those springs, so far, we find but one curative ; the other four I
filled, as they were worthless. What those curative properties are seems to be beyond the
comprehension of all scientists. I drank of the modern Bethesda ; I was healed of an incura-
ble disease, one that baffled the skill of the most scientific men, at home and abroad."
332 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first analysis of Bethesda water was made by Prof. C. F. Chandler, of Columbia Col-
lege, N. Y., with this result, the quantity analyzed being a wine gallon of 231 cubic inches :
Chloride of sodium 1160 grains.
Sulphate of potaasa 0.454
Sulphate of sodium 0.542
Bicarbonate of lime 17.022
Bicarhonate of magnesia 12.388
Bicarbonate of iron 0.042
BicarbonUe of soda 1.256
Phosphate of soda a trace
Alumina 0.122
Silica 0.944
Organic matter 1.983
Total 35.710 grains.
The surroundings of this spring have been made beautiful. It is in the midst of a large
park, in which are numerous walks and drives, the latter named after the prominent citizens of
AVaukesha. Near it is a large pool, in which are several other springs and several varieties of
fish. This pool, in a difi"erent shape, was in existence when the first white people visited
Waukesha. During the summer of 1880, Mrs. Dunbar, proprietor, erected an office and bath-
house at a cost of nearly $8,000, and the work of planting trees and flowers never ceases. The
shipment of water from Bethesda Spring is to all parts of the civilized world, and averages thirty
barrels per day.
Mineral Rock Spring. — The Mineral Rock Spring is owned by C. C. 01in"& Co. The
following analysis, by Prof. Gustavus Bode, of Milwaukee, shows its ingredients :
Chloride of sodium 0.279
Sulphate of soda 0.957
Bicarbonate of soda 1.210
Bicarbonat.e of lime 9.866
Bicarbonate of magnesia 7.824
Silica 1.054
Organic matter a trace
Total 21.197
Accompanying the analysis was the following letter :
Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 11, 1872.
C. C. Olin, Esq , Waukesha :
Dear Sir : — In transmitting the result of ray analysis of the Wmkesha Mineral Rock Sprinj, you "will allow me
to stite that the above water does not dififer materially in its combination from the famous Bethesda water. Chemical
analysis has thus far failed to detect what causes the well-known effects of those waters. There are, however, some
points to which I would call yoar attention, which may serve to give some explanation :
All spring waters contain certain combinxiions of salts, in larger or smaller quantities, and upon the amount
of lime and magnesia salts they contain depends their degree of hardness. Almost all of them contain the lime,
principally combined with sulphuric acid (as sulphate of lime — gypsum), which in'the cause of its hardness and the
formation of kettlestone. The Waukesha water contains no sulphate of lime, and but very little sulphate of soda.
To the absence of sulphates their medical effect is to be attributed.
If you will refer to the analysis of the Bethesda water, made by Prof. Chandler, and compare the figures of the
inclosed analysis, you will find that the Waukesha Mineral Rock Spring aonimas less lime and magnesia salts, and
hardly any sulphates, and, if the conclusions I have come to are correct, you may expect the water of the Waukesha
Mineral ,tock Spring to prove even more efFeciive than the Bethesda and others.
The location of your spring, coming direct from the lime quarries, and being considerably elevated above the
river, is another guarantee for its purity, which it will maintain in times of high water when other springs are over-
flowed and mixed with river water.
Respectfully yours,
G. BODE, Analytical Chemist.
Hygiea Spring. — This spring, only a few rods from the street, owned by Edward Flan-
nery, an engineer on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, by whom it was im-
proved in 1872, is inclosed by the finest and largest amphitheater of masonry in the county
of Waukesha. The spectacle is a remarkable one, the broad slabs of marble, the lime, the sand
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 333
and the clear, sparkling mineral waters, all being natives of Waukesha, and to be had in unlim-
ited quantities. During the season of 1880, Mr. Flannery erected a new office near his spring,
and made other improvements of value. The analysis of this spring made by Otto A. Thiele,
of Berlin, Prussia, is as follows :
Bicarbonate of soda 2.265 grains.
Bicarbonate of iron 0.575
Bicarbonate of lime 16.726
Bicarbonate of magnesia 13.142
Chloride of sodium 1.250
Phospliate of soda 0.040
Sulphate of potassa 0.820
Sulphate of sodium 0.524
Alumina 0.720
Silica 0.150
Organic matter a trace
Total 38.211
Crlenn Waukesha Spring. — The waters of the Glenn Waukesha Spring, near the Fox
River, in Waukesha Village, were analyzed by Prof. C. F. Chandler, of Columbia College, New
York, with this result:
Chloride of sodium 1.1944 grains.
Sulphate of potassa 0.4943
Sulphate of soda 0.6212
Bicarbonate of lime 15.9764
Bicarbonate of magnesia 11.5795
Bicarbonate of iron 0.0866
Bicarbonate of soda 0.7595
Phosphate of soda 0.0034
Alumina 0.0466
Silica 1.0497
Organic matter 2.2160
Total 34,0276 grains.
This spring is owned by J. K. Grlenn, of New York City. He now has an office, bath-
house and shipping-house near, and ships large quantities of water, especially to New York. A
wind-engine has been erected for hoisting water for an artificial fountain and for packing pur-
poses. The pavilion at this spring is a good one, and the mason-work about it substantial. A
large lamp is kept burning, at the head of the stone stairway leading down to the spring,
every night in the year, for the accommodation of those who drink of its waters.
Clysmic Spring. — This spring, near the corner of Grand avenue and the Fountain House
grounds, is the property of Mrs. Kate B. Hill, of Natchez, Mississippi. It has a liberal flow
and is very cold and sparkling. The water was awarded a grand medal by the American Insti-
tute at New York, the award being to John L. Lockwood, of New York City, who is the sole
lessee and manager. The improvements about the Clysmic Spring are not extensive, but val-
uable ones are in contemplation. The analysis by Prof. Rathbone, is as follows :
In one U. S. or wine gallon of 231 cubic inches, there are —
Chloride of sodium 1.170 grains.
Sulphate of potassa 0.456
Sulphate of soda 1.. 0.560
Bicarbonate of lime 16.044
Bicarbonate of magnesia 13.563
Bicarbonate of iroa 0.038
Bicarbonate of soda 1.261
Phosphate of soda 0.032
Alumina a trace
Silica 0.722
Organic matter 1.616
Total 35,462 grains.
334 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Crescent Spring. — This mineral spring, discovered while excavations were being made near
the Fountain House, in Waukesha, is a very large one. The mason work incloses the largest
area of any in the county, and over the clear, deep pool is a two-story pagoda, of attractive
architecture, capable of seating comfortably nearly two hundred persons. The discharge from
this spring is 400 barrels per hour. The proprietor, Matthew Laflin, of Chicago, who was cured
at the age of sixty-nine, of rheumatism, placed the water from this spring on the market, which has
reached a wide sale. The analysis made by Prof. A. Voght, of New Orleans, shows the water
to contain the following ingredients :
Free carbonic acid 11.7825 grains.
Bicarbonate of lime 16.1885
Bicarbonate of magnesia '. 9.7530
Bicarbonate of iron 3.7654
Bicarbonate of baryta 0,2469
Bicarbonate of lythia 1.1267
Sulphate of lime 0.2470
Sulphate of soda 0.2006
Chloride of sodium 0.7253
Alumina, silica, etc 0.5093
Total 44.5352 .
Silurian Spring. — This very large spring, opposite the Park Hotel, Waukesha, was ,so
named from the Silurian Age, in which were depqsited the limestone formations from which its
waters derive their peculiar virtues and properties. It has been in use longer than any other
spring in Waukesha, David Jackson's house having been supplied from it by means of hand-
bored " pump-logs," forty years ago, or more. It is in the midst of a large and beautiful park,
in which is a ridge formed during the famous glacial epoch. Near by is a pool for fish ; several
pagodas and a very fine bath-house, erected in the spring of 1880 — the largest in the village.
There are several springs on the Silurian property, all with similar mineral and medicinal quali-
ties ; but one is sufficient for all purposes, having a flow unequaled by any other, with perhaps
one exception, in Waukesha. Over the main spring, a truly elegant pagoda of a rare style of
architecture was built in 1880, by the. proprietors, Anderson & Haslage, the latter of whom
was cured by the water. It has double rows of iron columns, and is encircled by a table of
polished imported marble. It is said to be the finest spring pagoda in the Union. The waters
boil up through several holes pierced in a thick block of limestone rock. The analysis by
Prof. Walter S. Haines, of Rush Medical College, Chicago, is disclosed in the following letter:
Chemical Laboratory of Rush Medical College, Chicago, January 10, 1880.
Messrs. Anderson & Haslage — Gentlemen: Upon subjecting the Silurian Mineral Water to chemical analysis,
I find each gallon of 231 inches contains :
Chloride of sodium 0.1926 grains.
Sulphate of sodium 0.2917
Bicarbonate of sodium 0.0301 "
Carbonate of calcium 9.9277 "
Carbonate of magnesium 6.8324 "
Carbonate of iron : 0.1285 "
Phosphate of iron traces.
Phosphate of manganese traces.
Alumina 0.6827
Silica 0.7004
Organic matter very faint trace.
Total solids ' 18.6861 grains.
Carbonic acid gas, 44.7 cubic inches per gallon.
One of the most noteworthy features of the water is its remarlcable freedom from organic matter ; it is the
purest water in this respect that I have ever examined, and this organic purity undoubtedly greatly increases the
alterative and diuretic effects of its mineral constituents. Walter S. Haines, M. D.
White Roek Spring. — In a natural amphitheater of limestone, with clean limestone rock
on five sides, is H. W. Colver's White Rock Spring. The flow is large and the water exceed-
ingly cold. The natural beauties of the surrounding lands are great, being composed of forest,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUXTY. 335
prairie, rocks, hills and river bank, all in the sixty acres of land owned by Mr. Colver. Below
the spring, over which he has an ample pavilion, are five or six other large springs of similar
analysis. In the pools of two of these, fine watercresses grow in abundance. The analysis of
White Rock was made by J. Campbell Brown, of Liverpool, England, and is as follows,
expressed in grains per imperial gallon :
Sodium chloride 857 grains.
Sodium bicarbonate 1.341 "
Sodium sulphate 609
Potassium sulphate 7.^1 "
Magnesium bicarbonate 14.211 "
Calcium bicarbonate 19.22.5 "
Iron salts 08'2
Sodium silicate 922 "
Organic matter 1,641 "
Total : 39.619
Lethean Spring. — This spring, discovered in a remarkable manner, is owned by Dr. Jehiel
Smith, in the village of Waukesha. The following is an extract from the book issued in 1875,
by the proprietor of the Lethean Spring :
" The spring forming the subject of this book is located in the heart of the village, on a
plat of ground 100 by 150 feet, on Clinton street, about eight rods from the business portion
of the village. The proprietor of the spring built a house on this plat two years ago, and, in
digging the cellar to the depth of nine feet and the size of the house, enough stone was taken
out for not only the outside walls of the cellar, but the division and cistern walls, showing how
much of stone there is in the vicinity of the spring, from which to derive its mineral properties.
In digging for a well, the spring was opened to the upper surface at the depth of twenty-two
feet ; a large bowlder of about one ton's weight was lifted, revealing a beautiful spring flowing
through a bed of white sand. The workmen could only go two feet farther, and the flow of
water soon rendered it clear ; the upper walls were laid in cement to keep out foreign matter
and surface drainage, while the lower walls allowed the spring to pursue the course it had prob-
ably followed for ages, in its dark and lonely depths. The constant flow keeps it steadily at
two feet, summer and winter, and it has a uniform temperature the year round of 45° Fahren-
heit, which shows the depth of its source is far below the level to which the changes of the
seasons affect the temperature of the earth."
The analysis, by Prof. G. Bode, of Milwaukee, shows the water of this spring to contain
the following ingredients :
Chloride of sodium 0.695 grains.
Sulphate of soda 0.881
Bicarbonate of soda '. 1.286 "
Bicarbonate of lime 9.498
Bicarbonate of magnesia 5.922 "
Bicarbonate of iron 0.097 "
Alumina 0.101 "
Silica : 0.783
Organic matter not a trace.
Total quantity of soluble salts in United States wine gallon 19.263 "
Total quantity of soluble salts in imperial gallon •. 23.116 "
Carbonic acid in combination in io]perial gallon 6.721 "
ExeeUior Mineral Springs. — On Section 14, Waukesha, W. P. Calkins has several springs
of quite varying mineral properties, some being so highly charged with iron and sulphur as to
have a decided mineral taste, and to make a great discoloration of substances at the outlet ;
while others have the property of petrifying moss and other substances. Some of them are so
highly charged with carbonic acid as to be fatal to fish. Some of these springs have no mineral
taste and make no discolorations. The water frorn one of them has been used as a medicinal
agent for nearly thirty years. Mr. Calkins says : " I have not had the water from any of these
springs analyzed ; and, as to name, I have for many years called them the Waukesha Excelsior
336 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Mineral Springs. I have been told that a Mr. Welsh, who lives in Vernon, has some springs
Vfhich he calls Excelsior ; but I claim the right to the name, having so called my springs before
Welsh's springs were discovered."
Eocene Spring. — This spring, owned by W. S. Chandler, contains the same minerals, in
the same proportion as the other springs, as the following letter from Prof. G. Bode, of Milwau-
kee, written June 25, 1878, will show :
W. S. Chandler, Esq., Waukesha: Herewith please find the results of the analysis of the water from your
Spring, made by me at your request, of tlie sample furnished by you :
One gallon United Slates measure contains total quantity of solid matter 21.9401 grains, consisting of
Chloride of sodium 0.2519 grains.
Sulphate of soda 0.5775 "
Bicarbonate of soda 0.3809 "
Bicarbonate of lime 11.7166 "
Bicarbonate of magnesia 8.0916 "
Bicarbonate of iron 0.0181 "
Alumina 0.0431
Silica 0.8601
The analysis proves that the water of your spring contains the same salts and in the same proportions as other
Waukesha Springs. As it contains neither sulphate of lime nor organic matter, I believe it to possess the medicinal
■qualities claimed for this class of waters in the highest degree. Very respectfully yours,
GusTAVcs Bode, Analytical Chemist.
Horeh Spring. — This is one of the most elevated springs in the vicinity of Waukesha'
being situated on the property of Thomas Spence, a high plateau on the west side of the Fox
River, in the edge of the town of Pewaukee. It boils up through a bed of gravel at the foot of
a hill, and in its bed may be seen small globules of magnesia, accumulated by the flow of water
through the limestone rocks. There are several Horeb springs, but Mr. Spence ships only from
the most elevated one, in order to avoid organic matter. The analysis, by Prof. G. Bode, of
Milwaukee, is as follows :
A gallon, U. S. wine measure, contains :
Total quantity of soluble salts, 20.002 grains, consisting of
Chloride of sodium 0.179 grains.
Sulphate of soda 1.213
Bicarbonate of lime 10.725 "
/ Bicarbonate of magnesia 6.875 "
Aluminium 0 225 "
Silica 0.723 "
Iron a trace.
Mr. Spence ships water to Canada, and to various cities in several States.
Minnewoc Springs. — These delightfully situated springs are on property owned by the
heirs of the late Dr. Increase A. Lapham, near Gififord's Summer Resort, on Pewaukee Lake.
The analysis was made by Gustavus Bode, of Milwaukee, and is as follows :
Chloride of sodium 6.129 grains.
Sulphate of soda 0.627
Bicarbonate of soda 1.041 "
Bicarbonate of lime 9.638 "
Bicarbonate of magnesia 6.138 "
Bicarbonate of iron .g 0.129 "
Alumina 0.067 "
Silica 0.876
Total grains in a gallon 18.648
It will be seen, by comparing this analysis with all others here given, that Minnewoc
Springs are wholly unlike in their medicinal properties, and are specifics for difi"erent diseases
than the others.
Other Springs. — There are numerous other mineral springs in Waukesha County, but no
complete analysis of them has been obtained. Martin T. Draper, of Draper Hall, Oconomo-
Woe, has several springs near his hotel, all with mineral properties. One is quite remarkable,
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUXTY. 337
having three separate pipes leading into the ground within the space of a square yard, from
which three streams, icy-cold, but with wholly different mineral properties, keep a constant flow.
One of these streams is strongly impregnated with iron ; another is notable for magnesia., and
the third for other mineral properties. AH of these discharge into one basin, and make a
decoction fatal to fish. No business is made of shipping water from Draper's Magnesia
Springs.
There are also at Oconomowoc, Hitchcock's Medicinal Spring.?, La Belle Springs and
others ; at Pewaukee, the Oakton ; at Waukesha, Samuel A. Barstow's Superior ; at Delafield,
the Nemahbin, and at Muskego, , perhaps the largest springs of all. These require no elabo-
rate description, as their owners generally do not make a business of selling the water, although
nearly all have some customers.
PEB-HISTOEIC RELICS.
There is probably nothing, natural or artificial, which is so sure to attract the attention and
excite the curiosity of all, learned and unlearned, as the prehistoric relics with which Wauke-
sha County so richly abounds.
Of the many Indian mounds in the shapes of beasts and birds, which were found along the
valley of the Pishtaka (Fox River), by the early settlers, but few how remain in their entirety,
and the best-preserved specimens about the village of Waukesha are on the grounds of Carroll
College and of M. D. Cutler, respectively. In relation to the Waukesha mounds, it is proper
to quote extensively from " The Antiquities of Wisconsin," by Dr. I. A. Lapham, who gave
years of attention to this interesting subject. After mentioning the various collections of mounds
along the Pishtaka, from the Illinois line northward, he says :
"Waukesha is the next place which seems to have been occupied by the ancient inhabit-
ants. , It was formerly known as Prairie Village, or Prairieville, and, being on the main road
west from Milwaukee, its mounds were early brought into notice. They occupy three different
levels — those in the lower part of the village, mostly conical, are on the lowest ground, while
those in the upper part are on what may be called the second bank, and the others are on the
highlands, and south of the village. A group of these works was surveyed in 1836, with the
assistance of Mr. William T. Cully. At that time, the log house near these mounds was the
only evidence of civilization in the place; and the works were uninjured by. the white man,
except that the large mound was made use of for a root-house, or potato-hole. The turtle-
mound [see plate ' a '] was then a conspicuous object, and such was its resemblance to that
animal that it was pronounced a good representation by all who saw it.
" On this mound was, at that time, a recent grave [see plate ' b '], protected by pickets
driven on opposite sides, so as to cross at the top. The Indians had but recently left the place?
and the trail leading from the river to their wigwams ran directly over two of the mounds-
This turtle was then a very fine specimen of the ancient art of mound-building, with its grace'
ful curves, the feet projecting back and forward, and the tail, with its gradual slope, so acutely
pointed that it was impossible to ascertain precisely where it terminated. The body was 66
feet in length, and the tail 250 ; the height, 6 feet. The ground occupied by this group of
works is now covered with buildings. A dwelling-house stands upon the body of the turtle,
and a Catholic church is built upon the tail.
" Another turtle was found on the college grounds, and differs from the other in being con-
cave on the back. It is also less symmetrical.
" A group of structures occupying the very high ground on a little hill east of the town
■consists of two round, four oblong, one turtle and one bird-shaped mound. The position of the
last is peculiar, on a steep hillside, with its head downward. The general outline of the figure
[see No. 5, plate "d "], and the shape of the head and beak, leave no doubt that a bird was
intended to be represented ; but whether an eagle, a hawk, or any particular bird, must be left
entirely to conjecture.
338 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
'' The very fine group, half a mile south of the town, fortunately is upon the grounds of
Carroll College, and we may, therefore, hope it will be forever preserved as a record of the
past. These mounds form a quasi-inclosure, and hence, like many other groups of works, have
been, by casual observers, called a fort. [See plate "c."] If we were not well acquainted
with works of defense, in Ohio and elsewhere, which show that the Mound-Builders were con-
siderably advanced in military arts, we might suppose that this was intended for a rude fortifica-
tion ; but we can only regard it as an accidental arrangement, and not designed for any such
purpose.
" Much of the ground about Waukesha was, in 1836, covered with ''Indian corn-hills,' or
remains of their recent culture of maize. In this locality, as at numerous others, mounds
occupy the highest grounds, and the points of hills, and other places, whence the most extensive
view, above and below, can be obtained. The town of Waukesha stands on a slightly undulat-
ing plain, surrounded by hills, forming a fine amphitheater, which, in ancient times, was doubt-
less crowded, as it is now, with a numerous population.
"The mound on the grounds near Mr. Cutler's present residence was selected for examina-
tion ; much of the earth having been removed by the town authorities, so as materially to lessen
the labor. At about two feet above the original surface of the ground, the top of a circular
wall or pile of stones, about "nine feet in diameter, was discovered. It was composed of loose
fragments of white limestone, which exhibited evidence of long contact with the earth, by their
decayed and softened exterior. The wall was interrupted on the west side.
" We commenced the exploration, by opening a trench three feet wide, beginning on the
east side of the original mound, deep enough to reach through the black and mottled earth of
which the mound was composed, and to the surface of the yellowish clay, subsoil. Continuing
the trench toward the center, we passed the loose stone wall, and found the black earth sud-
denly extending down about two feet below the natural surface of the ground, and reaching the
gravel below the yellow clay. Upon this gravel, two feet below the original surface, directly
under the center of the mound, and surrounded by the circular heap of .stones, was found a
human skeleton, lying on its back, with the head toward the west. Stones had also been placed
at the sides and over the body, forming a rude sort of cofiin. The bones were very much
decayed, and only fragments could be obtained. The plates of the skull were too far gone to be
restored.
" In the left hand was a pipe of baked clay or pottery, ornamented with holes around the
bowl, and also a quantity of red paint. In the right ha,nd was a smaller pipe, cut from a soft
kind of stone. They are both very small, and appear to have been articles of fancy rather than
use. At the head were found many fragments of pottery which had been crushed by the
weight of earth ; these fragments were, originally portions of two vessels. They are of the
same coarse and rude materials as the fragments so frequently found on and near the surface in
many localities throughout the State. The earth immediately over the skeleton was hard and
black, indicating the action of fire, though no other evidence of this was discovered. Frag-
ments of fresh water shells (of the genus Unio) were found with the fragments of pottery.
No wood was found, nor where any vacant places noticed jvhere it might have decayed.
" Another mound was opened a short, distance west of the first, by sinking a shaft in the
center five feet in diameter. We soon reached burnt clay, of a yellow or reddish-yellow color,
with stones almost calcined into quicklime by the intensity of the heat. Much charcoal was
obtained, showing still the original pores and concentric circles of the wood, which appeared to
be oak. The bones of a portion of the leg of a human being were found, but the remainder of
the skeleton had evidently been consumed at the time of the interment. There had been no
excavation below the natural surface of the ground in this case.
The materials composing these mounds were taken from the surface, so that no perceptible
excavations are left in their vicinity ; and the whole body of the tumulus consists of black mold,
with occasional spots of yellowish clay. The difference between the artificial and natural soil '
was quite apparent. No articles of ornament or use, indicating any commerce with the white
HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. ' 339
race, were discovered, and we are led to the conclusion that the mound was erected before the
discovery of the country. The position of the skeleton, and other indications, show conclu-
sively that no disturbance had taken place since the interment, and that the articles obtained
were the original deposits. The skeleton was, without doubt, that of the personage for whom
the mound was erected.
" In one of the vases at the head of the skeleton were the remains of a shell, apparently
the Unio siliquoides, a very common species in the rivers and lakes of Wisconsin. Those shells
are often used for spoons ; and this vase probably contained a supply of food for the departed
while on the journey to the spirit land.
" A mile and a half above Waukesha, on a very high and commanding position, are three
mounds in front of four ' lizard-mounds.' They are at the crossing of the old ' Madison, road,'
in the southwest quarter of Section 26. A sentinel stationed on them could give warning to
the inhabitants of the approach of any hostile force, long before they could reach the village.
The 'lizards,' as in most cases, have their heads toward the south.
" On the northwest quarter of the same section are also some small mounds, and one of the
lizard shape. They are at the foot of the hill that borders the outlet of Pewaukee Lake. Still
farther on the road (southeast quarter of Section 22, Town 7, Range 19), were found the remains
of another lizard mound, now nearly destroyed.
" But the most remarkable collection of lizards and turtles yet discovered, is on the school
section [see Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, plate 'd,' for specimens], about a mile and a half southeast
from the village of Pewaukee. This consists of seven turtles, two lizards, four oblong mounds,
and one of those remarkable excavations alluded to. One of the turtle mounds, partially oblit-
erated by the road, has a length of 450 feet, being nearly double the usual dimensions. Three
of them are remarkable for their curved tails, a feature here first observed. One of the smallest
has the tail turned back by the side of the body. These curved figures have another peculi-
arity in the obtuseness of the extremity,' the end being round and flat, instead of a sharp point
as in most other similar mounds. While these have a width of about four feet at the end, others
so gradually diminish in height and breadth that it is almost impossible, as before observed, to
determine the precise point of termination. One has a rectangular bend at the extremity of the
tail, and in each there is a change of direction in passing from the body to the tail. This inter-
esting group occupies a secure position, being on a ridge flanked by marshy grounds on 'either
side. At the remote period when these mounds were built, the marshes may have been lakes,
since filled up or dried away to their present condition. A diligent search did not reveal any
evidence of breastworks or other means of defense, across the ridge at either end of the mounds.
About half a mile ofi", in a northwest direction, is a very high hill (probably two hundred feet
above the level of the marshes), on which are one lizard and three circular mounds. From
these there is a fine view, extending over much of the adjacent country."
In the town. of Vernon is a remarkable group of mounds [see plate " e" ], which was sur-
veyed by Dr. I. A. Lapham, who described them as follows : "By invitation we took up
our quarters at the house of Isaac Bailey, where it was once proposed to build a city [Section
29, Vernon], to be called Crawfordsville. The city was never built, and the same is only
remembered by a few of the oldest inhabitants. This is the place mentioned by R. C. Tayler,
as stated in the Western papers, to contain mounds resembling lizards, alligators and flying
dragons. They occupy ground sloping gently toward the river [the Fox] at the north and
northwest, their heads pointing up hill, and their general course southwesterly. The winged
mounds or dragons, three in number, appear to lead the flight or march of the other animals,
and to be heralded by a host of simple oblong figures, extending nearly half a mile in the same
direction. The main figure of the group is 286 feet in length. This and the figure infmedi-
ately preceding it are good representatives of the kind called lizards; while the two exterior
figures, having four projections or feet, are always called turtles by the most casual observer.
340 HISTORY OF AVAUKESHA COUNTY.
They are from two to six feet in height. A little north of the group represented on plate " e,"
is a very large mound ten feet in height and eighty feet in diameter. It had been opened prior
to our visit, but without important results. It has an appendage consisting of a slight ridge of
earth, sixty feet long, extending in a northerly direction. Immediately north of it is an exca-
vation from one to two feet in depth. The earth taken from this excavation, however, would
make but a small portion of the mound."
None of the ancient works along the Pishtaka (Fox) River, or in the vicinity of the lakes
of Waukesha County, have been built of brick, or in such a way as to indicate that they were
intended as fortifications ; and in this respect they differ from relics somewhat similar, farther
south. Even in Wisconsin, in the adjoining county of Jefferson, there was found at Aztalan a
very complete ruin of a pre-historic fortification, and it is probable that the forts were built by
the same people as the mounds. Who were the builders of all these works has long been, and
still continues to be, a puzzle ; and it is very doubtful whether students will ever be more
enlightened on the subject than they are at present, however desirable such enlightenment may
be, and how'ever diligently they may study the materials left behind by a race shrouded in
absorbing mystery.
There are some things, however, which may be accepted as proven. In the first place, the
Mound-Builders, so called, certainly did not belong to the known Indian nations of the Northern ,
States of this Union. The nature of the latter as to disinclination for manual labor renders
impossible any supposition including the idea of their having toiled for months and years in
erecting structures of any kind, and especially structures which could have been in no way
necessary to their physical well-being, for protection from hunger, the elements, or from ene-
mies.
In the second place, it is reasonably certain that the builders of these mounds did belong
to a race whose approach towards civilization was far beyond that of the lake Indian tribes.
The researches of the past few years have proved beyond a question that the valleys of Wiscon-
sin were once inhabited by people who made tools of copper, and a collection of chisels, axes,
arrow and spear heads, bits for drilling holes in wood, adzes, and many other implements, have
recently been added to the valuable collection of the State Historical Society, all of the articles
having been found beneath the surface of lands in Wisconsin.
The ability to work in copper shows a long stride forward from that state of barbarism
where no utensils or weapons are used except of wood and stone. So far we have facts, and
from these facts may be deduced certain theories, and for which no more respect is claimed than
from their own consistency they may seem to deserve.
For reasons that are derived from a long series of ethnological researches, it is thought
that the progenitors of the so-called native races of America were driven from Northeastern
Asia by the l?.ck of sufficient food to support the population ; and thence, along the Alaskan
coasts, in various directions, toward the interior and to the southward, extended in succes-
sive migrations over the continent. What these people may have been on their arrival in
America, is, of course, only a matter for conjecture ; but it is very safe, judging from the gen-
eral character of their descendants, to assume that they were little, if any, removed from the
lowest depths of barbarism. Ages upon ages must have elapsed before the particular descend-
ants, who made the ancient pottery and copper utensils of Wisconsin, and constructed its
mounds, had reached a degree of social elevation sufficient to enable them to devote themselves to
such labor. For the potters, coppersmiths and earth-bearers must have been supported by the labor
of others in the tilling of the soil and in the procuring and drying of meat and fish. In the lower
grades of barbarism, each individual provides for himself or herself,and children only, and that
but from day to day. Division of labor is unknown to them. They have not sufficient fore-
thought to perceive the advantage of supplying food to those Avho are engaged in useful labor of
a different kind, even, and still less would they submit to feed those who were performing a
work not of direct and visible importance.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 341
While the ancient inhabitants of this region were advancing to the degree that has been
stated, cultivating tobacco, beans, potatoes, Indian corn and other agricultural products, living
peaceful lives, and only disputing the possession of the soil with the ferocious beasts that had
an abiding-place here, their savage relatives in the North remained in a state of barbarism but
little better than their condition of hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of years before. At last,
they, too, increasing slowly in numbers, because of their ignorance and comparative care-
lessness in the treatment of their young, found their population too great for subsistence, and
the strongest and boldest of them set out for fresh fields, in which to secure the wherewithal to
live.
Slowly they came on toward the South, fighting with each other for the sole occupancy of
some fishing or hunting ground, and thus dividing into tribes and nations, till at last a portion
of them passed around Lake Superior and found the peaceful citizens of this country enjoying
the blessings of productive industry, but unable to defend themselves against the arrows of the
barbarous invader. It needs no great stretch of the imagination to conceive of the frightened
agriculturists taking the canoes with which they were wont to navigate the lakelets and rivers,
and once more seeking a home far enough to the south to feel safe from the persecutions of the
hardy northern races. They may have left their fields of beans, corn, potatoes and tobacco in
full or partial maturity ; but, at any rate, the new-comers seem to have gathered some hints in
regard to the production of those articles, and to have employed their women to some extent in
their cultivation. So also, the old canoes -left by the departing natives very probably taught
the invaders the fact that it is easy to construct of birch bark, a vessel which floats upon the
water, even when freighted with considerable weight. This knowledge was so much gained to
the barbarians, but they never improved upon it to any appreciable degree. It required less
exertion on their part, when the productions of any one region became more or less exhausted,
to remove by bands into some more desirable place, than to devise methods for improving their
opportunities at home. So the Mound-Builders, so-called, were gradually driven down its
numerous northern and eastern branches, to the Mississippi ; and their works are found as far
to the south as Vicksburg. In Arkansas and Tennessee, there are even evidences of former
roadways, and of burnt brick, which show that these people improved with time — and, we may
say, with travel.
When they were forced away from their last abiding-place on the Mississippi, they probably
turned to the Southwest and grew into that splendid half-civilized nation which constructed mag-
nificent works for religion and luxury about the lakes of Central Mexico, which even had books
of hieroglyphics written upon a sort of natural paper, but which was brushed away three hun-
dred and fifty years ago by Cortez and his handful of followers as a colony of industrious spiders
is brushed away by the broom of an housemaid.
Having thus given a very brief sketch of the probable hist try* of our early predecessors at
Waukesha, the question recurs — " What were these mounds intended for ? " There appears
to be little doubt that they were built as propitiatory offerings to imaginary gods, who were
supposed by the simple-minded inhabitants to dwell in the forms of the various animals found in
the regions where they lived.
The ancient Egyptians had similar ideas of the gods even after they were much farther
advanced in the arts of civilization than our Mound-Builders could have been ; and the suppo-
sition that these works of earth were for religious purposes seems to be the only hypothesis against
which no valid reason can be brought. At every place where the mounds existed there appears
to have been q,lso a more or less populous settlement, and it seems that the lizard, the turtle, or
the fox, the exaggerated image of which was built up out of the soil, was chosen as the guardian
and protector of that settlement, and worshiped in accordance with the power of which such
guardian was supposed to be possessed. The earth of which these basso relievos are composed
was scraped from the surface of the soil for acres in extent — no excavations corresponding to the
* No author or acientist has been trespassed upon for tbeje theories.
342 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA CO TXT Y.
mounds are generally found near them — and the labor entailed by this performance was doubt-
less considered to have been well bestowed. Possibly it may have been thought by the grangers
of those days that the more of their land was used to make gods of, the more the underlying soil
Would be blessed. There are mounds or tumuli in almost every town in the county, but those
represented in the following plates are the principal ones. Figure "f" represents the form in
miniature of a vessel of not very hard pottery, found by Truman "Wheeler (killed at Fond du
Lac in 1848 by t]^e fall of a treej, in a small mound a short distance down the Fox River from
Waukesha. That mound has long since been razed by the plow and harrow.
There might have been represented the outlines of a skull found in a circular mound on Morris
D. Cutler's land in Waukesha Village. Others were found in circular mounds ; but none were
found except those known to have been recently buried, the graves of which are represented on
plate " b," in the turtle or lizard mounds. The significance of this fact may possibly suggest
some theory to the reader. Most of the mounds contained no bones, and those which did con-
tain human remains were made long before the burials took place. The vessel mentioned above,
represented' in Figure "f," had small, round holes on either side of its top, which were supposed
to have been used as fastening-places for a string by which to transport it. The capacity of the
vessel was about two quarts.
The plate of the skull might be inserted, not because of any historic fact that it transmits or
illustrates, but simply as a shadow rescued from the limitless domain of oblivion ; the outline
of a being whose name was never written, whose face no civilized man ever saw, and whose his-
tory, further than that he lived and died, will never be known. These outlines can lead the gen-
erations of the mysterious future into the pathless desert of the past, curiosity-laden, but they
will return as barren of knowledge as ourselves concerning his history.
AN ANCIENT DOCUMENT.
A very curious, ancient and interesting deed is given place in this volume for two reasons.
One is that it seems to be the first record of the first conveyance of any land in what is now
Waukesha ; and the second, that it is believed to show that the now world-famous Waukesha
Mineral Springs were known and named more than a century ago, and were the unmovable and,
indestructible boundary-line marks of a tract of land mentioned in the following document :
To all people to whom these presents shall come, Greeting : Know ye that we, Tomaroa, or Gabriel ; Petaguage, or Michael ;
Maughquayah, or .John Baptiste; Couroway Kicounaisa, or Fish; and Toutowaraganih, or Peter, sometimes called La
Cloche, or the Bell, Kaskaskias Chiefs; Maughquinthepe, or Bea;r's Head; otherwise called the Black Dog; Mein-
quipaumiah, Achiswewah, and Eschawinikiwah, Pervariahs and Cahoquias Chiefs ; chiefs and sachems of the differ-
ent tribes of the Illinois nations of Indians, and being and effectually representing all the tribes of the said Illinois
Indians, send greeting:
Whereas, William Murray, of the Illinois country, merchant, one of the grantees hereinafter named, as well
for himself as on the parts and behalfs of the several other grantees herein also after named, did at several coufer-
enoes publicly held with us, the said chiefs and sachems, at Kaskaskias Village, in the Illinois country aforesaid, treat
and confer with us, the said chiefs and sachems, for the purchase of certain quantities or tracts of land belonging and
appertaining unto us and to the several tribes or nations of Indians whom we represent; and
Whereas, We, the said chiefs and sachems, have deliberately and maturely considered for ourselves,- and con-
sulted with the natives of our several tribes or nations, of the requests and proposals made as aforesaid by the said
William Murray, for himself and others, to us, the said chiefs and sachems ; and
Whereas, We, the said chiefs and sachems, as well as the other natives of our several tribes or nations, are
fully satisfied and contented (for the consideration hereinafter mentioned) to grant and confirm unto the said William
Murray, and to the other grantees hereinafter named, the several tracts or quantities of land, hereinafter bounded
and described :
Now know ye, therefore, that we, the said chiefs and sachems of the several tribes of the Illinois Indians afore-
said in full and public council assembled, at Kaskaskias Village aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of five
shillings, to us in hand paid by the said William Murray, and for and in consideration of the following goods and mer-
chandise to us, the said Tomaroa, Petaguage, Maughquayah, Couroway, Kicounaisa, Toutowaraganih, Maughquin-
thepe, Achiswewah, Meinquipaumiah and Eschawinikiwah, paid and delivered in full council aforesaid, that
is to say, 260 strouds, 250 blankets, 3-50 shirts, 150 pairs of stroud and half-thick stockings, 150 stroud
breech-cloths, 500 pounds of gunpowder, 4,003 pounds of lead, one gro^s of knives, thirty pounds of vermilion,
2.000 gun-flints, 200 pounds of brass kettles, 200 pounds of tobicco, three dozen gilt looking-glasses, one gross
of gui-worms, two gross of awls, one gross of fire-steels, sixteen dozen of gartering, 10,000 pounds of flour,
Plate B.
Indian Grav& on/ Turtle ITouniL
J\.
IncLUmy Grav&
Figf.
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TURTLE MOUND GROUP
WAUKESHA.
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Plate C
Scale -^ ffi.Wan Imh/
if .f^
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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 345
6Q0 bushels of Indian corn, twelve horses, twelve horned cattle, twenty bushels of salt and twenty guns, the
receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge, have granted, bargained, sold, aliened, released, enfeoffed, ratified, and
fully confirmed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien, release, enfeoff, ratify and fully confirm unto the
said William Murray, Moses Franks and Jacob Franks, of the city of London, in the Kingdom of Great Britain,
Esquires ; David Franks, John Inglis, Bernard Gratz, Michael Gratz, Alexander Ross, David Sproat and James MilU-
gan, all of the city of Philadelphia, in the Province of Pennsylvania, merchants; Moses Franks, of the same city,
attorney at law ; Andrew Hamilton and William Hamilton, of the same city, gentlemen ; Edmund Milnes, of the same
city, goldsmith and jeweler; Joseph Simons and Levi Andrew Levi, of the town of Lancaster, in the county of Lan-
caster, and province aforesaid, merchants; Thomas Minshall, of York County, and province aforesaid, Esquire; Rob-
ert Calender and William Thompson, of Cumberland County and province aforesaid, Esquires ; John Campbell, of
Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County and province aforesaid, merchant; George Castles, of the Illinois country afore-
said, and James Rumsey, late of the same county, merchants, their heirs and assigns, in the severality, or unto his
Most Sacred Majesty George III, by tbe grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, defender of the
faith, etc., his heirs and successors, for the use. benefit and behoof of all the said several above-named grantees,
their heirs and assigns, in severalty, as aforesaid (by whichever of these tenures the said grantees may most legally
hold the same), the two several tracts or parcels of land hereinafter described and bounded, viz.:
One tract or parcel of land, situate, lying and being on the east side of the River Mississippi, beginning at the
mouth of the Heron Creek, called by the French the River of Mary, being about a league below the mouth of Kaskaskias
River ; thence a northward of east course, in a direct line back to the Hilly Plains, eight leagues or thereabouts, be
the same more or less ; thence the same course, in a direct line, to the Crabtree Plains, seventeen leagues or there-
abouts, be the same more or less ; thence the same course, in a direct line, to a remarkable place known by the name
of the Big Buffalo Hoofs, seven leagues or thereabouts, be the same more or less ; thence the same course, in a direct
line, to the Salt Lick Creek, about seven leagues, be the same 'more or less; then, crossing the said creek about one
league below the ancient Shawanese town, in an easterly or a little to the north of east course, in a direct line to the
River Ohio, about four leagues, be the same more or less; then down the Ohio by the several courses thereof, until it
empties itself in the Mississippi, about thirty-five leagues, be the same more or less ; and then up the
Mississippi, by the several courses thereof, to the place of beginning, thirty-three leagues, or thereabouts,
be the same more or less ; and also one other piece or parcel of land, situate, lying, or being on the east
side of the Mississippi, beginning at a place or point in a direct line opposite to the mouth of the Missouri River;
thence up the Mississippi by the several courses thereof, to the mouth of the Illinois River, about six leagues, b^e the
same more or less ; then up the Illinois River, by the several courses thereof, to Chicagou, or Garlick Creek, about
ninety leagues, or thereabouts, be the same more or less ; then nearly a northerly course, in a direct line, to a certain
place remarkable, being the ground on which an engagement, or battle, was fought about forty or fifty years ago
between the Pewaria and Renard Indians, about fifty leagues, be the same more. or less ; thence, by the same course,
in a direct line, to the two remarkable hills* close together, in the middle of a large prairie, or plain, about fourteen
leagues, be the same more or less ; thence a north by east course, in a direct line, to a remarkable spring, known by the
Indians by the name of Foggy Spring, f about fourteen leagues, be the same more or less ; thence the same course, in a direct
line, to a great mountain to the northward of the White Buffalo Plain, about fifteen leagues, be the same luore or less ;
thence nearly a southwest course, in a direct line, to the place of beginning, about forty leagues, be the same more or
less ; and also all minerals, ores, trees, woods, underwoods, water, water-courses, profits, commodities, advantages,
rights, liberties, privileges, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever, to the said two several tracts or parcels of
land, belonging, or in anywise appertaining, and also the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rents,
issues and profits thereof, and of every part and parcel thereof, and all the estate, right, title,, and interest, use, prop-
erly, possession, claim and demand of them, the said Tomaroa, Petaguage, Maughquayah, Couroway, Kicounaisa,
Tontowaraganih, Maughquinthepe, Achiswewah, Meinquipaumiah and Eschawinikiwah, chiefs and sachems afore-
said, and of all and every other person and persons whatsoever, of or belonging to the said nations, of, unto, and out
of, the premises, and every part and parcel thereof; to have and to hold the said several tracts or parcels of land, and
all and singular the said granted or bargained premises, with the appurtenances, unto them, the said William Murray,
Moses Franks, Jacob Franks, David Franks, John Inglis, Bernard Gratz, Michael Gratz, Alexander Ross, David Sproat,
James Milligan, Moses Franks, Andrew Hamilton, William Hamilton, Edmund Milnes, Joseph Simon, Levi Andrew
Levi, Thomas Minshall, Robert Calender, William Thompson, John Campbell, George Castles and James Piumsey, their
heirs and assigns, forever, in severalty, or unto his said Majesty, his heirs and successors, to and for thS use, benefit,
and behoof of the said grantees, their heirs and assigns, forever, in severalty, as aforesaid; and the said Tomaroa,
Pelaguage, Maughquayah, Couroway, Kicounaisa, Tontowaraganih, Maughquinthepe, Achiswewah, Meinquipaumiah
and Eschawinikiwah, for themselves and for their several tribes of the Illinois nations, and all and every other nation
and na ions, tributaries and dependants on the said Illinois Indians, and their and every of their posterities,
the said several tracts of land and premises, and every part thereof, against them the said Tomaroa, Petagunge, Maugh-
quayah, Couroway, Kicounaisa, Tontowaraganih, Maughquinthepe, Achiswewah, Meinquipaumiah and Eschawiniki-
wah, and against the said Illinois nations, and their tributaries, and dependants, and all and every of their posteri-
ties* unto the said William Murray, Moses Franks, Jacob Franks, David Franks, John Inglis, Bernard Gratz, Michael
Gratz, Alexander Ross, David Sproat, James Milligan, Moses Franks, Andrew Hamilton, William Hamilton, Edmund
Milnes, Joseph Simon, Levi Andrew Levi, Thomas Minshall, Robert Calender, William Thompson, John Campbell,
George Castles and James Rumsey, their heirs and assigns, in severalty, or unto his said Majesty, his heirs and suc-
cessors, to and for the only use, benefit and behoof of the said grantees, their heirs and assigns in severalty, as afore-
said, shall and will warrant, and forever defend, by these presents.
* Sapposed to be pre-historic mounds which have since been leveled.
t Foggy Spring is supposed to be either the Mineral Rock or Bethesda Spring.
346 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In witness whereof, we, the said chiefs and sachems, in behalf of ourselves respectively, and in behalf of all
the different tribes of the Illinois Indiana as aforesaid, have hereunto set our hands and seals, in the presence of the
persons subscribing as witnesses hereunto, at a public council held at Kaskaskias Village aforesaid, this 5th day of
July, in the thirteenth year of his Majesty's reign, and in the year of our Lord 1773.
ToMAKOA, or Gabriel
(being baptized), a Chief of the Kaskaskias. His X mark,
Petaguagb, or Michael
(being baptized), a Chief of the Kaskaskias. His X mark.
Madqbquayah, or John Baptiste
(being baptized), a Chief of the Kaskaskias. HisX mark.
COUROWAT,
a Chief of the Kaskaskias. His X mark,
KicouNAiSA, or Fish,
a Chief of the Kaskaskias. His X mark.
TONTOWARAGANIAH, Or PeTER
(being baptized), a Chief of the Kaskaskias. His Xmark,
Mauohqdinthepe, or Black Dog,
a Chief of the Pewariahs. His X mark.
AOHISWEWAH,
a Chief of the Pewariahs. His X mark.
Eschawinikiwah,
a Chief of the Pewariahs. His X mark.
Meinquipaumiah,
a Chief of the Cahoquias. His X mark.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us. The word (thousand) in the twenty-eighth line of the first page
being first written upon an erasure. The word (course) in the fifteenth line and the word (Murray) in the twenty-
eighth line of the second page being first interlined; and also (Meinquipaumiah), the last subscribing chief of the
Cahqouias, his name was first interlined in two places in the first page, and the same chief's name was also interlined
in three places in the second page of these presents before signing.
Sealed and delivered in presence of us. All the foregoing interlineations, erasure and writing on the erasure
being first made, the considerations in the above written deed-poll being also delivered in our presence to the said
chiefs, the said deed was translated or explained by Richard Winston in French to Michael Danuee, an inhabitant of
the said village of Kaskaskias, and to Piero Bloit, Indian interpreter for the Crown, who explained and interpreted
the same to the said Indian chiefs in council. The said Michael and Piero Bloit, interpreters, cannot write their
names. Datchserut,
J. Merier,
Lapier,
Patt Kennedy,
William Connell,
Page,
Lao HEN AY,
ViVIERT,
Oaptaine le Milice,
J. Morris,
Richard Winston,
French Interpreter.
Kaskaskias, Illinois Country, ss.
Personally appeared before me, Richard Winston and Michael Dannee, of the country aforesaid, inhabitants,
and Piero Bloit, Indian interpreter for his Majesty at this place, who, -being solemnly sworn upon the Holy Evangel-
ists, do depose and say as follows, viz.; The said Richard Winston deposethand saith that he acted as French inter-
preter daring the negotiation of the purchase of the lands in the foregoing deed-poll, bounded and described ; that
he, the said Richard Winston, did, to the best of his knowledge and understanding, faithfully interpret and explain
in the French language, to the said Michael Dannee and Piero Bloit, the purport or tenor of the aforesaid deed-poll,
the considerations therein expressed, the boundaries of the lands thereby bargained and sold to the grantees therein
named, and was a subscribing witness to the executing ot the same deed, as well as present at the delivery of the con-
sideration in the said deed mentioned. The said Michael Dannee and Piero Bloit depose and say that they both
acted as Indian interpreters in the said transaction ; that they, to the best of their knowledge and understanding,
did faithfully interpret and explain to the several chiefs whose marks are affixed to the foregoing deed grant, the pur-
port of the same, as it was interpreted or explained to the deponents in the French language by the said Richard
Winston; that the said Michael Dannee and Piero Bloit were present at the executing the aforesaid deed or grant, but
that they cannot write their names. Riohabd Winston,
Michael Dannee, His X mark.
Piero Bloit, His X mark.
Hugh Lord,
Captain Eighteenth Regiment, Commandant Illinois Country.
Fort Gage, July 20, 1773.
Enregistre au Livre V., en men etude, aux Kaskaskias, pages 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, et 29. Deuxieme
Septembre, 1773. Vieebault Lemeranoe, Nolaire Public.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 347
According to the terms of the above document, hind enough (about one-half of Waukesha
County was supposed to have been included in the tract), for two goodly States was bargained
away for a canoe-load of " truck."
FIRST SETTLEMENT OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The precise date of civilized man's first visit to Waukesha County is not and never can be
known. A man named Vieu, Solomon Juneau's father-in-law, visited Prairie Village and Mukwon-
ago in 1804-05. He was a trader, to whose business Mr. Juneau succeeded. In 1817,
Samuel A. Starrow was in Pewaukee, Brookfield, Menomonee, and probably Lisbon and
Berlin. But none of these visits were of long duration. The first resident, of whose doings
there is any certain account extant, was Aumable Vieau, Solomon Juneau's brother-in-law, now
a resident of Muskego. As nearly as he can recollect, he was sent by his father to Prairie Vil-
lage in 1827, to trade with the Pottawatomies, then the sole occupants of this vicinity. Here
he remained about two years, and, during that_ time, never saw any person but the Indians.
When, therefore, his father came, he found he had lost his language — the French — and could
only converse in Pottawatomie, with which his father was also familiar.
The Indians, at that time, were exceedingly hostile toward the whites, and all that saved
the Vieaus from assassination was the fear amongst the tribe that any violence toward their
French friends would cut off the supply of ammunition, calico, beads and tobacco. Mr. Vieau's
home, while with the Pottawatomies, was not far from what is now known as the Mineral Rock
Spring, in Waukesha Village. They had a very large village at this point, one at Pewaukee
and one at Mukwonago. Mr. Vieau lived with them entirely. He not only sold goods for his
father, but went from place to place to collect of the Indians, thus learning nine tribal
languages, all of which he understood perfectly and spoke fluently. The traders granted the
Indians credit, some to the value of $10, some $25, some $100, and some as high as $500, and,
says Mr. Vieau, they always got their pay. This pay it was particularly Mr. Vieau's business to
collect, which he did by taking various kinds of skins. He could have had any amount of land
anywhere in Waukesha County, as the Pottawatomies would have willingly given him all he
wanted; but the idea that the country would ever be settled by the whites, or that the Indians
would so soon disappear, or that the land would ever be valuable, never occurred to him at
that time.
Mr. Vieau visited all the principal points in Waukesha County during several years. But
these visits, even though lengthened into years, can by no means be properly termed settle-
ments. The parties mentioned did not intend to make Waukesha their home; did not even
come to look for land.
The first persons to enter the county, after due deliberation, with the intention of cultivat-
ing the soil and establishing homes, were Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler, who arrived at
Waukesha, probably, about the 7th of May, 1834. A young man of the name of Henry Luther, who
worked for the Cutlers by the month at La Porte, Ind., accompanied them in the same capacity
to Waukesha on their first visit, but never became a permanent settler. A local historian thus
describes the journey of these three :
" Their journey to Milwaukee was not a pleasant one, for roads were unknown in those
days. The settlei's' houses had not yet been established so as to answer the purposes of inns to
weary emigrants. They journeyed on horseback, following the shore of the lakes, bivouacked
wherever night overtook them, taking their food from their knapsacks and making their beds
with the blankets which were fastened to their saddles. When they turned inland from Mil-
waukee, they found a delightful change from the monotonous scenery of the lake. Oak open-
ings were spread over the undulating surfacie of the ground, and at the feet of these monarchs
of the forest, there was no undergrowth of tangled brush to obscure the view or to impede the
progress of the travelers. The green grass of the prairie received the shimmering sunlight
through the leaves abo\'e, and clumps oi" wild roses and prairie-flowers of a hundred hues added
348 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
the beauty of infinite variety to the prospect. Now and then the loftier heads of tamaracks
would indicate the marshy ground which they must avoid, but these did not occur so often as to
excite fears regarding the salubrity of the new country. We can well imagine that, when these
three youths had reached the eminence overlooking the magaificent valley of the Pishtaka (or
Fox River), they considered it as nearly a realization of an earthly paradise as was likely to be
attained through years of wandering. Far over the hills in every direction appeared^the soft,
velvety green of the oak trees, while at one side of the amphitheater at their feet was spread
out a little prairie on whiih only an occasional tree relieved the monotony of the wild grasses
and flowers. Near the foot of the western bluffs, the serpentine Pishtaka sparkled at intervals
through the overhanging verdure, and a dozen miles away appeared the lofty range of Delafield
Hills, blue and dim in the distance. Near them were clumps of hazel-bushes, on which the
pale-green buds gave promise of a plentiful harvest of nuts, and the myriads of strawberry-
blossoms at either hand awakened thoughts of luxurious repasts in the near future. The smoke
rolled lazily up from Indian encampments for miles along the river, and to the hospitality of the
wandering Pottawatomies our travelers were glad to entrust themselves, while they, pursued
their investigations with more minuteness."
The Cutlers at once blazed out their claims on the east bank of the Fox River, one of
which embraced the water power. In fact, the rapids at this place, which, with the then far
more liberal flow of water, were mainly instrumental in stopping the young " Hoosiers " at
Waukesha, for the stream at that time promised to become a valuable piece of property for
manufacturing purposes. The Cutlers at once began the erection of two " claim shanties," one,
perhaps, between Blair's machine shop and the post oflice, and the other near the site of Morris
D. Cutler's present residence. The immediate surroundings were thickly covered with hazel
brush and a tangle of other small trees, with here and there at^ large oak. The house nearest
the river, erected for Alonzo R. Cutler, was finished a few days before the one on Morris D.
Cutler's claim. This was the first settlement, these two the first settlers, and these the first
claims made in Waukesha County. As the centuries roll on, and all vestiges of primitive Wau-
kesha County are crushed out and polished away by the half billion people who will inhabit the
United States before they are as old as China, let it never be forgotten that the two brothers,
Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler, the former being still a hale and active resident of the village
of Waukesha, were the first settlers of Waukesha County. The honor, however, of being the
pioneer settler, mostly belongs to Morris ; for, while his brother only remained a few years, he
has resided upon his first claim over forty-six years, and intends to end his life upon the same
spot. He is put down as an " odd character," and he certainly is the possessor of numerous
eccentricities. During the first years of his residence in Waukesha, Mr. Cutler went bare-
footed and bare-headed in summer, and he frequently had no boots for winter. In place of
boots or shoes he wore cloth moccasins— without stockings — made in his own rude way. He
frequently labored all day in the open air of the coldest winter weather with "overalls" for
pantaloons, and a single shirt for coat, vest and overcoat. Thus he earned the reputation,
among the other pioneers, of being "tougher than a biled owl." Mr. Cutler is still straight,
broad-shouldered and bony, though past the allotted three-score and ten years, and no day passes
that he does not perform more or less manual labor. The Real Estate Journal, whose editor
has known Mr. Cutler forty-four years, contained the following sketch in January, 1879 :
" His wealth has not been obtained by speculation or by taking any chances whatever, but
by buying 160 acres of land of the Government at $1.25 per acre, platting it into village lots,
and, at first, selling them at a low price, very frequently receiving nothing in advance; but
there was always an obligation behind to build on lots so sold, thus enabling many a poor man
to make a home for himself in a very short time. Of course, some never paid up the principal
or interest, the property thereby reverting back to the original owner ; but no man can say that
Mr. Cutler ever took advantage of his position to distress one living being. On the contrary,
he has very often been imposed upon by his leniency. We believe it is a fact that cannot be
contradicted, that he has never foreclosed a mortgage on any property he ever sold in Waukesha.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 34&
A good many of our people call Mr. Cutler penurious, declaring he never gives anything to any
object. That is because they do not comprehend his motives. He gives more to the poor every
year than all the rest of the people in Waukesha. He never gives to an object simply because
some one has solicited aid from him. He does things in his own way, and takes his own time
for it. None can say that Mr. Cutler has not done a good deal for Waukesha — more than any
one or half a dozen men that are reputed to be well off. ' Well,' say they, 'he has no one to
care for, and can afford to give to almost every object that is presented to hirn.' What he has
he honestly earned, and no man has a right te say how or in what way he shall dispose of it.
He has made valuable donations to Carroll College, to most of our churches (in the way of lots,
or by selling at reduced prices), and many a family can attest to his generosity. His good old
father, now ninety-seven years old, was at his house less than one year since, and, beinfl;
acquainted with him, we called upon him, and, after some conversation, he said : ' How is Morris
getting along here, where he is dealing with so many that have bought property 'of him ? ' Then
he said: ' I hear a good account of him in one thing, and that is that he is good to the poor.'
" Strangers who come to our village and look over Mr. Cutler's beautiful grounds of some
seven acres are apt to cultivate his acquaintance ; they spend hours and hours with him, talking
about the early days of his sojourn in Waukesha. The Indians with the three beautiful mounds
in his park are subjects of animated conversation. Strangers invariably ask him who built
those mounds, and he as invariably says : ' I and the Indians built them, and we buried old
Chief Waukesha in the large one and his two squaws on each side in the smaller ones. The
small ones are called his right and left hand supporters.'
"Mr. Cutler began to make his park, the first year he came here, by planting trees, which
he has kept up until the present time. He has a mania for trees. He has now some twenty-five
or thirty different varieties in his park, and some day not far distant it will be a lovely place ;
it now beats anything that we have seen in the West, taking the location into account. A great
many persons ask Mr. Cutler what he is going to do with such a nice park, and why he does
not improve it. He almost invariably tells them ' that he is going to sell it, or get him a young
wife and occupy it himself ' Well, how much do you ask for it ? ' ' Oh, I don't know, how
much will you give ? ' In this way he draws out people to get their views of the value of the
property in their estimation. There are a good many people, who have known him for years,
who think he is not very shrewd ; but let these people undertake to make a trade with him, and
they will find he knows all about the vahie of property, and can give his reasons for it. He
never makes a trade because somebody wants him to. He never gives anything because some-
body asks him to. He has a mind of his own on all subjects, and is able to maintain his posi-
tion, and therefore has a strong individuality. He thinks for himself, and talks and acts for
himself Such men always succeed. He is a very quiet man, minds his own business, and is
kind to those that have respect for him. All good citizens who are honest and mean to do right,
and are prompt with him, can get most any favor they ask for; but if they deceive him, it is
all day with them. ' Still, he has a kind and forgiving spirit toward those who have wronged him.
" He is from a long-lived family, and his habits are correct in eating, drinking and sleep-
ing. He will, no doubt, live to a good old age. He was once married and had a most estimable
woman, who was beloved by all who knew her ; she died some eighteen or twenty years since.
Mr. Cutler has always had the name of being economical in everything that pertains to this
life. Sometimes we have thought he did this to be odd, but we long ago learned that it was
from habits that he had formed in an early day in this then new country. Everybody then was
obliged to live close, and very often on short rations. This saving has grown with his growth
and strengthened with his strength, so that we expect he will live and die with those same habits
of honesty and industry. He will leave a very large property to somebody. He has no
family.
" We have given our views of Mr. Cutler (imperfectly), because we believe it due to our
oldest inhabitant that something should be said that will make us remember him, perhaps more
vividly in the future, and, maybe, after he is dead and gone.
350 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" It would be strange if Mr. Cutler did not have some enemies ; but he has as few as any
man we ever knew. No one doubts his good intentions, and it is proverbial in Waukesha that
his word is as good as his bond."
These pioneers were all the inhabitants, except the Indians, that what is now Waukesha
could claim during the year 1834. They returned to Indiana during the cold months of the
winter of 1834-35, but came back early the following spring, bringing additional stock, farming
utensils, and several other families.
This, briefly, is the story of the first settlement in what is now Waukesha County. Sub-
sequent settlements, which were first in their respective localities, will be found in the various
town histories.
GOVERNMENT LAND DISTRICTS AND OFFICES.
By the end of 1833, a large amount of the public land in what is now Southern and East-
ern Wisconsin had been surveyed, and the fact being duly reported by the Surveyor General,
Congress, by an act approved June 26, 1834, created two land districts. They embraced all
that tract north of the State of Illinois, west of Lake Michigan, south and southeast of the
Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, included in the then Territory of Michigan. It was divided by a
north and south line, drawn from the northern boundary of Illinois, between Ranges 8 and 9,
to the Wisconsin River. All east of that line was called the Green Bay Land District ; all
west, the Wisconsin Land District. Within the first-mentioned district was included the present
county of Waukesha. A land office for this Eastern District was established at Green Bay,
which was duly opened by the Government, and a notice given of a public sale of all the then
surveyed public lands lying therein. In accordance with this announcement, a sale took place
at Green Bay in 1835. So far as known, not an acre of land within the limits of Wankesha
County was disposed of at this sale. As the southern and eastern portions of 'the State were
settling much more rapidly than any others, and as it was becoming obviously unjust to compel
settlers to journey to Green Bay to make entries, the Territory was divided into three districts,
— the Green Bay, Mineral Point and Milwaukee, with offices at each of those points. The
Milwaukee District was bounded on the south by Illinois ; on the east by Lake Michigan ; on
the west by Range 9 (near a line passing north through Madison) ; and on the north by the
south line of Town 11 (just south of Port Washington, Juneau and West Bend). In this dis-
trict the first public sale took place in 1839.
CLAIM COMMITTEE AND LAWS.
In early days, there were no laws in Waukesha County, except those the settlers brought
with them, or agreed to abide by as emergencies arose. The laws most urgently required were
such as would protect settlers, not simply against speculators, or land-sharks, as they were
called, but against the encroachments of each other. The lands had not been surveyed, nor ofiered
by the Government for sale ; any person, therefore, had a right to " squat " wherever fancy led
him. But as, in the absence of laws and legal boundaries, several parties might claim the same
tract or building site, the settlers mutually agreed to abide by certain claim laws, improvised by
themselves. Many of these laws were never even committed to paper ; but they were well
known and thoroughly understood, and it was an unlucky hour when any settler broke the least
of them. In fact, so far as Waukesha County is concerned, disobedience to claim laws was
almost wholly unknown.
The Claim Committee consisted of John Manderville, the first Justice of the Peace, and
one of the very early settlers. Nelson Olin and Israel W. Porter, who held claim court for trying
cases in the same manner as any other case would be tried before a court and jury, adjusting all
contests in Milwaukee (which included Waukesha) County. If their decision was not satisfac-
tory, an appeal could be taken to Milwaukee, where a Claim Committee for several counties
resided, and the decision of this committee was final. But few disputes came before this com-
mittee for settlement, the most important one being that in which Messrs. McMillan and Sargeant
HISTORY OF WAUKE.sHA COUJfTY. 351
claimed the tract on which the Cutlers had erected the first house built by the whites in the
county. It was finally settled by the Cutlers agreeing to pay a certain sum to the claimants,
after a contest lastini; several days.
To illustrate the tricks resorted to for the purpose of securing land, may be mentioned the
case of a New Englander, or Yankee, who found a claim had been made on a piece of land which
he especially desired to secure. He, therefore, sent his wife in the night to Milwaukee, where
she took several baskets of potato plants, which were two or three inches in height, from a garden
near that village. While she was accomplishing this, her husband plowed and harrowed a patch
.on the coveted tract, and before morning, potatoes three inches in height were growing in the
apparent usual thrift upon it. The real owner was amazed when he discovered the magic trans-
formation, and was at a loss what course to pursue. He insisted that he was on the potato-patch
one or two days before, and the land had not even been plowed. This, in the face of the rows
of lusty potatoes, was difficult to believe. The wronged settler saw it, and was grieved accord-
ingly. Finally a pioneer, who afterward became a noted and successful politician, took a spade
and began to dig on the potato-patch, giving no reason for his course. In a few minutes, the
spade turned up the under or grass side of the sod, and behold ! the grass upon it was as fresh
and green as that of the prairie surrounding the patch ! The sod had not been turned long
enough to cause the grass to become yellow. The rightful owner of the soil dug thirty-one
bushels of potatoes from that patch in the fall, for next day the Yankee who attempted this novel
trick was not to be found in the neighborhood. He moved to a neighboring county, and became
u wealthy and respected citizen. His name may be read in the " Blue Book," as a member of
the Legislature of Wisconsin, several years ago.
The extreme sturdiness with which the pioneers stood by each other and upheld the cause
of right, in the days when there was no law but the underlying principles of the golden rule, is
worthy of the most sacred preservation. The brief mention of a single case will suffice to
illustrate :
In what is now one of the richest towns in Waukesha County, a poor man had built a
cabin on a desirable claim which was not taken at land sale. A gentleman who afterward
became honorable and prominent in the civil and political affairs of the county, came to that
section to settle, and signified his intention to purchase the tract on which the poor man, with
his large family and sick wife, was struggling along. The neighbors told him not to do it, as
pioneers always stood by each other, and it would not be safe for him to turn the family out of
house and home. A deputation also went to Milwaukee and informed the late Rufus Parks,
then in the Land Office, of the circumstances, and requested him to persuade the stranger not
to purchase the coveted tract from under a poor man's sick family, as it would certainly result
in trouble.
The stranger replied that he knew his rights as an American citizen, and demanded to
have a patent of the land. Mr. Parks remonstrated, but could do nothing else, as the money
Was tendered by the indignant stranger.
As soon as the land was bought, the neighbors — and any one within a radius of twenty-
five or thirty iniles was a neighbor in those days — held a meeting to decide what should be
done. Some were for lynching, some for tar and feathers and some for running him out of the
country under a lash. Finally, after many serious threats and determined efforts to carry them
out, the law-and-order folks prevailed and a conservative plan was adopted. The settlers
resolved to have nothing whatever to do with the " hard-hearted new-comer," as they called him.
The T'agon-maker resolved not to repair the stranger's wagons ; the blacksmith, not to shoe his
horses ; the merchants, not to deal with him — in short, he was to be totally ignored and shunned
in every possible way by everybody. At these resolutions the stranger laughed jeeringly.
In the mean time, four big-hearted settlers gave each five acres of land on the joining corners
of their farms, thus making a fine little farm of twenty acres, enriched and sanctified by such
whole-souled generosity as the county will never see again, for the poor man and his family ;
and, as a coronation to the good work, the neighbors clubbed together and built him a snug house.
352 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Next came the business of ostracising and freezing out the stranger. The resolutions
were all adhered to with crushing rigidity, and, in addition, his children had no playmates at
school ; were scorned and taunted with the sins of their father, and no one ofiFered seats to the
family at church or recognized them in any manner.
This went on for a time without much apparent eiFecc. Finally, the gentleman began to
bow and speak to his neighbors as he met them, attempting to win the friendship, if possible, of
some one. But all efforts in that direction, however polished and persuasive, utterly failed. At
last, wholly unable to bear up longer under the ostracism that was all the more crushing in
those days of generosity and unlimited warmheartedness, he sent for two or three neighbors.
They came. " I can live no longer like this," said the haggard pioneer. " My children refuse
to go to school ; my wife is in tears and utter loneliness, and I — I — well, I am no better off.
I now see I did wrong by the poor man who had claimed this land, and I am willing to make
amends. I can see in these noble-hearted men, who have stood by him like brothers in his
hour of need, such qualities as I do not wish to leave behind. I am determined to stay with
you. Pay back the original sum the land cost me and I will give it up, more than cheerfully,
and make me a home somewhere else near by."
The neighbors saw he was penitent, was a man of ability and would make a good citizen.
He had made a mistake in attempting to override the unwritten pioneer laws ; was sorry, and
ready to make amends. The matter was therefore adjusted ; friendships established which
lasted until death, and that stranger became afterward one of the good citizens and respected
and honored public officials of the county, holding several high positions of trust.
His name would not be dishonored in the use of this case to illustrate the noble qualities
of the men who left behind all the comforts and luxuries of civilization, to turn the wilderness
into a garden, for his after-life blotted out the wrong done when he attempted to go to the limits
of the laws of the United States, but break those of the pioneers, and he forever after was a
true friend to those in sorrow or need.
LAND SALE.
To the settlers who held claims, or occupied lands in Waukesha County previous to 1839,
the land sale was the most important event in their history up to that time. A comparatively
large number of claims had been taken — that is, shanties had been built on lands marked out
as near, with the four cardinal points of the compass as the rude appliances of the time would
permit, and bounded by "blazed" trees or stakes. These boundaries were respected among
themselves by the actual settlers ; but not by the "land-sharks," as the speculators were called.
These sharks, unless prevented by some united action on the part of the actual settlers, could
make such claimant "bid up" his land to a high figure, or lose it together with all the
improvements he had made, perhaps through the greatest sacrifices. Many of the settlers under-
stood, from costly experience, the manner ia which the sharks had operated in other States,
which was like this : Some of them did not have a dollar with which to back their bids. This,
class would go to a settler and say they had fixed upon bidding off his claim, no matter how
high the bidding might be carried ; but if he would pay them $100, or some other sum then and
there, they would not molest him. Hundreds of settlers came to such terms as these, thus put-
ting thousands of dollars into the pockets of a set of men rightly named sharks, and rendering
many of the claimants unable to pay for their lands. Those who were financially disabled in this
manner, as well as others who could not command sufficient cash to pay for their lands, engaged
to pay from 25 to 60 per centum interest, and more than half of this class lost their claims entirely
and were compelled to start anew in another locality.
Other sharks who had the money added greater certainty to their nefarious business. They
said nothing to the settler claimants, but always out-bid any one of them who had a particularly
valuable piece of land, or had made such extensive and permanent improvements thereon as would
make a forced abandonment of them disastrous. After they had outbid the settler, this class of
HISTORY OF W.\UKESHA COUNTY. 353
sharks went to each claimant and offered to make terms of abandonment, nearly always succeed-
ing in getting large sums of money, a horse, or several head of cattle. This exasperating busi^
ness was soon squelched by the settlers of what is now Waukesha County.
The land was oifered for sale, as provided by law, to the highest bidder [provided, howeverj
that no bid for less than ten shillings ($1.25) per acre was entertained], on a platform in front
of a building located pretty near the site of the present Custom House in Milwaukee.
Col. Morton, a Kentucky gentleman, was Register of the Land Office at Milwaukee, and
offered the lands for sale, and the late Rufus Parks, who died at Oconomonoc, was receiver and
took the money. Each town appointed a "shark committee," consisting of several of the
strongest and most fearless men in it, whose business it then became to look after the speculators,
and also appointed a keen and trustworthy man who knew the location of all the claims in the
town for which he was appointed, to do all the bidding. He took his stand near the Register,
and when any claimed section or quarter was offered, would bid ten shillings for it, by direction
of its claimant. The real claimant made no bid ; but if any speculator or shark offered to run
the land up above the lowest Government price, the " shark committee " would grab him and
start for the river. He generally would withdraw his bid before going far ; but if not, he was
" doused" until he did. The settlers thus secured their lands at the lowest Government price,
each town having a " bidder " and a " shark committee."
Land sale for what is now Waukesha County began the second week in October, 1839, and
lasted until all the lands had been offered. " Specie," that is, gold and silver, was required to.
pay for lands, except that Illinois bank bills had been declared "land-office " money, and were
received in payment for lands.
Mr. Cutler, father to M. D. Cutler, of Waukesha, the oldest settler in the county, brought
$10,000 of. this money from La Porte, Ind., to help his son and any friends who had
settled in this county, in case the land sharks made a fight. This large sum, for those days,
was not needed, as the "shark committees " of the various towns proved far more effectual and
infinitely less expensive.
PIONEER HARDSHIPS AND PLEASURES.
The term " early settler " carries only one idea to the marionettes of modern fashion and
civilization, and that is an erroneous one. They believe it to be the condensation into two.
words of the history of a long fight with stumps, stones, wild beasts, Indians, poverty and some-
times want. " Pioneer " is not the synonym for terror and suffering — not the condensed defini-
tion of isolation from enjoyment, happiness and social pleasures. But, however desirous the
historian may be to preserve all the rich details of pioneer life, that erroneous ideas may be cor-
rected and the foundation and beginning of all civilization and wealth pictured for the future
in their true colors, he will find his task a difficult one. Newspapers were either entirely want-
ing, or of small proportions ; no books were making ; no child of genius and leisure was taking
notes and making histories. Events, great and small, transpired and dropped into oblivion with-
out being recorded, except such outlines of them as might chance to be impressed, perhaps,
without date or detail, upon the minds of a few, only to be soon afterward erased beyond recall,
as years rolled on and other events crowded upon the failing faculties. But whatever there is
should be sacredly preserved, as the foundation of all the history of ages yet to come must
begin with and rest upon it.
The youths of to-day — some of them born in luxury and reared in idleness — as well as the
more sturdy men of business and the lovers of romantic facts in history, will love to delve in
pioneer records, however incomplete they may be ; for they have a charm no person can describe
and no reader fail to appreciate. By their light, imagination can follow where the actual foot-
steps of the dwellers in more advanced civilization never can. No matter how long this world
may swing on and Waukesha remain a prosperous community, no one within its borders to-day
or hereafter can be a pioneer in the sense in which the term is here used. Pioneerism is forever
and forever finished in Waukesha County. By its light, however, the historian can guide his
354 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
readers back to the unadorned domain of the early settler, and watch the struggle necessary to
make " the wilderness blossom as the rose." We can sit by his cabin fire, partakeof his homely
but cheerfully granted fare, and listen to the accounts which he is pleased to give us of frontier
life, and of the dangers, trials, hardships and sufferings of himself and others in their efforts to
make for themselves homes in regions remote from civilization, and unexplored hitherto save by
wandering Indians and the beasts of the forests and prairies. Through these ancient records,
we make our way along to the present. From small beginnings, we come to the mighty achieve-
ments of industry, the complex results or daring enterprise, subduing and creative energy, and
untiring perseverance ; but all resting upon the labors of the*brave few who broke the first glebe,
felled the first tree, built the first cabin and first made friends with the Indian occupants.
The first important business of the pioneer settler, upon his arrival in Waukesha County,
was to build a house. Until this was done, some had to camp on the ground or live in their
wagons — perhaps the only shelter they had known for weeks. So the prospect for a house,
which was also to be a home, was one that gave courage to the rough toil, and added a zest to
the heavy labors. The style of the home entered very little into their thoughts — it was shelter
they wanted, and protection from stress of weather and wearing exposures. Many a poor settler
had neither the money nor even mechanical appliances that are considered absolutely necessary,
to-day, in such undertakings, for building himself a house. He was content, in most instances, to
have a mere cabin or hut. Some of the most primitive constructions of this kind were half-faced,
or, as they were sometimes called, " cat-faced " sheds or " wike-ups," the Indian term for tent
or house. It is true, a " claim shanty " was a little more in the shape of a human habitation,
made, as it was, of round logs, light enough for two or three men to lay up, about fourteen feet
square-: — perhaps a little larger or smaller — roofed with bark, clapboards, and sometimes with
the sods of the prairie, and floored with puncheons (logs split once in two, and the flat side laid up)
or with earth. For a flre-place, a wall of stones and earth — frequently the latter only, when
stone was not convenient — was made in the best practical shape for the purpose, in an opening
in one end of the building, extending outward, and planked on the outside by bolts of wood
notched together to stay it. Frequently a flre-place of this kind was made so capacious as to
occupy nearly the whole width of the house. In cold weather, when a great deal of fuel was
needed to keep the atmosphere above freezing point — for this wide-mouthed fire-place was a huge
ventilator — large logs were piled into this yawning space. To protect the crumbling back-wall
against the efi"ects of the fire, two back-logs were placed against it, one upon the other. Some-
times these were so large that they could not be got in except by attaching a rope or chain by a
" half-hitch " to one end of them and all hands, with a tug and a shout, uniting their strength to
^irag the source of future warmth into position.
For a chimney, any contrivance that would convey the smoke out of the building would
do. Some chimneys were made of sods, plastered on the inside with clay ; others — the more
common, perhaps — were of the kind we occasionally see in use now, clay in sticks, or " cat in
clay," as they were sometimes called, but of proportions as ample as an old-fashioned "bed-
sink."" Imagine, of a winter's night, when the storm was having its own wild way over this almost
uninhabited land, when the wind was roaring like a cataract of cold over the snowy wilderness,
and the settler had to do his best to keep warm, what a royal fire this double back-log and
well-filled fireplace would hold ! It was a cozy place for smoking, provided the settler had any
tobacco ; or for the wife to sit knitting before, provided she had any needles and yarn. At
any rate, it gave something of cheer to the conversation, which very likely was upon the
home and friends they had left behind when they started out on this bold venture of seek-
ing fortunes in a new land, or whether the rocking cabin would survive the frozen hurricane.
The stair-case that led to the chamber, or garret, more properly speaking, was either rude
wooden pins driven in the logs which constituted the side of the house, or a still ruder ladder,
made by splitting a sapling and inserting into the two halves, rounds of smaller saplings. The
garret aforesaid was frequently only high enough to accommodate a person on his hands and knees,
With a floor, perhaps, made of poles, or the sides and bottom of the wagon box, which had to be
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 355
removed every time the wagon was used. It was not unfrequently the case that the women
were compelled to mount such a stairway and sleep in such a chamber.
During the first summer, doors and windows were generally mere openings, without frames
or glass, blankets or sheets serving to guard the door and at night, to obstruct the glances of the
Indians and the entrance of the mosquitoes. The first door was generally hung on long wooden
hincres ; opened by a wooden latch and string — the latch-string always hanging on the outside to
indicate welcome and hospitality — and fastened by a wooden pin, while more than one window
in Waukesha County has had white cloth or greased paper as a substitute for glass.
As to furniture, the variety was as great as the skill which produced it for the different
cabins. But what a contrast there would be, were the contents of the most amply furnished
house of 1835 or 1836 placed by the side of the contents of the elegant homes of 1880 ! Not
much furniture could be bought at first, and still less was for sale in the earliest days of the
settlement of the county. Substitutes for tables and chairs were easily made of split logs — the
flat side up — with small saplings for legs ; occasionally, however, the door was taken from
its hinges for a table, when the settlers "had company," and re-hung when the meal was
finished.
A " prairie bedstead " was made by placing poles on a crotch, and into the opening between
the logs. When skillfully made, such a bedstead was by no means uncomfortable, after the thrifty
housewife had spread her tick, filled with marsh hay or dried prairie grass, upon it, and added
the well-filled, home-made bed of feathers. Sometimes this primitive place of repose, where
sleep was as sweet as in the richest chambers of to-day, was hidden by gingham curtains, or by
an extra sheet; but more frequently neither were to be had, and the tallow dip was snuffed out
before the household disrobed for the night's rest.
As soon as the cabin was put into such shape as would make it tolerable shelter, it was left
to be decorated or cared for by the wife, while the men began to prepare the soil for the produc-
tion of the necessaries of life.
The first year's farming consisted mainly of a "truck patch," planted in corn, potatoes,
turnips and other vegetables. Generally, the first year's crop fell far short of supplying even
the most rigid economy of food. Many of the settlers brought with them small stores of such
things as seemed indispensable to frugal living, such as flour, bacon, cofiee and tea. But these
supplies were not inexhaustible, and once used were not easily replaced.
When food was scarce, the period intervening between one harvest and another was a long
one. Wild game, usually caught by rude trap contrivances, or shot when gun and ammunition
were at hand, was the principal source of meat, which, with the excellent fish, was better than
an unlimited supply of salted meats. Corn produced more abundantly than wheat in the earlier
years ; but even when corn was plentiful, the preparation of it was the next difficulty in the
way. The mills for grinding it were at such long distances that every other device was resorted
to for reducing it to meal. Some grated it on an instrument made by punching small holes
through a piece of tin or sheet-iron, and fastening it upon a board in concave shape, with the
rough side out. Upon this the ear was rubbed to produce the meal. But grating could not be
done when the corn became so dry as to shell off when rubbed. Some used a coffee mill for
grinding it ; and a very common substitute for bread was hominy — a palatable and wholesome
diet — made by boiling corn in a weak lye till the hull or bran peeled off, after which it was well
washed to cleanse it of the lye. It was then boiled again to soften it, when it was ready for
use, as occasion required, by frying and seasoning it to the taste. Another mode of preparing
hominy was by pestling. A mortar was made by burning a bowl-shaped cavity in the end of
an upright block of hard wood, into which, after it was thoroughly cleansed of the charcoal,
the shelled corn was placed, and crushed by a heavy club or an iron •?redge. But " hulled
corn" was oftenest prepared, as lye, for removing the hull or skin, was easily made and the
product was really delicious, as it is to-day.
Not the least among the pioneer's tribulations, during the first few years of the settlement,
was going to mill. The slow mode of travel by ox teams was made still slower by the almost
356 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
total absence of roads and bridges, while such a thing as a ferry was hardly ever dreamed of. In
dry weather, common sloughs and creeks offered but little impediment to teamsters ; but during
floods, and the breaking-up of winter, they proved exceedingly troublesome and dangerous. To
get stuck in a slough, and thus be delayed for many hours, was no uncommon occurrence, and
that, too, when time was an item of grave import to the comfort and sometimes even to the lives
of the settlers' families.' Often a swollen stream would blockade the way, seeming to threaten
destruction to whoever would attempt to ford it.
With regard to roads, there was nothing of the kind worthy, of the name. Indian trails
were common, but they were unfit to travel on with vehicles. They were mere paths about
two feet wide — all that was required to accommodate the single-file manner of Indian traveling.
Only a few settlers ever attempted to go beyond Bigelow's mill, at Eagle, for grists, flour
costing higher, after paying the exorbitant tolls and other necessary expenses, than it did by
the barrel from Green Bay or Milwaukee. Bigelow's grist-mill was the first one erected in the
county, or in a section of country extending many miles in all directions ; it therefore had
plenty of business. The stones were hardly as large as an ordinary pail ; were made by Mr.
Bigelow himself, and ground very slowly ; but Mr. Bigelow had a son, and sometimes other
help, and kept the mill running night and day. This plan by no means kept the miller ahead
of his customers, and it was nothing for them to wait three, or even six or more days for a
grist. After the settler had made his toilsome journey with an ox tearp, and was rejoicing that
he would soon be on his way home with a supply of the wherewith for bread, it was a disheartening
shock indeed to be told that his turn would come in a week from that, or the next day. He
must either remain at the mill or return home, thus making four journeys over the bridgeless
roads — alternatives in which it was difiicult to choose for the best. Thus, milling trips were
attended with an expense, in one way or another, that rendered the cost of breadstuff's
extremely high. If made in the winter, when more or less grain-feed was required for the
team, the load would be found to be so considerably reduced on reaching home that the cost of
what was left, adding other expenses, would make their grain reach the high cash figure of from
$3 to $5 per bushel. Sometimes half of the grist was' taken for toll; nearly one-half of
the balance eaten by the team, and the settler would return with his purse nearly or quite
emptied of its scanty contents, in hiring the miller's son, who for some years was not supposed
to be more than an ordinary hired man, to run the mill over night. The Territorial statutes
fixed' the amount of toll millers might take for grinding, in Milwaukee County, of which Wau-
kesha formed a part, and this was the miller's trick to secure three or four times as much as the
law allowed — any amount, from one to three dollars, according to the size of the poor settler's
purse, being charged for allowing the son to run the mill by night.
After all this trouble and expense, the good housewife did not always have white, clean
flour returned to her. Owing to the lack of proper means for thrashing and cleaning wheat, it
was more or less mixed with foreign substances, such as smut, dirt and oats. As the time will come
when the settler's methods of thrashing and cleaning may be forgotten, it may be well to pre-
serve a brief account of them here. The plan was to clean off" a space of ground of sufficient
size, and, if the earth was dry, to dampen it and beat it to render it somewhat compact. The
sheaves were unbound and spread in a circle, so that the heads would be uppermost, leaving
room in the center for the person whose business it was to turn and stir the straw in the process
of thrashing. Then, as many horses or oxen were brought as could conveniently swing around
the circle, and these were kept moving until the wheat was well trodden out. After several
"floorings" or layers were thrashed, the straw was carefully raked off" and the wheat shoveled
into a heap to be cleaned. This cleaning, before the days of fanning-mills, was done by " win-
nowing"— pouring the grain from a measure, or "pan" made for the purpose, while standing
on a stump or block, thus allowing the wind to blow the chaff" from the falling stream. This
process was not equal to that in vogue at present, as it failed to separate from the grain any
cockle, dirt or heavy seeds, and the bread was not only occasionally dark-colored, but tasted
pretty strong of seeds not considered palatable. How would some of the snug and comfortable
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 357
Waukesha County farmers of to-day appear thrashing and winnowing a thousand bushels of
wheat by the process in vogue forty years ago ?
Among other things calculated to annoy and distress the pioneer, was the prevalence of
wild beasts of prey, the most numerous and troublesome of which was the wolf. While it was
frequently true, in a figurative sense, that it required the utmost care and exertion to "keep
the wolf from the door," it was almost always as true in a literal sense. There were two species
of these animals — the large black timber wolf, and the small gray wolf that usually inhabited
the prairie. At first, it was almost impossible for a settler to keep small stock of any kind that
would serve as a prey to these ravenous beasts. Sheep were not deemed safe property until
years after, when their enemies were supposed to be nearly exterminated. Large numbers of
wolves were destroyed during the early years of settlement. When they were hungry, which
was by no means an uncommon condition with them, particularly during the winter, they were
too indiscreet for their own safety, and would often approach within easy shot of the settlers'
dwellings. At certain seasons, their wild, plaintive yelp or bark could be heard in all directions
at all hours of the night, creating intense excitement among the dogs, whose howling would add
to the dismal melody. Attempts were often made to capture the wolf with the common cur, but
this animal, as a rule, proved himself wholly unreliable for such service. So long as the wolf
would run, the cur would follow ; but the wolf, being apparently acquainted with the character
of his pursuer, would either turn and place himself in a combative attitude, or else act upon the
principle that "discretion is the better part of valor," and throw himself upon his back in
token of surrender. This strategic performance would make instant peace between these two
scions of the same house ; and not infrequently dogs and wolves have been seen playing together
like puppies. But the hound was never known to recognize a flag of truce ; his baying seemed
to signify "no quarter;" or, at least, so the terrified wolf understood it.
Wolf stories — all true — might be related in extenso. In 1836, Isaac B. Judson, while on
his way from Milwaukee to Prairieville, alone and in the night, was set upon by a pack of
wolves of unusual fierceness. Fortunately, he had a large cloak for protection against cold,
which, when the wolves became uncomfortably close, he would shake vigorously. This fright-
ened them, and, during their momentary confusion, he would again take to his legs and thus
gain a considerable distance. This programme was continued by Mr. Jndson until he reached
McMillan's hotel, where he fell exhausted. A warm fire and a bowl of warmer punch restored
his well-exhausted strength.
Once, while on his way from Milwaukee to Prairieville on foot, in the night, E. S. Purple
had a portion of the leg of a new pair of boots eaten away by wolves. No man who saved his
own legs from the wolves, complained if he did lose the legs of his boots.
On one occasion, as late as 1841, a family in the town of Pewaukee left the log house
alone during two days while on a visit, and, on returning after dark, found an old wolf and her
whelps in possession. She had entered through an open door in the rear and had devoured a
quantity of food, besides tearing into shreds for a nest several articles of clothing.
Smaller animals, such as pUnthers, lynxes, wildcats, catamounts and polecats, were suffi-
ciently numerous to be troublesome; but some of them were also "game," and the settlers
would not have had them all exterminated at one sweep, if that had been possible.
But pioneer life was not without its sunshine and pleasure. Those who could appreciate
the beauties of nature were surrounded by such landscapes, verdure, lakes, streams, forests and
blossoming prairies as no spot in the West could excel ; those who loved fishing and hunting
had ample opportunities for gratifying their passion, and, at the same time, of furnishing the
table with delicious meats ; the air was pure, fragrant and healthful, and there were none of the
restraints of conventionality to circumscribe the actions or warp the social intercourse of the
few unassuming settlers who were laying the foundations of future homes, prosperity and
aristocracy. There is hardly an old settler living who does not say that, notwithstanding all
the hardships and privations of the first years of his residence in the wilderness, he took more
comfort then than now. There was no aristocracy then ; no stifi'-neckedness. One person was
358 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
considered as good as another, if he behaved a» well, and nothing was known at first of neighbor-
hood scandals and demoralizing social corruption. All were friendly, social, obliging and
desirous of contributing to the mutual comfort, happiness and prosperity of each other.
Exclaimed a pioneer of 1837 to the historian of 1880 : " The days seemed longer, the sun
shone brighter, sleep was sweeter, religious profession more earnest, dress more simple, the grass
was greener, food tasted better, there was less elbowing, less kicking each other down, less gossip,
less scandal, less idleness, less ill -health, fewer divorces, less codfish aristocrary, more virtue, more
honesty, more good feeling and more unadulterated enjoyment forty years ago than now, and I
do wish old times could be revived, if only for a month."
ORGANIZATION OF WAUKESHA COTTNTY.
Although not as large as Milwaukee, Prairieville had become of nearly as great importance,
politically, in 1845, and had become dissatisfied with "paying tribute and playing second fiddle to
that mudhole on the lake," as one of the prominent citizens, who subsequently became Governor,
put it, and action was taken to secure the erection of a new county, with the capital at Prairieville.
It is probable that Alexander F. Pratt first conceived the idea of forming a new county,
though Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago (now a resident of Green Bay), William A. Barstow
and Alexander W. Randall, of Waukesha, were early advocates and agitators with him, of that
scheme. There appeared some opposition in store for the plan of separation from the mother
county, on th» score of expense ; but the following bill was prepared for the Legislature of 1846,
by these men, which was submitted among the earliest of the session :
lie it enacted by the Council and House of Representatives of the Territory of Wisconsin :
Section 1. That it -shall be the duty of the several chairmen of the several Boards of Supervisors, in the
several towns in the county of Milwaukee, lying west of Range 21, in. said county, to provide a separate box at the
spring town elections of 1846, to be holden in said county, for the reception of votes for or against the division of
said county of Milwaukee, and every elector qualified by law to vote for town officers in each of their respective
towns shall have the right to vote for or against such division.
Sec. 2. All ballots or votes so received and counted shall hive legibly vfritten or printed thereon the words
"for division," or "against division ; " and all votes so received shall be counted, and returns thereof made to the
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for the county of Milwaukee, in the same manner and time as is now provided by
law in relation to election returns for county officers.
Sec. 3. The votes so returned shall be canvassed by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of the county of
Milwaukee, and the result of such canvass shall be certified to by said Clerk, and published, within two days after said
returns are made, in one or more newspapers printed in said county.
Sec. 4. If a majority of the votes so returned shall be in favor of division, then, and in that case, from and
after the time the result aforesaid should be published, all the district of country lying and being within the present
limits. of the county of Milwaukee, and lying west of a line running north and south between Ranges 20 and 21, in
said county, be and the same is hereby erected, established and organized into a distinct county, by the name and
style of Waukesha County. That it be organized for judicial purposes, and shall enjoy all the privileges of other
counties in this Territory. It shall form a part of the Third Judicial District, and the courts therein shall be held by
the Judge of said district, commencing on the third Monday of February, and third Monday of August.
Sec. 5. All process, appeals, recognizances or other proceedings commenced in the District Court of Milwaukee
County, prior to the first day of January next, shall be prosecuted to final judgment and execution thereon, in the
same manner they might or could have been, had not this act passed; and executions on any judgments heretofore
rendered in said county, shall have the like force and effect, and may be executed and returned by the Sheriff of Mil-
waukee County, anything in this act to the contrary notwithstanding.
Sec. 6. That said county of Waukesha is by this act erected, established and organized into a distinct election
district, and at the time now fixed by law for holding general elections in this Territory, the qualified electors of
said county of Waukesha, at and from that time, shall be entitled to elect suoh members of the Legislative Assembly
as a new apportionment may authorize, and, in case no new apportionment be made previous to the next general
election, then and in that case said county shall at said general election elect one member of the Council and two
members of the House of Representatives, who shall represent said county in the next Legislature of this Territory. The
electors of said county of Waukesha shall at the next general election elect such county officers as other counties
under. the same government are authorized to elect, whose respective terms of service shall commence on the 1st day
of January next, and continue in office for the term now prescribed by law for such officers in this Territory.
Siso 7. In case the vote before mentioned determines a division of the county of Milwaukee, then and in that
case, the several County Supervisors elected at the next April town election, within the limits of said county of Wau-
kesha, shall meet at what is known as Vail's Hotel, in the town of Prairieville, on the second Monday of June next,
at 12 o'clock M., and proceed to organize a Board of County Supervisors for the county of Waukesha. They shall
elect a clerk of their boird, and such other officers as may be necessary for carrying into effect the organization of
the county; which officers so elected shall serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified accirding to
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 359
law. Said Board of Supervisors shall at said meeting, or at some subsequent adjourned meeting, procure for the use
of said county suitable and convenient grounds for the location of the seat of justice, and provide for the erection of
all necessary county buildings.
Sec. 8. That an act entitled " An act to provide for the removal of the seat of justice of the county of Milwau-
kee from the town of Milwaukee to Prairieville," approved February 24, 1845, be and the same is hereby repealed.
Approved January 31, 1846.
- The original of the above bill was said to have been veritten by Alexander F. Pratt, some
slight changes being made in the phraseology before it became a law. which was not accom-
plished without a struggle. The city of Milwaukee was building bridges, and wanted several
more. The whole county, in those days, was taxed for the bridges at Milwaukee, a fact not
relished by the western towns, but one which made the Milwaukeeans exceedingly anxious that
the territory contributing to the improvement of their city should not be reduced in extent.
In the Legislature, from what is now Waukesha County, were J. H. Kimball, of Prairie-
ville, and Curtis Reed, of Summit, in the Council ; and Samuel H. Barstow, of Prairieville,
Luther Parker, of Muskego, and W. H. Thomas, of Lisbon, in the Assembly. Of these,
Curtis Reed and W. H. Thomas joined the Milwaukee delegation and opposed the division,
while the others labored strenuously for it. The bill finally passed the Legislature only to meet
with wider and fiercer opposition at the polls. The two factions organized for the fight as soon
as the act was approved, and it is difficult to say who labored the most persistently or resorted
to the most extraordinary electioneering measures — those who favored or those who opposed the
proposed divorce. From the office of the American Freeman, at Prairieville, was issued a
paper called the Advocate, favoring the division ; while from the Sentinel office, at Milwaukee,
was issued a no less able and vigorous sheet called the Unionist, opposing it. Both were widely
circulated and eagerly perused, as they were what the people called " red hot." The Advocate
was edited by Alexander F. Pratt, A. W. Randall, W. A. Barstow, and perhaps it had other
writers. The other paper had such a shrewd manager as A. D. Smith, who opposed the division
of Milwaukee County. When argument was exhausted, of which there was a goodly supply in
favor of a division, personal abuse of the leaders of the respective factions was the main feature
of these two publications. Prairieville was the headquarters for those who thought Milwaukee
County should be divided ; and Summit', strange to record, although in the district proposed to
be set ofi' from Milwaukee, became the headquarters of the opposition. The campaign was one
of extreme excitement and acrimoniousness. Finally, after about one-half of the residents of
the county had become enemies to the other half, the day for voting arrived, when the excite-
ment reached fever heat. Every known means was resorted to in the frantic attempt to secure
votes. A wagon-load of roughs from Milwaukee arrived at Prairieville a little before noon, and
offered to sell their votes — ten of them — for ten dollars, to those favoring a division. The
managers would not pay that price, or any other ; but said they would pay for ten dinners and horse-
feed at the hotel. This offer was accepted, and ten Milwaukee roughs voted for a division of
the county. They then hastened to Summit, where they offered to sell ten votes for the oppo-
sition for ten dollars and ten suppers. The offer was accepted, and ten Milwaukee roughs voted
at Summit against a division of the county, so the general result was not affected by these
twenty fraudulent votes. Strangers and minors voted ad libitum, and that election was for
years referred to as the one in which universal suffrage was tolerated. The polls were kept
open two or three days at Summit, where it was declared afterward that any new-comer was
allowed to slip in a vote against division for a week after the day set for the election. This
statement has never been sworn to. However, there was a majority in favor of a division, and
Waukesha County, as it now is, came into existence.
Agreeably to the act previously quoted, the Supervisors elected in April for the sixteen
towns comprising the new county met at Vail's Hotel, in Prairieville, on the second Monday of
June, 1846, and organized for the transaction of county business, soon after adjourning to the
Congregational Church, where the balance of the session was held. Curtis Reed, now of Win-
nebago County, was elected Chairman, and Harrison Phillips, Clerk. The Board then
appointed county officers to serve until the regular election in August, as follows : T. F. Ban-
croft, Register of Deeds ; W. P. Sloan, County Treasurer; John Blane, Sheriff; J. W,
360
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Brackett, Judge of Probate; Alexander W. Randall, District Attorney; T. S. Huntington,
Surveyor ; and D. H. Shumway, Coroner.
The sixteen Supervisors who composed the first County Board and effected the organization
of the county were Hiram Carter, Curtis Reed, Talbot C. Dousman, B. P. Melendy, Joseph
Bond, S. S. Case, A. L. Castleman, William Odell, T. Richmond, C. McVean, Joseph Tur-
ner, A. A. Flint, L. Martin, M. W. Sherwood, William Fisher, and W. Bancroft.
COUNTY SEAT AND BUILDINGS.
The county buildings at Waukesha were never intended to be models of architectural
beauty nor objects upon which to lavish large sums of public money. They are, however, solid,
durable, ample in size, pleasant, and, while not particularly ornamental to the village of which
they form a part, look neat and comfortable, answering satisfactorily every purpose for which
they were erected. Nothing more is required.
County Seat. — In early days, the selection and securing of county seats was one of the
most important matters to be accomplished by the residents of any particular locality. The
idea obtaiiied almost everywhere, that the locality which should be lucky enough to secure
the county court house and accompanying buildings would be sure to grow, thrive and ulti-
mately, as a consequence, become a great city. This enlisted the utmost efforts of all the
property holders in every village whenever a county seat was to be chosen. In 1845, the city
of Milwaukee was all torn up over a shrewd piece of legislative engineering which resulted in
the passage of "An act to provide for the removal of the seat of justice of Milwaukee County
to Prairieville," which was approved and signed by Gov. Henry Dodge February 24, 1845.
Milwaukee was angry enough over the passage of this act, the papers denouncing every one
who had anything to do with the "vicious measure;" and it is probably due to the fact that
Milwaukee would thereby again become a county seat that the bill setting off the county of
Waukesha was allowed to become a law, as otherwise Milwaukee would have had no county
buildings at all
The great county-seat fight, however, was after Waukesha had been erected into a separate
county, and her Supervisors had met to appoint provisional county ofiicers and choose a seat of
justice. On Wednesday afternoon, June 10, 1846, the County Board, then in session in the
Congregational Church in Prairieville, after receiving numerous proposals for erecting a court
house either there or at Niles Higginbottom's, near Deissner's, mill, took the first informal
ballot for a location for the proposed buildings. The result was 6 for Delafield, 4 for Prairie-
ville, 4 for Pewaukee and 2 for Genesee. An adjournment to the next day was then secured,
and wire-pulling and log-rolling in favor of the various places wanting a court house was
carried on through the night, tremendous pressure l;^eing brought to bear upon the weaker
Supervisors, or those who had no particular choice of location. Next morning, nearly everybody
was present, either inside or outside of the church, to see the balloting proceeded with. The
second ballot resulted : 5 for Prairieville, 3 for Genesee, 2 for Delafield, 4 for Pewaukee, 1 for
Parker's farm and 1 for Parker's melon-patch. The Supervisor who voted for the melon-
patch will be sustained by a large majority of people when it is recorded that, in those days,
Mr. Parker had the name of raising the best melons in Waukesha County. As the balloting
lasted three days, and caused more excitement than, perhaps, anything else that ever concerned
the public, a table of votes is here preserved :
1
o
3
4
6
6
7
8
9:10
6 6
2 2
7 7
11
6
4
6
I2I3I14
1 1
6 6' 7
3 3! 3
7' 6; 13
15
7
•I
7
16 17,1819
8 7! 8 8
2 2: 1 1
B| 6! 7] 7
i
20
8
21
8
22
8
23
8
24j2.5
4 5
5
3
7
1
7
2
7
8
2
G
7
2
7
7
7
«' 9
2
4
6
0
4
2
1
1
2 2
7 7
8
8
8
7
8! 7
T)alnflpl,]
1
.. ...
1
1
lit
1
1
'1
t
■
...I..J.. .
...1 IL..
...' 1|...| ^..1...
1
1
y'K
^^^
SUSSEX.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 363
On the conclusion of the twenty-fifth ballot, the board adjourned amid a shout never to be
forgotten by those who heard it, and the Pewaukee folks immediately instituted a search for the
eighth man, who deserted them and went over to Prairieville ; but, fortunately for him, they
never found the right one, though all manner of corruption was charged upon several. It was
done in anger, however, as there was no foundation in fact for such a harsh and damaging
charge — not a particle of evidence to sustain it ever having been found.
Court Rouse. — On Saturday, June 14, 1846, S. S. Case offered this resolution, which was
adopted : " That Lots 1, 2 and 3 in Block F, of John Gale, Jr., Robert Lockwood and William
A. Barstow's plat of Prairieville, situate on the northeast quarter of Section 3, in the town of
Prairieville, be and is hereby designated and fixed as the site on which to erect the county
buildings for the county of Waukesha." On the motion of William Fisher, S. S. Case, Curtis
Reed and Talbot C. Dousman were appointed a committee to procure plans for a court house
and superintend the commencement and construction of the building ; also, to determine the
expediency of purchasing Lots 4 and 5, adjoining the three donated by William A. Barstow, of
Prairieville, H. N. Ward, of Ohio, and Morris D. Cutler, of Prairieville. These two lots were
not then purchased. They were sold to the county in December, 1868, however, by Herman
A. Meyer, and now form a part of the court-house site — the portion used for a garden.
In April, 1847, a new Building Committee, consisting of Charles Burchard, G. M.
Humphrey and William Crombie, was appointed, and Squire S. Case was appointed Superin-
tendent of the construction of the county buildings.
The contract was let to " John Gale, Jr., and others," in 1846 ; but as the work of con-
struction went on very slowly, and the walls, as far as finished, were not satisfactory, in October,
1847, a year or more from the commencement of operations, a committee, consisting of Charles
Burchard, F. McNaughton and W. P. Clarke, was appointed to investigate the validity of the
contract, the state of the work and the responsibility of the contractors' bondsmen. This com-
mittee reported in favor of canceling the bond and contract for building the court house, and
appropriating $1,200 for paying any new contractor who should complete the building ; which
report was adopted. On more closely examining the unfinished walls, they were found to be
wholly unsafe — hardly able to stand without the weight of any further superstructure. The
Board, therefore, ordered, in April, 1848, that the court-house walls be torn down, and new
contracts for completing the building be let to competent and responsible parties ; or that the
Building Committee engage workmen and complete the structure. J. A. Short was, therefore,
appointed Superintendent, and the committee prosecuted the work, which was contracted, piece-
meal, to various parties, and finally completed it in the summer of 1849, after various altera-
tions in the inside work.
The building stands now as it was completed in 1849, three years and more from its
commencement, and is a substantial, plain, two-story stone structure, about 70x42 feet on the
outside. It contains a jury-room. Sheriff's ofiice, two oflices for the County Judge, and County
Superintendent's office on the first floor, while the second floor constitutes the court room. A
blunt dome surmounts the structure, and solid stone walks and steps lead up to its entrance, over
which is inscribed the somewhat untruthful legend: " Court House — Erected 1846."
No settlement was ever secured with "John Gale, Jr., and others," the first contractors'
whose work had to be torn down, so the exact cost of the structure can hardly be stated, though
it was probably about $10,000, from beginning to end.
County Jail. — In January, 1^7, the County Board resolved, "That the Building Com-
mittee (S. S. Case, Curtis Reed and T. C. Dousman) be and hereby are directed to contract for
the construction of a jail and jailer's house, in accordance with the plans now in its possession,
to be paid for as follows, viz. : $500 out of the tax of 1846, and the balance out of the tax
of 1847."
The contract was let to Clinton, Conover k Co., for $2,305.18 for the jail buildings. In
October, 1847, the Superintendent reported the buildings satisfactorily completed according to
contract, and recommended the payment of the balance due, $1,805.18. The Board then
36 i HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
granted $40 for " beds, stoves, etc.," for the jail, and also ordered the contractors paid in fulL
A bill having come before the Legislature designating this jail as the State Prison until a regular
State Prison building should be erected, the Building Committee had certain alterations made
which furnished accommodations for more prisoners. But Gov. Dewey finally refused to sign
the act, which therefore failed to become a law. The contract for the alteration, however, was
let as soon as the act passed the Senate and Assembly, and considerable work had been done
before the Governor's refusal to sign it had become known. The alteration was therefore
necessarily allowed to be completed, and the County Board petitioned Judge Levi Hubbell ta
send all the convicts sentenced to the State prison in his circuit to the Waukesha jail, as it had
been strengthened, enlarged and such provisions made for employing convict labor as no other
county could offer. The petition was obeyed, and United States convicts, that is, those convicted
by the United States Counts, were confined in this building several years.
County Offioes.. — The best building owned by the county of Waukesha is the county ofiices
building, located near the court house at Waukesha. It was erected in 1860, at a cost of
about $4,000, and is a solid Waukesha-stone, fireproof structure,»of ample proportions for the
County Clerk, Register of Deeds, County Treasurer and Clerk of the Court's offices, and for storing
their numerous records.* The situation is pleasant — iron fences, stone walks and fine maple
trees extending in front. The records of the county are unusually perfect in these ofiices, and the
building is such as will preserve them against all ordinary destructive influences for at least five
centuries to come.
FIRST COUNTY RECORDS.
Fortunately, Milwaukee County, including what is now Waukesha County, was set apart,
and organized in 1834, the same year the first settlers located within the present county limits,
or whatever business of a public nature that was necessary before that time, would have been
recorded at Green Bay, an out-of-the-way place for residents of Waukesha County. All county
records from 1834 to June, 1846, were made and continue to be kept at Milwaukee. Mere
outlines or index transcripts have been made of them, which are kept at the county building
in Waukesha.
After the county of Waukesha was set off" from Milwaukee, the first record was made by
the Supervisors of the sixteen towns, who met to set the wheels of the new county machinery
in motion. The record of that meeting, the first in Waukesha County, is as follows, for the
first day's proceedings :
At a meeting of the County Supervisors of the county of Waukesha, held at Vail's Hotel, in Prairieville, on,
Monday, the 8th day of June, A. D. 1846, at 12 o'clock M., pursuant to an act entitled " An Act to provide for a
division of the county of Milwaukee," approved January 31, 1846, for the purpose of organizing a Board of County
Supervisors for said county ; the Supervisors were called to order by j\Ir. T. C. Dousman, and Curtis Reed waa
chosen Chairman pro tern.; and on motion of Mr. Martin, T. C. Dousman was chosen Secretary jsro tern.
The Secretary then proceeded to call the names of the several towns in said county, when the following-named
persons appeared and took their seats as members of this Board, viz. :
From the town of Oconomowoc, Hiram Carter ; Summit, Curtis Reed ; Ottawa, Talbot C. Dousman : Eagle, Ras-
ter P. Meleudy ; Mukwonago, .Joseph Bond ; Genesee, Squire S. Case ; Delafield, Alfred L. Castleman ; Warren, WilK
iam Odell ; Lisbon, Thompson Richmond; Pewaukee, Collin McVean ; Prairieville, Joseph Turner ; Vernon, Asa F,
Flint ; Muskego, Leonard Martin ; New Berlin, Moses H. Sherwood ; Brookfield, William Fisher ; Menomonee, Wil-
lard Bancroft.
On motion, the Board then adjourned until 3 o'clock P. M.
At 3 o'clock P. M., the Board met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Mr. Case, the Board proceeded to take an informal ballot for Clerk. Messrs. Case and Sherwood
acting as tellers, who reported that the whole number of votes received were 16, of which Harrison Phillipa.
received 11 ; Henry Sherman, 1 ; William P. Sloan, 4 ; when, on motion of Mr. Martin, the Board proceeded to take
a formal ballot for the appointment of a Clerk, Messrs. Bond and Turner acting as tellers, who reported that the
whole number of votes received were 16, of which Harrison Phillips received 14 ; H. W. Sherman, 1, and William
P. Sloan, 1. Harrison Phillips, having received' a majority of all the votes cast, was declared duly appointed Clerk,
On motion of Mr. Turner, the Board then proceeded to take an informal ballot for Chairman. Messrs. Castle-
man and Richmond acting as tellers, who reported that the whole number of votes received were 16, of which Curtis
Reed received 11 ; J. Bond, 1 ; J. Turner, 1 ; S. S. Case, 1 ; H: Phillips, 1, and Blank, 1.
*Tha.nka are not hi8tory ; but it is nothing less than proper to here sincerely thank the incumbents of these offices for many kindnesses,
shown by them to the historian in the prosecution of his work.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 365
On motion of Jlr. Turner, the Board then proceeded to take a formal ballot for the election of Chairman of the
Board. Messrs. Martin and McVean acting as tellers, who reported that the whole number of votes received were
16, of which Curtis Reed received 14 ; J. Turner, 1, and Blank, 1 ; whereupon the Secretary declared Curtis Keed to
be Chairman of this Board.
On motion of Mr. Castleman, a Commiitee of five members was appointed to report rules for the government of
this Board, consisting of Messrs. Castleman, Turner, Bond, Case and Sherwood.
Mr. Dousman was excused from acting any longer as Clerk, and, on motion of Mr. Castleman, Jlr. Phillips — the
Clerk elect— was requested to act as Clerk of this Board until a Treasurer be appointed and qualified to approve of the
bond of the Clerk in conformity to law.
The petition of R. C. Peck, claiming a seat in this Board from the town of Muskego was presented ; and, on
motion of Mr. Dousman, was referred to a select committee of three, consisting of Messrs. Dousman, MoVean and
Turner.
On motion of Mr. Castleman,
Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by the Chair to receive proposals for furnishing a lot of land
and erecting thereon a Court House, Jail, Treasurer's office. Register's office, and two Clerks' offices, accompanied
with plans and proposals for the same, and that said Committee be instructed to report to this Board by 10 o'clock
to-morrow morning : and the Chair appointed Messrs. Castleman, Fisher and Case such Committee.
On motion of Mr. Castleman, the Board then adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.
Hakei?on Phillips, Clerk.
The first record made in the books of the office of the Register of Deeds, after Waukesha
County was organized, is as follows :
Certificate No. 12,.576. — The U.nited States of America — To all whom these presents shall come — greeting:
Whereas, Willard Bancroft, of Milwaukie County, Wisconsin Territory, has deposited in the General Land Office of
the United States a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Milwaukie, whereby it appears that full payment
has been made by the said Willard Bmcroft, according to the provision of the act of Congress of the 24th of April,
1820, entitled " An .\ot making further provisions for the sale of the public lands," for the northeast quarter of
the northwest quarter of Section 4, in Towaship 8 north, of Range 20 east, in the district of lands subject to
sale at Milwaukie, Wisconsin Territory, cont.aining forty acres and [seventy-three hundredths of an acre, according
to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, returned to the General Laud Office by the Surveyor General,
which said tract has been purchased by the said Willard Bancroft ; Now know ye, that the United States of America,
in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided,
have given and granted, anil by these presents do give and grant, unto the said Willard Bancroft, and to his heirs,
the said tract above described ; to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and
appurtenances, of whatsoever nature, thereunto belonging, unto the said Willard Bancroft and to his heirs and
assigns forever.
In testimony whereof, I, .John Tyler, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be '
made patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed. Given under my hand, at the city of
Washington, the 1st day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-four, and of the
Independence of the United States the sixty-ninth. By the President : J. Tyler.
By J. Tyler, Jk,, Secretary.
S. H. Laughlin, Secorder of the Oeneral Land Office.
Signed by the Recorder 2l8t of March, 1845. Received [at the Waukesha office] June 16, 1846.
John P. Story was the grantor, and William Cruikshank the grantee, of the first trans-
fer of land recorded next after the above certificate, and were really the parties to the first real-
estate transaction after Waukesha became a county, so far as the records show.
The first record in the office of the Clerk of Court is as follows:
No. I.
Samuel K. Piatt I February Term, I847. •
vs. [ A. W. Randall.
David Douglass and John A. Douglass. J Trespass in the case. Damages, ^200.
Summons in trespass in the case issued January 4, 1847 ; writ returned July 6, 1847, indorsed as follows, viz.:
" Waukesha County, Wisconsin Territory. Served the within writ by reading to David Douglass, one of the defend-
ants!; J"''^'* A- Douglass not found, 6th day of January, 1847. Albert Alden, Sheriff. Fees, §2.20."
Fded January 25, 1847, and now, February 16, 1847, cause called, and, no plea being filed, the default of the
defendant is entered for want of a plea. Judgment granted for the plaintiff by the default of the defendant, and the Clerk
is directed hy the Court to examine, ascertain and report what sum the plaintiff ought to have for his damages. The
same day the Clerk reports in writing that he has assessed the damages to the plaintiff at the sum of |80.87, per
report filed. Wherefore, it is considered and adjudged by the Court nowhere, that the plaintiff recover of the
defendants the sum of S80.87, with §5.49 for his costs and charges by him about his said suit in this behalf
expended ; and that he have execution therefor.
Damages, - - - .§80.87
Interest from Feb. 6, 1847,
Costs taxed at 5.49
March 0, 1847, process, for execution, and execution issued. Geo. S. West, Olerh,
March 20, 1850, .S. /a. returnei, indorsed: " Satisfied. A. Alden, Sheriff."
366 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
COUNTY OFFICERS FROM 1846 TO 1880.
As the territory now designated as Waukesha County was for many years under the juris-
diction, and a portion of, other counties, the first officers who had charge of its local afikirs are
not matters of record within its present boundaries, and of necessity must be omitted. During
only three years before Waukesha County was set oif from Milwaukee were the people per-
mitted to choose who should manage anything but their town affairs. Other offices were filled
by appointment, as often in such a manner as would pay political debts as otherwise. Although,
of course, some good officers were appointed, the custom was a vicious one. The act allowing
certain officers to be chosen by ballot was approved March 23, 1843, under which the first elec-
tion was held in May of that year. A Milwaukee paper's comments, as follows, on the passage
of the act, is further explanatory :
" Our readers will perceive, by referring to an act of Congress, which we publish to-day,
that the people of Wisconsin are hereafter to have the right of electing their own Sheriffs,
Judges of Probate and Justices of the Peace. This is a privilege which has long been desired
by the people of the Territory, and one which was demanded by justice. The old system of
having these ofiScers appointed by the Governor was one which conferred more power upon the
Executive than should ever be given to that officer. Men of his appointment were generally
such ones as would be subservient to his will and dictation ; and, in appointing them, it has not
been the object of the Governor to select such men as would administer the laws with justice so
much as it has to get such ones as would give to him the greatest support, and best advance his
cause. Such always has been, and always will be, the case when the power of appointing these
officers is given to the Executive. This power is now taken from the Governor of this Terri-
tory and given to the majority of the people.
" We also publish a bill to provide for the manner and time of electing such officers, which
passed both branches of the Legislature, and was sent to the Governor for his approval, yester-
day. It provides that the election shall take place on the first Monday in May next, anc? that
the officers elected at that time shall commence their term of service on the 1st of June."
The officers of Waukesha County, since its separation from Milwaukee, have been as fol-
lows:
Register of Deeds. — T. F. Bancroft, appointed by the Board of Supervisors June 8, 1846,
and served until October, 1846; E. B. Quiner, 1846-47, two terms; Philip V. Bovee, 1848 ;
Samuel H. Barstow, 1849-52, two terms ; William R. Williams, 1853-58, three terms ; Henry
A. Shears, 1859-62, two terms ; Pitts Ellis, 1863-64 ; Samuel H. Barstow, 1865-66 ; Her-
man Adolph Meyer, 1867-68; Peter Coyle, 1869-70; J. E. Seabold, 1871-72 ; John C.
Schuet, 1873-74 ; James McDonald, 1875-76 ; John Stephens, 1877-80.
Sheriff. — John Blane, appointed by the Board of Supervisors June 9, 1846, served three
months; Albert Alden, 1846-48 ; Alex F. Pratt, 1849-50 ; Dominick Casey, 1851-52 ; Charles
B. Ellis, 1853-54 ; Dewey K. Warren, 1855-56 ; Israel H. Castle, 1857-58 ; Charles W.
Bennett, 1859-60; James Clark, 1861-62; Orson Reed, 1863-64; Albert Alden, 1865-66;
William K. Hunkins, 1867-68 ; Alexander F. Pratt, 1869-70 ; John Graham, 1871-72 ; C.
M. Hartwell, 1873-74 ; Ephraim Beaumont, 1875-76 ; J. W. Patterson, 1877-78 ; John Por-
ter, 1879-80.
District Attorney. — Alexander W. Randall, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in June,
1846 ; Alex Cook, appointed in October, 1846-47 ; John E. Gallagher, 1848-49 ; Alexander
Cook, 1850-52 ; John E. Gallagher, 1853-54 ; William Soper, 1855-56 ; Edwin Hurlbut,
1857-58; E. M. Randall, 1859-60; Calvert C. White, 1861-62; David W. Small, 1863-64;
Alexander Cook, 1865-68; David W. Small, 1869; Rufus 0. Hathaway (to fill out the last
half of Mr. Small's term, he having been chosen Circuit Judge in 1869), 1870 ; Vernon
Tichenor (received all the votes cast), 1871 ; Alexander Cook, 1872-73 ; Edwin Hurlbut,
1874-75 ; D. H. Sumner, 1876-77 ; Alexander Cook, 1878-79 ; William H. Thomas, 1880-81.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 367
County Treasurer. — William. P. Sloan, appointed by the Board of Supervisors on June 8,
1846 ; Gordon C. Cone, elected in October, 1846, served 1846-49 ; Horatio N. Davis,
1850-51 ; Peter G. Jones (no opposition), 1852 ; Gordon C. Cone, 1853-54 ; Horatio N. Davis,
1855-58; Oliver S. Rathburn, 1859-62; John Fallon, 1863-64; H. H. Hunkins,
1865-66 ; George E. Bergwall, 1867-68 ; John Castleholz, 1869-70 ; Ephraim Beaumont,
1871-74 ; Anthony Houser, 1875-76 ; John A. Lins, 1877-78 ; John Russell, 1879-80.
County Clerk. — Harrison Phillips (appointed by Board of Supervisors, in June, 1846, and
removed a few days later) ; Joseph H. Turner (appointed in June, and resigned in October,
1846) ; E. M. Randall (appointed by County Board), 1846-47 ; William S. Hawkins, 1848-49 ;
E. B. Kelsey, 1850 ; Lemuel White, 1851-52 ; Benj. E. Clarke, 1853-54; Owen McMahon,
1855-56; John E. Jewett, 1857-62; Adam Beaver, 1863-64; William S. Green,
1865-66 ; J. L. O'Brien, 1867-68 ; James Murray, 1869-70 ; John C. Schuet, 1871 ; James
Murray (to fill vacancy), 1872 ; Thomas C. Martin, 1873-78; J. D. Roberts, 1879-80.
Clerk of the Court. — George S. West (appointed by Judge Miller), 1847-48; William S-
Hascall, 1849—52; Lemuel White (0. C. White acting as clerk during the latter portion of the
term), 1853-54; Samuel H. Barstow, first part of 1855; Henry D. Barron, by appointment,
filled out S. H. Barstow's term of 1855-56 ; John Forbes, 1857-60 ; John A. Williams,
1861-62 ; P. H. Carney, 1863-64 ; John Forbes, 1865-66 ; R. B. Rowlands, served only a
few days, and resigned to John Forbes, who served 1867-68 ; William R. Williams, 1869-73 ;
H. F. Jennings (appointed to fill out the third term of Mr. Williams, deceased), 1874 : William S.
Green, 1875-78 ; Mathias L. Snyder, 1878-81.
County Surveyor. — T. S. Huntington (appointed by the County Board in June, 1846),
1846-47 ; J. Van Vechten, 1848-50 ; William R. Williams, 1851-52 ; John 0. Rudbergh,
1853-54; William West, 1855-56; Thomas Faulkner, 1857-58; Ira Blood, 1859-62; R. C.
Hathaway, 1863-64 ; William R. Williams, 1865-66 ; Ira Blood, 1867-68 ; William West,
1869-74; R. C. Hathaway, 1875-78; M. S. Hodgson, 1879-80.
Coroner. — D. H. Shumway, appointed by the first County Board in June, 1846 ; S. H.
Barstow, 1847-50; Frederick A. Sprague, 1851-52; Peter Hart, 1853-54 ; Richard Hardell,
1855-56 ; Ira Rowe, 1857-58 ; George McWhorter, 1859-60 ; William M. Saunders, 1861-'^2 ;
W. H. Burgess, 1863-64 ; Peter D. Gifford, 1865-66 ; William M. Saunders, 1867-68 ; C.
C. Palmer, 1869-70; Leonard Martin, 1871-72; Orville Hathaway, 1873-74; Sam. H.
Barstow, 1875-78; William M. Saunders, 1879-80.
Superintendent of Schools. — Elihu Enos, 1861-62 ; A. D. Hendrickson, 1863-64 ;
William S. Green, 1865-71 ; Alexander F. North, 1872-73 ; Isaac A. Stewart, 1874-75 ;
John Howitt, 1876-81.
Before 1861, the town system of Superintendents was in force.
Board of Supervisors. — The Board of Supervisors is to the county what the Legislature
is to a State. The oflicial records show the Board to have been composed of the following per-
sons fo,r the difierent years :
1846 — Hiram Carter, of Oconomowoc ; Curtis Reed, of Summit ; Talbot C. Dousman, of
Ottawa; Baxter P. Melendy, of Eagle ; Joseph Bond, of Mukwonago ; Squire S. Case, of
Genesee ; Alfred L. Castleman, of Delafield ; William Odell, of Warren ; Thompson Rich-
mond, of Lisbon ; Collin McVean, of Pewaukee ; Joseph Turner, of Prairieville ; Asa A.
Flint, of Vernon ; Leonard Martin, of Muskego ; Moses W. Sherwood, of New Berlin ; Will-
iam Fisher, of Brookfield ; Willard Bancroft, of Menomonee.
1847 — A. J. Story, of Summit ; T. C. Dousman, of Ottawa ; D. Orendorfi", of Genesee ;
W. Crombie, of Delafield ; W. P. Clarke, of Warren ; James Weaver, of Lisbon ; J. H. Watei--
man, of Pewaukee ; C. Burchard, of Waukesha; 0. Hazeltine, of Vernon ; L. Martin, of
Muskego ; George M. Humphrey, of New Berlin ; M. Spear, of Brookfield ; N. P. Reynolds,
of Menomonee; E. P. Cotton, of Oconomowoc; Jonathan Parsons, of Eagle; Joseph Bond,
of Mukwonago.
368 HISTORY OF "WAUKESHA COUNT\.
1848 — William Flanagan, of Menomonee ; Henry Brainard, of Lisbon ; Curtis B. Brown,
of Oconomowoc ; Henry C. Morgan, of Pewaukee ; John P. Story, of Brookfield ; E. P. Bir-
chard, of Waukesha; S. S. Case, of Genesee; T. C. Dousman, of Ottawa; Jonathan Parsons,
of Eagle ; Jesse Smith, of Vernon ; John Finley, of Muskego.
1849 — William Flanagan, of Menomonee ; George Elliot, of Lisbon ; William A. Bar-
stow, of Waukesha; Robert Curran, of Brookfield; Benjamin Hunkins, of New Berlin; Pitts
Ellis, of Genesee ; John C. Snover, of Eagle ; John Finley, of Muskego ; A. J. Story, of
Summit ; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Daniel Cottrell, of Oconomowoc ; Hiram Paris,
of Ottawa; Henry Shears, of Merton ; Aaron Putnam, of Vernon; John Hodgson, of Pewau-
kee ; Andrew Proudfit, of Delafield.
1850 — Simon Smith, of Menomonee ; Elisha Pearl, of Lisbon ; Jeremiah Noon, of Mer-
ton ; John S. Rockwell, of Oconomowoc ; J. M. Clark, of Summit ; Dewey H. Warren, of
Delafield ; Henry Smith, of Pewaukee ; Robert Curran, of Brookfield ; George Hyer, of Wau-
kesha; Thomas Sugden, of Genesee; Peter D. Gifibrd, of Ottawa; John C. Snover, of Eagle;
Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Amos GoiF, of Vernon ; Thomas Lenan, of Muskego ; N.
T. Loomis, of New Berlin.
1851 — John C. Snover, of Eagle ; Daniel B. Cotton, of Ottawa ; Elisha W. Edgerton, of
Summit ; John S. Rockwell, of Oconomowoc ; Jeremiah Noon, of Merton ; Dewey K. Warren,
of Delafield ; Thomas Sugden, of Genesee ; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Amos Goff,
of Vernon ; Absalom Miner, of Waukesha ; William C. Gates, of Pewaukee ; Robert Black,
of Lisbon ; Simon Smith, of Menomonee ; Oliver S. Rathburn, of Brookfield ; Daniel Church,
of New Berlin ; Luther Parker, of Muskego.
1852 — John Finley, of Muskego; Benjamin Hunkins, of New Berlin; Aaron V. Groot,
of Brookfield; William Flanagan, of Menomonee ; Rodman Palmer, of Lisbon; A. H. Griffin,
of Pewaukee ; H. N. Davis, of Waukesha ; William A. Vanderpool, of Vernon ; A. E.
Elmore, of Mukwonago; Pitts Ellis, of Genesee; George R. McLean, of Delafield; Jeremiah
Noon, of Merton ; John S. Rockwell, of Oconomowoc ; Elisha W. Edgerton, of Summit ; Peter
D. Gifibrd, of Ottawa; Marvin H. Bovee, of Eagle.
1853 — William R. Hesk, of Menomonee; George Cairncross, of Lisbon; Hosea Prentice>
of Merton; Daniel Cottrell, of Oconomowoc; Elisha M. Edgerton, of Summit; Alfred L-
Castleman, of Delafield ; Ashbert H. Griffin, of Pewaukee ; Ira Rowe, of Brookfield ; Benja-
min Hunkins, of New Berlin ; Horatio N. Davis, of Waukesha ; Thomas Sugden, of Gene-
see ; Talbot C. Dousman, of Ottawa ; Alexander Winnie, of Eagle ; Andrew E. Elmore, of
Mukwonago ; Findlay McNaughton, of Vernon ; James Reymert, of Muskego.
1854 — Marvin H. Bovee. of Eagle; Peter D. GiS'ord, of Ottawa; Dennison Worthing-
ton, of Summit; Hosea Prentice, of Merton; L. B. Seymour, of Delafield; Alexander Fen-
der, of Genesee; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Findlay McNaughton, of Vernon ;
Horatio N. Davis, of Waukesha; William C. Gates, of Pewaukee ; George Cairncross, of Lis-
bon ; William R. Hesk, of Menomonee ; Ira Rowe, of Brookfield ; John Evans, of New
Berlin ; John Reynolds, of Muskego.
1855 — Patrick Higgins, of Menomonee; George Cairncross, of Lisbon; James Donnelly,
of Merton ; Daniel Cottrell, of Oconomowoc ; James H. Waterman, of Pewaukee ; Ira Rowe,
of Brookfield ; John Evans, of New Berlin ; G. C. Cone, of Waukesha ; Thomas Sugden, of
Genesee; Thomas Chandler, of Ottawa; John C. Snover, of Eagle; A. E. Elmore, of Muk-
wonago; F. McNaughton, of Vernon; B. Babcock, of Muskego.
1856 — Ira Rowe, of Brookfield; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; George Underbill, of Eagle;
Thomas Sugden, of Genesee ; George Cairncross, of Lisbon ; E. McMonnigal, of Menomonee ;
Jeremiah Noon, of Merton ; A. E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Charles D. Parker, of Muskego ;
Moses Cleveland, of New Berlin ; D. McKercher, of Oconomowoc ; Thomas Chandler, of Ottawa ;
A. H. Griffin, of Pewaukee ; James Clark, of Summit ; F. McNaughton, of Vernon ; A. F.
Pratt, of Waukesha.
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 369
1857 — Aaron V. Groot, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield; George Underhill, of
Eagle ; Pitts Ellis, of Genesee ; George Cairncross, of Lisbon ; William Flanagan, of Menomonee ;
Francis McCormick, of Merton; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; John Reynolds, of Mus-
kego; John Evans, of New Berlin; Washington W. Collins, of Oconomowoc ; William E.
McGlure, of Ottawa; Chauncey G. Heath, of Pewaukee; Orson Reed, of Summit; Findlay
McNaughton, of Vernon ; George C. Pratt, of Waukesha.
1858 — Simeon Faulkner, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; John C. Snover, of
Eagle ; Thomas Sugden, of Genesee ; George Cairncross, of Lisbon ; Sylvester Rowe, of
Menomonee; Francis McCormick, of Merton; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; Matthew
Elliott, of Muskego ; Benjamin Hunkins, of New Berlin ; Daniel Cottrell, of Oconomowoc ; T.
C. Dousman, of Ottawa ; George Parker, of Pewaukee ; Orson Reed, of Summit ; Perry Craig,
of Vernon ; George C. Pratt, of Waukesha.
1859 — John H. Cushing, of Brookfield; Albert Alden, of Delafield; D. G. Snover, of
Eagle ; P. D. Gilford, of Genesee ; R. Cooling, of Lisbon ; William R. Hesk, of Menomonee ; F.
McCormick, of Merton ; A. E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; P. L. Bigelow, of Muskego ; J. J.
Punch, of New Berlin ; Norman Schultz, of Ottawa; John Hodgson, of Pewaukee ; Orson Reed,
of Summit ; R. C. Robertson, of Vernon ; George C. Pratt, of Waukesha ; R. C. Hathaway, of
Oconomowoc.
1860 — Daniel Brown, of Brookfield ; Samuel Thompson, of Delafield ; H. F. Potter, of
Eagle ; Peter D. Gilford, of Genesee ; Richard Cooling, of Lisbon ; Sylvester Rowe, of Menom-
onee ; Holt Barnes, of Merton ; A. E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; P. L. Bigelow, of Muskego ;
John Evans, of New Berlin ; John S. Rockwell, of Oconomowoc ; David R.oberts, of Ottawa ;
John Hodgson, of Pewaukee; Orson Reed, of Summit; R. C. Robertson, of Vernon; H. N.
Davis, of Waukesha.
1861 — Daniel Brown, of Brookfield ; Samuel Thompson, of Delafield ; W. S. Green, of
Eagle ; A. Fender, of Genesee ; H. R. Savage, of Lisbon ; Peter Hart, of Menomonee ; F.
McCormick, of Merton ; Frederick Ring, of Mukwonago ; C. H. Babcock, of Muskego ; James
Murray, of New Berlin ; D. Rhoda, of Oconomowoc ; Thomas Chandler, of Ottawa ; E. M.
Danforth, of Summit ; R. C. Robertson, of Vernon ; H. N. Davis, Waukesha.
In 1861, Commissioners took the place of Supervisors, one being elected at large and one
from each Assembly District. Under that system the following Commissioners were elected :
1862-63 — At large. Nelson Burroughs ; Albert Stewart, for the First Assembly District ;
E. M. Danforth, for the Second District; Pitts Ellis, Third District; Leonard Martin, Fourth
District.
1864-65 — At large, John Hodgson ; A. M. Bobbins, First District ; John N. Cadby, Second
District; E. D. Reynolds, Third District; Jesse Smith, Fourth District.
1866 — At large, John Hodgson ; A. M. Robbins, First District ; D. S. Stone, Second
District ; David Roberts, Third District ; Sargeant R. Hunkins, Fourth District.
1867 — Isaac Lain, First District ; Daniel Cottrell, Second District ; John Castenholz, Third
District.*
1868 — Isaac Lain, First District ; Thomas H. Boone, Second District ; John Castenholz,
Third District.
1869 — Isaac Lain, First District; Thomas H. Boone, Second District; Patrick Higgins,
Third District.
1870 — Isaac Lain, First District ; John Hodgson, Second District ; Patrick Higgins,
Third District. These Commissioners only served a small portion of 18(0, the act returning
to the town system having become a law in time for the April elections of that year.
1870 — Thomas Lambe, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; Thomas D. Jones, of
Genesee ; Henry Phillips, of Lisbon ; William N. Lannon, of Menomonee ; James McDonough,
of Muskego ; M. H. Molster, of Merton ; William McArthur, of Mukwonago ; Lyman Evans,
*The County was re-districted, erecting tliree Assembly Districts, and the Commissioner at Large was cut off, his election not being
Necessary to make an odd number of Commisaioners.
370 HISTORY OF WA,UKESHA COUNTY.
of New Berlin ; John Whittaker, of Oconomowoc ; Henry Weiner, of Ottawa ; Alexander
Caldwell, of Pewaukee; J. D. McDonald, of Summit ; Jesse Smith, of Vernon ; Edward Porter,
of Waukesha ; D. H. Sumner, of Oconomowoc Village ; W. V. Tichenor, of Waukesha
Village.
1871 — Thomas Lambe, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; John C. Snover, of
Eagle ; John A. Jones, of Genesee ; John Watson, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty, of Menomonee ;
Martin H. Molster, of Merton ; L. J. Andrews, of Mukwonago ; James McDonough, of Mus-
kego ; John Evans, of New Berlin ; David Rhoda, of Oconomowoc ; Henry Weiner, of Ottawa ;
Elihu Enos, of Pewaukee ; J. D. McDonald, of Summit ; Jesse Smith, of Vernon ; Edward
Porter, of Waukesha ; Willis V. Tichenor, of Waukesha Village ; Orville Hathaway, of
Oconomowoc Village.
1872 — Jefferson Gregg, of Brookfield ; J. Sperry, of Delafield ; J. A. Lins, of Eagle ;
John Ai Jones, of Genesee; Henry Phillips, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty, of Menomonee ; S.
L. Worth, of Merton ; William McArthur, of Mukwonago ; James McDonough, of Muskego ;
John Evans, of New Berlin ; David Rhoda, of Ocofiomowoc ; William Thompson, of Oconomo-
woc Village ; B. W. Knight, of Ottawa ; S. T. BoUes, of Pewaukee ; E. S. Stone, of Summit ;
Andrew Bertram, of Vernon ; Edward Porter, of Waukesha ; D. H. Sumner, of Waukesha
Village.
1873 — Thomas Lambe, of Brookfield ; Johnson Sperry, of Delafield ; William LeFever,
of Eagle ; William H. Hardy, of Genesee ; R. Ainsworth, of Lisbon ; M. H. Molster, of Mer-
ton ; Thomas McCarty, of Menomonee ; Charles Bass, of Muskego ; William McArthur, of
Mukwonago ; John Evans, of New Berlin ; H. T. Dousman, of Ottawa ; F. S. Capron, of
Oconomowoc ; Lyman Kellogg, of Oconomowoc Village ; S. T. Bolles, of Pewaukee ; J. D.
McDonald, of Summit ; David Edwards, of Summitville ; Jesse Smith, of Vernon ; Edward
Porter, of Waukesha ; Isaac Lain, of Waukesha Village.
1874 — Thomas Lambe, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; J. C. Snover, of Eagle ;
Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee ; Roderick Ainsworth, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty, of Menom-
onee ; John L. Buckley, of Merton ; Charles Bass, of Muskego ; William McArthur, of Mukwon-
ago ; John Evansj of New Berlin ; David Rhoda, of Oconomowoc ; Lyman Evans, of Oconomo-
woc Village ; H. F. Dousman, of Ottawa ; George Baker, of Pewaukee ; J. D. McDonald, of
Summit; L- Martin, of Vernon; 0. M. Tyler, of Waukesha; I. Lain, of Waukesha Village.
1875 — Fred. Goerke, of Brookfield ; Johnson Sperry, of Delafield ; John C. Snover, of
Eagle ; Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee ; William Small, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty, of Me-
nomonee ; John L. Buckley, of Merton ; J. N. Crawford, of Mukwonago ; Adam Meahl, of
Muskego ; William Ockler, of New Berlin ; 0. H. Thayer, of Ottawa ; M. A. Place, of Ocon-
omowoc ; W. W. Collins, of Oconomowoc City ; 0. P. Clinton, of Pewaukee ; J. D.
McDonald, of Summit; Leonard Martin, of Vernon; 0. M. Tyler, of Waukesha; George C.
Pratt, of Waukesha Village.
1876 — Christopher Gaynor, of Brookfield ; Johnson Sperry, of Delafield ; J. A. Lins, of
Eagle; Henry Bowman, of Genesee; William Small, of Lisbon ; Peter Reith, of Menomonee;
Edward Purtell, of Merton ; F. S. Andrews, of Mukwonago ; Adam Meahl, of Muskego ;
William Ockler, of New Berlin ; Henry Weiner, of Ottawa ; M. A. Place, of Oconomowoc ;
M. T. Draper, of Oconomowoc City ; B. F. Goss, of Pewaukee ; S. T. Bolles, of Pewaukee
Village ; A. G. Hardell, of Summit ; James Stewart, of Vernon ; R. M. Jameson, of Wauke-
sha ; Isaac Lain, of Waukesha Village.
1877 — Christopher Gaynor, of Brookfield ; J. Sperry, of Delafield ; M. J. Regan, of
Eagle; Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee; John Flanagan, of Menomonee; James Walsh, of
Merton; F. S. Andrews, of Mukwonago; S. C. Schuet, of Muskego; John Evans, of New
Berlin ; 0. H. Thayer, of Ottawa ; Silas Clemens, of Oconomowoc ; M. T. Draper, of Ocono-
mowoc City; J. M. Heath, of Pewaukee; S. T. Bolles, of Pewaukee Village; J. D. McDon-
ald, of Summit ; James Stewart, of Vernon ; R. M. Jameson, of Waukesha ; S^las Richardson,
of Waukesha Village.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 371
1878— W. R. Blodgett, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; M. J. Regan, of
Eagle; T. D. Jones, of Genesee; Charles Buck, of Lisbon; John Flanagan, of Menomonee ;
Edward Drummond, of Merton ; John Schmidt, of Muskego ; William Addenbrook, of Muk-
wonago ; John Evans, of New Berlin; N. J. Nichols, of Ottawa; David Rhoda, of Oconomor
woe ; W. W. Collins, of Oconomowoc City ; John Ross, of Pewaukee ; B. F. Goss, of Pewau-
kee Village ; John D. McDonald, of Summit ; James Stewart, of Vernon ; 0. Tichenor, of
Waukesha; Isaac Lain, of Waukesha Village.
1879 — Christopher Gaynor, of Brookfield ; Albert Alden, of Delafield ; William E. Hen-
nessy, of Eagle ; T. D. Jones, of Genesee ; William Small, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty, of
Menomonee ; James Walsh, of Merton ; Matthew Howitt, of Mukwonago ; John Schmidt, of
Muskego ; John Evans, of New Berlin ; Henry Weiner, of Ottawa ; David Rhoda, of Ocono-
mowoc; M. T. Draper, of Oconomowoc City, First Ward; A. McKee, of Oconomowoc City,
Second Ward; E. W. Delaney, of Oconomowoc City, Third Ward; John Ross, of Pewaukee;
A. M. Clark, of Pewaukee Village ; Daniel Williams, of Summit ; Leonard Martin, of Vernon ;
Alexander McWhorter, of Waukesha ; William Langer, of Waukesha Village.
1880 — Albert Alden, of Delafield ; Christopher Gaynor, of Brookfield ; William E. Hen-
nessy, of Eagle ; Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee ; Henry Phillips, of Lisbon ; Thomas McCarty,
of Menomonee; Edward Drummond, of Merton; William A. Denbrook, of Mukwonago; John
Schmidt, of Muskego ; A. E. Gilbert, of New Berlin ; Henry Weiner, of Ottawa ; W. A.
Place, of Oconomowoc; John Ross, of Pewaukee; Daniel Williams, of Summit; L. Martin, of
Vernon ; Alexander McWhorter, of Waukesha.
WAUKESHA IN THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
First Constitutional Convention. — This convention assembled at Madison October 5, 1846,
and adjourned December 16, 1846, framing a constitution, which was submitted to the people the
first Tuesday in April, 1847, and rejected. Waukesha County was represented as follows :
Andrew E. Elmore, Pitts Ellis, George Reed, Elisha W. Edgerton, Rufus Parks, William B.
Hesk, Barnes Babcock, Benjamin Hunkins, Alexander W. Randall, Charles Burchard* and
James M. Moore.
Second Constitutional Convention. — This convention assembled at Madison, on December
15, 1847, and adjourned February 1, 1848, framing the present constitution, which was adopted
by the people on the second Monday in March, 1848. Waukesha County was represented as
follows : Peter D. Giff"ord, George Scagel, S. S. Case, A. L. Castleman, Emulous P. Cotton and
Eleazer Root.
TERRITORIAL REPRESENTATION.f
Council. — Alanson Sweet and Gilbert Knapp, 1836-38 ; Daniel Wells, Jr., and William A,
Prentiss, 1838-40 ; Jonathan E. Arnold and Don A. J. Upham, 1841-42 (Arnold resigning
his seat, which was filled by John H. Tweedy) ; Hans Crocker, Lemuel White and David
Newland, 1842-44 ; Adam E. Ray, James Kneeland and Jacob H. Kimball, 1845 ; Curtis Reed,
Jacob H. Kimball and James Kneeland, 1846 ; Joseph Turner, 1847-48. f
Representatives. — William B. Sheldon. Madison W. Cornwall and Charles Durkee, 1836-88 ;
Lucius I. Barber, William Shew, Henry C. Skinner, Ezekiel Churchill and Augustus Story, 1839 ;
Adam E. Ray, William R. Longstreet, Wm. Shew, Horatio N. Wells and Augustus Story, 1839-40 ;
Joseph Bond, Jacob Brazelton, A. E. Ray, John S. Rockwell and William Shephard, 1840-42 ;
Andrew E. Elmore, Benjamin Hunkins, Thomas H. Olin, Jonathan Parsons, Jared Thompson
and George H. Walker, 1842-44 ; Charles E. Brown, Pitts Ellis, Byron Kilbourn, B. H.
Mooers, William Shew and George H. Walker, 1845; Samuel H. Barstow, John Crawford, James
Magone,' Benj. H. Mooers, Luther Parker and William H. Thomas, 1846; Joseph Bond and
*Seat unsuccessfully contested by Mathias J. Bovee, now deceased.
tThe first Territorial Legislature convened at Belmont, now in Iowa County, October 25, 1836, and continued in session until December
9, 1836.
372 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Chauncey G. Heath, 1847;* George Reed and L. Martin (special session in October), 1847 ;
George Eeed and L. Martin, 1848.
STATE REPRESENTATION.
Senate. — Up to 1853, after the organization of the State, Waukesha constituted the
Thirteenth District ; after that, it was divided into the Ninth and Tenth, the two districts con-
tinuing until 1857, when the county was made to constitute the Tenth District, since which
time no change has been made. The following Senators have represented Waukesha County
since the adoption of the State Constitution : Joseph Turner, 1848; Fred A. Sprague, 1849-
50; George Hyer, 1851; E. B. West, 1852; G. R. McLane and Marvin H. Bovee, 1853;
G. R. McLane and James D. Reymert, 1854 ; Dennis Worthington and James D. Reymert,
1855; Dennis Worthington and Edward Gernon, 1856; Edward Gernon, 1857; Dennis
Worthington, 1868-61 ; George C. Pratt, 1862-63 ; William Blair, 1864-65 ; Orson Reed,
] 866-67; Curtis Mann, 1868-69; John A. RLce, 1870-71; William Blair, 1872-73; John
A. Rice, 1874-75 ; William Blair, 1866-67 ; John A. Rice, 1877-78; Richard Weaver, 1879-80.
Assembly. — Joseph W. Brackett, Dewey K. Warren, C. G. Heath, George M. Humphrey
and Joseph Bond, 1848 ; William H. Thomas, John M. Wells, Albert Alden, David H. Rock-
well and Thomas Sugden, 1849 ; Patrick Higgins, Henry Shears, Pitts Ellis, John E. Gallagher
and Anson H. Taylor, 1850 ; John C. Snover, Peter D. Gifford, Aaron V. Groot, William A.
Cone and Hosea Fuller, Jr., 1851 ; John U. Hilliard, Dennison Worthington, Thomas Sugden,
Publius V. Monroe and Fin. McNaughton, 1852 ; Winchell D. Bacon, Edward Lees, Orson
Reed and Elisha Pearl, 1853 ; Edward Lees, Jesse Smith, Dennison Worthington and Chauncey
H. Purple, 1854 ; Alex. W. Randall, Joseph Bond, Stephen Warren and Benjamin F. Goss,
1855; John James, James Weaver, Charles S. Hawley and Jeremiah Noon, 1856; George
Cairncross, James M. Lewis, Thomas Sugden, Elihu Enos, Jr., and Charles S. Hawley, 1857;
Albert Alden, Oliver P. Hulett, David Roberts, George McWhorter and Charles S. Hawley,
1858 ; Parker Sawyer, William P. King, Andrew E. Elmore, Charles T. Deissner and Ira
Blood, 1859 ; Albert Alden, William R. Hesk, Andrew E. Elmore, Benjamin Hunkins and
Robert C. Robertson, 1860 ; Daniel Cottrell, William H. Thomas, Henry A. Youmans, Myron
Gilbert and Isaac Lain, 1861 ; George W. Brown, Samuel Thompson, Peter D. Gifford, William
A. Vanderpool, 1862 ; Silas Richardson, Elisha W. Edgerton, David G. Snover and Nelson
Burroughs, 1863 ; William Costigan, Joel R. Carpenter, Norman Shultis and John Smith,
1864 ; Thomas Weaver, John N. Cadby, John B. Monteith and Myron Gilbert, 1865 ; Daniel
Brown, Samuel Thompson, Peter D. Gifford and Jesse Smith, 1866; Jesse Smith, Rufus Parks,
and James Murray, 1867 ; Silas Barber, William Thompson and Adam Muehl, 1868 ; Vernon
Tichenor, Edwin Hurlbut and James McDonald, 1869 ; Henry Totten, John D. McDonald
and Thomas McCarty, 1870 ; Leonard D. Hinkley, John D. McDonald and William Ockler,
1871 ; Eliphalet S. Stone and Charles Brown, 1872 ; Francis G. Parks and David Rhoda,
1873 ; William H. Hardy and Henry Clasen, 1874 ; Silas Barber and Manville S. Hodgson,
1875 ; William H. Hardy and James S. Dent, 1876 ; H. F. Dousman and Thomas McCarty,
1877 ; Alvarus E. Gilbert and Richard Weaver, 1878 ; John Schmidt and William Small, 1879.
REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS.
The act of Congress, approved April 20, 1836, organizing the Territory of Wisconsin, con-
ferred upon the people the right -to be represented in the National Congress by one delegate, to
be chosen by the votes of the qualified electors of the Territory. Under this authority, the Ter-
ritory was represented in Congress by the following delegates :
George W. Jones, elected October 10, 1836 ; James D. Doty, September 10, 1838 ; James
D. Doty, August 5, 1840 ; Henry Dodge, September 27, 1841 ; Henry Dodge, September 25,
1843 ; Morgan L. Martin, September 22, 1845 ; John H. Tweedy, September 6, 1847.
* In 1846, Waukeaha was set off from Milwaukee, and constituted a separate election district.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 373
By the Constitution, adopted when the Territory became a State in 1848, two Representa-
tives in Congress were provided for, by dividing the State into two Congressional Districts.
Waukesha, with three other counties, was included in the First Congressional District, and
though the territory of this district was changed in 1861 and 1872, the county has never been
out of it. The representation, since Wisconsin became a State, has been as follows : William
Pitt Lynde,* of Milwaukee, 1847-49 ; Charles Durkee, of Kenosha, 1849-53 ; Daniel Wells,
Jr., of Milwaukee, 1853-57 ; John F. Potter, of Walworth County, 1857-63 ; James S. Brown,
of Kenosha, 1863-65; Halbert E. Paine, of Milwaukee, 1865-71; Alexander Mitchell, of Mil-
waukee, 1871-73 ; Charles G. Williams, of Janesville, 1873, continuously to the present time,
his fourth term expiring in March, 1881. Politically, the delegates have beqn divided as follows :
James S. Brown, Daniel Wells, Jr., William Pitt Lynde and Alexander Mitchell, Democrats ;
and Charles Durkee (Libertyite), Halbert E. Paine, John F. Potter and Charles G. Williams,
Republicans.
TERRITORIAL DISTRICT COURTS AND JUDGES.
Had Waukesha County contained any settlers before 1836, Who desired to "go to law,'
they would have been compelled to travel to Green Bay, where, as early as 1820 or 1821'
Robert Irwin held the office of Justice of the Peace; or, possibly, it would have been necessary
for them to have journeyed to Detriot. Up to that time, cases were tried by Justices in Wis-
consin (which belonged to Michigan, however, and could not be legally called by that name), or
contestants were compelled to go to Detriot.
The act of Congress establishing the Territorial Government of Wisconsin provided for the
division of the Territory into three judicial districts, and for the holding of a District Court by
one of the Justices of the Supreme Court in each district, two terms each year in each organized
county in the district. The three Justices were Charles Dunn, David Irvin and William C.
Frazer. By an act of the Territorial Legislature, approved November 15, 1836, the counties
of Brown and Milwaukee (the last named including the territory afterward designated as Wau-
kesha County) were constituted the Third District, and assigned to Justice Frazer.
. The place for holding court was at Milwaukee, the opening of which was a notable event
in those days, and attended by nearly all the men in the county, which, of course, included
Waukesha. Some reminiscences, therefore, will not only be properly in place here, but of more
or less interest and value. The late Alexander F. Pratt, who was an officer (Deputy Sheriff by
appointment) of that court, wrote as follows (in 1854) of Judge William C. Frazer, of Pennsyl-
vania, and his court peculiarities :
" Judge Frazer arrived in Milwaukee on a Sunday evening, in June, 1837, to hold first
court. He put up at the small hotel, which stood where ' Dickerman's Block ' now stands,
kept by Mr. Vail. On his arrival, he fell in with some old Kentucky friends, who invited him
to a private room for the purpose of participating in an innocent game of ' poker.' The party
oonsisted of the Judge, Col. Morton, Register of the Land Office, and two or three others —
friends of the Judge. They commenced playing for small sums at first, but increased them as
the hours passed, until the dawn of day, the next morning, when small sums seemed beneath
their notice. The first approach of day was heralded to them by the ringing of the bell for
breakfast. The Judge made a great many apologies, saying, among other things, that as that
was his first appearance in the Territory, and as his court opened at 10 o'clock that morning,
he must have a little time to prepare a charge to the grand jury. He therefore hoped that they
would excuse him, which they accordingly did, and he withdrew from the party. The court
met at the appointed hour, Owen Aldrich acting as Sheriff, and Cyrus Hawley as Clerk. The
grand jury was called and sworn. The Judge, with much dignity, commenced his charge ; and
never before did we hear such a charge poured forth from the bench ! After charging them
upon the laws generally, he alluded to the statute against gambling. The English language is
too barren to describe his abhorrence of that crime. Among other extravagances, he said, that
* As at first constituted, tho First Congressional District comprised the counties of Milwaulcee, Waukesha, Walworth and Racine. After
the State was divided into six districts, in 1861, it contained the same territory, and, in 1872, it was reduced by setting Milwauliee County off
into the Fourth District.
374 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
' a gambler was unfit for earth, heaven or hell,' and that ' G-od Almighty would even shudder
at the sight of one.'
" At that time, we had but one session of the Legislature, which had adopted mostly the
statutes of Michigan, which allowed the court to exercise its discretion in granting stays of exe-
cution, etc. A suit came up against a man in the Second Ward, who had no counsel. The
Judge ordered the crier to call the defendant. He did so, and the defendant appeared. The
Judge asked him if he had anything to say against judgment being rendered against him. He
replied, that he did not know that he had, as it was an honest debt, but that he was unable to
pay it. The Judge inquired what his occupation was. He replied that he was a fisherman.
Says the Judge, ' Can you pay it in fish ? ' The defendant answered that ' he did not know but
he could, if he had time to catch them.' The Judge turned to the Clerk, and ordered him to
'enter up a judgment, payable in fish, and grant a stay of execution for twelve months,' at the
same time remarking to the defendant, that he must surely pay it at the time, and in good fish,
for he would not be willing to wait so long for 'stinking fish.' The next suit worthy of note
was against William M. Dennis, our present Bank Comptroller. He, like his predecessor, had
no counsel. His name was called, and he soon made his appearance. He entered the court-
room, wearing his usual smile, whittling with his knife in the left hand. The Court addressed
him in a loud voice, 'What are you grinning about, Mr. Dennis?' Mr. Dennis replied, that
he was not aware that he was laughing. The court inquired if he proposed to offer any defense \
He replied that he did, but was not ready for trial. 'No matter,' said the Judge, 'there's
enough that are ready, and the Clerk will enter it continued.' The next case, about which we
recollect, was the trial of two Indians, who were indicted for murdering a man on the Rock
River. They were also indicted for an assault, with intent to kill, upon another man, at the
same time. The trial for murder came off first. They were found guilty, and sentenced to be
hanged. On the day following they were tried for the assault, etc., found guilty, and sentenced
to five years' imprisonment, and to pay a fine of five hundred dollars each ! Gov. Dodge,
however, deemed it too severe to fine and imprison a man after he was hanged, commuted it to
imprisonment for life. The Indians were confined in a jail a year or two, but were finally par-
doned by the Governor.
" Judge Frazer soon afterward went to Green Bay, and held a court, from where, for
want of a jail in which to confine prisoners, he sentenced a man, for some trifling ofiiense, 'to be
banished to Turkey River.' After the court adjourned, he returned to Milwaukee on the steam-
boat Pennsylvania. She anchored in the bay, and the Judge, who was dead drunk at the time,
was lowered by means of a tackle into a boat, and rowed to the landing at Walker's Point.
From the efiect of this bacchanalian revel he never recovered. His friend. Col. Morton, took
him to his own house, called to his aid our best physicians, and all was done that human skill
could devise, for the restoration of his health, but it was too late, the seeds of death had been
sown ; he lingered in great distress for four or five days, and breathed his last in Milwaukee,
October 18, 1838, aged sixty-two years. The members of the bar, generally, neglected to
attend the funeral ; and having no relations in the State, he hardly received a decent burial.
His remains were followed to their last resting-place by only two members of the bar (Messrs.
Arnold and Crocker) besides a few friends. Years afterward the son of Judge Frazer came to
Milwaukee and had the remains of his father removed to the new churchyard in the Fifth Ward
and a proper tombstone erected over them."
Andrew G. Miller succeeded Judge Frazer as Judge of the Third District, receiving bis
appointment from Martin Van Buren, in 1838. When Waukesha County had been erected, in
1846, the people within its limits had a right, under the Territorial statutes, to two terms of
court per year — in February and August ; therefore Judge Miller came to Prairieville for the
purpose of afibrding the citizens of the new county opportunity of having justice done them, in
February, 1847. The court house had been building for some time, but not being fit for occu-
pancy. Judge Miller opened court in the old Prairieville Academy, now the Lutheran Church.
Albert Alden was Sherifi"; George S. West, Clerk ; Guy Carleton, Crier ; John S. Rockwell,
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 375
United States Marshal ; E. P. Cotton and D. H. Rockwell, Assistants ; William Pitt Lynde,
United States District Attorney, and Alexander Cook, Territorial District Attorney.
The first case was entitled, " Samuel K. Piatt vs. David Douglass and John A. Douglass,
action for trespass." Alexander W. Randall was the only attorney appearing in the case, which
was decided in favor of the plaintiff.
The second case demanded a jury, and Whitney Hudson, 0. M. Hubbard, George W. Por-
ter, B. W. Knight, Joseph Marsh, Robert Curran, Chauncey H. Purple, William Brimmer, A.
R. Hinckley, Elisha Pearl, E. B. Birchard and Charles Butterjunt, " twelve free, honest and
lawful men of the county," had the honor of being the first jury. The survivors are few,
among whom are Robert Curran and A. R. Hinckley. Some of them declare that the tests "to
prove a juror's honesty were not always infallible ; the declaration of free, honest and lawful
sometimes being more of a form than of fact."
CIRCUIT COURT AND JUDGES.
After the adoption of the State Constitution, in 1848, Wisconsin was divided into a number
of districts called circuits, for judicial purposes. The county of Waukesha (with Milwaukee)
was included in the Second Circuit, as it still continues to be, and Levi Hubbell was the first
Judge. He held his first term of court for this county in the Court House, at Waukesha, begin-
ning November 13, 1848. Albert Alden was Sheriff; William S. Hascall, Clerk; J. E. Gal-
lagher, District Attorney; Guy Carleton, Crier, and J. L. Delano, Doorkeeper. The first case
was not for a jury ; its title was: " Jason Downer vs. William A. Barstow and Robert Lock-
wood, for trespass." The damages claimed were $500, and judgment for about half that amount
was entered for the plaintiff, for whom Alexander W. Randall was attorney.
The first jury case was the second tried by Judge Hubbell, for Waukesha County, and
came up for hearing Nov. 14, 1848. Its title was " John B. Johnson vs. Colon McVean. A,
W. & E. M. Randall, attorneys for plaintiff. " The jurors were Archibald A. Anderson, Edwin
B. Quiner, John Ferry, Luke W. Cross, Peter D. Gifford, Alfred G. Barr, Asa S. Watson,
George McWhorter, Samuel Reed, Albert Fallon, Thomas Mayhew, Jr., and William Crombie,
" twelve free, honest and lawful men of the county."
Three terms of court are held annually, at Waukesha, beginning the third Monday of
March, the second Monday of June and the first Monday of December. Each term is a special
term for all portions of the circuit. The Judges of the Second Judicial Circuit have been as
follows : Levi Hubbell, 1848, till his resignation in 1856 ; Alexander W. Randall, appointed in
1856, by Coles Bashford, and resigned after being elected Governor, in November, 1857 ; Arthur
McArthur, who was elected in April, 1857 — holding a November term of court that year, after
Randall's resignation, though his regular term of ofiice began in January, 1858 — re-elected in
April, 1863, but resigned in 1869 ; Jason Downer, appointed to fill out Judge McArthur's term,
held one term of court in 1869 ; and David W. Small, the present incumbent, who was elected
in April, 1869, taking his seat in January, 1870, and re-elected in April, 1875.
The decisions of the bench in the Second Circuit are among the very ablest in the State.
COUNTY COURT AND JUDGES.
One of the most important offices provided for the people by the Constitution is the Judge
of Probate or County Judge. He may, in addition to to his legal jurisdiction over the estates
of minors and deceased persons, exercise no little influence for good by kindly advice and wise
counsel in the numerous unpleasant squabbles over unsettled estates and property liable to be
squandered by unnecessary litigation.
The General Government, in the act organizing the Territory of Wisconsin, provided for
Probate Judges, to adjudicate the estates of deceased persons, and also those of minors, idiots
and the insane. Until the year 1850, the designation of the oflSee continued to be Judge of
Probate, when it was changed to County Judge, and the court to that of County Court. As
376 HISTORY OP WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Waukesha County was not organized until 1846, of course previous to that time matters of
administration of estates and the probating of wills were brought before the Milwaukee County
Probate Judge.
The different County Judges since 1846- have been as follows :
J. W. Brackett, appointed by the Board of Supervisors June 8, 1846, from 1846 to 1849;
Martin Field, 1850 to 1861; Samuel A. Randies, 1862 to 1869; Patrick H. Carney, 1870 ta
1873 ; M. S. Griswold, 1874 to 1877 ; John C. Snover, 1878 to 1881.
HOW AND BY WHOM WAUKESHA COUNTY WAS WAMED.
The meaning of the word Waukesha (properly Wauk-tsha;, is given elsewhere; but a recital
of why, how and by whom it was given to the sixteen towns which now comprise this county,
and legally adopted as its corporate name, will be of interest as well as of value. After it had
become certain that the county of Milwaukee was to be divided, and in fact as soon as any talk
was had about measures looking in that direction, the matter of choosing a proper name for the
new county was a subject of consideration. Joseph Bond said in the old log store atMukwonago,
then kept by Andrew E. Elmore, that if Milwaukee should be divided into two counties, the new
one must have an Indian name, suggesting two — Tchee-gas-cou-tak and Wauk-tsha — the former
meaning burnt prairie or burnt land, and given by the Indians to the vicinity of Waukesha, and
the latter meaning fox, being the Indian name for the Fox River, below Waukesha County.
At the mass meeting held at Waukesha, late in 1845, to take into consideration the propriety
and advisibility of dividing the county, at which Joseph Bond presided, a committee was ap-
pointed to make a formal report. This committee received a written communication from Mr.
Bond in regard to what the name of the county should be, in which he suggested two names,
expressing a desire that some prominent Indian name given to the locality by its original owners
and occupants should thus be handed down for future generations — the only reminder of a
race which was rapidly becoming extinct. Those two names were " Wauk-shah" and " Tchee-
gas-cou-tak," as Mr. Bond wrote them. The committee decided that the latter was a "jaw-
breaker," and altogether too long a name for so small a county ; but thought the former would
do. In their report, however, a majority of the committee, not understanding Indian terms or
pronunciation, struck off the final h and substituted w in the name adopted, making it Wauk-
shaw. Mr. Bond opposed pronouncing the second syllable, "shaw," as the Indians pronounced
the a in shah like a in aster. But the name was adopted, notwithstanding this opposition from
its author, by the meeting, and was so written in the bill soon after presented to the Legislature,
which provided for the division of the old and the naming of the new county. But while the
bill was before the Legislature, Alexander W. Randall, in response to a letter by Andrew E.
Elmore and Joseph Bond, making the suggestion, had the w lopped oflF entirely ; but when the
act came to be published the name of the new county was not Wauk-sha, as it should have been,
but Waukesha, a word of three syllables, pronounced in all imaginable ways, as suits each one
who has occasion to use the term. But the change was otherwise unfortunate. The general
public now believes that Waukesha means fox ; it does not, nor has it any meaning whatever.
But Wauk-shah or Wauk-tsha, had that been adopted, would have been interpreted fox by those
who understood the Pottawatomie tongue.
The above reference to A. W. Randall should be explained by adding the fact that he
was merely a lobbyist in favor of, and sent to Madison by, the sixteen towns which afterward
became Waukesha County, and had the general welfare of the bill in charge, although Luther
Parker, Samuel H. Barstow and Jacob H. Kimball were members of the Legislature and favor-
able to the division and name of the new county.
It will thus be seen that the honor of naming Waukesha County, although the name is not
what he suggested, belongs to Joseph Bond, still a resident of Mukwonago ; but the honor of
emasculating the name, of injecting a syllable into it that destroyed its Indian nomenclature,
making it a term that is neither Indian nor English; belongs to some one else. He was aided
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 377
and sustained in his views by Andrew E. Elmore from the first, and his suggestion was carried
into eflFect by the co-operation and labor of Alexander W. Randall, at Madison.
The name of this county was originally Pottawatomie and it should therefore have, as
nearly as possible the Pottawatomie pronunciation. That, as the term is now written, would be
Wauk-ih-shah, the " i " in the second syllable being given just the slightest sound, like " i " in it,
and the " a " in the last syllable like " a " in aster.
WAUKESHA county's INDIAN NAMES.
The utmost confusion has attended the majority of all published elForts to properly spell'
pronounce and translate the numerous Indian names for the lakes, rivers and localities in Wau
kesha County, of which names the old residents are justly proud. To indicate clearly the form
and sound of these terms is not less difficult now than it always has been ; but an endeavor has
been made to furnish for the future the Pottawatomie translations of the more prominent terms.
Other translators have endeavored to interpret the names given by the Indians to this vicinity,
by their knowledge of the Winnebago, Saukie or other languages, and have made miserable fail-
ures. These names were bestowed by the Pottawatomies, and therefore can be properly ren-
dered by the language of no other Indian nation or tribe.
In July, 1849, Joshua Hathaway, of Milwaukee, an old surveyor, gave to the public
numerous translations of Indian terms, a portion of which are here produced :
" Much of the corruption in the pronounciation of Indian names has arisen from the want
of a simple mode of spelling, and from an inaccurate habit of pronouncing words when correctly
spelled. Thus in orthography, the sounds au, ahn and ee are incorrectly expressed by a, an
and e ; and the orthography au, ahn and ee is inaccurately pronounced by a, an and e or y.
For example : Wau-kee-shah is incorrectly spelled Waukesha, and inaccurately pronounced (though
very commonly) Walkyshaw.
" One more suggestion : When the double vowel ee occurs in the orthography of an Indian
word, the syllable should have a thin, prolonged accent, more especially when it forms the middle
syllable.
" Milwaukee, or Milouaqui, of the French settlers, is derived from the Indian name of our
own river, Mahn-a-wau-kee seepe, first and third syllables accented. The word is Pottawatomie,
probably, and the early French traders gave different significations to it, so that no one of them
is reliable.
" Na-sho-tah, or twins, now known as Two Rivers. A glance at the place or at the map
shows how appropriate the name.
" Mus-kee-go, from Muskeeguiac,* signifies cranberry — probably Pottawatomie.
"Waukesha, the name given to the county wrested from Milwaukee in 1846. As the
county was appropriated without the consent of the owners, so it was very proper that the name
should be. It is very probable that this name was never seen in English characters until the
year 1846, when it was inscribed by the writer of this upon an oak-tree, standing where the
town of Rochester now stands, in Racine County. The name was selected by me with the con-
sent of Messrs. Cox and Myers, all being interested in the location, as a name for the future
town, and so it appears on the sectional map of those times. When the town began to be set-
tled shortly after, the name was changed by the inhabitants to Rochester, because, like the
Rochester of New York, it had a water-power — no further point of resemblance being traceable.
In 1835-36, I was engaged in subdividing the townships now comprising Racine County, and
from some Indian boys lodged near my encampment, I made additions to my Indian vocabulary ;
and with the medium of a fox-skin collar, I obtained this name, understanding it to be Potta-
watomie, for 'fox,' which is a favorite name with the nation for all crooked rivers, whose course,
in this repect, resembles the eccentric trail of that animal. By giving the middle syllable a
thin, prolonged, decided accent, and leaving the last syllable but half aspirated, you have the
original, as given to me — Wau-kee-sha.
378 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" Me quon-i-go, from Me-quan-ie-go-ick, likewise the name.of the town. Mic-wan signifies a
ladle* — a bend in the stream known by that name resembling a ladle, seems to have given the
name. That the resemblance may be detected, it may be well to remark that the Indian ladle
is a very crooked utensil, with the handle turned quite over the bowl." i
The above is here given more for its allusion to the name " Waukesha" than for correct-
ness of translation, for it is generally very incorrect, and his statements, except as to Milwaukee,
should be forgotten.
This chapter, although brief, was considered by the historian to be of sufficient importance
to warrant the expenditure of some time in making it as nearly correct as possible. To this
end, all the translations following have been submitted to and indorsed by a Pottawatomie, who
lived at Milwaukee, Waukesha and Mukwonago sixty years. They are also pronounced correct
by A. Vieau, who has spoken Pottawatomie a half-century.
Milwaukee is a manufactured name, and may mean anything whatever that any person
desires to have it. The Pottawatomies called the place Mahn-a-wauk seepe. It conveyed the
idea of a gathering-place by the river, seepe always meaning river — a good many ; a full camp.
Mr. Hathaway's rule for pronouncing the term is about correct ; but it cannot be made to
appear on paper as it sounds to the ear when uttered in the peculiar hitching pronunciation and
aspirated accent common to the Indians.
Waukesha is also a corruption ; the original name for fox being Wauk-tsha, a word of
two syllables, with the accent on the last. The "t" in the second syllable should hardly be
made distinguishable, and the "a" should be sounded like " a " in aster. Wauk-tsha was Potta-
watomie for fox. Fox River was Wauk-tsha seepe, below Mukwonago ; above that point, it
was Tchee-gas-cou-tak seepe, or Fire River ; also Pishtaka.
The Indian village which stood where Waukesha now stands was not even Wauk-tsha, but
Tchee-gas-cou-tak ; accent on the final syllable, the " a " of which should sound like " a " in
aster. Its meaning was " burnt, or fire-land." Prairie country began near Waukesha, and
according to the Pottawatomies, it was much frequented by fires, as is common to all prairies ;
hence its name, burnt or prairie-land.
Muk-won-a-go, accent on the final syllable, means bear ; black bear.
Musk-ee-guack, accent on the final syllable, means sunfish. Muskego was derived from
this term.
What is now known as Muskego Center, as well as Little Muskego Lake, was called by
the Indians, Puk-woth-sic ; a high piece of ground, a hill. The word should be uttered with
the chief accent on the third syllable.
Nashotah has been but slightly emasculated by the whites. The correct Indian term was
■ Nee-sho-tah ; accent on the final syllable, with the " a " like " a " in aster. It means " two,"
or " twin waters." No one who has seen the two lakes in the town of Summit, which go by
this name, will doubt its appropriateness. Literally, Nee-sho-tah means "two sons at on(;e."
Nee-sho-tah nee-peesh means twin waters, or two lakes.
Pewaukee is from Pee-wauk-ee-win-ick, which means " the dusty place." Dr. I. A. Lap-
ham, in 1843, was the first to assail the vulgar translation of " Snail," or " Snail Lake." He
did not know* what the translation should be, but declared it should not be snail. Had the
Pottawatomies intended to name that body of water " Snail Lake," it would have been called
"Nee-nahs," the "a" sounding like "a " in aster.
Ottawa, simply the name of an Indian tribe, was pronounced Ut-to-wau, the second syllable
being hardly heard.
Coo-no-mo-wauk, from which was derived the name Oconomowoc, was the Pottawatomie,
term for distinguishing a waterfall in that vicinity.
As-sipuhn, giving a sonorous accent to the last syllable, means raccoon. It is the name'
of a small stream flowing through the town of Oconomowoc, whence doubtless came the impres-
sion that Oconomowoc meant raccoon.
*Am-ee-quon means dipper, or ladle, but has no connection with the term " Jlukwona'go."
*In 1S44, Dr. Lapham concluded " Pee-wauk-ee-wee-ning (correct except the final syllable) should be translated " Lake of Shells."
hist>irinn_ nowever hn.H no dniiht that " dnst.v ninno " ia cnrrat^t
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m
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M E RTO N
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 381
Menomonee is from Mih-no-min-ee seepe, or "Wild Rice River." More properly tbe
term should be rendered " rice" simply, as nothing was wild with the Indians.
Bark River was called Coo-no-mo-wauk seepe by the Pottawatomies.
The springs at Waukesha were called Tah-kip nee-peesh ; that is, spring water.
INDIAN OCCUPANCY.
Just wl^en the beautiful lakes, groves and prairies of Waukesha County were first occupied
by the Indians, or whether the Indian tribes, as the whites now know them, had any prede-
cessors in this vicinity, or precisely what tribes have from time to time made this fair land their
hunting-grounds, battle-fields and burial place, will never be known. No record of them is
left, and tradition, vague and unauthoritative at best, leads us but a short distance into the past,
furnishing the most unsatisfactory fragments of information. Waukesha, however, seems to
have been an important point in recent Indian history. So far as actual records determine, the
Algic tribes claimed and in fact held sway over this and other portions of Wisconsin during a
longer period than any others. There is no doubt that possession was the only title the abo-
rigines ever had to the soil among themselves, and the Government also recognized the owner-
ship of the tribe found in possession when any final treaty was made. In earlier days, first one
tribe and then another would be in possession, owing to the numerous wars in which they
engaged, driving each other from place to place ; but the last occupants were mainly Pottawat-
omies. After 1820, only a few straggling Winnebagoes and Menomonees infested what is now
Waukesha County. The Pottawatomies, however, had several villages within its limits, traces
of which can be distinctly seen at several points on the Fox River and some of the larger lakes
— notably near Carroll College, at Waukesha, at Mukwonago and at Pewaukee. In 1827,
Ebenezer Childs found several hundreds of them at Pewaukee Lake, and four hundred warriors
where Waukesha now is, their village extending about a mile along the ridge south of where
Carroll College is, also up and down the Fox River.
In 1835, George W. Featherstonhaugh, in his reports to the Government, mentioned that
a large village of peaceable Pottawatomies was located where Waukesha now is. Mr. Childs
mentioned (1827) that the Winnebagoes had been attempting to incite this village of Pottawat-
omies to join them on the war path ; and that, although this was not accomplished, the warriors
were somewhat ugly and threatened to make him trouble. They let him go in peace, however,
and did not aid the Winnebagoes in their assaults on the whites, nor aid them in their attempt to
resist the arrest of the Winnebago murderers in 1828. Afterward, they became very friendly to
the whites. In fact, this tribe was always remarkable for its peaceable relations with other tribes
as well as with the whites. This is the testimony of all old settlers. In 1639, they occupied more
or less of a strip of country from Green Bay extending below Milwaukee River, in company
with Sauks and Winnebagoes.
Tradition has it that the Winnebagoes occupied the Waukesha and adjoining country over
two centuries ago, having fled before the Spaniards from Mexico. This has some show of truth,
as the tribe was named Weene-be-go by the Algonquins, a term signifying fetid, stinking or salt
water. The French rendered it Ouinnebago, which finally degenerated into Winnebago. The
truth of this tradition is more strongly fortified by the indisputable fact that the Winnebagoes
knew and described the Spaniards, always manifesting the most intense hatred of them, when
first discovered by the whites. But whether or not this is true, or whether they did actually
reside in Waukesha, is of little importance to this work, and of still less interest to the county's
present inhabitants. Of the Pottawatomies, with whom the whites became well acquainted, and
who frequently furnished the early settlers with shelter, food, guides and warning information
as to the movements of hostile tribes, something more should be said. Their graves, c6rn-hills
and camp-fire remains have not all disappeared from the county even yet, and many families
have numerous interesting relics obtained from them safely stored away. The men, or " bucks,"
Were expert hunters, athletic and lazy. No such embonpoint was ever discovered among them
382 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
as is common everywhere with the whites, extreme laziness being universal. The women, or
" squaws," did all the work while in camp, and generally carried their smaller children and
bore all the other burdens when on the march. No matter how long and tedious the journey,
they were not relieved by the warriors. A local writer, speaking of these Indians and the first
settlers, said:
" It is well known that they continued to spend a portion of every year among the lakes
and rivers of Waukesha County for years after the first settlements were begun, and conse-
quently our oldest settlers became familiarly acquainted with hundreds of them. The disposi-
tion of the aborigines is uniformly described by those who knew them best, as having been
extremely good. Malicious criminals were almost unknown among them, and the settlers suf-
fered very little from petty depredations on the part of their copper- colored friends. The
women are said to have been as virtuous generally as are those of an equal population of white
people, at least in their relations with their own race.
" The manner of burial practiced by the Pottawatomies was similar to that of many of the
wandering tribes to-day. The body of the deceased was clothed in the blanket worn dur-
ing life, a pipe, tobacco and food were placed in its hands for solace during the journey to the
happy hunting-grounds, and it was then set upon the ground with an enclosure of branches to
keep it from the birds and beasts of prey, and was left to molder into dust. The variations from
this manner of burial were few and of no importance. M. D. Cutler, who settled in Waukesha
in 1834, states that he has seen a dead infant bound to the limb of a tree, and on one occasion
discovered the body of a man tied in a standing position by the forehead, neck and waist, to
the trunk of an old oak ; but in the latter case, also, there was the fence of broken limbs to
protect the corpse from wild animals. The method first described was almost invariably prac-
ticed.
" None of these Indians were permanently located. During the season of corn- plan ting,
their women and children occupied the higher lands among the lakes and rivers throughout the
country, and pursued their primitive methods of agriculture, while the adult males spent the
time in hunting, fishing and lounging about the camp. As winter approached, they removed to
some rendezvous farther south, returning with the ensuing spring. It was with such people
that our three young Hoosiers [Morris D. and A. R. Cutler and Henry Luther] foregathered
during their explorations in the neighborhood of Waukesha. With the assistance of their
dusky friends, they were enabled to proceed with promptness and thoroughness. They went to
Prospect Hill on the east, and from that delightful eminence looked down the Muskego Valley,
with its chain of silvery lakes stretching for ^ miles to the south, and in every other direction
saw the undulating country covered with oaks and maples. To the west they journeyed among
the hills and the lakes of Genesee and Delafield, and were shown the fishing-grounds of Pewau-
kee on the north by these friendly Indians."
After the Black Hawk war of 1832, and the subsequent treaty of 1833, the Indians mostly
disappeared from this vicinity, and, in 1836, had no right here whatever, though wandering
bands would return every spring, to fish and beg, for a period of twenty-five years. From first
to last, they never did anything worse, the whites living near thetn in perfect friendliness and
security. The large village, which was located where Carroll College now stands, and south of
it, was a brigade of huts about twelve feet in height, and from twelve to twenty feet in diameter.
They were made of poles, covered with bark or skins. This village was a permanent one until
1837, except during the winters. Some of the "bucks" were constantly making expeditions,
north as well as south, but the huts were put up year by year, as the first settlers found them,
until late in 1837 ; they were then transported by the Government,' with their occupants, to a
new reservation. Near this village, called Prairie Village, whence Waukesha took its first name
of Prairieville, were some noted cornfields, the hills in which the maize was planted being
plainly and unmistakably discernible yet. The reason for this is that the Indian method of
corn-planting was far difi"erent from that in vogue among the palefaces. They made large
heaps, from three to five feet across, and as near together as convenient, and in them planted
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 383
their corn year after year. The heaps or liills thus became as hard and permanent as any other
elevation or depression of the soil, and those at Waukesha Village, if left undisturbed, will be
plainly seen a thousand years hence. The present owners are determined to preserve them as
they now are, fortunately, for the benefit of future generations.
The Indian trails in some portions of the county had been worn very deep by long years
of use. The one leading to what is now known as Bethesda and Mineral Rock Springs was
twenty inches in depth, and some leading to Pewaukee, across the prairie from the Fox River,
were about two feet below the surface when the first settlers discovered them. They have been
obliterated by the plow after serving thousands of years, perhaps, as the best highways the
country afforded.
The leader of this band was, according to M. D. Cutler and others who kaew them several
years, a man, not a chief, called " Wauk-tsha," whose name will be forever perpetuated in the
corporate title of the town, city and county in which he once lived. He is described as tall,
athletic, proud in his bearing, dignified and friendly, and as going about after the manner of a
peafowl, anxious to show his richly-decorated skins, strings of beads and shells, and tufts of
feathers. He had no trophies in the way of scalps or human bones ; nor did any members of
his band, according to the testimony of the early settlers who lived near him.
Mukwonago was a very prominent point with the Pottawatomies, more so than any other
in the county. How long this was the case of course cannot now be stated. By some, it has
been designated as the "Pottawatomie capital." Whether it was or not is of little conse-
quence ; it certainly was their leading village in the county as far back as Vieu's and Juneau's
times. It was called Mukwonago also by the Indians, because, having returned from a fruitless
hunting expedition up north and found here bears enough for their meat, they desired to mark
the event and the place. Muk-woh, accent on the last syllable, in which "o" sounds like "o"
in oats, is the Pottawatomie for bear ; and Mukwonago is the " place of the bear." Here they
raised corn in very large quantities — Solomon Juneau says as much as 5,000 bushels per year.
Here they also had permanent lodges, to which they returned every spring for planting, hunt-
ing and fishing. It was a fine place — beautiful as nature could make it, and in the midst of a
rich-soiled country. Their large fields of corn- hills were plainly visible several years after the
whites settled at Mukwonago. Near by, on land then owned by H. H. Camp, now deceased,
the Indians had a smooth and level race-course, on which, at stated times, they gathered in
immense numbers and indulged in the most novel and exciting horse-races imaginable ; and even
after the whites had settled in the county in considerable numbers, these races with wild ponies
were continued, at which the pioneers for miles around were always present, and apparently
delighted spectators.
At Mukwonago also lived the last chief of the Pottawatomies, or leader of the bands at
that point. His name was Wau-be-kee-tschuk, and was the only leader known by the whites.
He was blind, hence his name, " Kee-tschuk," meaning eyes. The next man to him in tribal
importance was Top-o-wihs (more properly Tauh-pauh-wihs), a very kind man. These impor-
tant men had larger houses or wigwams than the others,'and were blessed with the privilege of
having more wives. To illustrate that Top-o-wihs was a kind man : Once, while riding on the
road from Milwaukee, he found a trunk which had been lost from a traveler's wagon. Top-o-
wihs hid the trunk, without disturbing its contents, in the brush, returned to Mukwonago and
told the whites of it. In a few days, a man returned, inquiring for a trunk. Top-o-wihs was
found and kindly took his pony and rode fifteen miles to the place. The man was the rightful
owner of the trunk, but paid the Indian nothing, not even a dinner, for his journey of thirty
miles to make known its whereabouts. This made him angry, and he declared, on his return
to Mukwonago, that if he ever found another white man's trunk he would break it with his
tomahawk and take whatever of value it contained.
During several years after 1837, the year the Pottawatomies went farther west, they
returned to the vicinity of Mukwonago, sometimes in parcels of 100, for the season, and occa-
sionally staying in the neighboring woods through the winter. They have not been back in
384 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
any considerable numbers since about 1860 ; and all those who returned in later years were
gray and decrepit. They spoke fondly of Waukesha County, however, and remarked that they
would like to return to it if the whites had not plowed so much of the land, felled so many of
the trees and killed so much of the game. But they never will return, and more of the local
history of a once powerful and happy nation will never be known than is here recorded.
After Andrew E. Elmore opened a store at Mukwonago, he learned the Pottawatomie lan-
guage, and, on this account, got the custom of all the Indians in the vicinity as long as they
returned, which was during nearly twenty years after they ceased to revisit any other portion
of Waukesha County. Some of them came from the head-waters of the Des Moines River,
their new reservation, for the express purpose of trading their furs to a merchant who under-
stood their language.
The manner in which these Indians dressed was very simple. The hair was allowed to
grow at will by both male and female, and the "bucks " had no more beard than the "squaws."
The former wore, in summer, when the early settlers arrived, only breech clouts ; but in winter
they added leggings of skin and square blankets furnished by the Grovernment. The latter
were far less elaborate in their toilette than their white sisters of to-day, generally wearing
about the same style and quantity of clothing as the males. After 1834, calico shirts became
more common, and were considered a great luxury ; also, an occasional pair of pantaloons
would be discovered on either a " buck " or a " squaw " — whichever first obtained possession of
the garments generally got into them.
When the first white women came to Waukesha, the Indian women were deeply interested
in their appearance and dress, and spent hours in watching and jabbering about them, in the
most earnest manner imaginable. The youngsters — both boys and girls — ran about naked in
summer, their greasy skins shining like polished mahogany.
The principal articles of food were fish, wild rice, muskrats, rabbits, prairie fowls, roots,
Indian corn and wild fruits. The corn was raised in greater or less abundance, according to
the industry of the squaws. Fish and game were furnished by the bucks ; but they never dis-
graced themselves by hoeing corn, gathering wild rice, plucking berries or crushing corn. ' They
also brought game home, to be skinned, drawn and prepared for the spit, or the smoking-
crotches, by the squaws. It was considered enough for them to do the mere shooting and
trapping.
A dish which was said to be very palatable was made by boiling fish, wild rice and Indian
corn together, with a seasoning of spicy berries or herbs. This mixture was called tassim-
anomin.
Their ceremonies at marriage, death and burial were as diflScult to describe as they seemed
ridiculous to the early white settlers. They had several burial places — one near Muskego
Lake ; one where the Park Hotel is, in Waukesha ; several on the lakes at Oconomowoc ; one
at Mukwonago ; one near Pewaukee, and perhaps others. Sometimes the graves were covered
with "shakes," stuck up crosswise (see plate " B ") ; sometimes with logs (see Fig. 6, plate
" D ") ; sometimes with brush or stones, and frequently bodies were fastened upright to trees,
guarded from the depredations of beasts and birds for a certain number of days, and then left
to decay.
The Indians found in this vicinity lived to a great age, carried an erect figure till death
and were hardly ever ill. Venereal and all contagious diseases were said to be entirely unknown
among them, thus showing that their simple habits of life had many redeeming features. Small-
pox, and various other contagious diseases introduced by the whites, almost always resulted
fatally with the Indians.
As they left no recorded history, the memory of old settlers has been depended on for any
information concerning those from whom the soil now occupied by the whites was wrested by
the sheer power of superior force, and that is more or less imperfect. However, everything
should be preserved that contains the remotest reference to their appearance, habits and cus-
toms ; for the day is not distant when history will record the utter extinction of a race that
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 385
owned and occupied a whole continent, and gave it up, with the graves of their fathers, without
the return of any value.
HUNTING AND TRAPPING.
But very few persons have any idea that hunting and trapping are carried on by profes-
sionala in Waukesha County for profit, and that a single trapper may clear several hundreds of
dollars per month in the business. In early times, Waukesha County was a rich field for
trappers, owing to the large number of lakes within her borders. This was known to the early
traders, who sent agents, usually Indians or half breeds, from Green Bay, or across from Prairie
du Chien, for furs ; and finally Mr. Vieu sent his son to remain in the county during portions
of the year, to collect the furs of the Pottawatomies. There are still two professional trappers
residing quietly in the county, the most successful being A. Vieu, living near Little Muskego
Lake. Every season an agent of the leading fur dealers of Chicago, and agents from the Mil-
waukee fur dealers, visit Waukesha for the purpose of contracting for furs. The last season
was not a favorable one, but Mr. Vieu took between 300 and 400 muskrats, fifty minks and
about a dozen otter in a month.
The muskrat skins are valued at about $20 per hundred ; mink at from 75 cents to $2
each, and otter at from $9 to $20 each. Several Indians who formerly lived in the county
return annually to set their traps, and then, after going to Milwaukee to sell their skins, return
to the reservation to purchase supplies with the money thus earned. The casual observer would
naturally suppose such persistent trapping would soon exfterminate the fur-bearing animals in
this county ; but the trappers say they see no material decrease, that breeding goes on just about
as rapidly as destruction.
The value of furs taken in Waukesha County will probably average $2,000 per year.
AN EARLY EXPERIMENT.
In the year 1842, there came over, under the leadership of Thomas Hunt, a party of
Englishmen and women, thirty-one in number, calling themselves the " Owenite Socialists,"
and united, according to that system, one of the best in theory, but a failure in practice, as the
sequel proves. They had among them all, those who came and those who remained in England,
a capital of several thousand dollars^ They first purchased 160 acres of land,, and elected a
butcher by the name of Johnson farmer-in-chief, then went to work. Although they added to
their first purchase of land, and labored hard for several years, yet the enterprise would not
succeed. Being nearly all trained mechanics, they were unfitted for their chosen vocation, and
as petty differences and jealousies constantly arose, adding to the unpleasantness of their situa-
tion, they at last decided to disband. As everything, except the women, had been held in
common, so was everything equally divided, those at home receiving their share with the rest.
They lost about S3^ per cent of their investment. The plan was to make Waukesha County the
headquarters for a grand system of Oweniteism, but it failed.
RESIDENTS OF 1838.
The first census taken in the territory now known as the county of Waukesha is consid-
ered of sufficient importance to be made the subject of a separate chapter in this work. What
follows is an exact copy of the census report made by the United States Government in 1888.
The census-takers, whoever they were, committed some errors, perhaps unavoidably, as several
unmarried men are credited to more than one town, and several prominent men, who had been
residents of the county at least two years, and who reside within its borders still, were not men-
tioned. As to the correctness of names, the historian discovers everywhere that many persons
change the spelling of their names as years go on, sometimes from a mere whim, and sometimes
for good reasons, and it will thus be seen that, while one form of spelling was correct in 1838,
another form has been adopted by the parties since that time. In the following list, the number
386 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
in each family, with the name of " master, mistress, steward, overseer or other principal person "
is given :
Muskego. — Stephen D. Jane, 8 ; Henry Houck, 4 ; Conrad Martin, 1 ; Michael Myers,
9 ; Homer Hawkins, 1 ; H. V. French, 3 ; Edward Hart, 8 ; Thomas P. Sixton, 8 ; John M.
Ives, 1 ; Levi G. Guile, 8 ; Henry H. Dana, 4 ; Calvin Douglas, 4 ; Ebenezer Harris, 7 ; James
Fields, 6 ; George Green, 1 ; H. Cone, 4.
New Berlin. — Sidney Evans, 3 ; William Parsons, 2 ; Daniel P. Johns, 2 ; Alvah Harring-
ton, 4 ; John S. Palmer, 5 ; Ira Carter, 2 ; S. R. Hawkins, 6 ; Timothy Burnam, 1 ; Joey
Stewart, 5 ; George McQuarter (McWhorter), 6 ; Waterman Fields, 3 ; Nelson Smith, 1 ; H.
Hollister, 1 ; A. R. Whipple, 1 ; Ransom Ruse, 3 ; John McWhorter, 6 ; Curtis Davis, 4 ;
Joseph D. Jane, 2 ; Hugh Wedge, 1 ; Hugh Mclntyre, 2 ; William Wedge, 3 ; John H. White,
2 ; David Elliston, 2 ; Luther Parker, 6 ; S. E. Hall, 2 ; Isaac De Witt, 1.
Brookfield.— William P. Clark, 3 ; Augustus Story, 7 ; H. H. Brannon, 4 ; E. Griffin, 2 ;
John Sears, 1 ; Robert Curran, 8 ; Gerrey Putney, 6 ; Volney Moore, 3.
Menomonee. — Robert Stoddard, 1 ; Harvey Hawkins, 1 ; Thomas Staunton, 3 ; William
R. Hesk, 6 ; Charles Raymond, 7 ; William Pettys, 1 ; M. Cowen, 4 ; Mathias Burgot, 1.
Lisbon. — James H. Thomas, 5 ; David Bonham, 4 ; John Gaitly, 1 ; M. Stanley, 3 ;
Samuel Dougherty, 8 ; Thomas Ralph, 4 ; William Elliby, 1 ; Edward Smith, 6 ; James Wea-
ver, 12 ; George Elliot. 9 ; John Weaver, 5 ; Jacob Norris, 3 ; Lucius Bottsford, 3 ; Arthur A.
Redford, 8 ; Patrick O'Raffeda, 5 ; Fred B. Otis, 2 ; M. Conley, 4 ; P. N. Reay, 1.
Merton. — Elias Palmer, 8 ; Luther Powers, 2 ; Ralph Allen, 1 ; Thomas B. Cole, 1 ; J-
Short, 1.
Oconomowoc. — Russell Frisby, 8 ; M. Morris, 7 ; Thomas Salters, 2 ; Charles Wilson, 4.
Summit. — Horace Putman, 2 ; Samuel C. Leavit, 7 ; Barker Hildreth, 3 ; Jesse Hildreth,
4 ; Richard Hardell, 9 ; Charles B. Sheldon, 1 ; J. D. McDonald, 1 ; B. Harper, 1 ; William
Flusky, 9 ; M. H. Fairservice, 5 ; Curtis B. Brown, 8 ; Andrew Baxter, 6 ; Seth Reed, 5 ;
Major Pratt, 6 ; Onslow Brown, 7 ; Jonas Folts, 2.
Ottawa. — John Vallin, 8 ; George S. Hosmer, 3.
Delafield. — Philip S. Schuyler, 5 ; George Paddock, 3 ; Joseph Ward, 4 ; A. N. Foster,
3 ; Daniel Plumley, 1 ; Solomon White, 1 ; H. Campbell, 3 ; N. Thomas, 1 ; Homer S. Finlay,
4 ; H. C. Skinner, 6 ; Addison Ross, 2.
Pewaukee. — Daniel W. Kellogg, 6 ; S. Barnett (probably Morris S. Barnett), 1 ; Henry
Clarke, 1; James 0. Harry, 2; Andrew McCormick, 5; Francis McCormick, 4; Asa Clark,
10 ; Charles Bell, 3 ; Alfred Morgan, 5 ; Truman Wheeler, 10; I. Porter (probably Israel W.
Porter), 10 ; Ethan Owen, 8 ; Harry F. Bigelow, 4 ; B. Rawson, 2 ; Zebulon Bidwell, 4 ; Isaac
Judson, 4 ; R. Fuller, 10 ; L. Bidwell, 5 ; Hamilton Nelson, 3 ; Joseph Remington, 4 ; Waldo
Rosebrook, 9 ; Thomas H. Olin, 4 ; Nelson Olin, 4 ; Richard Griffin, 2 ; J. W. Woodworth, 3 ;
E. N. Maynard, 2.
Waukesha. — David Jackson, 11; Henry Brown, 3; George P. Goulding, 15; Allen Clin-
ton, 11 ; Morris D. Cutler, 1 ; A. R. Cutler, 1 ; Robert Love, 9 ; Nathaniel Walton, 9 ; Rich-
ard Smart, 1 ; Isaac Smart, 4 ; Sabina Barney, 7 ; P. N. Cushman, 8 ; B. S. McMillan, 3 ;
Madison Cornwall, 6; E. D. Clinton, 8 ; Ezra Mendall, 12; James Rossman, 1 ; Moses Ord-
way, 1 ; A. Foster Pratt, 3 ; G. A. Thompson, 1 ; John Y. Watson, 8 ; J. Sayles, 3 ; I.
Whitcher, 4 ; Isaac Carpenter, 2 ; Daniel Thompson, 4 ; Roswell Hill, 1 ; Edward Kavanaugh,
2 ; J. M. Bidwell, 1 ; Edward W. Goodnow, 1 ; T. C. Jones, 1 ; Ira Potter, 2.
Genesee. — Joseph Marsh, 3 ; Orrin Brown, 3 ; Anson Denny, 8 ; Abram Bolser, 2 ,
George Bolser, 7 ; William C. Garton, 4 ; William Cobb, 1 ; Charles Reynons, 6.
Eagle. — A. R. Hinkley, 3 ; Eb Thomas, 5 ; Thomas Woolley, 1 ; John Hearre, 5 ; Joseph
Bias, 4; Thomas Coates, 1; John Taylor, 1; Josiah De Wolf, 6; A. Harris, 5; Thomas
Orchard, 3 ; Andrew Scholfield, 7 ; Charles Cox, 5 ;. William Sherman, 5 ; Daniel Bigelow, 5 ;
Samos Parsons, 5 ; B. Whitehouse, 1 ; B. Severance, 5 ; N. Sherman, 3.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 387
Mukwonago. — William Ellis, 1 ; John Burnell, 6 ; Robert Wilkinson, 1 ; James Ewell, 5 ;
James Smart, 8; William Long, 1; Thomas Sugden, 3; William Cross, 5; Lyman Jones
(should be Simon), 9 ; George P. Thompson, 2 ; 'William Sugden, 5 ; Joseph Smart, 5 ; Will-
iam Moody, 3 ; David Orendorff, 6 ; Webber Andrews, 5 ; James K. OrendoriF, 5 ; John Stock-
man, 8 ; Whiting Hudson, 4 ; Henry H. Camp, 2 ; Wilder Chapin, 3.
Vernon. — Gains Morgan (should be Gaius Munger), 6 ; Sherman Morse, 5 ; Isaac Blood,
6 ; Jesse Smith, 6 ; P. Putman, 3 ; Curtis W. Hezilton (Haseltine), 2; John Dodge, 2 ; John
Thomas, 7;' Orrin B. Hesilton (Haseltine), 2 ; Aaron Putnam, 3 ; Lazarus Whipple, 1 ; Nelson
K. Smith, 5; Asa A. Flint, 3; Orrin Haseltine, 10 ; Almon Welch, 2; Joseph P. Osborn, 1 ;
M. Barnett, 4 ; Amos Putnam, 1.
Just how far the above statement is faulty, the historian is not able to determine ; Lyman Good-
now, Deisner, John Gale, Jr., C. C. Olin, William T. Bidwell, Sewall Andrews, A. C. Nickell,
Martin Field, Samuel Winch, C. B. Stockman, Lyman Hill, and, doubtless, several others were
here when the census was taken. Some of them do not appear in name in this report, because
they were merely boarders with those whose names are given. The document, however, is accu-
rate enough to be of considerable value and great interest.
PLANK-ROADS.
In the early days of the settlement of Waukesha County, little was known or thought of
railroads. Plank-roads were the best highways then built, and to them the people, therefore,
gave their undivided attention. Although lasting but a comparatively brief period, they were
actually of considerable importance in their day, enabling farmers to haul respectable loads to
market, at a fair rate of speed — something they otherwise could not have done.
One of the first plank-roads in Waukesha County was incorporated in 1846, as the Lisbon
& Milwaukee. Afterward, the Lisbon & Hartland road was incorporated, and still later, in
1854, the two were consolidated. But one of the most important was the Milwaukee & Wau-
kesha Plank-road, incorporated in 1852, by Joseph Cary, George Burnham, C. A. Hastings,
C. C. Dewey, Bigelow Case, Ditmar Fishback and Joseph Guild. It extended through Brook-
field, the southwest corner of Pewaukee, and to Waukesha Village.
The branch to Watertown turned northward in Section 30, in Brookfield, and passed
through Pewaukee, Delafield and the southern portion of Oconomowoc.
The Milwaukee & Waterford passed through the town of Muskego. It was incorporated
The Milwaukee & Janesville road, incorporated in 1848, extended through New Berlin,
Vernon, a small corner of Muskego and Mukwonago. It was a good thoroughfare, and has
carried an incalculable amount of trade and travel to Milwaukee.
In 1854, the county had some trouble with the plank-roads then in existence, as to taxa-
tion, the assessors listing them as liable to the county and town taxation. Under the statutes,
the plank-road companies refused to pay the taxes thus levied, and Edward G. Ryan, now Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, decided that the tax of 1 per cent on gross earnings exempted
railroads and plank-roads from all other taxation.
The only roads in Waukesha County which now maintain toll-gates are the Milwaukee &
Brookfield and the Milwaukee end of the old Milwaukee & Watertown roads. This latter road
was a great help to Oconomowoc.
RAILROADS.
Waukesha is one of the few counties that owe but little of their wealth and importance to
the railroads. The great market of Milwaukee is so near that much more than half of all the
products raised in the county is taken by the farmers themselves direct to the commission men
and warehouses of that city, thus saving the waste of handling twice, as well as the cost of
transportation. Nevertheless, Waukesha haa made liberal use of her railway facilities, which
privileges and facilities she has enjoyed longer than any other county in Wisconsin.
388 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Milwaukee Sj- Waukesha Railway. — The very first railroad ever attempted or completed in
the State, and which still has existence in this county in the Prairie du Chien Division of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, was conceived in the desire of Milwaukee to have a
better communication with the surrounding country — on which she was depending for her com-
mercial greatness — than plank-roads. This first railroad was built by the Milwaukee & Missis-
sippi Railroad Company, which was organized early in 1849. Its first Directors were Byron
Kilbourn, John H. Tweedy, Dr. Lemuel W. Weeks, Anson Eldred, James Kneeland, Alexander
Mitchell, Erastus B. Walcott, E. D. Clinton and Edward D. Holton. Byron Kilbourn was its
first President.
Perhaps the most authentic account of the inception of what is now a branch of one of
the greatest railway corporations in the world, and which was the pioneer line in Wisconsin, is
the following extract from a speech, delivered in 1868, at the Chamber of Commerce in Mil-
waukee, by E. D. Holton, on railroads :
" It was a great undertaking for that day, under the circumstances. We were without
money, as a people, either in city or country. Every man had come here with limited means —
each had his house, his store, his shop, his barn, to build, his land to clear and fence, and how
could he spare anything from his own individual necessities ? , Some wise men looked on and
shook their heads, and there were many croakers. But in the minds of those who had assumed
the undertaking, there was a sober, earnest purpose, to do what they could for its accomplish-
ment. It was demanded of our people that they should lay aside all their feuds and personal-
ities, and, one and all, join in the great work. To a very great extent this demand was com-
plied with, and gentlemen were brought to work cordially and harmoniously together, who had
stood aloof from each other for years. The spirit of union, harmony and concord exhibited by
the people of the city was most cordially reciprocated by those of the country, along the con-
templated line of road. Subscription books were widely circulated and the aggregate sum sub-
scribed was very considerable. I said we had no money ; but we had things, and subscriptions
were received with the understanding that they could be paid in such commodities as could be
turned into the work of constructing the road. This method of building a railroad would be
smiled at now, and was by some among us then. But it was, after all, a great source of our
strength, and our success, at any rate for the time being. The work was commenced in the
fall of 1849, and for one entire year the grading was prosecuted and paid for by orders, drawn
upon merchants for goods, by carts from wagon-makers, by harness from harness-makers, by
cattle, horses, beef, pork, oats, corn, potatoes and flour, from the farmers, all received on
account of stock subscriptions, and turned over to the contractors in payment for work done
upon the road. A large amount of the grading, from here to Waukesha, was done in this
way.
" Upon seeing the work go on the people said everywhere, why, there is to be a railroad,
surely : and the enterprise arose in public confidence. The Directors having concluded they
could make headway against all difficulties, in casting up the road-bed, the pressing inquiry was,
how can the road be ironed ? Iron costs money, and money we have not got. In this emer-
gency a mass meeting of stockholders was called at Waukesha, in the spring of 1850. About
three hundred people assembled, mostly farmers. The question propounded was, how can
$250,000 be obtained for the purchase of iron to reach from Milwaukee to Whitewater.
" It was during this meeting, and after much discussion, that Joseph Goodrich, of Milton,
said : ' See here ; I can mortgage my farm for $3,000, and go to the East, where I came from,
and get the money for it. Now, are there not one hundred men between Milwaukee and Rock
River, who can do the same? If so, here is your money. I will be one of them.'
" This was a new idea. It was turned over and over. It had serious objections, but, after
all, it was the best thing that was presented, and the plan was adopted. And here arose, so
far as I know, the plan of raising farm mortgages in aid of the construction of railroads. The
one hundred men were found, who put up the required number of mortgages, and an attempt
was made to negotiate them. This was found, at first, impossible. It was a class of security
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 389
entirely unknown, and no market could be found for them. In the attempt to negotiate these
mortgages it was found that while they would not sell, the bonds of the city of Milwaukee
would sell. Whereupon an application was made to the city to come forward and issue $234,000
of her bonds, in aid of the road. The city promptly and cordially responded. The bonds
sold for cash at par ; the money was at once invested in iron, at very low prices, and the success
of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad was set down as fixed."
The preliminary survey of the line was finished July 9, 1849, to Waukesha, and the road
was completed, in a rough way, to the village of Waukesha, and cars were running in Febru-
ary, 1851 ; to Eagle in January, 1852, and to Milton, in Rock County, during the year 1852.
To return to the corporate concerns of this branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway : The first bill to incorporate the company was introduced in the Territorial Legis-
lature in January, 1847, and approved by Gov. Henry Dodge, February 11, of the same year.
Its text was said to have been written by Alexander W. Randall. The commissioners named
in the original charter were William A. Barstow, Norman Clinton, Alexander W. Randall, and
Alexander F. Pratt, of Waukesha County, and Paraclete Potter, Daniel Wells, Jr., Edward
D. Holton, Byron Kilbourn and Lemuel W. Weeks, of Milwaukee County. On the 23d of
Novomber, 1847, the commissioners opened books at Waukesha and Milwaukee, for subscrip-
tions. The next year the company's charter was amended, so that the road might be extended
to Madison and the Mississippi River, and to allow its capital stock to be increased to the sum
of 13,000,000. On the 5th of April, 1849, the commissioners announced that the $100,000 re-
quired, had been subscribed and 5 per cent of it. paid, and that an election could therefore
be had. The election resulted : Byron Kilbourn, President ; Lemuel W. Weeks, E. D. Holton,
Alexander Mitchell, E. B. Wolcott, Anson Eldred, James Kneeland, John H. Tweedy, E. D. Clin,
ton, Directors. Benjamin H. Edgerton was chosen Secretary and Walter P. Flanders, Treasr
urer. In February, 1850, the name of the company was changed, by act of the Legislature,
to the "Milwaukee & Mississippi Railway Company." At that time, individuals had paid
over $300,000, and the city of Milwaukee $244,800 in bonds and cash. On April 15, 1857—
about seven years after ground was broken at Milwaukee, the road was completed from Lake
Michigan to the Mississippi River, at Prairie du Chien. The road had cost $5,500,000, and
its equipment a trifle over $1,000,000.
In 1860, Lewis H. Meyer, William P. Lynde, Allen Campbell, William Schall, John Wil-
kinson, John Catlin, Hercules L. Dousman and N. A. Cowdrey formed an association for the
purchase of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railway, and the new company took the name of the
Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railway Company, L. H. Meyer, President. This corporation
managed the road until 1866, when it was absorbed by the present Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway Company, of which Alexander Mitchell has been always President, and S. S.
Merrill, General Manager, and forms a part of the largest line of road in the world controlled
by a single corporation.
Of the original commissioners of this, the first line of railroad in Wisconsin, Edward D. HoU
ton, of Milwaukee, Edmund D. Clinton, of Brodhead, Lemuel W. Weeks, of Oconomowoc,
and Daniel Wells, Jr., remain in the land of the living. They undoubtedly did not suppose,
when announcing svith much emphasis that for March, 1851, the receipts of the road were over
$45 per day ; $55 to $60 per day for April, and at the middle of May had reached the aston-
ishing figure of $114 per day, that the company would, in less than thirty years, own more miles
of road than any other, and count its earnings by millions. Cars began running twice a day
between Milwaukee and Waukesha April 15, 1851. They lived also to see no small amount of
trouble grow out of the farm mortgages given by farmers to aid in constructing this pioneer
railway. The original company received $40,000 in these mortgages in Waukesha County, and,
in a comparatively large number of instances those who thus early mortgaged their farms were
unable to lift the incumbrance, and therefore lost them.
The celebration had at Prairieville March 4, 1851, on the occasion of the formal opening
of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railway, was an elaborate aflPair. Don A. J. Upham was
890 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
President of the meeting, and J. Turner, Rufus King, J. Goodrich, Hans Crocker, S. B.
Grant and Rufus Cheney, Vice Presidents. Among the speakers were A. W. Randall, Joseph
Goodrich, E. D. Holton, Sherman M. Booth, James S. Brown, Rufus Cheney, Mr. Martyn and
D. A. J. Upham. Nearly every person in the county was present, and the occasion was one of
noisy and long-to-be-remembered enthusiasm.
The line passes through the towns of Brookfield, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Genesee, Eagle and
a small corner of Mukwonago — a rich, populous and beautiful region of country. On Section
22, in Eagle, a branch of the Western Union (a division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway) forms a junction with the Prairie du Chien Division, this making connections for the
southwest.
Milwaukee ^ Watertown Railroad. — This railroad company was chartered by an act
approved March 11, 1851, which appointed E. D. Holton, Alexander Mitchell, Eliphalet
Cramer, James Kneeland, Daniel Wells, Jr., Hans Crocker, John H. Tweedy, George H.
Walker, Byron Kilbourn, Daniel H. Chandler, J. W. Medberry, of Milwaukee County, and
William Dennis, Daniel Jones, B. F. Fay, Luther A. Cole, Simeon Ford, Peter Rogan, P. V.
Brown and Edward Gilmore, of Jefferson County, as Commissioners to form the corporation.
They were authorized to construct' a line of road from Milwaukee, or some point on the Mil-
waukee & Mississippi Railway in Waukesha County, to Watertown. The first President was
John S. Rockwell, of Oconomowoc ; E. D. Holton, of Milwaukee, the first Secretary, and Joshua
Hathaway, Treasurer. The preliminary survey of the line was made in January, 1853, and,
in March, the construction of the road was begun at Brookfield Junction, in the town of Brook-
field, fourteen miles from Milwaukee. In December, 1854, the road was opened for traffic to
Oconomowoc, and, October 1, 1855, to Watertown. In 1856, Congress made a large grant of
public lands to aid in the construction of roads in Wisconsin, and the vigorous struggle between
the Milwaukee & Watertown and Milwaukee & La Crosse roads to secure its ample benefits,
Resulted in the practical consolidation of the two rival lines. In 1859, the name of the com-
pany was changed to Milwaukee, Watertown & Baraboo Valley Railway Company, and, June
8, 1863, the whole line and its appurtenances passed completely into the possession of the
newly created Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, where it has since remained
as the La Crosse Division of their great railway line.
The road passes through the towns of Brookfield, Pewaukee, Delafield, Summit and Ocon-
omowoc, a region of country of unsurpassed loveliness.
The original corporation had no small amount of trouble with those who mortgaged their
farms to aid in its construction, a serious mob disturbance being at one time imminent.
Milwaukee ^ Beloit Railroad. — The barest mention of the name of this mythical rail-
road will recall more history to a large number of farmers in Waukesha County than will ever
be written. A railroad was to be built from Milwaukee to Beloit, through Muskego, Vernon
and Mukwonago, by a company chartered for that purpose in 1855. Work was begun, and
during 1856-57 the managers, or their agents for them, on the strength of the work already
done and numerous glowing promises, secured scores and scores of mortgages on the farms of
those near the proposed line of road. The road never was built ; and, among other harsh
things, the swindled inhabitants do not hesitate in saying that there was never an intention of
building it. One of the county newspapers — the Waukesha Freeman — put the case into history
thus briefly but plainly :
" In 1856-57, the Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad Company began work on their new road
to pass through the Mukwonago. It is impossible to speak with any patience of the abominable
swindle, whose managers induced the farmers along the route to mortgage their farms by the
fairest promises, and who afterward violated their contracts, seriatim, by disposing of the mort-
gages at a small percentage, putting the charter in a situation to render the building of a road
for many years a simple impossibility, pocketing whatever proceeds were available, and leaving
these men who had befriended them — many of them to utter ruin, and all to years of sacrifice
and labor which could only avail them to keep the officers of the law from their doors. The
HISTOBY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 391
names of the villains who carried out this scheme ought to be preserved (though the last of the
' farm mortgages ' is now settled), that they might bear the eternal stigma of infamy, and be a
warning to future swindlers and rascals who should be inclined to purchase wealth by the loss of
honor. I hope sometime to be able to give a tolerably complete history of this matter ; but for
the present must content myself with a passing allusion. Suffice it to say, that the New England
and New York stock which had already carried this part of the county, in a few years, from bar-
barism to an enlightened prosperity, was found sufficient for the task of removing the incubus
of debt which a civilized scoundrelism had loaded upon their shoulders."
This is strong language to be handed down in history, but anything else would be a libel,
for the records in the Register's office at Waukesha are mottled with the entries, in the red ink
always used for this particular purpose, of the foreclosures made by holders of Milwaukee &
Beloit Railway mortgages, for which no farmer who lost his farm, or any portion of it, or who
paid the mortgage and saved his land, ever received a dollar in return in any manner whatever.
When the State ordered the compilation of railway statistics, the following report was made for
Waukesha County :
" In accordance with an act of the Legislature, statistics of farm mortgages given in aid of
railroads are being collected. In this county the amount of mortgages for the Milwaukee &
Mississippi road was $-39,997 ; for the Milwaukee & Beloit, $27,600 ; for the La Crosse &
Milwaukee, $16,838.50; for the Milwaukee & Watertown, $4,600; making a total of over
$89,000. It will be remembered that the Beloit road was never built, so that the farmers were
not only swindled out of their money by the company, but the officers were so greedy as not
even to lay a track in order to develop the country at large."
During the rebellion, when strong efforts were making to clear the property of these
incumbrances, farms changing hands very rapidly in those days, an association to resist
payment of these railway farm mortgages, on the plea of fraud, or to compromise them, was
formed in this county, and regular meetings were held during a year or more. Tirst and last,
however, the agitation and resistance lasted nearly twenty years. A few, believing that the
Contingencies upon which the mortgages were given had been so nearly fulfilled as to make the
incumbrances good in law, compromised, some for 25, some for 35 and some for 50 per cent,
without interest.
At one of its early meetings, this farm-mortgage association made the following report of the
mortgagors to Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company : N. & E. D. Clinton, $5,000 ; Alfred
Galpin, $2,500 ; William Sherman, $2,000 ; Jonathan Parsons, $2,000 ; Israel W. Porter, $1,500 ;
Leverett Sherman, $500 ; David Norris,* $1,000; Daniel F. Melendy, $500; Ebenezer F.
Wells, $500 ; Ahira R. Hinckley, $2,000 ; Stillman Smith, $1,000 ; Isaiah Skidmore, $1,500 ;
Ebenezer Thomas,* $3,000; George Underbill, $500; John M. Wells, $1,500 ;' Nathan
Whitcher, $1,000 ; A. C. Nickell,* $3,000 ; Francis Draper, $1,000 ; Bradley P. Balcom,
$500 ; Ferrand Bigelow, $500 ; Henry Sneider,* $500 ; Thomas P. Turner, $500 ; James
McWilliams, $1,000 ; Verus Henry, $1,000 ; John Denvir, $400 ; Osman M. Hubbard,
$1,500.
Mortgagors to Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad Company : Royal L. Bayley, $300 ; Ira Blood,
1500 ; Wilder C. Chapin, $1,000 ; Duncan Cameron, $500 ; John Dodge,* $300 ; Lyman Hill,
$500; Whiting Hudson, $1,000; Simon Jones, $600 ; John A. McKenzie, $500 ; Samuel Winch,
$1,000; John Stewart, $500 ; Allen Porter, $500 ; G. Mudget, $1,000; George W. Porter,
$500; Evander T. Taylor, $500; Martin Field, $1,000; Finley Eraser, $500; Angus Mc-
Naughton, $1,000 ; Amos Putnam, $1,000 ; Nathaniel Putnam,* $1,000; Daniel Perkins, $500 ;
Charles Vanderpool, $500 ; Bailey Webster, $500 ; William Purves, $200 ; James S. Cummings,
$500; James Begg, $500 ; William M. Frazier, $1,000 ; John Andrews, $1,000 ; Prucius Put-
nam, $1,000 ; Isaac Gate, $500 ; Asa Hollister, $1,000; Almon Welch, $1,000; Alexander
Stewart, $400; Sewall Smith, $1,000; Peter Frayer, $1,000 ; Peter Van Buren, $1,000; Perry
Craig, $500 ; Asa Wilkins, $500 ; A. Minor Stillwell, $1,000 ; William Talcott, $300 ; Porter
Daniels, $300 ; William A. Vanderpool, $1,000; Riley Demmon,$500; Eli Welch,* $1,000.
392 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Mortgagors to Milwaukee & Watertown Railroad Company : John S. Rockwell, $7,200 ;
settled.
Mortgagors to Milwaukee & La Crosse Railroad Company: Thomas S. Redford, $1,600;
Arthur A. Redford, $1,000 ; Hdnrv Redford, $1,600 ; Presley N. Reag,* $1,000 ; Cyrus S.
Davis, $1,000 ; Theophilus Haylett," $1,500 ; William Little,* $700 ; John McLane, $1,000 ;
John Martin, $1,000 ; J. B. Nehs,* $500 ; Frederick Nehs, $1,000 ; Charles Nehs, $500 ; G.
0. Nelson, $600; William M. Saunders, $1,000; Arthur A. Redford, $400; H. S. Smith,
$1,000 ; John Mendar, $800 ; Benjamin Harmon, Jr., $200 ; Silas S. Johnson,* $800 ; Herman
Harmon, $500 ; Benjamin Harmon, $300 ; John Reynolds, $138.50.
Various laws, at the instance of the association and of the railway company, were passed,
looking to a settlement of the difficulties, some of which were declared unconstitutional, and
others repealed.
Milwaukee^ Waukesha, Jefferson ^ Madison Railway Company. — By an act, approved
March 29, 1858, Charles H. Wheeler, J. D. Webster, Duncan C. Reed, William H. Hawkins,
Alanson Sweet, William A. Barstow, Elisha W. Edgerton, Alonzo Wing and Leonard J. Far-
well were authorized to construct a line of railway from Milwaukee, through Waukesha and
Jefferson, to Madison. The capital stock was fixed at $2,000,000. The historian will have
done his duty well enough when he has added that this line of railroad never was constructed,
although some preliminary labors were performed or attempted.
Fond du Lac ^ Wavkesha Railway Company. — By an act, passed March 7, 1857, Major J.
Thomas, Elihu Enos, Jr., E. N. Foster, George Cairncross, James M. Lewis, J. W. Hunt, D.
M. McDonald, H. Totten, C. C. Barnes, George W. Weikert and J. D. Reymert were given
authority to build " one or more tracks of railroad," from Waukesha to Fond du Lac. The
capital stock was fixed at $200,000, and fifteen years were given in which to complete " one
track." Perhaps the financial crash of 1857 may be offered as the reason why the road never
was built.
Fox River Valley Railroad. — One of the most elaborate railway charters ever granted was
one, approved March 29, 1853, incorporating the Fox River Valley Railway Company, consisting
of Preston Denton, Andrew E. Elmore, Winchell D. Bacon, Charles K. Watkins, W. K. Wilson,
Pliny M. Perkins, Peter Forbes, Richard E. Ela, Philo Belden, J. C. McKesson, Arthur Mc-
^.rthur, William S. Hawkins, William A. Barstow, William A. Vanderpool, C. C. Clin, H. H.
Camp, Stephen Sayles and Alexander F. Pratt. The capital stock was fixed at $800,000, and
the next Saturday after the passage of the act of incorporation C. C. Olin took $20,000 in
subscriptions to the stock. The company had power to construct a " single or double track " to
the State line, from Waukesha, and from Rochester, in Racine County, to Milwaukee. The
main line was to follow the valley of the Fox River. The historian hardly needs to add that
the road never was built. So many other roads were then in process of construction that suffi-
cient capital for the enterprise could not be enlisted. It would have been, however, a valuable
road for Waukesha, opening a more direct route to Chicago.
MILWAUKEE & ROCK RIVER CANAL.
Although the Milwaukee & Rock River Canal was never constructed, for some years it was
the main topic of conversation in Waukesha County, and was the only issue dividing political
parties. " Canal " and " anti-canal," or " Sweet " and " Kilbourn," were the parties. Byron
Kilbourn, of Milwaukee, was the father of a scheme to dig a canal from Milwaukee to the Rock
River through Waukesha County, and Alanson Sweet opposed it.
Early in 1836, Byron Kilbourn, of the then village of Milwaukee, passed over the county
between Lake Michigan and the Rock River, to discover the best route for a canal to connect
those two waters. He concluded the cheapest and most feasible one was that from Milwaukee
up the Menomonee River, through Waukesha County to near the present site of Oconomowoc,
* Settled.
HISTOEY OP WAUKESHA COUNTY. 393
with a branch to Waukesha. He drew up a petition praying the Legislature to grant a charter
for such an undertaking, and on the ^9th of November, 1836, a bill granting the necessary
authority and power was introduced in the House of Representatives, in session at
Belmont, Iowa County, which was laid on the table. The next year Dr. Increase A. Lapham
made a preliminary survey and estimate of the probable cost of the canal. These, with
strong arguments by Byron Kilbourn, were thoroughly published in the Milwaukee newspapers,
the Advertiser being the acknowledged organ of the canal projectors. Another bill was intro-
duced in the Legislature, in November, 1887, which became a law in January, 1838. It conferred
the necessary power upon the Milwaukee & Rock River Canal Company " to construct, maintain
and continue a navigable canal, or slackwater navigation from the town of Milwaukee to the
Rock River; * * and also a branch canal to connect with the Fox or Pishtaka River,
at or near Prairieville, in Milwaukee (now Waukesha) County." The capital stock was to be
$100,000, with the privilege of increasing to $1,000,000. Work was to be begun within
three years, and so much as was not completed in ten years should be forfeited. The act also
provided that the State of Wisconsin, when it became such, might purchase the canal and all
its rights by payment to the company of the amount actually expended, with not to exceed 7
per cent interest. To protect pioneer settlers, for there had been no land sale, the Legisla-
ture provided that if the corporation did not allow each settler to purchase the 160 acres
of land he had claimed on any lands Congress might donate along such canal at 10 shillings
per acre, the charter should be forfeited.
Dr. Lapham's estimates, with plats and maps, were sent to Congress with a prayer that
land be granted to aid in constructing the canal, and June 18, 1838, the President signed an
act granting all the odd-numbered sections in a strip ten sections in breadth along the entire
length of the canal from Milwaukee through Waukesha County to Lake Koshkonong, to the
Milwaukee & Rock River Canal Company. This land the Territory was to sell at prices not
under $2.50 per acre, and devote the proceeds to the canal. Congress also gave Wisconsin
Territory the right to defer the sale of lands until better prices could be realized, provided
money for the construction of the canal was borrowed upon them. When the survey had been
made it was estimated that Congress had granted 166,400 acres for the construction of the
canal.
On the 26th of February, 1889, Gov. Dodge signed a bill providing for borrowing money ;
for selling all unoccupied lands at not less than $2.50 per acre ; for appraising unoccupied
lands and selling them for not less than appraised value whenever the Governor might direct,
and for carrying into efiFect various other details. Among them was a section prohibiting any
commissioner, stockholder, engineer or other person interested from purchasing canal lands.
This was a bar which prevented hundreds of citizens from subscribing to the stock or paying
for their lands by building portions of the canal. Under this act. Gov. Dodge appointed Hans
Crocker as Register ; John H. Tweedy, Receiver ; L. W. Weeks, Acting Commissioner, and
Alexander M. Mitchell, Chief Engineer. At the next session of the Legislature, in December,
1839, the Governor announced that the bonds he had issued upon the canal lands could not be
sold. The Commissioner reported that the occupied lands, or 43,447 acres, had been sold at
|2.50 per acre, and that the balance of the grant was 95,748 acres, which was unsold.
These reports went before a committee, and Mr. Shew, of Milwaukee, its Chairman, reported
against going on with the canal for the present, and against the manner in which settlers on
adjoining Government lands were being treated. This resulted in a bill appointing a receiver,
and providing that, if the desired loan could not be effected by September, 1840, all moneys
thus far received from sales of lands should be used to pay interest and loans.
At the session of 1840-41, the Canal Commissioners made a most elaborate, earnest and
exhaustive report to the Legislature, which resulted, December 24, 1840, in a bill postponing
the payment of interest ; and February 12, 1841, in an act substituting wood for stone locks,
and authorizing the issue of $100,000 of Territorial bonds at 7 per cent interest. Gov.
Dodge authorized Byron Kilbourn to negotiate a loan of $100,000 on the bonds issued, but in
September, 1841, James Duane Doty became Governor of the Territory, and recalled the power
394 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
granted to Mr. Kilbourn, and also all documents and certificates of stock, as well as requiring
him to make a detailed report of his acts. In this report, Mr. Kilbourn recited the difficulties
of negotiating loans, and also explained the manner in which John H. Tweedy, Canal Receiver,
had interfered with the negotiations by refusing to receive any but specie money, thus stopping
work. The canal affairs were now in conflicting conditions ; that is, some of the canal officers
were friends to the project and others were apparently its enemies, and the principal business
done was the prosecution of a spirited quarrel with each other.
In February, 1842, a legislative committee, of which Morgan L. Martin was Chairman,
reported that Gov. Dodge could give Byron Kilbourn no authority to negotiate loans, and that
hence his acts were void and the Territory not bounden in any liability therefor. The Legisla-
ture then remitted all interest due from purchasers of canal bonds up to December 22, 1841,
and passed a law revoking all power to make canal contracts, approve or pay for labor done, and
repealed the act providing for the appointment of an engineer. The Legislature also prayed
Congress to put all canal lands on the market at the usual Grovernment price of $1.25 per acre,
and allow all who had purchased at double that price to have the excess refunded. A select
committee was appointed from which two reports emanated. The minority report suggested
that the Territory and the canal company cry quits, as each '' had gouged the other slightly."
Montgomery M. Cothren, of Mineral Point, was said to be the author of the minority report.
After Wisconsin became a State the offices of Register and Receiver of Canal Lands were
abolished, and an act passed April 2, 1853, whereby all persons who had bought canal lands
and given mortgages thereon for the purchase money, were allowed to discharge their indebted-
ness, without interest, by the payment of fl.25 per acre for the lands.
The work done in Milwaukee on the canal — erecting a dam and creating a good water
power — was sold at auction under the direction of the Governor. The time for completing the
canal, ten years from June 18, 1838, elapsed, and all rights and privileges were thus forfeited,
and by act of Congress all unsold canal lands were given to the State of Wisconsin for educar
tional purposes, after paying certain small debts from the proceeds of their sale.
This is a brief history of a scheme full of jumbled-up, contradictory and unjust legislation,
full of efforts to secure material advantages for certain persons, and which for several years
greatly retarded the settlement, development and prosperity of the northern portion of the
county, through which the canal was expected to pass.
The State of Wisconsin and the city of Milwaukee were the gainers by this canal scheme.
The former received many thousands of acres of land for educational purposes, and the latter
had built in an early day a fine dam and water-power at public expense. The whole amount of
money expended was |56,745, of which the canal company paid $24,868, and the Territory,
out of the proceeds of canal lands sold, the balance, or $31,877.
EARLY MUSIC IN WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Although the Olins and Goodnows had trained a few in singing, the first regular singing-
school was one taught by A. B. Parsons. He was not more prominent than several others in
organizing the school, though the agreement to secure him a certain number of scholars was the
reason of his making Waukesha his stopping-place. He is now a harness-maker in Delavan,
Wis. It was begun with about twenty-five scholars late in the fall of 1838, and continued dur-
ing the winter, meetings being held in the old log schoolhouse on the west side of the river in
Prairieville — the first in the county. The members of that early class in music who still remain
in the land of the living, recall the school as an excellent one, in which there was not only good
music but lively good times, never to be forgotten by its participants. The class, as it was called,
consisted of the following, and possibly three or four other persons not recalled :
Nelson Thomas and C. C. Olin, Lyman and E. W. Goodnow, Orson Tichenor, James and
Charles Rossman, William T. and Joel E. Bidwell, Phineas Bissell, Mr. Dye, John Y. Smith,
William S. Barnard, Nancy Maria Tichenor, Jennette and Catherine Stewart, Emily White,
Mary and Loraine Church (now Mrs. 0. Z. and C. C. Olin), Mrs. Heath and Jane Hopkins.
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 395
This class was taught by Mr. Parsons during the winters of 1838 and 1889, and from it were
turned out those trained musicians who became the first choir-singers of the first churches
in Waukesha, or Prairieville, as the place was then called.
FIRST TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATION.
Very few are acquainted with the astonishing magnitude of the temperance army in
Wisconsin, composed of those who belong to the Good Templars, Juvenile Temples, Sons of
Temperance, Temple of Honor, Washingtonians, Cold- Water Bands, Total Abstinence Societies
and various other organizations ; and still fewer know what portion of Wisconsin claims or
deserves the honor of forming and sustaining the pioneer temperance society. Waukesha
County lays claim to that honor boldly, no locality, so far as known, pretending to have sus-
tained .auch an organization before a very noted one existed at Prairieville. It was in working
order during many years ; attracted much attention on account of the radical views of its mem-
bers, as well as by reason of their ability and prominence, and the influence they wielded in
matters outside of temperance. It was no child's organization, but a league of all the citizens
for miles around Prairieville, with a few exceptions — a gathering whose appearance, debates and
proceedings would be of unbounded interest at this period of time. Some of the men who
belonged to it from first to last, afterward were among those who have occupied the highest posi-
tions in the State and the nation.
The honor of securing the permanent organization of this pioneer temperance, or total
abstinence society, belongs almost exclusively to Lyman Goodnow, who mounted his horse after
securing the signatures of all the residents of the village of Prairieville, and scoured the country
for miles around, presenting the pledge to every person then residing in the surrounding towns.
Mr. Goodnow secured over one hundred and sixty signatures, only two men to whom the pledge
was presented refusing to sign. They were temperate men, however, and did not refuse to add
their signatures on account of any love for liquor, claiming only that they did not wish to feel
themselves bound by any pledge whatsoever.
The organization was not suggested by Lyman Goodnow alone, but by whom is not exactly
known, William T. Bidwell, E. W. Goodnow and E. S. Purple having something to do with
preparing the pledge for signatures. It was begun in 1889, but did not become a power until
early in 1840, when Lyman Goodnow secured the large list of names just mentioned. This
society, or rather its leaders, projected the first Fourth of July celebration of any note ever held
in Waukesha County, Some of its prominent working members — recalled by the old settlers,
as the records are not to be had — were as follows : William T. Bidwell, E. W. and Lyman
Goodnow, Ezra S. Purple, Deacons Edmund D. Allen and Norman Clinton, John Y. Smith, Rev.
Quaugh, Chauncey C, Thomas and Nelson Olin, Morris S. Barnett, John M. Wells, Peter N.
Cushman, Sr., 0. M. Hubbard, George A. Hine, William S. Barnard, John Manderville, Dea-
con Ezra Mendall, James Rossman, Sr., James Rossman, Jr., Deacon J. Rice, Nathaniel Wal-
ton, A. J. Cole, Dr. Gilbert Wright, Moses, Vernon and Orson Tichenor, Horatio N. Davis,
Henry Bowron, Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler, Ethan Owen, Ichabod Codding, Winchell D.
Bacon, David Jackson (the first Postmaster), Jacob H. Kimball, Hamilton and John Nelson,
David Reed, Charles R. Dakin, Cephas L. Rockwood, Abel and Lyman Brown, Mr. Day, Elder
GrifiSn, Nathan Maynard, A. C. Nickell, Deacon Potter, Deacon Taylor, Plutarch Taylor, Dea-
con Hinman, William Smith, Nathan Whitcher, George McWhorter, William McWhorter, Mat-
thew Ray McWhorter, Daniel Chandler, Robert Love, Dr. Van Vleck and his sons Aaron and
Amos, C. S. Putney, Milo Putney, Zebulon and Joel E. Bidwell, Samuel and Phineas Bissell,
Elon, Hosea and Randall Fuller, Isaac Judson, Dr. Potter, Gordon C. Cone, Rev. Absolom
Miner, Ansel McCall, David Van Kirk, Malcom Sellers, Joseph O'Neill, Henry and Asa Davis,
Joseph Williams, Dr. Albert Warner, Samuel Warner, Moses Ordway, Richard Moore, Albert
and Almon White, Allen Root, 0. F. Curtis, Rev. Nicholls, Daniel and Levi Grant, Thomas
Eggleston, Deacon Asa Clark, Lyman Clark, Uncle Stewart, William, Robert and Alexander
Stewart, Deacon Crocker, Samuel and Stephen Beard, Benjamin and Levi Love, Joseph Tur-
ner, Barzilla Douglass, Harvey Church, Father Daugherty, I. W. Porter and of course, others.
396 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
What is most remarkable about this pioneer temperance organization, is that under mani-
fold changes of name and management, it has been kept alive four decades, and its descendants
now have an organization in the village of Waukesha.
In 1843, the society passed through a period of great and well-remembered excitement. A
call had been issued by the Whigs for a mass-meeting at Milwaukee at which " roast ox, coon
skins and hard cider " were to be dispensed in profusion. A large delegation of Whigs who belonged
to the society participated in the jollification, the occasion being a memorable one. On the road
home one member of the society asked another how he liked the cider. "It was good," he
replied, smacking his lips. " It was good," piped a second and a third. At the next meeting
the inquisitive member preferred charges against three or four of his leading brethren, one clause
of the constitution requiring each member to report any other member known to have violated
the pledge. One or two promptly acknowledged having fallen from grace, and asked to be for-
given, which was promptly done. The others refused to allow the difficulty to be thus easily
and amicably settled, contending that as not an apple was raised in Wisconsin, the stuff called
" hard cider '' which they had partaken of was " not cider, but a decoction invented for the occa-
sion." The opposition contended that the accused drank it for cider, and as no positive proof
had been oflfered that the so-called decoction was anything else than cider, the rebellious mem-
bers must be expelled. Expulsion from so strong, important and influential an organization as
the society then was, they could not stand, and finally, after several weeks of great excitement,
confessions were made, and the erring members received into full and renewed fellowship. To
see one portion of the prominent citizens of the community trying another portion for drinking
hard cider made from anything but apples, would be an interesting event for the bustling vear
of 1880.
COUNTY FINANCES.
If there is anything of which the citizens of Waukesha County may feel justly proud, it
is the general management of her public aifairs, during the last thirty-four years, and her present
financial condition. While other counties are or have been groaning under their burden of rail-
road bonds, Waukesha has been wholly free from their depressive eifects, although she had a
railroad before any other in the State, except Milwaukee. The citizens of this county have
never been oppressed, or outside capitalists debarred from making investments within her lirdits,
by such high taxation as is consequent upon carrying a heavy bonded indebtedness.
The record of a county that has not and never had a bonded debt of any kind whatever, is
indeed a rare one.
In October, 1846, at the first annual meeting of the Board of Supervisors, after the county
had been set off from Milwaukee, Alfred L. Oastleman, Chairman of the Committee on
Expenses, made the following report to the Board :
The Committee on expenses reports the following estimates for the county expenses for the current year,
including the time past since the organization of the county :
Expenses of District Court .-. $2,000
Expenses of Justices' Court and jail 1,000
Pay of Clerk '. ]25
Pay of Supervisors 405
Printing expenses 25
Attorney's fees 125
Election expenses 256
In part for building jail and jailer's house 500
Stationery (including Rood's bill, now before the board) ., 300
Deficit in means to meet contract on court house, and to .pay committee and Mygatt & Robbins... 650
Furiiishing court house and offices 300
Incidental expenses 500
Total $6,086
[Signed] A. L. Castleman,
Joseph Bond, [■ Committee.
Prairieville, October 7, 1846. Asa A. Flint,
"^1 f'^
Ph-<rC
<
OCONOMOWOC.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
399
Thus, the county expenses, not insluding means expended in permanent buildings, was only
35,000 in 1846. In 1848, the Board voted $6,500 should be raised by taxation, exclusive of
State tax. And, in that year, Talbot 0. Dousman made out the tax roll, taxes to be collected
in January, 1849, as follows :
No Acres.
Value
per
Acre.
Whole
Valuation.
Improve-
ments.
Personal
Estate.
Property
Subject to
state Tax.
Property
Subject to
County Tax.
State Tax.
CountyTax.
15,687
15,994
15,213
13,520
11,443
12,665
17,852
17,872
21,7-^7
21,540
21,418
16,838
18,107
19,595
21,438
18,098
$2 50
2 61
1 90
3 66
4 26
2 40
3 10
3 06
2 86
5 08
2 25
2 34
3 36
3 89
2 73
2 44
$39,217
41,727
21,223
33,228
27,068
17,926
53,713
41,322
45,375
67,906
35,572
26,961
33,728
45,754
45,562
31,676
$4,342
12,582
3,842
1,863
6,445
3,446
3,735
3,886
1,898
6,810
5,576
2,340
5,150
22,485
1,725
575
$45,100
45,900
31,834
27,832
21,654
19,719
53,713
41,322
49,912
67,906
42,686
29,657
30,464
41,764
45,562
34,844
$49,442
58,482
48,399
42,745
45,446
36,887
59,083
58,676
70,318
116,283
63,464
45,582
54,000
91,134
60,338
49,267
$202 95
206 65
143 30
125 24
97 44
88 73
241 71
185 95
224 60
305 58
192 09
133 45
137 09
187 93
205 03
136 81
$341 15
403 53
$ 8,482
16,312
21,683
12,475
1,635
13,469
16,825
41,567
12,668
12,350
20,429
30,551
13,051
12,589
333 95
294 94
313 59
Dplftfield . .'
254 52
407 67
Brookfield
404 86
485 19
Waukesha
802 35
437 90
314 51
Eaetle
372 61
628 83
416 33
339 94
Tptala
279,018
$607,968
$234,086
$86,699
$629,867
$949,546
$2,854 35
$6,561 87
The equalized value per acre of land in 1848 was $3.12 ; the total amount of taxes,
$9,416.22, and the rate of taxation, 6.9 mills on the dollar. It will be noticed in the above
table that some towns returned but very little personal property, and some no improvements.
It may also be stated that, for years since 1848, the Assessors of the town of Muskego have
made solemn oath that no watches were owned by any of its residents, while other towns have
made similar returns as to carriages, horses and musical instruments.
Some idea of the growth of property, as well as of county expenses, made be had from
the following table, which is the apportionment of taxes made in November, 1879 :
Towns.
Valuation.
state Tax.
County Tax.
County
School Tax.
Supt. Sal-
ary and
Expenses.
Canceled
Certifi-
cates.
Support
of
Besident
Poor.
Personal
Property
charged
back.
Trust
Fund.
Total Tax.
Brnnkfipld
$ 783693
623706
521704
649658
669562
774869
666021
677584
503753
774176
466003
590487
631479
755630
590077
658635
1811385
$ 1129 88
899 20
752 11
936 61
962 43
1106 06
960 21
976 99
726 26
1105 13
671 84
851 31
910 40
1089 40
850 72
949 56
2611 50
I 1385 48
1102 65
922 33
1088 52
1183 71
1369 87
1177 45
1197 82
890 58
1367 83
823 85
1043 95
1116 39
1335 86
1043 20
1164 39
3202 31
$ 373 00
205 00
188 00
195 00
214 00
348 00
216 00
162 00
225 00
237 00
138 00
188 01
263 00
314 00
135 00
160 00
489 00
$ 82 66
48 35
43 87
45 49
50 01
81 94
49 34
35 47
55 61
53 37
31 34
42 45
64 84
74 33
36 18
39 23
115 52
1 2 76
$ 7 78
1 02
5 45
13 11
13 38
16 21
$ 2981 56
Dp! fl.fi pld
2256 22
Kairlp
1 24 62
1936 3S
2278 73
2423 53
2922 08
2403 00
Mukwonago
10 48
2382 7H
1897 45
New Berlin
1 69
2765 02
Otttiwa
1 95
4 84
202 79
1666 98
8 92
49 67
3 24
1 93
2 54
53 00
$ 44 49
907 31
121 00
48 20
2183 93
Ocouomowoc City..
3ol4 40
2937 83
2115 23
4 68
16 16
2320 40
Waukpshfl.
59 84
6547 33
Totals
$12148426
$17489 61
$21416 16
$4050 00
$ 950 00
$255 04
$ 62 60
$ 188 42
$1121 00
$45532 83
Thus, while the county tax was $6,561.87 for building expenses and all in 1848, as will
be seen by the first table, it had become only four and a half times greater in 1879, or
$28,043.22. And while the total value of all property in the county subject to county taxation
400 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNT!'.
in 1848 was |928,753, it had increased in 1879 to $12,148,426, or more than thirteen-fold.
This is a rare showing, and one which should be a source of gratification and pride to the citizens
of the county. However, what has just been shown to be true of the county tax is not true of
the State tax ; for, while in 1848 Waukesha County paid only $2,854.35 to the support of the
State Government, in 1879 the apportionment was $17,489.61, a six-fold increase.
With this tax, the county has nothing to do, and she has only to rejoice over the excellent
management of her own domestic affairs. The County Treasurer's report, rendered November
11, 1879, for the fiscal year ending at that time, shows the following details as to receipts :
County tax $21,909 64
Personal property charged back to towns 168 07
Superintendent of Schools 1,200 00 ,
Canceled certificates 1 76
Certificates of sale received from J. A. Lins, ex-County Treasurer U.5 10
Cash received from J. A. Lins, ex-County Treasurer 528 19
Conscience money 20 00
Cash received from Monroe County — costs in case of State vs. Nicholas Chard 270 5(3
Fees on real estate tax returned 61 00
Fees on personal tax returned 62
Interest on delinquent real estate 45 66
Advertising fees on delinquent lands 34 25
Seventy-eight certificates of sale, 1876, at 25c 19 50
Income from school fund 4,040 16
Tax on delinquent State lands returned to State Treasurer 6 27
Drainage fund received from State Treasurer 44 10
Cash received T. 0. Martin, ex-County Clerk, collected from persons having friends in
the Northern Hospital for Insane, to wit : From H. Lorleberg, $13.35 ; from J.
Burns, $35.00 70 85
Costs in case of State vs. C. A. Snover 13 46
Redemption fees received from County Clerk 12 65
Delinquent personal tax collected by sheriff.... 20 46
Total $28,578 74
And this table shows the details of disbursing the above amounts :
Amount paid John Stephens forrecording certificates of marriages, births and deaths. ..$ 15 00
Amount paid John Stephens for certified copy of marriages, births and deaths, to Sec-
retary of State 41 60
Amount paid Sheriff Porter on recommendation of District Attorney to pay fare of Jari.
Moore, a vagrant, to New York 27 55
Delinquent State lands returned to State Treasurer 6 27
Delinquent personal taxes placed in hands of Sheriff for collection 271 41
Amount paid John Stephens for recording certificates of marriages, births and deaths.. 26 00
Income from school fund — paid Town Treasurers , 4,040 16
Drainage fund — paid town of Eagle 44 10
Amount paid John Stephens for recording certificates of marriages, births and deaths.. 27 50
Amount paid John Stephens for recording certificates of marriages, births and deaths.. 44 10
County orders paid 20,002 56
Court certificates paid 3,065 08
Witness fee certificates paid 429 05
Certificates of sale on hand 162 26
Total $28,202 64
Total receipts $28,678 74
Total disbursements 28,202 64
Balance $ 376 10
The different towns received the following amounts of school money, being their shares of
the income from the State School Fund : Brookfield, $372.02 ; Delafield, $204.06 ; Eagle,
$187.72; Genesee, $194.94; Lisbon, $213.94; Menomonee, $347.32; Merton, $215.08;
Mukwonago, $161.12; Muskego, $224.58; New Berlin, $236.36; Oconomowoc, $187.34;
Oconomowoc City, $262.20 ; Ottawa, $137.18 ; Pewaukee, $313.12 ; Summit, $134.90 ; Ver-
non, $159.60 ; Waukesha, $488.68.' Total, $4,040.16.
HISTORY OF WAUIvESTIA COUNTY. 401
WISCONSIN INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOB BOYS.
The Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys, in the midst of a beautiful artificial park on one
side, and a natural one on the other, on the banks of the Fox River and near the Prairie du
Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, on Section 9, in the town and
county of Waukesha, consists of ten buildings of brick and Waukesha limestone — mostly the
latter ; two of wood and stone, besides various barns, sheds and out-buildings. It is, in one
view, the most important of our many State charitable, penal and reformatory institutions, and
certainly has the most beautiful situation and surroundings. It is not the largest, or costliest,
or oldest ; but as it is a place for the molding of the character and habits of a large number of
those who are to have the various affairs of the future in charge, it is, so far as it reaches, decid-
edly the most important of our State institutions.
Those committed to its charge are largely unfortunates. Some of them are born with mal-
formations of mental faculties, with vicious tempers and low, brutal tendencies. These are the
most unfortunate class with which the school has to deal. They are not responsible for
their vicious tempers and evil dispositions any more than for their existence or physical appear-
ance. They have defects which no reformatory school, be it never so strict or liberal, kind or
harsh in its course of training, can wipe out, or completely bring into subjugation. iSTone of
them, however, leave the institution in as deplorable a condition as that in which they entered,
and many of them are so thoroughly taught in the art of self-government that they become the
best of citizens ; but others, returning with their unfortunate natural viciousness to their old
haunts, overcome and forget all the influence of the Industrial School, and rapidly fall to ruin
or cells in the State Prison. Some are the victims of unfortunate marriages, quarreling, drink-
ing, thieving, slothful parents ; others are merely bright, intelligent boys with an extra amount
of spirit and mischievousness, and others are wg,ndfiring orphans who come within the scope of
the law governing the commitment of children to the institution. Of all such a good account
can be given. They rapidly yield to the beneficial influences brought to bear in the schools,
workshop and chapel, and become, in a reasonably short time, good boys, and ultimately the very
best of citizens. In fact, the good, dispositioned boys of intelligence sent out from the Indus-
trial School are, as a general thing, much better prepared to cope single-handed with the affairs
of the world, than those of equal ability who have not received such training.
Having all these peculiarities of the subjects to be dealt with in view, and also the bene-
ficial results to them and the community at large, the State Industrial School for Boys must be
considered the most important of all the State institutions.
The existence of the Industrial School is due in a great measure to the labors of the
Sentinel and Free Democrat newspapers, of Milwaukee, neither of which, for many months,
lost any opportunity of urging the necessity and benefits of a reformatory institution of this
character. The first law looking to its establishment was passed March 7, 1857, for " a house
of refuge for juvenile delinquents in the State of Wisconsin." The buildings were to be
erected under the supervision of three Commissioners, who should, on the completion of them,
certify the fact to each County Clerk in the State. Under this law the Governor appointed
W. D. Bacon, of Waukesha, Edwin Palmer, of Milwaukee, and Martin Mitchell, of Oshkosh,
Commissioners to locate and erect a building suitable for such purpose.
The Commissioners at once organized and entered upon the discharge of their duties. Houses
of refuge to reform youth, separate from prisoners, were then in th^r infancy. The first one
erected in this country was built in New York City but thirty-two years before, and not until
May, 1857, had the subject of juvenile reform elicited among its friends sufiicient interest to
cause them to meet in convention for consultation and discussion as to improved plans of build-
ing, government and classification.
Such convention assembled in New York City on the 12th, 13th and 14th days of May,
1857. Seventeen institutions were represented, ten having the name and title of " House of
402 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Refuge;" three, " State Reform School;" two, "Reform School;" one, " Asylum and Farm
School," and one, " State Industrial School for Girls."
The Commissioners sought the advice and experience of the most devoted philanthropists
connected with this new work, and from William R. Lincoln, Superintendent of the Maine State
Reform School, obtained the outlines of a plan of building which they adopted, having regard
to the division of its inmates into families (of thirty-six boys ia each), and so planned that each
boy would have a separate room to himself. Each room, whether large or small, had separate
ventilating flues, both for the admission of pure and escape of foul air.
The plan of the first buildings consisted of three detached parallel buildings, each fifty feet
distant from the other, and united by a corridor nine feet wide, extending crosswise through the
center of each building, adapting all, in their internal accommodation and external view, to one
building.
But one building was erected, that being of suSicient capacity for the State at that time.
Each building was planned to furnish complete accommodation for officers, schoolroom, hospital,
living rooms for family of Superintendent, kitchen, dining-room, wash-room, and bedrooms for
officers, servants and inmates, both boys and girls (the law at that time sent girls also to the
House of Refuge), and eighty separate rooms for inmates. The three buildings, if built, would
have furnished rooms for Superintendent and his family, officers and servants, and four hundred
rooms for inmates.
The building erected was 57x94 feet, and three stories high above basement, which, from
the window sills of the basement, was above ground. Its location was determined, after due
examination of various places in the State, to be at Waukesha, the citizens of Waukesha voting
to tax the town for $6,000, with which they purchased sixty acres of land for a site. The
buildings were to be of stone. Stone being abundant at Waukesha, could be furnished
much cheaper than at any other city desiring its location, and would save, in cost of building
at Waukesha, several thousand dollars to the State in the price of stone. This more than
overbalanced ofi"ers of a pecuniary consideration proposed by any other corporation. The
act to establish a House of Refuge, required it to be " located where the citizens shall contri-
bute the largest sum toward the erection," and "said Commissioners shall take into consideration
any materials or money to aid in the erection thereof." Thus the matter of material alone
would have secured the location of the institution at Waukesha.
But there were other things favorable to Waukesha. The soil of the site was a superior,
rich garden mold, well watered, the Fox River flowing through diagonally. The original site
also included the now famous Bethesda mineral spring, which the Commissioners reported "was
of pure limpid water, discharging a large stream, forming a pond six rods in diameter, often full
of pickerel, bass, and other fish common in Wisconsin streams." Before Bethesda was dis-
covered to be medicinal, sixteen acres of land, of the original site, including the spring, were
exchanged, by the State of Wisconsin, for an equal quantity. of other land.
After erecting one building, the Commissioners, according to the act providing for the
" House of Refuge," certified to the fact, and the Governor issued a formal proclamation to the
public.
The school was formally opened on Wednesday, July 23, 1860, by the various State
officials. Board of Managers, and a large congregation of the inhabitants of the State. The
dedicatory address was made by J. B. D. Cogswell, of Milwaukee. After giving a full
history of the workings of reformatory schools in other States and countries, he closed as
follows :
" With such cheering precedents to encourage us, we dedicate this building to the uses of
the State Reform School of Wisconsin. No more eligible or attractive site could have been
selected for the purpose. It is easy of access, yet sufficiently removed from the great town and
the bustling village, full of temptations to the weak and unsettled boy. We are an agricultural
community, and the institution is fitly established among these pleasant fields, suitable for suc-
cessful tillage. The sturdy boy shall here learn the rudiments of agriculture, to be thereafter
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 403
practiced for his own benefit upon the generous prairies or amid the virgin forests of Wisconsin.
Here shall he be taught to love labor for its own sake, and in the pleasing alternative of toil
and play, his wild spirit shall grow calm and peaceful. In these spacious and convenient halls
he shall find everything necessary for his comfort and instruction. The site of his home is
beautiful as well as eligible. Brought up yonder grassy slope at first a careless and wayward
vagrant, he shall go away in due, time, manly and free, self reliant, yet impressed with a sense of
moral responsibility. No longer the juvenile delinquent, he shall leave the reform school to
assume and discharge the duties of an American freeman and citizen.
" Permit me, your Excellency [Gov. A. W. Randall], to congratulate you upon your good
fortune, that you are enabled, during your administration, to inaugurate . so many useful and
memorable charities of the State. Hereafter, doubtless, you will recur to such occasions as the
present as among the most pleasing reminiscences of your official career. We congratulate you,
gentlemen of the building commission, upon the auspicious termination of your faithful and
protracted labors. Long as these firm walls shall stand, they shall bear witness of your patient
skill, foresight and fidelity. Finally, fellow-citizens, philanthropists, fathers and mothers, who
guard your little ones in cheerful homes with tender solicitude, let us felicitate each other that
to-day we witness a home opened for orphaned and homeless children. * * * Here-
after, upon this spot, shall be sown seed which shall ripen into a nobler fruitage than all
the golden grain the husbandmen garner to-day. Some seed, it is true, shall fall by the
wayside, and the unclean birds shall devour it up. * * * g^j. Qt^gj. ggg^ shall
fall into good ground and bring forth fruit. Happy he who, in the providence of God, shall be
privileged to plant and nourish the germ of goodness in the fruitful but desolate heart of the
orphan and vagrant child. May he ever hope to hear, hereafter, those inspiring words of
Divine commendation : ' For inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, ye
have done it unto me.' "
Remarks were also made by Lieut. Gov. Butler G. Noble, Secretary of State Louis P.
Harvey, and others, after which Gov. Alexander W. Randall, a citizen of Waukesha, formally
proclaimed the institution open for the purposes contemplated in the act creating it. He
further said :
"I will not attempt to add anything to what has been said as to the objects of these build-
ings, but will simply say that this is an institution which has long been needed by the State.
That we have it now, is mainly due to the efforts of a few men who have long since pressed its
necessity. Among the newspapers of the State which have urged its establishment, I may name
the Milwaukee Sentinel and Free Democrat, and their editors, who, in the columns of their
papers, lost no occasion of urging the utility of an institution of this character. I desire par-
ticularly at this time to speak of the services of a humble man in this connection, who labored
efficiently, in season and out of season, to this end. I refer to John W. Hinton, of Milwaukee,
formerly connected with the reportorial corps of the Milwaukee Sentinel. I will say only one
word more. It is hoped that this school will be productive of great good ; that it will make the
boys who are sent here good men ; that they will learn here that utility is the great object of
life, and that it is better to be very good, than very wise or very great. If they learn these
things here, they will have learned what it is the object of this school to inculcate."
The school was now open to receive inmates, according to law, as follows :
Sec. 12. The said managers and Superintendent shall receive and take into said House of Refuge all male
children under the age of eighteen years, and all female children under the age of seventeen, who shall be legally
committed to said House of Refuge as vagrants, or on conviction of any criminal oflFense by any court having author-
ity to make such commitments; and the said managers shall have power to place the said children committed to
their care during the minority of said children, at such employments and cause them to be instructed in such
branches of useful knowledge as shall be suited to their years and capacities ; and they shall have power, in their
discretion, to bind out said children, with their consent or the consent of their parents or guardians, if they have
any, as apprentices or servants, during their minority, to such persons and at such places, to learn such proper
trades and employments as, in their judgment, will be most for their information and amendment and the future
benefit and advantage of such children ; Provided, That the charge and power of said managers upon and over the
said children shall not extend, in the case of females, beyond the age of twenty-one years : and provided, also, that
the religious opinions of the inmates shall not be interfered with.
404 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The law also required the managers to publish the names of the inmates; but this was
never done, their first report declaring that, in their opinion, " good policy and the interests of
the inmates forbade such publication." The managers furnished this reason for disobeying
that portion of the enactment: "If that was the intention of the law, it was certainly, we
think, a mistake ; for, while more or less of a stigma will, in the public mind, attach to those
who are inmates of the Reform School, there should be as little publicity as possible of their
names in that connection. They should be taught to look forward to the future with hope ; to
blot out, as much as possible, the past, which is beyond their control ; and when reformed, as
we trust many of them will be, and become useful citizens, far from the scenes of their early
errors, they ought not to be confronted by their names in a report like this, to cause them
injury and good to none."
The Legislature did not compel the managers to obey the clause referred to, and afterward
amended it.
The first inmates were three juveniles from the city of Milwaukee, who were committed, or
received at the institution, August 1, 1860. Several girls were also committed that year —
nearly all from Milwaukee — and female delinquents continued to be sent until 1871 ; but the
plan was not a good one, as will be seen by the first report, which said :
" Of the seven girls committed, five had been connected with low dance-houses, or 'houses
of ill- fame. The chapter of our statutes on the subject of vagrancy, in my opinion, needs a
careful review. Surely, it was never intended that this school should be the receptacle of
abandoned females, nor that the denizens of every low brothel should be thrown into our family
circle. Vice is a contagion of the most terrible virulence, and when concentrated in minds
matured in the pathway of criminal indulgence, it will overleap all barriers and fasten its
deadly fangs upon the comparatively innocent and unsuspecting. No human efforts can control
the contaminating influence."
From that time, fewer abandoned females were received, and finally, in 1871, only boys
were committed to the institution.
At first there was no provision for discharging inmates ; that is, nothing could be done
but open the doors of the institution and let those whose terms had expired wander whither
they would, no funds being available to transport them home or to any place where employment
could be obtained. This was soon after remedied, and now each one, on his discharge, is given
a good suit of clothes and transportation to his former or any new home.
A system of manual labor was instituted at once, and all inmates in good health were
required to devote a certain number of hours to whatever was necessary to be done. Farm labor
and putting the grounds about the buildings into shape were first in order ; on the 1st of Sep-
tember, 1860, the shoe-shop was opened ; in October, of the same year, the tailor-shop ; and
the girls were at once put at sewing and knitting. These departments are still in active opera-
tion and turn out all the shoes, boots, mittens, socks, pantaloons, coats, caps and all other wear-
ing apparel necessary for the inmates. The " repairing room " turns out all necessary mending
and repairing. The laundry, kitchen and carpenter-shop are necessary adjuncts of the institu-
tion, but turn out no work that is a source of income to the State. They aiford practical
instruction to the boys connected with them. The business of manufacturing as a source of
profit, and at the same time as a means of thorough instruction to the inmates, is in the boot
and shoe shop and sock and mitten factory. The first year nothing of profit to the State was
turned out, except 100 pairs of button shoes. The school then contained but comparatively
few inmates and all of them were ragged and unskilled. Their own personal wants, therefore,
demanded most of their attention. A broom-factory was run for about ten years, but was
never a source of much profit, and has been discontinued. The same is true of the business of
chairmaking. The manufacture of boots, shoes, socks, mittens and suspenders, however, not
only is a means of teaching the boys useful trades, but is now a source of profit. During 1879,
about 40,000 pairs of socks and mittens were knit, and the shoe-shop turns out fifty cases of the
best quality of hand-made boots and shoes per week. These are of a superior quality, and
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 405
therefore the demand still exceeds the supply, at good prices. In fact the demand exceeds the
products in all the manufacturing departments of the Industrial School.
The C. M. & St. Paul Railway has provided a side-track near the school buildings, thus
making shipping facilities of more than ordinary convenience.
On the farm, which consists of 233 acres of good land, are twenty-nine milch cows, twenty-
one horses and numerous calves, poultry and pigs. Its products are oats, corn, beans, potatoes,
and all the vegetables and other cereals (except wheat), common to the climate. These products,
as food, are valued at $5,000 per year, or more, at wholesale rates.
The inmates have an abundance of good, wholesome food. Meats are generally served to
them in limited quantities, but they may have all the bread and vegetables they desire. All
food is of the best quality, purchased by the Superintendent at such favorable bargains as he
can make. The report for 1879 shows some of the items of subsistence as follows: Flour,
barrels, 860; beef, pounds, 35,500; potatoes, bushels, 1,175; cheese, pounds, 1,032 ; butter,
pounds, 10,139 ; eggs, dozens, 1,429 ; sugar, pounds, 9,326 ; sirup, gallons, 1,165. This
subsistence is furnished at a cost of 7 cents per day per capita for the inmates ; but as all
employes have their subsistence from the common store, it would reduce the cost per inmate, per
day, to about 5 cents. The total cost for salaries, fuel, subsistence, and all other items, is
$100.86 per capita per year, for the inmates, or 27 3-6 cents per day per capita.
A complete history of each inmate is kept at the school in a book prepared for the purpose,
as well as birthplace, age, occupation, habits, and conditions of parents. This record of the
history of the parents nearly always discloses some good reason why a reformatory school of
the kind under consideration is necessary ; and it is due to a majority of the boys confined in
it to state that their parents are often actually more deserving of prison discipline than the
children. As a general thing the parents of vicious and depraved boys are drunkards and
loafers.
A most perfect system of labor record is in force, as well as a similar system of records of
the conduct, health, proficiency, behavior and progress of each inmate. The Superintendent
knows precisely where his watchmen were at any particular hour of any day or night, also
where any particular inmate was ; knows how many pairs of socks have been washed during the
year ; how many repaired, and the same with any and all other articles. He can tell, also, how
many loaves of bread are baked, consumed or wasted ; and has the same accurate knowledge of
all other matters, even to the number of quarts of milk produced on the farm and how con-
sumed.
A temperance society, called the Band of Hope, existed in the school for many years. It
was not of any practical use in the institution, as the boys have neither liquors nor tobacco ; but
they took a strong pledge and were taught that when they left the school the obligation was to
go with them all through life.
A cornet band, with good instruments, is maintained in the school, and once each week a
good teacher furnishes them with instruction. To belong to this band a good record in the
school is necessary, as well as some musical genius. The boys take great pride in their band,
and frequently make proficient musicians. Applications to become members of the band are
frequent, thus showing their appreciation of it.
The first main building was destroyed by fire on the night of the 10th of January, 1866.
Although of stone, every part of the building was so intimately connected with every other part,
that it was wrapt in flames in an almost incredibly short space of time. The fire was set by an
inmate who had in some manner obtained a match with which he lighted shavings cut from his
bedstead, starting the blaze in the opening of the ventilator in his room. All the inmates and
employes escaped unharmed, though with little time to spare.
His object was to escape, but he failed. He was sent to the county jail, to which he set
fire for the same purpose, a few days later, and had it not been for the accidental and fortunate
discovery of the fire at 2 o'clock in the morning, by Mrs. Dewey K. Warren, wife of the Sherifi",
he would have burned the jail also. Later, he was sent to the State Prison.
^06 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
A small wooden building, used as a boot and shoe shop, and the wooden portion of what is
now " No. 10," did not burn. Into these and some board barracks, hastily built for the pur-
pose, the inmates were crowded. The weather was severe and these barracks, consisting only
of inch boards, afforded but little protection, and for the balance of the winter all connected
with the school had a hard time of it.
In the spring of 1866, the present main building (which was enlarged to twice its original
size in 1873), and Nos. 1 and 2, all of Waukesha limestone, were erected. Afterward as the
number of inmates increased, other buildings were erected as follows : No. 3, in 1868 ; No. 4, in
1871 ; Nos. 5, 7 and 10, in 1873 ; No. 6, in 1875 ; Nos. 8 and 9, in 1879 ; the shoe factory in
1871, and the crrection house in 1877. These are all of the splendid Waukesha limestone,
three and four stories high, except the upper stories of the two which escaped the fire of 1866,
which are wood. The stone for Nos. 8 and 9, for the large correction house and for the horse-barn
and two or three additions, were all dressed by inmates, and make by far the best-looking buildings
of the group. All have slate roofs, good ventilation and ample furnaces. The different build-
ings not used for shops, kitchen, laundry and similar purposes, are called " family buildings,"
and are used as schoolrooms, playrooms, sleeping dormitories, dining and bath rooms for the
several "families," into which all the inmates are divided. Each family is in charge of a man
and woman who are, to a certain extent, responsible for the conduct and progress of those under their
charge. In these buildings, all the branches usually taught in common schools are thoroughly
pursued under competent teachers ; light, innocent games and amusements are permitted, and
every Saturday bathing and a change of clothing are required.
Boys are required to aid in cooking, washing, ironing, cleaning the rooms and doing all
the work necessary about an institution of this kind and size. They thus learn to do all kinds
of labor in the best possible manner.
The chapel exercises on Sunday are exceedingly interesting. All inmates assemble to listen
to regular services by some of the local ministers, who serve free of charge, at 3 o'clock. The
reform school choir, composed of rich, melodious and well-trained voices, furnishes the
music, though every inmate is provided with a song-book, and a majority of the school join in
the singing with apparent earnestness and pleasure. Behavior on these occasions is betteis, no
doubt, than it would be on the part of the same number of boys taken at random from the
wealthiest community in the State.
A good library is provided in the main building, which contains 800 volumes of books
and various Wisconsin newspapers and other periodicals. Books can be taken from the library
on Saturday and kept one week. The reading-room contains 275 volumes of books and various
newspapers. All inmates are allowed to receive papers, books and letters from their friends,
after careful inspection, to see that nothing objectionable enters. They are allowed to write
once each month to parents or friends at the expense of the State, and also once each month at
their own expense.
There has always been a system of advancement for good, and punishment for bad
behavior. It is rigid but just. When necessary, incorrigible boys are, in addition to various
other punishments, put into a building called the House of Correction. Such as are confined
in this building have no play hours, cannot communicate with each other in any manner ; are
required to sleep separately in locked and grated cells ; but they have the same privileges of the
school and library as all others. The idea of a House of Correction originated with A. D,
Hendrickson, when he was Superintendent.
On entering the institution, each boy is washed, furnished with a new uniform, and given
some good advice — told that if he is studious, industrious and obedient, he will be well treated,
and can the sooner be released. On leaving, he is clothed and transported, at State expense, to
his former or any new home.
Some of the more important by-laws adopted by the Board of Managers are as follows :
" Section 13. All accounts for the supplies of the institution, for contracts of the Super-
intendent, and for salaries of ofiicers and employes, must be indorsed as correct by the Super-
intendent before the same will be audited and allowed by the Board of Managers,
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 407
" Sec. 14. The salary of the Superintendent shall be at the rate of $1,200 per year, and
of the Matron $400 per year, and of the Assistant Superintendent $1,000 per year, to be paid
quarterly ; and they shall reside in the institution, and devote all their time and labor to the
service thereof.
" Sec. 15. The officers and employes are expected to board in the institution, at the
expense of the State, but, with the exception of the family of the Superintendent and the per-
son in charge of the farmhouse, no person not an officer or employe shall board in the institu-
tion ; provided, however, that this rule may be suspended by a majority of the board, in extra-,
ordinary contingencies.
" Sec. 16. The Superintendent shall enter in a book, to be provided for that purpose, the
name, age, birthplace, whence and by whom committed, the time of reception, and obtain,
as nearly as possible, a brief, correct history and description of the person of each individual
committed to the institution, the delinquency for which committed, when discharged and, if
apprenticed, the name and place of residence of the person to whom apprenticed, and, in case of
death, the time and cause thereof, and such record shall be, at all times, open to the inspection
of each member of the board.
''• Sec. 17. The Superintendent shall present to the Board of Managers, at the regular
October meeting, a report showing the number of inmates at the beginning of the year, the
number received and discharged during the year, the number remaining at the date of the
report, and what disposition has been made of those sent from the institution during the year.
He shall also cause to be kept in books provided for that purpose a correct account of expendi-
tures, and on what account made ; and also a correct account of receipts from any source, show-.
ing from what source, under appropriate heads, and present an abstract of the same with his
annual report, together with such suggestions as he may deem beneficial.
'^ Sec. 18. No cruel or unnecessary punishment shall be inflicted upon any inmate, and
no corporal punishment shall be administered in any case, except by the Superintendent, or by
his express instruction.
" Sec. 19. The average length of time inmates shall remain in the institution shall not be
less than two years, and no inmate shall be sent out on ticket before that period, without the
concurrence of the Superintendent and at least two members of the Board of Managers."
The more important rules made by the Superintendent, for the government of inmates, are
as follows :
" Rule 6. The man in charge of a family is expected to be with the family at all times
when the boys are in the family building or yard, and especially when in the playroom yard or
dormitory, and he will be held responsible for the condition of their clothing, the cleanliness of
their persons, and their general good behavior. In addition to his duties as a family officer, he
will be required to fill the position of teacher, overseer of shop, or such other position as may
assigned him by the Superintendent.
" Rule 7. The woman in charge of the family building is expected (with the assistance
of the boys detailed for that purpose) to keep the whole building, its furniture, beds and bed-
ding, clean and in order ; to be present in the dining-room at each meal, to preserve order, and
to see that the food is of a suitable quality, properly prepared and properly served, and to report
to the Matron anything objectionable in reference to the food. When not engaged in the per^.
formance of the duties mentioned, she is expected to make and repair the bedding and the boys'
clothing (except their woolen outside garments). The man and woman in charge of a family
are expected, as far as they may be able, to supply the place of father and mother to the boys
in their charge, and their government shall be parental in all respects.
" Rule 8. Visitors will be received at the school from 9 to 12 A. M. and from 2 to 5 P-.
M., on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays only. Visitors will first record their
names at the reception room, when they will be furnished with on escort. It is not expected
that persons will stroll over the grounds unattended, or indulge in conversation with the inmates,
408 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In view of the large number of inmates, employes and of their friends, it is not expected that
visits will be frequent or prolonged, as no provision is made for entertainment.
" Rule 9. All donations intended for the inmates, from whatever source, must be placed
directly in charge of the Matron, to be delivered or disbursed by her for their use and benefit.
No inmate is permitted to have the custody of money, or to deposit the same with any one but
the Matron.
" Rule 10. Innocent games, amusements and sports are to be encouraged and may be
freely indulged in by the inmates, but all profane and indecent language, all obscene books or
papers, the use of intoxicating drinks or tobacco, every species of gambling, and all disorderly
and immoral practices are prohibited, and this rule is intended to be obligatory upon all persons
connected with the institution.
" Rule 13. No visits will be received on Sunday, except from those in attendance upon
the moral and religious exercises. A general invitation is extended to persons desirous of
imparting moral and religious instruction to the inmates, either on Sunday, or at the daily even-
ing exercises ; provided, the rule excluding everything of a sectarian character, and any inter-
ference with the religious opinions of the inmates, shall be strictly adhered to."
The legislative enactments authorizing and governing the Wisconsin Industrial School for
Boys have been amended and repealed so often that no little misapprehension has existed in
Various counties as to the scope, benefits and object of the institution. The important statutes
at present are these :
" Sec. 1,543. All idle persons who, not having visible means to maintain themselves, live with-
out employment ; all persons wandering abroad and lodging in groceries, beer-houses, outhouses,
market places, sheds or barns, or in the open air, and not giving a good account of themselves ;
all common drunkards ; all lewd, wanton, lascivious persons in speech or behavior ; all persons
wandering abroad or begging, or who go about from door to door, or place themselves in the
streets, highways, passages or other public places, to beg or receive alms, shall be deemed
vagrants.
" Sec. 1,547. Any male child under the age of ten years, and any female child under the
age of sixteen years, besides such as are included in Section 1,543, who shall be found begging
or receiving alms, either directly or under pretense of selling or offering anything for sale in
any public street or place, for that purpose, or wandering in public places as one of the class
known as rag-pickers, or wandering without having any home, abode or proper guardianship, or
destitute because an orphan, or having a parent undergoing imprisonment or otherwise, or who
frequent the company of reputed theives, or of lewd, wanton or lascivious persons in speech or
behavior, or notorious resorts of bad characters, or is an inmate of any house of ill-fame or poor-
house, whether in company with a parent or otherwise, or has been abandoned in any way by
parents or guardians, and any child within the ages aforesaid, upon petition of his parents,
guardian, or, if none, those having him in charge, showing that the welfare and best interests of
the child require it, may be brought before any Judge of a Court of Record of the county and
committed to an industrial school, in the manner and for the time before provided in this chap-
ter, and subject to like appeal. If for any reason the commitment of any such child cannot be
executed at the school designated, the Judge may afterward amend the judgment or commitment
by substituting some other such schqol, and in case of boys so committed, who shall remain in
any such school after arriving at the age of ten years, the commitment may be amended by the
Judge making the same, by substituting the Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys. If the
commitment be made on the petition of parents, guardians or persons having the child in
charge, the Judge may, in his discretion, require them to pay the whole or any part of the
expense of his maintenance, according to their ability.
" Sec. 4,961. The Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys, at Waukesha, shall be the place
of confinement and instruction of all male children, between the ages of ten and sixteen years,
who shall be legally committed to the said Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys, as vagrants,
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 409
or on the conviction of any criminal oflFense, or for incorrigible or vicious conduct, by any court
having competent authority to make said commitment.
" Sec. 4,962. The managers of said school are hereby clothed with the sole authority to dis-
cli arge any child or children from said Industrial School who shall have been legally committed there-
to; and such power shall rest solely with said Board of Managers, subject to the power of the Execu-
tive to grant pardons, and they shall have power to return to the court, justice or other authori-
ties ordering or directing said child to be committed, when, in the judgment of said managers,
they may deem said child an improper subject for their care and management, or who shall be
found incorrigible, or whose continuance in the school they may deem prejudicial to the man-
agement and discipline thereof, or who, in their judgment, ought to be removed from the school
for any cause.
" Sec. 4,963. The Superintendent of said school shall charge to each of the several coun-
ties in the State, in a book provided by him for that purpose, the sum of $1 per week for the
care and maintenance of each person in said school who has been committed thereto as a
vagrant, or by reason of incorrigible or vicious conduct, from each of such counties respectively ;*
and the cost of the original commitment of all persons to said school shall be chargeable to the
county from which the person committed to said school is sent ; and the Superintendent of said
school shall procure the arrest and return of any person therefrom ; and any Justice of the
Peace, Marshal or Constable, upon information of such escape, shall arrest and return any such
fugitive as above mentioned.
" Sec. 4,964. The Superintendent of said school shall keep an accurate account of the
amount due from each county for the support of persons therefrom, and shall annually, on
or before the 10th of October in each year, report to the Secretary of the State the amount
which may then be due fron each county for the year ending on the 1st day of October preced-
ing; which report shall state the name of each person for whom such account is rendered, the
number of weeks which such person has been in said school during said year, and the amount
charged for each of said persons, respectively; and such report shall be verified by the oath of
said Superintendent as to its correctness. The Secretary of State shall add the amount due
from any county in this State, for the support of such persons, to the State tax apportioned to
said county, and such amount shall be collected and paid into the State treasury for the use of
said school.
" Sec. 4,968. The courts and several magistrates in any county in the State may, at their
discretion, sentence to the school any such male child who may be convicted of any petit larceny
or misdemeanor, and the several courts may, in their discretion, send to the said school any such
male child who shall be convicted before them of any offense, which, under existing laws, would
be punishable by imprisonment in the State prison, and the County Judge and Judges of munici-
pal courts in any county in this State may, in their discretion, commit to the said school any
male child having a legal residence in said county, and being between the ages of ten and six-
teen years, which, upon complaint and due proof, is found to be a vagrant, or so incorrigible and
vicious that a due regard for the morals and welfare of such child manifestly requires that he
shall be committed to said school ; but, in all cases, the terms of commitment shall not be less
than to the age of twenty-one years.
" Sec. 4,969. The managers of the said school shall have power, in their discretion, to
restore any person duly committed to said school to the care of his parents or guardian before
the expiration of his minority, if, in their judgment, it would be most for the future benefit and
advantage of such person."
When any inmate is allowed to leave the school to- resume his home with parents, or appren-
tice himself to farmers or others, he only receives a ticket- of-leave ; and, whenever his conduct
* This law has not been regarded with favor always at the Industrial School, thoygh it has always been in force. The tirst report referred
to it in this wise; "The whole law is often rendered inoperatiTe by those sections taxing counties. Courts and magistrates refuse to commit to the
school because of the expense incurred to the county. Reform schools should most certainly be public institutions. Two boys ran away from
Doflge and Columbia Counties and found their way to Milwaukee, where they were arrested as vagrants and sent to the reform school by the
municipal court. Under the law, Milwaukee is taxed for their support." This early protest was of no avail, the law being still in force.
410 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
is not what that ticket-of-leave requires, he is claimed by the officers of the institution, and
returned to it without process of law, to serve again until he shall again have earned such a
record as will entitle him to another trial discharge.
The following circular, or receipt, is sent to every parent or guardian, when a new inmate is
received :
" The Board of Managers of this institution take this method of informing you that
■ has been received as an inmate of this school, to remain until twenty-one years of age,
unless sooner discharged by the board. This school is not a place of punishment, nor a prison,
but a reformatory, where the inmates are trained to industrious and virtuous habits, and
instructed in those branches of useful knowledge usually taught in our public schools. They
are provided with a pleasant home, with suitable labor, such as will enable them to earn an hon-
est living after they leave the school. They have their regular hours for rest and recreation.
They are well fed and clothed, and carefully nursed in sickness. A competent physician is pre-
pared to attend upon them when needed. They are furnished such moral and religious instruc-
tion as is suited to their capacities and circumstances. In order to reform their characters and
establish correct principles and habits of industry, inmates must remain here a suflBcient length
of time, and what is sufficient is wisely left to the discretion of the managers. In the exercise
of this discretion, the previous history of the inmate, the character of the delinquency, the con-
duct of the inmate while here, and the influences of the home to which he is to be returned, are
all to be taken into consideration.
" The inmates are permitted to write to their friends once a month, or once a fortnight,
if postage stamps are furnished them. It is not expected that presents of food or clothing will
be sent to inmates, as they are supplied with both by the State. Nothing unsuited to the health
or condition of the boy will be delivered to him. All articles are examined, and it is a useless
expense and trouble to send anything deemed injurious or unnecessary. In all cases of serious
illness, the friends of inmates are proffiptly notified. It is not intended to prohibit visits fropa
friends, but no provision is made for entertainment, and they cannot be frequent or prolonged.
The best way to shorten the period of a boy's detention in the school is to observe carefully the
foregoing suggestions, to abstain from any eflfort to release him until his conduct and standing
justify it, and, in the mean time, to let him understand that upon his own efforts and advance-
ment he must mainly rely for his discharge. Avoid saying or doing anything to render a boy
restless or uneasy, and you may hasten rather than delay his release.
" The rule adopted by the board provides, ' The average length of time inmates shall remain
in the institution shall not be less than two years.' The observance of this will save trouble to
all concerned."
From its organization to the present time, the managers of the State Industrial School for
Boys, appointed by the various Governoi-s for terms of three years, in such manner that a por-
tion of them shall rotate out of office each year, have been as follows :
1860.-61— Appointed by Alexander W. Randall : L. F. Frisby, of West Bend ; Thomas
Reynolds, of Madison ; Henry Williams, of Milwaukee ; Cicero Comstock, of Milwaukee ; John
B. Dousman, of Milwaukee ; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago ; George S. Barnum, of
Waukau ; Talbot C. Dousman, of Waterville, and Isaac Lain, of Waukesha.
1862-63 — Talbot 0. Dousman, of Waterville ; Charles R. Gibbs, of Janesville ; Edward
O'Neill, of Milwaukee; Andrew E. Elmore, of Mukwonago, and Cicero Comstock, of
Milwaukee.
1864 — Andrew E. Elmore, of Green Bay ; John Hodgson, of Waukesha; Edward O'Neill,
of Milwaukee ; William Blair, of Waukesha, and C. C. Sholes, of Kenosha.
1865-69 — Andrew E. Elmore, Green Bay; Charles R. Gibbs, Whitewater; William
Blair, Waukesha ; Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee, and John Hodgson, Waukesha.
1870-71— Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee; William Blair, Waukesha; Edwin Hurlbut,
Oconomowoc ; Charles R. Gibbs, Whitewater, and Andrew E. Elmore, Fort Howard.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
411
1872-73— William Blair, Waukesha; Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee; Charles R. Gibbs,
Whitewater; Andrew E. Elmore, Green Bay, and Samuel A. Randies, Waukesha.
1874 — Andrew E. Elmore, Fort Howard ; Samuel A. Randies, Waukesha ; Charles Jonas,
Racine ; Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee, and William Blair, Waukesha.
1875 — William Blair, Waukesha ; Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee ; Charles Jonas, Racine ;
Andrew E. Elmore, Fort Howard, and Edwin Hurlbut, Oconomowoc.
1876-79— Charles R. Gibbs, Whitewater ; Andrew E. Elmore, Fort Howard ; John Mather,
East Troy ; William Blair, Waukesha, and Edward O'Neill, Milwaukee.
During the first three years, Mr. Elmore was Secretary ; the fourth year, Secretary and
Treasurer, and since that time has continuously held the office of Treasurer of the Industrial
School.
The different Superintendents have been : Dr. Moses Barrett, 1860 to 1865 ; A. D.
Hendrickson, 1865 to 1877; S. J. M. Putnam, from January, 1877, to April 20, 1879;
William H. Sleep, who had been responsibly connected with the school during ten years, the
present Superintendent, was formally appointed in December, 1879, though he had been acting
in that capacity several months previously.
A. D. Hendrickson is now Assistant Superintendent, and John F. C. Legler, Clerk of the
school and Secretary to the Board of Managers.
Owing to sickness among officers and inmates, and to various official changes during 1879,
no inventory of the property of the Industrial School was taken ; but from the inventory of
1878, and an estimate of other betterments, the value of the property may be approximately
stated, as follows :
Real estate, 233 acres, $12,500 ; main building, $37,000 ; family buildings, Nos. 1, 2, 3,
4, 5 and 6, of stone, $60,000 ; 7 and 8, of wood and stone, $9,000 ; shop and factory, $17,000 ;
correction house, $14,000 ; barn and carriage house, $1,500 ; stone cellar, $1,500 ; farm house
and other out-buildings, of wood, $700 ; furniture, fixtures, farm tools, library and miscel-
laneous stock, $24,119.91; total, $77,319.91. Since 1878, one large double family building
and stone connections between the shops, costing $17,000 ; an ice-house costing $1,100, and
a gas machine and pipes, costing $800, have been added ; total, $18,900 ; grand total,
$96,219.91. This inventory is all put in at cost price. About $2,000 should be added for
cattle, hogs and poultry, which, being raised on the farm, represent no cost to the State. But,
to show the actual value of the Industrial School property, there should be added to
$96,219.91, various large sums for farm improvements, trees in the nursery, a large surplus
fund from the factories since 1878, making an estate worth, with all its artificial parks
and other valuable improvements, at least $150,000.
Of the different inmates taken into the school in the twenty years of its existence, the
different counties have furnished the following numbers :
COUSTIBS.
o
CD
00
00
CO
1
2
CD
CO
CO
CD
CO
00
CD
00
CD
CO
o
CO
00
00
CO
OO
00
00
CD
CO
00
00
00
T-H
05
00
09
3
o
E-i
Adams
1
1
1
9
Ashland
■•■••'
1
1
Barron
1
Bayfield
1
Brown
5
2
2
3
6
5
8
I 2
6
8
19
8
7
Sft
Buffalo
Burnett
Calumet
2
1
. .. 2
3
3
2
1
2
IS
Chippewa
1
1
Clark
1
2
2
4
1
Columbia
1
1
3
3
1
3
1
1
2
2
1
" i'
3
3
4
4
3
4
3
4
8
5
2
1
6
8
8
...„
3
2
9
V 4
4
8
1
2
45
Crawford
1| 3
7 3
5l 2
1
1
2
2
7
1
SI
Dane
1
4
1
4
1
6
4
1
8
fia
Dodge
48
Door
1
1
412
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
COUNTIES.
o
CD
00
T— 1
1— *
CO
S3
CO
to
00
I— I
1— (
CD
l-H
5D
CO
00
l-H
CD
00
l-H
CO
CD
m
CD
CD
00
I— 1
d
!>•
00
.-1
tH
CO
1-i
I:'
00
1— 1
CO
I-..
00
1—1
00
l-H
0
00
r-l
CD
CO
T— 1
00
00
00
as
CO
T-H
■3
1
1
...„
7
3
2
1
1
3
2
8
4
2
1
8
2
1
1
5
4
2
2
15
3
2
2
2
^
1
3
■■■4
6
5
4
3
"3
1
2
1
R
1?
1
1
6
1
1
4
2
2
2
12
5
9
7
6
2
1
11
1
1
2
13
1
"5
15
"i
2
1.S6
Grant
3«
1
1
1
3
3
?1
ll
4
1
2
5
1
3
1
2
4
1
1
2
3i^
1
2
6
^1
i
t>
Jefferson
2
2
2
6
1
2
8
3
1
1
5
2
1
1
2
1
5
1
1
2
2
• 1
5
2
1
5ft
14
5
2
2
1
3
5
1
31
1
2
...„
2
1
5
3
5
5
4
3
1
27
1
7
3
3
3
1
5
2
1
2
1
1
5
2
4
3
3
2
1
1
41
9.
1
2I
5
1
30
48
9
8
16: 22
■
12
10
1
5
1
5
10
2
1
4
10
7
1
1
1
18
22
26
1
3
8
1
30
4
9
27
2
7
7
14
3
2
6
2
350
90
1
2
6
5
1
1ft
1
1
1
2
1
51
1
4
1
1
1
1
8
2
8
?
Polk
1
1
2
2
,^
2
7
1
7
1
4
1
4
ft
11
2
4
8
2
12
4
7
4
4
5
3
1
1
4
3
77
7
Rock
6
■2
1
7
' 1
13
1
4
8
2
8
5
1
9
3
3
1
4
3
2
1
110
5
Sauk
9
1
4
4
4
1
2
2
1
2
3
3R
..1
1
1
1
2
1
3
3
3
2
2
3
2
1
1
95
Taylor ....
1
1
1
1
■>
1
1
4
2
1
3
4
ft
Walworth
1, 9
2
6
1
6
4
1
12
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
6
4
3
3
1
1
4
1
1
6
3
10
2
1
50
1
1
1
. 1
1ft
1
3
2
2
2
2
4
3
2
1
1
2
5
2
3
3
7
1
2
1
1
61
IS
2
11
1
2
ft
3
2
2
4
1
11
6
4
10
10
3
5
1
5
2
6
4
P9
Wood
14
Bad Ax
1
1
9
107
Totals
3!
67 40
42
83
107
47
72
53
63
113
7o
80
115
103
107
139
151
117
1790
The actual number of new commitments from July, 1860, to September 30, 1879, was
1,693, or twenty-seven less than the footings of the above table. This table was made up from
the printed annual reports, in some of which, in the early years of the institution, re-commit-
ments were included, erroneously, in the report of the number of subjects received for the year,
thus making the apparent number of new inmates greater than the real number.
Some counties, and they are by no means of better morals and habits than the others, have
never availed themselves of the benefits of the Industrial School, and some never send vicious,
vagrant or incorrigible boys to the institution for the reason that it would entail an annual
expense of $52 for each subject upon the county. The counties which have sent no subjects are
Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Douglas, Kewaunee, Pepin, Shawano, and the counties erected during
the last year or two. The judicial oflBcers of other counties deem it a privilege to be able to
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 413
commit young criminals and various incorrigible boys to a reformatory institution of this kind.
A glance at the above table will discover which those counties are. '
Up to 1871, when girls were no longer committed to this school, 129 of them were confined
within its walls. They were taught the various household arts, and received the same course of
mental and moral training as the boys.
The Industrial School has cost annually, the following sums :
1860, $4,953.81 ; 1861, $7,021.79; 1862, $6,370.84 ; 1863, $7,263.97 ; 1864, $12,456.53 ;
1865, $19,756.47; 1866, $24,026.14; 1867, $24,247.56; 1868, $26,741.83; 1869, $24,-
982.34; 1870. $32,103.04; 1871, $32,387.95 ; 1872, $36,538.71 ; 1873, $41,472.64 ; 1874,
$48,453.02 ; 1875, $45,156.70; 1876, $48,148.49; 1877, $46,321.31 ; 1878, $48,721.45 ; 1879,
$42,866.72. This makes a total charge to " current expenses " of $660,234.78, which does not
include any expenditures for buildings, permanent improvements or real estate. This has been
diminished by $116,049.50, paid by the different counties, at the rate of $1 each, per week, for
the vagrants and incorrigibles, and also by the products of the farm and workshops. This total
amount of "current expenses," $560,234.78, divided by the total number of commitments,
1,693, makes the to.tal cost, per capita, a trifle less than $331, during the twenty years the in-
stitution has been in working order.
The amounts appropriated by the State Legislature, for the diiferent years, for " current
expenses," are as follows :
1860, $3,500; 1861, $10,550 ; 1862, $6,500 ; 1863, $5,500 ; 1864, $12,004.50; 1865,
$20,500; 1866, $16.000 ; 1867, $14,000 ; 1868, $20,500; 1869, $25,000; 1870, $37,000;
1871, $37,000; 1872, $33,450; 1873, $27,500; 1874, $31,000; 1875, $28,000; 1876,
$28,000; 1877, $44,000 ; 1878, $35,000; 1879, $34,000; total, $432,004.50. The differ-
ence between the total amount appropriated, $432,004.50, and the total amount charged to
"current expenses" ($560,234.78), is $128,230.28. This amount has been paid by counties
and earned by the inmate?, their earnings, however, being exclusive of the valuable improve-
ments made on the property, and the very large amount of food raised each year, upon the
farm, for their support. The income from inmate labor is greater now than ever before, and is
constantly increasing, and the appropriations from the State, outside of those for building expenses,
are constantly decreasing.
The law provides that boys sent to the Industrial School for vagrancy, inporrigibility or
vicious conduct shall be supported by the counties to which they are chargeable, at the rate of 1$
per week each. Thus the different counties sending such subjects have contributed amounts
to the support of the institution as shown in the following pages ;
414
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Counties.
1861.
1862.
1863.
1864.
1865.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
$ .-
1
1
1
$
$ 7 00
1 52 00
$ 62 00
9 52 00
$ 34 50
Ashland
Bayfield
6 00
66 00
164 00
Buffalo
Burnett
'Calumet
33 00
Clark
52 50
78 66
20 00
101 00
86 00
34 00
183 00
■Crawford
11 50
200 50
14 00
52 00
95 00
65 50
52 00
153 00
57 00
97 50
21 50
00 50
45 50
3 50
199 50
Dane
7 50
85 00
21 00
239 50
30 00
160 00
68 50
Douglas
iEau Claire
Fond du Lac
34 50
189 50
53 00
260 50
52 00
397 50
20 00
283 00
342 60
239 50
358 00
387 00
Grant
15 50
Green
13 00
52 00
51 00
52 00
188 50
80 50
369 00
60 00
517 50
1.50 66| 1.54 OO
572 00, 482 00
167 00
51 00
30 00
310 00
Jackson
8 00
34 50
38 00
10 00
86 66
204 00
298 00
215 50 "1"'' <^'^
202 00
■Juneau
75 50
103 00
174 00
96 00
206 00
126 00
128 00
Kewaunee
La "Crosse
23 00
La Fayette
53 00
43 50
39 00
Manitowoc
39 00
160 50
145 00
241 50
324 50
260 00
229 50
195 00
203 00
127 00
34 50
Marathon
Marquette
380 00
1552 00
532 50
35 00
99 50
178 50
180 60
226 00
203 00
152 00
82 50
Monroe
29 50
Outagamie
2 50
2 50
20 50
46 00
37 00
9 00
Ozaukee
Pepin
,
Pierce
1
Polk
,
Portage
■.;:.;:;:■■■:::::::::;"
^Racine
52 00
586 00
571 00
609 00
541 00
20 00
829 00
52 00
A.f\A ^A
358 00
84 00
534 50
52 00
365 50
247 50
63 00
568 00
52 00
337 00
418 00; 291 00
104 00 104 00
241 50
27 00
609 50
Richland
Rock
44 00
353 50
47 50
281 00
30 00
18 00
367 00
10 00
qi ^0
St. Croix
44 00,
Sauk
483 00
Shawano
Sheboygan
16 00
30 00
1 50 1 ^'^ ''■•t^
104 00
41 50
142 00| 119 00
284 00
Taylor
Trempealeau
Vernon
Walworth
12 00
13 00
19 50
78 50
18 00
86 00
116 00
62 50
9 00
66 50
112 50
103 00
338 00
106 00
104 00
262 00
116 .50
66 00
184 50
127 50, 104 00
25 00 52 00
199 50; 188 00
119 00
45 00
148 50
Washington
26 00
Waushara
1
Winnebago
65 00
97 00
52 00
63 00
76 60
337 00' 546 Oi'
730 00
Wood
Totals
S590 50
?3250 00
S2504 50
P2825 50
$4097 50
13751 50
S3730 50
$6228 50
4JK«\
»|^W.
"■I ^^
o^^^x.
t^C-^x-^-'iy-:^-^^-^!^'^^ •
WAU KESHA
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
417
COITNTIES.
1871.
1872.
1873.
1874.
1875.
1876.
1877.
1878.
1879.
Total.
26 00
52 00
52 00
62 00
52 00
$ 431 50
137 50
239 OU
430 00
507 50
588 00
782 00
1076 50
1228 25
1461 25
6686 00
Buffalo
Calumet
104 00
104 00
104 00
78 50
244 00
260 00
310 50
202 60
374 00
1814 50
Clark
Columbia
Crawford
Dane
208 00
342 00
208 00
266 00
172 00
340 00
246 00
328 00
210 50
312 00
414 00
342 00
323 00
247 00
557 00
321 00
34 00
303 00
70 50
459 50
261 00
52 00
295 00
18 00
324 50
127 50
52 00
261 50
120 50
199 00
56 75
52 00
166 75
160 00
244 50
83 00
52 00
257 75
265 25
416 00
52 00
62 00
2.537 00
2408 75
4288 50
Dodge
2095 25
294 00
38 00
137 50
1087 50
247 50
238 50
93 50
52 00
1 50
277 75
1038 25
415 75
238 50
145 50
89 50
110 60
294 75
1072 25
426 25
183 00
186 ?•-.
187 75
111 50
317 50
1448 00
468 00
187 75
219 00
208 00
83 00
314 60
52 00
104 00
261 50
78 00
1423 50
200 00
208 00
241 50
56 50
246 00
925 00
270 50
260 00
55 50
52 00
1361 50
Fond du Lac-
Grant
494 00
156 00
5 00
110 00
143 00
842 50
161 50
110 00
165 50
104 00
1197 00
208 00
226 00
250 00
70 50
12019 00
2694 00
Green
1684 75
Green Lake...
Iowa
Jackson
2182 -76
3534 25
S3 00
Jefferson
345 50
356 50
17 50
214 00
403 00
52 00
236 00
286 50
52 00
208 00
162 00
52 00
168 50
162 50
52 00
57 50
213 75
92 75
52 00
286 00
88 00
79 00
3813 25
458 25
Kenosha
208 00
2235 60
La Crosde
La Fayette . . ..
Lincoln
52 00
52 00
103 00
62 00
160 00
52 00
252 00
128 00
560 00
208 00
668 00
166 00
574 50
137 1'5
564 00
83 00
432 60
21 50
3379 00
1035 25
Manitowoc
208 00
52 00
265 00
52 00
29 00
366 50
141 50
52 00
5 50
198 50
52 00
52 00
435 60
102 00
99 60
60 50
156 00
"52 00
52 00
151 50
43 00
104 00
184 50
35 00
27 00
117 26
173 00
156 00
3 00
3260 75
246 50
50 50
640 00
183 60
Milwaukee
Monroe
260 00
156 00
52 00
985 66
38 60
123 00
502 50
52 00
1331 75
125 50
156 00
600 00
52 00
1321 25
89 00
247 76
694 50
52 00
1372 26
219 25
356 00
6-54 75
87 25
10402 75
997 25
Oconto
104 00
371 00
26 00
1323 75
3190 75
Ozaukee
269 25
Pierce'.. .. .
27 00
52 00
16 00
33 00
31 00
382 50
21 00
482 50
24 50
4 25
100 50
288 00
46 50
385 75
62 00
52 00
52 00
52 00
93 25
544 76
45 00
423 00
52 00
68 75
52 00
52 00
173 00
622 75
73 00
444 50
52 00
148 75
223 50
Polk
2 00
59 00
205 60
143 25
Portage
27 60
296 00
34 00
321 50
14 50
249 00
52 00
335 00
52 00
370 00
536 25
Racine
209 00
308 50
6957 00
Richland
673 50
Rook
St. Croix
538 00
510 50
27 00
334 50
421 00
24 60
76 00
8385 25
509 50
Sauk
409 00
213 50
119 00
4224 50
Shawano
Sheboygan
Taylor
230 00
248 00
263 00
300 00
205 60
163 50
119 00
112 00
51 00
2.j:i2 50
32 00
52 00
52 00
5 00
141 00
46 75
334 50
46 75
Walworth
Washington....
Waukeaha
Waupaca
80 50
62 00
194 00
89 00
41 00
349 00
161 00
242 00
295 50
288 00
261 00
251 75
2947 75
528 00
329 00
273 50
57 50
156 00
564 50
91 00
223 00
167 00
166 00
443 50
119 00
186 00
138 50
156 00
336 50
104 00
272 25
103 75
125 75
477 00
104 00
138 60
146 25
54 50
611 00
96 75
129 75
357 25
52 00
480 50
104 00
3613 50
970 25
Waushara
8 00
750 50
108 50
587 50
V 816 75
6992 00
618 75
Winnebago
Wood
774 50
Totals . .
$6056 00
$7165 00
?8137 00
18750 00
$8910 00
$8714 50
$10194 50
$11190 25
$12819 7"
5116049 50
418 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
CENTENNIAL HISTORICAL ADDRESS.
The following is the text of an historical address, delivered July 4, 1876, on the occasion
of the Centennial celebration at Waukesha, by Theron W. Haight of that village. It' contains
some reminiscences, political references and personal allusions, which are both pleasant and
valuable, but some of which could not be used in any other manner by the historian :
" I do not need to say that what I have to offer to-day is the merest sketch of the history
of Waukesha. To crowd the events of forty years into a paper occupying as many minutes in
the reading, would be a feat as remarkable as was that of the monstrous genie in the Arabian
story, who compressed himself within the limits of Solomon's vase, and, as I am not an adept
in works of magic, I shall not attempt it.
" It would be an easy thing to devote an hour to speculations upon the old inhabitants of
this region, who left their monuments in the shape of mounds bearing the likenesses of birds
and beasts, scattered over the hills which look down upon our rivers or lakes, but I can only
afford them this slight reference.. It would not be difficult to consume much time in describing
our immediate predecessors here, the Pottawatomie Indians, whose cornfields waved in the
breezes from the west and from the lakes, for many scores of summers before the face of a white
man was seen here. Within a few feet from where I stand, their corn rows are still distinguish-
able, having been preserved by this beautiful growth of trees. But we cannot dwell, at present,
upon the history and the fate of this people.
" The real history of Waukesha begins in the year 1834, when two brothers, Alonzo R.
and Morris D. Cutler, with a 'hired man,' named Luther, having left their home in La Porte,
Ind., and, having traveled on horseback down the shore of Lake Michigan, turned inland on
reaching the Milwaukee River, and a few hours afterward were greeted with a view of this lovely
valley, with a prairie stretching away at the farther side, while the foreground of the picture
was filled by the oak openings, which, in those early days, gave the appearance of an English
park^ rather than of a country fresh from the hand of nature. The Indian villages were numer-
ous here at that time. From Pewaukee Lake to Mukwonago, and probably much farther, the
smoke from assembled wigwams was frequently to be seen.
" The young adventurers were warmly welcomed by the dusky sons of the soil, and imme-
diately went to work. It was now in the month of June, but not too late to put in potatoes
and buckwheat, and to thus ascertain the productiveness of the land.
" It cannot be doubted that the experiment was entirely satisfactory to Morris D. Cutler,
at least, for he is still among us, hale and hearty after his forty-two years of sojourn in the val-
ley of the Pishtaka. A short visit home was paid by the brothers in the ensuing winter and
spring, and the year 1835 sees them permanently settled in a log cabin near the site of the pres-
ent post office, while a few other adventurous pioneers, including John Mandeville, Dr. Corn-
wall, Ira Stewart, A. C. Nickell and Isaac and Richard Smart and Mr. Sargeant, took up
claims in various places from what is now Hickory Grove to Capt. Lawrence's farm. James
McMillan erected his palatial mansion of logs, 16x24 feet, on the present site of the Catholic
Church, and, being accompanied by his wife, did a hotel business on a scale magnificent for those
days. Messrs. Stewart and Isaac Smart also had their wives with them in 1835, and in Pewau-
kee, where a few claims had been made in that year, Mrs. Judson and Mrs. Nelson Olin accom-
panied their husbands. In the same year, Messrs. Sewell Andrews and H. H. Camp looked up
an eligible location in the town of Mukwonago, where they staked out their- claims the next
spring.
"It can easily be understood that the Waukesha County settlers of 1835 did not enjoy
many luxuries, and that they were obliged to do without many things which their children would
consider almost absolutely necessary to sustain life. Houses in those days, were not the com-
paratively comfortable log cabins of which we may^still see now and then specimens on our
country roads. The sides of those primitive dwellings were of poplar logs, and the roofs of
HISTORY OF WAUKEyHA COUNTY. 419
poles, having a top covering of split-poplar saplings, and the furniture was of the same wood,
roughly hewn with axes. The bed, where anything more luxurious than the bare soil was
indulged in for sleeping purposes, was made of dried grass from the marshes. The provisions
attainable here during the summer consisted chiefly of fish, with now and then a little wild game.
For flour and pork a visit to Milwaukee was required, apd Milwaukee itself was not very well
supplied with merchandise of any kind. The settlers were under great obligations, however, to
Solomon Juneau for his assistance, not only in 1835 but for several years succeeding. If they
could not pay him for necessary provisions he trusted them, and thus they were enabled to tide
over the period of scarcity until the time was reached when enough was raised by the settlers to
supply their own immediate wants, and also to exchange for goods which savored more of luxury
and refinement.
"The year 1836 was a very promising one for what is now Waukesha County. A settle-
ment was established at Mukwonago by about a dozen young men ; Deacon Schuyler and his
two sons located themselves at Delafield ; Luther Parker made his residence in the present town
of Muskego, bringing with him his bright-eyed, good-natured little son Charley, a boy of seven
years old then, and now (1876) the acting Governor of Wisconsin in the absence of Gov.
Ludington, while a few shanties were erected in the vicinity of Brookfield Junction, of which
one was occupied, I believe, by Robert Curran. The population of Waukesha and vicinity was
also increased by about a score more of settlers, among them Alexander F. Pratt, who ex-
changed four city lots in Milwaukee with Morris D. Cutler for the farm down the river, which
he retained for many years afterward. Of the other settlers who came here in that year, I
believe that Sebina Barney is the only one stijl remaining among us. [Mr. Barney died in
1879.]
" From this time onward for six years the influx to this part of the country was steady and
continuous, consisting almost exclusively of American immigrants from the Eastern States,
including New York, men who came here with th^ir families because it was evidently a fertile
and pleasant farming country, and a good place from which to start the younger members of
their households in the great journey of life. The daily routine of the inhabitants during these
years was much the same with all. Fresh arrivals were welcomed from month to month, and the
stranger was shown where he could best make his claim. The hut of poplar logs was gradually
exchanged for a more substantial one of oak. The visits of the Indians became less frequent
and less troublesome. Horses were introduced in the place, to some extent, of oxen. A thriv-
ing hamlet had sprung up where the court house and Episcopal and Catholic Churches now stand,
and the name of ' Prairieville ' had been given ta the little cluster of houses. A flouring and
a saw mill had been built by John Gale, and the adjoining land laid out into village lots. It
was time for changes to be made, and they were not long in coming. On the 5th day of April,
J842, the first town meeting was held for the town of Prairieville. The first name on the tally-
sheet is that of Jacob H. Kimball ; the second is that of William A. Barstow, afterward Gov-
ernor of Wisconsin. The twenty-third vote was handed in by Alexander W. Randall, Wiscon-
sin's • favorite war-governor at the beginning of the rebellion, and subsequently Postmaster-
General of the United States. The next to the last ballot was cast by H. N. Davis, now State
Senator from Rock County, whose son, Cushman K., has lately served a term as Governor of
Minnesota. There were 112 votes cast in all. Joseph Turner acted as Chairman at the elec-
tion, and Ezra S. Purple, as Clerk. The first Board of Supervisors, then elected, consisted of
James Y. Watson, J. H. Kimball and J. J. Wright. Vernor Tichenor was chosen as Town
Clerk.
" The town of Prairieville had become duly organized, and was in a condition to go alone,
so far as local government was concerned. The southwestern quarter of what is now Waukesha
County had previously organized as the town of Mukwonago, and in 1841 had been divided in
the middle, the northern half being called Genesee, and the southern half retaining the old
name. The northwestern qtiarter of the county had just been divided into the towns of Summit
and Warren,' the latter comprising Merton and Oconomowoc.
420 HISTOKY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" It was about this time that the movement began which resulted in making Waukesha
County the center of theological instruction for the Protestant Episcopal Church in the North-
west. The headquarters of the associate mission of that church for Wisconsin had been located
at Prairieville by Bishop Kemper, then residing at St. Louis. Three enthusiastic young clergy-
men, who have since attained deserved renown in the church, Revs. Messrs. William Adams,
James Lloyd Breck and John Henry Hobart. had established themselves at Prairieville in 1841,
and had worked, without intermission, for thirty miles in every direction to preach the Gospel to
every living creature. It is not likely that their efforts were greatly appreciated at Prairieville
itself, and they soon established the mission at Nashotah, which is still bearing wonderful fruit
from year to year.
" In the mean time, other denominations had not been idle. The Rev. Burgess took
charge of the interests of the Baptist Church at Mukwonago, and the Rev. GriiBn in the north-
ern part of the county. The Rev. H. N. Frink was an active missionary of the Methodist
Church in the early part of 1840 and afterward. No doubt I might find records of other mis-
sionary labors, by diligent search, but they are not ready at my hand for present use. The
lives of those men of God were not passed upon "flowery beds of ease" by any means, for
they were obliged to travel on foot from settlement to settlement ; to hold services in whatever
barn, dwelling or other house might be most convenient, and eat and sleep as the dispositions of
the church-goers might dictate. Their salaries were merely nominal, and the most that they
received for their arduous labors was the feeling that they had performed their duty, as it had been
given them to understand their duty. Their memories should be ever held in honor.
"One of the peculiar features of the population of Wisconsin in 1842 was its prevailing
condition of bankruptcy. In looking through the Madison papers of that year, we find them
crowded with notices in bankruptcy, and this portion of the State had its full share of cases.
It seemed, almost, as though people in those days passed through the bankruptcy courts as a
sort of initiation into Western life, and without much reference to whether previous debts of
any consequence were hanging over them or* not. The total of debts from Wisconsin people
wiped out by bankruptcy proceedings amounted to over $2,500,000, and the total aggregate of
property available for the settlement of this enormous indebtedness amounted to just $2,913, or
abou 1-lOth of 1 per cent. Whatever inclination there may be toward repudiation among us
more latterly, it can not be said that it is not a legitimate inheritance from the old settlers.
" With Joseph Bond and Andrew E. Elmore, at Mukwonago, and A. F. Pratt, A. W.
Randall and William A. Barstow, at Prairieville. it need not be said that there was a good deal
of interest in politics here in those days, and it was in the fall of 1842 that Mr. Elmore was
first elected to the Territorial Legislature. He was a Whig at that time, though he soon
became the champion, on general principles, of the famous semi-communistic doctrine embraced
in the watchword ' All rights for all men.'
" David Bonham was at this time a very influential politician in the town of Lisbon, which
had been settled largely by English families, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace. It was
he who killed a man named Keene, a few years later, in a wrangle over a mill property, and
for the commutation of whose punishment for this crime Alexander Randall was said to have
forwarded a petition to the Governor, with a yard or two of names of citizens, which he had cut
from a temperance petition and fastened to that on behalf of his friend. It may as well be
stated here as anywhere, that Mr. Bonham was reprieved, and finally pardoned.
" Talbot C. Dousman was the political leader in the town of Genesee, then comprising
Ottawa also, and accomplished more by his wit and humor than others were able to do by solid
argument.
" The first Genesee election was held in 1841, when Tweedy, Whig, was candidate for the
Council against Turner, Democrat. Dousman could find only one Whig near the polls, but
managed to secure a large number of additional votes for Tweedy, on the ground that he was
known to be a rascal, while Turner had only been in the country a year, and no one could vent-
ure to predict how he might turn out in the end.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 421
"All kinds of fun were current among the politicians in the early times, and the practica
jokes engineered by Alexander W. Randall and Andrew E. Elmore are still conspicuous among
the traditionary lore of Waukesha County.
"But the inhabitants did not give their whole time to joking by any means. In October,
1842, the first county fair was held at Prairieville, and its record shows that the agriculturists
had begun to seek after excellence in methods of farming and in results. There were no. sec-
ond prizes awarded at.this show, and I am inclined to think that, in many cases at least, there
was but one entry in a class. It was a beginning in the right direction, however, and has made
subsequent labors much easier.
" At this time, and for years afterward, the roads were execrable, if the Milwaukee news-
papers of that era are to be trusted. The road from Milwaukee to Waukesha, and that from Mil-
waukee to Mukwonago, received special attention from the editors, who showered epithets upon
those supposed to be responsible for the bad condition of the highways, in a manner that the editors
of thirty years ago were proficient in, but in which, of course, the editors of to-day never indulge.
It is probable that the uproar created by the journals was the means of getting better roads after
a season, for they are assuredly very respectable now.
" To complete my outline of Waukesha County in 1842, 1 Will state that it was then the
backwoods portion of Milwaukee County, but with fully recognized capabilities for growth and
improvement ; sparsely settled by an energetic, good-natured and open-handed native American
population, for the most part, though with an English settlement in the town of Lisbon, and a
Scandinavian settlement about Pine Lake; having for its noteworthy hamlets, Waukesha, with
about four hundred inhabitants, and Mukwonago, with perhaps half as many ; having little
clusters of houses about the water-powers at Pewaukee, Delafield, Genesee, Hartland, M.uskego,
Menomonee and Oconomowoc, where mills were built, or expected to be built at an early day ;
and having the appearance, in general, of just being on the point of emerging into the comforts
and conveniences of social life, after years of experience without them.
" At this time, the wonderful beauty of our scenery and fertility of our land, began to
attract the attention of several difierent classes of people in addition to those already here.
The followers of the French Communist, Fourier, were then exercising a very powerful influ-
ence upon the progressive thought of the world, and their theory of association had captivated
many of the foremost thinkers, of the younger sort, in America. Several communities, on
Fourier's plan, had been established in the East, and several associations of European commun-
ists had instituted a search through the West for places where their theories might be tested
under favorable circumstances. One of these societies, organized in England with about fifty
members, fixed upon a half-section of land bordering upon Spring Lake, a little to the south
of the village of Genesee. About thirty of the number came and made the settlement in 1843,
under the leadership of Thomas Hunt, but after a year's trial the experiment was abandoned.
It would have been a miracle if it had succeeded, since the members were all Londoners, and
knew no more about farming than their neighbors did of Sanscrit. Although not directly
successful, however, this society had a perceptible effect upon the politics of the county and
State from that time forward.
" One year later, in 1844, David Roberts, a Welshman, discovered in the towns of Dela-
field and Genesee a country of hills and streams, which pleasantly reminded him of the old
country, without presenting its more objectionable features. A Welsh immigration was the
immediate and valuable result of Mr. Roberts' discovery, and the chapels of the new immi-
grants were soon dotting the hills of the two towns.
" At about the same time, the German immigration, which had at first stopped in the
neighborhood of Milwaukee, began to reach farther inland, and to become an important factor
in our population, especially in what now constitutes our eastern tier of towns, Menomonee,
Brookfield, New Berlin and Muskego. With these means of growth, besides the steady influx
of Americans, from the Eastern States, it is not surprising that the census of 1845 should have
shown a population, within our present county limits, of 13,733, of which number, 7,402 were
422 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
males and 6,331 females. The towns were then divided as at present. In the following year,
those restless politicians, William A. Barstow, Elmore, Randall and Pratt, conceived the bright
idea of forming a new county out of the sixteen western towns of Milwaukee County. The
idea was no sooner brought out than it was acted upon and a brilliant fight began in the Legis-
lature, where Milwaukee County was then represented by J. H. Kimball, of Prairieville,
Curtis Reed, of Summit, and James Kneeland, of M-lwaukee, in the Council, and S. H. Bar-
stow, of Prairieville, Luther Parker of Muskego, W. H. Thomas, of Lisbon, and Crawford,
Magoon and Mooers, of Milwaukee, in the House. Of the above, Reed and Thomas, with the
Milwaukee members, were opposed to the bill giving the voters of these sixteen towns the right
to decide the question of division, but it was finally carried and the matter thus relegated to
the people.
" Several weeks intervened between the legislative session and the election, which were
employed by the supporters and opponents of the movement in a newspaper warfare of the most
personal and virulent character. The paper advocating division was printed at the office of the
Amerioan Freeman, an Abolitionist journal established by C. C. Sholes, at Waukesha, in the fall
of 1844, and the one which advocated a continued union with Milwaukee County was issued
from the office of the Milwaukee Sentinel. The editors of the first-mentioned sheet were A.
F. Pratt and A. W. Randall. The latter was managed by A. D. Smith but numbered Dr.
Castleman, Leonard Martin, W. H. Thomas, Aaron Putnam and Curtis Reed among its con-
tributors. Mr. Pratt, in his recollections, says that the first two or three numbers of these
sheets, called the ' Waukesha Advocate,' and the ' Unionist,' were devoted to arguments, but
that subsequently there was nothing in them but the bitterest personal abuse. The election
which ended this contest must have been curious to strangers. At Prairieville and Summit, the
headquarters of the opposing forces,. travelers and children were brought to the polls and made
to vote. It is quite probable that an emigrant who voted with his nine children, for division at
Prairieville, may have cast ten votes for the opposite side of the question on reaching Summit,
especially as voting was kept up at the latter town for two days subsequent to that set for elec-
tion. The result of the whole matter was a division of Milwaukee County, the new county
being named Waukesha at the suggestion of Joseph Bond, of Mukwonago, who has always
been a consistent admirer and advocate of Indian names.
" In this year, 1846, the first constitutional convention was held for the purpose of organ-
izing a State government. The constitution adopted by the convention was rejected by the
people, and the next year another convention was held, whose labors were ratified by the people,
and Wisconsin became a State in 1848. The political work of these two years was mostly con-
fined to the matters here alluded to, which created great excitement among the voters. In the
mean time, Waukesha County had become the hot-bed of Abolitionism in the Northwest, the
American Freeman, published by Mr. Sholes, being the great exponent of that sentiment.
Messrs. C. C. Olin and L. D. Plumb took the publication of the paper off from Mr. Sholes'
hands in 1846, and in December of the same year Ichabod Codding, the great apostle of Aboli-
tionism, bought out Mr. Plumb and became the editor of the paper. In July of 1847, Mr.
Codding was ordained as a Congregational minister here, by Owen Lovejoy, and took charge of
the Congregational Church of Waukesha. In 1848, Mr. S. M. Booth came on from the East
to edit the Freeman, which was then removed to Milwaukee and became the Free Democrat.
" The educational interests of the county had not been neglected on account of the absorb-
ing interest in politics. Schools had sprung up in every town, and Waukesha especially had
become a seat of learning for the whole State. A young ladies' institute was established here
in November, 1846, by E. Root and Rev. S. K. Miller, in which French, Latin, Greek, higher
mathematics and music were attended to, and which was continued for many years afterward
under different managements. In 1847, the endowment of Carroll College was a subject of as
much attention and interest as it is to-day, although it had not, at that time, a faculty or students,
and the Classical and Normal Institute began with the year 1848, under the management of
Profs. Sterling and E. Enos, Jr. — the latter being today the presiding officer of our centennial
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 423
celebration, to say nothing of his other honorable positions. The Classical Institute was a pros-
perous school, and received many students from abroad from among the better classes. Rev. A.
Menseos, a Greek by birth, took charge of it with the beginning of 1849. Among the students
here were Gov. Davis, of Minnesota, Gov. Fairchild, and his brother, Gen. Cassius Fairchild,
and that soaring eagle of the late national Republican convention, Bob IngersoU, of Illinois.
The first class in Carroll College was started by Prof. Root, in a room over J. S. Bean's store,
in December of 1849, and the contract for the building was let in 1853. I have neglected to
note in its proper place the establishment of the county seat here, and the change of name from
Prairieville to Waukesha, which must, therefore, be considered as accomplished facts without
further circumlocution. I shall be obliged also to pass the growth of the Free-Soil party here,
which affords many points of interest in the days of the fugitive-slave law. The feeling for
and against the enforcement of the act was very strong, and Booth was at one time hung in
effigy from the liberty pole in the public square, while some of our citizens were actively engaged ■
in helping this same Booth to secure the escape of fugitives from Southern slavery.
" On the 20th of July, 1848, the first permanent newspaper having in view the local
interests of Waukesha, was issued by George Hyer, under the name of the Waukesha Democrat.
From this time forward, the politics of Waukesha County became an unknown quantity and a
source of continual amazement to the remainder of the State for many years. In fact it may
be said that the remainder of the State derived its politics from Waukesha County, in one way
or another, until 1860, and the manipulators of the various machines here were the most skillful
and the most worthy of being followed of any from Lake Superior to Illinois. I have spoken
of many of these gentlemen already, but, about 1850, the politicians received an accession in the
person of Henry D. Barron, who was then hardly past boyhood, but took his position among
the most expert, almost at the beginning gobbling up first a county office, and then the post
office, without an apparent effort. In August, 1851, he established the Qhronotype newspaper,
which was continued from 1854 onward, by A. F. Pratt, as the Plaindealer. While acting as
Postmaster, Mr. Barron was once surprised at receiving a notification that his resignation had
been accepted and another person appointed in his place. It did not take him long to ascertain
that somebody else had written a resignation for him in due form and forwarded it to the General
Post Office Department. This was more of the true inwardness of Waukesha politics.
" The decade closing with 1860 was one of real and substantial progress for the county.
Manufactures were started at various points. The farms throughout our whole extent assumed
an air of neatness corresponding with those in the East. The State Industrial School was built
and prepared for the reception of inmates, under the supervision principally of W. D. Bacon,
who had previously done much for the industrial interests of the village, besides serving accept-
ably as a member of the State Legislature and in other public capacities. Above all, the
Milwaukee & Mississippi, and the Milwaukee, Watertown & Baraboo Valley railroads had been
built through the county — the two roads being now branches of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St,
Paul. The first named was the first road commenced in Wisconsin, and the editor of the Mil-
waukee Wisconsin boasted, on the 21st of November, 1850, of having traveled as far as Wauwa-
tosa on the only railroad in the State. On the 4th of March, 1851, a celebration of the arrival
of the railroad was held at Waukesha, at which nearly all of the noted men of the State were
present. Mayor Upham, of Milwaukee, compared the taking of Waukesha by the iron horse
to the taking of ancient Troy by the wooden horse; and A. W. Randall saw, with prophetic
vision, the iron pathway extending to the Pacific, and the productions of China and the Indies
passing by our doors. In 1852, the village of Waukesha was incorporated under a charter
which its citizens still regard with jealous pride, and which they are unwilling to exchange for
the empty name of a city.
"From 1860 to 1865, little advance was made in our material prosperity, but it was
demonstrated that there was something for which our citizens cared more for than for money.
In the vast torrent of blood that flowed in defense of the unity of the Republic whose centen-
nial we are now celebrating, was mingled much of the purest and best that Waukesha County
424 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
could afford. Of our heroes who fell in the war for the preservation of the Union I speak with
reverence. Their memories are still dear to us personally as well as in the abstract, and if I
do not undertake to mention their names it is because it is impossible to enumerate all, and I
feel that all should occupy a place in the roll of honor. Our dead are scattered over innumer-
able battle-fields, but their deeds are monuments of patriotism, which shall, in their results,
endure forever.
" With the close of the late civil war, the decade began which is this year completed. It
has been a period whose importance is equal to that of any preceding ten years, in the light of
its influence upon our local interests. It began with the establishment of a new and valuable
industry to Waukesha in the shape of the manufacture of woolen goods, and it has progressed
with the steady influx of wealth in search of health and pleasure on the shores of our beautiful
lakes. It was in the year 1868 that the discovery was first made of the wonderful healing
qualities of a water which had flowed from a spring near this village — cool, pure and sweet as
the fabled nectar, for untold years before, and which might have continued the same even tenor
of its way for ages to come had it not been for the remarkable enthusiasm and energy of Col.
Richard Dunbar, to whom must be awarded the praise of making known to the world that the
hope of the afilicted is here. Of the changes that have been wrought on account of this
knowledge you are all aware. A new era seems to have been inaugurated which shall make the
future progress of this county in wealth, as well as in culture and refinement, more wonderful
than has been its progress for the past forty years, from a pleasant wilderness to a power in the
midst of the powerful commonwealth of Wisconsin. So may it be."
"THE EENJUNS ARE COMING ! "
In September, 1862, when everybody was thrilled with horror over the terrible Minnesota
massacre, and trembling with apprehension lest similar outbreaks should occur in other localities,
the cry was raised, no one can tell where or by whom, that the " Indians were coming." Sev-
eral parties had recently returned from the Minnesota massacre, and their stories of those bloody
scenes had been repeated, thought over and exaggerated by the people, until the very atmosphere
seemed to be filled with apprehensions. At brief intervals, reports had also been circulated that
the rebels (the rebellion was then at its height) had passed through Canada, and were descend-
ing on Wisconsin from the north. Taken altogether, everything was ripe for the ungovernable
and memorable stampede that followed. The village of Waukesha was made the center of
fright, with no particularly good reason, had the Indians been really on the war-path. On Thurs-
day night, September 4, its sleeping but apprehensive inhabitants were startled by the entry of
scores of teams driven at headlong speed, and loaded with men and women shouting, " The
Eenjuns are coming!" The stream of rattling vehicles began to enter from the direction of
Pewaukee ; but before midnight they were pouring in from all directions and in all conditions. It
was a scene of the utmost fright, confusion, apprehension and downright fear. Reputable men>
breathless and convulsed with fright, rushed in with blood-curdling stories of what they had
seen. Those coming from one direction said Hartland was burned ; others saw mills in ashes ;
others had seen the yelling savages setting fire to grain-stacks in the town of Lisbon, and
Menomonee was swarming with red men who were burning and butchering indiscriminately as
they swept toward the city. Everybody was frightened, wild, crazy, foolish. No story was too
unreasonable for credence — in fact, the more horrible and unreasonable the incoming reports
were, the more eagerly the crazed populace seized upon them as true. There were in the village
of Waukesha, on that wild, dusty September day, at least one thousand persons who had seen
"Indians" in all the surrounding towns, and beheld grain-stacks, barns, houses and mills
in ashes.
Business was entirely suspended, and all the fire-arms ana ammunition to be had were
taken eager possession of by the people, who were rushing wildly about with unfounded stories
to increase each other's fears. Every hotel was crowded ; the streets were literally jammed
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 425
with teams, wagons, buggies and vehicles of every conceivable sort. Ox teams were goaded by
hatless farmers over the roads at their utmost speed, entering the village with distended eyes
and parched tongues lolling out. The men took turns at the whip to urge their frightened but
exhausted horses at still greater speed, while half-dressed women and crying children clung to
the bounding vehicles. The sick were hustled in their beds into the lumber wagons, and jolted
in the most reckless manner to the city at the highest attainable speed. Some thrifty farmers
loaded bureaus into their wagons ; some brought along the best cow, and some hurried away
with parcels of worthless household furniture, leaving valuables behind. No one stopped to
eat, and the bruised and jolted children were crying about the streets for food. One family left
just as supper was spread, and did not return until tea-time the next day, when the table was
found as it had been left, except the inroads made on the edibles by the cat and chickens, the
latter having spent the night on the mantel. A Scotchman in the town of Pewaukee left a
strong house and slept on the ground over night with his family in the neighboring forest. A
heavy rain ensued, from the effects of which his wife and children were sick several days.
Another man loaded an old-fashioned melodeon into a rattling lumber wagon, and ran his horses
to — he probably has no idea where, to this day — leaving a tin box well filled with cash and val-
uable papers behind. But, fortunately, his thirteen-year-old boy had been out for squirrels, and
returning to the deserted house, cared for it and the box of valuables until the frightened family
returned. One man, who afterward became a good soldier, never quailing in the fiercest battle,
drove a team at the wildest speed to take his two children to Milwaukee ; but the demoralized
fellow snatched up two other children and bore them screeching away, leaving his own behind
in greater peace and safety, but not less astonishment. At Poplar Creek, a crowd of brave men
started helterskeher for somewhere, leaving the horses attached to a thrashing machine, around
which they had been working. The neighbors who crept back before morning aver that the
poor horses were not released from the machine until the succeeding day ; but the fearless fel-
lows who left off thrashing so precipitately maintain that every one of them "broke loose"
before morning !
The bravest citizen of Lisbon, when there was talk of forming a company to protect the
women and children, boldly sneaked out of the neighborhood and walked — when he did not
creep^to Milwaukee. He there dodged about through the city, completely evading all Indians,
and, confiscating some white chief's boat, rowed far out into Lake Michigan, where, shivering
and alone, he remained during the night in the soaking rain.
In Waukesha Village the court house and every public place was full. Private houses
were kindly thrown open to such as had an apparently earnest desire to save their scalps ; but
notwithstanding this, scores of men and some women were compelled to sleep on the ground,
thoroughly exposed to all the horrors of Indian warfare — death by burning at the stake ; by
having red-hot tobacco spittle squirted into their ears and eyes ; by writhing under streams of
scalding water ; by being skinned alive and having salt rubbed in ; by having burning splinters
shot into their quivering flesh, and by all the other methods for which skilled barbarity is noted.
The people on the north side of Fox River at Waukesha, all flocked to the south side where
most of them remained over night. This was thought to be the only place of safety. Elder
Spooner declared in case any Indians sJiould come, that the bridge could be blown up. Not
till the scare had subsided — the honest historian must put upon record in unmistakable terms
that it did subside — did any one seem to realize that in case the bridge were to be blown up the
river could have been forded by a three-year-old child.
In Cutler's park the squawk of fowls in distress had been heard for some time, when, about
midnight, several citizens banded together for the purpose of learning what was the matter, as
an old lawyer had tremblingly suggested that he believed — he knew — the " Eenjuns " were
skulking in that park, and being so terribly hungry, were eating Cutler's chickens alive. The
citizens, after some searching, found a well-known farmer wedged between the ground and the
fence at the back side of Mr. Cutler's yard. He was hatless, coatless and bootless. He wore
stockings, however, and in each hand held a flapping, squawking game-fowl. He was quaking and
426 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
puffing, and when found, was lying with his face thrust against the earth, wheezing, " Oh Lordy ! Oh
Lordy ! " in the most agonizing and ridiculous manner imaginable. He had caught two of his
fowls and was trying to save them from the Indians !
It being finally determined that if any Indians were coming they would come from the
northeast, a parcel of young bloods agreed to go out a few miles and form a skirmish line, send-
ing back word of warning in case of danger. They marched up the railroad track bravely
enough, but before reaching Brookfield Junction fully determined to take the next train for Mil-
waukee, which they did. On reaching that city, which had also been thoroughly invested by the
" Indian scare," they found an individual who was too drunk to be afraid of Indians, yet not
so drunk as to have completely lost his knowledge of drawing beer ; they therefore went on a
spree and did not return for several days.
Out in one of the towns two half-blood Indians were at work a short distance from the road
gathering roots and herbs for a well-known Waukesha physician. They worked steadily on for
an hour, but finally the headlong rush of teams and people toward the city wrought upon their
imagination until they were as thoroughly frightened as their white brethren, and, with ax in
hand, ran toward the road to beg for a ride to some place of safety. This was more than the
fleeing pale-faces could bear. Here were real Indians — bare-headed, armed with axes and on
the run ! The foaming steeds were more desperately lashed in the increased frenzy of fear,
and the poor redskins, more thoroughly frightened than ever, got no ride.
Without having occult evidence to sustain them, the people of the village of Waukesha had
as good reasons for their fears as those of any other locality. Before the rain, clouds of dust
hung over the village, and over all the roads leading into it, and the smoke from several fallows
Were indubitable proof to the wild-eyed throngs that the savages were applying their torches as
they advanced.
This " scare " was not as bad at Oconomowoc as at Waukesha.
Finally the "scare " died out, as it had nothing whatever but imagination to feed upon;
but the ludicrous incidents which transpired during that memorable day would make a book of
respectable proportions. The hungry, dusty, exhausted crowds returned home, most of them
declaring they had "just started " for the post office, or to buy snufi", or tea, or groceries, when
they heard the Indians were coming ! Everybody felt sheepish enough after the afiair was all
over, but gathered bravely on the corners and related how they never felt the least bit of appre-
hension.
There was no foundation for the various rumors afloat at that time, and all rational theories
utterly failed to account for the indescribable scene of confusion, fright and excitement that
ensued, as it was well known to all that a thousand Indian warriors could not have been mus-
tered in the whole State. At the same time, people from every direction reported that thousands
of savages had fallen upon their particular neighborhoods. But Waukesha County was not alone
the afflicted. The malaria of fright reached every town and village in the State, and even
invaded the brave precincts of the capitol at Madison, the Governor ordering the Milwaukee
militia to march to the rescue of surrounding villages, which was done, thereby affording mate-
rial for many a gibe in the newspapers.
There are to this day scores of rusty guns and pistols hidden away in Waukesha County,
which have not seen light since that memorable September day, and which will remain in
their secure retreats until the men who bought them at ruinous figures have gone the wiay of all
the earth.
WAUKESHA COUNTY AS A SUMMER RESORT.
There are many things in which Waukesha County excels, but in none more prominently
than in the number, character, and fame of her summer resorts. Some localities have beautiful
scenery ; some health-giving springs, and some delightful lakes. Waukesha has all of these ;
not only all of them, but she has more lakes and springs than any other county of equal size in
the Union. The last ten or fifteen years have witnessed summer idling and watering-place
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 427
seeking grow to their present large proportions ; but the periodicals of the East contained glow-
ing accounts of the natural beauties and healthfulness of Waukesha at least forty years ago.
Although these manifold beauties were recognized and appreciated at that early period, pleasure-
seeking had not then become a business ; nor had such a great mass of people the means to
carry on that business had the desire to do so existed. When, however, it begun to be fashion-
able to seek rest and health by lake and wood and spring, Waukesha County at once sprang into
fame as a place where all might be found, where she has continued to occupy one of the front
ranks, entertaining annually many thousands of visitors from all parts of the country.
Although the great Northwest, and particularly the State of Wisconsin, is full of summer
resorts, the county of Waukesha leads all other localities. This is not a mere statement to
gratify local pride, nor an advertisement to secure more customers, but such a truth as can
easily be demonstrated by statistics. She has more .lakes and more springs than any other
county ; the finest and largest* hotels in the State ; beautiful scenery, good railway facilities,
excellent fishing and as .many other attractions as other places.
A writer for one of the leading publications of the West, writing recently from Waukesha
County, said : " It has long been a puzzle to me that our Indian summer should be enjoyed by
nobody but our own citizens, for the two or three weeks following the first frost constitute by
far the most magnificent period of the whole year, in the rural districts. The foliage of the
forests has masses of gold and scarlet mingled with its green, and the warm, rainless days are
softened by a far-extending vail of haze which reminds one of his early dreams of elf-land. It
is a season that I should not advise any one to indulge in for once unless he can afford to repeat
the experience in the future, for, once enjoyed, the desire to see other Indian summers becomes
all-powerful."
Waukesha. — While hundreds and thousands visit" the village of Waukesha for pleasure and
recreation, the place is more distinctly a health resort than a pleasure watering-place. Her
numerous mineral springs, of which elaborate accounts will be found elsewhere, are such a boon
to suffering humanity as no pen can describe, and the afflicted gather from nearly all portions of
the civilized world, and those suffering from the diseases for which their waters are a specific
return home healed and happy.
But Waukesha Village is a beautiful retreat, a pleasant place in which to spend a summer
set apart for needed rest and recreation. It lies in the valley of the Fox River, down to which
the land slopes gently on one side, and abruptly, from a high, commanding elevation, on the
other. The drives up and down the Fox River, close to the shaded banks, are delightful, as are
also those in other directions to Pewaukee, Nashotah, Muskego, Mukwonago, or toward Mil-
waukee, the metropolis of the State, which is only eighteen miles distant.
On the high, green blufl" north of the village is the Waukesha Observatory, from whose
summit several counties can be seen, as well as a most charming bird's-eye view of the whole
village. Here also is the Fountain House, the largest hotel in Wisconsin, erected by a gentle-
man who, at sixty-nine, was cured by the use of Waukesha mineral water. The village has
other hotels, the park, opposite the Silurian Springs, being one of the most charming places in
the county ; the Mansion House, large and fashionable ; the Exchange and American (regular
hotels), besides numerous, elegant boarding-houses. Waukesha is unsurpassed in hotel and
boarding-house accommodations, and, numerous as they are, they do not afford room for all who
annually visit the place, and nearly every private house in the village is called upon to furnish
accommodations for strangers, which is cheerfully done.
During the last ten years, since Richard Dunbar infused new life and hope into its som-
nolent citizens, much has been done to beautify Waukesha, in the way of planting shade trees
and improving residence property. In this direction, M. D. Cutler's splendid private park,
which he has been planting during the last forty-five years, is a great attraction and ornament,
with its thirty varieties of trees, numerous song birds, deep shade and relics of the work of pre-
historic nations.
* The Fountain House, at Waukesha, of brick and stone, is the largest hotel in Wisconsin.
428 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
As the fame of the place grows apace, its citizens will do more toward making it attractive.
There are' now three parks, brilliantly lighted every evening in summer, by private individuals^
and free concerts are given every alternate night at the Silurian and Bethesda Parks.
Waukesha has also attractions rich in the extreme, for students of nature. To show this, an
enthusiastic writer will be quoted as follows :
" This article is not intended for the general public, but is a description of an old and mys-
terious locality in which is a rare summer retreat, and therefore, all but the peculiar and
appreciative few for whom it is here presented should pass on. There is a certain small per-
centage of the people of this world who know, understand and appreciate its rarest beauties and
richest pleasures, and are always to be found among them. They will be found where the-
genius of man has crowned the beneficence of nature with all the rarest jewels of his skill.
They love delicious shade, clear springs, fragrant orchards, an unsurpassed table, elegant
rooms, select company, nooks, arbors and lawns. For them it can be truthfully said that no
place in Wisconsin comprises so many of the desirable attributes of such a summer resort as
Waukesha, the " Saratoga of the West," situated at the bottom of the old Silurian Ocean. Ita
attractions can hardly be enumerated. It nestles in that tree-covered valley that was once the
bottom of a mysterious but teeming ocean, whose numberless fossilized beings halt the observer
wherever he goes, in fact are trodden beneath his feet at almost every step. The ancient and
mysteriously interesting remains of a prehistoric race, graves, deities, fortifications, birds, men,
turtles, small mountains, corn-fields and gardens — this unreadable but absorbing history of th&
past — wrought and written in the soil, arrest the curious wherever he may wander. Mineral
springs whose waters — free to the million in their marble basins — tone up and strengthen any
reduced or overtaxed system, no matter from what cause the degeneration arose, are found on
almost every street, scattered charmingly among such parks, shade, drives and walks as no other
place in Wisconsin affords. In front and on either side [of the hotel mentioned by the writer,
but the name of which is omitted], is one of the oldest parks in Waukesha, which contains more-
than a dozen different varieties of trees ; to the rear stretch acres of a fine old orchard now in
the richest bloom — and across the street is the Silurian Mineral Spring, park pavilions and
bath-house — the buildings all new and elegant. This spring is one of the largest in Waukesha,
and within two minutes' walk of the Park Hotel. The situation and surroundings, indiscriba-
bly charming, are all rendered cool and fragrant by the surrounding pines, spruce, aspens,
maples, elms and fruit trees.
"Nothing like Waukesha can be found; nothing at all compares with it as a place to regain
health, throw off" business and household cares and perplexities, and take up a new and brighter
lease of life, is anywhere in existence. All is beauty, blossom, growth, health and cheerfulness.
In the surrounding stretch of park, the music of robins, orioles, humming-birds, wrens, wild
canaries, bees, thrushes and bobolinks is ever heard, while the flash of various bright-winged '
but songless birds may be watched from every window and verandah. A summer idling place,
with springs, orchards, gardens, birds, shade, culture, and reasonable prices — where can one be
found ? Waukesha is the only one that combines them all. It enjoys what every other summer
resort enjoys, and can boast of several attributes no other pretends to claim. As a delicious
retreat, an elegant summer home, a health-giving resort, a delightful idling place, a rich field
for the student, a congenial point for the cultured, the " Saratoga of the West," at the bottom
of the mysterious old Silurian Ocean, is unapproached and unapproachable. Beautiful lakes in
great number are near by, where bass, perch and pickerel are plentiful, and hills, valleys and
forests line the roads to them."
Pewaukee. — Is situated nineteen miles from Milwaukee.* The road passes through the-
National Asylum, the beauties of which we admire from the car window, and then through a
charming landscape, until just fifty minutes after leaving Milwaukee we reach our destination —
the first of Waukesha County's many famous resorts. There are two hotels, the Oakton
Springs and Heath's, the former having a capacity of two hundred, the latter accommodations
♦The balance of this article is from the " NorthweBtern Tourist.' '
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 429
for fifty guests. Both being built for the purpose of entertaining summer tourists, and
conducted with special reference to their wants, there is probably no choice in the matter of
accommodations. The Oakton Springs Hotel fronts on Lake Pewaukee, a beautiful sheet of
water, four to five miles long by about one mile in width, called by the aborigines "Pewaukee-
wee-ning," the meaning of this pretty name being " Lake of Shells," from the countless beautiful
little shells strewing the sandy beaches. We are much pleased with Pewaukee-Wee-ning, the
charming scenery of its shores, varying from pastoral fields to rocky formations and primitive
forests, the advantages of access to two of the most famous mineral springs in the world, for the
cure of all those undefined internal ailments which particularly beset people of seiientary habits,
the excellent fishing, boating, etc. — it would seem to require considerable '' wee-ning " to keep
us away from here after once becoming acquainted with the place. This is our first impression
of Pewaukee, and every day confirms it. The hotel accommodations are strictly first-class ; the
lake is a perfect gem ; sail and row boats are on hire at the boat-house, where line and bait are
also furnished the angler. Pickerel, pike, black bass and perch are ever ready to rise and take
the bait with an eagerness and dexterity quite gratifying. The excellent fishing at the lake
draws hither a large number of disciples of Isaak Walton every season, many of them camping
out. Finer camping grounds are found nowhere in the entire Northwest, and none are more
popular. The " Lady of the Lake," a beautiful double-decker, with accommodations for one
hundred and twenty passengers, makes regular excursions on the lake, stopping at every point
of interest. The elegant steam yacht "Oriole," owned by the proprietor of the Oakton
Springs Hotel, is gotten ready whenever a party of guests so desire, and thus the opportunities
for aquatic sports are practically unlimited. A moonlight excursion on the lake will always be
remembered with much pleasure. Luna plays fancifully with the water and the surrounding
landscape, producing the most peculiar and grotesque eifects; the merriment of the passengers
mingles with the song and laughter filling the air from every point on the shore — all is life, joy
and happiness. The drives from Pewaukee lead through a charming and interesting country,
over well-kept, hard roads, excellent turnouts being procured at reasonable prices. When not
engaged in the legitimate pursuits at a watering-place, one can spend a pleasant hour at the
bowling alley or billiards. Grotto Rock, one-half mile south of Oakton Springs, furnishes food
for study of the wonderful freaks of nature. Those coming later in the fall will find the best
of shooting, there being a great variety of game — canvas-back, mallard, teal and wood duck,
woodcock, snipe and pheasant. Congregational, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic Churches each
receive their share of patronage on Sundays, dividing up the guests, who are of but one thought
in all other respects — enjoyment of the beautiful nature, so richly endowed and so generously
offering her charms. With all these attractions, Pewaukee is justly gaining such wide reputa-
tion and extensive patronage.
Lakeside. — Once more on the railroad, although for three and one-half miles only, we pro-
ceed to Lakeside. A convenient way to reach this point from Pewaukee is by means of the
" Lady of the Lake," Lakeside being located on the opposite shore from Pewaukee. We intend
to ride it out on the superb steel track, however, although the stops be often and the conductors
courteous in furnishing stop-over checks, frequently requested. For the benefit of those not
familiar with the stop-over check system in vogue on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
way, we would explain that the ticket is taken up when the first stop-over is given. This is
good for fifteen days, and if not used within that time, another check can be obtained again good
for fifteen days, and so on, ad infinitum, a new check being given at every stop, reading from
stopping-off point to destination.
Lakeside is eminently a family retreat, very popular on account of its quiet location. An
excellent hotel, on the cottage plan, affords superior accommodations for two hundred and
twenty-five guests, rooms and table being strictly first class. Beautiful grounds surround these
cottages, charmingly located a short distance from Lake Pewaukee, the grounds gently sloping
to the lake. The surrounding country is very attractive, hills, forests and lakes combining to
make a landscape of surpassing beauty. No grander retreat can be imagined, and no description
430 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
will do it full justice. In addition to Pewaukee Lake, three others are accessible in an
hour's drive : Pine Lake (3x1 J miles), Beaver Lake (Ixf mile), and North Lake (2x1 miles),
the water of all these lakes being literally alive with pike, pickerel, perch and bass. Fine
billiard rooms, bowling alleys, and choice croquet grounds furnish diversity of enjoyment; row,
sail and steamboats are on hire at reasonable charges, lines and minnoWs being furnished at the
cottages. Fine liveries are provided on demand — in fact there is no limit to the means of
enjoyment, of which bathing furnishes a valuable part, and the facilities for which are exception-
ally good. During the "season "a multitude of sportsmen congregate here, who claim for
Lakeside greater attractions than possessed by any other point in this section — pheasants, ducks,
squirrels, etc., being very plentiful. We spend two days in a most pleasant manner, roaming
through the surrounding country, boating and fishing. This a wonderful region. The famous
Oakton Springs are on the opposite shore, and here is another mineral spring, not famous as
yet, but fast becoming so. We refer to the Lakeside Springs, highly impregnated with proper-
ties invaluable to many constitutions.
There is no village here. Lakeside is a beautiful summer resort, nothing else, the nearest
village being Hartland, two and one half miles distant. Hartland is also the post office, and
.church-goers have a pleasant drive or walk there on Sundays. Here we would say that Hart-
land has three good churches — Episcopal, Congregational and Lutheran — presided over by very
able ministers. The gay throng, snugly quartered at Lakeside, many of them for the entire
summer, render the place very lively, in the evening particularly, when song, music and dance
form the attractions, and a source of social and intellectual enjoyment. No pains have been
spared to render Lakeside perfect, a farm of several hundred acres being operated by the hotel
proprietor for the exclusive use of the hotel, and the daily supply of sweet, fresh butter, the
richest cream and the choicest vegetables is not exceeded, if equaled, at any other hotel in the
country.
Hartland. — After a short journey of three and one-half miles, on the railroad, we arrive
at Hartland. We find a pleasant, neat village, of some five hundred inhabitants, located in the
beautiful B?irk River Valley. At the hotel we meet a number of acquaintances from Milwaukee,
just ready to start out for a drive to some of the points of interest in the vicinity, and readily
accept the invitation to join, so courteously tendered. The afternoon is beautiful, a cooling
breeze blowing from the east, and we are promised an enjoyable ride. Hartland is the center at
which tourists gather, and from which they scatter to Lakeside and the resorts on Pine, North
and Beaver Lakes and Lake Keesus. Many elegant residences are found, owned by citizens of
Milwaukee, Chicago and other places. Our drive leads us to Sand's villa, on the eastern side'
of Pine Lake, about a mile and a half from Hartland. This villa is one of the finest private
residences we have met, situated in superb grounds, with beautiful gardens, hot-houses, etc.
We are most hospitably received and courteously escorted through the grounds, in which a deer
park, containing a large number of native hart and roe, forms a prominent and attractive
feature. A pretty steam yacht on the lake is ever ready for the accommodation of friends and
visitors. Proceeding north, we come upon many more elegant residences, among them Inter-
Lachen, the well-known establishment of Dr. Leuthstrom, of Milwaukee. We pass between
Pine and Beaver Lakes, proceeding to North Lake. Here is another remarkable attraction in
a mineral spring, which has recently gained much notoriety, accidentally discovered on the
grounds of Mr. B. B. Hopkins, who owns an elegant mansion on this lake. The water of the
spring is claimed to possess the same curative properties which have made the Manitou Springs,
of Colorado, so famous. North Lake is a beautiful body of water, about one mile in length and
three-fourths in width, the lake frontage nearly all owned by private parties, who have erected,
or are erecting, summer residences. A drive of two and one-half miles east brings us to Lake
Keesus, a smaller lake of irregular shape, with attractive shores and an abundance of fish of
the varieties generally found here. This region is particularly attractive. The high banks of
the lakes named rising abruptly from the water's edge, the country rolling and somewhat
broken, ravines, hills, lawns, and beautiful groves of majestic oaks, forming an ensemble of.
HISTORY OF AVAUKESHA COUNTY. 431
which the eye never tires. The well-kept grounds surrounding many of the private residences
contaribute materially to the beauties of this corner of the "County of Summer Resorts," and
although there are no hotels here (board being obtainable at several of the private cottages,
however), it abounds with life. Tents are seen in every direction, croquet parties upon the
lawns, the roads are filled with carriages, and life and happiness prevail everywhere.
Nashotah. — Nashotah itself offers little or no attractions, being merely a railway station,
of little note as such ; but, being located in the center of the wonderful lake system of Wauke-
sha County, and the entrepot for visitors to Nashotah Mission, Delafield and the celebrated
Nemahbin Springs, every arriving train brings a large number of tourists. We are comfortably
stowed away in the commodious bus in waiting at the station, on the arrival of every train,
conveying passengers bound for Delafield, on Nagowicka Cottage, located on the lake of the same
name. The distance is two miles and a half, and the drive very pleasant. We find excellent
accommodations, and visitors from all points of the compass. The society gathering at these
places is very select, and they have evidently all come for the sole purpose of enjoyment and
recreation. There is a refreshing absence of all conventionalism, and we are permitted to be
natural and unrestrained in our movements. This is an advantage which so many summer
resorts, otherwise attractive, lack, and the lack of which is to be deeply deplored. We dress
for a walk, a climb, or a row, always ready for every occasion for enjoyment ; we laugh aloud to
our heart's content ; we run and dance upon the lawns and give full play to our inward happi-
ness, without meeting reproving looks and disdainful shrugs of proud shoulders. Alas, that
usage should ordain differently at home ! These refined men and women all acknowledge their
love of this freedom from the baneful dictates of society, and yet how readily will Ihey again
submit to all the rules of etiquette upon returning home ! These thoughts are involuntarily
suggested by the rosy cheeks and glowing eyes we meet, so seldom seen in the parlors at home,
and rarely ever at the "fashionable" watering places East, where dress occupies so much of
the time and enjoyment is sought in the ball-rooms and parlors, while here. Dame Nature pro-
vides the entertainments.
A drive to Nashotah Mission, the theological seminary of wide repute, which has sprung
from the " mission " established for the conversion of the noble red man, dominant in these
parts scarce forty years ago, is very interesting. The " mission " is situated in a most
charming spot, on the northern one of the twin Nashotah Lakes, in a heavily wooded country
surrounded by lofty hills and picturesque ravines. From here different drives diverge. We
pay a visit to Nemahbin Lakes, two lakes connected together, in the lower one of which Sugar
Island suggests picnics. A number of smaller lakes are in the immediate vicinity, concealed
among the abrupt bluffs and thickly timbered hills, the landscape being beautiful throughout.
Yonder vises Government Hill, which we have been particularly admonished to visit. The drive
there alone is well worth a visit to Nashotah. Winding through heavily wooded hills, the most
prominent of which is our objective point, the rise is gradual, and on reaching the summit
the grandest panorama is opened before our fascinated vision. As far as the eye reaches in
either direction, the scenery is beautiful beyond comparison. We count twenty-six lakes, the
two Nemahbins and Nagowicka, connected by the Bark River, while to the northwest the
grandest chain of lakes is presented to view — Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Fowler's
Lakes and Lac La Belle, linked together by Oconomowoc River. This is the most extensive of
the several "chains." Isolated lakes, creeks and streams are seen in every direction. The
surface of the country is picturesque in the highest degree, the most vivid imagination being
unable to produce a landscape of more varied charms. Fields of golden grain, green meadows,
pastures with herds of cattle and flocks of sheep are interspersed between dense forests ; lofty
bluffs and strangely shaped rocks rise here and there ; the many lakes of all shapes and sizes
glistening in the bright sun like so many diamonds in a crown of emeralds, the creeks and
streams winding their silvery threads among the hills, the church spires of Oconomowoc, the
many palaces and cottages strewn over the surface, the roads, where seen, alive with vehicles —
here is a feast for the eye, a motive for the artist. Every part of the picture before us is ,
432 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
beautiful in itself, and in its entirety, once seen, will never be forgotten. As we glance toward
Pewaukee, Lakeside and Hartland, we live over the pleasant hours spent there, and almost
■determine to seek no further, but to remain in Waukesha County during the remainder of our
vacation ; we return to Government Hill several times during our stay ; we love to linger here
and to view ever and again the beautiful landscape beneath.
Delafidd. — This place is chiefly noted through the famous Nemahbin Springs located here.
But the attractions are not confined to invalids only. The general tourist, the sportsman, every
lover of nature will find enough hers to admire and to render his sojourn pleasant. There are
no finer drives anywhere ; beautiful promenades invite the visitor, the opportunities for rowing
and sailing on the crystal waters of the lakes and rivers are unlimited, fishing is unsurpassed,
Lake Nagowicka particularly proving all that is claimed for it ; the air is invigorating, you are
away from the life and bustle of the city, having every opportunity to enjoy the quiet of
country life and the beauties of a country adorned by nature in her most lavishing mood. An
Episcopal and Presbyterian church invite the worshiper — not to a " country sermon " by any
means, there being preachers of eloquence and wide reputation, and services are frequently held
by visiting ministers of national renown.
Grifford's. — This is the next resort on the " Tourists' Route," as the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railway is appropriately called. Giff"ord's is one of the most charming places in the
Northwest, enchantingly located on the banks of Oconomowoc Lake, but three minutes' walk
from Giflbrd Station. An extensive grove of forest trees, one hundred acres of upland and
lowland, hills and dales, lawns and meadows and romantic rambles, belong to the premises, while
the magnificent scenery, in the center of which it is located, with its many pleasant drives,
excellent roads, wonderful springs, , elevated location, and the facilities for all kinds of aquatic
sport, fishing, billiards, bowling, etc., render it a perfect gem. Oconomowoc Lake is one of the
most charming of the lakes of this region, and unexcelled as a fishing ground. Covering six
hundred acres, its waters afford the finest sailing, and visitors should not fail to profit by the
opportunities at hand. The hotel is kept in a superior manner, and those who have once spent
some weeks or months at this beautiful spot need no urging to come again.
The distance to Oconomowoc is only a mile and a half, the guests at the two points making
frequent visits to each other. One of the most charming sights is had from the lake every
pleasant evening, when the large verandah and the dancing pavilion are illuminated with
Chinese lanterns, etc. Music is furnished by the well-known Bach band, of Milwaukee. It is
impossible to recommend any one special point of the great number one will visit on a trip to
St. Paul, such as we are taking. They are all attractive, each having its peculiar charms, but
it is safe to say that none surpass Gilford's, the centrality of its location causing many of the
regular visitors to Waukesha County to select it as their place of residence during their stay in
this lake country.
Oconomowoc. — Nothing can surpass the charming location of Oconomowoc, and the most
glowing description of it and its surroundings will ever fail to do it justice. Rural poets go
into ecstacies over its beauties, giving evidence of the possibilities to which the unrestraii^ed use
of superlatives may be carried; the most acrobatic feats in journalism are chargeable to Ocono-
mowoc. These the calm and disinterested reader will benignly smile upon as attributable to
the rising tendencies of the thermometer, but to those who have been here and who understand
the beauties of this delightful spot, these manifestations seem less extravagant, and they will
readily excuse the perpetrator. There is so much here to inspire that we involuntarily feel a
desire to communicate our impressions, to render which, and to do justice to the subject, we
find language inadequate. The isthmus between Lac La Belle and Fowler's Lake will ever
form the center of attraction for thousands of tourists, and happy they who can come here every
year ! Beautiful Lac La Belle ! Its pretty name leads to expectations of rare beauties, but
our imagination had not pictured such a combination of loveliness and grandeur. Countless
sail and row boats with their gay occupants, numerous elegant steam-yachts plow the waters of
this most favorite of lakes at all times, the air resounding with the merry voices of the happy
4^5"''^'' y''^
^ ■> *^ ^^ "-Kfi
C^ n^L^^^^-^^-c^-^ (^ (iye
( DECEASED.)
OCONOMOWOC
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 435
occupants. The beautifully shaded islands harbor picnic parties, while the shore, gently rising
from the water, adorned with pretty houses and fine grounds, with here and there a tent, lends
a frame worthy of the picture. Judge Small's fine resort and Draper Hall, both favorite hotels,
are located on this lake.
Lac La Belle is one of the largest and finest lakes at Oconomowoc. It is connected with
Fowler's Lake, the most prominent feature on whose pretty shores is the grand, well-known
Townsend House. All the hotels at Oconomowoc — there are quite a number, and they are all
good — are located on the banks of one or the other of the lakes, and are provided with bath-
houses. In addition, there are a number of first-class boarding-houses, and furnishing in all
accommodations for about one thousand visitors. A beautiful drive leads to Okauchee Lake,
another sheet o? water, which would be prized by the quart in many localities, although it covers
sixteen hundred acres. There is much to admire in the scenery at this lake, and soon you will
doubtless find a number of commodious and excellent hotels on its shores to meet the wants of
tourists who come here for the excellent bass and muskallunge fishing. Numerous private resi-
dences are already erected and many more projected. This fact speaks better for this wonder-
ful lake region of Wisconsin than volumes of argument, since expensive houses, to be used
during a few months of the year only, are never built except in highly favored localities.
A drive south from Oconomowoc to Dousman's artificial trout pond, some eight miles
distant, reached via the ancient mounds. Silver, Otis, Duck and Genesee Lakes and several
smaller ones, through a most picturesque country, will prove of special interest to every lover of
the rod and line, and not less to the lover of well-prepared trout, visitors catching their own
fish, which are prepared for them at the farm at moderate charge.
Mention of the drives in the surrounding country has been made in several instances, but
too much cannot be said in their favor, and it is no exaggeration to state that they compare
favorably with the choicest drives of which the largest cities boast. In all these drives the
visitor will fail to find a single poor team, Oconomowoc particularly boasting of a very superior
class of livery. When we then realize that within a radius of nine miles there are forty-one of
these charming lakes, a number of which we have described, that mineral springs are found in
every direction, that the scenery is one of surpassing beauty, we must concede to Ocoaomowioc
the claim of being the grandest resort for the enjoyment of nature, combined with the luxuries
and comforts produced by modern civilization. The lakes are all of pure, cool water, wth
pebbly shores, grassy, dry banks, and of great depth. They are literally alive with fish —
pickerel, black, green and rock bass, perch and muskallunge. Two hundred thousand white-
fish were planted in Nagowicka Lake from the Milwaukee hatchery in 1877, which are doing
well. The fishing at all the lakes is done with minnows, the catching of which forms a regular
business. Of the mineral springs in the immediate vicinity of Oconomowoc we have visited but
few, they being the La Belle Springs, Draper's Flowing Magnesia Springs, Hitchcock's Medi-
cmal Springs, and the famous Minnewoc Springs near Gifibrd's. These springs have been ana-
lyzed, and are claimed to be equal to any found in this country. Croquet grounds are found at
every hotel and boarding-house, while of churches we remember a Congregational, Methodist,
Catholic, German Methodist and German Lutheran. The climate of this section is genial and
wonderfully invigorating, owing to its high location, some 400 feet above Lake Michigan ; the
nights are always delightfully cool and refreshing, and there is a gratifying absence of mosqui-
toes and other "pests of life" peculiar to the season. The sportsman in quest of a plenty of
game will find duck, woodcock, snipe and other varieties in "greatest abundance. There is a
diversity of sport and pastimes which is practically unlimited, and while we enjoy every luxury
and every sport to our heart's content, first-class hotel accommodations, driving, boating, fishing,
bathing, together with a long list of etceteras, we find our expense account considerably within
the appropriation, leaving a margin larger than the deficit generally resulting from vacations.
436 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
OLD LOG SCHOOLHOUSB.
The title of this article is not intended to convey the impression that there was but one
"old log schoolhouse" in Waukesha County, for there were many of them. The one referred
to had the honor of being the first schoolhouse, meeting-house and debating room in Waukesha
County. In it the first school (except a private school taught at N. Walton's house, and one by
Mrs. John Weaver) was taught ; in it the first public gatherings were held ; the first spelling-
school met; the first singing-school was organized; some of the earliest " sparking" was done
and the first temperance society was formed. It was erected in the fall of 1837, on Section 3,
town of Waukesha — that is, " under the hill," on the west side of the Pox River at Waukesha,
the land being owned by Joel B. Bidwell. It was of logs — almost entirely of tamarack poles,
taken without leave or license from an unentered tamarack swamp up the river, and was erected
by the joint labors of the few pioneers who had then taken up their abode at Waukesha. It
was located on the west side of the river, because a majority of the children who would attend
school resided on that side. It soon became a noted building, its fame spreading for miles in all
directions. It was a proud day for the few settlers of Waukesha County (then a part of Mil-
waukee County) when they had a place for lectures, funerals and meetings of all kinds. Could
the power to speak be given to the ashes of its moldered walls, their story would make the
richest pages in the history of the county. But the story will never be told. Like the build-
ing itself, those whose hands reared its homely walls, and whose voices resounded often within
them, have nearly all passed from the sight of man.
The first teacher was John Moon Wells, who had between twenty-five and thirty pupils,
and whose first term extended through the winter of 1837-88. The second teacher was Jane
McWhorter ; the third, William T. Bidwell ; the fourth, Chauncey C. Olin.
The pupils were probably nearly all embraced in the following list — that is, the pupils who
composed John M. Wells' school: Henry and Albert Clinton; Josiah, Diana, Matilda and
Lucinda Mendall ; Elon, Hosea, Randall, Joseph, and Eliza Ann Fuller ; Oliver, Deborah and
Henry B. Bidwell; Charles Rossman, Charles, Horace, Caroline and Eliza Owen ; Jerome, Sarah
and Mary Love ; Elizabeth Walton and a few more.
Deacon Edmund Clinton's boys sometimes went home from school with " striped jackets,"
but the Deacon publicly declared "that the boys must mind," and that he "was Satisfied as long
as they did not come home with an arm or a leg broken." School-books were very scarce at
first, some of the scholars having none at all during the first winter. The few who had books
divided the use of them with those who had none or only a few. One or two scholars appeared every
Monday morning with new, or rather difierent old almanacs, the source of supply being a collec-
tion owned by their grandmother ; and Deacon Mendall's copy of the " Pilgrim's Progress " was
finally brought into requisition. It was nearly destroyed by the voracious urchins before the
winter was over. Some of the youngsters probably know more about Giant Despair, the twelve
signs of the zodiac, how to take Marston's pills and Boltune's liver syrup, and what to do in
case of croup, than they did about syntax, percentage or geography ; and probably some of them
could get off stale almanac jokes with more accuracy and relish, if not with more polish and
eloquence, than they could the multiplication table or the " double rule of three." Whenever
a bit of white paper could be secured, the artistic youths made pictures from their almanacs, of
tape-worms, cancers, goitre and monster lizards, alleged to have been taken from the stomachs
of kings and noblemen by some patent nostrum. However, the school was a success, and with
the exceedingly limited facilities at hand, most of the scholars made rapid progress, and their
names will go down for ages as those honored as being members of the first district school in
Waukesha County.
"old prairieville academy."
Few buildings or institutions in Wisconsin, and, perhaps, none in Waukesha County, have
a more interesting history than the " Old Prairieville Academy," at Waukesha. It has long
been honored with the credit of being the first institution of its kind in the State. That idol
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 437
the historian must shatter. There were two, in name, at least, before this ; but neither of them
began to be successful as early, and the walls of not one have re-echoed the voices of so
many students who afterward became distinguished in the State, national and foreign diplomatic
circles, and in the war. The building which took the name of the Prairieville Academy is
claimed to be the first structure wholly of stone erected in the State. It certainly was the first
in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties, and there are no records by which the historian can
dispute the claim of its being the first in Wisconsin. It was the first academy building of any
kind erected in the State of Wisconsin. It was erected for an academy, and for no other pur-
pose. William T. Bidwell was a school-teacher, without a school, and Lyman Goodnow the
proprietor of a fine stone-quarry, with jao market for its products. They, therefore entered
into partnership for the purpose of founding an academy, and the building, which stands next
west of M. D. Cutler's splendid park, in the village of Waukesha, was begun by them early in
June, 1840. That Waukesha was to have a real academy soon became well understood through-
out the vicinity ; for while Mr. Goodnow was quarrying stone and erecting the walls, Mr. Bid-
well was advertising the enterprise and securing scholars in advance, as far as he could. Neither
of them had any money with which to pay the masons or for the purchase of lumber and glass ;
so $400 in gold was hired for this purpose of J. Nanscawen, and Morris D. Cutler gave two
lots for a site. The plan, at first, was to erect a small one-story building ; but as the enterprise
was looked upon with so much favor, Mr. Goodnow urged that it was not philosophical and
progressive to build only for the present. The hardy builders, therefore, determined to be more
liberal, and the two-story structure now used by the Lutheran Church was the result. As soon
as the walls ■ were up, Mr. Bidwell began a school in a room finished for the purpose ; but the
building was not wholly completed until 1841. When done, the $400 had been swallowed
up, other debts had been contracted, and Mr. Goodnow had expended nearly two years of his
labor in addition to donating stone, lime and sand — quarrying his own stone, burning his own
lime and hauling his own lime. The academy was duly incorporated by an act passed and
approved February 19, 1841, as follows :
Section 1. That there shall be eslablished in the town of Prairieville, in the county of Milwaukee, a seminary
of learning, by the name and style of the Prairieville Academy ; and that Lyman Goodnow and William T. Bidwell,
and their associates and successors in oifice, are hereby created a body politic and corporate by the name of the
Trustees of the Prairieville Academy, by which name they and their successors shall forever be known and have
perpetual succession, and shall have power to contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, plead and be
impleaded, defend and be defended in all courts and places, in all actions, suits, complaints and causes whatsoever ;
and they shall have a common seal, and may alter the same at pleasure. , And they shall have power under said
corporate name to acquire, purchase, receive, possess, hold and enjoy, in deed and in law, to themselves and their
successors, property, real, personal and mixed, and the same to sell and convey, rent or otherwise lawfully dispose
of at pleasure, for purposes of education ; provided, that the real estate owned by the said company at any one time
shall not exceed |10,000.
Sec. 2. The stock of said corporation shall consist of shares of $20 each, which shall be deemed personal
property, and shall be transferable on the books of said corporation in such manner as shall be directed by the
Trustees of the same.
Sec. 3. The corporate concerns of said academy shall be managed by three Trustees, a majority of whom shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. They shall be elected annually, on the first ^londay of May, by
the stockholders of the academy, and shall hold their offices for the term of one year, and until their successors are
elected. The election of Trustees shall be by ballot, and each stockholder shall be entitled to one vote for every
share owned by him, to the amount of ten shares, and then one vote for every five shares over and above that
amount. ************ *
Sec. 5. No religious test or qualification shall be required from any Trustee or other officer of said corpora-
tion as a condition for admission to any privilege in the same.
At first, Messrs. Goodnow and Bidwell held nearly or quite all of the stock, for much of
which they were in debt. The former, therefore, in 1842, sold his interest, debts and all, for a
horse. That was all he ever realized from the academy. By an act approved January 27,
1844, the number of trustees was increased to seven. This was in reality a re-organization, as
Mr. Cutler, who donated the lots, had purchased the property for its debts, which he paid, of
Mr. Bidwell. This new company, or organization, purchased the academy of Mr. Cutler, and
continued the school. But it soon became again financially involved, and again fell into Mr.
438 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Cutler's hands in consequence. After lying idle a year or so, in January, 1846, a complete
re-organization took place and a new company was formed, which had the name changed to
Carroll College. In January, 1847, the charter was amended so that the Board of Trustees
should consist of twenty-one persons. During this year, Elihu Enos, now Postmaster of
Waukesha, and Prof. Sterling were paid $40 by the county for the use of the building for the
first term of the Territorial District Court. School was closed while Judge Miller held
court.
In 1849, the name and rights of " Prairieville Academy" were restored by legislative act.
The school thereafter was kept along, in a very weak way a portion of the time it must be
recorded, until about the beginning of the war, when it was discontinued, probably forever. In
1866, the building was remodeled inside, a vestibule added, and taken possession of for religious
worship by the Lutheran Church. Before that, however, it had been used as a cabinet shop, as
a s.toreroom and for various other purposes.
Among the graduates of this time-honored institution may be numbered some of the
conspicuous men of the war and the nation, such as Lucius Fairchild, a General in the army,
Governor of Wisconsin in 1866-67, United States Consul to England, and now United States
Minister to Spain ; Cassius Fairchild, a General in the army ; Charles D. Parker, twice
Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin ; Cushman K. Davis, Governor of Minnesota in 1874-75 ;
Capt. W. V. Tichenor, now of Iowa ; C. C. White, deceased ; Col. Sidney A. Bean, deceased ;
Capt. I. M. Bean, Collector of Internal Revenue for this district; Walker L. Bean, deceased,
and others hardly less distinguished.
Some of the teachers, too, have been men of note. The first was William T. Bidwell, the
junior founder of the institution ; the next, Silas Chapman, the great map man of Milwaukee,
who taught about one year from the spring of 1841 ; Winchell D. Bacon, still a resident of
Waukesha, taught three terms next after Chapman ; he was succeeded for nearly a year by
Myron B. Williams, of Watertown ; Judge Green, now of Dodge County, taught for a time;
Eleazer Root, the first State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was Principal for about three
years, to October, 1847 ; Elihu Enos and Prof. Sterling managed the school from October, 1847,
to October, 1848, under the name of the " Classical Institute and Normal School," and afterward
a Greek of the name of Rev. A. Menseos, and various other parties taught until the old
Prairieville Academy building — the first in Wisconsin — was sold and dedicated forever to other
purposes.
It had an eventful history ; so much so, perhaps, that the future historians will always have
some reason for perpetuating its identity as the first academy building erected in Wisconsin
Territory. It was a monument to its founders and builders worthy of their energy and fore-
thought, and for many years served a good purpose well.
NASHOTAH HOUSE.
This old institution and its lovely surroundings are known everywhere in Waukesha
County as " Nashotah Mission ; " but very few, however, have any adequate idea of the rich-
ness of its romantic history, nor of the want and privation suffered in founding it. Instead of
being condemned, the historian will be praised for incorporating in this sketch of the oldest
Episcopal Mission in the great Northwest, without further or more particular specification, the
main points in the Rev. John A. Egar's " Story of Nashotah," published in London, England.
In the summer of the year 1841, three young clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal
Church came to do missionary work in this new region. They were the Rev. William Adams,
a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin ; the Rev. James Lloyd Breck, a graduate of the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania ; and the Rev. John Henry Hobart, a son of the great Bishop of New
York, of that name, and a graduate of Columbia College, New York City. They had been
classmates in the General Theological Seminary, and while there the design had been formed,
by themselves and others, of establishing an associate mission somewhere among the settlers of
what was then the Far West.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 439
The honor of originating the project is given to a classmate, Mr. J. W. Miles, a candidate
for holy- orders from the diocese of South Carolina. He had been actively engaged in Sunday-
achool and mission work in connection with his theological studies, and entertained, with some
enthusiasm, the idea of missionary life after his ordination. The study of the great missions of
the seventh and following centuries, in the Ecclesiastical History cpurse, fired his imagination,
and the Great West and its wilderness seemed to present a field where the labors and self-denial
of Augustine and Boniface, and Willibrord and Anskar and their companions might be imitated.
On the 18th of Jun%, 1840, he presented a scheme to such of his classmates as seemed likely to
enter into it, in which, with some youthful exaggeration of thought and language, the general
plan was set forth. He proposed that a certain number from every class, as they completed
their seminary course, should devote themselves to the West.
The summer vacation now coming on, the class dispersed. When they re-assembled, five
were found to be still interested in the project. Its reality began to be felt, and the matter was
opened to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Kemper, the Missionary Bishop of the Northwest, and received
his approval. As the time for their ordination approached, one more withdrew, and the original
mover of the project was held by his Bishop for work in the diocese to which he properly
belonged. The three who were free to go received, in the course of the summer, their appoint-
ment as missionaries, with a stipend of $250 each, and an assignment to work in Wisconsin,
and started on their journey of a thausand miles into the Western wilderness ; the Rev. Mr.
Hobart in advance, and Messrs. Adams and Breck together, a little later.
The headquarters of the mission were established, under the Bishop's direction, at what is
now the village of Waukesha, and a field was assigned them for their work, thirty miles north,
west and south.
Having arrived in Prairieville, the three associates obtained such accommodations as the
village could afibrd, by engaging an apartment in a log house, consisting of two rooms, one of
which was occupied by the family of the proprietor, while the other was given up to his
" boarders," with one reservation. The table was set for the entire family in this room, and
here all took their meals in common. Subject to this interruption, the apartment was their own,
and constituted their entire domain ; and here they lived and studied, and prayed and slept, and
here they were " at home." It was a marked change from the comfort of the city ; but the life
was so new, and all around them so strange, that the privations and primitive simplicity of the
situation doubtless added to the interest with which they entered upon their work. Their first
public services were held in a stone building, called the Academy, which they occupied on
Sundays until a small frame church was built. This was begun in the fall of 1841, but was
not completed for some time.
So marked had been the success of the mission during the fall and winter of 1841-42, that
Bishop Kemper cheerfully gave his consent to an appeal to churchmen at the East for funds to
establish an institution under their care, where they could still further develop their plans, and
bring their school into operation. The Rev. Mr. Hobart was therefore authorized to proceed to
New York and endeavor to interest the church there in the enterprise. He arrived in that city
early in March, 1842, and by the kindness of the editor of the Churchman, the Rev. Samuel
Seabury, D. D., was permitted to print in that paper a modest and dignified appeal.
The appeal was favorably received, and the responses made to his personal solicitations were
such as to permit him to acknowledge, on September 24, 1842, the receipt of moneys amounting
to the sum of $2,274.44. The encouraging advices he forwarded to his colleagues, from time to
time, justified them in proceeding to secure a location ; and their knowledge of t^e country,
gained by their itineracy, enabled them to lay down in advance certain conditions to guide them
in their selection. It seemed unadvisable to establish such an institution as they had in view in
the village of Prairieville, partly because, from the growth of the village, the church there would
require before long such exclusive attention as could be given only by a settled Rector, and partly
because it was desirable to secure a larger domain than could be bought with the means at command
in immediate proximity to a settlement of that size. A few miles to the west was a region of small
440 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
lakes, beautiful for scenery, and where land could be obtained at a lower price. It was resolved to
purchase a tract upon one of these lakes, and the clergy made it a point, when on their journeys, to
examine different localities. In the course of the summer, it was learned that a claim could be bought
upon the Nashotah Lakes, and on a set day the Rev. Mr. Adams, accompanied by the Rev. Lemuel
B. Hull, of Milwaukee, rode out on horseback to view the spot. They took with them their lunch,
consisting of dried beef and biscuit, and spent the day upon the ground. Their unanimous con-
clusion was that this was the place of all others for their purpose. The Nashotah, or Twin Lakes
(upper and lower), are two of a chain of four, the others being the Upper and Lower Nemah-
biii, lying about the center of the lake region, twenty-five miles from Milwaukee, and on the
summit or ridge which separates the tributaries of Rock River and the Mississippi from those
of Lake Michigan. They lie east of Oconomowoc, south of Okauchee, west of Nagowicka, and
north of the Nemahbins, into which their surplus water flows, the Upper Nashotah being the
head, and having no inlet ; it is fed by springs in the bed of the lake itself. The Indians called
the Upper and Lower Nashotah by this name, meaning "twins," because of their correspond-
ence in size and shape.
Upon these lakes was the claim which the missionaries proposed to purchase. It lay to the
east and south of the Upper Nashotah, and extended about half-way down the east bank of the
Lower Nashotah, the lake being the western limit, and the eastern the section line. It was
described in the Government survey as the east fractional half of Section 12, Town 7, Range
17 east of the Fourth Principal Meridian, and the west fractional half of Section 7, Town 7,
Range 17 east, containing altogether 464 acres, more or less. Negotiations were at once com-
menced, and the laud was purchased. The deed was made jointly to the three missionaries.
Here, on the 30th day of August, 1842, the Rev. Messrs. Adams and Breck (Mr. Hoban
being still at the Bast) arrived with their worldly possessions. On Thursday, September 1, they
took formal possession of the domain by an elaborate public religious service in the open air,
at which, besides themselves, two laymen were present, and by which they set it apart and dedi-
cated it to the service of God, for an institution of piety and learning.
The missionaries found, on their arrival, that the improvements actually made upon theii
purchase consisted of a claim shanty, 17x13, made of rough boards, without lath or plaster ;
and in this they took up their abode ; one corner, as they facetiously described it in after times,
being their chapel, one corner their study, one corner their kitchen, and one corner their bed-
room. They immediately put under contract a building of a better character, which, though
unfinished, they were able to occupy in November, and in which the three clergy (Mr. Hobart
having, returned) and three resident students, who joined them as soon as they were able to
receive them, spent the winter of 1842-43.
On the 9th of October, 1842, Messrs. Adams and Breck were advanced to the priesthood.
The ordination took place in the Indian Church, at Duck Creek. The journey was made in a
lumber wagon, and occupied four days each way. On their return they brought a bell and
some other effects, which belonged to the Green Bay Mission, and which were made over to
them by those having authority. The bell was hung in an oak-tree near the house ; and, though its
position has been changed, it still calls to duty and to prayer. And thus came into existence
the institution which is known to the church at large as Nashotah, and to the people of the
vicinity, even to the present day, as " the Mission."
In the fall of 1842, three acres of land were plowed up and fenced. The next spring the
house, of which mention has been made, was finished, and the " claim shanty " was moved near
it, and made useful. The shanty has disappeared ; it became a kitchen, then a carpenter's shop,
and finally was pulled down ; but the house is still standing, though not on its original site,
which is occupied by the present stone chapel. It is known traditionally as the "Blue House,"
from the color with which it was painted. The structure was humble, but fully equal to the
average house of the country at that time. It was a low one, two stories in height, a frame
building, containing two rooms on the ground floor and three above. The front room below was
the common room, the other was the kitchen; underneath was a cellar; the rooms above were
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 441
Study and sleeping-rooms combined. Here the clergy lived, attending to their own housekeep-
ing, as well as to their numerous missions.
During the summer of 1843, other buildings were added to the mission premises. The
first of these was a chapel schoolhouse of peculiar construction, fitted to the exigencies of an
institution which aimed to do a great work with little means. It was a plain, frame building,
as were all those erected during this period. It would hold about fifty persons. The second
floor was divided into rooms for students, and underneath was a basement. In course of time
the basement was also occupied by students, in fact the basement was in request, being warmest
and most comfortable in winter ; and Bishop Kemper, during the winter of 1843-44, which he
spent at the mission, made his home in one of these basements, or cellar rooms. At the end of
this year, eight students found accommodations on the premises, and the next year, 1844, these
were increased to twenty-eight. To accommodate them, colleges of the same humble character
were built, besides which, other improvements were made from time to time ; such as a barn, a
dairy, a wash-house, ice-house, and finally a farmhouse : so that the mission in a short time
presented the appearance of a small village.
Before the institution, however, got fairly started on its educational career, certain impor-
tant changes took place. The Rev. Mr. Adams spent eighteen months at the East, from May,
1843, to October, 1844, and his place was taken for a time by the Rev. William Walsh, a young
clergyman from New York, who remained a year. At the close of 1843, the Rev. Mr. Hobart
relinquished his connection with the mission, and took clerical work at the East, where all his
connections were. These changes are not to be wondered at. To gentlemen born and bred,
men of university education, the hardships of pioneer life were peculiarly trying, and the triple
labor, not only of carrying on an arduous mission, but also of establishing a school without
adequate means, and at the same time of breaking up a farm, and reducing it to cultivation,
together with the necessity of doing their own housekeeping, cooking and domestic work, might
well weary the most devoted enthusiasm. Society there was none outside their own circle;
culture was wholly wanting ; books, that prime necessity to a studious man, were inaccessible ;
and in the face of the difficulties that beset them, it is no wonder that the one sought a vacation
in a change of scene, and the other retired to more congenial pursuits.
The school, however, had been established, and the work must go on. Mr. Breck
remained at his post, and, with the assistance of the students and Mr. Walsh, the missionary
work was kept up, instruction given and more land brought under cultivation. In October,
1844, Mr. Adams returned, and has remained ever since at Nashotah.
The interest excited by the appeal of Mr. Hobart had not ceased, and friends continued to
send their ofierings for the support of the mission. These sums more than met the expenses of
building and preparing ground for cultivation, but they were inadequate to the support of the
clergy and students. Nor was it desired at this time that the institution should be supported by
funds collected from abroad. It has been mentioned that the idea of combining manual labor
with education was quite popular in the United States at this time ; and it was supposed that the
students could contribute materially towards their own support by the cultivation of the farm,
and the performance of the various duties required in the internal economy of the institution.
To secure a due co-operation and distribution of labor, the mission was formed into a brother-
hood, in which the principle of a common fund and a common life was applied to the clergy and
the lay brethren. The members, though bound by no irrevocable vows, did bind themselves to
merge all personal considerations in the good of the institution, while they remained its inmates,
to share equally with the rest the means they might possess or receive, and to perform such labor
as the interests of the community required. The lay brethren, being students for the holy
ministry, were to receive the reward of their industry in the spiritual and intellectual training
which should fit them for their vocation ; and upon their ordination they were to be released
from all obligations to the institution.
Every person educated in the institution was expected to work an average of four hours
per day, which was increased to eight hours a day during the summer vacation of two months.
442 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
For two months in winter, only two hours' work was required each day. The manual labor
was performed by committees, each committee having its particular duty. Of these, some were
special, and depended upon the presence among the students of men brought up to a trade, or
educated for a profession ; e. g., the medical committee was due to the fact that an educated
physician was for awhile a student of divinity. Others were permanent, and their names indicate
the kind of work done — gardening, bakery, dairy, farming, carpentry, and clearing land. The
head of each committee was held responsible for the tools, furniture, etc., belonging to his
department, and also for the work done. He rendered a quarterly account of the condition of
his department to the " Lay Council." Each member of a committee was also required to
make an individual report of his personal expenses, labor, etc. His expenses were charged
against him, and his labor credited at a fair valuation. In this way, the benefit accruing to him
from the general fund of the institution could be calculated at any time, and also the value of
the work done in lessening the expenses of the mission.
Mr; Gustaf Unonius, a graduate of the University of Upsala, Sweden, was received as a
candidate for orders by the Bishop in the spring of 1844, and, after reading theology with Mr.
Adams for a year, was ordained deacon May 11, 1845, the first graduate of Nashotah who
entered the sacred ministry.
In June, 1843, Mr. Breck wrote to Bishop Kemper :
" It would be, Rt. Rev. Father, impossible to maintain a student for $25 per year unless
other resources, aside from the sum of $25, were available ; for his washing would come to $8 or
$10 a year, groceries to nearly the same, books to half as much, and clothing to twice the sum.
But using other means, such as the labor of the students for food, the industry of the ladies of
the mission for preparing clothing already purchased or supplied, and the charity of merchants
or manufacturers in the East for much of the necessary clothing, and the donations of private
Christians for our expenses — by these means, Rt. Rev. Father, we trust to live. I have written
to Mr. M , of Philadelphia, and to my brother, who is one of several manufacturers, at
Wilmington, to send us clothing. It matters not what the color or texture, or style of the
clothing may be ; we are all pawperes Ohristi at Nashotah, and wish to remain so."
And, June 6, 1844, he wrote again : " The brethren are laboring hard to bring about a
supply of food for the approaching winter. We are now twenty lay-brethren, and myself (Mr.
Walsh and Mr. Hobart had gone, and Mr. Adams had not yet returned), and the expenses of
such a household upon the start are very great. With about four exceptions, the mission
clothes them all, which, at $25 per annum, would make $400 ; but the first year nearer $500,
for those that have come in many respects very meanly clad ; and up to the present we have had
all our food to purchase, besides buildings to erect, etc., so that the next twelve months will be
the trying time with Nashotah. In the autumn we shall have to purchase, or rather pay for,
600 weight of butter, that we have ordered to be laid down. But, dear Bishop, we must make
our own butter another year. There are two brethren here that understand fully both the mak-
ing of butter and cheese — indeed do now make from our two cows a few pounds per week, and
better butter I never wish to eat ; but we must have ten or twelve good cows, and a milk-house
by the lake, and an ice-house. I do, moreover, see another necessity that will, without doubt,
arise before long, viz., the doing a portion, and in time all, of the washing ourselves. We cannot
pay out $250 a year for twenty brethren, $500 for forty. All, except shirts and the finer cloth-
ing, may be done. I have never hinted anything of the kind to the brethren as yet, but they
have to me. In time it will work out. We have bought a wagon for $60, new, and Eastern
make; also a superior yoke of oxen for $60."
On the 28th of September, 1845, he wrote again : " We have received no very abundant
supply of money since last spring, but have been, nevertheless, kept from distress ; we are in
debt about $200. We have all the provisions necessary for the ensuing winter, save wheat and pork;
both will be cheap. Also, we have the most part of the winter's clothing that will be necessary ; yet
this must amount to nigh on $100, which for twenty or more is moderate, compared with the
last winter. We have put in twenty-four acres of wheat for the next year, and shall raise our
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 443;
own pork. There have been some depredations committed in the neighborhood, so that now
we have to keep two of the students statedly sleeping in the wash-house, which is not yet either
lathed or plastered. The schoolhouse is lathed, but not plastered. We have had $10 given us
to buy fowls with, and have turned the horse-stable into a poultry house, no longer keeping even
so much as a single horse. The farm-work is done by oxen. We shall require, to pay what
we owe, and to meet necessary expenses, nearly $500 the coming winter."
It will be noticed that Mr. Breck speaks of a limited supply of money, but congratulates
himself that they had been " kept from distress." It would be interesting to know at what
extremity he would at that time have considered " distress " to begin ; for the fact was that
the spring of 1845 was a time of real want at the mission. The rule not to go in debt was.
never relaxed for daily support ; and if provisions fell short, and there was no money with
which to buy more, the community lived on what it had until supplies, or money for their pur-
chase, came in. It is not too much to say that more than once their diet was reduced actually
to bread and water, and no great quantity of the former.
When the candidates went out to lay-read at the stations to which they were appointed,
they were, of course, entertained by some one or other of the farmers or villagers of the vicin-
ity, and it usually happened, on sitting down to a backwoods farmer's meal, that some apology
would be made for the roughness of the plenty on the table, with the suggestion that, doubtless,
at the mission they were used to better fare. It was said that on no such occasion was tha
want at the mission alluded to, but the remark was allowed to pass with the assurance that they
enjoyed the meal set before them ; and it was not until long afterward that the neighborhood
really knew how poorly the brotherhood lived at that time.
And this may illustrate the fact that the brotherhood was a necessity, without which Nasho-
tah could not have persevered through the years immediately succeeding its foundation. Cir-
cumstances at a later period, however, as imperatively required that the brotherhood principle
should be given up ; and it is a true account of this whole matter, that, without the brother-
hood, Nashotah could not have been begun, and with it, the institution could not, after a certain,
period, have been continued.
In 1846, Bishop Kemper, having organized the Diocese of Missouri and surrendered it to.
a Bishop of its own, removed to Wisconsin and purchased a farm adjoining the Nashotah prop-
erty, which became his residence (November, 1846) until his death.
About this time, some further improvements were made at the mission. The increase of
population in the immediate neighborhood rendered necessary the formation of a parish, and, to
accommodate the more numerous congregation, the building before spoken of, in which the
services had been held, was remodeled and enlarged. Some little attempt at ornamentation of
a churchly character was also made, and the institution became possessed of a proper chapel,
which was also the parish church of the neighborhood.
At this time, the institution had shown such evidence of stability that it was deemed
proper to petition the Legislature of the Territory for a charter, and, in 1847, it was duly
incorporated with university powers. The property was then legally transferred to the
Trustees.
In 1847, Bishop Kip, of Albany, N. Y., visited the mission, and, in his account of it,
remarked that at prayer he " was surrounded by Americans, English, Irish, Swedes, Danes,
a Norwegian, a converted Israelite and the dusky sons of our own forest. The Indians are
Oneidas, from the mission of Mr. Davis, on Duck Creek, where a flourishing church has been
formed and a system of discipline adopted as strict as that introduced by the Jesuits, and far
more efficient. The Indians, in their own figurative language, have bestowed upon Bishop
Kemper a name signifying the ' Keeper of the Word,' and on Mr. Davis that of the ' Clear
Sky.' When the late convention of our church was held, at Milwaukee, four lay delegates
from the Oneidas appeared and took their seats. They walked the whole distance from the
mission, the last day traveling forty-five miles. We believe that it is the first time that the
voice of one of our aborigines has been heard in the councils of the church."
444
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The report of the committee of clergymen appointed by the Bishop, above alluded to, is
also printed in the letters of Dr. Kip. It gives a very full exhibit of the finances of the insti-
tution from its commencement, September 12, 1841, to June 17, 1847, the date of the report.
It showed that the total sum donated from the beginning had been $13,007.34. Of this had
been expended for land, f 1,180. 30; for buildings, $3,870; for clearing, plowing and fencing
eighty-two acres of land, $820 ; for furniture, tools, live stock and other property, $2,487.31.
The number of students actually supported had been equal to ninety-six for one year. Their
cost had been found to be $75 per year and labor, instead of $25 and $50, as supposed. The
labor done had been found to be worth $2,512.77, but had fallen short of their support
$4,649.73.
The mode of life and the nature of the work at Nashotah during the first period of its
existence will be understood from what has already been written. It continued the same in its
general features until 1850 ; but for several years succeeding the time to which our history has
been brought up in the last chapter, the surrounding circumstances were in a state of gradual
but rapid change, which could not help but modify, eventually, the general character of the
institution itself.
In the first place, the influx of population was much greater than had been expected when
the association was formed ; and, as the country became more thickly settled,* the newness and
strangeness of its life wore ofi", and the settlers reverted to the habits and customs of the older
States from which they had emigrated.
In like manner the internal economy of the mission felt the influence of the movement
around it. By the time the area of land cleared for cultivation was a hundred acres, it became
necessary to place it under the supervision of an experienced farmer, that it might be turned to
the best account. This was done in 1847.
Now, so far as the labor of the students was productive, its result must appear in the
supplies the farm could furnish ; and this, we have seen, was charged with the support of the
farmer, and very little could be done upon it with advantage by the students, now that it was
cleared and fenced and plowed, except in the harvest season, when the coincidence of the
Vacation with the stress of work to gather in the crops, made their help both profitable and
necessary. The only result to be expected from the labor, then, was that kind of indirect pro-
ductiveness which saves expense by performing services in the institution which must otherwise
be paid for. But not only did this leave the whole question of support untouched, but as the
country became settled and civilized, and help was to be hired at a reasonable rate, the popular
feeling became more and more prejudiced against the employment, in domestic work, of men
studying for the ministry. So that in this way also, the labor theory broke down, and a change
in the institution was imminent, if it would go on and prosper.
Upon the resignation of Mr. Breck, in 1850, which was sudden and unexpected, it was at
first feared that the institution would go down. There was some $3,500 of indebtedness, against
about $15,000 of assets, real and personal; but the difiiculty was that the assets were unavail-
able, whilst the debts were pressing. Mr. Adams, who had confined himself to his duties as
instructor, and to clerical work, and who was now rising in reputation in the American church
as a writer and theologian, was looked upon at the mission as a mere scholar, and it
Was to the surprise of every one that he manifested a business ability fully equal to
the emergency, and successfully filled the gap until a new head was found for the work.
On the 1st of September, 1850, the Rev. A. D. Cole, one of Dr. Adams' classmates,
arrived to take charge of the mission. He has continued from that time to this as manager of
Its afiairs.
The principal changes since 1850 have been the substitution of comfortable buildings
of stone and brick for the humble wooden cottages of Nashotah's infancy, the increase of
the library to 7,000 volumes, and the enlargement of the corps of clerical instructors from
two to five. The departments of instruction are Systematic Divinity, Pastoral Theology,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 445
Biblical Learning, Ecclesiastical History, and a preparatory course of Classics and Mathematics
for those who need it.
The lakes and the land remain about Nashotah, but all else is new. The Indian trail, and
even the later stage-road, have become obsolete, and in their place the Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway, one of the great continental thoroughfares, passes by the mission at the distance of a
mile. The great forests have shrunk to groves standing here and there upon the hillsides or
lake-shores, and the fields of the farmer, with their grass and grain, fill up the broad spaces of
the landscape. Milwaukee, twenty-five miles distant, has grown to be a city of 116,000 inhabi-
tants, and within one hundred miles is Chicago, the emporium of the West, whose population
numbers more than half a million.
In 1854—55, the first permanent building of Nashotah was ready for occupancy. It is a
brick structure of three stories and attic, containing thirty-two rooms ; and is named Bishop
White Hall, in honor of the first presiding Bishop of the American church. Its cost was $9,000,
about half the sum which would have been required to erect it ten years later. Another, called
Shelton Hall, a large stone edifice, has also been built.
The routine of the student's daily life is now not so rigidly prescribed as when the mission
was a brotherhood. Its course of instruction is indeed thorough, and the institution ranks third
of its class in the Union.
In the summer of 1873, the " Convocation of Nashotah House " — a corporate body com-
posed of the graduates of the institution — was formed.
The whole number of graduates from the beginning has been 181 up to 1878, that year not
included ; and more than one-fourth as many more received instruction for various periods, but
did not become full graduates.
A circular, issued in 1879, states that if " to-morrow the affairs were to be peremptorily
closed, all her debts would be paid and a balance left for whomever it might concern."
It is an old and a famous institution, and its Faculty, consisting of Revs. A. D. Cole, D. D.,
President, William Adams, D. D., Lewis A. Kemper, D. D., and John H. Egar, D. D., is
also long-tried, earnest, faithful and able. In Biblical and Ecclesiastical lore, the library is an
exceedingly rich one.
OCONOMOWOC SEMINARY.
This admirable seminary for young ladies is at Bordulac, Oconomowoc, and the only one of
the kind in Waukesha County. It is delightfully situated, with La Belle Lake a few rods in
front and Fowler Lake equally near in the rear of the ample and neatly kept grounds. Its
career has been one of uniform success. Following is a transcript of the initial proceedings :
Oa the 21st of March, 1855, a meeting was held in Zion Church, Oconomowoc, by the appointment of the Rt.
Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D., at the request of several gentlemen of the place, to take into consideration the best
plan and means for the establishment of a female seminary, under the supervision, direction and patronage of the
Protestant Episcopal Church. There were present the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, Rev. E. Steele Peake, John S.
Rockwell, William H. Warner, M. 0., J. M. Lewis, M. D., Mrs. A. H. Whitney, James Luck, Samuel Dodge and D.
H. Rockwell — the Bishop presiding.
The Rector briefly stated the objects of the meeting. It was suggested that a suitable building could probably
be erected for |2,400, and that if one. half should be subscribed, the other |1,200 could be obtained by a loan at
10 per cent. A plan was described, and Samuel Dodge was appointed a committee to estimate and report the
probable cost of a building erected upon the plan proposed. The following resolutions were then unanimously
adopted :
Resolved (1), That the school be under the supervision of the Bishop of the diocese.
Resolved (2), That the Bishop of the diocese, the President of Nashotah House and the Rector of the parish,
be a Board of Visitors to the institution, and the plan and manner of conducting the school be such as they shall
approve.
Resolved (<\), That the Board of Visitors be a committee for the selection of proper teachers for the school.
Resolved (4), That the Rev. Mr. Peake and Dr. J. M. Lewis be a committee to draw up a statement of the
principles embraced in the above resolutions, and report the necessary steps for procuring a charter.
E. S. Pbake, Secretary.
The above is a transcript of the minutes of the first meeting held for the establishment
of a diocesan school for girls in Wisconsin. The founders wished an institution of the highest
446 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNT\.
order, and interested a number of gentlemen in the enterprise. Among the laymen, the larg-
est contributor was John S. Rockwell, and this fact secured the establishment of a diocesan
school in Oconomowoc, in preference to other places in the State, which proved fortunate for
it, as a finer location in any State cannot be found. A charter was obtained by act of Legisla-
ture in January, 1856. The following is the legislative enactment which chartered the Ocono-
mowoc Seminary:
Section 1. That Jackson Kemper, Azel D. Cole, William H. Warner, Talbot C. Dousman, B. R. Hinckley, E.
W. Edgertou, A. H. Whitney, D. Henry Rockwell, Thomas Salton, George W. Pugh, James Luck, James M. Lewis,
Samuel Dodge, John S. Rockwell, A. L. Prichard, L. Wilson Davis, together with such persons as may hereafter
become associated with them, are hereby created a body politic and corporate, with perpetual succession, by the
title and name of " Oconomowoc Seminary," by which name they and their successors shall be known, and shall have
power to sue and be sued, to contract and be contracted with, to plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended,
in all courts of law and equity ; and, further, shall have power to borrow any sums of money for the purposes of
said corporation, not exceeding the corporate stock of said corporation, may have and use a common seal, and shall have
power to receive as a gift and to purchase and hold any real estate or personal property, consistent with the interests of the
institution, and the same to sell and convey, or otherwise lawfully dispose of, at pleasure. Any three of the above-named
persons may call a meeting of said corporation, to be held at Oconomowoc, where said corporation is hereby located, by
giving ten days' notice thereof, by posting up notices in three public places in said village. The stock of said corporation
shall be divided into shares of 1100 each, which shall be deemed personal property, and shall be transferable on the books
of said corporation, in such manner as shall be provided by the by-laws of the same, and any person holding one or morfr
shares of such stock, and subscribing to the by-laws and constitution of said corporation, shall be a Trustee and
have one vote for each share so held at all meetings of said corporation for the transaction of business ; and any per-
son paying to taid corporation a sum not less than $5, and subscribing to the constitution and by-laws of the same,
shall be deemed a member thereof.
Sec. 2. The Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Wisconsin shall be ex officio Presi-
dent, and shall preside at all meetings of said corporation. The Vice President shall be a presbyter of said church
and diocese and shall be elected by the Board of Trustees at their annual meeting, and shall act in the absence of
the President. The Rector of " Zion Church" shall be ex officio Secretary, and shall keep a correct record of all
the proceedings of said corporation.
Sec. 3. The President, Vice President and Secretary shall constitute and be a Board of Visitors to said sem-
inary, who shall appoint requisite teachers, prescribe the course of study and discipline, and confer such degrees as
are usual in institutions of learning, and issue and grant diplomas for the same.
Sec. 4. There shall be an annual meeting of the Trustees, at which meeting they shall elect a Treasurer,
who shall receive and disburse the funds of the corporation, and issue certificates of stock to such persons as shall
be entitled to the same : they shall also elect an Executive Committee of five from their own body, designating the
Chairman thereof, which committee shall execute the resolutions of said Trustees;, and manage generally the busi-
ness affairs of said corporation. Said Trustees may also hold special meetings, to be called by the Executive Com-
mittee or by the President, upon the application of any five members of said corporation, in the manner as may be
prescribed in the by-laws ; and said Trustees are hereby authorized to make such by-laws as they may deem neces-
sary to carry out the provisions of this charter, with full power and authority to execute the same, provided the
same be not inconsistent witli the laws and constitution of this State.
Sec. 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
Approved January 25, 1856.
The school opened in the following autumn. Some money was subscribed in Oconomowoc
toward the purchase of property, but the most liberal donor was J. S. Rockwell, and, from time
to time, he enlarged and improved the building, which was purchased by the Trustees of Dr. J.
M. Lewis. While he lived, he gave generous aid to the school by liberal patronage, and at his
death the institution lost one of its most valued friends.
Bishop Kemper, who was President of the Board of Trustees, was a liberal benefactor of
the school, purchasing several trusteeships and bestowing them upon the clergy. The Board
was increased in members yearly, from among prominent clergymen and laymen in the State.
The Executive Committee was composed of gentlemen residing in and near Oconomowoc, viz.:
J. S. Rockwell (until his death), D. W. Small, James Luck, D. H. Rockwell, Talbot C. Dous-
man, William H. Warner, M. D., and, later, Daniel Jones, of Watertown. Rev. A. D. Cole,
D. D., Vice President of the Board of Trustees, was always active in furthering the interests
of the school, and never absent from the meetings. The venerable Bishop took the deepest
interest in its welfare, which he evinced by donations to its fund, by frequently visiting it and
by always presiding at the annual commencement exercises.
By the terms of the charter, the Rector of the parish was Rector of the school. The
first five years. Rev. L. W. Davis was Rector ; he was succeeded by Rev. Lyman Phelps, who
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 447
occupied the position three years, when Rev. Ezra Jones became Rector, and continued to be
for four years.
The first Principal of the seminary was Mrs. Camelia Mason, who remained in charge for
three years, when she was succeeded by Miss Grace P. Jones, still at the head of the institution,
who entered upon her duties in September, 1859.
On February 3, 1863. Mr. Rockwell, the kind friend and patron of the institution died,
after which, the Trustees, from time to time, tried, by repeated appeals to parishes and individ-
uals, to raise an efficient sum to pay the indebtedness on the property, due to the administrators
of Mr. Rockwell's estate. Failing to accomplish this, they discussed, in a meeting held on the
2d of December, 1867, the expediency of transferring the property to Miss Jones, and the fol-
lowing resolution was passed by a unanimous vote :
Resolved, That the Executive Committee of the Ooouomowoc Seminary be hereby anthorized to conTey to Miss
Grace P. Jones all their interest in the present seminary lots and property, under such conditions as they shall deem
proper.
Before January 1, 1868, Miss Jones came into full possession of the property, and, in the
following spring, made many improvements on the grounds and additions to the buildings, which
had been long needed. Since that, she has, from time to time, improved the place, until one
no longer recognizes the original seminary of 1859.
Miss Jones has continued the work of the school, not essentially changing -its character,
but advancing as the demands of the times require, and constantly laboring to bring it up to a
higher standard. There is thorough instruction in every branch of study. Girls are received
into a Christian home and put under a course of training to fit them for useful and accomplished
women.
The institution has accommodations for thirty boarding pupils. A more delightful spot
than this for a school cannot be found. Nature smiles in fullest loveliness. The surround-
ings are charming — changeful yet restful, in lake and wood and hillside — while the clear,
bracing atmosphere gives health and pleasure to all who seek it. The internal arrangements of
the seminary are pleasant and cheerful, with the air of home pervading the whole. The
grounds are situated on Fowler's Lake, and boating in summer and skating in winter are pleas-
ant features of recreation hours.
During Miss Jones' principalship, seven classes have graduated in a full course of study,
and a larger number have pursued a partial course. The institution is a permanent one, and
no efibrt will be spared to make it among the best of the land.
CARROLL COLLEGE.
Our American population, as it moves westward into new Territories, carries with it the love
of religion and of a sound education, which has so long characterized it in its Eastern home.
Knowing that the greater number of those who seek a high grade of intelligence could not
return to the institutions whose benediction rested upon their fathers, they early began in this,
as in all the Western States, earnest eiforts to add to the system of common schools those of a
higher grade, even to the college.
Carroll College was one of the fruits of these efforts. Christian men, in and out of the
ministry, in connection with the Presbyterian Church (old school), set the enterprise on foot. It
is said to have been born in the basement of the Pastor's residence at Cambridge. It was first
chartered by the Legislature of the Territory of Wisconsin as " The Prairieville Academy,"
February 19, 1841. It was first conducted in what is now known as "The Old Female
Seminary, or Old Prairieville Academy Building," on Wisconsin avenue. The first Board of
Trustees appears to have been constituted January 1, 1844, with Peter N. Cushman, Chairman,
A. W. Randall, Secretary, Morris D. Cutler, Treasurer, and Barzillai Douglass, Collector;
William A. Barstow and Edmund D. Clinton were also members of the board, as well as J. Y.
Watson, C. R. Dakin, C. Burchard, W. P. Sloan, N.JWalton and S. Cummings. In 1846, upon
petition of the trustees, the name of the institution was changed into that of " Carroll College,"
448 HISTORY OF WAtJKESHA COUNTY.
and appropriate changes made in the charter by the Legislature. The name was in honor of a
wealthy and benevolent gentleman in Brooklyn, N. Y. This was really the beginning of CarroU
College.
Thus constituted, Bleazer Root was appointed Professor of Languages and Rhetoric, and
Henry Barnes, Professor of Mathematics. Soon afterward. Rev. John W. Sterling was
appointed Professor of Ancient Languages, and Abraham Miner, Professor of Moral Philosophy.
Rev. Dr. Youmans appears to have acted for a short time as President. Measures were at once
set on foot to raise funds for building purposes. Professor Sterling going Bast for that purpose,
and Professor E. Root laboring in this State. For a time, Rev. J. Buchanan also acted as
agent, going East for funds. The salaries of the Professors were fixed at $500 for the first two
years, to be then increased to $800 for each. When 1849 arrived, $6,000 had been raised or
subscribed, and M. D. Cutler and C. R. Dakin and other trustees gave tracts of land for the use of
the college. George W. Lawrence, R. W. Wright, Jacob L. Bean and W. L. Ward, in the
meantime, were chosen trustees. The board had placed the institution under the fostering care
of the Presbytery of Milwaukee.
In 1850, the Presbytery recommended the appointment of Rev. John A. Savage, of New
York, as President and as fiscal agent, which Was done. He accepted the position, and entered
at once with energy upon its responsible duties. During this year, also, A. C. Nickell, A. G.
Hanford and William H. Watson, of Milwaukee, were chosen Trustees. For eleven years. Dr.
Savage was President, and for thirteen, fiscal agent. In every direction, and by every honor-
able means, did he labor to secure the endowment needed to render the institution permanent.
But it was necessary, or deemed so, to keep a full corps of Professors, and the efibrts to obtain
means for their support appear to have crippled the other object. The Presbyterian Board of
Education gave substantial aid, and something was obtained from the State, in view of the
normal work done by the college.
The college building was ready for use by January, 1853, and the basement of the Presby-
terian Church was fitted up for the Preparatory Department. President Savage was assisted at
different times by such able instructors as Revs. L. I. Root, William J. Monteith, Lowman
Hawes, Edward P. Evans, Charles D. Pigion, Jesse Edwards and Sidney A. Bean. For a
time, also, Andrew Watson (now reverend) acted as tutor. From 1857 to 1860, Rev. Oscar
Park, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, gave instructions in some branches, for which the
trustees expressed hearty thanks, and voted him a perpetual scholarship. Among the assistants
of Prof. Savage on the Board of Trustees, besides some of those already mentioned, are found
the names of Jason Downer, William P. Lynde, I. A. Lapham, all of Milwaukee ; C. J.
Pettibone, of Portage; J. D. Rexford, of Janesville ; Alfred L. Castleman, M. D., and H. N.
Davis, of Waukesha.
In 1857, the first class graduated with the degree of A. B., and, for four successive years,
classes were sent forth from Carroll College, which would have been an honor to any institution
of learning in the land. It is worth giving their names : Class of 1857, Irving M. Bean, C.
D. W. Gage, George W. Burchard, Moses Bryant, Jr., and Andrew Watson. Class of 1858,
John H. Carpenter, John P. Story,. Charles L. Thompson and S. M. White. In 1859, J. K.
Bengster, John Hintonj Louis A. Proctor and H. K. Smith. In 1860, Franklin Dolph, Thomas
S. Johnson, William B. Marsh, Edward Savage and Frederic Wardrobe.
From 1852, the college passed under the care of the Synod of Wisconsin — the proper suc-
cessor of the Presbytery of Milwaukee. Regular collegiate instruction ceased with 1860. After
having been closed for two years. Dr. Savage still acting as fiscal agent, the college was
re-opened in 1863, upon a somewhat dilFerent plan. Ladies were admitted to its privileges, and
a female teacher employed. Rev. William Alexander was appointed President'; Rev. C. C.
Hersman, Professor, and Miss Julia M. Willard, Assistant. With some success, much hard
work, and many difiiculties, this plan was carried on for two years. For a part of the time,
Rev. David Hull was chosen fiscal agent at a salary of $1,000 per annum ; but the historian
did not learn of much success in the raising of funds. At least, no beginnings appear to have
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 449
been made upon a permanent endowment. Money and lands were given for perpetual and for
single scholarships, by individuals and by churches, East and West, during all the preceding
years ; but never in large enough sums, single or in the aggregate, to more than sustain the run-
ning expenses.
from about 1860, death and removals had made necessary the appointment of new men as
Trustees, and while George W. Allen, of Milwaukee, and A. P. Waterman, of Beloit, were added
from abroad, the active work at home fell upon William R. Williams, R. B. Hammond, M. S,
Hartwell, Henry Davis, John Forbes, Edward Chester and 0. Z. Olin, to whom Rev. C. L,
Thompson, an alumnus of the college, was soon added.
During 1865, occurred another interregnum in the course of instruction. In March, 1866,
began a renewed and earnest effort to resuscitate the college. Walter L. Rankin, of New Jersey,
a graduate of Princeton College, was invited to take charge and conduct such a school as seemed
best under the circumstances. He began with only fifteen pupils, but in one year the number
had reached sixty, and continued to increase till the rooms devoted to the school work were filled.
Edward Rankin and others were called in to assist, and all that the most thorough instruction
and faithful administration of the institution could do was done. In the mean time, Rev. C. L.
Thompson was appointed fiscal agent, and through his zealous efforts, together with some efficient
help from Rev. John C. Rankin, of Basking Ridge, N. J., father of the Principal, a debt of
$.3,000 was lifted from the institution. Daring these five years, Rev. J. H. Barnard was an
active member of the Board of Trustees, and Vernon Tichenor and William A. Nickell began a
long and faithful service. But the tuition charged for instruction was necessarily low, and even
a full school was unable to afford the salary needed by the Principal and his assistants.
Therefore, in 1870, renewed efforts were put forth to secure a permanent endowment.
Prof W. L. Rankin, who was also President of the Board of Trustees, acted as fiscal agent during
his summer vacation, after which Rev. William C. Turner was chosen to that position, and
appears to have worked hard. Subscriptions to the amount of $5,000 were secured by him ;
but as this was the limit of his apparent ability to raise funds, and as these subscriptions were
conditioned upon the raising of- $15,000, he resigned his position at last, and the effort was
abandoned.
In 1871, Prof Rankin felt compelled to resign his position.
A year and a half passed, during which Rev. W. D. Lummis, assisted by his wife, con^
ducted the instruction in the college.
In 1873, forty citizens of Waukesha and Milwaukee, appreciating the noble work done by
Prof W. L. Rankin, agreed to give $10 a year, each, for three years, in order to secure him a
definite salary,, if he would return. John Beveridge, of New York, also left a legacy, which
enabled the Trustees to pay some debts which had accrued, and also materially repair the col-
lege building. Prof Rankin returned, and opened with a large school, which increased till the
rooms were well filled. Chiefly by his efforts, the three years' subscription was increased to
four years, and the number of subscribers increased to nearly one hundred. With able assist-
ants, at' different times, such as Mr. G. W. Howard, Miss Lillie Camp, Miss Alice Perry, Mrs.
Mary Wolcott, Miss Kittie North, Miss Louie Park, and Dr. Hugo Philler, an admirable school
of high grade was sustained until the summer of 1879, soon after which Prof. Rankin resigned,
m order to accept a position as Principal of the Preparatorv Department of Lake Forest
University.
During this period, the efforts to secure endowment were renewed upon a different basis,
and a real commencement made. The Board of Trustees adopted a resolution, that, in view
of the growth of other colleges since this one was founded, and of the greatly increased funds
now needed to sustain such an institution, in competition' with the State University, and
especially in view of the great demand in the whole Northwest, for academies of high grade,
it would best subserve the interests of a Christian education, if we abandon all effort, at
present, to obtain a full collegiate .endowment for Carroll College, and, instead, put forth
450 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
earnest efforts to secure, as early as practicable, an endowment for an academy, after the model
■of Phillips Academy, at Andover, Mass.
This action, substantially as above, was approved by the Synod of Wisconsin, and the
board - was advised to appoint a fiscal agent to visit the churches of this and other synods, to
obtain $25,000, as a beginning.
The great financial depression of 1873-79, threw a damper upon the new hopes enter-
tained by the friends of Carroll College. However, several hundred dollars were realized for
endowment from the ten-dollar subscription referred to ; and in April, 1876, the board appointed
Rev. T. G. Watson, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and Secretary of the board, its fiscal
agent ; and, the church consenting to his absence for one month, he visited the churches of
Janesville, Beloit, Fond du Lac and Beaver Dam, besides canvassing for a week in Waukesha
Village. The result was that there is now about $2,000 held by the board, and invested as an
endowment fund. But the hard times made it imprudent to extend the effort by seeking a
paid agent to carry it on.
Prof. George H. Reed, has now taken charge of the college, and is faithfully carrying on
the grammar school and high school departments, as has been done during the past eight
years. Besides preparing quite a number for college, many have graduated with a fair education,
who did not expect to pursue their studies further ; and a noble work has been done in pro-
viding competent teachers for the common schools of the county. A much greater work will
be done when the wise and good men are found who will build a grand monument for themselves
by giving to Carroll College a liberal endowment, which it truly deserves.
Vernon Tichenor is President of the Board of Trustees, and Revs. T. C. Kirkwood, B. G.
Riley and C. W. Camp, and Messrs. John S. McDonald, J. K. Anderson, Edward. Porter,
Richard Street, W. D. Bacon, M. S. Griswold, A. V. B. Dey and Willard Farr are among the
newer, acting and active trustees.
GENERAL EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
The general supervision of the educational interests of Waukesha County have always
been in remarkably good hands. Several of the ablest and most conscientious educators in the
State have devoted themselves, at various periods, to the schools of the county, and the results
of these labors are plainly apparent. During many years, it was the custom of Superintend-
ents, as long as the publishers would do so gratis, to publish every week lengthy reports of
their doings and of the condition of the schools visited. This stimulated teachers and scholars
alike to deserve the best possible report, and all awaited eagerly the next issue of the papers,
always showing the reports with pride to their friends. -^
The first schoolhouse, elaborately described elsewhere, was erected in 1837, at what is now
Waukesha, and, during that fall and winter, William T. Bidwell taught a school with twenty-
odd scholars in it. That was the first public school in what is now Waukesha County, though,
a year or two before, small private schools were taught at the homes of John Weaver, in
Lisbon, and Nathaniel Walton, near Waukesha.
Forty years have wrought a wondrous change in the matter of educational facilities in
every part of the county. That change cannot be made more striking than by a jump from
an imaginary picture of the first tamarack schoolhouse, with its rude seats, scant furniture and
•comparative absence of school-books, to the report for 1879 of County Superintendent Howitt.
In making his report to the Board of Supervisors for that year, he says :
" Your attention is first called to general statistics. Number of joint districts with school-
houses in the county, 43 ; number of regular school districts, 84 ; total, 118. Number of parts
of districts, 103 ; number reported, 103. Number of male children as reported, over four and
under twenty years of age, in the county, 5,455 ; females, 5,155 ; total number of male and
female children over four and under twenty, 10,610. Number of days school has been taught
by a -qualified teacher, 18,627. Number of pupils over four and under twenty years of age
who have attended public schools, 6,713 ; under four years of age, 13 ; over twenty years of
''\
P E WAU KE E.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 453
age, 23; total number of pupils who have attended public school, 6,749 ; private school, as
reported, 202, and, if Carroll College were included, it would make over 7,000 pupils who
have received instruction during the year in the county. During the coming year, it is
expected the number will be increased, as the compulsionary law will be in force, and to which
the attention of district boards, patrons and teachers is respectfully called. In relation to this
law, I deem it not necessary to make any comment in this report.
" Number of private schools in the county, 11. Number which are denominational, 9.
Number of teachers engaged, 17. Number of days school has been taught, 700. Number of
pupils who have not attended a district school during the year, 187. Number of daily attend ■
ance, 202.
" The following is the ofiScial report of Pewaukee High School : Number of teachers
employed, 1 ; number of pupils not over twenty years of age, 88 ; number over twenty years,
1 ; whole number of pupils registered, 89 ; average daily attendance, 83 ; number of days of
high school, 160 ; number of pupils in natural sciences, 21 ; amount actually expended for
instruction, $600.
" The following are the graded schools and number of departments : Waukesha Union,
8 departments ; Oconomowoc City, 6 ; Pewaukee No. 1, 3 ; No. 3, 2 ; Menomonee Falls, 2 ;
Merton, 2 ; Delafield, 2 ; Eagle, 2 ; Hartland, 2 ; Sussex, 2 ; Mukwonago, 2. Total nupaber
of graded schools, 12. Number of departments, 35.
" My opinion on the text-book question has been given in previous reports, and here I will
only state that experience and reflection have only added strength to the conviction that in our
existing text-book laws is to be found all that is needed for uniformity of text-books, changes,
etc. The following will show the increase or decrease in adoption, purchase, loans and selling
text-books, by districts, from 1877 to 1879 : Number of districts which have a list of text-
books adopted — in 1877, 5 ; in 1878, 52 ; in 1879, 73. Number of districts which purchase
texl-books— in 1877, 2 ; in 1878, 40 ; in 1879, 65. Number of districts which loan text-
books—in 1877, 2 ; in 1878, 1 ; in 1879, 2. Number of districts which sell text-books to
pupils— in 1877, 0 ; in 1878, 40 ; in 1879, 40.
" There has been $2,372.58 more expended this year in building and repairing than the
previous year ; and a most commendable interest has been taken in re-seating and supplyii g
the schools with dictionaries, globes, maps, charts, etc.
" Cash value of all the schoolhouses and sites in the town of Brookfield, $7,075 ; Dela-
field, $5,145; Eagle, $4,905; Genesee, $4,490; Lisbon, $9,380; Menomonee, $10,720;
Merton, $5,800; Mukwonago, $5,720; Muskego, $4,025; New Berlin, $3,145; Ottawa,
$2,050 ; Oconomowoc, $3,285 ; Oconomowoc City, $10,300 ; Pewaukee, $10,480 ; Summit,
$4,250 ; Vernon, $4,070 ; Waukesha, $19,845.
" The total receipts and expenditures during the last school year are reported as follows ;
Amount on hand August 31, 1878 $8,924 59
Eeceived from taxes levied for building and repairing 3,881 18
Received from teachers' wages 29,899 32
Received from apparatus and library 534 09
Received from annual town meeting 487 23
Received from County Supervisors 4,129 67
Received from income of Slate School Fund 4,150 31
Received from all other sources 3,241 21
Total amount received 555,247 60
Paid out for building and repairs $5,498 37
Paid out for apparatus and library 237 79
Paid out for services of female teachers 22,989 56
Paid out for services of male teachers 12,787 75
Paid out for old indebtedness 1,952 07
Paid out for furniture, registers, etc ' 542 84
Paid out for all other purposes 6,321 00
Total amount of expenditures $50,309 38
Money on hand August 31, 1879 "$4,918 29
I
454 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" Waukesha being an old county, comparatively speaking, the majority of the school-
houses are in excellent condition and well furnished ; but there are a number of school build-
ings which should be replaced by new ones, and be well furnished. I would call upon the
School Directors, parents, teachers and all concerned to look well to the danger which may
easily arise from ill-ventilated schoolhouses and impure water. Do not have your children poi-
soned with foul water, impure air, etc., and charge their sickness and death to the mysterious
dealings of an inscrutable Providence.
" The 118 schoolhouses will accommodate 8,008 pupils, being 2,061 less than the number
of children of school age. Number of schoolhouses in good condition, as reported, 105 ; num-
ber properly ventilated, 77 ; with outhouses in good condition, 93 ; well inclosed, 45 ; number
of sites containing less than one acre, 85 ; number of schoolhouses of stone or brick, 45.
" The number of public examinations held during the year are 9 ; number of applicants
for certificates, 350. It has been our object to give the teachers fair, practical questions which
would test their knowledge of the branches in which they are examined, as well as to ascertain
their ability to govern and teach. It is our intention to steadily increase the standing of the
teachers of the county. I have examined a large number of teachers from the adjoining coun-
ties, and I must say the teachers of Waukesha County, in relation to education, government,
tact and ability to teach, stand pre-eminent.
" The whole number of first-grade certificates granted for the year, 4 ; second-grade, 11 ;
third-grade, 188 ; total, 203. The whole number of teachers employed was 207."
The close proximity of the Milwaukee commercial colleges. State University and various
normal schools, of which desirable institutions Waukesha County has none, calls many students '
away who would aid materially in raising the grade of the schools, but the annual reports of the
State Superintendent of Public Instruction show that Waukesha County stands in the front
rank in educational matters.
Eleazer Root, who was a prominent educator of Waukesha County, was a member of the
second Constitutional Convention, in 1848, and was chosen to draft that portion of the State
Constitution referring to educational matters. He performed the task — one of the most impor-
tant assigned to any member of that body — so well that the parents and children of Wisconsin
will have cause to remember him as long as education and schools are necessary. Perhaps no
State in the Union has better school laws than Wisconsin, and very few have as good. For
them Waukesha, is indebted largely to the old-time resident, Eleazer Root, now, if living, a citi-
zen of California.
ASRICULTUKE IN WAUKESHA COUNTY.
He who follows agricultural pursuits, breaks the tough prairie glebe, or fells trees and burns
the fallows before he can put the plow into the soil, is the pioneer in all new countries, and pre-
pares the way for lawyer, editor, miller, minister, blacksmith, and all others who depend upon
anything but farming for a livelihood, and who never fail to come after him when the soil has
been made sufiiciently productive. The first settlers of Waukesha County were no exception to
this rule. The Cutler brothers, when they first pushed their way into the wildei'ness in May,
1834, did not find lawyers' " shingles " swinging from the oaks ; did not find a minister " hold-
ing forth " to the rocks and trees, and " passing the hat " to birds and beasts ; did not find a
physician with his saddle-bags hunting for a site on which to start a cemetery ; did not find a
musician teaching the birds and forest denizens to vocalize or play the piano ; in fact, they found
no one ; and if they had, farming and tilling the soil would necessarily have been their occupa-
tion. The farmer has been the first man in every new country.
Not much was done in 1834, though a little "garden truck" was raised where the streets
and blocks of Waukesha now are. This was the first planting by the hand of white men in
HISTORY. OF WAUKESHA COUJTTY.
455
Waukesha County. The following year, nearly all kinds of crops were raised ; none, however,
more than one or two miles from the present site of Waukesha Village.
What spring wheat was at first sowed did not yield satisfactorily ; therefore, during ten or
fifteen years, winter wheat largely took its place as a bread crop, and returned profitable yields,
especially in the " openings." Spring wheat throve better on the prairies, where the soil was less
adapted to winter grain, and the winter winds were more severe. Winter grain was abandoned
almost entirely, and for twenty-five years, up to 1878, spring wheat has taken the lead. In the fall
of that year, owing to the unprofitable returns from an overworked soil, and the disastrous effects
of drought, chinch-bugs and weevil, large quantities of winter wheat were sown in some parts of
the county, and, returning a tolerable yield, were largely increased in the fall of 1879. From
necessarily small beginnings agriculture has grown to astonishing proportions in Waukesha County,
and, although considerable attention is given to manufacturing and stock-raising, still represents
the bulk of capital and population. Any other condition of things would be unnatural, as, with
its rich soil and good markets, the county has always furnished a field for the most profitable
returns of industry, skill and means applied to the labor of tilling the ground. The whole county
is more than usually well watered, springs, lakes and streams being more numerous than in any
other county in Wisconsin. Small portions of the county are better adapted to dairying
and stock-raising, and the profit of adding these departments of farming to that of simple plow-
ing and sowing has recently become apparent. Most of the farmers came from New England,
New York and Pennsylvania, and adopted, generally, the mode of farming then practiced in the
East. Since that time, experience (as to the capacity of the soil and as to the climate) has caused,
of course, considerable change in the methods of farming in this region, as it has elsewhere. The
quality of the butter and cheese made in this county is first-class. Wheat and hay produced
here are second in quality to the products of no other county, and large quantities of pork, wool
and beef, of excellent quality, are annually exported. Orchards may be found in all sections
of the county. Grapes, cherries and all kinds of berries are grown with profit wherever the
farmers are disposed to devote the necessary labor and skill to their culture.
The soil of the county is well diversified, from the heavy peat beds or glades, where grass
grows in abundance in dry or wet seasons, to the light, quick, sandy soils, in which tobacco and
sweet potatoes will, with a little care, thrive well. Thus the farmers are always insured against
a total failure of crops, for seasons are never known in which all of the numerous farm pro-
ducts raised in Waukesha County do not make profitable returns.
In 1840, the county of Milwaukee (which included Waukesha) contained 541 horses, 5,100
cattle, 798 sheep and 8,114 swine. The agricultural products of 1839 were 34,236 bushels of
wheat, 845 of, barley, 26,836 of oats, 147 of rye, 1,829 of buckwheat, 26,820 of corn, 64,242
of potatoes, 4,574 tons of hay, 48,886 pounds of maple sugar, 67 pounds of wool, and $15,000
worth of skins and furs. The wool product of that year, for what is now two counties, was, as
compared with what Waukesha alone now produces, insignificant indeed. Much of the maple
sugar was produced in what is now Milwaukee County, but the wheat and other grains were
mostly produced in what is now Waukesha County. The following table, prepared in 1840,
shows the various products and amount of farm stock in Waukesha County in 1839 :
TOWNS.
i
1
w
.2
1
i
1
it
S
O
d
6
1
1
P-t
6t
&
CO
Brookfleld
6
46
12
166
321
107
36
220
162
202
236
697
471
430
384
716
240
09
390
267
398
413
1036
681
867
287
4388
914
214
2868
309
628
2842
9338
3216
4005
360
1364
3120
810
470
1706
740
1640
2040
4750
3815
2708
2350
3675
3086
925
332.-,
1464
2(120
3469
6504
70,'-.-.
2872
2665
107
Lisbon ,
1430
200
4470
60
200
1815
6242
2675
770
491
5701
20
9
10
38
81
62
2(i
10
320
New Berlin. .
eiio
15
43
36
179
Waniesha
SfiO*
Summit
217.>
3760
Totals
316
2948
6451
29008
18202
23063
36C:i4
390
10.J71
456
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Forty years later, the tables required to be prepared by the assessors of the various towns
make a far different showing, and, by comparing the tables of population, it will be seen that
the wealth and productiveness of the county have increased more rapidly than the numbers of
her people, and the rate of valuation, qr permanent market price of each product, has also been
largely increased.
The following is a certified statement of the principal farm products grown in the county
of Waukesha, for the year 1878, as ascertained and compiled pursuant to the provisions of
Chapter 48 of the Revised Statutes of 1878 :
NUMBER OF BUSHELS
No. ACEES
HARVESTED
rOR SEED.
Number or Potikds.
TOWNS.
1
1
i
1
5-
CD
1
t
S
a
-a
0
■a
02
6
g
3
1
a,
0
a
H
1
1
m
6
s
1
Brookfield
34918
36528
19961
22263
46865
48700
66614
24672
14487
26663
21876
60448
1996
45187
21476
12896
26025
23280
40110
71607
45416
22080
48420
25863
45970
22870
21619
46662
65365
4005
30116
34310
38741
38231
45055
25769
41391
26160
63140
73468
42297
32685
39550
39303
18862
45564
1375
48666
29871
42772
47245
26261
6315
4477
6965
13626
6103
1696
27400
2932
14920
5080
9959
14847
6107
14931
2980
6021
2943
11095
30900
2359
4491
12940
6165
6670
8230
676
11588
2980
12496
7681
60
3750
2545
1700
5330
"■37
3225
45
1360
1950
1716
2000
278
2661
1850
3503
1665
3336
153
3005
105
4918
3069
893
165
283
317
882
1190
282
681
231
682
674
758
19
1005
143
238
929
■■■■■j
'"66
"89
123
"'12
4
"es
26
114
132
441
133
177
127
634
607
183
406
78
321
449
467
14
380
25
4500
3442
2114
293300
87755
24919
31240
21661
91900
47806
29506
39080
14252
6U053
13360
64853
2963
82935
53683
38120
30718
29200
27660
54230
100140
Deliifleld
6
22
2000
1400
1128
28421
37280
9057
698
2981
11664
250
12815
425
19607
2144
7206
1Y844
12
725
44915
3356
6580
2630
200
510
2040
1885
830
2496
675
2896
4430
"99
■"16
19
25
65420
336600
22000
24606
'il9
2300
200
350
11700
19000
300
1400
690
184000
14871
Ottawa
i
"'26
2060
25000
3171
4328000
740
Oconoraowoc City..
1767
6622
8153
7746
32
10780
606150
2600
107684
268
611
18
33
Waukesha
1600
100
Grand Total....
517368
632834
665C60
183106
137400
143042
38447
161
34838
9242
630
5085
168
844
85255
4646
7788602
724793
1184501
The following table, which shows the detail of personal property, is an abstract of the
assessment rolls of the several towns, cities and villages in the county of Waukesha, as returned
to the County Clerk for the year 1879, under the provisions of Chapter 106 of the Revised
Statutes of 1878 :
HORSES.
NEAT CATTLE.
MULES AND
ASSES.
SHEEP AND
LAMBS.
SWINE.
WAGONS, CAR-
RIAGES AND
SLEIGHS.
WATCHES.
PIANOS AND
MEL0DE0N8
BANE
STOCK.
TOWNS.
1
B
1
.a
a
9
1
.a
a
S'
1
s
E
1"
a
p
1
p
1
i
P
Brookfield
848
584
459
478
706
814
610
494
484
767
385
706
227
727
481
606
840
837596
24664
25181
18584
33615
40280
28296
24197
21566
42601
18994
36977
13435
36166
23463
24271
45496
2133
1296
1133
1471
1612
1783
1217
1032
1005
1815
1116
1864
187
1710
1618
1170
1808
$28764
14740
16741
16730
18626
23849
15411
13106
14613
28157
15892
25731
3737
22496
21063
15031
27602
10
$1310
1822
5932
5782
6730
6417
1831
4411
8436
3061
3816
3872
3316
297
5870
2768
10186
7393
$2824
8739
12432
9176
11363
6440
8516
15941
4614
7683
6753
6714
638
11296
4879
19841
14228
1119
1441
1009
1365
1165
1514
1116
1181
975
1360
1172
1807
221
1319
1212
1474
1347
$3605
2834
2572
2336
2196
3257
2609
2709
2009
3565
1913
4289
629
2520
2943
3366
2802
798
496
425
269
438
607
408
822
213
719
236
464
303
642
446
344
866
$15487
7317
8241
4283
9290
16602
8860
6866
2732
11963
3772
10310
12608
12298
11143
6134
27120
30
10
41
6
12
4
14
53
$540
205
606
140
325
95
400
795
43
20
33
43
36
29
38
28
$2215
906
1576
1200
1220
1495
2300
1206
Delafleld
Eagle
4
136
Lisbon
2?
6
9
4
3
13
2
1
10
7
7
8
3^
1730
310
605
160
110
765
,200
20
640
376
321
616
Menomonee
._....
Muskego
New Berlin
24
6
41
172
39
63
10
249
406
. 136
831
3487
1155
1383
160
6143
38
83
47
29
18
128
1680
110
1942
7685
3290
1746
740
10300
Ottawa
Oconomowoc
Oconomowoc City
Pewaukee
Summit
600
S50000
Total
10105
$494248
23£72
$322277
118
$7511
80969
$160945
20707
$46147
7986
$274927
773
$16806
643
$39607
600
S50000
inSTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
45T
TOWNS.
a|
it
o p
o
2E
eg
FARMING LANDS.
o bO
13 ^■
-J -a ^
o <a 15
H
So
B CO
5
T3 ea
CO °
^5 s
o c s
J « «3
o ^ »
?£■£
Brookfield....
Delafleld
Eagle
GfeaeBee
Lieboa
Menomonee...
Merton
Mukwonago..
Muskego
New Berlin...,
Ottawa
Oconomowoc .
Oconomowoc C'y
Pewaakee
Summit
Vernon
Waukesha
$2976
10290
16696
B900
3975
12650
13350
6875
1660
1300
800
5260
80765
5800
2400
96415
890904
97906
25150
40913
72240
90043
110741
42038
6375
84348
41536
77628
199209
97166
182.533
33784
,317416
S186219
167589
109329
163072
195441
196791
114237
62698
181703
90670
169772
322013
191773
249524
106047
696020
22190
20616
22907
22891
23030
22984
20735
23174
19128
24886
22524
20174
934
20841
19892
22207
21888
?38 90
22 47
16 05
21 42
27 75
36 22
28 94
24 63
26 60
39 14
15 67
30 67
97 11
33 11
32 15
27 27
41 27
$863200
461085
367697
490334
639241
832234
ooo'ieo
670965
609920
944939
360864
61686(:
90706
690170
639620
606764
903366
39335
33200
51466
"37666
12755
678046
134690
1005290
$1049419
683634
516361
622796
792314
1079340
796960
722767
661918
1126642
441634
798387
990767
1016633
889144
711811
2507269
127
308
773
766
285
630
1013
261
273
663
260
77
$14650'
11965
68300!
16845
13060
30600
46650
6630
11586
34414
6150
4500
6820
11207
13540
6726
19690
26160
2806
6890
24250
2605
2060
$116 50
38 85
75 29
22 00
46 82
57 73
45 96
21 67
42 43
60 77
24
68 44
2,5721
36536
23600
36765
1.5265
17020
3410
17540
60 09
57 71
81 94
66 24
$1016066
640420
342871
507060
637661
839237
601034
534895
607960
949920
351637
760490
62702
731240
605038
1076275
$197667
139720
100391
116948
127686
188673
192052
86197
51983
169976
104172
166899
361463
207795
2670G4
121969'
6722631
$1212632
741035
498777
662236
766147
1077698
793086
656102
559U4S
111988S
466709
936439
1935340
106897&
949923
72700T
2431673
Total $267090 $1614816 $3281169 349900 $32 89 $10176322 $1947309 $15308376 7130 $376870 $183867 $64 68 $10746166 J3ie0S17'$16691514
The following table, testified to under oath as correct by the Assessors, shows how the
various crops were divided, as to acreage, in 1879, in the different towns :
NUMBER
OF AOBES.
MILCH COWS
.a
if
1
n
1
S
2
S
S,
1
o
"o
i
1
i
APPLE
ORCHARDS
s
i
&
OH
i
15
TOWNS.
0 s
= .2 S
0 oi M
i>
Brookfield
2227
2468
1949
2223
3308
3468
4020
2399
1996
2180
1939
3500
67
2750
17.36
1201
1911
1218
881
2979
1139
1322
1550
1400
1900
1716
1342
1360
1308
62
1263
1330
1176
1472
1249
709
1443
963
1479
2660
1460
1907
1400
1265
646
927
48
1224
1416
610
1245
1672
360
11
130
1446
1260
001
49
421
886
25
717
51
1060
218
178
639
288
127
888
238
29
140
180
782
367
446
753
139
12
110
450
110
279
386
93
118
66
317
406
142
137
346
372
1(13
ICl
8
2CG
102
181
325
3
18
14
13
46
40
8
8
6
10
4
1
19
470
15100 1 ! 3422
3335 . . .-. "■nt
2600
2546
3590
2479
3076
3600
4658
3144
2170
4086
2944
2135
46
2438
1676
1382
2872
1232
440
684
593
589
810
713
636
430
970
852
752
41
930
818
337
10003
$19040
Eagte
26
4
'"26
1
177
161
223
267
101
190
160
410
134
208
12
290
64
460
279
7181 3 4
4060 2
6658 1 8,".
31 2906
19,-,IJ
imiT
11549
10320
5652
,..
6842
2636
12160
11400
7029
4020
11650
4191
4693
149
11540
332
7164
8788
"26
11
4
2004
5269
7736
7295
2194
134
2574
2008
039
Ottawa
15^
15410
Oconomowoc City
996
Fewaukee
1 0010
Summit
1066O
Vernon
131
22
495S
Waukesha
3176
19956
Grand Total
39387
22424
19692'9514
5338
3528
224
60
364:-,
111762
43, 132
3
,54303
45440
20639
$1(1877T
In 1850, John Gilbraith was awarded a gold medal for some samples of ninety-six acres of
flax raised by him about four miles from Mukwonago. In 1848, a squash was taken to Wau-
kesha from Genesee to be weighed, which tipped the beam at eighty-six pounds.
In 1860, F. B. Ward, of Brookfield, became noted for producing a crop of potatoes, some
of which weighed three and one-fourth pounds. J. Woodruff, of Lisbon, exhibited one that
weighed three and one-eighth pounds, and Mr. Heath, of Pewaukee, exhibited a beet weighing
sixteen and one-fourth pounds, and a radish weighing twelve pounds.
FIRST UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
By far the larger portion of the people of the present day have no correct idea of what
meaning was intended to be conveyed by the term "underground railroad," as it was used in
the early days of active Abolitionism. Very many think it was literally a railway for the
passage of locomotives and cars beneath the surface of the earth, and have inquired where the
ruins of one could be seen. For the purpose of properly explaining a term familiar to all
458 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Waukesha from thirty-five to thirty-seven years ago, if for no other reason, an extended account
of how passengers traveled by that famous line might properly be given in this work ; but there
are still more weighty reasons for historically preserving such an account, as the first under-
ground railroad established in Wisconsin had Waukesha for its northern terminus ; was estab-
lished by Lyman Goodnow, its first conductor, a Waukesha man, with some help from his
neighbors, and the first passenger was Caroline Quarlls, whom he safely conducted by this line
from Waukesha to Canada. Mr. Goodnow, still a resident of Waukesha, and whose mind and
body are strong and active, tells the story substantially as follows :
'•There probably was never more excitement in old Prairieville than during the search for,
and escape of Caroline, a fugitive slave girl from St., Louis. In fact the whole county — then
Milwaukee, was in a fermentation, and the leading citizens of the day, many of whom afterward
became prominent in the State and nation, were the chief' actors in that long-to-be-remembered
drama of reality.
" A man by the name of Quarlls left Connecticut many years ago, emigrated to Virginia
when the country was new, and was married to a squaw. His son's son was the father of our
heroine ; so that probably her great-grandmother was a squaw. Mrs. Hall, her mistress, was her
father's sister, and her own aunt. Caroline cam,e into the hands of this aunt on the death of
her father. Caroline was an octoroon, probably. She had a straight nose, thin lips, skin not
very dark, and a slender form of medium height. Although quite intelligent, she could not
read or write. She was fifteen or sixteen years of age when in Waukesha. Her master was
Charles R. Hall, a merchant at St. Louis, who formerly lived in Kentucky. Caroline was
probably never badly abused while in bondage, though occasionally whipped in addition to being
deprived of her freedom. She was brought up to do fine sewing, embroidery, and probably to
wait upon her mistress. She was not allowed to attend church on the Sabbath, but was locked
in the house to " scrub paints," as she called it.
"Although her mother was dead, Caroline had a stepfather, who never had been a slave,
and who made quite a pet of her. The jewelry she had while here probably came from him, for
he was well off, with a good trade, that of a blacksmith.
"Caroline wished to be free. She meditated on the subject for a long time, listened to all
the talk about the North for a year or more, and conversed with her stepfather on the subject,
though no one suspected her intention. Her mistress became angry at her one day, and cut off
her hair, which was long and beautiful. That decided her to run away as soon as possible.
She was some time in perfecting her plans. She managed in some way to possess herself of
^100, and when the opportunity came for her to go, threw a bundle of clothes out of the window,
after obtaining permission of her mistress to go and see a sick girl of her acquaintance. She
kissed the sick girl, bade her good-bye, went back, picked up hei; clothes, and walked down to
the ferry. The boat was just ready to start, it being about 5 o'clock P. M. Caroline must
have had some experience in traveling, for she went up with unsuspicious naturalness and bought
a ticket to Alton, 111., where there was a school for young ladies. She wore a quantity of rich
jewelry, stayed on deck in the daytime, with other young ladies, and when there was dancing
she danced. She thus excited no suspicion, being no darker skinned than many other of the
young ladies who attended the seminary. I suppose she acted a little strange at Alton, for a
colored man, who was at the wharf, asked her if she was a slave escaping, and she said "no;"
but he watched her, and making up his mind differently, told her if she was, not to stay in
Alton. So after staying a day, the darkey put her on the stage for Milwaukee. She rode night
and day till she reached that city. As she left the stage at the Milwaukee House, she saw a
colored man by the name of Titball, who was a barber, and went to him, supposing th^t he
would be a friend to her — a correct conclusion, as he had himself been a slave. He took her to
his home, where she remained a week or more. ,
" The first that people in Milwaukee knew about the affair, lawyers came, about a week
after her arrival, from her master to take her back. They came upon Titball and asked him if
he knew anything about Caroline. He told them that she was at his house. He then managed
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 459
to send a boy who was working with him, with orders to take Caroline to a certain place. He
intended to get some money out of the lawyers, but the boy (who had also been a slave), did not
take her to the place designated by Titball.
" The St. Louis lawyer, Spencer, desired to proceed according to law, and therefore con-
sulted H. N. Wells, an Anti-slavery Democrat, who afterward became a Judge. Although Aboli-
tionism had not then entered into politics and Mr. Wells was a Democrat, he would have nothing
to do with Spencer and the other St. Louis lawyers, but visited the office of Finch & Lynde, and
laughed about the aifair with them, who, being thus set upon the track, hid the girl away in
the grubs and brush until night. I am not sure whether Mr. Lynde (the ex- Congressman, Will-
iam Pitt Lynde), aided his partner, Asahel Finch, or not.
" Spencer not getting help from Wells, went to another lawyer, Jonathan E. Arnold (who
had run for Congress on a Whig ticket the year before), who turned right in with them. They
then went to Titball, and he took them to his house, but, of course, did not find the girl. The
lawyers were afraid they would lose Caroline, and ofiFered the barber $100 to produce her. So
he took them to where he supposed she was hidden, but, not finding her, the lawyers thought
the darkey was fooling them, and were going to kick him. He convinced them, however, of his
honesty of purpose to help them, and saved himself a kicking, which he no doubt richly
deserved — but he lost his $100.
" At night, Asahel Finch took her across the river, and the story was she was headed up
in a barrel, but it was a sugar hogshead or crockery cask, which stood between the road and
sidewalk, between what is now Grand avenue and Kilbourn Town. The cask stood in front of
a darkey's one-story house, which was raised up from the ground so that a person could see
under it from the street. The house was so small one could look all through it from the side-
walk, the doors standing open, for it was the month of August. The people would slip some-
thing to eat under the cask when no one saw them, which enabled Caroline to remain hidden
under the cask until night, when she fell into the hands of Samuel Brown, father of the present
Mayor of Milwaukee, who then lived on a farm a mile or more from the city, but whose farm is
now part of the city. He took her home, and kept her there one night. The next night, he
■ started to Pewaukee with her, in an old rickety wagon, which he was afraid would break down
before he reached his destination.
" Just before he struck the main road, Mr. Brown heard voices and stopped till some men
on horseback passed. The party proved to be Jonathan E. Arnold, Alexander F. Pratt, the
lawyer Spencer, and one or two others. They had been to Prairieville (now Waukesha), ' that
Abolition hole,' as it was then called, to find Caroline, having lost track of her in Milwaukee.
Mr. Brown's wagon did break down before he reached Pewaukee, arid he placed the saddle,
which he had taken the precaution to put in his wagon, on the horse and took the girl on with
him. He took her to Father Dougherty's, who lived between two and three miles north of
Pewaukee Village, where she was kept concealed two or three weeks.
" In the mean time, the parties who wanted her were searching all over the country, offering
rewards for her capture. They made their headquarters at Peter Jones' tavern, the ' Prairie-
ville House,' thinking she must be in Prairieville or near there, it was so strongly impregnated
with Abolitionism. They did not leave a stone unturned to find her, keeping watchers out at
night on all the bridges and roads leading to the place. A yoiing lady while going to watch
with a sick girl (who afterward died), at Rev. 0. F. Curtis', was followed and the house watched
to find out if she was not Caroline.
" Two men, who afterward held the highest position in the State (that of Governor), were
found employed watching an opportunity to deliver a poor slave girl to her master. They did
not watch boldly and openly, but on the sly. One of the wealthy citizens of Prairieville went
to a new house just outside the village, pretending to want the plan, but really to see if he could
get some trace of Caroline, the $300 reward oflfered for her capture being a great temptation.
Although there was so much excitement among the pro-slavery people at this time, who were all
stirred up and rushing from one place to another, trying to stir up the people and find Caroline,
460 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
the Abolitionists were as quiet as might be, seeming to take no interest whatever in the matter,
and the pro-slaveryites could gain nothing from them. The St. Louis lawyers and their friends,
among whom were several of the prominent citizens of Milwaukee and Prairieville, defied the
Abolitionists to keep Caroline away from them, saying the law was being violated by so doing,
and vengeance would soon be visited on their heads. But Caroline's friends could not be pro-
voked into any conversation or argument. The hangers-on at the Prairieville House were
watching the every movement of every Abolitionist. The gang went to Deacon Mendall's,
threatening him with some sort of violence, as he was a stanch anti-slaveryite, and supposed to
know something of Caroline's whereabouts. They found him in the field engaged at hilling
potatoes. The lawyers demanded to know the Deacon's opinion of his crime of law-breaking
' Why,' replied the Deacon, ' I didn't know as hilling potatoes was breaking the law.' ' You are
harboring that slave-girl, which is against the law.'
" 'Well, a bad law is sometimes better broken than obeyed,' said the Deacon, glancing at
his rifle which lay near by in the grass.
" The Deacon's glance at his rifle cooled the slavehunters somewhat, who finally summoned
courage to beg permission to search the house. "
' No, sir, you don't search my house for any slave, ' said Deacon Mendall sternly, and the
crowd, afraid of th^ rifle, marched back to Prairieville. A man over sixty years of age had
frightened them away, single-handed.
" By some hook or crook, some one got sight of Caroline at the Doughertys', and brought
the news straight to the lawyers. They made a rush one Saturday afternoon to effect the cap-
ture. One or two roads turned off" before reaching the house, and this Saturday Caroline sat by
the window looking up the road from which she had an unobstructed view of a mile or more.
She saw several men on horseback coming in that direction ; as they kept straight on toward the
house, she knew they were after her and slipped through the cellar, which was at the back of the
house, and out toward a cornfield, to which she crawled on her hands and knees, and hid in the
back of it till her pursuers went away. The men went into the house bold enough, and inquired
of Mrs. Dougherty if a colored girl was there, and getting no satisfaction from the old lady,
asked to search the premises. She consented, and it did not take long to look through the house,
which was a large claim shanty ; not much chamber nor cellar. They left very reluctantly,
after searching everywhere on the premises, as they supposed. They came to what is now
Pewaukee Village, and passing by Elder Wheelock's, A. F. Pratt told them that ' whatever the
Elder said would be true. He might not tell all, but what he did say could be depended upon. '
They therefore began to talk with him ; asked him if he knew if there was a slave girl around.
He said he had heard there was. They told a plausible story — said they had talked with Deacon
Clinton ; that they understood she wanted to go back, and she could go with them if she wanted
to. If not, they would give her free papers ; and the Deacon said if that was a fact, and she
wanted to go back, it was his duty to give her up if he knew where she was ; thought that was
honorable. Then they said to the Elder :
" ' Do you know where she is ? '
" ' No. '
" ' Can you find her ? '
" ' I think I can. I have a great deal of confidence in the Deacon's judgment. I am
going down to Prairieville to preach to-morrow, and I'll talk it up with the Deacon. Wait till
I get my horse. '
The men thought that very favorable to their prospects, though had they known as much as
they found out afterward, they would have come to a different conclusion. As they came into
Prairieville, the Elder left them and said he would go up to Deacon Clinton's, who lived on his
farm just out of the village, and have a talk with him, and would meet them at night at Jones'
tavern (the Prairieville House), by 10 o'clock, with the Deacon. He meant to keep them
away from Pewaukee neighborhood as long as possible. He then went to Deacon Clinton's and
told them to send a boy for Deacon Mendall. Deacon Mendall came. The Elder told him to
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 461
take a man with him, get the girl away from Pewaukee, and keep out of the roads as much as
possible, for these men might be prowling around, but to lose no time in getting Eer away. The
Elder and Deacon Clinton went as agreed to the Prairieville House at 10 o'clock that night, and
talked and gassed with the men till about 12 o'clock, and finally came to the conclusion that
they would have nothing to do with the matter in any way. Deacon Mendall was a man of
whom the people stood in awe. He had been something of a fighting character in younger
days, but at this time was a good Christian man and a member of the church. He took a man
by the name of Jewett with him, and went to Mr. Dougherty's and brought the girl to Prairie-
ville to Deacon Allen Clinton's (brother to Deacon Edmund Clinton, who also lived on his farm
two miles from the village). That Sunday all of Allen Clinton's folks went to church except
his wife, who stayed with Caroline. That morning a man came to me at church and tried to tell
me about the girl ; but I did not want to hear. 1 told him that the fewer people there were who
knew about it the better ; but in the afternoon Daniel Chandler came to me after church and
told me to have my team ready that night at a place designated a mile west of the village iii
oak openings. I did not dare to take my owji horses out, for I was watched ; but I told him I
would be at the place with horses. So I went to Daniel Chandler and said: " 'Mr. Chandler,
I want your horses to-night, and I don't want you should ask me a question. ' He let me
have his team, a splendid on.e, of which he thought everything. I took the horses after dark,
and went to the woods according to promise. After awhile I heard a whistle and answered it.
By-and-by I heard it again in another direction, and I answered as before. Deacon Alletf Clin-
ton then made his appearance on horseback, Caroline riding with him. Two or three others
came also — Chandler and Deacon Mendall. Caroline was given into my hands. I chose Dea-
con Mendall as company and we started with Caroline curled down in the straw in the bottom of
the wagon for — we had no idea where, but any place of safety. On the way we stopped and got
James Rossman to accompany us. I drove down through Mukwonago and toward Spring
Prairie, thirty miles from Prairieville. We reached Spring Prairie about daylight, and stopped
at Charles Thompson's. He said he would have thrashers that day and it would not be safe to
have the girl there, but he took us to another place in the vicinity, where we left her and turned
toward home as quickly as possible. On the way home in moving my feet around in the straw,
I hit something hard ; on picking it up it proved to be the longest butcher knife I ever saw
(Deacon Mendall, in his earlier days, had been a famous butcher.) I says, 'Deacon, what's
this ? '
" ' 0, it's something I brought along to pick my teeth with,' said the Deacon.
" You can guess what he intended to do if any one had attempted to capture us. We came
home by a difierent route from that on which we went, and found everything serene. We had
not been missed from Prairiville. Those fellows were satisfied she had left the place, and for
two or three days a few friends of us talked of the aiFair, and concluded that though the peo-
ple the girl was with were stanch Abolitionists, we did not know how good managers they were.
The more we talked, the more fearful we were she would be found. Finally, we decided that
one of us should go and take the girl through to some station on the underground railroad,
and they pitched upon me, being an old bachelor with no family to keep me from going, as the
proper one to do the job. At this time, money was not plenty in Prairieville, as every one
was paying for his land. I had to start away with very little money. I rode my horse up to
Deacon Edmund Clinton's, as I always did when I wanted to get him shod, with a rope halter
on, so as not to look suspicious. It was about dark. I told the Deacon I wanted his saddle,
bridle, and all the money he had. ' I am going on a skeerup, and I may be obliged to pay the
Queen a visit before I get back.' He handed me $5, all the money he had by him. That made
$8 with what I had, to start with. I mounted my horse, and started for the oak openings. Went
through North Prairie, Eagle, and through to West Troy. Before reaching the last place it began
to rain, and it was the darkest night I had ever seen. Lost my way two or three times, and did
not reach my destination till 7 or 8 o'clock in the morning. Had scarcely a dry thread on me.
1 had breakfast, baited my horse and dried my clothes till noon. I was startled to find Caroline
4fi2 HISTOBY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
gone. I was more easy, however, when I found they had moved her Tuesday night to
Gardner's Prairie (two miles from Burlington), where she was left ; but they didn't know at
whose house. I started for Gardner's Prairie to hunt her up, and on the way stopped at Elder
Manning's. He had brothers living at Prairieville, and I knew he was a good Abolitionist. He
had not heard there was such a girl as Caroline, and knew nothing about the excitement con-
nected with her case, having been confined to the house by illness. He declared his intention of
going with me to the Prairie to find the girl, in spite of the pleadings of his wife, who thought
it too great a risk to his health, this being his first day out of bed. The weather had cleared,
and we started, the Elder going straight from his bed to his horse. We rode' to Mr. Peffer's,
who, knowing the Elder, upon being questioned, said the girl was there. I was acquainted with
the brothers Arms, Abolitionists, and went to them. They called in two or three other friends
to consult what to do, and, while talking, Dr. Dyer, father of Judge Charles E. Dyer, and still
a resident of Racine County, came along. He proved to be the Commander-in-chief — a strong
Abolitionist, the greatest and best friend to humanity. We could not keep the Doctor from see-
ing the girl ; so we all went down to where she was, and held another consultation, when it was
decided I should take Mr. Chenery's buggy and harness, and continue the journey to safety and
freedom. Dr. Dyer went home and made preparations. He came back with a pillow-case full
of cakes, pies and cheese, to be used in case of an emergency. He . inquired into my finances.
I told him what I had. He commanded the friends to draw their wallets, and he took up
enough to make $20 with what I had. The Doctor gave me a recommendation, the best I ever
read, and an appeal to friends of humanity to assist me without question to the extent of my
asking. I believe there never was an appeal like that written by mortal man before or since.
It would almost stir the heart of a stone.
" While at this place, just before night, who should we see coming up the hill but Arnold
and Spencer, still wearily but doggedly pursuing the fugitive girl. Caroline and myself, as well
as the balance, were unfortunately out in the yard, and the road was in plain sight, but we were
not seen.
" When night came on, we started from Dr. Dyer's, Caroline on the buffalo in the bottom
of the buggy, which covered her so no one would know but that I had a sheep or a quarter of
Veal.
''Mr. Chenery accompanied us to the house of Mr. Perkins (who has a brother now living
• — a great sheep farmer — in Mukwonago). We could • not stop there, as he was to thrash that
day ; so he took us to Elder Fitch, of the Christian denomination, who secreted us and our
horse and buggy till night, when I started on again. The Elder started with us. It com-
menced to rain when we were but a few miles away, and, as we could not go through to Dundee
as we wanted to, a prairie a few miles from McHenry was crossed, though it was so dark we
could not see, on the road to a Christian Methodist named Russell, not an Abolitionist ; but we
had to stop somewhere. Mr. Russell was perfectly willing to assist a slave to freedom. If that
Was being an Abolitionist, he was one. He never knew before what Abolitionism was. I made
him a station-keeper on the underground railroad, which I established along the route.
"In the morning, Elder Fitch went back home, and Russell went with us, through Dun-
dee, to Dr. Root's. That was the first that we traveled by day. He was a double Abolitionist,
like Dr. Dyer. His brother was a minister, and he sent for him and several friends, who came
to see us while we dried out clothes, which were still wet. Started from there at about 2
o'clock, and went to Naperville, fifteen or twenty miles distant. Did not reach there till after
dark. We went to Deacon Fowler's, as the Doctor had told us. There were some young
ladies present of about Caroline's size, and they gave her some clothes, her dress having been
badly torn. They gave her gloves and a thick vail, and also a small reticule into which to put
her jewelry ; so we started from there pretty well stocked. Caroline, being well dressed, after
that sat in the seat.
"As I said, we traveled in the daytime now. I fell in with a Mr. Freeman, who directed
tne toward the underground railroad. We went through Lockport, a few miles from Joliet,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 463
while the people were eating dinner, and of course so occupied that they did not notice us.
Drove eight miles, to Deacon Beach's, which was on the original underground railroad. Mr.
Beach had gone to a church-meeting, it being Saturday afternoon, and the women were very
suspicious, thinking I might be trying to break up the line ; but they gave us dinner and fed
my horse. I went to the place at Hickory Grove they designated, and found myself on the
right road.
" The next day was Sunday, but I thought we had better travel and get away from Chi-
cago vicinity as soon as possible, as Hickory Grove was only about forty miles southeast of that
place. We then made for Beebe's Grove. The people we went to were just starting for
church, so we went to Mr. Beebe's. He made us welcome. He was a very intelligent man,
and had just returned from Chicago, where he saw an advertisement on the docks, ' $300
reward for a colored girl,' but did not pay much attention to the description, though it was no
■doubt offered for Caroline. The clerk of the steamboat on which Caroline left St. Louis was
visiting all the lake ports to advertise her, for the company would be compelled to pay $800 to
her master in case she was not found. This sum they were finally obliged to pay.
" After dinner, we started on our journey, Mr. Beebe accompanying us as far as the school-
house, where their meetings were held. Sunday-school was just out. Beebe said they were
all Abolitionists at the schoolhouse, and he wanted the people to see Caroline. So we stopped
and he told the people her history. Several young ladies, Sunday-school teachers, came out
after church to see Caroline and talk with her. Near by stood one of the ' liberty poles,' so
called, which are common to Northern villages. Turning toward it, she asked them what it
was. They replied properly. ' What is it for ? ' ' To commemorate the birth of liberty in
America,' they answered. ' What do you do with it? ' ' Oh, look at it,' was the reply. 'Who
may look at it ? ' ' Everybody,' said the girls. 'But you said it was a liberty pole ; can a
slave look at it ? How can it commemorate liberty in a country where there are slaves ? Have
you repealed the law [the Fugitive Slave Act], and raised this pole to mark the event ? Do
those who have their liberty have their names written on the pole or in some book ? If not,
how do you know who the pole is for?'
" These and similar searching questions so confused the young ladies that no replies could
be made to Caroline, and their Pastor attempted to reply for them but was not fully equal to
the occasion. She had thoroughly befuddled her visitors, who were glad enough to call her
attention to something besides liberty poles, and their connection with liberty and the Fugitive
Slave Act.
" The next night, a terrific storm brought darkness unusually early, and made it impossible
to reach the next station. I had been told that, in cases of emergency, the Germans were the
next best to Quakers for protection, and we stopped at a big claim shanty occupied by a German
and his wife, begging shelter from the roaring storm that was almost upon us. ' We have no bed for
you, no fires, no wood, and no candles,' said the German, 'but will do what we can for you.' The
horse, which had been half a day without water, was hitched to the fence as quickly as possi-
ble, and when we went in Caroline had already gone to bed with the German's wife. He and I
slept on the floor, or rather I reposed there, not being able to sleep much on account of my poor
horse. As the German had no water, I arose early, hitched up, called Caroline and started on
our journey before daylight, and to this day that kind German woman does not know she slept
with a colored girl who was fleeing from bondage, nor does her husband.
" From La Porte we traveled three days, I think, wholly among Quakers. The men were
all absent from home, attending a Quaker meeting in Ohio. The women refused everywhere to
say anything about any underground railroad, though they usually said : ' Thee can have what
thee wants.' Their homes were, of course, stations on the road, but, fearing I might be an
impostor, they would not let me into any secrets. They would, however, tell me where the next
■Quaker's house was to be found at a convenient distance. After leaving the Quaker settlement,
I was compelled to stop over night about five miles from Climax Prairie, in Michigan, with a
man who did not treat us well. Caroline was given a room in which was an old-fashioned loom.
464 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
On this she hung her reticule, in which were her jewels and the few dollars in money I had
given her for the future. In the hurry of next morning the reticule was forgotten, and the loss
not discovered until we were twenty miles on the journey. The horse was then too tired, ^nd
my destination yet too distant to think of turning back, making forty miles more of travel. I
determined, therefore, to go on, secure the jewels on my return, and forward them to Caroline.
So we pushed on. At Ann Arbor, we were entertained by the editor of the Abolitionist paper
published in that place. Before reaching Detroit, we came across a fleshy colored woman, who
said she had been a slave, but for some time refused to say where she had been in bondage.
Finally, on being shown Caroline's face, she acknowledged being from St. Louis, from which
place she and her husband had escaped in a most romantic and miraculous manner. It was soon
discovered she and Caroline were old acquaintances.
" I also met a gang of thirty-two escaped slaves, on the underground railroad, near Mar-
shall and Battle Creek. They were led by three stout fellows, who went several miles in advance,
engaging work and searching out and marking stations. One of the women weighed over four
hundred pounds, and could not walk. She traveled only in the night. As large as this gang
was, every one was perfectly safe anywhere in the Quaker settlement. Whatever may. be said
against the Quakers by those who do not like them, I must say I never saw or heard of one
who was not an Anti-slaveryite. The same may be said of the Germans, except of som6 of
them who had become Yankeefied.
" We passed through Detroit at 6 o'clock on Tuesday night — about three weeks from home —
while the streets were filled with workmen on their way home. We were not discovered, and
arrived safely at Ambler's, who kept the last station this side of the Detroit River, his house
being only separated from that stream by a narrow street. He was absent, but we were well
cared for, and his wife sent two men — one of whom I had known in the Bast — to take us over
the river. To him I paid twelve shillings, the first money I had paid out in the whole journey,
which, on account of the circuitous route followed by the underground railroad, had extended
over a distance of between five and six hundred miles. After crossing the Detroit River, Car-
oline began crying, and clutched me by the arm, asking if it was possible that she was being
taken back to St. Louis. I talked and explained, but it took some time to clear her mind, that
side of the river appearing to her like the country across from St. Louis. I left Caroline with
Rev. Haskell, or at his house. He was a missionary at Sandwich, Canada.
" The clerk of the steamboat, whose owners were afterward compelled to pay $800 for
transporting Caroline from St. Louis to Alton, was in Detroit when we got there, and had
been watching every ferryboat that crossed the river for a fortnight. How long he remained on
watch I do not know, but he never found Caroline.
" On the road home, I stopped at the place near Climax Prairie where Caroline left the
jewelry. [At this prairie is a junction of the underground railroad from the Ohio River.],
The man refused to give up the reticule. His excuse was, that probably Caroline would return
for it, and then there would be trouble. I argued every way with him that I could think of,
but all to no purpose. He was not only stubborn, but mean and stingy. Finally I asked him
if he would take ample security, to which, after an unaccountable amount of squirming, he con-
sented, promising to receive Dr. Thayer's bond for the jewelry and money. The Doctor, who
was another Dr. Dyer — a double Abolitionist — lived at Climax Prairie, five miles distant, to whose
place I started on foot, my horse being very tired, at 9 o'clock Saturday evening. The Doctor
was away attending patients, and I started after him. Not knowing the roads, I got lost, and,
after a long delay, reached the place where he had been, just a few moments too late. I then
returned to the Doctor's house, reaching it late, or rather early in the morning, where I was
wiven a bed for an hour before breakfast, the Doctor being still absent. He returned Sunday,
and, when I told him my errand, he spared no invectives or profanity in attempting to satis-
factorily express his indignation. He sat down at once and wrote one of the strongest obliga-
tions I ever saw, with which I returned for the reticul'e. Even after all my trouble, and after
promising to take Dr. Thayer's bond, this meansouled individual delayed a long time before he
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 465
would give up the valuables. I was terribly exasperated, but talked as coolly and politely as I
could until the reticule was recovered, when I gave him as much deserved abuse as I could com-
mand, and I wish I could recall his name now, that the world might know what kind of men
inscrutable Providence has from time to time permitted to. live in it. I returned to Milwaukee,
and to Father Dougherty's, in the town of Pewaukee, in both of which places Caroline had left
whatever she possessed. I immediately gathered everything together, and with the money and
lewels, forwarded them to her at Sandwich, Canada, through Dr. Porter, at Detroit, who wrote
me afterward that they reached their destination.
" On the road home — I was from home five weeks — I was repeatedly bantered, friends
inquiring if I did not expect old Tenny [Chief Justice Taney, who afterward delivered the
notorious Dred Scott decision,-] would soon have my hide on the collar-beam.
" Caroline had $80 when she reached Milwaukee, which she placed in the hands of Titball,
the ex-slave barber, before mentioned, who at first befriended her, and then attempted to sell her
to the 8lav6-hunters. When I went to him for it, he said he never had but $40 of Caroline's
money, and even this he refused to pay. I sued him and got a judgment, which I called paid
when Titball died, about thirty-five years ago. He had his shop in the Milwaukee House, and
it was the finest barber-shop in Milwaukee.
" When Caroline was on the road to Canada, she was asked if she could read or write. ' I
can't write,' said she, 'but I can read; I know as much as half my letters.' Since then,
she seems to have learned the use of a pen, for I received the following, which contained more
errors, however, in punctuation and spelling, than here appear :
" ' Sandwich, April 18, 1880.
" ' Dearest Friend: Pen and ink could hardly express my joy when I heard from you once more. I am living
and have to work very hard ; but I have never forgotten you nor your kindness. I am still in Sandwich — the same
place where you left me. Just as soon as the Postmaster read the name to me — your name — my heart filled with joy
and gladness, and I should like to see you once more before I die, to return thanks for your kindness toward me. I
would like for you to send me one of the books you were speaking about.
" ' Dearest friend, you don't know how rejoiced I feel since I heard from you. Answer this as soon as you get
it, and let me know how you are, and your address.
" ' Direct your letter to .Caroline Watkina, Sandwich, Ontario.
" ' Caroline Watkins.'
" The envelope was quaintly directed in this manner : ' mr lymun Goodnow Warekesha
Wis in haste U S '
" After receiving this letter, I sent a series of questions to Caroline, to which she sent
me promptly an answer, dated April 23, 1880, at Sandwich, and which is verbatim et literatim,
as follows :
" ' Dear Friend : — i received you letter and was glad you was well and doing well it leaves me in not very good
health. I did mary a man on Col. princess farm by the name of Watkins but he was considerable elder than i was
and had children by his first wife as old as i was but she was sold from her children in slavery and before she got to
the end of her journey she killed herself. I learned to read and write in Canada went to school the first year after i
came here to Askins i was here nearly three years before i was married. My husbands occupation is a cook i got a
pretty good living but by working pretty hard for it, but i am not very happy. I have heard from St. Louis several
times since i came by my cousin who served her time out and got free and came here my old Mistress is dead and my
Master is married again that is Charles R Hall i knew about me having property left me before i came away perhaps
if i had of stayed until i became of age 1 could have got it and perhaps not, there was not but only two of us, i had
one sister but she died before i came away. I have forgotten how long i was going from Alton to Milwaukee by stage.
Mr. Potts was the minister that my master and his wife went to and they were Presbyterians my husband was once a
slave born in richmond Virginia belonged to a man by the name of William watkins after he died he fell heir to a
widow in kentucky by the name of Nancy Cleveland and remained there until he eame to Canada. I have six chil-
dren three boys and three girls three married and three single the youngest is 16 a boy my oldest boy is a farmer and
my other boy is in Cincinnati my youngest girl 18 is at home and i am trying to educate her for a school teacher only
she has had quite a impediment in her speech they have all very good educations — Mr. Askell is dead he moved away
from here the second year after I came here he was not the man as professed to be he had some very dark traits
about him my grandfather and father both was born in richmond Virginia then emigrated to St. Louis my father was
name Robert Prior Quarlis i was born in St. Louis "on the corner of pine and sixth streets. I got the box out of my
masters store room and hid it in a cherry hedge i left on the 4th of July my mistress folks treated me well enough for
466 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
a slave. Yes i have been whipped yes i had to do the house work for i was kept for that purpose. I told my grand-
mother that i was going to Canada but i was so young that she did not pay any attention to me nor any the rest of
them .
" ' I have answered all the questions you have asked me until the next time good bye.
" ' Caroline Watkins.' "
The letter is published without correction, as its errors are the proof of its genuineness.
Thus ends the story, every detail of which is known to be true, of the first escape of a slave
not only from Waukesha County, but from the Territory of Wisconsin, the closing incident being
the receipt of the above letters thirty-seven years after Caroline was hidden in Prairieville, or in
its vicinity. Connected with incidents like this, the name of Lyman Goodnow will never be
erased from the richest pages of American history.
PIONEEK REMINISCENCES.
The old settlers of the county were personally and publicly requested to furnish papers for
this chapter, one of the most entertaining and instructive in the book, as it furnishes the truest
insight into all the early modes of living, doing business and weaving the social fabric. Some
have responded, but many have not, urging that they were too busy, had forgotten the stories
of their early lives, or were too old to write. The chapter contains a few unimportant errors in
dates and names, which, however, will be found referred to correctlj in other portions of the
book, especially that portion of A. F. Pratt's which states that Mrs. McMillan was the first
woman in the county.
By Nathaniel Walton, 1880.
Among the " old settlers " of Waukesha County, I think it safe to record myself and my
wife, Mrs. Laura Walton. We started from Genesee County, N. Y., with four children, Feb-
ruary 2, 1836, for the " Far West," as it was then called. The journey was begun in the
midst of the snows and storms of a very cold winter, and our route took us through a part of
Canada, across Michigan, around the lower part of Lake Michigan, through Chicago, then a
little village, and on to Milwaukee, arriving there the last of March. We were at the end of
the road, so concluded we must be at our destination, at least for_a time. Having four horses
to feed, I went out to get some grain, and found oats at $4 a bushel, and poor at that. During
the summer, I concluded to go a little farther west of the lake.
At that time, tlere were only paths extending westward from Milwaukee, wide enough for
horses in single file. I took my team and started with a party of surveyors and broke the first
wagon road through to Waukesha, clearing away such forest trees as were necessary and bridg-
ing the streams in a rude way.
In October of that year, I brought my family to Waukesha, and the experience of the first
day in their new home was simply a foretaste of many more to follow. Three travelers soon
came, wanting to engage board, and thenceforward for some time the little cabin in the center
of the prairie was known as the "Lighthouse" and the "Travelers' Home." Our most
numerous neighbors were wolves and Pottawatomie Indians. They were very social — in fact,
altogether too social.
I was the first Deputy Sheriff appointed for this vicinity. Other whites, in addition to
the few already here, soon began to settle around us within the radius of a mile. This had at
least one advantage, for, as the settlers had none of the usual Sabbath-day privileges, one
devout Christian began imnjediately to observe regular hours of "secret prayer," and on such
occasions, all the neighbors within half a mile could plainly hear his every word. The service
for the first sermon preached was held in my house, the clergyman officiating being that good
Methodist, Father Wheelock. From this time, every denomination met in the same room for
service until there was a schoolhouse built. The first Baptist Church was formed there, with
eleven members.
Mr. Juneau engaged one room of the house to open the first store. He furnished the goods
and a young man named Terrell acted as his agent. Afterward, when the course of travel removed
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 467
toward the heart of the prairie, the store was removed there, and the room thus left vacant was
occupied by Mrs. Emma Griffin, wife of Rev. Mr. Griffin, now living at Pewaukee, to open the
first select school.
The register showed the names of fifteen scholars, !).mong whom were the still well-remem-
bered names of Mendall, Love, Jackson and others. When the first district school was organ ■
ized, John M. Wells was the teacher.
The early settlers of Waukesha were patriotic citizens. As early as 1839, they thought
they ought to gather together to celebrate their country's independence, and, as no more suita-
ble shelter was found, my new barn was selected. The Declaration of Independence was read
by David Jackson, then acting as Postmaster ; an address was delivered by Mr. Rockwood, and
dinner provided by Mrs. Walton.
Although suffering some inconveniences and privations at first, we have many things to be
thankful for. We have lived forty four years on one place, and the family, consisting of nine
children, has seen no death.
By Lyman Goodnow, 1880.
No one comes to Waukesha County nowadays without some good reason, and the reasons
are so manifold and all good that no one thinks of attaching any importance to knowing what
they are. But everything was different forty-three years ago — a period of time covering more
than four-sevenths of man's allotted time on earth. Therefore, the people of to-day very fre-
quently ask why the first settlers came to this wilderness ; what were the inducements ; what
the prospects. Several circumstances combined to result in my coming West, as is probably the
case with all emigrants. To begin with, I was born in old Rutland, Worcester Co., Mass.,
Feb. 12, 1799 — before the death of the Father of his country — and partook somewhat of the
rugged, hardy character of my native section. I possessed a keen desire to do something, to
get along in the world — in short, to make money, but had nothing with which to do it. My
early education was somewhat neglected, much the same as nature apparently had failed to
round and soften the bold hills and barren rocks of Worcester ; but I wanted to do something.
I accompanied my parents, Asa and Lydia Warren Goodnow, in 1805, to Potsdam, St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., a county wilder and rougher than the surroundings of my Bay State home.
There I first went to a common school — very common, indeed — walking four miles and sitting
in a barn at that. I followed farming until 1820, in St. Lawrence County, after leaving school,
when I went to Canada and began lumbering, taking along a span of horses. There I made
money, and at one time could have bought the land on which the city of Ottawa, the capital Of
Canada and seat of the splendid Rideau Hall, now stands, for $600, payments to be made in
sums of $100 for six years. Three years later, 100 acres of the site sold for $8,000, and now
the place is valued at millions and millions of dollars. After meeting with serious financial
reverses, I left Canada and began business in Massachusetts, at Lowell, engaging extensively
and successfully in contracting and building. When a lull ensued in the building operations, I
began the railroad business, where I was again laid out, financially speaking. My attention
was then turned to the West. My brother, E. W., and my sister, Mrs. Allen Clinton, had
already settled in what is now Waukesha County, in the southern portion of the town of
Pewaukee, and were sending back glowing accounts of the fertility of the soil and the beauty of
the country. Having, after thorough inquiry, learned that my kind and style of people were
settling in that section, I determined to emigrate to Wisconsin Territory. Before coming on to
" Ouisconsin," however, I spent three years and over boating into Buffalo, N. Y. In Septem-
ber, 1837, I shipped on the schooner Toledo, the largest one on the lakes, and arrived at Mil-
waukee in October, after a terribly stormy passage. I gazed curiously at the few white brick
buildings then in "Milwacky," thinking, of course, from their color, that they were temporary
structures of unbaked brick, as the raw brick in the East were of a similar clayey color. It
was some time before that erroneous idea was gotten out of my head. After spending one night
there, I started on foot for Prairieville (now Waukesha), stopping for dinner with Robert Curran,
468 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
whose log house was the first in the town of Brookfield, and who is now a respected resident of
the village of Waukesha. About the middle of the afternoon of the second Friday in October,
I came upon Henry Bowron, now a resident of Delafield, and others, building the old Prairie-
ville House, of logs, a little northeast of the present court house. I asked them to direct me to
Prairieville. "Why," said they, "you are right on the main street." I was surprised enough,
for there was no street worth mentioning, and the place was a jungle of hazel-bush, oak under-
brush and poplar saplings. This jungle extended all over the present site of the business
portion of the village — where stand the American House, bank. Exchange Hotel and all bus-
iness blocks — down to the river, where Alonzo R. Cutler had a " claim shanty," of logs, called the
"mill claim." Morris D. Cutler also had a "claim shanty," of logs, where his present resi-
dence, in the midst of a beautiful park, is located. B. S. McMillan's log house, which was
the first tavern, so-called, stood near where the jail now stands, and was occupied by David
Jackson, who was Postmaster. Solomon Juneau had an Indian store where the Catholic Church
How is, Alonzo Cutler having donated a lot to him as a consideration for opening it ; the store
Was not kept by Mr. Juneau, but by his brother-in-law, a half-breed, I think. Nathaniel
Walton had a log house where he now resides, on the street leading to the Industrial School.
The Olin brothers had a log house a little northeast of the present village. Robert Love had a
good log house near the Bethesda Spring, and was building a frame addition to it when I
arrived. Richard and Isaac Smart had claim shanties south of the present village, and Ethan
Owen had a log house on the west side of the river, near the present dam ; and farther north,
was another claim shanty, afterward occupied by Maj. Pratt. On the hill, in the edge of the
present town of Pewaukee, was a very large double log house, built for a tavern, though never
used as such. This Owen's daughter ferried travelers across the Fox River, and in Robert
Love's house, religious services were held, until the log schoolhouse was built, and in it, I think,
the first church organization was formed. I nearly forgot Joel E. Bidwell, who had a log house
near Spencer's Spring, on the hill west of the river, and the log house built by Edmund Clinton,
farther west from Bidwell's, and occupied by three families. It was a small h6use, and with the
families of Deacon Edmund D. Clinton, George A. Hine, Deacon Allen Clinton, my brother
and myself, made a nestful, and no mistake. But it was all right and pleasant in those days,
and everything went off in good shape.
The next day after arriving, I took a rifle and started to locate some land. No one knew
of a claim to be made, but everybody had claims to sell. I could have "jumped " one almost
anywhere, as nearly everybody had taken more than the law allowed. My first work was shav-
ing the old-fashioned, long Ohio shingles for Edmund D. Clinton, from a black-oak cut on
" Cutler's opening." While I was "butting" this log for the saw, I heard the surveyors com-
ing. They run- their line across the log and passed on to what is now Walton's coruer, about
eighty rods from the Fountain House, where they turned and passed down to the river at a point
a few rods above the Hygiea Spring. This party was surveying the first road in the town of
Waukesha. It was run out from Milwaukee, four rods wide, and was intended to be laid out
to Madison. It was never a prominent road, however, being too roundabout, and never was laid
out beyond Waukesha.
In the fall of 1837, I helped to build the first schoolhouse in what is now Waukesha County,
under the hill on the west side of the river, about east of Thomas Spencer's tower, and a
famous building it afterward became. No other building in the county ever witnessed such
earnest meetings, such lively debates, or such astonishing temperance and anti-slavery eloquence
from men in the common walks of life — men without the slightest training in the arts of oratory.
I also helped to build the first bridge over the Fox River, and with my brother, Edward
W., and brother-in-law, Allen Clinton, built the first frame house in the county. It now is the
home of Austin Waite. Both were built in 1837, I believe.
I opened the first stone-quarry in the county, having rented the land of M. D. Cutler, and
also built the first limekiln, burning the first lime off'ered for sale. But there was no profit
in either. People had little or no money then, but I wanted to see the place growing and
^. ^ -^^f^
PEWAU KEE
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 471
prosperous, so never refused any one stone, lime or sand. Scores of them never paid their debts
till they paid them by death, and the grim messenger has not yet come to settle some of my
old accounts, which have been drawing interest from thirty-five to forty years.
But for all that, I dwell upon the memory of those early days with lingering pleasure and
affection. We had no politics and few distractions. We were all friends — all willing to help
one another. The petty jealousies that mar the peace of to-day found no place among us then.
There was no aristocracy — one was as good as another, if he behaved as well, and no different
thoughts were entertained. We were very radical, however, in our views of right and wrong,
and made those views felt. A large class held tenaciously to the most rigid temperance reform
and anti-slavery doctrines, and carried them into nearly all business, political, social and church
relations. We opposed bad men everywhere ; supported all fugitive slaves who came to us, and
worked like beavers for the right. All this told upon those who at first opposed us, having
come from localities where different ideas had always prevailed, and at last nearly all were
arrayed upon one side, making Waukesha the most famous headquarters for the radicals in Wis-
consin, as it was the strongest and furtherest advanced.
Waukesha has now settled down to more quiet, humdrum ways, except the bustle of selling
mineral water and caring for our summer guests — all our battles but one having been won, and
the fruits, rich and abundant, gathered and stored. That one is the conflict between liquor and
abstinence, and I have lived long enough to see the former taking a more advanced position in
the fight than it occupied forty years ago, as well as to see this such a rich, prosperous and
beautiful country as not one of us in those early days ever expected could be made of it. I
can be pardoned for wishing that I might take a look at the valley of the Fox River in 1980.
After taking a rest — for a man in his eighty-second year needs to rest pretty often — I have
been thinking over the above. I feel like adding a little more, though it will not join on right
beautifully. , My father, Asa Goodnow, was born in old Stow, Middlesex. He was the third of
five brothers. He had eight sisters ; all had large families, and all lived to old age. Their
mother's name was' Knight, from England ; she lived to be ninety-eight years of age. Our
name Goodnow probably sprung from the name of a Russian count. My mother's name was
Warren, daughter of Thaddeus Warren. You look at the record of the Mayflower and you will
find the same name. She died of consumption, as did also two sisters and a brother, who died
in Bombay, East India, as missionaries. I was sixteen years of age when mother died. She
had three brothers who lived to be over eighty years of age and one ninety-six years of age;
four sisters lived to be eighty and one ninety-four years of age. Her father and mother were
eighty-four and eighty-eight ; both were buried in one grave, dying only twelve hours apart,
Gen. Hastings Warren, of Middlebury, Vt., was my mother's brother,tand also John Warren
who built the first cotton-factory in Vermont.
After landing in Milwaukee in 1837, I paid 3 cents the next morning to cross the Mil-
waukee River, and started for Prairieville on foot and alone. Took the woods above Kilbourn-
town, came out to Wauwatosa and found Hart's mill had just began sawing. I found numerous
claims secured by patches of turnips, as the claim law required something to be raised. The
road was through a heavily tinlbered country till I passed Poplar Creek, where I came to oak
openings. I liked the looks of the country better, but did not like the grubs and hazel brush.
I traveled on, expecting every minute to find a prairie. I soon came in sight of a small prairie
and soon arrived at Prairieville. I crossed the Fox River in a canoe just above where the dam
now is. Started west through the openings to Allen Clinton's, my brother-in-law. Reached
the bluffs north of the river and began to think Prairieville was worth something. I came to
a log house, not more than 18x20 feet, with three families living in it and had boarders. The
two Clintons had large families. I turned in and helped E. D. Clinton build another log house,
and then helped to build the old log schoolhouse and a log bridge. I took a job to cut and split
5,000 rails and draw them onto the prairie at $30 per 1,000. I bought a yoke of oxen. In
the spring, I helped on a dam for a saw-mill built by Clinton & Hine. Then I dug on the race
that now carries the grist-mill. John Gale, Jr., built it. In August, a man by the name of
472 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Perry and I bought a prairie team — five yoke of oxen. We went and broke up sixty acres of
land for Ben Jenkins, of Jenkinsville, Genesee. It was the same team that broke up the Hodg-
son farm, owned by Mr. Payne.
I sold claims here for a year or two, until the great land sale in 1839.
All the politics I found here was Kilbourn and Sweet. Kilbourn for the Rock River Canal,
and Sweet opposing it. Excitement ran high sometimes.
At the land sale, I bought a piece of land joining some that Allen Clinton bought of Will-
iam T. Bidwell. After the land sale, I helped Allen Clinton build a neat log house on his
place. That winter, he and I borrowed rails enough of Uncle Sam to fence his farm. I never
worked harder in my life than I did that winter. I cut for him to drive the two teams. As
his farm was a little farther away and up hill, we thought we'd fence his land first while it was
good sledding, which took us into March. I got one load of rail stuff for myself, when a thaw
came and took off all the snow. Then, as I could not farm it for want of a fence, I looked
about for business. I came down to the village and made an arrangement with Mr. Cutler and
opened his limestone quarry, and went into the lime and stone business. I built a limekiln —
the second built in Waukesha County, Deacon Mendall having built the first, which was a small,
inferior one. When mine was built, it ran his out. I never sold lime for less than 25 cents
per bushel, and, two or three years after, there was an opposition limekiln which brought lime
down to a shilling per bushel, which did not pay for the wood to burn it. I delivered stone for
50 cents a perch, and sand for 50 cents a load. I delivered sand, stone and lime for the first
stone dwelling-house for 76 cents a perch, measured in the wall, with the openings out. I did
this to show what the stone would do, and to get people to build ; but it was hard to get them
to raise in price on the stone. They'd say they wouldn't build if they couldn't get the mate-
rials cheap. When I got the quarry nicely opened, the limekiln built and all ready for busi-
ness, about the last of June, I entered into partnership with William T. Bidwell, to put up a
stone building. He at first wanted to put up a small, one-story building, just large enough for
a schoolhouse, as he had been a school-teacher. I said no ; if we build anything, we will build
something that will be permanent and salable. We were offered $400 on time to build with.
We hired the money of Mr. Nanscawen on time, Cutler giving us the lots to build on. We
inclosed the building, and I sold out to my partner, Mr. Bidwell. If it had not been for the
early March thaw in 1840, the old Prairieville Academy would never have been built. I was
the first Constable elected in Waukesha ; was elected the third time, but only served two and
one-half years, as the election changed from fall to spring. I was Road Supervisor of the
whole town, excepting a little district set off by Pratt in the southwest corner of town. I was
appointed first Collector here. I think the tax only consisted of school taxes, and, in collecting
it, I made a great many enemies among people who did not send children to school, who com-
plained they had no benefit from the school. I furnished stone, lime and sand to the village
until the year 1846 or 1847, and dug a good many cellars and stoned them. In 1843, there
was a good deal of excitement about the slavery question. I was charged by A. F. Pratt and
others with running off a slave girl to Canada. On account of the fugitive-slave law, I would
not own it nor have much to say to them or anybody else ; but did say to Abolition friends that
I was down to Canada on business and saw her across the river in Canada. But since that law
was abolished, I can talk about it.
I was married in 1844. About this time my. health failed. Lifting in the quarry brought
on a kidney complaint, and we then knew nothing of the value of the mineral springs, and I
had to give up hard work. In the spring of 1848, 1 moved up to Oraro, Winnebago County, with
my family, thinking that I could make something claiming Government land, which I did. I
made a claim and stayed on it two or three months, then sold it and cleared agood yoke of oxen.
I was watching to take advantage of the pending treaty with the Menomonee Indians, which
took place the 18th of October or November. I moved my family the next day onto a claim I
had looked out before, it being timber and heavy openings. I was the first family on the
Menomonee lands, and my third child the first white child born on those lands. I stayed on my
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 473
claim about two years. My health grew worse, and finally there came a Mr. Arnold from
Wauwatosa to whom I sold my claim for $600. I moved back to Waukesha (the name was
changed in 1846 or 1847) late in the fall of 1850, and they were just finishing the old railroad
depot, preparatory to having a railroad run through the place, which they accomplished the next
spring (1851). My health was so poor for twelve or thirteen years that I could scarcely do
anything. I have had my " ups " and " downs ;" have been pretty well off several times, but
circumstances change so that I cannot boast of having too much at present, though I have lived
in Waukesha long enough to have become the richest man in it. Had I known of the virtues
of our mineral water thirty-four years ago, I should have been in different circumstances.
By Mes. Talbot C. Dousman, 1880.
Early in February, 1838, my father left Ohio, where he had been an unsuccessful merchant,
for the West. Having purchased six yokes of oxen, as nearly matched as possible, each with
bright buttons on his horns, and, having found a tall, raw-boned Yankee who could gee ! whoa !
haw ! sonorously, and could cover his six yokes with his tremendous gad, he fitted out two long
wagons with covers, filled them with such supplies as he had in store and as' he knew would be
needed in a new country, and driving the horses himself, started his caravan. It was a caravan
indeed, and created as much excitement as any menagerie of the present day, as he halted in
the middle of Superior street, Cleveland, for the admiring crowds to make an examination.
He reached Town 7, Range 18, now Delafield, after a journey of four or five weeks; made his
claim and built his log cabin, in time to put in quite a crop that spring, doing his own cooking
for himself and men, as all the female members of the family remained for navigation to open.
We, the portion of the family left behind, landed in ■ Milwaukee on the evening of the 14th of
June, 1838, after a journey of eight days, by steam, from Cleveland (one can go half around
the world in that time now). Our first impressions of Milwaukee were not very favorable, as
the hilarity of song-singing and story-telling, with its usual accompaniments, kept up till a very
late hour, was unusual to us. But the next morning was bright and beautiful, and all gloomy
forebodings were dispelled on seeing a young man approaching the hotel with his hands filled
with wild fiowers. Some were such as we had cultivated with the greatest care in the East ;
others, again, we had never seen, but all were indicative of something more than the roughness of
border-life generally. A message was sent to my father, and, three days afterward, we started
for our home in the woods. When about ten miles out, we stopped for dinner, and, dismounting
from our high perch on the lumber-wagon, filled with luggage, my sister entered a famous
eating-house (quite as much so then as the Plankinton is now), where she found the good lady
of the house preparing dinner before a huge fireplace. The dinner, consisting of the tradi-
tional fried pork and potatoes and saleratus biscuit, with a cup of tea, and the table set in the
overheated room, was a sorry damper to her spirits, and she came out to the wagon, with the
tears streaming down her face, exclaiming : "Father ! have we got to live in such a house ? "
— a hard question for one of his sensitive spirit. But I, who was still chatting with him,
laughingly asked if she expected to dwell in " marble halls " in the wilderness. She knew very
little of log houses, though she " came to " afterward.
Among the many curious things of pioneer housekeeping, one of our neighbors used to
renew her floor every week by turning the boards over, as each one made an individual cradle
of itself. By so doing, and putting her carpet over them, the floor was soon brought into shape
again.
After dinner, we proceeded on our way again through the heavy timber. The road not
being cut through, it seemed as if we had to wind twice around every other tree till we reached
Poplar Creek, about sixteen miles from Milwaukee, when we came upon the oak openings ; but,
. to describe the beautiful scenes surpasses my pen. They had the appearance of a large park,
the verdure being very dense, filled with most lovely flowers, which stood as high as the horses'
knees, while the trees were about the size and appeared to be about as near like each other as
the very old orchards at the East. Invariably we found ourselves looking about for the house
belonging to these beautiful grounds; but it was emphatically " God's country," without sight
474 HISTORY OJe' WAUKESHA COUKTY.
or sound of human habitation, from the house where we dined till we reached our home in the
woods, thirty miles from Milwaukee. Such a house of spare rooms ! entirely spare of furni-
ture for four weeks, for we were waiting for it to come by sailing vessel. We managed to sit on
trunks and benches, and sleep on prairie hay. Fortunately, by mistake, we had brought a trunk
of bed-linen instead of clothing, and it being summer-time, our shawls made good blankets.
My father's bachelor's-hall furniture consisted of a good cooking-stove and its belongings ; six
white bowls for tea and coffee ; six white plates, such as are used for baking pies ; and, for an extra
plate for bread, a clean chip was substituted, and for butter, a like chip, covered with foolscap
paper bent to hold it, was used, and so on. We thought ourselves quite comfortable, even with
these inconveniences. People scarcely know with how little they can get along until compelled
to ; but it teaches ingenuity, as " necessity is the mother of invention." All this time, we were
having company, scarcely ever taking a meal entirely alone, as people prospecting through the
country always sought the habitations, if there were any.
The business of the day usually began with a general hunt for the cattle, as they strayed
off for feed, and, it being the breaking season, to find them was imperative. And a genuine
breaking seuson it was, for it seemed as often as every three days the plow or some of its belong-
ings broke down, and we had to go ten miles to a blacksmith. On one of thesBjtrips, myself and
sister made our first visit to Prairieville, spending the day at Deacon Love's, near where the
State Reform School now stands.
There was at that time no road, except such as each one made for himself, which was an
easy thing to do, only avoiding the miry ground, which was indicated by an absence of the
rosin-weed; wherever that grew it was safe to travel. Our home was very pleasantly situated,
on the bank of a little stream called Checoopenon, whose waters were clear and beautiful, and
plentiful withal. Father had drawn the trees, which had been felled in the clearing, and turned
their tops toward the house, thu3 forming a beautiful hedge, also a protection from wind and
sun. To make it very romantic, we sometimes had most delightful serenades from behind this
beautiful screen, having two gentlemen friends who played the flute very finely. Notwithstand-
ing all that was done for our pleasure, many were the tears we shed. The summer wore on.
Mr. Hosmer married and brought his wife within a mile of us ; and Mr. Edgerton went East
in the fall and brought a wife to his home, three miles west. Mr. Flusky and family were one
mile east, and Mr. Dousman spent most of the winter at his farm, three miles southwest of us.
This little neighborhood at that time was known as Genesee, and its inhabitants were all orig-
inally from New York State, except Mr. Dousman. We soon became acquainted and very
sociable, so that during the winter we managed to meet two or three times a week, at one house
or the other, to spend the evening. We made three miles and longer journeys with oxen,
because they were more easily cared for after reaching home, and they trotted off nearly as
briskly as horses.
For a long time our nearest post-ofiice was Milwaukee ; but nearly every week some one
had occasion to go to town, and generally brought the mail for the whole neighborhood. We
then thought it a great privilege to get our mail once a week ; but now we feel greatly abused
without at least a mail once or twice a day, or oftener.
All those old-time inconveniences taught us to appreciate friends, and I used to feel it my
bounden duty to call upon all who came within ten miles of me, if I heard of their coming.
The social status of the country warrants me in assuring you that, in the course of three or four
years, we could assemble a goodly company of as high culture as you could wish to find any-
where. East or West, and in that early time all who were here were cultivated people.
As to the religious condition of the people, we were told by one elderly lady that the
religion of the East didn't bear transportation ; that they considered themselves quite pious at
home ; but here she hardly knew when Sunday came except by hearing a gun go off a little
more frequently, and all the boys wanting clean shirts. In 1840, the Episcopal clergyman of
Milwaukee, the Eev. Mr. Hull, used to come out and preach in the different houses in the
neighborhood and at Oconomowoc, and in 1842 the Revs. Breck, Adams and Hobart com-
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 475
menced their mission at Nashotah. They circulated through the country, preaching to all
deluded souls who needed their ministrations, enduring privations and hardships almost equal to
those of the martyrs of old.
The first picnic in the town occurred on the 29th of June, 1839. The second day after
my marriage, Mrs. Edgerton invited the wedding guests to join her in a picnic, and to spend the
evening at her house afterward. We went about four miles south of where we now live, on
buckboards, through the woods without roads, fording the streams, the gentlemen with their
rifles shooting pigeons, and the ladies picking strawberries, till we found a beautiful spot near a
spring, where we spread our cloth. Toasts were drank, speeches made, and guns were fired and
a good time had generally. This anniversary was observed for some years afterward. One of
the first Fourth of July celebrations was a picnic at Nashotah. Mr. Breck invited all to
whom he ministered, and the difierent congregations assembled from far and near and had a
glorious time.
To show that in those days all social formalities were ignored, one of our neighbors had
business at Prairieville, and having only oxen as a means of locomotion, was .obliged to be gone
some days. The wife must go with him or be left alone. Accordingly the wife and child occu-
pied the front of the wagon, the family of pigs the back part, and the cow was tied behind — for
it would not do to leave anything alone — and so they went visiting. But ourselves were not
exempt from contretemps. One day in the fall, my father and his men had been all day carrying
potatoes into the cellar, to reach which the whole length of the sitting-room had to be traversed,
and of course no little dirt was brought with them. Just before finishing, a carriage drove up
with a bridal party from Milwaukee, on their way to Nashotah to be married. They were so
late, the night so dark, and the road so diificult to find, my father would not permit them to
attempt the drive, but jumped on his horse and rode the distance of seven miles for Mr. Breck
to come there and perform the ceremony. It was rather a poser to make the room in order for
a high-toned wedding under the circumstances, but nimble feet and ready hands soon brought
order out of chaos. I can fully appreciate the fact now, and could then, that the odor of
freshly gathered potatoes was not quite as agreeable as the perfume of the flowers that adorn
such occasions at the present time. However, those are all dearly remembered experiences, and
I would not strike them from the pages of the past if I could.
By Almon Welch, 1880.
I started with team by land from Cortland Village, N. Y., accompanied by Asa A. Flint, his
mother and sisters, and, without change of team, reached Oak Creek, Wis., July 9, 1837, after
a journey of six weeks. Mr. Flint remained at Oak Creek while I started for my destination.
I struck a camp of 300 Indians on the east side of Big Muskego Lake, and marched on the
regular trail right through the camp. When at the outlet of Little Muskego Lake, I inquired
of a lone settler named Parker for Isaac Flint or N. K. Smith. Mr. Parker- told me to keep
the trail, which I did, reaching N. K. Smith's in safety. A. A. Flint soon followed with his
family, which was the fourth family in the town of Vernon, N. K. Smith, Joel Day and Gains
Munger preceeding him with their families. Alvah Plumb soon followed with his family, but
all other settlers in the town were bachelors. H. Vail got our first Sunday dinner by carrying
a pan of flour one-half mile to a creek to wet and mix it, and, when baked with bacon, made a
well-relished dinner. Mr. Vail settled on the farm now owned by Amos GofF. The happiest
days of my life were those when I could take enough "grub " to last a week, and with my ax
go into the woods rail-splitting, sleeping on logs at night, lulled by the howling of the wolves.
My first crop of corn, oats, wheat and potatoes was raised in 1838. I buried the potatoes in
the ground, as it was impossible to sell or give them away, although the seed had cost an out-
rageously high price only the spring before. Mr. Smith being a great bee-hunter, he and I
captured forty swarms of bees in the fall of 1839, selling the honey in Milwaukee for $60, and
with my share of the proceeds, together with my summer's wages at $10 per month, paid for my
claim. Mr. Vail left his crop in the fall of 1839 and went to Indiana, but never returned.
476 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
having died there ; and his corn, stored in the loft of my house, was all carried away by the
rats, mice and squirrels. During a portion of 1837, Leonard Martin and I kept "old bach" in his
cabin. That winter, I split rails to fence the farms of Leonard Martin, Almon Osborn and L.
Whipple. Eight here I want it distinctly understood that I did not give up to " Old Abe " or
any other man in splitting rails or other hard work. I chopped and split 150 every day ; where
the timber was chopped, I split 300 per day. In eight days I split 3,000 rails for Gaius Mun-
ger. The first day I traveled thirteen miles and split 339. I received 50 cents per 100.
Leonard Martin and I were then making our home at N. K. Smith's. In those days there
was an abundance of wild fruit, such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, plums, crab-apples,
etc., which grew in open places in the woods. On Sundays, Mrs. Smith would send us for berries
for pies, and then, to pay for this work, she would send us a pie once in awhile, which we would
cut into four pieces. Each ate a piece for supper and left two pieces for breakfast, Mr. Martin
would say, "N'ow, Al, take j^our choice, but don't take the largest piece." We had to go to
Milwaukee for our provisions, which were nearly all shipped from Buffalo. It took three days
to make the trip to Milwaukee with two yokes of cattle to draw two barrels of flour ; and at
night we had to sleep under our wagons. We paid $16 per barrel for flour and $82 for pork.
In 1839, I worked for N. K. Smith. When we had cut all of his grain but five acres, Mr.
Munger wanted his cradle, which we had borrowed. Mr. Smith says to me : " Al, for your
stint to-day, you may cut that wheat and take the cradle home." After breakfast, Mr. Smith
helped me to grind the scythe, and I went to my work, which I had finished«at 3 o'clock ; then,
shouldering the cradle, carried it to Mr. Munger's, seven miles distant, arriving there before
sunset ; then went back to Mr. Flint's, which was three miles more. That would be a good
day's work for the soft-soldered youngsters of to-day.
The wolves, deer, wild cat and lynx were plenty at that time. In the fall of 1839, Mr.
Smith and I caught eleven prairie wolves in a trap. The same fall, we went to a neighbor's to
raise a barn, and on our way home we were followed by two gray wolves to the Fox River, a
distance of three miles. Many a night I have been followed home by the wolves. The way I
knew was by their tracks which I found the next morning in the light fall of snow, even on the
doorstep and along the trail. I never was startled by them. They sometimes killed calves and
yearlings, but seldom attacked man. They would go in droves and surround a deer, then set
up a terrible pow-wow, frightening the poor animal so it could not stir, and then they would kill
it. I found one which they had killed in Mr. Martin's wheatfield, but it had been dead too
long to be fit for eating.
When I first came to Waukesha County, Leonard Martin, Lazarus Whipple, Nelson K.
Smith, A. A. Flint and Isaac Flint, each got a yoke of oxen, and we went to breaking ; it
required from four to six yokes of oxen to break the ground. We commenced the 1st of May,
and finished about the 4th of July. I helped break, fence and improve their places before I
could do much on mine, for I had to earn money to pay for it. We had no pastures fenced,
and had to turn the oxen out at night to go where they pleased, and then get up the next morn-
ing at 4 o'clock, and start out in search of them, through the brush, woods and dew. After
searching for five minutes, we would be as wet from head to foot as a drowned rat. It would
take from 9 to 12 o'clock to get the teams together and ready for the plow, after which we would
get our " grub," and go to our work. As we were keeping "bach," we could not spend time
to cook, or wash dishes through the day, so we would cook each night enough to last through
the day. We ate our meals and turned our plates over, so the mice should not muss them, until
we could get time to wash them, which would sometimes not be in four or five days. Many a
time I have gone to bed without my supper, because I was so tired I could not cook it. In the
fall of 1838, Mr. Ellis and I commenced to dig a well, for there was no living water on our
claim, and we had to carry water one and one-half miles. After digging down twenty feet, we
came to a hardpan, which was nearly as hard as a rock. We worked at it for eight days, work-
ing until 6 o'clock at night, after which, each day, we had to go seven miles and back to a place
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 477
called Wedge's Mill, to a blacksmith named Hugh Mclntyre, to get our pick-axes sharpened,
for which we paid 50 cents. We could not stand this, so Mr. Ellis left for Indiana, and that
waa the last I ever saw of him. I held on to that claim of a quarter-section, and bought it at
the land sale ; ten days after, I sold it to Asher Stillwell for $500. I was then bound to have
a farm with living water on it. I then went to New York State, and, in the sprint I came
back and bought 160 acres of land, a yoke of oxen, two cows and calves, built a house^nd broke
seven acres of land. I was married August 12, 1840, and went to living on my own account.
The fall of 1840, I sowed five acres of winter wheat, which yielded forty bushels per acre. I
sold wheat in Milwaukee as soon as there was a market established in that place. We raised
winter wheat, and without any failures, for ten years ; but soon after it became unsafe to sow
winter wheat, for it was winter-killed ; then we began raising spring wheat. Now, 1880. winter
wheat seems to be a safe crop again. I hardly know just where to leave off. I will stop right
here, without looking further for a stopping place. Those who read this in print cannot see
how difficult it is for my stiffened old hands to write as much as I have ; and, if they had been
compelled to begin the foundations of the present rich, beautiful and prosperous county of Wau-
kesha, in which one house incloses more comforts and luxuries than all its inhabitants owned in
those early days, their bones would be stiff too ; their sentences angular, and their grammar
questionable. However, in looking over the fields of the past, I can see many large patches of
roses, and long, long paths rich with the sweetest pleasures.
As soon as it was known that we were moved out in the country, men kept coming, so that
our little log house was always full. The four weeks that the three families of us lived all
together in one house, our floor was strewn with men (those who came to look for land and make
claims) every night but one, and that night we felt rather lonely. There was only one room
that we could use, for the upper floor was only laid half-way over, and no stairs to go above.
So we had to crowd ourselves, fourteen of us, into one end of the room, which was partitioned
off between the beds with quilts, to make room in the other end for company. Some of them
brought their own provisions and we prepared it for them, and some of them boarded with us;
but they all had to lie on the floor, as we had no bedsteads besides what we used ourselves, and
those were home-made, and roughly made at that. As much crowded as we were, we were only
too glad to divide our small room, and accommodate, as well as it was possible in our poor way,
for we wanted neighbors as well as they wanted homes ; and, if we were somewhat selfish, we
had a desire to be kind and neighborly.
There was such a body of snow on the ground that there was good sleighing nearly half of
the month of March, which made it very convenient for our men to get hay and grain and such
things as they had to have, for they had to go to Milwaukee for everything needed, except wood
and water. They made hay and stacked it the previous summer, when they went to make their
claims, hoping to have an abundance in the spring. Knowing that the Indians were in the
habit of setting fire to burn over prairies, to make clear their hunting-grounds from grass and
herbage, they thought best to set fire themselves and burn around their stacks ; but they had
the misfortune to lose all of their hay, seven large stacks, by the shifting of the wind. So
they had to buy hay in Milwaukee and draw it home, seventeen miles, to the place that has
been known for many years as the town of Lisbon. The last time they went to town while
the sleighing lasted was the last week in March. The snow was wasting fast ; but as they
were wanting more corn, they thought they must fetch it before the snow was gone.
As they were very busy with other work, our neighbor, who lived in the house with us;
took a yoke of oxen and sled and went alone after the corn. He was not much used to driving
a team, and my husband told him that he would go as far as the Menomonee River the next
day, to meet him and help him if he needed help. Fearing the ice might not be safe to cross
with a load, he started the next morning in good time, so as to be sure to meet him at the river ;
but when he got there he could see nothing of the team, so he walked along three or four miles
farther before he met him. Then he took the ox whip himself and hurried the team along as
fast as possible, for he saw that there were cracks in the ice when he crossed the river, and water
478 HISTOKY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
above the ice, half-way to his boot-tops; and when they got back there the water was deeper
and the cracks in the ice wider. Mr. Rolph, our neighbor that had been after the corn, did
not know what to do ; but my husband told him that they must carry the corn across on their
shoulders, a bag at a time, and they carried it across in that way, then took the sled and drew
that across by hand, and then unyoked the oxen and drove one over atone ; then they went back
for the other, and when they had driven him about half-way over, the ice broke and the ox fell
into the river all over but his head. They caught hold of his horns and tried to pull him out,
but could not, and the current of water drew him under the ice. They then cut away the ice
with an ax, hoping that he might rise so they could help him out. But he did not, and when
they found that he was still going under they threw themselves down on the ice, in the, water,
and caught the ox by the tail and pulled him back, until he could get his head above the water.
Then he could help himself some, and, with their help, he scrambled up on the ice and got over
on the other side, with his mate. He came near being drowned, and the men, trying to save
his life, came very near drowning themselves. Every thread of their clothing was as wet as
water could make it.
There they were, as much as nine miles from home, or from any house, and they were
about tired out, and it was almost night. It was growing cold and beginning to freeze, but they
loaded their corn again and drove on until they came within a mile and a half of the Fox River.
By that time, it was getting too dark to drive much farther, and their clothing was frozen, and
there appeared to be no alternative. But they must stop there for the night and perhaps freeze
to death before morning. They cut some dry wood and made a large fire, for they had matches
which did not happen to get wet in the box. They stood by the fire and kept from freezing ;
but after a while, Mr. Rolph felt so tired and sleepy that he would lie down and go to sleep.
My husband did not dare to, for he thought that if he did they would both freeze to death.
So he kept stirring around and kept up a large fire, disturbed Mr. Rolph every few minutes,
trying to wake him for fear that he would freeze to death. After awhile he succeeded in arous-
ing him so that he got up and stirred himself about and kept awake, and when daylight came
they started for home. But when they came to the Fox River, and crossed, and were going up
the bank, their load of corn slipped from the sled and all went into the water, and they were
obliged to wade in and get it, carry it out a bag at a time, and load it again, making their
garments dripping wet as they were the day before, and in that plight had to drive home, where
they arrived about eight o'clock, tired, cold and hungry, or at least faint and about sick.
When they had taken a warm bath and put on dry garments, and had taken some warm food
and coiFee, and had lain in bed a few hours, they felt better, got up and went to work. They
built a scaffold of the boards which they had sawed by hand, and spread the corn on there,
taking it out in the morning and into the house at night, until it was dry. They concluded
they had earned the corn, with their troubles, besides the two dollars and a half a bushel they
paid for it.
As for fruit, it was but little that we used in those days, except wild plums and crab- apples,
and to make them palatable and fit for use took as much sugar and a little more than we were
really able to buy. We had to study and learn economy, and we found it as economical to buy
dried fruit, and sugar to sweeten it, as to use wild fruit that we could get plenty of in the season
without buying. Our men had been hoping to be able to raise some corn, oats, buckwheat and
potatoes, but alas ! their expectations failed, and by the time they were ready to commence
breaking the ground, their oxen were nearly all of them taken sick, and were not able to work,
until it was too late to plow and sow and expect a crop of anything. Then it began to look as
if we must see hard times ; for we should have everything to buy for another year. How we
should be able to buy what we should need, we did not know, for our money was nearly gone.
Our neighbors were very kind as a general thing, and willing to accommodate each other by
lending. We all found it convenient and necessary to borrow at times, and if we had not been
kind and neighborly to each other, we should have fared harder than we did. We have had a
barrel of flour brought in sometimes, and have lent it all out in one day, except what we used
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 479
for baking. We never suflFered on account of it, for if it did not all come back before we needed it,
we would borrow of some one else. Sometimes when we had a barrel brought in, we have had
to pay out the half of it, where we had borrowed, and just the same with other things.
While the oxen were unable to work that spring (1837), my husband dug some ground with
a spade to make a small garden, and hearing that a schooner loaded with potatoes had come to
Milwaukee, he walked in, bought half a bushel, paid $2.50 for them, and brought them home on
his back, eighteen miles. He went in one day, and came back the next, and was about tired
out. He said it seemed as if he had come to Wisconsin to be a pack-horse, or to take the place
of one. Some people in these times will scarcely believe that potatoes were ever sold at $5 a
bushel in Wisconsin. But it was so at that time, and the merchant would, and did extort just
such exorbitant prices for everything they knew the settlers most needed. But no one would
buy more than one bushel of potatoes at $5 a bushel, and some would buy only a peck.
It was with potatoes the same as with grain of all kinds. By the time that farmers could
raise grain and have any to sell, it would fetch scarcely enough to pay for the time spent to get
it ready for sale and taking it to market. In many cases it did not come anywhere near paying
them, but they were obliged to put up with it, for the merchants had their own way, and paid
their own price for produce. The potatoes were planted, except a meal or two, which we could
not forego the pleasure of eating, having been without any vegetables for nearly three months,
and they were quite a luxury at the time, dearly bought and far fetched.
We got through the winter of 1837-38 better than we expected, not being able to raise any-
thing of any account except on our poor little gardens, but managed to get bread and
meat, and other groceries. Toward spring, Mr. Elliott and my husband had a chance to take a
job of cutting logs and splitting rails. They had to go about nine miles into the timber
towards Milwaukee, and take their provision with them for the week, or from Monday morning
till Saturday night. We cooked their provision at home, except their tea and coffee, which
they had with two young men that lived in a cabin and cooked for themselves, and who very
kindly gave them such accommodation as they had. They cut and split the rails for fifty cents
a hundred, and had to take their pay at a provision store in Milwaukee, and had to go or send
by some one else, to get it. But there were five weeks in succession during the time they were
at their job, that the road was so bad that teams could scarcely get through to Milwaukee.
When they did, they could not bring much at a load. Our two men had to quit their work
every Friday afternoon, soon enough to walk into Milwaukee, and start for home as early as
they could in the morning, with as much flour and meat (with a few other necessary things) as
they could carry eighteen miles to our place and a mile farther to Mr. Elliott's. It would be
night, and they would be about tired out, and while 'they were resting on Sunday we had to
cook their week's rations for them to take back with them when they went to their work on
Monday. What was worse, and very mortifying to their feelings, one of those five times that
they had to back their loads home, there was no provision for them. The man that they worked
for was gone from home, and there was nothing for them in store. They were told by the clerk
that they were expecting a vessel to come in that day, but it had not got in yet. It was loaded
with provisions, and they thought that it would be in that night or early in the morning, so
that they could have something to carry home with them. But the morning came and there
was no vessel in sight, and they waited as long as they thought it would do to wait, and have
time to get home that night, as it was Saturday, and they expected we should be out of the
requisite for cooking at home, and supposed our neighbors were nearly, if not quite, as short of
the needful as we were. For that reason they did not like to go home without anything, and
risk the chance of borrowing, for fear of distressing the neighbors, knowing that they would lend
as long as they had enough of anything to divide. They knew not what to do. They had not
money to go to any other store, and they could not get an order, as the head man was not at
home. While they were talking, a friend came to them, and to him they told their dilemma,
and he advised them to go to the store of Messrs. Brown & Miller, where there was plenty of
provision in store for any one that needed it and had no money to buy. They thought that
480 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
looked too much like begging. But he persuaded them, and told them that it was no disgrace,
and they would never be thought the less of for it. So they took his advice and the friend went
with them, stated the case to those gentlemen, and they told them to come forward and have what
they wanted of such as they had in store, and welcom ; they expressed their thankfulness, but told
them that they did not come to beg, and would pay for what they got as soon as they could. They said
we shall not take pay if you do bring it; our instructions are to give to those that need, and not
to sell. When you are able, if you see an opportunity to assist others, do so ; that is all the
pay that will ever be required of you. l^ow, would you like to have some garden seeds, said
they ; and they gave them of all kinds in their store. They came home in the evening very tired,
and ready for their supper, which I had ready and waiting for them. Tired as they were, they
told me of their ttial and disappointment, and the kindness they had received ; that they did
not expect to find any bread in either of their houses, until we could bake something from the
flour that they brought. Then I had to tell them how and in what way I had been supplied.
Three of our neighbors had joined teams, and had been to town, with only one wagon, and
bought some flour and meat and a few groceries, and by that means I had been supplied, for
they returned things that we had lent to them.
In my new home I undertook to do all my work — washing, ironing and sewing, besides my
every-day work, taking care of my three children (the youngest then a year and a half old), and
teaching three hours each half-day, according to custom, and not take a day except each alter-
nate Saturday. I soon found that I could not manage both my school and my work without
taking one day out of each week, so I concluded to take Monday, do my washing, and as much
other necessary work as I could in a day, and teach the remaining five days. ' Not having a
very strong constitution, my duties were rather severe on me during the week, for both body
and mind: yet I enjoyed doing duty, because I was anxious to play my part well in doing what
I hoped would be- to the advantage of others as well as ourselves.
I suppose that many young mothers and housekeepers of the present time would marvel at
the idea of a woman undertaking to do her own work for a family of six, and, at the same time,
teach a school of twenty scholars in the same room, which was only twelve by fourteen feet in
size. But as necessity was then, and had been, and perhaps always will be, the mother of many
inventions, we found that by patience and perseverance it could be done, at least for a few
months. At the end of four months, I found it necessary to give up my school, so as to take
time to do my fall work and prepare my family for the coming winter. We had no more school
for a year, except on Sundays. We opened again, after a short time, the door of our little cabin
for Sunday school, in which little children were taught to read and spell, and older ones that
could read learned Testament lessons, and repeated to teachers who gave them instructions
according to their ability. With the addition of prayers and singing, the exercises of from two
to three hours passed very pleasantly, and, as we then thought, profitably to ourselves and our
children.
As soon as our corn was glazed and partially hardened, that fall of 1838, so that we could
finish drying it by laying it in the sun in the daytime, and in the house at night, we picked off
a little at a time and dried it in that way, and had some ground every day for two months, by
hand, in a cofiee-mill, except on Sunday. It was such slow work to grind by hand that we
could not get any more ahead than would do for Sunday, and with the meal thus prepared we
made all of our bread (or johnnycake) for two or three weeks ; then the buckwheat was ripened,
so that some of that could be thrashed, and we dried some of that in the same way as we did the
corn, and had it ground in the same way, and had to sift it instead of having it bolted, and with
it we made something we called buckwheat cakes. Although not as fine and nice as we had
been accustomed to using, yet it made a very good change under the circumstances. We did
not expect to grind our flour and meal by hand as long as two months, when we commenced the
arduous task. There was a mill in process of building at the place now known as Wauwatosa,
but as the mill was not ready to commence operations by the expected time — although the task
of grinding by hand was very tedious — we concluded to persevere and not give up until the mill
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 481
should be in working order, which was two months instead of two weeks. Our indignation had
become so thoroughly aroused, in consequence of being obliged to pay such exorbitant prices for
our bread material as well as everything else that we had to buy of the Milwaukee dealers, that
we were not willing to humor them any more than we were really obliged to. Mr. George
Elliott, of Lisbon, Waukesha County, can testify concerning the grinding by hand for two
months, nearly all of the material which we used for bread and cakes, for he was our little faithful
home miller, and a younger brother of his was the miller for his father's family, and Mr. Smith's
young boys did the grinding for his family. One of them is still living, and well remembers
the time and circumstance. There were several of our neighbors that shared in the work and
trial of grinding their own breadstuff by hand. I do not remember just how many, but there
were six of us, I can remember, who did do it for two months.
Perhaps some one, or more, who never saw a wooden kettle, and it may be never heard of
one of that kind before, would like to know how it was made. Our wooden kettle was eighteen
inches wide and about three feet long. The wood part of it was made of plank, and nailed
together in the form of a box. This was bottomed with sheet-iron wide and long enough to turn
over on the ends and sides, so that the fire should not touch the wood. Then it was set over a
stone fireplace, which was built sufliciently long and wide to allow the box to be bedded all
around with stone and mortar to protect the wood. A capacious fireplace underneath with a
chimney at the extremity, and a wooden cover to the kettle, completed the concern. Although
it was a rude, rustic-looking article, and was the object and occasion of much laughter, the
wooden kettle was, nevertheless, found to be so useful and convenient under the circumstances
in which we were placed in those early days, that it came to be an indispensable article until
such times as we could afford to buy a cauldron. I have thought of late that if a specimen of
those home-made kettles should be sent to the Centennial, it might excite as much curiosity as
many things that will be sent there.
After we had the Sunday-school established in our house, we began to hold religious meet-
ings, and although we had no minister to preach to us, we met once in two weeks, sometimes at
the house of one neighbor and sometimes at another, for a few months. Then we got out of our
small cabin into a larger and more comfortable one, and as we happened to have a more commo-
dious room, the meetings were held there until the district schoolhouse was built, which was
more than two years after.
One of our neighbors, a well disposed and religious man, took the lead in our religious
services, except occasionally some minister would chance to come into the neighborhood, or pass
through the little settlement, stopping over night. As soon as it was known that there was a
minister in the place, who would stay long enough for the people to get word of it, it mattered
not whether he was a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist or Episcopalian, every
one who could possibly leave home — even if they had to appear in their every-day clothing,
which was frequently the case — would lay aside their pride, and come together to unite in the
services and listen to the sermon, whether it was Sunday or a week day, and all, or nearly all,
seemed to enjoy it as a rare treat. When we had no minister, our religious services were con-
ducted in the same manner as when we had one — by praying, Bible reading, singing and the
reading of a sermon. We always had two sermons on Sunday, the first commencing at half-
past 10 and the second at half-past 1, or sometimes 2 o'clock, and the Sunday school between
those two services, and a prayer meeting at 5 o'clock.
Thus our time was taken up on Sunday. It was all that I could do to get my necessary
work done, myself and family in readiness to attend worship, and have seats placed, before some
of the people would begin to come in.
It has been put in print that the first sermon preached, in Lisbon was by a Mr. Frink, in
1838, but that was a mistake. Mr. Lucius Bottsford and Miss Lucinda Denny were the first
couple married in Lisbon. The ceremony was performed by Elder Grrifiin, at the residence of
Mr. Jonathan Dougherty, Sr., on the 3d of June, 1839, after the preaching of the first sermon
in the town of Lisbon. In the month of August following, there was another sermon preached in
482 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
the same house by the Rev. Mr. Ordway, Congregationalist. Then in the following winter,
about the middle of January, 1840, came the Rev. Mr. Frink (Methodist), and preached the first
sermon that he preached in our place, in our house. Our cabin was filled with people that had
come with their oxen and sleds, some of them from five miles distant in difl"erent directions. It
was good sleighing (or sledding, as they called it), but it was very cold, and they had to sit down
among the straw or marsh hay, which was plentifully laid in the sled box. They had no fine,
fleet horses and gay looking pleasure sleighs out in country places in those days, but had to be
contented and satisfied to be drawn on the same sled and by the same horned-horses (oxen I
mean) that drew their wood, hay and grain. There was no ringing of the musical sleigh bells,
such as we had been in the habit of hearing, to cheer and enliven them on the long, slow, cold
ride ; yet they were very cheerful and sang hymns as they rode along, making the air and the
woods ring with the music of their voices, and they seemed as eager to hear what the minister
had to say to them as hungry people would be to go to a feast.
In the month of March came Elder Wheelock, a Methodist preacher. He came two or
three evenings for a time, and then he was hired to come and preach once in two weeks, on
Sunday, for a year. He was the first minister that was hired in Lisbon. He was more than sixty
years of age, and he used to walk fourteen miles every other Saturday, getting to our house in
the afternoon, perform his duties on Sunday, and walk home on Monday. Sometimes, however,
he might get a ride a part of the way, but not frequently, for he did not own a horse, neither
was there one in our immediate neighborhood. His salary was the small sum of eighty dollars —
small enough, certainly. To some people at the present' time it would not seem worth mention-
ing, and that the people were thoughtless and penurious not to allow him a larger sum for coming
so far to serve them; yet that small sum was all they were able to pay. The reverend father
was satisfied, for he knew just how we were all situated. It was, perhaps, well for us in many
respects that we lived in those days, and shared with our neighbors and friends the trials and
hardships of new country life, as well as the joys and pleasures, for there certainly was enjoy-
ment even then. It was as much of a pleasure to visit our neighbors and friends who were not
related to us, and to receive visits from them, as it had been to visit and receive visits from our
own relatives when we had lived near arid among them. In the earliest pare of our new country
experience we did not invite large parties, for the want of sufiicient room and other conveniences
to make it pleasant and comfortable for a large party of friends. But whenever neighbors could
make it convenient to visit each other they were cordially welcomed, treated kindly, and made as
comfortable as circumstances would permit. Such traits were characteristic of the people of our
early settlement. There was no dazzling splendor in those days, in the way of furniture, dress,
ornaments, or the viands of the table. No one tried to outdo another. They could not if they
would, but they did not show any such inclination. One of those days, when I was alone with
my children I took my water pail in haste to go about twenty-five rods to the stream for water,
and when about three rods from the door, I saw a wolf coming up the path only a few rods from
me, as if coming to meet me. The wolf at the same time saw me, and we both halted suddenly
and stared each other in the face for some minutes, but presently, I bethought myself that I had a
tin pail and dipper in my hand. Then with the dipper I beat vehemently against the pail, and
he turned and started off a few steps, then slackened his pace and looked back at me again, and as
I had no other means of frightening him, kept beating the pail with the dipper, and after a little
time he turned and left the path. It was not until he was fairly out of sight that I ventured to go
for the water.
By Hamilton Nelson, 1880.
Although now a resident of Rock County (at Beloit), I was for many years one of the
pioneers of the county of Waukesha. The name never fails to bring to mind many pleasant
recollections, and the images of scores -of true friends. The history of themselves and the
county deserve to be indelibly recorded.
I landed in Milwaukee June 1, 1836 ; located in Pewaukee, Waukesha County, on the
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 483
farm now owned by A. V. B. Dey. I was married August 12, 1838, at the residence of Deacon
Robert Love, whose house stood about four rods east of what is now Bethesda Springs. There
were present Mr. and Mrs. Robert Love and their five children — Jerome, Sarah, Mary, Adelaide
and Martha — Mr. and Mrs. Morriss Barnett, now living in Neenah, Wis., and, perhaps, others.
The ceremony was performed by John Manderville, for the reason that our minister — Rev. Mr.
Ordway — had his license "packed among his goods, which were on their way up the lakes. I
was done up good and strong, so the knot has held fast nearly forty-two years. I think mine
was the first marriage * in what is now Waukesha County. There were no cards, no presents ;
but Deacon Love took his pitcher and can to hia spring, now Bethesda — which he always thought
so much of — and passed the spring water around in the place of wine. The next morning he
harnessed his horses to his lumber wagon and landed us at our door, in quite as good style as
Gov. Dodge was escorted from the beach of Lake Michigan up to the Milwaukee House (which
was upon a load of trunks) and he rode backward, to assume the Governorship of the Territory
of Wisconsin.
In addition to being a party to the first marriage, I claim to have erected in Waukesha
County the first threshing machine built in the State of Wisconsin.
By T. S. Bedford, May, 1880.
I was born in the year 1818, in Genesee County, N. Y.; my father and mother moved from
that county and located in Cattaraugus County when I was twelve years old, and then in 1836,
I started West to find a home ; I traveled from Cattaraugus County through Pennsylvania,
Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, and reached Milwaukee the 23d of April, 1836. During my jour-
ney, which was on foot, I carried a valise that weighed twenty-five pounds on my back. Some
days I traveled in Michigan all day, and did not find more than two or three houses, and poor
ones at that; I often got tired and homesick, but kept on till I found Wisconsin. When I came
to Milwaukee, there .were but very few inhabitants in the place ; no schools, no churches, in fact,
nothing but a swamp of tamarack, with but few settlers in the town. After taking a rest, I fell
in with a party of surveyors that were going out, and I went with them. On the 15th of May,
1836, I located in the town of Lisbon, on the southeast quarter of Section 25. To-day makes
me forty-four years the owner of the same, it being the first claim made in the town. When I
look back on the past, and see such a city as Milwaukee, with its schools, churches, hotels and
warehouses, together with residences, banks, and the Chamber of Commerce, and railroads and
telegraph lines leading in every direction, it often seems to me that it is not possible I have
lived to see all the vast improvements that have taken place in this State within the space of
forty-four years. When I took up my claim, the land from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi
was nearly all in a state of nature, and to-day it is all under a state of cultivation, dotted over
with farmhouses and fine villages, with schools and churches ranking second to those of no State
in the Union. I am very sorry to say that most all of my old neighbors have passed away.
There are but very few left to tell the hardships of settling a new country, without railroads or
anything but an ox team and wagon to carry freight with through swamps and over corduroy
roads. Some people complain of the roads at the present day ; but if some of the old pioneers
could come back on earth and see the roads at the present time, they would not find any fault.
When the town of Lisbon was first settled, it usually took two days to make the trip to Mil-
waukee, a distance of sixteen miles, over logs and through the mud, fording streams and camping
out one night on the. road. There were no horses, no buggies, nothing but the faithful ox. We
may all thank God for the ox. If it had not been for him I do not know what we should have
done. Provisions were high, and no grain had been raised to feed the horse ; but the ox was
worked all day, then turned loose to pick his own food at night. There was plenty of wild feed
through the summer, and during the winter we fed marsh hay to our stock. We generally
thought it good living for our cattle, taking into consideration the way we used to live ourselves.
* See chapter on " First Things " for an earlier wedding.
484 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTT.
When we raised the first crops, there were no mills, and our corn was either hulled or ground
in a coiFee-mill for making johnnycakes. We took turns at the mill nights to grind for the use
of the family the following day. When Wisconsin was first settled, we had every obstacle to
contend with. First, we had no market for our produce. There was no outlet for it, except
home consumption. The first log houses that were built are very nearly all gone. There is
now and then one left to mark the first settlement of the county. I could fill out a volume with
events, but it might not interest any one to read it. One thought more, and 1 close : I attended
the first wedding that took place in the town of Lisbon. There were no gilt cards, no presents ;
but we had a good big johnnycake passed around, and we wished them all the good things of
this life the same as they do nowadays. After the ceremony, the young couple took their wed-
ding tour home behind a yoke of oxen, just as happy as could be.
By Mrs. John Weaver, 1875.
I was born in the town of AUgusta, county of Oneida and State of New York, and had
always lived there until I was twenty -four years old. My husband was born in England, and
lived there until he was twenty-two. After our marriage, he often had a touch of the Western
fever (as the phrase was in those days) ; but it did not meet my mind, exactly, to leave the old
place, with all of the comforts and conveniences and high privileges that we enjoyed, neither
could I make up my mind to leave my parents, brothers and sisters, and many other relatives
and friends, until the summer of 1836, when we had a flattering account of Wisconsin, and par-
ticularly of Milwaukee, sent to us by a brother-in-law of my husband that went to Milwaukee
from our place in the spring. He seemed to think that he had found the right place, just the
place for young people to commence' life in earnest; in fact, it seemed to him an earthly para-
dise. My husband made up his mind almost immediately to settle his afiairs and make ready,
as fast as possible, to move, and to try his fortune in the "Far West," as it was then called.
Therefore, on the 1st day of September, 1836, we left our parents,, brothers, sisters, other rela-
tives, friends and neighbors, and bid good-bye to our old home and to all that was near and
dear to us, and, with our small children, a son and a daughter, we started on our journey.
Slow and tedious was the way of traveling in those days, compared with the faster and much
more comfortable way of the present. On the 27th, about 12 p'clock, midnight, we were a mile
from Milwaukee. As late as it was, we had to go ashore in a small row-boat, which went three
times from the schooner to the shore to take passengers and goods. We went the second time.
There was no harbor or pier, and the sailors rowed as near as they could and then jumped on
shore, with a rope in hand, and pulled the boat close to the shore, helping the rest of us to land;
and there we were, with our two little children, on the beach of the lake, a long way from a
house or any building, and so dark that we could scarcely see to walk on the beach and keep
clear of the lake. We took our children, each of us one, in our arms, and walked half a mile
right along close by the lake, the thunder growing louder and nearer. We came to a small
log house, where lived three families ; but they were all in bed by the time that we got there.
We rapped at the door, and a man called out to know what was wanted. My husband answered
that he had just been landed from a schooner, with his wife and two children, and would like to
get shelter the rest of the night. A lady let us in, the only man at home being lame and could
not get out of bed. They were kind enough to give us shelter, but had no bed for us ; so my
husband went back to where we had landed and brought a loose bed, and got bacik with it before
it rained very hard. As there was no one living where we wanted to make our claim, we had
to remain through the winter with my husband's brother-in-law, near Milwaukee.
We expected to pay for our land that fall, but as it was not in the market, we could not ;
but as we found provisions and everything that we needed so much dearer than we had been
used to paying, we found it necessary to use all of our ready money before we could raise any-
thing on our land. We paid $16 for a barrel of white fish and $32 for a barrel of pork ; $6 a
hundred for beef by taking the half of one animal ; butter 25 cents, and not fit to eat, so we
did not buy any for awhile, but used a jar of it that we brought from the East, and then went
without any for two months. At the end of that time, there was a man came from Illinois with
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 485
a sleigh-load of nice butter that he sold for two-and-sixpence, as we used to count money then.
The merchants sold what they called good butter at the same time for five shillings a pound ;
very poor brown sugar, 18 cents ; a little better kind, 20, and loaf sugar 25 cents a pound.
Tea, cofifee and spices were also dear accordingly, and went up in price when navigation closed.
About the middle of winter, flour had to be brought by teams from Chicago, and those who had
to buy then had to pay $20 a barrel. We paid f 1 a bushel for potatoes, and 50 cents for tur-
nips. Clothing was very dear, but we had supplied ourselves so well that we did not need much
for two years, and by that time it was a little more reasonable. My husband went to work at
$2 a day, the third day after we landed, and worked until he earned $120, sometimes with car-
penters and sometimes with masons. There were a good many men out of employment that
would have been glad to have had work to do. Our men bought some oxen and got a chance to
draw wood for the steamboats. They had to pay $22 a ton for hay, $2 a bushel for oats, and
$2.50 for corn. Their job of hauling wood lasted about three weeks, and then they went out
through the woods and began to build a log house. It was eighteen miles to their claims, so
they would take provisions for a week and then come home and get more and go again. It was
very cold, and they found it very slow business to get even a log house built. They had to saw
all the boards they used by hand, and it took three men four weeks, including the time that it
took to go to and from the place, and break their road through snow and cut trees and brush,
so that they could get through with oxen and sleds. The third man was a neighbor that was
going to live near us. When they had got one house so that they thought we oould live in it,
we moved, three families into the house, and all lived together four weeks. One of our neigh-
bors fixed up a claim shanty, as they called it, and moved his family into it, on the same day
that we moved, that being the 4th day of March, 1837. We were a mile and a half apart, and
could not see each others' cabins.
There were no houses all through the woods, as we went to our new home in the opening
beyond, except the Half-way House, as our men called it ; but it was only a place where a man
had cut down a few trees and laid up some logs, as if for a house about twelve feet square, just
to save his claim. There was no roof, not even rafters, but a few pieces of bark, and a little
brush laid over at one corner. There was a doorway, but no door. There were some pieces
of flat stone laid up against the logs in one corner, and as our men went to and fro once a
week, for four weeks, they would stop there and give their oxen some grain, and as there was
none there to entertain them, they would entertain themselves in the best possible manner.
They would enter this wayside inn, build a fire in the corner, where stood those flat stones, and
boil their tea-kettle, which they always carried with them, make tea or coff'ee, and take their
lunch of bread, cold meat and some pie and cake, and such things as we could cook and put
up for them. When they had finished their meal and warmed themselves as well as they could,
and their teams had rested and fed, they would drive along again on their lonely road, never
meeting or overtaking any one.
By Alexander F. Peatt, 1854.
Waukesha was originally called " Prairie Village." Afterward, the Legislature changed it
to " Prairieville," and after the county was set off from Milwaukee, it was changed to Wau-
kesha. The first white settlers were Messrs. M. D. and A. R. Cutler and Henry Luther. They
came here in the spring of 1834, not very long after the close of the "Black Hawk war." At
that time, the land had been purchased of the Indians; yet, in accordance with the treaty, they
remained in possession of it up to the summer of 1836, when it was surveyed by the General
Government. The Messrs. Cutler built the first "log cabin " in this town in the year 1834.
It was located near where Messrs. Blair & Smith's machine-shop now stands. Mr. Manderville
at that time made a "claim" on what is now the "school section." Mr. Luther claimed the
land where Mr. Meyer now resides, on Section 20, in this town. These are the only settlers
who came here that year. At that time, large tribes of Indians were located in this county.
Their headquarters were at this place ; yet their wigwams were scattered up and down the Fox
River (or Pish-ta-ka, as they called it), from Mukwonago to Pewaukee Lake ; and for the first
486 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
two or three years, they were a great annoyance to the white settlers. There being no fences,
the settlers' cattle would often get among the Indians' corn fields, and caused much trouble.
The Indians, being legally in possession of the land, and having the numbers and power to rule,
would demand such damages as they saw fit ; and upon one occasion claimed and received of the
Messrs. Cutler a fat ox for the damage he had done their corn. In the spring of 1835, Mr.
McMillan and family came and built a cabin where the court-house now stands. Mr. A. C.
Nickell and Dr. Cornwall located on the south part of the farm now owned by Mr. Nickell. Mr.
Ira Stewart located on what is now known as the " Cushman farm," and Messrs Isaac and Rich-
ard Smart located where they now live. These were the only settlers who came that year.
During the summer and fall of 1836, Mr. Murray located on what is now William White's
farm. Messrs. Nelson and Thomas H. Olin located on what is now known as the "Gale farm."
Mr. Sergeant located on the west side of the river, near the water-power. Soon afterward, this
town was surveyed, when it seemed that the Messrs. Cutler, McMillan and Sergeant were all
on one quarter-section, where the village and mills are now located. This, for some length of
time, was a bone of contention, all being anxious to " claim " the water-power. In the fall of
that year, Nathaniel Walton, with his family, located where they still reside, near this village.
Up to this time, Mrs. McMillan was the only white woman in this part of the country ;* con-
sequently there was no tea-table gossip at that time. Mr. McMillan's cabin, which was about
16x24 feet, was the only public house in the place, and an interesting spot it was, too. At that
time, we were located at Milwaukee, and came out here often. Upon one occasion, we stopped,
with twelve others, at this hotel over night, there being but one room and two beds in the house.
We have often seen the hogs occupy the inside of the house, and the whisky barrel placed on
the outside to make room. If a landlord at that time could raise a barrel of flour, pork and
whisky, it was all that was necessary for a first-class hotel. In short, tavern-keeping was more
an act of necessity than choice with many, as the settlements were so few and far between that
they were compelled to keep all travelers that came, regardless of their means of accommoda-
tion, as all preferred sleeping on a floor to a bed, or on a blanket in the open flelds, as we were
often compelled to do. In the spring of 1837, we came here to look at a claim owned by Mr.
Cutler, which he had then recently purchased of Mr. Luther for $500. We stopped with Mr.
Walton, who at that time kept the best house. In the morning, we started on foot, in company
with M. D. Cutler, to view the claim — a distance of about four miles. When we came to the
river, which at that time was nearly two feet deep, Mr. Cutler commenced fording it. We
backed out, and proposed to return to the hotel for our pony ; but Mr. C. insisted on our trying
our pedestrian powers in the water, and, after spending some time in consultation, he supplied
the place of our pony, and carried us safe through the river. Upon arriving at the claim, we
found it to be all our fancy painted, and we soon closed a bargain for it at $1,000, paying in four
(paper) city lots, at $250 each. Previous to this time, Orrin Brown had come and located on
the quarter-section where the stone quarry is, and Mr. Manderville having found himself, after
the survey, on the school section, located on the quarter-section that A. Minor now lives on. In
the course of that season, Messrs. E. D. Clinton, Y. Bidwell, Henry Bowron, James Z. Watson,
J. M. Wells, J. Rice, J. W. Rossman, E. Churchill, Ezra Mendall, Joel Bidwell, Daniel
Thompson, Robert Love, Moses Ordway, Sabina Barney, Asa S. Watson and Peter N. Cush-
man located on difi'erent claims in this town. This comprised the most of the settlement here
in the year 1837.
In the spring of 1838, several new settlers immigrated. Among them were H. N. Davis,
James Buckner, Charles Crownheart, Ira Doliver, B. F. Chamberlain, 0. N. Higley, Albert
White, James and Edward W. King, I. C. Owen, Daniel Chandler, Allen Clinton, Lyman and
B. W. Goodnow, and several others. During that season, James Buckner and Mr. Bowron
built what is now a part of the Prairieville House.f Robert Love built a small frame dwelling-
house, and we another. These were the only framed buildingsj in this county at that time.
* See chapter on " First Things " for the name of the first woman in the county.
f An error of one year — this hotel was built in 1837.
J The house now occupied by Austin Waite, in Waukesha, was built before these two.
^•me:--''' ■*^^.
Q -Cci/A^et^ t/^^^t^^^C^
LISBON
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 489
Associations had been formed by the settlers for the mutual protection of each other in their
claims.. Bach had his claim registered, and was protected in the peaceable possession of so
many acres, which was altered from time to time by the association. At first, each man was
allowed to claim 160 acres, after which, claims became more valuable, and it was extended to a
whole section. Disputes having arisen between the Messrs. Cutler, McMillan and Sergeant,
who were all on one claim, several claim trials were had, and finally the Messrs. Cutler bought
off the other claimants. In the mean time, M. D. Cutler had bought out Mr. Brown and taken
possession of the quarter where he now lives. Up to this time, the only provisions used or seen
in the country were salt pork, flour and potatoes. Flour was worth, in Milwaukee, from $16 to
$17 a barrel, pork $30 to $-33, and potatoes $2 to $3 a bushel ; and the price of hauling a bar-
rel of pork from there was $5, and other freights in proportion. The road from here to Mil-
waukee was anywhere we chose to travel, as travelers generally preferred new routes each time,
knowing that a change must necessarily be an improvement. It had never been cut out through
the timber, and each traveler was obliged to carry an ax to cut the trees whenever he ran
against them. Previous to the summer of 1838, there were but few settlers between here and
Milwaukee. During the summer of 1836, Messrs. Camp and Andrews had settled at Mukwon-
ago, Messrs. Hatch and Rockwell at Oconomowoc, and Messrs. Fuller and Porter at Pewau-
kee, where they now live ; and, in 1837, Messrs. Edgertori and Dousman located their claims
in Summit and Ottawa, where they now reside. The same season, John Gale, who then lived
at Milwaukee, bought Mr. Cutler's claim to the quarter-section containing the water-power, for
$6,600, and, the next season, built a flour and saw mill on it, after which he sold an undi-
vided interest in it to William A. Barstow and Robert Lockwood, who, in company with him,
, laid it out into village lots, many of which were sold at a high price, and bonds for deeds given
while the title still remained in the General Government. In October, 1839, the lands were
brought into market and sold. At that time, all the best locations had been taken, and each
occupant was permitted to purchase his land at public auction, at the minimum price of $1.25
per acre. Many of the settlers, being poor, paid from 25 to 50 per cent for money to purchase
their lands, and allowed the speculators to take the titles to them in their own names, as a secu-
rity for the money loaned ; whereby, in the end, being unable to pay, they lost their all. All
those who succeeded in paying for their lands and have remained on them up to the present
time have become wealthy ; while some who were unable to pay for their lands sold their
improvements for what they could get, and commenced anew on unimproved lands. From that
time to this, the settlement of our country has gone forward steadily, and the lands are now
mostly owned and occupied by actual settlers. Several large and flourishing villages have been
built up in the county. In 1847, the Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company was incorpo-
rated, and subsequently it was changed to Milwaukee & Mississippi and extended to the Missis-
sipi. The road was completed from Milwaukee to this village in March, 1851. There are also
charters for three other railroads running through Waukesha.
By Mes. a. B. Hall, 1880.
In the spring of 1843, before Horace Greeley advised young men to go West, Mr. Hall
left New York for Wisconsin and settled in Oconomowoc, and at that time it was very far West.
The next August I took our little son and started on the perilous road to meet him. When we
stepped on board the Great Western, at Bufi^alo, with only a plank to stand on, I thought I
should never find him ; but an invisible guide and Capt. Walker, with a good steamboat, car-
ried us safely through to Milwaukee. As soon as the boat reached the pier, John S. Rockwell
came on board and told me Mr. Hall had left a horse and buggy with him to take us to
Oconomowoc. " Tell it not in Gath," but it was a long time before I saw another horse and
We left Milwaukee in time to reach Wauwatosa as the sun went down, and my heart went
down with it when told I was thirty miles from home, but drove on, hoping to get there during
the night. It was not until the third day that we arrived there. The road through the Mil-
waukee woods was nearly impassable. The mud and darkness added made it almost unbearable.
490 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
My little boy was tired of riding and wanted to go back to grandpapa's. I remembered Lot's
wife and drove on until late in the evening, when we reached Prairieville. Spent the first Sun-
day in the Territory there, at Mr. "W^alton's. On Monday, we ended our journey, and were
cordially received by strangers, as they were pleased to have acquisitions to their numbers.
The pioneers will understand this allusion.
The first Sunday in Oconomowoc we attended church in a log house in " Canada." I went
over on the floating bridge; some went in boats. Nearly every family owned a boat then, and
they were used in place of more expensive locomotion. It was a beautiful sight, Sunday morn-
ing, to see the boats drawing near the house of God. We found many of the inhabitants
Christian people, transplanted from some of the Eastern States. The Episcopal students at
Nashotah brought us the Gospel ; the Presbyterian Mission Society sent us a missionary for a
time, and the Methodists helped on the good cause, also.
In 1825, I drew a map of the United States from Woodbridge's Atlas, and while printing
the map, found mountains and lakes and rivers and Indian villages, but not a name for one of
them on that vast tract of country from Lake Michigan to the Pacific coast. Near the head of
Lac La IJelle the land looked familiar to me, and, in referring to the map, saw I had been
here with my pencil in my girlhood, and had printed on it "unknown regions." After
eighteen years, I found myself here in this same wilderness ; yet Oconomowoc then, in the
absence of art, was in nature's loveliness, and was wildly beautiful. Language is tame in descrip-
tion, but its "beauty will be a joy forever." We then called it Eden ; but the tree of evil
was soon planted here and soon began to flourish, and it was impossible to tell how far its
branches would extend.
Our national day was decided to be celebrated on the 4th of July, 1844, but the weak
faith of some failed to see how it could be done ; yet, when the day came, the people made their
appearance from every direction, through the bushes, except those who came on the lake, " pad-
dling their own canoe."
It was a " day of small things," yet all were as patriotic as if the day was exclusively
theirs. The music of the fife and drums never sounded more thrilling, for, from a child, I have
revered it, as my grandfather was a fifer at the battle of Bunker Hill. The few women that
marched, with shoeless feet, were the first to go at the call of distress or sorrow. (The sick
ones, away from friends, needed the best of care, as we were eight miles from a physician.)
When the marching ended and the music ceased, the company sat down to dinner, and pro-
nounced the repast the best ever prepared.
In the fall of 1844, W. W. Collins opened a store on the point, the first one established in
Oconomowoc.
There were then seven dwelling-houses on the peninsula. Mr. Rockwell's was the boarding-
house ; there was one log house ;' five one-story houses, with one room in each (with one excep-
tion), with small families in them. The place was all owned, or nearly all of it, by Mr. Rock-
well, and most of the men were in his employ. He furnished from his store in Milwaukee the
most we had here for a year. In 1845, he moved his family here, and here was his home while
he lived.
Leister Rockwell, a brother, was one of his family also — a man long to be remembered by
the old settlers.
Mr. Rockwell was a kind, considerate. Christian gentleman, and lived somewhat like his
master — for the good of others — and made some of the rough places of pioneer life more pleas-
ant and more endurable. Then, in the noontide of his useful life, we were compelled to leave
him " in the city under the hill."
Some of the pioneers came here without their families ; some were not so fortunate as to
have them, and it cannot be denied that some of the latter saw very hard times. Mr.
told me he had walked to Milwaukee more than once to buy bread, and brought it home on his
shoulder. After I came, there were opportunities to pity and help the boys without homes.
Notwithstanding all this, the facilities for gaining a support far exceeded anything we had ever
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 491
known or imagined. There was very little food here in 1843-44, but every one could help
themselves to fish in the lake or deer in the forest. When there was a bee tree found, the
honey was divided and every one sujfplied. It was said that pork was only 1 Jcents per pound,
but there was no money with which to buy.
Then there was a noble company of ladies here, and what women should be, true help-
meets. We were laboring not only for husbands, but sons, to be grown into soldiers to sacri-
fice their lives for the salvation of their country. Eight boys went from Oconomowoc between
the ages of sixteen and twenty years, and three came back. Their mothers are Mrs. D. Hast-
ings, Mrs. William Chafi"ee, Mrs. D. R. Thompson, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. A. Woodruff, Mrs. Chris-
tie and Mrs. A. B. Hall. They are living here now, with one exception.
By Andrew E. Elmore, 1880.
Sickness in my family and an unending press of business prevent me from writing anything
which would be of value concerning the early history of Waukesha County. I remember I came
to Waukesha County, and, after looking over the country, determined to settle at Mukwonago,
as it was the richest and most pleasant valley I had ever seen in my life. I had $100 in money,
and no more, and no other property ; but I had pretty good credit in the East. I purchased, or
rather got trusted for, a general variety of goods, and arrived in Mukwonago in October, 1839.
I remained there one night, but 1 can't now tell precisely where, when I found a man named
Hill, who had erected a log building in which to manufacture wooden measures and half-bushels.
The upper portion of this building, I think, had been finished and used as a church ; but as
there was no one in the country to buy his measures, Hill had given up the business, and I pur-
chased his building, paying; if I remember aright, $80 for it. There was a large stump directly
in front of the door, which must be removed in some manner before I began business. I there-
fore arose next morning as soon as I could fairly see, and began chopping at the stump, which
was very large, tough and hard. Not knowing how to go at the work, and being wholly unac-
customed to the use of an ax, I made very awkward work and poor headway. While I was
sweating and pounding away, I noticed the door of the neighboring cabin open, and the brawny,
erect figure of what I thought was the tallest man I ever had seen issue forth. He evidently
had been watching me, for he came directly to the spot, and taking the ax, attacked the stump
in scientific backwoods style, with astonishing strength, and in a few well-directed blows did
more than I had done in half an hour, or during the entire rooming, remarking at the same
time that he "guessed I did not know much about the use of an ax." He then sat down and
said he was "in trouble," and that if I "was from the East I could help him." Grateful for
the progress his sturdy blows had made toward removing the stump, I answered that I was
from the East, and would do anything for him that lay in my power. "Well," said he, " we
have been disputing here as to who was the father of Madame De Steal. Martin Field says it was
one man, and I said it was altogether another ; and as there is no library here by which to deter-
mine who is right I appeal to you." I chanced to havethe required information about me, and so
settled the matter at once and forever in Mukwonago. Joseph Bond, for that was the name of
my tall visitor, a man whom everybody in the county knows, seized my ax in high glee upon
receiving the desired information, and, for a few minutes, made the divers fly from the old
stump that had given me such trouble. From that day — a period of forty-one years, lost in
oblivion — Joseph Bond and I have been friends ; and, although difiering with him in politics
during all my later life, we always worked together for the best interests of whatever pertained
to Waukesha County.
I finally got my goods in order and my store open for custom, but for some time there was
but little to do. I slept under the counter, cut my own fire-wood on Joseph Bond's land, which
he gave me, and then gratuitiously hauled it to my store, and got acquainted with all the people
in that part of the country, whose names would not make a very long list. I also made it a
point to get acquainted with the Pottawatomie Indians, learning to speak their language, and
by this means I got nearly all of their custom. I trusted them too, as freely as I was able.
492 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and they always paid me. No merchant of that day or this can say as much of the whites.
In speaking of cutting my own wood, I should have added that I did it i)y moonlight, and
that Mr. Bond hauled it with his oxen at the close of his own day's labors. But this is only
one of his small favors ; he has done good to all ever since he came to Wisconsin.
I look back to Waukesha as the county, and old Mukwonago as the place, where I spent
many of the happiest years of my life, and where I still love to claim some of my truest friends.
I knew from the rich appearance of the country when I first saw it, that the growth of Wau-
kesha County would be rapid, but cannot say I expected to live to see the wealth, population,
culture and buildings she now contains. But she deserves it all, and I am glad to know that I
had something to do with making her what she is.
By Thomas Sugden— 1880.
I was born at Millington, East-Riding of Yorkshire, England, June 12, 1810. Sailed from
the port of Hull, in the ship Mayday, for New York, on April 14, 1834 ; arrived at the city
of New York, June 1,. 1834 ; left New York for Detroit, Mich.., by steamer for Albany,
June 3, 1834 ; Albany to Schenectady by rail, about sixteen miles (no other railroad at that
time between New York and the Pacific Ocean); by canal from Schenectady to Bufialo ; June
11, Buffalo to Detroit by steamer, arriving at Detroit June 14, 1834.
On July 11, 1834, I hired to Mr. Rogers to work through haying and harvesting, on what
was then called "Bay settlement," sixty miles from Detroit, Aug. 30,1834. During my
absence from Detroit, in all about seven weeks, about five hundred people had died, and about
two thousand people fled from the city. The city contained about five thousand people on the
11th of July, and on the 30th of August, one-half had died or fled the city.
November 11, 1834, left Detroit for England. Arrived at Millington, my native place, De-
cember 25, 1834. April 1, 1835, was married to Hannah Slightam, daughter of John and Eliza-
beth Slightam, of Millington. May 25, 1835, left my native place again for Detroit, U. S. A.,
bringing with me my mother, five brothers and sisters ; also my wife's father and three brothers.
Arrived at Detroit August 3, 1835, with the two families all safe.
May 10, 1836, left Detroit for Milwaukee on the steamboat New York ; arrived at Mil-
waukee (then a very small village) May 20, 1836. May 26, 1836, started west from Milwau-
kee, following the Indian trail through the then dense woods, a distance of fifteen or sixteen
miles, carrying on my back an ax and some crackers and cheese, sleeping on the floor of a small
log cabin 10x12, which was occupied by a man named Hunt and a lady friend. It was about
nine miles west of Milwaukee, and the only house, shanty or cabin, between Milwaukee and
Prairieville.
May 27, 1836, arrived at Prairieville ; the first house 1 saw was the residence and hotel of
a Mr. McMillan, located near or about the place now occupied by the Catholic Church ; think
there was no other house between this point and the now Bethesda Spring.* There I found a
log hous^ occupied by Alonzo R. Cutler and Richard Smart. About one mile south of this point
I found Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smart, with whom I had crossed the ocean in 1834. This was
unexpected, as I supposed they were living at White Pigeon, Mich.
There were a few others living here at that time — A. C. Nickell, Dr. Cornwall, Mr. Man-
derville, a Mr. Smith, who was afterward killed in the woods (supposed by Indians), a Mr.
Stewart, and one or two of the Osborn family. There may have been some others which time
has blotted from my memory ; think there was not a single inhabited house of any description
on the present site of the village of Waukesha, except the house and hotel of Mr. McMillan,
before mentioned. I remained two or three days with Isaac Smart ; and during this time John
Coats and Jonathan Aimeson arrived from Michigan.
About June 1, 1836, the two last named and myself bought of the Indians a canoe, took our pro-
visions, guns, axes, etc., and started down the Fox River, the following day. We paddled our canoe
* Mr. Sugden probably did not see the small claim shanty built by the Cutlers in the spring of 1834:. It stood not far from where Blair's
machine-shop now stands. Or, possibly, he was mistaken a few rods in location, and the house he refers to was the Cutler claim shanty.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 493
down the river to what was then called Pishtaka Lake, in Illinois, being by the river seventy or
eighty miles from the Bethesda Spring. I think we were three days and three nights making
this trip, stopping at several points on the river during the daytime to examine the country
on each side, and sleeping on or near the river bank during the nights. There were but two log
shanties in sight of the river during this entire distance of seventy or eighty miles. The first
was about two miles south of Waukesha ; I think it was built by a man by the name of Parker.
The second was near the river on the present site of the village of Burlington, in Racine County,
built by a man named Smith. On arriving at the above-named lake, we tied up our canoe and
explored the country north, discovering the prairie about one mile from said lake. We sur-
veyed this prairie into quarter-sections, on one of which the said Jonathan Aimeson now resides.
On or about June 8, 1836, I returned to Prairieville by way of the Indian trail on the west side
of Fox River. On this trip, the only white person on the whole route was Warren Godfrey
and wife, who were living in their wagon, on the present site of the village of Rochester, Racine
County. I slept under their wagon during the night, Mr. Godfrey furnishing me with some
bread for breakfast the next morning, for which I was then and am now thankful. I arrived at
Prairieville, at Isaac Smart's, the same day, in the afternoon. On arriving here, I found Mr.
Joseph Smart, who, with his family, had just arrived from White Pigeon, Mich. Here was
another man who had crossed the ocean with me in 1834.
After remaining at Isaac Smart's a few days (probably three or four), a Mr. Cox, who had,
a few days previous, settled on the northwest quarter of Section 19, in the town of Mukwonago,
called on Mr. Smart, requesting him to send some white person to settle near him, as his wife
was afraid of the Indians, there being at this time a large Indian village on the east part of said
town, and not one white settler in any part thereof
On or about the 12th day of June, Joseph Smart and myself started from Mr. Isaac
Smart's to the northwest quarter of Section 19, in Mukwonago; there we found Mr. Charles
Cox, his wife Mary and their two adopted children, named David and Hannah. They were
living in their wagon, near the creek, on said northwest quarter of Section 19, in the town of
Mukwonago. I think there were no other white settlers in this town at that time. Mr. Cox
and family had moved here from the south part of Illinois, with three yoke of oxen and wagon.
I think Mr. Sewall Andrews, Mr. Camp and Mr. Meacham came into Mukwonago about the
14th or 15th of this month, Mr. Andrews and Mr. Camp settling on Section 26. About this
time, the Government concluded a treaty with the Indians then living on this section,
and, in September following, they surrendered their lands here and moved West, the Gov-
ernment aiding in their removal. Up to the time of concluding the treaty above alluded to, the
Indians refused to allow white settlers within three miles of this section, and did refuse Coats,
Aimeson and myself to stay near them while exploring the lands on each side of the Fox River,
about June 4, 1836. At this time, Joseph Smart laid claim to the northwest quarter of Section
17, on which he lived until 1857, when he died. I also, at this time, laid claim to the north-
east quarter of Section 19, adjoining the land on which Mr. Cox and family had settled. The
first white child born in the town was, I think, John A. Smart, son of said Joseph Smart, on
December 31, 1836. The first white person who died in the town was Charles Cox, who died
July 23, 1838, he being the first white settler.
I sold my interest in the northeast quarter of Section 19 to James Meader, and moved to
the town of Eagle in September, 1843. I removed from the town of Eagle to the town of Gen-
esee in October, 1849, where I have resided ever since. I think there is not a single white
person living now in the town of Mukwonago, Eagle, Genesee and Ottawa, who were living
there when Joseph Smart and myself first claimed our land in the town of Mukwonago. If
there are any now living in either of these towns. I should be very glad to meet them.
By Chauxcey C. Olin, ]880.
Forty-four years ago to-day (April 27, 1880), I left my native-place. Canton, St. Lawrence
Co., N. Y.,for the Far West, being then less than nineteen years of age. Our destination was
494 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Milwaukee, a place not much known in those days. It being early in the spring, and as we
were to travel with teams, with an older brother and family, on account of bad roads we shipped
aboard a steamboat at Ogdensburg. After a day and a half of boisterous and disagreeable
weather, we landed at Rochester. There we found good settled weather, fine roads and a
splendid country. We thought at the time Western New York was comparatively new. It
was known mostly for its fine wheat lands, as it supplied most all of Eastern New York and
New England with what was called Genesee Flour. I was for stopping right there ; but was told by
our brother, who had been in Wisconsin during the previous year, to wait, and not be too rash,
as a far better and finer country was ahead of us. Rochester was then but a small village and
Bufi'alo a small city ; Erie and Cleveland were also small towns, but such timber as we found
around Cleveland was a sight not easily to be forgotten. We remember distinctly those three-
foot poplar-trees sixty to seventy feet without a limb. Where Toledo now stands, we found the
worst ague country in Christendom, so we did not stop only long enough to get safely across the
river, and set our faces direct for Chicago, through the southern part of Michigan. After leav-
ing Toledo on our route to Michigan City, at the head of Lake Michigan, in Indiana, we saw
our first prairie country, where we could travel for miles and miles without seeing a tree, shrub
or a house. We said then to ourselves that it would be a hundred years before these large
prairie wastes would be settled. But experience has taught us how little we then knew of the
Great West and the Yankee enterprise that was then taking possession of these valuahle lands.
We traveled a large share of the way from Michigan City to Chicago on the beach of the lake,
sometimes in the water to the depth of two feet to avoid deep san(? that had been thrown up
by the waves. On our arrival at Chicago, we were beset with all kinds of difficulties, as it
was almost impossible to get through the city without getting stuck in the mud, and we really
felt relieved when we crossed the river at the now State street crossing. Chicaigo had been
advertising throughout the East for two or three years, so it was much better known than any
other Western town. But we saw nothing that interested us. Most of the buildings were on
stilts, and it was almost impossible to get through any of the streets with teams without carry-
ing a rail on our backs to pry them out of the mud, for the street was generally on a level with
the water in the river. Little did we think then that, in 1880, Chicago would contain 500,000
inhabitants. We were now eighteen days from home, and in the next three days, had passed
what is now Waukegan, Kenosha, Racine and the mouth of the Milwaukee River. All the
facilities we had for crossing was a small skiff, but over we went by putting our household goods
into the skifi", swimming our horses and floating our wagon. This was May 19, 1836. We were
in a new town with scarcely a dozen houses, but plenty of new-comers and Indians. After rest-
ing a few days, and looking around for something to turn up, we took our departure for what
was then called Prairie Village, sixteen miles west, through a heavy-timbered country for the
first twelve miles. Although we had an early start, it took us all day to make these sixteen miles.
We had no road more than blazed trees. We had quagmires on the start, and hills and dales
until we crossed the Menomonee at thepresent viaduct of the St. Paul Railroad. In a creek
near Elm Grove, we had our first experience in a Western mud-hole. We had to strip the har-
ness from our four horses and pull them out one by one; and they looked more like mummies
than anything else. By this time it was noon, and we had made about eight miles of the six-
teen. After feeding our team and partaking of our lunch, we moved on a little more cautiously.
After crossing Poplar Creek, we came into the oak openings. I thought it the most lovely
sight I had ever beheld. The country looked more like a modern park than anything else.
How beautiful to look upon ! How strange! We said in our enthusiasm, "Who did this ? By
what race of people was it done, and where are they now? " for there were but very few people
here. On our arrival at Prairie Village, the first family we met was McMillan's, which was the
place of entertainment, near where the court house now stands. This cabin was about twelve
feet square, with bunks arranged one above another on two sides, for sleeping; our bedcloth-
ing, prairie hay, which, with our own blankets, made quite a comfortable bed for summer. At
this time, there were but very few persons in or around this Indian town. M. D. and A. R.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 495
Cutler, Richard and Isaac Smart, Isaac Judson, Blon Fuller, Nelson and T. H. Olin, John Man-
derville, Almon Osborn, A. C. Nickell, Dr. Cornwall, Ira Stewart and ourselves were about
all who were or had been here up to the spring of 1836. In the fall, Nathaniel Walton and
family came and located on his present homestead, south and adjoining our village. On our
first visit to Prairie Village, we only stayed a few days, and in that time we made a claim.
I have always regretted that any of the mounds in this county should have been destroyed.
We have mounds on the college grounds that have been preserved, and no doubt will always be
kept intact, as they are on public ground. If all of these ancient relics of the history of our
county could be put back in their orignal state, our people would not take thousands of dollars
for them. Before leaving for Milwaukee, I had to take some steps to protect the claim I had
made. The way I did that was to blaze a tree and write my name, date of making it, etc.
Those who made claims on the prairie where there was no timber had to build a fence with rails,
to show whoever came along that it was claimed. But after this precaution, our claims had to
be watched very closely to keep them from being "jumped." When I was tired of claim-hunting
and sight-seeing, I returned to Milwaukee and settled down where I could see something besides
Indians and wild animals. Milwaukee was, of course, just in its embryo stage, and it needed
work to level its hills and fill its marshes. For a few months that was my work. Every day we
could see a change, and in a few months the transformation of hills and valleys was wonderful.
Then came buildings to be filled with goods, families and manufactories. Thus the improvement
went on, and speculation, in a very short time, became very exciting. In this way Milwaukee
was growing at a rapid rate. But, having a taste for country life, after spending one year in
Milwaukee with my brother and family, I took up my permanent residence at Prairie Village, to
grow up with the country. I can truly say that I enjoyed this pioneer life, although young
and inexperienced. There was just enough novelty about it to interest the most verdant of
country boys. By the time we had returned, other parties had come in with their families.
The first women that came were Mrs. McMillan and sister, Mrs. Isaac Smart, Mrs. Isaac Jud-
son, Mrs. Nathaniel Walton and Mrs. Nelson Olin. Jane Smart, daughter of Isaac Smart, was
the first girl born in this vicinity, and U. P. Olin, son of Nelson Olin, was the first boy. Up
to this time we were mere squatters on the land, as it was not surveyed until late in the fall of
1836, and was not in market. When the survey was made, a good many of us were disappointed,
as the lines did not correspond with our ideas of where our farms should be. The subdivision
of townships into sections and quarters left many of us high and dry on somebody else's land,
and we had to "get up and get," as the saying was. John Manderville found himself on the
school section ; M. D. Cutler did not have what he supposed he had, and had to buy off his
neighbor. The Olins — all of them — were in another township, as were also Isaac Judson and
Elon Fuller ; but still we were all close by. At this time the Indians were located here in
large numbers. A treaty had been made for their lands, and their title extinguished, but they
stuck to their old hunting grounds and wigwams, as game was very plenty in the immediate
vicinity, as I can testify, having seen as many as eight deer in a drove near where our court
house now stands. This Indian village was located on the south and east of us. It extended
from Grand avenue and Mineral Rock Spring on the west to C. S. Hawley's place on the east.
They planted corn on their grounds for two years after they were notified to leave, and the corn
hills remain on some parts of this land to this day.
When I came here, the Indians had a trail running from the northeast to the southwest,
just south of Mineral Rock Spring, and it had been used so 1-ong that an indentation of some
eighteen inches in the ground had been reached in quite a number of places. Pioneers in a new
country, if they are at all observing, know that Indians always travel in single file and in the
same place for an indefinite length of time. This trail extended from Pewaukee Lake to Muk-
wonago, a distance of nearly twenty miles. In coming from Pewaukee the trail crossed the
Fox River, two miles and a half up the river at what is now Hadfield's quarry, then came
directly down the river to where White Rock Spring is located. Around this spring was a great
place for game. It was called by the Indians, and white men, too, the " Salt Lick." The
496 HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
water was a little brackish then, as we thought, and was always open in the coldest winter. The
Indians understood this so well that they built a large ambush in the branches of one of the
large oak-trees near the spring, and many a deer, wolf, fox and smaller animal has been secured
from this hiddeii retreat. This ambush remained there for years after the Indians left the
county, until it rotted to the ground. Whenever we felt like going a-gunning, we always chose
this region, as we could always find some kind of game without much travel. The trail, after
leaving this spring, came just north of Hickory Grove, then to near where the Congregational
Church now stands, and a little south of Mineral Rock Spring, then a little more north, and
recrossed the river near Bethesda Spring, going to the Industrial School, and so on to Muk-
wonago. This tract of country, from Pewaukee to Mukwonago, was the Indians' great fishing
ground. We could always buy fish of the Indians cheap. They would take anything, from a
cracker to a few pounds of flour or meal, for as many fish as a large family could eat at two or
three meals. In 1837, the Indians began to fold their tents and emigrate to their new reserva-
tion, and by the fall of 1838 they were all gone, except a few stragglers that were too lazy to
work or even to get away to their new hunting--grounds. Finally they became such a nuisance
that the Indian Agents came and took them away by force ; and then some of them would return
and live on the white folks for months. Such was the Indian's love of country.
In the year 1837, we had quite a large accession to our village and vicinity. I remember
the names of the following persons : Orrin Brown, E. D. Clinton, Z. Bidwell, Henry Bowron,
J. Y. Watson, J. M. Wells, B. S. Purple, J. Rice, J. W. Rossman, E. Churchill, J. E. Bidwell,
Daniel Thompson, Robert Love, Moses Ordway, Sabina Barny, A. S. Watson, Loomis Bidwell,
P. N. Cushman. These persons were worthy farmers and settled around our village, near by,
and improved their farms, so that in a few years they became quite independent for a new
county.
In the fall of 1837, I returned to my native place in New York and spent the winter, at
which time I taught my first district school. But I could hardly contain myself in that hard
Eastern winter, and early in the spring set face toward the West again, to stay. In 1838, the
emigrants came early. The news had spread all over the East in regard to the fine farming
lands in Wisconsin, and it seemed as though each one had tried to be the first to reach and claim
unto himself a good farm. Milwaukee being the best harbor, all of the new-comers landed
there, and more than one-half of these people came through or stopped at Prairieville. I have
seen fifty teams loaded with these thrifty people coming through what is called the Milwaukee
Woods, and, about one-half of them would be stuck in the mud. Each one had to choose his
own route, and get along the best way he could. Among the number that stopped here that
year I remember the following : H. N. Davis, James Buckner, Charles Crownhart, Ira Deliver,
B. F. Chamberlain, 0. N. Higby, Albert White, J. and E. W. King, J. C. Owen, Allen
Clinton, L. and B. W. Goodnow,* and hundreds of others that I cannot now name. This year,
considerable improvement was made, and some good buildings for those days were built, such as
the Prairieville House (as by this time the name of the village had been changed), our grist and
saw-mill, and Robert Love and A. F. Pratt had each small frame houses. In the meantime,
settlements had been opening up at Mukwonago, Summit, Delafield and Pewaukee, so we felt as
though we had neighbors. By the time the land came into market in the fall of 1839, there was
hardly a desirable piece of land in the county but what was held for actual settlement or for
speculation. All the settlers were permitted to enter their claims at $1.25 an acre, but many
of us were compelled to borrow the money at 25 per cent interest to pay for our homes, which
were then becoming quite valuable. After our lands were secured, we felt a little more inde-
pendent, and really from that time set out in earnest to make ourselves comfortable by putting
up better and more buildings on our farms, and looking a little more after public improvements
in the way of better roads and bridges in difiierent parts of the county. We were also interested
in building churches, schoolhouses, stores, blacksmith-shops, and in fact in all kinds of improve-
ments where it would help to build up our town. Our wheat crop as early as 1839 to 1841
* The Goodnows, Clinton, Buckner and some of the others came in 1837, perhaps after Mr. Olia had returned from New York. The hotel
was also built in 1837.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 497
was of no mean dimensions. It gave iis all enough to eat and some to spare, as our grist-mill
sent to Milwaukee 7,000 barrels of flour, and our merchants 250 barrels of pork and 12,000
pounds of hides, which were valued at $38,846. These merchants up to this time had bought
in Milwaukee $27,700 worth of goods. While we were providing things for our temporal com-
fort, the spiritual man was not neglected or overlooked. In 1840, the population of our county
was 2,156, and after this time our county settled very rapidly, town sites were laid out, and
water-powers were being improved in every direction.
From the year 1841 to 1844 and 1845, there was a good deal of depression in real estate,
as speculation had run high since 1836. A good deal of this depression was caused by the
currency of the country, which was of a very doubtful character. The Western and Southern
States seemed to vie with each other in seeing which could issue and circulate the most wildcat
currency, as it was called in those days. In fact, the currency was so worthless that it could
only be passed in the State where it was issued, without a fearful discount. I remember of
going to New York in 1841, and I had to change money several times on the way, as there were
no through tickets in those days, by steamboats or railroads. On my arrival at New York I
could not even pay a hotel bill with Wisconsin money without standing a shave of 25 per cent.
The only reliable currency we had in those days in Wisconsin was the Wisconsin Fire and
Marine Insurance Company bank bills. This bank was owned and controlled then by George
Smith, of Chicago, and Alexander Mitchell, of Milwaukee. They issued thousands of bills,
and a large share of the people of Wisconsin, Illinois and" Iowa said : " We shall wake up
some morning and find the bills of this corporation worthless." They had several hard runs on
their bank, but they were always ready and willing to redeem their bills in coin when it was
asked for. I remember at one time there was quite a formidable mob gathered in front of their
bank in Milwaukee, because they could not get their money changed quite as fast as they
wished. In fact, I suppose the officers were a little slow sometimes, as their supply of gold
generally came from Chicago, and there being no railroad in those days, they had to depend
upon steamboats, which were very slow as compared with railroads. But every bill-holder got
his money, and no man, woman or child could say that they ever lost a dollar by holding this
money. In time, Mr. Mitchell became the sole owner of this bank, and it has always since
taken a very high rank as a safe moneyed institution of the Northwest.
I was present at an annual dinner of the Old Settlers' Club in Milwaukee on Washington's
birthday in 1878, at which time Mr. Mitchell gave a history of the currency, banks and bankers
of Wisconsin from the time he landed in Milwaukee. It was the most amusing as well as
instructive speech of the occasion, showing how the greatest banking institution of the West
was begun, and its progress up to the present time. It had become a settled conviction in the
minds of the people that the bills of this bank would always be good and every dollar would
eventually be redeemed, while multitudes of other banking institutions had gone to the wall
with a loss to the bill-holders of a large proportion of what they were supposed to be worth.
After all this depreciation and fluctuation in the currency and real estate, our general prosperity
was apparent. We had a splendid soil andplenty of willing hands to cultivate it, and as immi^
gration was constantly on the increase, we became a very prosperous community. In fact, we
were getting a little too thick for the ever wide-awake Yankee, so much so that quite a large
number of our oldest citizens took up their line of march to newer fields in other parts of the
State. About the first to leave was the Rev. Moses Ordway, who took up his abode in Beaver
Dam, in Dodge County, having sold his large farm. In a very short time, numbers of our
citizens followed him, such as E. W. Goodnow, William T. Bidwell, George Thompson, Stephen
Cummings, Charles Burchard, Mr. McNeil and two of the Mannings. Mr. Ordway was not
only a strong preacher, but a good business man as well, and he soon had a prosperous com-
munity about him. He improved a valuable water-power and built the first mill in that part of
the State, and to-day Beaver Dam is one of the best manufacturing towns in Wisconsin, having
several flouring and woolen mills of no mean dimensions.
In a more northern direction at Hartford the Rossmans located. At first they built a
498 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
saw-mill and did not dream of a removal,but circumstances out of their control compelled them to
leave us. Immigration followed them quickly to that timbered county, Washington. The
immigrants were mostly Germans, and, as they are almost invariably industrious, in a short
time the Rossmans had a prosperous village around them. The La Crosse Railroad was located
through their town in a few years, and to-day Hartford is the second town in size in the
county. I suppose this lucky find of the Rossmans took at least fifty people from our midst,
consisting of farmers, merchants, shop-keepers, teamsters, millers, etc. In a more northern
direction other settlements were formed, this time at Neenah and Menasha. L. H. Jones, one of
the most prosperous merchants, was the first victim. Others followed, namely, Joseph Turner
and family, two families by the name of Wheeler, Rev. 0. P. Clinton, Curtis Reed, A. E.
Bates and family, and quite a number of others that I cannot now name. But during all
this emigration from us, we were receiving new accessions at least three times greater than the
number leaving us ; so we were increasing in population rapidly all the time. Farther west in
the county of Winnebago, we sent out another delegation to Omro. The following are some of
the persons that located there : Nelson and James Olin, Loomis Bidwell, Richard Reed and a
large family of boys, Edward West, Marshall Moss, Lyman Goodnow, the first man to settle on
the Indian lands opposite Omro and on the north side of Fox River ; E. W. Beckwith, Edwin
Bullis and A. S. Olin. Others soon followed from other parts of the county — Rev. William
McKee, Messrs. Sanborn and Fisk, from Summit. Other places were also founded by Wau-
kesha people, such as Fox Lake, Eureka, Oak Grove, Pine River, Berlin, Clintonville and
several places of minor note. Waukesha people have built up quite a goodly number of towns in
different parts of the State, as has been shown, and still we have all the time prospered our-
selves. In fact, we may go to most any part of the State, and we will find people that have
lived within Waukesha Village or county. During all this time we were connected with Mil-
waukee County. But few of our citizens saw in the future the result of being connected with
a territory in which was located a large city such as Milwaukee has proven to be, and began to
grow restless. We were determined to take measures for a separation and set up for ourselves,
the division being at Range 20, leaving the west sixteen towns in the new county. At first the
Milwaukee people got dreadfully excited over the matter and declared by all that was great and
good that it should never be done. They said that it would have to be submitted to the vote of
the whole county, as there was no other way that it could be done in a legal manner ; and
further, they said, we have just enough territory for one of the best and wealthiest counties in
the State, and we. do not propose to stand any such nonsense as a division of this beautiful
county, with Milwaukee, the metropolis of the State, located within its boundaries. But the
people in the western part of the county made up their minds that their taxes would be much
lighter by the separation, so the cry went up strongly for division. Our first move was to go
to the Legislature and get a law passed to submit the division question to the voters living within
the boundaries of the territory to be set ofi". The Milwaukee people said that was the height of
impudence, but we had some good workers at Madison and a law was enacted, giving the people
only within the territory set off the right to vote on the subject. In order to give the reader
the full benefit of what was said and done to accomplish the end in view, I will incorporate
some articles from the Waukesha Plaindealer, edited bv A. F. Pratt. This article was written
for the Old Settlers' Club February 21, 1871 :
The Territorial Legislature consisted of a Council of thirteen members and a House of Rep-
resentatives of twenty-six members.
At the session of 1846, Nelson Dewey, of Grant County, was President of the Council,
and M. C. Darling, of Fond du Lac, Speaker of the House.
This county, which was then Milwaukee, was represented in the Council by J. H. Kimball,
of Prairieville ; Curtis Reed, of Summit, and James Kneeland, of Milwaukee. We were repre-
sented in the House by Samuel H. Barstow, of Prairieville ; Luther Parker, of Muskego; W. H.
Thomas, of Lisbon, and John Crawford, James Magoon and W. H. Mooers, of Milwaukee.
At that session, William A. Barstow, A. W. Randall, A. E. Elmore andourself, conceiving
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 499
the idea of seceding from Milwaukee, and organizing a new county, for that purpose went
to the Legislature, where, after a long and desperate struggle, we succeeded in getting a
bill passed, submitting the question of division to the voters of the new county only, at the town
meeting.
Councilmen Reed and Kneeland and the member Thomas opposed the bill to the bitter
end. In fact, all the residents of the present limits of Milwaukee County were so much opposed
to it that we did not dare to permit them to vote on the question. The same feeling existed in
the north tier of towns, also more or less in Brookfield, New Berlin, Muskego and Vernon, while
the people in the other towns were nearly a unit for " division."
At that time, C. C. Sholes was publishing the first and only paper in this village, called
the American Freeman,a.n Abolition sheet of the deepest dye. The friends of " division " met
together, and appointed a committee, consisting of A. W. Randall and ourself to conduct a
campaign paper, to be devoted solely to the "division" question. Arrangements were made
with Mr. Sholes to print it as often as we desired. It was christened the Waukesha Advocate.
The first two or three numbers were filled with good and substantial reasons for a separation
from Milwaukee, but about that time our opponents issued an opposition sheet from the Sentinel
office, called the Unionist.
This was edited by A. D. Smith (since Judge of the Supreme Court, and a brother-in-
law of Curtis Reed, our Councilman, now of Menasha). Dr. A. L. Castleman, of Delafield,
Leonard Martin, W. H. Thomas, Aaron Putnam and Curtis Reed were the principal contribu-
tors to that paper ; and both papers soon lost sight of the main object, and contained nothing but
personal abuse of the bitterest type. For a sample, we clip several articles from the Advocate,
which are fair specimens from our side, and if we had a copy of the Unionist, both sides should
be represented.
We published a communication in the Advocate, over the signature of " Waukesha Farmer,"
which contained a few lines of poetry, and was answered in the Unionist by Dr. Castleman, over
the signature of " Colburn," which we answered in the Advocate in the following communica-
tion, which was intended as a drive at the whole Unionist faction ; and, in order that our readers
will better appreciate the drive, we will say that when Dr. Castleman first came here, the prairie
itch was a very common disease, which he treated with such success that he subsequently wrote
a treatise on it, giving the cause, remedy, etc.
Messrs. Editors : I saw a communication in the Unionist, signed " Colburn," who asks the " Waukesha Farmer,''
to "join his talents" with those of " poet Smith," saying" they could fell us some mighty pretty stories for children."
As I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with this distinguished poet, I have taken the liberty of selecting
a few of his " poetic effusions," which you are at liberty to publish. [The poet Smith, whom the Doctor referred to,
was another Philbrook. — Editob. of Plaindealer.]
" To ' Colburn's' bow and shaft I lay no claim.
He shot at men ; I but at insects aim ;
But grant, since I must war on little things,
Just flame enough to singe their puny wings.
" I hear a voice that cries. Lift up thine hand
Against fhe leaders of that ' union band ; '
Housed by the call of duty, I obey ;
I draw the sword, and fling the sheath away.
" But *here begin ! when vermin thus abound,
No shaft I shoot can bloodless reach the ground.
0 Curtis, Curtis, if thy history's true,
In thee, the d — 1 only gets his due.
Thou wretch, if spirits e'er reply from hell,
The purpose of thy black invention tell.
Dost thou not see thy ' union press ' and tools
Create an endless jubilee for fools?
Couldst thou but see the loathing public cram'd.
With lie on lie — most justly art thou damn'd.
I'll take your vulgar trash and harm you not.
Poor d — 1, you're not worth another shot.
500 HISTORY OP WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" There's A. D. Smith with truth may boast of merits, too ;
His paltry pieces are both short and few,
And still his ' address ' would be the more improT' d
The more the number of the lines removed.
Some heavy food that undigested lay
Upon his organs did his wits betray.
Not ' facts,' but vulgar epithets came,
And set him free from all restraints of shame.
" Here's milk-and-water Martin, half insane,
With his native fogs condensed upon his brain ;
Unnatural Martin, how, how didst thou dare
Fowls of thine own feather thus to tear ?
Were the same measure meted out to thee,
How great, poor jackdaw, would thy sufferings be.
" Dismissing Martin to the state of mist.
The name of Castleman next comes on the list,
A name well worthy of no second place.
On the dark record of the land's disgrace.
When iirst ambitious hopes his heart inspired,
The ITCH, congenial theme, his fancy fired ;
A theme that nature did express devise,
To find his hand its proper exercise.
So well his pen the subject seem'd to match.
And brought his thoughts so promptly to the scratch,
That all who read the common inference drew.
He wrote from feeling, and from knowledge, too.
0 Doctor, Doctor, where get'st thou so much brass,
To think thy farthings would for guineas pass ?
" Now I have thumped each lout I meant to thump.
And my worn pen exhibits but a stump ;
Let candor judge what motive nerved my arm,
And if I meant my country good or harm ;
For the dear-bought suffrage of the ' Union press,'
1 prize but little, and fear it less.
" For you whose backs and sides and shoulders still
Twinge with my blows, and, maybe, ever will ;
Whose yard- long ears my honest muse offends, '
I'll tell ye, dunces, how to get amends:
To my poor lines be just such treatment shown,
(For that's your worst) as each has given his own.
" To those who listen to my humble lay.
Untouched and unattempted, let me say —
No private malice on my course propelled,
No anger spurred me, and no fear withheld ;
In these my strictures on my fellow-men.
Truth held the light, and conscience drove the pen."
The following "epistle" of the " Geneseeans to the Reedites" was written by us [A. F.
Pratt] for the last issue of the Advocate, and we are indebted to Curtis Reed, now of Menasha,
for a copy of it, which is, probably, the only copy of that paper in existence. In order that
"new-comers" may better understand and appreciate it, we give the following key to it:
Councilman Curtis Reed, who then lived with his father, Seth, at Summit, conceived the idea
of calling a meeting of the opponents of "division," at Genesee, among its friends, and started
around the outskirts of the county, among the opposition, to drum up recruits at that meeting.
He went to Lisbon to enlist W. H. Thomas, better known as " Hank," who, with David
Bonham, were active politicians in that town ; but David, having, a few days previous, been
incarcerated for the killing of Keene, could not help. Hank was dubbed the "orphan boy."
From there he went over and saw William R. Hesk, at Menomonee, and Leonard Martin, who
was a farmer in Muskego, and an opponent of Luther Parker, who had voted in the House for
division. From there he called on Aaron Putnam, who was running a saw-mill at Big Bend,
and was opposed to the division, but too cautious, as he is now, to invest any money where he
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 501
could not see an immediate return. The meeting was finally held at Genesee, and A. D. Smith
and others addressed the crowd ; but the friends of "division" outnumbered them more than
two to one :
>Ik. Editok: The following epistle was picked up in the street near " Jenkinsville." You are at liberty to
publish it if you choose. Yours, P.
MODERN CHRONICLES.
The First Epistle from Genesee to the Reedites.
CHAPTER I.
1. And it was in those days when the division subject waxed warm that the mighty talents of Curtis,
the son of Seth, were brought into action.
2. And behold, he left his home, amidst the tears of his father and mother, and went over and about Lisbon
to secure the services of the orphan boy, Henry, a child of David.
3. From thence he passed over the waters of the mighty Menomonee, and entered the synagogue of King
William.
i. Now, when William saw him yet a great way off, he ran to him, and fell down on his knees, and kissed
him, saying. Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over Milwaukee's interest, and
that is mine.
5. And Curtis answered and said unto him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must be out and doing while
the day lasts, or we shall never receive our reward.
6. And he said. Master, master, what wouldst thou have me do ? And he answered and said unto him. Sad-
dle thine ass and follow me ; and he did likewise.
7. And as they passed over to a place called Brookfield, Curtis says unto him. Tarry thou here, and notify
my people that there is to be a mighty gathering of the sons of Curtis over and about Genesee.
8. After he had spoken these words, he passed over to the land of JIartin and Aaron, sons of Ethan.
, 9. Now, when Martin and Aaron saw him, they said unto him. Our tears have been our meat and drink, day
and night. Our opponents have called on us for arguments : but lo I you have furnished us with none. When we
' asked you for bread, you gave us a stone.
10. And he answered and said unto them. Behold, I have come out to gather my people together at Genesee.
Let those who hunger and thirst after facts come there and be iilled.
11. Harken unto me, 0 Martin 1 and you shall draw around you the followers of Luther, and he shall become
an outcast in Muskego and a wanderer upon the face of the earth.
12. Martin answered and said unto him, I will gather my tribe and follow thee, for thou art my strength, my
guide and my salvation.
13. After saying these words, he turned unto Aaron and said. Wilt thou go and do likewise? Aaron answered
and said unto him. How many pieces of silver will it cost to carry me over unto the land of Genesee ?
14. Then said Curtis unto him, Whatever thou spendest in my cause shall be returned to thee tenfold in
loaves and fishes ; and he shut down his gate and followed him.
CHAPTER II.
1. Now, when all the Reedites had gathered together at Genesee, behold, they numbered twenty and two.
And they began to marvel among themselves, saying. How can these things be ? Have our numbers dwindled
down to this ?
2. Behold, in their midst stood a son of Waukesha, and when he saw who was there, he cried out with a loud
voice, saying, Verily, verily, I say unto you, unless you are born again you can never become honest men.
3. And as they began to look out and around about, then they saw Waukesha indelibly written upon the
countenance of every Geneseean.
4. And they cried aloud, saying. Hath the son of Seth nowhere to lay his head ? And the Geneseeaus cried
out, saying. Crucify him ! crucify him !
5. Then spake the Geneseeans and said unto them, 0 ye blind guides; ye that strain out the facts, and make
us swallow your falsehoods ; what came ye out for to see ? a Reed shaken by the wind ? Do you not all understand
that your leaders were conceived in sin Snd rocked in the cradle of iniquity ?
6. And the Reedites answered and said unto them. Our ways are as much above your ways as Summit is
north of Genesee ; and our interest is as far from your interest as Summit is from the center of Waukesha.
The following article, purporting to come from Dr. Castleman, was written for the Advocate
by us [A. F. Pratt], and the answer by A. W. Randall :
Soft Soap Office, Sign of the Weathercock, 1
Delafield, March 28, 1846. /
To the Publishing Committee of the Waukesha Advocate :
Gents — At a meeting of " those settlers upon canal lands who are opposed to division," held at my office, a
few nights since, I had the honor of being one of a committee appointed under the following resolution :
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to wait on the Publishing Committee of the Waukesha
Advocate, and ask them to resign.
Believing myself more competent than a majority of the committee, I have "taken the responsibility' to
502 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA- COUNTY.
addresa you on this subject. The project which you advocate has consumed the most of my time for the last six
weeks. As many of you have known me for the last ten years, it would be needless for me to add that every act of
mine has flown from the purest of motives, believing, as I do, that some of our people, whom I have the honor to
represent, are' opposed to " this kind of division." I will not attempt to disguise the fact that I have " labored in
vain," traveling this county, to convince the tax-payers that their taxes would be increased by division ; and I will
assure you, gentlemen, that I am convinced that the only sovereign remedy for " our disease" is to persuade you to
resign. You are so well aware, gentlemen, of the object of this request that it is unnecessary for me to state it
here, or the reasons which might be advanced to induce you to comply. Suffice it to say that it is from no objection
to your holding the office, the duties of which we are satisfied you perform honorably and efficiently ; but we do
humbly object to the unhealthy influence you exert through this community. For the satisfaction of myself and
other disappointed aspirants, whose budding prosperity has been so suddenly nipped, I beg leave to request a reply
at your earliest convenience. Accept, gentlemen, assurances of my respect and esteem.
Yours, in haste, Pill Garlick.
Advocate Office, April 1, 1846.
Pill Garlick, Esq. :
Sib. — Your letter in which, under a resolution of certain persons in Delafield, you, as member of a committee of
three appointed for the purpose, ask the Publishing Committee of the Waukesha Advocate to resign their office, is
before me as agent for that committee. I have the honor to state to you, in behalf of that committee, that the office
they hold is one of honor and profit, and it would be doing injustice to the power that appointed them, to resign and
leave their office vacant, before the object was accomplished, and the funds placed in their hands. After, this, if the
public good requires it, they will resign or do anything that they can do according to law. One of the committee
has written to Gov. Smith for his views and opinions in relation to the course we ought to pursue. When his answer
is received, it will be made public. In the mean time, we advise you to urge upon your friends that they take out
for your especial benefit a commission called "lunatico stultus."
I am, with much feeling and commiseration, your devoted friend, John Chilblain.
We would here remark that the friends of " division " carried the election by a large
majority ; the principal voting, however, was done at Waukesha and Summit, which, we believe,
cast more votes than they ever have since. At Summit, Mr. Reed and his friends kept the
polls open three days, and stopped every teamster from the east and west, and secured his vote.
At this poll. Deacon Joseph Turner, a very conscientious man, being Chairman of Supervisors,
and having taken a solemn oath to prevent all fraud, etc., it was more difficult' to poll all our
votes. The election was held at Justice Sloan's office, which stood where Mr. Sanner's tailoring
establishment now stands, and a pane of glass was taken out of the window to receive the votes ;
but in order to satisfy the old Deacon that all were legal voters, a box was placed on the outside
for boys to stand upon, so they would look like men to these honest inspectors of the election.
I will now resume mj own narrative.
After the settlement of the county seat question, which was decided in favor of Waukesha,
we then of course had to have county buildings. They were built the next year of our famous
Waukesha limestone. They are of no great dimensions, but of a good, substantial character and
will answer the purpose for years to come. But we do not feel proud of our county jail ; it is
simply a disgrace to our county and ought to be replaced with a good, substantial, modern jail
building in connection with the Sheriff's residence, at once, as our county is out of debt, and
abundantly able to make such an improvement without its being a burden to any of the tax-
payers. Our county offices are most of them detached from the court house in a fire-proof
building; those that are located in the court house have fire-proof vaults, so that all of our
county records are safe in case of a destruction of the building. By 1846, Waukesha had
grown quite rapidly, and our main business street had taken quite a start for a new town, as it
was indeed new. Our abundance of limestone gave us a great advantage in making permanent
improvements. We could build much cheaper than with wood. This stone could be made into
lime cheaply ; sand was also abundant, near at hand, and most anybody with energy and a
little money could build in Waukesha County. It is not likely Waukesha ever will be much of
a commercial county. We have scarcely any manufactories even now, but we had thirty years
ago the most beautiful country villages in Wisconsin, and the improvement is still onward. M.
D. Cutler and Charles R. Dakin, a prosperous merchant amongst us, donated ten acres of land to
Carroll College. A building was erected by the liberal donations of the people, and the school
was opened by E. Root, as its first Principal. Soon after. Dr. Savage, from New York, came
and took the presidency. Other places around us had taken the lead in these matters, and Dr.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 503
Savace, after a few years of struggle and hard work, died, leaving the college with but a very
small endowment, and it has remained to this day a feeble and unremunerative place of learning.
The grounds and building are beautifully located and should be well patronized. Up to 1851,
our only outlet to Milwaukee was by carriage road ; but we began to feel, before that, a railroad
would be of some benefit to us. Therefore the subject was agitated in Milwaukee and along the
proposed line until the enterprise took such shape that the work was really commenced and the
Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad was built to Waukesha in March, 1851, and the same year it
was finished as far as Whitewater. Since that time, our prosperity has been onward until now
we have a population of nearly 30,000, and the prospect is good for a large increase within the
next ten years. The public press has done something for Waukesha. The first paper was pub-
lished here in 1845, by C. C. Sholes, and was called the American Freeman. It was Anti-
slavery through and through, and as it was the pioneer paper in that direction in the West it
soon had a wide reputation. The enterprise was projected by the strong men of our then new
Territory by issuing stock in $10 shares, Mr. Sholes being the editor and publisher. After the
first year of its existence I became the owner of the paper by buying the stock and assuming
the liabilities, and published the Freeman in Waukesha some three years, Ichabod Codding
being its editor. We made it hot for all proslavery sympathizers. The circulation of the paper
was largely increased, when S. M. Booth, direct from Connecticut, became the editor and half
owner. We after this moved the press and fixtures to Milwaukee and changed the name to the
Milwaukee Free Democrat. From that time forward, for some eight years, were recorded most
momentous events in the history of our county. A strong and influential party had made its
appearance and was not to be put down until slavery was wholly abolished, which was finally
accomplished by the bayonet in a most sanguinary civil war. I cannot close without saying
that the pioneer period of my life embraced by far its happiest days. There was no aristocracy,
fine feathers, stiff necks or big feeling in those days. We all felt an interest in each other and
each other's prosperity, and worked accordingly. The interests of the whole never suffered
because of some petty personal jealousies. We were all together and worked shoulder to shoulder.
Those were glorious old days, free from factions, neighborhood wrangles, scandals and efiforts to
outdress or override each other.
WAUKESHA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
This flourishing society, with its predecessor, has the honor of being the oldest duly
organized agricultural association in the State of Wisconsin, though others had charters
granted by the State sooner than any in Milwaukee or Waukesha Counties. This first agricult-
ural exhibition, only the most meager accounts of which have been preserved, was conceived
and pushed to an end by the late Joseph Turner, Talbot C. Dousman, of Waterville ; E. W.
Edgerton and George Paddock. Possibly some others had something to do with its formation.
The exhibition was held, probably, on land now owned by Mrs. Dunbar, in Waukesha Village,
on the west side of the street, perhaps thirty rods south of the Glenn Spring, on the 28th of
October, 1842. The grounds were not even inclosed, a disastrous drawback in the manage-
ment of a fair thirty-eight years later. What the admission was is not recalled by those pres-
ent, but the exhibition is generally believed to have been free, and that a collection was taken
up to secure enough cash to pay the premiums. By whom the premiums were awarded is not
recorded, further than that "Joseph Turner was Chairman of the committee." They all were
paid, however, to men who resided in what subsequently became Waukesha County. The whole
credit of the afiair, therefore, belongs to this county, though the name of the first organization
was the " Milwaukee County Agricultural Society." The awards, amounting to aljout $40,
were as follows :
For the best working cattle the premium of $B was taken by George Paddock, of Warren
(now Merton). Talbot C. Dousman, of Genesee (which then comprised Ottawa), took the prize
for the best four-year-old oxen. Prizes of $2 each were awarded to George Paddock and Nelson
Olin, of Genesee, for the best three-year-old and two-year-old steers, respectively. T. C. Dousman
504 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
received $1 for the beat pair of yearling steers ; George Paddock also received $1 for the best
two-year -old heifer ; James Holton, of Prairieville, for the best yearling, and E. Rowley, of Prai-
rieville, for the best heifer calf. Curtis Reed, of Summit, was awarded $2 for the best milch
cow, and Thomas H. Olin, of Pewaukee, $1 for the best bull calf.
Of the horse kind only four received premiums ; B. F. Chamberlain, of Prairieville, tak-
ing $2 for the best stallion horse; Hosea Fuller, Jr., of Pewaukee, the same for the best two-
year-old colt, and T. C. Dousman the same for the best mare and colt.
Two-dollar premiums were taken by George Paddock for the best ewe and for the best buck
lamb, and by Nathaniel Walton, of Prairieville, for the best fine-wool buck. Mr. Walton was
also awarded f 1 for the best ewe lamb.
In the line of hogs, Barstow & Loskwood, of Prairieville, and B. W. Edgerton, of Sum-
mit, took $2 premiums for the best boars over and under a year old ; J. B. Winton, of
Prairieville, for the best sow and pigs, and James Holton for the best sow under a year old.
Discretionary premiums were awarded as follows : To John Long, of " Mequanago," $2
for the best four-year-old bull ; James Holton, $2 for the best three-year-old . heifer ; Mrs. Na-
thaniel Walton, $2 for the best sixty-six yards domestic flannel ; Mrs. Joseph Turner, f 1 for the
best stocking yarn ; Nelson Olin, for best plowing, $3, and John McDermid, of Prairieville, for
second best plowing, $2. The ofiicers said that McDermid's plowing was slightly the better, but
Olin's was done more rapidly, a fourth of an acre being plowed by him, without extra driver, in
forty-three minutes, the furrow being nowhere less than four inches deep. The same work took
McDermid forty-four minutes. There were three competitors at the plowing match, which took
place on Nathaniel Walton's farm, not far from where the Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys
now stands, and it was an interesting and spirited contest. The award of the judges was by no
means satisfactory, McDermid's friends claiming that the quality of the work was of far more
importance than the quantity, and Olin's friends claiming the contrary, which latter claim was
oflBcially sustained. That plowing match was the principal theme for animated discussion during
weeks and months after it was over with, and resulted in various other matches in the county.
To close the exhibition, a little speech was made, and the President, Joseph Turner, thanked
E. W. Edgerton for a cabbage head three feet in circumference and weighing fourteen pounds
three ounces. Mr. Edgerton was the only exhibitor at that memorable fair who took his premium
in thanks, though not the only one who was paid in full. Thus ended the first agricultural fair
in the county, and, so far as known, in the State.
In the Milwaukee Sentinel of December 21, 1842,' appeared the following notice :
Notice is hereby givea that the first annual meeting of the Milwaukee County Agricultural Society, will be held
at the Prairieville Hotel, in the town of Prairieville, on the third Thursday in January next, being the 17th day
thereof, at 12 o'clock M., for the election of ofiicers and the transaction of such other business aa is calculated to pro-
mote the interest of the society. The unexampled success which has attended its efforts since its organization, should
encourage the hearts and give a new impetus to the exertions of the whole agricultural community. Matters of in-
terest, and business of importance, are expected to be brought before the society. A general attendance is requested,
not only of the farmers, but of all interested in the enterprise.
Pkaibieville, December 13, 1842. Joseph Tdkner, President.
In response to the above call a njeeting was held at Prairieville on Tuesday, January 17,
1843, at which the following proceedings, copied verbatim, were had :
The annual meeting of the society was held at Prairieville, on Tuesday the 17th of January, inst. This being
the time for awarding premiums for grain and field crops, the Executive Committee awarded to Joseph Turner $3 for
the best yield of corn raised on one acre, it being seventy-three and nine seventy-fifths bushels, weighing seventy-
five pounds to the bushel in the eiir; this was the second crop from a piece of land known as oak openings, without
any manure. Owing to the season, which was very unfavorable, there was no competition for field crops. It is gen-
erally believed that no farmer realized more than half a crop of corn the past season.
The society, after disposing of the ordinary business, proceeded to the choice of officers for the ensuing year :
Joseph Turner, of Prairieville, was elected President; and Sylvester Pettibone, of Milwaukee; M. Field, of Mequanigo;
W. W. Treadway, of Eagle; Nelson Olin, of Genesee; S. Sanborn, of Summit; D. Bonham, of Lisbon; T. H. Olin, of
Pewaukee ; J. C. Howard of Lake ; S. R. Manning, of Prairieville ; A. A. Flint, of Vernon ; I. C. Loomia, of Franklin ;
P. V. Monroe, of New Berlin ; Judge Brackctt, of Brookfield ; William 0. Underwood, of Wauwatosa ; G. S. West, of
Greenfield ; A. Rowe, of Menomonee ; J. Brazelton, of Granville ; L. Parker of Muskego ; William Shew, of Oak
Creek and G. Paddock, of Warren, Vice Presidents ; C. L. Bockwood, Recording Secretary ; William A. Barstow, Cor-
responding Secretary ; Elisha^ W. Edgerton, Treasurer ; E. D. Holton, H. N. Davis and G. C. Cone, Executive Committee.
It^j-rijCf-x.
<^^
LISBON.
HISTOBY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 507
The spirit manifested by the farming interest in the county argues well for this enterprise, and it is hoped that
no farmer will hereafter be discouraged from enterinig the lists as a competitor, though the season should prove unpro.
pitious.
It is expected that the friends of the society will be such the coming year, that the amount and number of
premiums will be greatly extended.
Pbairieville, January 17, 1843. Joseph Tukner, President.
No exhibition or fair was held in "Waukesha during the year 1843. Finally, after Wauke-
sha had been separated from Milwaukee County, two fair associations were organized, one for
each county. But the Mexican war, the increasing interest in politics, and the business of mak-
ing the Territory into a State, occupied the attention of the people to such an extent that neither
organization accomplished much in their proper directions. Therefore, after due consultation
and public notice, on the 9th of January, 1852, a meeting of the Waukesha and Milwaukee
County societies was held at the court house in Waukesha, and a consolidation effected under the
title of the "Milwaukee and Waukesha Agricultural Society." No fair was held for the year
1852, on account of some difficulty with the State Fair officers, of whom grounds for the exhibi-
tion had been engaged. The next year, 1853, a fair was held at Waukesha. There was not
much of a fence around the fair grounds, and many who are prominent business men to-day in
the county were caught stealing in without tickets, while some succeeded in getting in without
being caught. Lyman Goodnow was gate-keeper at the fair held in the stone schoolhouse,
soon after it was finished, at Waukesha. He also sold tickets, which were 10 cents each. The
managers gave out bunches of them which were charged against Mr. Goodnow, the account
being balanced by the return of the money or the tickets. At the close of the fair, Mr. Good-
now emptied over $70 before the fair managers, which he had taken in for tickets, while they
had only $20 charged against him. He was far more honest than the good-natured managers
were accurate. They took his pile and wrote him down as an honest man. At this fair, the
address was delivered by A. D. Smith.
In 1854, the Milwaukee and Waukesha societies dissolved partnership, and January 10, of
that year, a meeting was held at the court house, and a society for Waukesha County alone or-
ganized. George C. Pratt, Robert Black and I. N. Cadby composed the committee on constitu-
tion. In September, of that year, the new society held a fair at Waukesha; also in 1855 at
the same place.
In July, 1856, a meeting was held at the court house in Waukesha, to organize a county
society under the law passed the previous winter. W. D. Bacon, Martin Field and A. G. Han-
luumio ford composed the committee that prepared the articles of association, and George C. Pratt, James
Davis and Horatio N. Davis composed the committee authorized to purchase grounds. They
first purchased ten acres of Nathaniel Walton, on the northwest corner of northwest quarter of
Section 10, near the State Industrial School, at Waukesha; but as it was not satisfactory, W. D.
Bacon transferred to them, in exchange for the first purchase, ten acres where the grounds now
are, on the southeast corner of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 3.
Afterward, in 1869, additional land was purchased, so the society now owns about fifteen
acres. The grounds are provided with the necessary buildings and a half-mile race-course, and
the society is in a flourishing condition. Exhibitions have not been held every year since the
society was organized, owing to temporary difficulties ; but of late the fairs have been very suc-
cessful. The attendance has been large, the exhibitions of unusual merit and the receipts satis-
factory. This association has several times taken the banner offered by the State Agricultural
Society for the best general exhibition of all articles. In fine stock of all kinds and fruits, it has
excelled during several years.
The Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers of the society since 1852 have been as follows,
in the order named:
1852— E. W. Edgerton, Cyrus Hawley, Talbot C. Dousman. 1853— Talbot C. Dousman,
R. N. Messenger, S. S. Daggett. 1854— T. C. Dousman, George C. Pratt, George Hatch.
1855— B. R. Hinckley, S. S. Case, George Hatch. 1856-57— James Davis, H. N. Davis,
Chauncy C. Olin. 1858— John Gale, George C. Pratt, John Forbes. 1859— Thomas P.
508 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY,
Turner, George 0. Pratt, John Forbes. 1860 — Talbot C. Dousman, Henry Shears, John
Forbes. 1861— Winchel D. Bacon, M.' Sellers, R. B. Hammond. 1862— W. D. Bacon,
C. C. White, R. B. Hammond. 1863-64-65— W. D. Bacon, Vernon Tichenor, R. B. Ham-
mond. 1866— Edward Porter, 0. M. Tyler, J. L. Smith. 1867-68— Edward Porter, Elihu
Enos, J. L. Smith. 1869— W. D. Bacon, W. V. Tichenor, 0. M. Tyler. 1870— Edward
Porter, W. V. Tichenor, 0. M. Tyler. 1871— W. D. Bacon. W. V. Tichenor, 0. M.
Tyler. 1872— J. 0. Starkweather, F. H. Putney, 0. M. Tyler. 1873— Isaac Lain, Frank H.
Putney, A. J. Frame. 1874— Isaac Lain, F. H. Putney, 0. M. Tyler. 1875— T. C. Dous-
man, F. H. Putney, 0. M. Tyler, 1876-77— W. A. Nickell, George C. Pratt, M. S. Hodgson.
1878 — John Porter, G. C. Pratt, M. S. Hodgson. 1879 — Ephraim Beaumont, M. L. Butter-
field, George F. H. Barber. 1880— Isaac Lain, M. L. Buterfield, Geo. F. H. Barber.
DAIRYING IN WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The dairying interest in Waukesha County has assumed quite an importance, mostly con-
fined to cheese factories. We find Messrs. George Lawrence & Son started a new era by
building a fine, large commodious building for a creamery, calling it the Rose Glen Creamery
(the name of the farm at the time). They began operations May 6, 1878, and for two years
have never failed to receive milk every day, winter and summer. They manufacture both but-
ter and cheese. A. J. W. Pierce started a smaller creamery the same time at Summit Corners,
in Summit. This was run not over successfully for the owners, but helped build up the high repu-
tation of Waukesha County for producing gilt-edge butter.
Messrs. George Lawrence & Son were the winners of a nickel-plated milk scales valued at
$100, for the best single tub of butter made in America; also, received the first prize for
creamery butter made in Wisconsin, and A. J. W. Pierce received the second prize for creamery
butter made in Wisconsin. The products were exhibited in New York City December 8, 1878,
at the first international dairy fair ever held in this country. This places Waukesha County
not only in a very exalted position in this particular line, but at the head of all counties in the
Union for first-class butter. In 1879, F. Schultis, of South Genesee, and Steel, of Gen-
esee, converted over their cheese factories into creameries. These are all the creameries to be
mentioned that are in operation at the present time. Private dairies, or small cream-
eries, where the milk from only one dairy is supplied, are quite numerous throughout the
county.
Waukesha County abounds in sweet, nutritious grasses, and has a bountiful supply of clear
cold water from the best springs in the country. All that is required is the skill of man to
utilize the great advantages nature has provided, by caring for the cows and by the scientific
handling of their product. The creamery plans of handling milk are numerous, but generally,
and doubtless with the best success, milk is set in cold spring water, as at Rose Glen Creamery.
Such creameries have running springs in their buildings, so arranged that the water can be let
off" or allowed to run over the top of large tanks, as may be required. " Setters " eight inches
in diameter and nineteen inches deep, of tin, are used to set the milk in these tanks of water.
The milk is skimmed after setting twenty-four hours. The cream is held twenty-four hours
longer, and allowed to sour slightly. Revolving churns are used, run by steam power. When
small particles of butter, the size of small shot, present themselves, the churn is stopped, strong
brine is put in, and after a few revolutions of the churn the buttermilk is drawn, when new
brine is added and the butter washed thoroughly, after which spring water is thrown in and the
butter washed again- This leaves the butter entirely clear of buttermilk. One reason why
Waukesha County butter stands so high for its keeping qualities, is that manufacturers use one
ounce of the best dairy salt to each pound of butter — more than is used elsewhere.
The first steam-power butter-worker ever used in the State was introduced in the spring
of 1880 into George Lawrence & Son's Creamery. There has been an immense increase in the
production of butter in Waukesha County recently, the product of 1878 being nearly ten times
greater than that of 1870. This demonstrates that the creameries have not only made a great
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 509
reputation for Waukesha County butter, but built up an exceedingly profitable business for its
farmers.
The first cheese factory, for making cheese alone, was built in Summit by Mann & Dous-
man in 1870. During the following year, 1871, Mann, Stone & Hinckley erected the second
factory in the county, also in the town of Summit. There are now a dozen cheese factories in
the county in successful operation, and their product will be greater this year than for several
years past, cheese selling at more profitable figures. The town of Waukesha with four facto-
ries and Genesee with three, lead the other towns in the manufacture of cheese. Although
nature has done more for the butter and cheese maker in Waukesha than in any other county
in the State in the way of grass, spring water and facilities for securing ice, the dairy business
is comparatively young in this locality. It is growing, however, as the cheese product increased
from the product of one factory in 1870 to that of twelve in 1879, which received the milk of
between 3,000 and 4,000 cows. According to the last annual report of the State Dairymen's
Association, the factories in this county were Olin & Clinton's, T. C. Dousman's, B. R.
Hinckly's, Montrey Factory, Frank Shultis' (two). Rose Glen, D. Ostrander's, M. Rowell's
and the Waterville Factory.
WOOL BKOWING AND SHEEP RAISING.
It was early found in the settlement of Waukesha, that the farmer, to be successful, must
diversify his products — that to depend on grain-raising wholly would not do ; and the enter-
prise that brought the first settlers to this country caused them to seek not only for stock, but
for the best of stock. Perhaps this enterprise was not more manifest in any one thing than in
the improvement of merino sheep. The prevailing opinion among farmers had been that a
sheep was a sheep, and that was all there was of it; and that so many sheep would produce just
so much wool. But some of the Waukesha farmers did not entertain this idea. They believed
in improvement in this as well as in other stock, and sought for and bought improved animals
as soon as presented. About 1850, 3. D. Patterson, of New York, introduced some merino-
sheep that sheared greater fleeces, and were really better sheep than any Waukesha farmers
had. A. E. Perkins, of Mukwonago, purchased of these, and, finding they improved his flock,
was naturally on the lookout for further improvements. In 1861, Mr. B. S. Lake, brought in
here a lot of rams from Vermont, which were distributed in the county, Mr. Perkins purchasing
most of them, about 40 in number, which he let and sold to various parties, and which proved
of great value to the flocks in this and adjoining counties. This stimulated the farmers to
greater efibrts to improve their flocks, and Mr. Perkins, in particular, who visited Vermont the
following year, together with Mr. Lake, of Saxton's River, Vt., made large importations
from that State. About this time, John Paul, of Genesee, George Lawrence, of Waukesha, Perry
Craig, of Vernon, and others, engaged earnestly in the business, and spared neither money nor
pains in getting the best sheep to be found in the country. These may he said to be the
pioneers in the fine-wool sheep improvement, and from these others have sprung up, until now
Waukesha County probably takes the lead of any coupty in the State in improved merino sheep.
The breeders regret that George Lawrence left the business for the creamery, for no one mani-
fested greater enterprise in the business than did Mr. Lawrence, and no one was rewarded with
greater success. There was no great interest or improvement in the long-wool, or Cotswolds, until
about 1861, when B. Porter, of Waukesha, b^an and made large importations from Canada.
These importations seem to have been made with great skill and wisdom, and Waukesha soon
took the lead in this kind of sheep. Now, George Harding and others are offering as good
animals of this kind as can be found in the State. It may be stated here that many farmers
made a mistake in crossing these with the fine-wools by using the grade animals ; that is, the
lambs produced by the full-blood rams for stock animals. It is due to Mr. Porter to state
that this was done against his protests. Only those who have persistently used full-blood
male animals have made a complete success of the business, which has grown to unusual pro-
portions in Waukesha County. Sheep-shearing festivals are held annually, and are largely
510 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
attended. All the dealers in full-bloods have grade-books, which show the pedigree of their
stock, and the business is a scientific as well as a very profitable one. It brings annually
thousands of dollars into the county, and the managers of the woolen-mill at Waukesha say
their finest grades of cloth are made from Waukesha County wool, than which there is no better.
In 1839, only sixty-seven pounds of wool were produced in the territory now comprising the two coun-
ties of Milwaukee and Waukesha, and there were only 790 sheep and lambs in the county, valued at
about $1,000. In June, 1879, there were 89,969 sheep and lambs in Waukesha County, valued at
$150,945 by the Assessors, but really worth $300,000 at the lowest. Thus, in forty years, the
number of animals has increased a trifle over 10,000 per cent and the value of them 30,000
per cent — an astonishing growth. But sheep-raising and wool-growing have become a science,
the chief growers combining to help each other in producing pure-blooded stock and the finest
wool. To do this, an organization called the "Wool-Growers' Association" was formed. A
record of the first meeting, held June 11, 1874, is as follows :
" The meeting for a more extensive association of the wool-growers of this part of the State,
was held at Caldwell's Prairie last Thursday, agreeably to the resolutions adopted at the sheep-
shearing festival on May 14, 1874. The meeting was quite generally attended by wool-
growers, and speeches were made by Messrs. Perkins, Humbert and others, a good number of
stanch, wide-awake men being present. A constitution and by-laws were adopted, and oflScers
elected for the ensuing year.
" The object of this society is for the promotion and encouragement of breeders and wool-
growers, that they may attain the highest standard of perfection in quality of sheep, value of
fleece, and management of flocks. Also, to establish some standards, by which they may be
governed in principles of breeding, and awarding prizes at fairs.
" The ofiBcers for the coming year are : A. E. Perkins, President ; E. Milroy and M. L.
Ayers, Vice-President ; George Lawrence, Jr., Secretary ; J. W. Parks, Treasurer. The name of
the society is ' The Southeastern Wisconsin Sheep-Breeders' and Wool-Growers' Asspciation.'
" The relative merits of sheep were discussed in a- lively manner. Those interested in
sheep-husbandry are cordially invited to become members, or attend meetings, which are open
to all. The meeting adjourned to the last Thursday in August, 1874, at Caldwell's Prairie.
"G. Lawrence, Jr., Secretary y
This association strengthened and grew until it is now the Wisconsin Wool-Growers' Asso-
ciation— a State institution. It was born in Waukesha County, and has been the means of adding
hundreds of thousands of dollars to the wealth of her citizens, besides establishing the reputa-
tion of this locality as one of the very foremost counties in the Northwest in producing fine
wool and blooded stock.
At the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, in 1876, John Paul, of Genesee, and George
Lawrence, Jr., of Waukesha, were awarded each a medal and diploma for their exhibitionof sheep.
In addition to bettering the financial condition of the county, the business of producing
the best stock possible has a tendency to cultivate and educate those engaged in it.
WAR RECORD.
It were honor enough for any work of this kind, and for its compilers and publishers, if it
had nothing more to preserve than the record made by the citizens of the county in the war of
the Rebellion. Solferino, Austerlitz, Waterloo, Marston Moor, Lodi, Mount Tabor and Grenada
are making a gilded journey down through the ages in immortal song, resplendent with the
richest decorations of genius ; but they were not greater than Shiloh, or the Wilderness, Gettys-
burg, Lookout Mountain or a score of other battles that stand out boldly in the history of the
Rebellion. The work of patriotism and genius in decorating the achievements of American
soldiers has just begun ; and the least of the details of those mighty events should be sacredly
preserved for the pen and the brush of future genius.
In the completed picture, in the almost limitless scroll of fame, there will be none to out-
shine or out-honor the soldiers from Waukesha County. She is peculiarly rich in the record of
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 511
men — officers and privates — as well as in the record of deeds. But it is unnecessary to burden
the pages of history with word-pictures, for the deeds themselves far outshine their most glowing
descriptions.
The news that Fort Sumter had been fired upon and had surrendered reached Waukesha,
Oconomowoc and places along the railroads Saturday evening, April 13, 1861, but was not gen-
erally disseminated until Sunday. Everything was dropped, and people rushed to the centers
of population and information for the latest news. Newspapers were in demand and commanded
almost any price, one man, who afterward became a Colonel, giving his hat for a copy of the
Milwaukee livening Wisconsin.
Impromptu meetings to enroll volunteers and organize to sustain the Government were held
in almost every part of the county. The first of importance of which any record is left us was
held at Robinson's Hall, in Waukesha, Saturday evening, April 20, 1861, though a large meet-
ing was held at Oconomowoc at about the same time.
To adequately describe the intensity of the patriotism and excitement displayed at this first
meeting would be wholly impossible. The crowd was as large as the hall would hold, and the
streets were full besides. Winchel D. Bacon was made Chairman ; C. G. Heath and Malcom
Sellers, Vice Presidents, and C. C. White, Secretary.
On motion, a committee consisting of H. N. Davis, P. H. Carney and V. Tichenor was
appointed by the Chair to present resolutions expressive of the sense of the people of Waukesha
on national affairs, who made the following report, which was adopted amidst the wildest
hurrahs :
Whereas, A forcible dissolution of these United States is threatened, and is being actually attempted by armed
bands acting without authority, and in defiance of the Consfitutiou and the laws of the country, we, the people of
Waukesha, irrespective of party, being of the opinion that the time for words has passed, and that the hour for action
has arrived, do
Resolve, That the preservation of the American Union in its integrity is the paramount duty of every citizen of
the United States.
That in view of the preservation of the Union and the enforcement of the laws, the political differences which
have heretofore existed should be totally effaced.
That we hereby ratify the policy of the Administration, as indicated in the proclamation of President Lincoln,
and that we believe that the restoration of the National flag to the places from which it has been removed by trait-
ors is necessary to secure tranquillity at hom eand respect abroad.
That to the preservation of the Union and to the enforcement of the laws, we hereby pledge our lives, our
fortunes and our sacred honor.
During the absence of the committee, speeches were made by C. K. Davis, William S-
Hawkins, M. Sellers, C. C. White, H. K. Smith, D. Casey, Rev. Dr. Savage and Rev. J. M.
Walker, all in favor of burying past differences and offering an united support to the Constitu-
tion and the laws, and during the meeting stirring addresses were made by S. W. Warner,
Alexander F. Pratt and others.
M. G. Townsend, C. G. Heath, A. S. Bennett, B. F. Cram and 0. Z. Olin were appointed
a committee to establish a recruiting station at Waukesha.
The following resolutions, offered by C. C. White, were unanimously adopted :
Resolved, That while recognizing in its fullest extent the right of free speech, we hold that this right author-
izes no man to lift up his voice in favor of his country's enemies, and that no such men or such sentiments will be
tolerated in this community.
Resolved, That a Vigilance Committee of thirty-four men be appointed by the Chair.
The Chair offered the following, which was adopted :
Resolved, That the citizens of Waukesha agree to provide all needful assistance to the families of those who may
enlist in their country's service, during their term of enlistment, and for the purpose of creating a fund for the pur-
pose above named, we agree to pay the sums set opposite our names ^ro rata as shall be required.
The following subscriptions were made on the spot :
Isaac Lane, $200; M. G. Townsend, $100; 0. M. Tyler, $50; T. D. Cook, $100; F. A.
Maurer, $25; R. Mercer, $30; J. A. Williams, $50; V. Tichenor, $25; C. C. White, $50;
E. Porter, $50; C. Jackson, $50; W. D. Bacon, $100; L. Purdy, $25; C. G. Heath, $25;
D. Howie, $5 ; A. F. Root, $5 ; H. N. Davis, $25 ; W. D. Horton, $5 ; E. M. Randall, $20 ; Capt.
G. Lawrence, $100; Phineas Clawson, $50; L. A. Mann, $25; C. A. Leuthstrom, $50 ; John
512 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Tyler, $25; John Collins, $10; S. W. Warner, $25; A. S. Putney, $25; L. B.Wright, $20;
John Gaspar, $25; C. Blackwell, $25; G. A. Hine, $50; Charles Stein, $15; E. Chester,
$10; W. Nickerson, $10; H. A. Kennedy, $20; K. Orvis, $5; J. A. Hibbard, $5; B. F.
Chamberlain, $50; V. H. Porter, $10.
The Chair was authorized to appoint a Central Committee and a committee of one from each
town to receive subscriptions and push on war measures. He appointed as follows :
Central Committee, Capt. George Lawrence, 0. Z. Olin, FindlayMcNaughton ; Menomonee,
Jesse B. Nehs ; Brookfield, Aaron V. Groot ; Pewaukee, J. H. Waterman ; Lisbon, Henry
Phillips; Merton, G. W. Cottrell ; Oconomowoc, P. A. Woodruff; Summit, E.M. Danforth;
Ottawa, T. C. Dousman ; Eagle, Marvin H. Bovee; Mukwonago, A. L. Perkins; Muskego, P.
L. Bigelow; New Berlin, Benjamin Hunkins ; Vernon, William Guthrie; Genesee, Thomas
Sugden ; Delafield, Albert Alden; Waukesha, D. Casey.
Before adjourning, the enthusiastic crowd sang the •' Star Spangled Banner" with wonder-
ful effect, and an enlistment roll was opened. The first man to sign it was A. S. Bennett. He
was, therefore, the first man to enlist in Waukesha County. He was killed as Captain in the reg-
ular army in 1879, while fighting the Indians in the West. He was a bachelor. The Recruiting
Committee opened an ofBce on Monday, April 22, in C. G. Heath's office, and recruiting began
in earnest. At about the same time, an enlistment roll was opened at Oconomowoc. During the
week following this meeting similar ones were held in Pewaukee, Mukwonago, Delafield, Eagle
and nearly every other town. On Monday evening, another mass meeting was held in Waukesha,
at which enthusiasm ran high. More cash was raised to care for the families of soldiers, and
pledges were offered on every hand to furnish wood, meat, flour and provisions to soldiers' wives
and children. Men offered houses free of rent ; physicians offered medical attendance free of charge.
Patriotism and generosity ran riot, i War meetings were appointed in almost every school-
house in the county, and speakers were in great demand. The demand, however, was supplied,
as men who had never made a speech before, and have not since, proved to be fountains of
patriotic eloquence.
Party lines were nearly obliterated, old feuds were forgotten, and a new era in good-fellow-
ship and patriotism inaugurated. Old enemies, both political and social, met at recruiting
gatherings, and made speeches together. It was a remarkable sight.
Patriotism and a desire to do something for their country were not confined to the men.
The ladies were busy preparing little things for the soldiers to take with them ; making flags,
committing patriotic songs, making rosettes of red, white and blue, and lending their influence
by being present at all war meetings. They met at Jackson's Hall in Waukesha, April 31,
and formed a "Soldiers' Aid Society" which had almost weekly meetings and continued to
work for the comfort and health of the boys in blue until the close of the Rebellion. They col-
lected money, food and clothing ; made new clothing, forwarded jellies and medicines ; secured
nurses and did everything that human hearts and hands could desire and carry out. The thanks
they received from sick and wounded soldiers during that long struggle would be reward enough
for a whole life devoted to works of philanthropy. Scores of letters were sent home telling how
health and lives had been preserved by what the ladies had done.
Wisconsin's " noble war Governor, " Alexander W. Randall, was a Waukesha County man,
and his proclamation, which went far to put the State at the front in raising volunteers, did
much to create the unbounded enthusiasm that burst forth in this county. Its author having
been for many years a resident of Waukesha Cpunty, that proclamation may rightfully claim a
place in this work. It is as follows :
To THE Loyal Citizens of Wisconsin: For the first time in the history of the Federal Government, organized
treason has manifested itself within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it.
The Proclamation of the President of the United States tells of unlawful combinations, too powerful to be sup-
pressed in the ordinary manner, and calls for military forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in
BKBCuting the laws.
the treasury of the country must no longer be plundered — -the public property must be protected from aggress-
ive violence. That already seized must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 513
A dsmand made upon Wisconsin by the President of the United States, for aid to sustain the Federal arm, must
meet with a prompt response.
One regiment of the militia of this State will be required for immediate service, and further service will be
required as the emergencies of the Government may demand.
It is a time when against the civil and religious liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the United
States, parties, politicians and platforms must be as dust in the balance.
AH good citizens, everywhere, must join in common cause against a common enemy.
Opportunities will be immediately offered to the existing military companies, under ihe direction of the proper
authorities of the State, for enlistment to fill the military demand of the Federal Government, and I hereby invite
the patriotic citizens of this State to enroll themselves into companies of seventy-eight (78) men each, and to advise
the Executive of their readiness to be mustered into service immediately.
Detailed instruction will be furnished upon the acceptance of companies, and the commissioned ofiScers of each
regiment will nominate their own field officers.
In times of public danger, bad men grow bold and reckless. The property of the citizen becomes unsafe, and
both public and private rights liable to be jeopardized. I enjoin upon all administraiive and peace officers within
this State renewed vigilance in the maintenance and execution of the laws, and in guarding against excesses leading
to disorder among the people. (Signed) AiE.x. W. Rand4Ll.
L. P. Hakvet, Secretary of State.
This proclamation, together with the fact that Walker L. Bean had been given a commis-
sion to enroll a company, and the Prairie du Chien (Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul) Railway
had offered to transport volunteers free, added fuel to the fire throughout the county. There
being but one recruiting office at first, in the county, large numbers of soldiers enlisted in Mil-
waukee and adjoining counties, no one being aware at that time that the county would need all
the men she could spare to fill her own quota and to avoid a draft. The first soldiers from Eagle,
Brookfield, Muskego, New Berlin and Menomonee enlisted at Milwaukee, and some of the first
from Mukwonago, Ottawa aud Summit, at Whitewater and Janesville. These enlistments in
other counties were to secure the local bounties. •
Waukesha County, as a county, had no ninety-days men. The first company raised was
the " Waukesha Union Guards," which unanimously agreed to tender services for "three years
or the war." The company election was held on Thursday, May 2, 1861, and two days later
the Governor issued commissions. The officers and privates of this pioneer company, were as
follows: Captain, I. M. Bean; First Lieutenant, Enoch Totten ; Ensign, Andrew S. Bennett;
First Sergeant, Miles L. Butterfield ; Second Sergeant, Thomas Devereaux ; Third Sergeant,
Arthur Holbrook ; Fourth Sergeant, H. H. Messenger ; li'irst Corporal, Andrew J. Smith ;
Second, F. A. Canright ; Third, Nathaniel Stein; Fourth, George W. Rice; Fifth, F. L.
Ladue ; Sixth, E. F. Davison ; Seventh, Orlando Culver ; Eighth, William Hall ; Drummer,
George B. Babcock ; Fifer, Robert Powrie ; Wagoner, John Rattray ; Servant, Thomas
McGee, Jr.
Privates : Henry Vreeland, Joseph Hesketh, George W. Rice, Artemas M. Culver, William
Arlit, William B. Ward, Angus Cameron, William H. Smith, James Boyne, William Wright,
Henry Becker, Henry Theade, George Klock, Ferdinand Keussner, Morris L. Corbett, Ezra 0.
Pelton, Isaac J. Wood, Albert J. West, Ansel Strong, James S. Bottsford, Joseph Gray, An-
drew J. Bennett, George A. Smith, Alexander Johnson, Otis Darling, James C. Bagley, John
Ross, Justus F. Heath, Thomas Larkin, Peter Gilcrest, James B. Jessup, Thomas Parkinson,
James C. Foster, Thomas H. Webley, James Arnold, John David Jones, ^Edward Mills, T. N.
Coleman, Joseph Bub, Sanford Blossom, J. P. Benedict, A. H. Gurney, Samuel Gower, Mel-
ville Vanduker, Phillip Downey, Samuel E. Orvis, Hiram Hines, Barton S. Bullard, George
W. Block, Lucius Hall, Henry Owen, Charles J. Cole, Henry B. Potter, Daniel C. Corbett,
John F. Culver, Arthur H. Peck, Henry B. Lowe, William Stickles, Luke Shapeleau, William
Hall, Henry H. Messenger, George Schwartz, John B. Doty, Warren H. Shaul, Eli J. March,
William H. Bump, Dominick Federer, Nathaniel Stein, Harrison Ward, Charles 0. Brown,
Valentine Imig, Warren Thompson, Henry C. Hyde, Richard M. Welsh, Selah B. Langworthy,
Francis L. Larkin, Andrew J. Smith, Chester McFarland, W. W. Root, John W. Grimes,
John Heath, John Ross, Peter J. Hurtgen.
The company was sworn in on Monday, June 10, 1861, by Maj. Larrabee, of the Fifth
Regiment, to which the boys had been assigned, and on the following Thursday left for camp at
514 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Madison, amid a strange mingling of tears and hurrahs. Before leaving for the front, the com-
pany presented Capt. Bean and Lieuts. Enoch Totten and A. S. Bennett with gold-headed
canes.
When this company had left, war enthusiasm died out, temporarily, at Waukesha Village.
The second company, called the " Oconomowoc Guards," was raised at Oconomowoc, and
was organized and officered as follows, only a few days later than the first company :
Captain, A. S. Peck ; First Lieutenant, J. H. Mann ; Second Lieutenant, Warham Parks ;
Orderly Sergeant, William Kelly ; Second Sergeant, John J. Adams ; Third Sergeant,
Decatur Thompson ; Fourth Sergeant, M. K. Leavitt ; First Corporal, Asa Colby ;
Second Corporal, David Stratton ; Third Corporal, John H. Meigs ; Fourth Corporal,
M. H. Brown. This company began regular drill under the instruction of Maj. Whittaker, of
Summit, early in the second week of May. It was a good company, and composed of first-class
men, many of whom could hardly be spared from the community.
The company did not go into service as a company, but scattered and most of them went
into other organizations. A brief insight into camp life, to see " how the boys tOQk it," may
be interesting. An extract from a letter written by one of the pioneer company, reads like this :
" We have at last received our clothes, which they call uniforms, although one would think
to see the company on parade, that the tailor had warranted each uniform to fit the largest man
or the smallest boy. The cloth is gray, of various shades ; much of it is of poor quality and
will not stand hard service. The pants have a cord down the sides, and the coats have brass
buttons and stand-up collars. Each man has a metal plate, spoon, knife and fork, which he
must take care of himself. About 6 o'clock, the Orderly Sergeant calls out, ' Company I,
fall in for breakfast,*' and, as ihe call is passed from tent to tent, you take your plate in one
hand, knife, fork, cup and spoon in the other, and step into the ranks. But be careful as you
go into the eating-house that you do not slip down in a pool of coffee. As the boys range them-
selves along the rough table, the Orderly commands, 'Inward face — take seats.' At first, a
teacup of mustard, a box of pepper, salt and vinegar, are the only articles in the line of victuals
to be seen ; but, immediately, a pan filled with slices of bread an inch or more in thickness,
another of boiled potatoes, followed by one filled with meat, come in rapid succession. The
bread is ' baker's,' and good ; the potatoes are good enough, and the meat — well, as to meat and
gravy, we won't take any this morning. The waiter fills your cup with coffee, which you
sweeten and taste. It is cold, and appears inclined to coagulate. Another waiter appears, and
while steam rises in large volumes from his pitcher, cries out, ' Hot coffee ! ' You want some;
of course, but what is to be done ? Your cup is full, you cannot swallow its contents, and there
is no dish into which to empty it. You look around and find everybody in the same fix.
Finally, a sly one comes to an 'about face ' and pours his coffee on the ground. In an instant
you follow suit, and so do the others. Now it may be understood whence came the pools of cof-
fee on the ground. * * * After finishing your meal, should you wish to clear your
plate of fragments, you empty them on the table or where you did the cold coffee. You clean
your dish with bread, dip it in a large dish of hot water, and wipe it with paper."
Some of them did not relish this at first, but many times afterward they would have been
overwhelmingly thankful for half as good or half as abundant fare.
As before mentioned, after the first companies had left Waukesha County, the zeal and
patriotism of her citizens began to wane, and the newspapers contained numerous appeals and
addresses intended to arouse the people. In August, 1862, when it became ap-
parent that, unless something was done at once, Waukesha County would have a
whole regiment drafted from her sixteen towns, the people awoke to greater efforts
and wilder enthusiasm than was known when Lincoln's first call for volunteers was promulgated.
War meetings were held in all portions of the county, and offers of medical attend-
ance, money, wood, provisions, house rent and clothing were made to the families of those who
should become volunteers. And there was a grand, glorious response. The " Central War
Committee" — W. D. Bacon, George C. Pratt and Isaac Lain — kept an office open constantly
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
515
at Waukesha, and directed, as well as possible, the operations of the town sub-committees. They
called a grand mass meeting for Sunday, August 17, and half the pastors in the county were
present and made speeches containing more eloquence than had been in all their utterances for
a year before. Recruiting began by C. C. White, D. G. Snover, H. A. Meyer, John Fallon,
Walker L. Bean, Elihu Enos, J. W. Lowry, P. H. Carney, James Murray, J. B. Monteith and
others, and enlistments were recorded at an astonishing rate. But to raise 1,684 men in such a
small county in one week, the time allotted before the draft, was too much. However, W. D.
Bacon, Isaac Lain, George C. Pratt and C. C. White received authority to raise a AYaukesha
County regiment, and succeeded in enlisting nearly eight hundred men, the men working par-
ticularly hard in the hope of securing a full regiment without going outside of the county. The
Twenty-eighth Infantry was mostly raised in Waukesha County, while a great many went into
the Twentieth and Twenty-fourth.
Waukesha County Hosier. — As near as the official records show, the following is the roster
of the soldiers credited to Waukesha County, though it does not comprise all the county
furnished, as many, enticed by large bounties, enlisted in other portions of the State, and were
credited, of course, to the localities where they signed the roll :
TOWN OF BEOOKFIELD.
First Iv/antry — Company unknown — Walter
rinleson, Lawrence Kinney, W. Brown.
Seoond Infantry— Co. F— John H. Anderson.
Co. K — Benjamin F. Barker. Company unknown
—Charles Thrall, Joseph Maynard.
Fifth Infantry— Co. B— LeanderL. Hatch, Eob-
ert Bell, James W. Allen, Charles H. Allen, Oscar
W. Colvin. Co. F— James Arnold and Willard B.
Ward.
Sixth Infantry— Co. D— Francis Bell, Jr. Com-
pany unknown— Joseph Ewbanks.
Twelfth Infantry— Co. E— William Parker.
Seventeenth Infantry— Co I — James Brown.
Twentieth Infantry — Company unknown — Isaac
Arnold.
Twenty-second Infantry — Company unknown —
Joseph Kroy.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown —
William Help, Dever White, William Enos, K. M.
M. Putney, John Montgomery, Lewis Fellows,
Hyde, Hawley Churchill, George W. Gregg,
Joseph Todhunter, Jr., George W. Hine, John E.
Penrose, John Hine, Benjamin Van Camp, Henry
C Green, John Snyder, John G. Vedder, John H.
Tyler, George Mitchell, Eugene Phillips, David H.
Springsted, William F. Seymour, Fred Liefert,
Ermead Bordwell, Charles F. Brownell.
Twenty-eighth /?^owtr.t/— Company unknown —
William Dolloon, Joseph Matteson, Loren Barker,
Charles Phillips, Michael McAdow, Matthew
Brooks, Charles Larkin, Lindry S. Smith, Joseph
Hengy, Orlando Vanderhoff, David Arnold, Her-
man Buncher, Hopken Hagadom, P. Swan, "Will-
iam D. Carthon, Fred Humbert, ,7acob Gunder-
man, John Wohlhiser, Alonzo Hannum, John
Gale, Albert Ward, John Schlenck, George Alex-
ander, John Hasler, John Weitzel, George Cole-
man, John Heider, John Heider, 3d, George Hall.
Regiment unknown — Leander C. Philbrook and
Peter Setzel, Dennis A. Philbrook and John Shef-
ley, Henry C. Philbrook.
Sixth Kansas — James Clary, Matthew Clary.
First Kansas— Co. F— John W. Clary.
First Gavalry—Heniy A. Breed, William Fel-
lows. Co. L— Thomas Bateman.
Second Cavalry— Co. M— Albert H. Smith.
Third Cavalry— John Sheldon and Hiram Blanch-
ard.
Twelfth Regulars— Co. B— Nathaniel Warren,
Henry Churchill.
Second Battery — Jacob Arnold.
Seventh Battery — Godfrey Keese, Nelson Gray,
George Hanney, William Dill, A. J. Wright, H. D.
Tucker, Eobert Tyler, Almon T. Higgins.
TOWX OF DELAFIELD.
First Infantry— Co. B— Patrick McNulty.
First Infantry— Co. G— Henry Ashby, William
M. Jacques, Jr. Company unknown— John Davis.
Second Infantry — Company unknown — Edward
Faut.
Third Infantry— CouiTpimj unknown— Lewis
Jones, Evan Morris, Daniel E. Eowe, John J.
Jones, James Eichardson.
Fifth Infantry— Co. F— George W. Eice, Albert
Gurney. Co. K — Myron Sherwood. Company un-
known—Joseph Turner.
Sixth Infantry— Com-p-etny unknown— Henry
Baker, Milo Sage, Alonzo Eugg.
Tenth Infantry — Company unknown — George
Price, Peter Fulmer.
Seventeenth Infantry — John Farrell.
Twentieth Infantry — "\^"illiam Young.
Twenty-second Infantry— Corrv^Awy unknown —
Allen Muckleson, Edward I. Eoberts, Thomas
Hopkins, Edward D. Williams.
Twenty-Third Infantry — Company unknown —
Charles Wheelock.
Twenty-Fighth Infantry— Compuny unknown —
Wm. D. Dapkins, James Bone, Eobert Hill, Gran-
ville H. Coleman, Thomas D. Eoberts, Fred Burg,
Ira Eowell, John Williams, William Williams,
Christopher Lorenson, Charles IQaus,Martin Hol-
comb, George Morris, Charles Luther, Charles
Hengen, Ammi D. Hawks, Ezra A. Seymore,
Wright W. Smith, Jens Larson, Jacob Jacobson,
Hans Margerson, Eobert Williams,AVilliam Jones,
Peter Sillmore, Lewis Kune, Mathias Halyer.Xich-
olas Halyer, John A. Carrier, George AV. Weeks,
Adin Eeynolds, Lewis C. Burg, Charles AV. Frisbee,
Martin D. Clark, Henry M. Ward, John C. Baker,
George Anderson. Herman Afield, Peter Steven-
son, David Turner, Alonzo Eichardson, Eobert
Owen, Zoller.
616
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
First Cavalry— Qo. F— Josiah Lesley, Cyrus
Gurnsey, Charles Hahn.
Regiment unknown— y^iWidim Gallup, John Gal-
lup, Jacob Lawson, Phillip Downey, Griffith T.
Rice, Eli Marsh.
Berdan's Sharpshooters— M.-axs\\a\\ Fairservice.
TOWX OF EAGLE.
Second Infantry— Co. K— Nicholas Hanes,Chas.
Brown. Company unknown— Elberton Bigelow.
Fourth Infantry— Co. A— Peter Hunter, James
Fifth Infantry -Co. F Gilchrist. Co. K—
Wallace Root.
Thirteenth Infantry— Co. I— John Miller, Henry
Carle, John Hubbard, Joshua Scott. Co. K —
Napoleon B. Draper, Wm. Kanute.
Sixteenth Infantry— 3 . D. Reed. Co. I— P. V.
Bovee.
Seventeenth Infantry— Co. B— Conrad Van
Readen, Bernhart Meyer, John Fink. John Brie-
denback, Anton Schulte, Martin Schulte, Jacob
Van Readen, Martin Devine, Hiram Daniels,
Bernhart Briedenback, John Stinoff.
Twenty fourth Infantry— Co. A— Sidney Kline,
George Logan, Franklin W. Rice, Mathias J.
Bovee, Jr., Stephen W. Powell, John I. Bovee,
William B. Sherman, Lewis M. Sherman, Leonard
D. Hinkley, Mathias L. Snyder and Thomas Lewis.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown —
Wilson Kipp, John Kalp, William Harrison, Albert
Williams, John Nelson, Michael O'Neil, William
Lean, Jeremiah Carr, John Mclntyre, Edward P.
Hinkley, William Duncan, John Cummins, C. J.
Melenda.
First Cavalry — Co. A — Thomas Audis. Co. K
— Thomas S. Draper, Wm. I^ogan, Charles Kilts,
Frank Snover, H. F. Potter. Company unknown
— Frank Bigelow, James. Grant, James Robison,
Jeremiah Bessey, Julius Mastic.
Third Cavalry — Co. D — Henry James, Henry
Brewin, Thomas Pryor, William Keener, Timothy
Sullivan, L. W. Robison, Hiram Lampman, Caleb
Lobdell, AViliiam Lobdell, Martin Lee.
Seventh Battery— Chdnles Willard, Frank Fox,
George Alvord, Edgar Wainright, John Burke,
Arthur Wainright, Walter Downing, Samuel
Kinder.
First Heavy Artillery — Andrew J. Reeves, My-
ron Scott, Edward 0 Brien, Norman Markley,
Silas Reeves, John Western, David Kinder,
Thomas Lacey.
Second Heavy Artillery — Seymour Lewis.
Langworthy Artillery — Francis Draper, Jr.,
William Bigelow, Benson Sternes.
Regiment unknown — Clesant Hendrickson, E. P.
Downer.
TOWN OF GBNE.SEE.
First Infantry — Co. G — Francis Pelton, Harry
Baker, Jocelyn Baker, RoUin Johnson. Company
unknown — John Warnei.
Fifth Infantry— Co. F— Ezra 0. Pelton, John
I. Jones.
Seventh Infantry — Company unknown — Theo-
dore Sherler.
Twenty-second Infantry — Company unknown —
Thomas Hopkins.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown —
S. Kellogg, George Eandle, Abel C. Van Camp,
Michael Hunt, Peter Finnegan, Stephen Reming-
ton, Allen Williams, Jeremiah Carr, H. E. L. Ba-
ker, David Webster, John Gandy, Thomas Green,
George Sawyer, Peter F. Boss, Charles Samerlatt,
JohnMonteith,ArchieD.Monteith(Captain),Will-
iam E. Brown, George Simmons, Otto Gross,
Francis Bruce, John Jones, John Sweeden, Rich-
ard B. Morris, Philip Flood, John Hargarzog,
Franz Elzner.
Regiment unknown — August Karl, John D.
Jones.
First Cavalry— Co. H— Rollin Holsappole.
Second Cavalry — George Price.
Third Cavalry — Co. D — Thomas Prior, Henry
H. Clark, Patrick Brannon, William H. Graves,
James Bowen, Albert Russell, Patrick Brimer,
John Kitsook, Enoch James.
TOWN OF LISBON.
First Infantry — Co. B — Daniel H. Henshaw,
Co. G — James Greengo, Amos Greengo.
Fifth Infantry — Co. F — Andrew J. Smith,
Thomas Larkin, Samuel Gower, James Bottsford,
Joseph Gray, Hiram Hine, Robert Powrie.
Tenth Infantry — Co. E — Andrew Howitt.
Seventeenth Infantry — Co. A — John McKenna.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown —
Benjamin Campbell, Wallace Ellsworth, Amasa
P. Carpenter, Peter Porter, George A. Mason,
James Moyes, George Fielder, George Dingledin,
Samuel Cranch, Charles G. Wildish, Patrick Hen-
ley, Jeremiah Noon, Peter Bonner, John A. Hart-
zen, Amos Roisier, Andrew Ennis, Peter Hourts,
Levi H. Palmer, Gotlieb Bohman, Ira B. Rowell,
William Rankin, George W. Higgins, Thomas
Butler, James Templeton, John Field, Alexander
Rodgers, Charles D. Luce, Thomas H. Gower,
Alanson Piso, Anthony W. MuUin, John Taylor,
Fitz James Thompson, Edward H. Dougherty,
Tliomas Lannon, Lucius Weaver, Frederick L.
Weaver, John Watson, T. Butler, T. McGill, A.
McKee.
Thirty-eighth— Cora^axiy unknown — F. Fish.
Regiment unknown — Frank Hine, T. Richmond,
E. Pearl, H. Howard.
First Cavalry— Co. F— George Wilding, Henry
N. Ainsworth, Edward Craig. Co. I — Frank Don-
eley. '
Third Cavalry — Co. D — George Boyce, Patrick
Murphy, Thomas Dixon, William H. Thomas.
TOWN OF MEETON.
First Infantry — Co. E — Edward Stokin.
Second Infantry — Co. K — Charles Klauson,
Chauncy Skinner.
Third Infantry — Co. A — Wm. Connely.
Fifteenthlnfantry — Co. D — Andrew L. Jacobson,
Hans L. Jacobson, Nels Tuft, Jacob Jacobson,
Rollep Amanson, Nels Nelson, Nels Aleson. Com-
pany unknown— Rasmus Neilson.
Sixteenth Infantry — Co. B — Gilbert Kenyon,
Mahlon Taylor, Jacob Johnson, Peter W. Cross
and Robert Wallace, Erasmus Johnson, Evans S.
Evanson.
Nineteenth Infantry — Co. E — Peter Sorenson.
Twenty-second Infantry— Com.^ax\j Unknown—
J. N.Reed, Warren Reed.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — John Munn, John
Kenyon, Kamite Reddin, James Bull, John Bull,
Thomas Roe, Orrin Boughton, Edward Tannis, S.
inSTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
517
L. Worth, Joseph D. Danah, Andrew E. Johnson,
Halver Waller, Lars Yansen, Hans Yansen, Ras-
mus Hansen, Paul Hansen, J'ohn Tlioriie, Peter
Cross, Edwin Foster, John Wild, John Mason,
Thomas Holt, Edmond Holt, James Alderdice,
Timotliy Sullivan, Charles Whlchman, Jacob
Metzger, James C. Pawling, Sydney Van Kirk, G.
B. Tobey, James H. Hamlin, Anton Newberry.
Frederick Barcher, John Miller, Jacob Lohri»i
Charles Miller, Rasmus Larson, Robert Gibson,
Cassius Caldwell, Jas. Caldwell, Frank M. Pippin.
Fimt Cavalry— Oo. X — Nelson Skinner, Charles
Skinner, Edward Munger. Co. F— Russell Will-
iams, John Farmer, Nels Oleson. Co. L — Francis
Donnely. Company unknown— Jerome D. Mer-
rick.
Third Cavalry— Co. D— Phillips Hoffman, John
Mitchell, Richard Chestnut, Sanford Marsh, Harry
Cock, Herbert Cock, Mathew Weeks, Timothy
Stokin, Silas M. Sherwood, Oswin Perry, J Jin
Frederickson, Henry Ainsworth.
TOA\-N or MUKWOXAGO.
First Infantry— Co. A— Thomas Lacy, William
B. Sherman. "Co. H— James Sprague, William
Sample, Jacob Kline, William Field, Leroy Del-
am atter. (
Second Infantry— ('o. K — Horatio Skidmore.
Company unknown— Frederick Baldwin.
Fourth Infantry— Company unknown— Henry
Harding, Charles Pepper.
Fifth Infantry— Co. B— George Spencer. Co.
F— Lucius Hall. Company unknown — Jas. Bag-
ley, William Stickles.
iSixth l7ifantry—W iWiam Serner.
Tenthlnfantry—Compsiny unknown — Franklin
Jokish, Thomas D. Powers.
Eleventh— Dane Co. Zouaves — Martin Brannan,
Thirteenth Infantry— Co. I— Daniel Perkins,
John Stickles, Joseph Patridge,
Nineteenth Infantry — Rufus Yrares, Reville
Moffitt.
Twenty-fourth Infantry— Co. I— Jonathan Co.\.
Twenty -eighth Infantry— Henij Smart, William
Kerdfarm, David Hill, John Carney, Frederick
Shoultry. Allen Williams, E. W. Bixby. Franklin
Bender, Samuel Kline, John Dailey, William Free-
man, Ephraim Whitney, George Hoag, Clark Per-
kins, John Foster, CliHrles I. Parker, Hiram P.
Lyke, Oren D. Moffitt, William Green, Fred Tesh,
Carl Yruchtmaker, Charles Holty, Thomas De-
venck, Sewall Andrews, Patrick Puly, Julius
Lyke, George Klinefelter, William Watkins, Jacob
Stickles, Lucius Kells, J acob jMili us, J ames McDon-
ough, James Wortham, Henry Wheeler, Ira Pool.
Berdan's l^harpshooters—WilMeim Clark.
tieoenth ^atto'w— Alexander Craig, Stephen
Bramwell, Frank Fox, James Bramwell, Leonard
Platner.
Third Gavalry—Jj. I. Shaw, George Hunter,
Charles Dorrison, Charles Woodbridge, Charles
Howard, Harrison Parsons, Patrick Brennan,
William Metcalf.
TOWN OF MUSKEGO.
First Infantry— Co. D— Ramanto Peck, Arthur
Peck, Samuel Elliot, William Taylor.
Second Infantry— Co. E— Camete Peterson.
Fifth Infantry— Co. F— Angus Cameron, Geo.
Swenge.
Sixth Infantry— Co. D— John Finley. Co. K—
Patrick Brady.
Ninth Infantry— Co. E — John Swenge.
Fourteenth Infantry— Go. H— Alandus Piatt.
Fifteenth Infantry— Co. C— Lars Rolfson, Eman-
uel Swinson, John Johnson, William Elliott, Dan-
iel Donaldson, Carl Linn Torbison. Co. F—
George Belknapp. Company unknown— Henry
Nelson.
Nineteenth Infantry— Co. E — John Malam, Kury
O. Donnald. Thomas Willet, Nathan Elliot,
Thomas Elliot, Michael Nolan, Thomas Burns,
William Miller, Richard Miller, Peter Post.
Nineteenth Infantry — Co. D — James Piatt.
Twenty-second Infantry — Company unknown —
John Murphy, Hamilton Grooves, Jonathan Lowe.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown —
James Hawkins, Charlie Low.
Twenty-sixth Infantry— O^rann Hetty.
Twmity-eiffJith tlnfantry—B.enry Benee, Fred-
erick Harrison, Hibbard v asberg, Charles Wigart,
Christian Peters, Allen Peck, Frederick Myer,
Charles Finley, George Peck, Myron Hucky, Henry
Draper, James Fitzgerald, Alexander Cameron,
AVilliam Young, Joseph Babcock, John Cullen,
William W. Kowan, George Franklin Bowers,
John AYatson, (Jwen Finley, Joseph Muekey,
Charles Green, Christopher Cullen, Nelson Smith.
Regimmit unknown — Charles Graves, Charles
Belknapp, John A'alier.
First Cavalry — Co. C — Johan Hawkins. Co. F—
John Vasberg.
Third Cavalry — Samuel Liscum. Co. E — Louis
Blessinier.
Ninth Artillery— Co. E— Peter Post.
Fourteenth Missouri Sharpshooters — Co. H —
Alandus Piatt.
TOWX OF JIENOMONEE.
First Infantry— Co. G-'E.iiwixi Oliver, Andrew
Dent, Henry Johnson, (reorge Holtzbower, James
Miner. Company unknown — Nicholas Zinimer,
Henry Christman.
Fifth Infantry — Co. F — Joseph Gray.
Twentieth Infantry— Comininy unknown — Ja-
cob R. Johnson.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown —
William Harrison, Andrew Conroy and Frederick
Nois, Henry Wincenberg.
Iwenty-sixth /ri/aretr^/— Company unknown —
John Sawler, Jacob Deximer.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown —
Moses D. Pickle, Thomas J. AVinnegal, Anson E.
Bailey, Robert O. Newi)erry, Hiram S. Mason, Eli
H. Keeler, Christopher K. Lachlafer, J ohn T. Nims,
Christopher Schuck, George Cook, Franklin Mills,
Walter Weaver, Amos Rosier, Jr., John A. Urchin,
Hiram Howard, AVilliam T. Slyter, Patrick Hanly,
Thomas Lacy (New York ), Joseph Natesheime,
AVorthy Leuce, Henry Baines.
First Cavalry — Co. A — Carmi L. Nicholson,
John B. ^Nicholson, Martin Johnson, Phillip Bean.
Company I — Daniel Barnes. Aniandas Barnes,
Christopher Aiken, John A. Reed, Jacob Schuck,
William Kelner, James Flannigan, Samuel Hard,
George AA''arr.
Second Cavalry— Co. F — Robert Gray. (.!o. K —
August Knoll, Harmon Knoll. Company unknown
— Dominic Dillon, Malaki Roony, Thomas Welch.
Montgomery Guards — John Costigan.
518
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
TOWN OF NEW BERLIN.
First Infantry— Co. A— James Johnson. Com-
pany B — John Shawooan, William Matteson. Com-
pany D— William Boyd, Alton Clark, Samuel Legg,
Myron Walprige, William Spiers, George Knoep-
pel.
Western Shooters — Daniel Wood.
Second Infantry— Co K— George Boobe, Ed-
ward Murran.
Fourth Infantry — Co. G — John Paulus.
Fifth Infantry— Co. F— Henry C. Hyde, Ansol
Strong, Thomas Parkerson, Alexander Johnson.
Milwaukee Zouaves — William G. Murray.
Tenth Infantry— Co. C— Kine P. Downie.
Thirteenth Infantry— Co. B— Thomas Starky.
Fifteenth Infantry— Co. D— William Wallace.
Sixteenth Infantry — Co. F — Peter Quortz.
Seventeenth Infantry — Co. H — Ezra Kenedy.
Company I— Philip Punch, Peter Karn. Company
unknown— Joseph Hosier.
Eighteenth Irifantry— Co. E— William Johnson.
Co. F— John M. Babcock (Illinois Regiment).
Twenty-second Infantry — Company unknown —
James Dyre (Utley's Rifle Shooters).
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown —
Daniel Buckley, William Croff, Michael Welch,
Jeremiah Bohman, Edward Cheney, Mathias Em-
erson (Nazro Guards).
Twenty-sixth Infantry— Company unknown-
Henry Taylor.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — David O'Neil, James
McCliane, Seymour Gilbert, Mathias Stephens,
Mathias Oberblllig, George Church, James Mur-
ray, .John Starkney,HenryStarkney,RudolphPatre,
James B. Loughney, Joseph Fetlin, Thos. J. John-
son, John Gunder, Richard Lewis, Alexander
McNeil, Alfred Martin, Daniel A. Church, Jr.,
Robert Killlps, James Smith, Samuel Beardsley,
Ferdinand Straser, Augustus Giebel, Joseph For-
ward, Edward Avery, JamesHoag, Henry Webber,
William Chapin, Elisha Bradley, Robert Jones,
Burr Cook, James Cahill, Christ. Aris, William
Gols, Alonzo Monroe, E. J. Keevill, Jr., Charles
L/udwig, Samuel Church, Charles Reinhart, Charles
Stanhope, Jr., Joseph Humah, Leonidas Phillips,
Philander Phillips, Andrew Pulsey, Henry Ary,
Conrad PIleo, John Pfleo, Joseph Averlender.
Daniel McNeil .
Regiment wjitoiozOTi— Stephen O'Brien.
Smrp Shooters — John Snider.
Fi7-st Cavalry — Co. E — Albert C. Lyman. Co.
F — Syboneas Shelly. Company unknown — Fred-
erick A. Smith.
Third Cavalry — Co. D — Henry Downie. Co. I —
Peter Imig.
TOWN OF OTTAWA.
First Infantry — Co. D — Otis Thayer.
Third Infantry— Co. E— Charles Chubb. Com-
pany unknown — John H. Meigs.
Sixth Infantry — Co. F — Christian Beatz.
Seventh Infantry— Co. G — Obediah Jones.
Ninth Infantry — Company unknown — George
Hattimer.
Thirteenth Infantry— Co. I— William W. Felch,
Charles H. Felch.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Company unknown —
John B. Smith
Twenty-eighth /fl/amir^/- Company unknown-
Bedford Vallean, Thomas Cumming, William
Duncan, George W. Aplin, Hugh Parry, Thomas
Jones, James Farral, Porter Woulford, Peter V.D.
Gillett, James D. Grant, Patrick Conlin.
Regiment unknown — Anthony Roof, William
Roof, Jacob Kellar.
Sixth Battery— George B. Jones.
First Cavalry— Co . A.— VhWvp Stephens, William
H. Rintheman, John Wallace, Colman Chubb
Joseph L. Lurvey, William A. Lurvey, Thomas
Duncan, William J. Reed. Co. F— William Chand-
ler. Co. L— Edward Mitteu, Evan E. Jones, Lucius
Brown.
TOWN OF OCONOMOAVOC.
First Infantry— Co. B— Henry H. Bolson, Mar-
tin Anker Abrahamson. Company unknown-
John Bergman.
Second Infantry— Compemy unknown— James
M. Lewis, (Surgeon, promoted to Colonel of
Twenty-eighth Infantry), Samuel Tucker (Assis-
tant Surgeon).
Third Infantry— Co. A— Elmore Vandervort.
Co. H— Asa Colby, Sylvanus Owen, Frank Whit-
ney. Co. K— Newton Chamberlain.
Sixth Irifantry— Co. D— Levi S. Carpenter,
Charles Doth.
Thirteenth Infantry— CoTaystay unknown— Rean
W. Thompson.
Fifteenth Infantry— Co. D— C. E. Tanburgh,
Nels Olson. Co. H— Nels Johnson. Co. I—
Tim Capman (First Sergeant).
Sixteenth Infantry— Co. B— Eber G. Wheeler,
William Henry Bullson, Joseph Mann, John
Colby, Edwin Rice, James B. Vandervort, Hiram
Haynes, Geo. H. Fox, John Davis, Joseph Tur-
ner, Charles Brown, Henry Powers, Albert Widger,
O. E. Hazelton, George Fay, Charles Errickson.
Co. E— Henry Clay Hastings, Merrick E. Thomp-
son.
Seventeenth Infantry — Co. A — ^Edward L. Good-
ell.
Nineteenth Infantry— Company unknown-
Joseph Wood.
Twentieth Infantry— Co. G— Alfred Allen, Eph.
C. Conradt, James Cornell, Elias J. Dewey, E. L.
Carpenter, Michael Daily, Carl Harring, George
Johnson, John H. Krause, John Kearney, Cyrenus
Munger, John McVean, George N. Phillips,
James Reavly, Jens C. Winson, Henry Zindson,
A. J. Rockwell, (First Lieutenant), John Murray.
Twenty-second Infantry — Company unknown-
George Cole.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co. A — John Parsons,
Daniel McArthur, S. H. Leaman.
Twenty-eighth Infantry— Whittakei Guards —
Colonel, James M. Lewis, F.D. Ludington, Leand-
der H. Christie, J. M. Alvord, E. Olson, Lowell
L. Alvord, (First LieutenaLt), William Pope,
Christian Zauble, Albert Thompson, Julius Jacob-
son, Hans Evanson, Henry Hitchcock, A. Hanson,
Anders Jacobson, Arne Olson, Ole Nelson, S. G.
Clauson, Thomas Carr, George Lillie, Nathan Hol-
comb,Charles Knox,Williard Ballard, Isaac Bogart,
Edward Eppler, Wm. Grapper Frederick Irendorf,
C. S. Perkins, H. Franklin Campbell. D. Zimmer-
man, William H. Klmmerly, Alonzo Boghart,
Holver Knudson, Joseph Aldrieh, D. S. Curtis
(First Lieutenant), T. N. Stevens (Captain),
John E. Peffer, A. A. Palmer, F. W.'Plymton,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUXTY.
519
W. W. Chaffe, William Brasch, E. G. Kinnie,
August Raasch, Charles Waller, George H.
Hinkley, Stockton Lewis, Allen S. Park, Charles
H. Ferry. Regiment unknown— Charles Wood,
Charles Lock wood, James Burmingham, Andrew
Alton, Martin Coleman.
First Cavalry— Co. A— Jonas Stall, Goodsel
Foss, Leander Moore, Charles Cassidy, Wyatt,
Harry Moore, Beverly M. Woodruff, Edgar A.
Topliff, Johii McPherson, Nelson Brown. Co. F
—George Harris, William Travis. Co. H — Theo-
dore J. Foss, William A. Cinders, John Sommer-
ville, Hiram Sommerville, William Brown. Co.
K— Charles AVhite.
Third Cavalry— ^yi\lia,m H. Warner.
3attei-y No. 7— Aaron Geo. Ferry.
TOWN or PEWAUKEE.
Fiist Infantry — Company unknown — Julius
Fuller.
First Infantry— Co. G— Henry B. Grifflng, Fred
Lemark, Hamilton Brown.
Fifth Infantry — Co. F — Wai'ren D. Thompson,
George A. Smith, Clay Kinney, John Ross, Frank
Ladue, Henry Techene, Francis A. Canright, Dom-
inick Farrel, Albert G. West, Samuel Heimgs, Jr.,
Henry Griffing. Co. G— John D. Jones.
Terith Infantry — Co. E— George N. West.
Sixteenth Infantry — Co. A — William Jhurie,
Herman Jhurie.
Twentieth Infantry — Company unknown — Peter
Farber.
Twenty-Eighth /w/a?!.fo'y— Company unknown —
Richard Griffing, Lafayette Griswo'ld, James B.
Brown, Meritt Wheeler, Washington H. Tomp-
son, John C. Wlieeler, Henry Butman, William H.
H. Washburn, Edmund Sisler, C. J. Brain, Jerome
McKinstry, George McKinstry, Edward Pasault,
J. Melvin French, H. Wells French, John Ryan,
August Paul, John Thornton, George Combs,
Andrew McKee, Adam Hartzen, Peter Hartzen,
Solomon Canright, Jr., William Albert ]Maynard,
Edward Thomas, Byron W. Sears, Barton C. Sears,
Elihu Enos, Capt. ; Corlis S. Mead, O. Scott Mead,
Galusha C. Fuller. Conrad Hess, Charles Blum,
James Maloy. Noah C. Judson, John Blair, Andrew
Fletcher, Albert Howard, August Cross, Leon
King, Peter Abare, George Hartwell, William H.
Smith, Edward P. Smith, John W. Smith.
First Cat)oZ7'2/— Company unknown— J. M. Marsh,
Orson P. Clinton, Chaplain.
Third Cavalry—Feter Emmick, Lewis Jones.
Seventh Battery— Chaxles A. J. Higgins.
TO^rN OF .siUJIMIT.
First Infantry— Co. C— Robert G. Nichols, ^Vilk
Bloodgood (Michigan.)
_ Third Infantry— Co. C— Warham Parks, (Ma-
.ior). Company unknown — Alexander Allison, S.
N. Lund.
Fourth Infantry— Co. A— James E. Williams,
Sixteenth Infantry — Co. B — Ossian Lampman,
Timothy H. Morris, John Fike, Ervin Quinn.
Seventeenth Infantry— Co. I— Robert G. Gage,
George H. Fisler.
Twenty-second Infantry — Marshal Fairservioe,
(Utley Rifles); Edward Bloodgood, (Lieutenant-
Colonel).
Twenty-fourth Infantry— GoAtieed Group.
Twenty-eighth Infantry— IVhittaker Guards—
A. C. Smalley, Theron M. Smalley, AVilliam Y.
Nichols, Elijah Parish, Henry C. Bowron, P. K.
Tucker, Philemon Bachelor, Benjamin F. Baker,
Hiram Holcomb, Samuel F. Leavitt, promoted
to Second Lieutenant of Artillery, M. K. Leav-
itt, Theodore F. Leavitt, Charles W. Kimball,
John Baehr, David AVebster, John J. Adams, Jobe
A. Rendall, Charles H. Stansbury, Morris P. Haytt,
Charles O. Hildreth, Charles A. Rugg, John'W.
Chaffie, Oliver Briggs, James Robinson, Joseph
Robinson, Albert Harshaw, John Allison, Charles
Whittaker (Lieutenant Colonel), Marshal Nelson,
Albert A. Glomm, Peter James Stevens, F. B.
Brown, Jr., Henry Fuller, Robert Hill, James
Baehr, James Hall, C. H. Flinton, L. Byam, L.
Brick.
Fifty-seventh Infantry — M. Howard Noonham.
First Cavalry— Co. A— Beverly Woodruff. Co.
F — Charles 13. Kimball, Chauncy B. Kimball, Rob-
ert Champion. Co. H— Elisha Morris. Company
unknown — Edward Martin, James Monktalow.
TOWN or VERNON.
First Infantry — Co. F — Grillier Guthrie, New-
ton Webster.
Third Infantry— Co. G — Philemon H. AVelch.
Fifth Infantry — Co. F — Eugene Davidson, N.
Stein.
Fourteenth Infantry— Co. A — Benjamin Piatt.
Perriander Putnam, Milo Damon, Edward Dur-
fey, Benjamin F. Conrad, A.S. Davidson, William
Davidson, Johannos Neistrono, F. Nevins.
Fifteenth Infantry — Co. C — Austin Goodale.
Tioenty-second Infa7itry—Coiapa.nj unknown —
Samuel Jones.
Twentn-ifiuhth Infantry — Company unknown —
Isaiah B. .J. Hinds, Frank E. Reimer, Nestor
Baker, John Watson, Charles Hellwig, Ferdinand
Shill, Ferdinand Teigs, Otto Kruger, Albert
Teskey, George Kellogg, Nelson Smith, Christo-
pher CuUens, Ephraim Stein, Lewis K. Moore,
John Barnard, John J. Kimball, George Vander-
pool, Mun. M. Speaker, Alexander Stewart, John
ip'axton, William H. JIudgett, John Beggs, Peter
Darling, Wallace M. Goff, Jacob Adliff, Michael
Powers, August Junger, Dolphet Noolf, George
Reeder.
Regiment luiknown — Henry Desk, Samuel Jones.
Cavalry — James Hudson, "Albert Wilkins, Will-
iam Friton, Leonidas Baldwin, Carl Pefer, Ever
Everson, L. Fuller, James Y. Darling, Ole G.
Everson,
Bai'stow's Cavalry — John L. Baldwin.
TOWN or WAUKESHA.
First Infantry — Co F — Stephen S. Avers.
Second Infantry — Co. F — NathanielMeggs, Mar-
tin MeCall, .lohn Hinton.
Fourth Infantry — Sydney A. Bean (Colonel.)
Fifth Infantry— Co. B— lawthus R. Ensign,
Wm. Horrie. Co. F — Henry Yreeland, Andrew I.
Bennett, George Levinie Orlando Culver, Otis
Darling, Arthur Halbrook, Thomas McGeep,
James Patrick, Luke Chapleau S. B. Langworthy,
Irving M. Bean, (Captain), Enoch Totten (Major),
Andrew S. Bennett (Adjutant). Miles L. Butter-
fleld, (Captain), Benj. F. Cram, Thomas Deveraux,
Henry H. Messenger, Andrew J. Smith, Artemus
M. Cid^-er, John B. Doughty, James C. Foster,
520
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
George Klock, Eli J. March, Chesley McFiirland,
Samuel E. Orvis, Thomas Parkinson, Ezra 0.
Pelton. George Schwartz, William H. Smith, Eich-
ard Welsh, I^aac L. AVood, Henry Becker, Charles
O. Brown, James P. Benedict, John F. Culver,
Charles J. Cole, Dominick Federer, Frpderick
Kuessner, JohnKattaray,WilliamW. Eoot,Warren
Thompson, Joseph Bubb, Theodore L. West,
promoted to Major, Thirty-fourth Eegiment, F.
D. F. Johnson, W. W.Eoss, William Hall, James
Murphy.
Eighth Infantry — Company unknown — Jacob
Paul'us.
Nintli In/lantry—Comi>smy unknown — Henry
Han.
Eleventh Infantry— Co. F— Eiel E. Jackson,
(Captain), Philip Downey, Joseph Young (Musi-
cian), C. C. Barnes (Surgeon).
Sixteenth Infantry — Company unknown — Otto
Mauren (Surgeon).
Eighteenth Infantry— Company unknown— J.
W. Crane (Major).
Nineteenth Infantry— Co. H— Henry Avery.
Company unknown — Leroy Bennett, Peter Telyea,
Luther Powers, George Jones, William McKenna.
Twentieth Infantry— Co. B— Eugene Chamber-
lain, Thomas Murray. Co. G — C. H. Miller. Com-
pany unknown — Josephus Clawson.
Twenty-second Infantry — Company imknown —
Wm. H. Mowrey.
Twenty-third Infantry — Company unknown —
Eobert C. Clawson.
Twenty-fourth Infantry — Co. D — Daniel Mc-
Killips, Charles Purdy, John Murray, David
McPhillips, John Martin, Patrick Eyan.
Nazro Guards — Christian Jentz.
Twenty-eighth Infantry — Company unknown —
Timothy OBrien, Wm. A. Barstow, Edwin B.
Cook, John A. Williams, C. C White, Ellis White,
Conrad Pfluyr, Andrew Fletcher, William Webb,
Edwin Higley, Frederick Wexter, Nathaniel How-
ard, Henry Baker, Jackson Eeed, Goodruff Have-
stein, Charles Jenskie, Harn-on Yemerick, Volney
H. Porter, Benjamin Howard, Henry Baker,
Sherman M. White, Elisha T. Bradley, Napoleon
Merrill, Patrick H. Carney, John Downs, George
H. Short, James Walton, William Henry Clark,
George W. Holmes, Jacob Harrison, Legrand
Safford, George Knipple, David McDonald,
Hugh Crale, Thomas McGath, John Duer, Peter
A. Duer, William Cooper, Franklin A. Ben-
nett (First Lieutenant), Joseph Peffer, Edwin
White, James L. Watson, John Price, William
Swsm, Eobert C. Elliott, Stuart Eldredge, Samuel
W. Hogg, Adam Fresling, William T. Savage,
Joseph Harding. Jacob Barney, Albert S. Kend-
rick (Adjutant), Cushman K. Davis (First Lieu-
tenant), James Webb, H. L. Chamberlain, John W.
Lowry, Wm. A. Mann, Joseph Hadfleld, John
Murphy, August Brager, Loring Davids, Edward
Savage! Oscar Carlson, William fl. Bump, Charles
H. Churchill, George W. Howard, Phillip Clark,
E. A. Gage, Morter S. Smith, Charles B. Slawson,
Arba Hawley, William Klock, Joseph Felton,
Thomas Compton, Henry Fratz, William Wether-
by, Fred Wardrobe, Willis V. Tichenor, (Cap-
tain), Aaron Morton, Walker L. Bean (Second
Lieutenant), Sanborn J. Bean, H. Adolph Meyer,
M. G. Townsend (Captain), Herman Hibbard,
Monroe Hubbard, Henry H. Gillson, Thomas
Campion, Charles Lark'in, Thomas Ferguson,
Samuel N. McFarland, Thomas Puffer, Henry
Imig, Frans Ellsler, Charles Hall, Orlin Vander-
hoff, John O'Brien, William Linch, George Eisel-
back, Jacob King, Jacob Adlaff, Albert Yoght,
Wm. A. Tucker, Martin McCall, Eobert Killips,
Chas. Subluek, Aug. Guble, Peter Bowman, James
Angamen, John Boh, John Weitzell, George Euder,
David James, James Hoag, Israel Luther, George
Sawyer, W. D. Hatch, James Carver, Samuel Car-
ver, H. Culver, William Campion, Ed. Porter,
John Howie, William Story, Schuyler Taylor, Jno.
Powles, John Johnson, Edson Bastin.
Regiment unknown — John Kinney, Harvey M.
Douglas, Dwight V Culver, John Kumey, Byron
Canfleld.
First Cafa?r2/— Eichard L. Gove (Adjutant,)
Horatio Foote, James Murdock, Michael Tyrel,
George Knipple, W. A. Barstow (Colonel).
Third Catalry—Co. E— Jacob Maurer. Com-
pany unknown — James Lee, Louis Blessing,
Charles Weneland, Peter Imig, Henry Downie,
Henry Knipple.
Berdan's Sharpshooters — Coles Dutcher, Benja-
min F. Moderate.
Benton Hussars — Michael Shafer, John Paulo s.
The Draft. — There was but little excitement in Waukesha County when the announcement
was made that her citizens would be obliged to submit to a draft to fill her quota in Lincoln's
call for 600,000 men. A gallant effort had been made to avert the humiliation of a draft, but
it was not quite successful. Therefore, in September, 1862, Vernon Tichenor, of Waukesha,
was appointed Commissioner to superintend the draft in this county, and Dr. R. Dunlap was
appointed examining surgeon. The quota for the county was announced as follows : Waukesha,
194; Vernon, 63; New Berlin, 104; Brookfield, 116 ; Summit, 63; Oconomowoe, 121; Muk-
wonago, 75; Eagle, 70; Ottawa, 59; Delafield, 74; Genesee, 90; Menomonee, 125; Lisbon,
78; Pewaukee, 85; Muskego, 76; Merton, 81; total, 1,474. To this wae added 210 for
decimated companies belonging to the county, which had theretofore enlisted, which swelled the
number to 1,684. Before the arrival of the time for the draft to take place, however, the quota
was reduced by enlistment to less than 200, and finally to 191.
The examining surgeon opened his ofSce at Waukesha about September 1, 1862, and from
that time until the day of the draft, it was crowded day and night. He succeeded in giving
exemption papers to an average of thirty-five persons per day. The local papers described the
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COrNTY.
521
scene as one ludicrous in the extreme. Men who had always boasted of their physical health
and prowess were prostrated by the draft malaria, and could hardly climb the stairs to the sur-
geon's office. The melancholy feelings of men of sound body and middle age who suddenly
received word that their friends in Canada were "very sick — not expected to live," was sorrow-
ful to behold. Ten who thus suddenly learned of illness among their Canada friends left Wau-
kesha in a single night. Thirteen left Oconomowoc on a certain Sunday evening, and about
half that number tore themselves away from Pewaukee. Canada did not appear to have at that
time well ones enough to properly care for the sick, and the good men of Waukesha County
could not see them suifer. They therefore left for the Queen's dominions in the night, not find-
ing it in their hearts to wait until another day. •
The enrollment of men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years was the work of
the SheriiF. The enrollment, exemptions and the draft may be seen as follows :
Enrolled Militia.
Exemptions.
Drafted.
224
206
270
222
268
151
218
198
265
2O0
335
320
328
379
437
620
16
24
31
32
33
33
34
39
39
47
52
53
62
67
72
136
1
5
Lisbon . ■
29
Delafield . . .
5
Merton
3
Ottawa
12
12
12
19
Menomonee
49
Brookfield
13
Genesee
31
Oconomowoc
New Berlin ,
Waukesha
Total
4044
770
191
The first draft began in the court house, at Waukesha, on Monday, November 10, 1862.
It will be seen by the above table that the four towns of Waukesha, New Berlin, Oconomowoc
and Mukwonago had no draft. Their quotas were full. Mr. Tichenor, the Draft Commis-
sioner, secured only 117 of the 191 drafted, which number he took to Madison November 16,
1862. The balance were either exempted or had " skedaddled."
During this draft, Mr. Tichenor and his deputies all w^nt armed, as several had threatened
to open a fight. The thorough preparation made by Mr. T. for a battle to kill, if any was to be
had at all, prevented a disturbance.
Before the second draft took place, hundreds of men had become possessed of the Govern-
ment circular giving fifty-one diseases, any one of which would secure exemption, and men
desiring to escape military service appeared before the surgeon with these circulars marked
opposite the names of the difierent diseases they thought would serve to secure it. One man
from Pewaukee had thirty-one fatal diseases marked as "what ailed him," and another from
Oconomowoc said he had the nineteen diseases which were marked in his circular. Strange to
say, the surgeon' refused to exempt either of them.
The conscription act gave drafted men the same bounties- as volunteers.
The second draft for Waukesha County began in the United States court room at Milwau-
kee, the office of County Draft Commissioner having been abolished, at 2 o'clock Thursday,
November 12, 1863, and was completed in three hours. Every town was included, and -17
persons drew prizes, divided as follows: Waukesha, 68; Eagle, 28; Ottawa, 18; Summit, 22;
Pewaukee, 35; Vernon, 24; Genesee, 29; Delafield, 28; Oconomowoc, 45 ; Menomonee, 40 ;
Brookfield, 40; Mukwonago, 26; Lisbon, 24; Muskego, 26 ; New Berlin, 32 ; Merton, 30.
522 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY
The third draft for Waukesha County took place at Milwaukee, on Friday, September 23,
1864, and 766 able-bodied men drew prizes. One-half of these were for deficiency in former
quotas. The towns of Merton, Lisbon, Mukwonago and Eagle filled their quotas by volunteers.
The other towns stood the draft, as follows : Muskego, 52 ; Menomonee, 140 ; Vernon, 46 ;
Oconomowoc, 146; New Berlin, 54; Brookfield, 80 ; Pewaukee, 62; Ottawa, 30; Summit,
62 ; Genesee, 28 ; Delafield, 40 ; Waukesha, 66. But all that were drafted were by no means
secured. Some "skedaddled," and a large number escaped by other means, so that a supple-
mental draft was ordered for December 1, 1864. It resulted as follows : Summit, 32 ; Mus-
kego, 36; Menomonee, 102; Pewaukee, 24; Oconomowoc, 42.
On December, 20, 1864, President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 more men. The
quotas were not assigned to Waukesha County until February, 1865, and were as follows
Eagle, 13; Ottawa, 6; Summit, 8; Oconomowoc, 7; Merton, 14; Delafield, 13; Genesee, 6
Mukwonago, 17 : Lisbon, 22 ; Pewaukee, 10 ; Waukesha, 49 ; Vernon, 8 ; Menomonee, 25
Brookfield, 31 ; New Berlin, 24; Muskego, 14.
A few weeks later. Gen. Lee surrendered, Jefi'erson Davis was captured aad the Rebellion —
one of the most destructive civil conflicts recorded in history — was at an end.
Capture of Jefferson Davis. — There were so many Waukesha County soldiers in the detach-
ment detailed to effect the capture of Jefferson Davis, the closing act of the Rebellion ; there was
so much interest attaching to the affair because Col. Edward Daniels, whose regiment the
detachment was from, was an old resident of Waukesha County, and as Orson P. Clinton,
another well-known Waukesha County man, furnished some of the most important testimony in
the successful effort to secure to Wisconsin soldiers their share of the $100,000 offered for Mr.
Davis' capture, the following article is deemed worthy of a place in this book, inasmuch as it
places before the people of Waukesha County facts which no Wisconsin or other book ever con-
tained :
The scenes of May, 1865, are here recalled. Lee had surrendered ; the Southern army,
what there was left of it, was poorly clad, poorly fed, poorly paid and poorly equipped. Even
the most sanguine of the leaders in the Rebellion were without hope ; their inevitable fate cast
an overshadowing gloom upon the torn and desolate graveyard of the South. The North had
triumphed in arms, and would soon triumph in law. The fate of treason was death ; that was
Constitutional law, and the Southern leaders knew it. Most of them expected to meet this fate,
if captured, and were making extraordinary efforts to escape. Jefferson Davis was one of this
class. He had left Richmond, and, with a comparatively small escort, was skulking through
the South. This became known, and President Andrew Johnson, May 2, 1865, offered
$100,000 for his capture. The First Wisconsin Cavalry, raised mostly by Col. Edward
Daniels, ex-State Geologist, resident of Waukesha County, had been lying at Macon, Ga., from
April 20, 1865. A detachment consisting of about one hundred and fifty men was sent, under
command of Lieut. Col. Henry Harnden, now United States Revenue Collector at Madison,
Wis., to capture Jeff Davis, who was thought to be in that State. At 5 o'clock Sunday morning.
May 7, 1865, this detachment struck the trail of the Davis party near Dublin, in Laurens County,
where the ex-President of the Confederacy and John C. Breckenridge had parted company.
A few hours later, bits of paper and a copy of the Richmond (Va.) Enquirer, found on the trail
by Walter 0. Hargrave, of Fond du Lac County, made it certain past all doubt that the boys
were on the right track. They then pushed on, regardless of hunger and , weariness, with
renewed vigor. At Poor Robbin Ferry, or Abbeville, on the 9th, this detachment met a much
larger body of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, under command of Col. Benjamin D. Pritchard.
Pritchard knew of the offer of $100,000 for the capture of President Davis (so some of his men
said, though he afterward denied it) but Col. Harnden did not. The two talked together, the
latter finally disclosing his orders and going so far as to state to the Michigan commander that
he (Harnden) was on Davis' trail, showing the papers, etc., in proof. Pritchard said he had
orders to take Poor Robbin Ferry and patrol the river ; but he was careful not to unbosom him-
self as Col. Harnden had done, which would have let the latter know of the handsome reward
(deceased) WAUKESHA.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 525
offered by the Government. As, near Abbeville, fresh evidences of the close proximity of Davis
were found, the darkies saying, "Jeff am ahead dar," Col. Harnden pushed wearily on, follow-
ing the trail. Toward night of the 9th, a little girl was accosted in front of a Southerners'
residence, with, " Has Mr. Davis left your house ? " Innocent of the consequences, she
answered truthfully, "Yes; he hast just gone that way," pointing in the direction of the
closely-followed trail. At 9 that night. Col. Harnden's horse being almost too weak to bear
his burden farther, a halt was called. Sergt. Maj. Hargrave opposed the halt. He contended
that Davis was as tired and as nearly worn out as themselves, and it was best to push on and
make the capture that night. But Col. Harnden's order prevailed, and the boys went into camp
within less than two miles of their game, with orders to push on at 3 o'clock next morning.
In the mean time, Pritchard, with fresher men and horses, took a more direct road to iiiter-
cept Davis (having received information which he afterward admitted under oath came only
from Col. Harnden), and made all possible haste to get in ahead of the Wisconsin boys and
secure the prize. He came upon the Davis camp in the night of the 9th of May ; picked his
best men and stationed them across the trail -on which he knew Col. Harnden and his men were
advancing, with orders to "let no one approach from that direction."
Promptly at 3 o'clock Wednesday morning, May 10, Sergeant Hargrave roused Col. Harn-
den's camp, and at 3:45 the line advanced. Sergt. George B. Hussey, with six companions,
was sent in advance. That Pritchard's men were near never entered the heads of Col. Harnden
and his men ; therefore, when Hussey received a volley from the former, they instinctively said
" rebels," and rushed on to capture Jeff before he could break camp. But on receiving another
volley Hussey retreated to the main body of the detachment, which, when it had advanced near
enough, received volley after volley from the Winchester repeaters in the hands of the Michigan
soldiers. Col. Harnden and his men supposed they were fighting rebels. Some of Pritchard's
men, however, said, a few hours later, that they knew who they were firing at, but were obliged
to obey the order to " to let no one approach from that direction." Two of the Fourth Michi-
gan were killed, two or more wounded, and two taken prisoners. The prisoners explained and
the battle closed ; two Wisconsin boys being severely wounded, and several horses being killed
or disabled. While this fight was in progress. Pritchard surrounded the rebel camp near by and
captured Davis, who had been aroused by the firing and was making ready to flee. When the
Wisconsin boys came up, just as Jeff was surrendering, they were so enraged over the manner
taken to snatch the prize from their very grasp, that many of them were determined then and
there to exterminate " Pritchard and his murderers," as the boys savagely denominated the
Fourth Michigan detachment.
Some of the Michigan boys declared Pritchard was entitled to a court-martial, as he had
used Col. Harnden's confidence to snatch Davis from those who had first discovered the rebel
trail and cheiftain, and that his order to stop Col. Harnden resulted in nothing less than murder.
To this day the Wisconsin boys declare that Pritchard's escape at that time was one of the
luckiest of his whole life.
Davis was captured at Irwinsville, Irwin Co., Ga., just in the gray of morning, Thurs-
day, May 10, 1865. The locality is near the Alapaha, a branch of the Suwanee River, and in
the pine barrens, the country of the " clay-eaters," or much despised "white trash." He had
on a hood and his wife's water-proof, with a bucket in hand, impersonating an old woman carry-
ing water. His boots " gave him away." At first he drew a bowie-knife and showed fight,
but soon gave up. He hung his head like a whipped cur, expecting his fate would be the bullet
or the gallows ; but Mrs. Davis was indignant, independent and tyrannical, telling Col. Harn-
den that her husband was " President Davis, and if the Yanks continued to address him in such
opprobrious terms as ' old Jeff,' some of them would get hurt." With the captured party were
Postmaster General Reagan, now member of Congress from Texas ; Davis' private Secretary,
and quite a number of others. One of the party cast some papers in the fire, and another
stepped aside and touched a match to a bundle of documents, supposed to have been of great
importance ; but what they were has never been disclosed, and never can be.
526 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUKTY.
When the boy8 began to confiscate baggage, etc., Mrs. Davis commanded Sergt. Har-
grave to save her husband's magnificent horse for his use. There is no evidence that her order
was obeyed.
All that saved Pritchard from court-martial was Secretary of War Stanton's hatred of CoL
0. H. La Grange, in command of the brigade, afterward Superintendent of the U. S. Mint,,
who indorsed Col. Harnden's official report of the affair, stating the facts as here recited, and
throwing the whole blame for the wanton loss of life upon what appeared to be the willful doings
bf Pritchard. Secretary Stanton gave no heed to this report, because La Grange once pre-
sumed to talk pretty plainly to him in regard to the exchange of prisoners. La Grange had been
captured and put " under fire " by the rebels — hence his plain talk about the duty of exchang-
ing prisoners.
When, however, the matter came before the committee appointed by Congress, and the
Fourth Michigan claimed the entire reward and all the credit of the capture, Col. Harnden
went before the committee with such facts as secured to the Wisconsin boys their full share of
the money ; but the pages of history still bear wicked libels against the First Wisconsin
Cavalry.
The proof that no heed was given to Col. La Grange's report of the battle at Davis' cap-
ture because of Stanton's hatred of that brave Wisconsin officer, was the fact that La Grange had
repeatedly been strongly recommended for promotion, which Secretary Staiiton as often
refused.
Following is something more official. Gen. Robert G. H. Vlinty, in command of the
division, said, in his official report to the War Department, May 18, 1865, that " Pritchard
found a detachment under Lieut. Col. Harnden, of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, on Davis' trail
ahead of him," and that, "by taking a circuitous route and marching until 2 o'clock in the
morning," succeeded in passing ahead of Harnden and making the capture. This report was
based on fresh facts, and no further evidence is needed to convince any reasonable person that
a superhuman effort was made by Pritchard to cheat the weary Wisconsin boys out of the fruits
of their almost superhuman labor. _
Following is Gen. J. H. Wilson's official report of the capture of Jefferson Davis :
Macon, Ga., May 13.
Hon. E. M, Stanton :
Lieut. Col. Harnden, comiuanding the First Wisconsin Regiment, has just arrived from Irwinsville. He struck
the trail of Davis at Dublin, Laurens Co., on the evening of the 7th, and followed bim closely night and day through
the pine wilderness at Alligator Creek, and Galen Swamp, via Cumberlandsville to Irwinsville. At Cumberlands-
ville. Col. Harnden met Col. Pritchard, with 150 picked men and horses of the Fourth Michigan. Harnden followed
the trail directly south, while Pritchard, having fresher horses, pushed down the Ocmulgee toward Hopewell, and
thence by House Creek to Irwinsville, arriving there at midnight on the 9th. JefiF Davis had not arrived. From a
citizen, Pritchard learned that his party was encamped two miles out of the town. He made a disposition of his
men and surrounded the camp before day.
Harnden had camped at 9 P. M. within two miles, as he afterward learned, from Davis. The trail being too
indirect to follow, he pushed on at 3 A. M., and had gone but little more than one mile when his advance was fired
upon by the men of the Fourth Michigan. A fight occurred, both parties exhibiting the greatest determination.
Fifteen minutes elapsed before the mistake was discovered. The firing in the skirmish was the first warning Davis
received.
The captors report thai he hastily put on one of his wife^s dresses and started for the woods, closely followed by
our men, who at first thought him a woman, bvt seeing hit boots while he was runivng, they suspected his sex at once.
The race was a short one. The rebel President was soon brought to bay. He brandished a bowie-knife and showed
signs of battle, but yielded promptly to the persuasion of Colt's revolvers, without compelling the men to fire. He
expressed great indignation at the energy with which he was pursued, saying that he believed our Government too
magnanimous to hunt down women and children. Mrs. Davis remarked to Col. Harnden, after the excitement was
over, that the men had better not provoke the President, or he might hurt some of them.
Reagan behaves himself with dignity and resignation. The party evidently were making for the coast.
J. H. VTlLSON,
Brevet Major General.
It should be observed that, in pushing ahead of Col. Harnden, Pritchard violated orders.
He was to patrol the river at Abbeville. Col. Harnden made his official report May 13, to
Brig. Gen. Croxton, barely stating the facts of the capture. On this report Col. 0. H.
La Grange made the indorsement heretofore referred to, which is as follows :
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. * 527
Headquabteks Second Bbigade, First Cavalry Division M. D. I
Macon, Ga., May 14, 1865. /
Retpectfully Forwarded :
From this report it appears that Lieut. Col. Harnden faithfully discharged his duty, and no blame can attach to
him in relation to the unfortunate collision between his detachment and Col. Pritchard's, which he had every reason
to believe remained at Abbeville. It is, however, a source of painful regret that the satisfaction experienced in this
communication is clouded by the knowledge that an act having every appearance of unsoldierly selfishness in appro-
priating by deception the fruits of another's labor, and thus attaining unearned success, resulted in unnecessary
bloodshed, and a sacrifice of lives for which no atonement can be made. What may have been intended merely as
an act of bad faith toward a fellow-soldier resulted in a crime, and for this closing scene of the rebellion, inglorious
in itself, but historic by circumstances, it is diiEcult to repress a wish that the accident had afforded the Government
a representative above suspicion. 0. H. La Grange,
Colonel Commanding.
Any one who knows Col. La Grange, his record in the armiy and his course at Milwaukee
and in Fond du Lac County, during the famous " Booth War," in Antislavery times — knows he
was a particularly brave and fearless man ; that he was brave enough to censure even Secretary
Stanton when he thought such censure was deserved, and was brave enough to make the above
endorsement, when all the facts were in his 'possession, before any man's judgment had been
warped by the hope of magnificent reward. After the Congressional Committee had begun the
investigation of the Fourth Michigan's claim to the entire reward of $100,000 offered for the
capture of Jefferson Davis, the following sworn testimony was elicited, and furnishes all the
evidence necessary to place the honor for that famous capture where it belongs :
Hon. Joseph Holt, Judge Advocate General of the United States:
I have the honor to represent that, in obedience to orders from Col. 0. H. La Grange, commanding Second
Brigade, First Division of Cavalry, Military Division of the Mississippi, I reported with one battalion of the First
Wisconsin Cavalry to Brig. Gen. Croxton, commanding First Division of Cavalry, Military Division of the Missis-
sippi, at Macon, Ga., on the 6th day of May, 1865. My orders from Gen. Croxton were verbal — to proceed in search
of Jefferson Davis ; to march to Dublin, on the Oconee River ; to leave men at the cross-roads at Jeffersonville and
also at Dublin ; to proceed with the rest on toward the Savannah River, unless I could get some trace of Jefferson.
Davis — in that case to pursue and capture him, if possible.
I left Macon with my command at 6 o'clock, P. M., May 6, 1865, marching to Jeffersonville, Twiggs County^
where I left Lieut. Hewitt with thirty men. I continued on toward the Oconee River, marching all night and the-
next day, arriving at Dublin, Laurens County, about 5 o'clock, P. M., May 7 ; distance from Dublin, fifty-five miles..
The roads were very sandy, and the day immensely hot; men and horses much exhausted. Before reaching Dublim
I sent Lieut. Clinton on a side road to Laurel Hill, distant some seventeen miles, with twenty men. I passed, during:
the day, many men from the rebel Gen. Johnston's army, on their way home. Some of them were mounted andl
armed. At a place called Thomas' Crossroads, I heard of several hundred of them who were all mounted. They
had passed out about an hour before I arrived. They were a part of a brigade of cavalry from Gen. Johnston's
army. At Dublin, I camped near the ferry. About 11 o'clock, P. M., Lieut. Clinton arrived with his men. I could
get no information whatever from the whites. About 12 o'clock at night, a negro came to me and told me that Jeff-
erson Davis, with his wife and family, had passed through the town that day, going south on the " river road." The
negro staled that they had eight wagons with them, and that another party had gone down on the other side of the
river ; that he heard the lady addressed as Mrs. Davis and one of the gentlemen spoken of as President Davis ; that
Mr. Davis did not come across the river at the regular ferry with the balance of the party, but came over on a small
flat-boat about three miles lower down the river, and that he was mounted on a fine bay horse ; that he did not come
through the town, but only up to the outskirts ; that when the party left he joined, and all went on together. The
story of the negro being so straight, all believed it to be true. I detailed Lieut. Lane, with forty-five men, to remain
at Dublin, watch the ferry and picket the crossroads.
May 8, at early dawn, started in pursuit, on the Jacksonville road. At Turkey Creek, I got from a woman
information that convinced me that Jeff Davis was certainly with the party that I was pursuing. Here we entered
the pine regions. The country was"poor and almost uninhabited. I think that, during the day, I saw only two or
three men after leaving the vicinity of Dublin. It commenced raining in torrents, and after a few hours the track
of the wagons could no longer be followed. While endeavoring to find the trail again, a citizen came along on horse-
back. At first, he professed to know nothing of any party ; but, upon my threatening to impress his horse, he said
he had heard of some wagons stopping over night about eleven miles away. This man guided us through the pine
woods, in a westerly direction, about a dozen miles, to the place where the wagon party had stopped the previous
night. Discharging the guide, we followed the trail a few miles, when we again lost it. Here I found a new guide,
who, for a consideration, showed us through the swamps of the forks of Alligator Creek, over to where the tracks of
the wagons could be plainly followed. Continuing on to the crossing of Gum Swamp, and it being after dark, we
stopped for the night. We had made about forty miles that day, bat, owing to the great rain, it was a hard day's
march.' The men had no rations, except a little corn meal.
May 9, started a little before light, and pressed on through the same wilderness country, to the Ocmulgee
River ; thence, down a few miles in a dense swamp, to Thomas' Ferry, where, after some diBBoulty, we crossed over.
An accident to the boat delayed us about two and one-half hours. Here I learned that the wagon party had left at
528 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
1 o'clock that morning, passing on to the little town of Abbeville, which contained only three families. We stopped
to feed the horses with corn. Here I ascertained that the wagons had gone in the direction of Irwinsville. Just as
we were leaving Abbeville, four Union soldiers appeared. They informed me that they belonged to the Fourth
Michigan Cavalry, Lieut. Col. Pritchard commanding, and that he, with his regiment, was advancing on the Haw-
kinsville road, not far distant. Believing it to be my duty, as an officer, to communicate to Lieut. Col. Pritchard
the information in my possession in regard to Jeff Davis, I sent Lieut. Clinton, in charge of the comlnand, forward
on the Irwinsville road, going attended only by an orderly, to meet Lieut. Col. Pritchard. I gave to him all the
information in my possession in regard to Jeff Davis. I informed him that Jeff Davis and family had passed that
morning in the direction of Irwinsville, and that my command had gone in pursuit ; also that a part of his train,
with an escort, was still on the east side of the river. Lieut. Col. Pritchard informed me that he was out after Jeff
Davis, but until then, had heard nothing from Mm ; and that his orders were to camp at Abbeville, and guard ine ferries
on the river, offering me at the same time some of his men, if I needed them. I declined the offer as my force was
ample ; and it was very difiBcult to get subsistence for men and horses, and neither of our commands had any rations.
Parting with Lieut. Col. Pritchard about 2 o'clock P. M., I hastened on and overtook my command about eight or
ten miles from Abbeville. We came upon a place where the I'avis party had stopped to feed and rest ; they had left
so recently that their tire was still burning. We passed on until after dark, probably about 9 o'clock, when, coming
toi water. I ordered a halt, giving orders to graze the horses a short time, as we had no corn, and be ready for an
early start. At the time I knew that the Davis party was not very far away, and so informed my command ; but I
supposed we were near the Alapaha River, and that the Davis party had probably crossed over. I had been informed
that the ford was difficult, and I did not want to come down to the river in the night for fear of alarming Mr. Davis,
and enabling him to escape on horseback under cover of the darkness. We had made this day about forty-five miles.
May 10, started at 3 o'clock A. M. : we had marched a mile or so when the advance, under Sergt. Hussey (who was
an experienced soldier) was suddenly halted and ordered to dismount. Thinking, of course, he was upon the rebel
picket, the sergeant answered, " Friends," at the same time giving the word to his six men to retreat, when a heavy
volley was fired upon him and his party. This was quickly followed by the second volley. I called for ten men
and dashed ahead to where the volley had been fired, when we were greeted by a third volley, from what I judged
to be from twenty to thirty muskets. It was so dark that I could distinguish no one, and only saw at this time the
fire from their guns. I then rapidly formed my line, dismounting about one-half of my force.
We then pressed on the enemy ; after one charge, we forced them into a swamp. At this juncture, I saw a
line of mounted men near, on my left. Ordering Sergt. Horr, with a small party, to pursue the enemy, who had
disappeared in the swamp, I turned, with my whole remaining force, against their mounted men, who I saw greatly
outnumbered my own. The firing was continued on both sides with spirit, until Sergt. Horr came running to me,
saying that he had captured a prisoner, and that our opposers were Union troops. I instantly gave orders to stop
firing, which was soon followed by a cessation on the part of our opponents. I then rode forward, and the first man
I met was Lieut. Col. Pritchard. I asked him how he came to be fighting us. He said that after we had parted at
Abbeville, he had selected a portion of his best mounted men and taken another way, and had got to Irwinsville first,
and that the wagon train had just been captured, near at hand. I inquired of him if Davis was taken ; he said he
did not know. He and I then crossed over a narrow strip of swamp, about fifty yards wide, when we found the
wagon train and Jeff. Davis and party, guarded by a small force of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry. Ascertaining
that the whole party were prisoners, and that my mission was ended, I prepared to return to Macon, where I arrived
on the 13th of May, 1865. Of my men, there were wounded, Corp. G. W. Sykes, of Company D, arm badly shat-
tered near the shoulder ; Private C. W. Seeley, Company D, wounded in the leg severely ; Nelson Apley, Company
D, in the shoulder slightly. This affair took place about twenty-five miles from Abbeville, and within one mile
of Irwinsville, Irwin Co., Ga. Of the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, two men were killed and one officer badly
wounded. I will here say that I had no intimation of the presence of any Union troops nearer than Abbeville, and
that I believed all the while that we were fighting with Jeff. Davis' escort. Had we not been waylaid and fired upon
by the Fourth Michigan Cavalry, we should, without a doubt, have captured Jeff Davis even sooner than it was
effected. For further information, I will refer to my official report, made to Gen. Croxton upon my return to Macon.
In view of all the facts, I do, for myself and the officers and men of my command who were with me at the time of
the capture, claim a due share of the reward offered by the President for the capture of Jeff Davis.
Respectfully submitted : Henry Harnden,
ffjate Lieutenant Colonel First Wisconsin Cavalry.
This statement was sworn to before 0. F. Weed, Justice of the Peace of Jefferson County,
Wis., December 11, 1865.
Only the following two sworn statements by men of integrity and honor, who knew the
fa:cts and which add strength, if possible, to Col. Harnden's deposition, will be given :
STATE OF WISCONSIN,! _^
Green Lake County, j
James J. Aplin, being duly sworn on oath, says, that he was a private "in Compiny K of the First Regiment of
Wisconsin Cavalry ; that he acted as Orderly for Lieut. Col. Henry Harnden, and was with him in the pursuit and
capture of Jeff Davis ; that he heard the conversation between Lieut. Col. Pritchard and Lieut. Col. Harnden,
referred to in the statement of the latter; that he knew of his own knowledge that all the facts set forth in the
whole of said statement are triie. James J. Aplin.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this I4th day of December, 1865.
Thomas C. Ryan, Notary Public.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 529
STATE OF WISCONSIN, \ ^^
Waukesha Coustt, /
Orson P. Clinton, being duly sworn on oath, says, that he was Second Lieutenant of Company B, First Regiment
of Wisconsin Cavalry, and with Lieut. Col. Harnden during the pursuit and capture of Jeff Davis: that he has heard
read the foregoing statement made by Lieut. Col. Harnden, and knows the contents thereof; that the same is true of
his Itnowledge (except the conversation referred to with Lieut. Col. Pritchard), which he verily believes to be true.
Orson P. Cliston.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 12th day of December, 186-5.
C. G. Heath, Justice of the Peaee^ Waukesha County, Wis.
In his detailed testimony, Mr. Clinton made, among others, the following sworn statement :
'' There was a great deal said as to who was to be blamed for the collision in which the Fourth
Michigan lost two men. I did not, neither did I hear any one else blame Col. Harnden ; but
all blamed Col. Pritchard. I talked with a number of the men who first fired into us, and they
all said they had no instructions as to the probability of our coming up that road. Others said
that Col. Harnden had hardly got out of sight on the day before when Col. Pritchard ordered a
detail of fifty of his best mounted men and marched rapidly all night on another road until they
came in ahead of us on the road we had followed all along, and immediately made arrangements
for Davis' capture, colliding with us as above recited.
" I knew nothing of any reward being oifered for Mr. Davis' capture, until we were with
in a day's march of Macon, on our return."
Mr. Clinton's whole statement, which is lengthy and made under oath, does not diifer from
Col. Harnden's, Sergt. Maj. Hargrave's or the others. It is not necessary, therefore, to incor-
porate more of it. It is proper to add that Pritchard made a sworn deposition also, in which,
however, he was careful not to commit himself to any very positive statement of important facts.
Lieut. Purinton, who commanded the advance that fired upon Lieut. Hussey and his men, also
swore to a document in which the main facts recited by Col. Harnden are corroborated, and in
which he unwittingly, no doubt, opens wide the door -which shows that Pritchard and his men
"knew for certain that they were not firing upon Jeff Davis and his party, or any portion of
them. He swears that he found the Davis camp; reconnoitered until he found out that the
camp had no outposts, and that as it was comprised of teams, tents and wagons, he " knew it was
the Davis camp." If he knew it was the Davis camp, then he knew equally well that the men
advancing upon Davis' trail were not the Davis party, therefore must be Union soldiers. In
his lengthy sworn statement, Pritchard says he thought, perhaps, the advancing squad his men
fired upon was not composed of Union soldiers, as he "did not know but what he (Harnden)
mjjfAi have taken some other route" instead of following the Davis trail, which he had been
following so closely for days. The italics in this last sentence are Pritchard's. This bears
strong marks of being everything but the truth. He knew that Col. Harnden knew of the
whereabouts of Davis. In fact. Col. Harnden knew so well of Davis' whereabouts, that he
directed Pritchard in such a certain manner that the latter had gone straight to the Davis camp
without the arduous labor of following a trail. Pritchard also swears himself into an unen-
viable position in another statement. He says he himself, after coming upon the Davis party,
took pains to satisfy himself that it was not the First Wisconsin camp. Then, knowing there
were but two parties beside his own anywhere in that country, and having discovered and sur-
rounded the one which he knew was not the Wisconsin detachment, he knew past all doubt, and
so did Purinton, that the other, upon which he fired, was the Wisconsin detachment. No other
conclusion is possible from Pritchard's and Purinton's sworn testimony.
If Pritchard and Purinton had never made any sworn statements, the world would prob-
ably have thought one party was as much to be blamed as the other ; now, however, all doubt
is cleared away — Col. La Grange's indorsement cannot but be considered a just one, and a true
statement of actual facts.
The following extract from aprivateletter may properly be added :
Madison, Wis., March 27, 1880.
Frank A. Flower, Esq. — Dear Sir: Yours of the 25th inst., containing inclosure, is this morning received.
Your article upon the subject of the capture of Jeff Davis is, in the main, correct, and I do not think I care to add
530 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
anything to it. The whole subject, to me, is intensely disagreeable. Benjamin F. Pritchard ia a lawyer at Kalama"
300, Mich., I think. He claims that he was not informed of the reward being offered when he started on his expe-
dition.* . . . Lieut. Hussey was one of the bravest men in our army. KespectfuUy,
Henry Harndes.
The names of the Wisconsin men who started with Col. Harnden to capture Jefferson
Davis are as follows :
Henry Harnden, Lieutenant Colonel ; Walter 0. Hargrave, Sergeant Major ; 0. P. Clin-
ton, Second Lieutenant, Company B ; James J. Aplin, Company K, Orderly for Col. Harnden ;
Austin M. Horr, David N. Bell, William Billsbeck, Martin M. Coleman, William Dezer, John
Huntermer, Gotlieb J. Klineline, S. Leonard, James McStilson, George W. Silsbee, C. Stone-
hrook, Herbert Schelter, Charles L. Hewitt, Frank Dolph, Obed W. Bell, Isaac W. Spoor,
Orlando Babcock, James Akenhead, John H. Benson, Horace Miner, Robert De Long, D. A.
(xurnee, J. M. Blood, Charles Firhelm, Eliab Farnham, Ed. Gibney, Asa R. Green, Roswell
Hart, Jeremiah Harrington, Aug. Jahmke, Charles J. Marvin, B. Marcus, Adrastus Newell,
Aug. Petram, Andrew J. Pearson, J. H. Smith, David A. Stafford, Charles Stark, Samuel C.
Torrey, William Voyght, John M. White, Donat Wisenberg, Lorenz Warner, all of Company
A ; ' L. L. Blair, Melvin T. Olin, John Clark, T. P. Culberton, J. H. McCrary, E. H. Stewart,
A. L. Beardsley, Thomas Coleman, R. P. Franklin, Sylvester Fairbanks, William Gill, William
Grimes, Lewis Jacobson, Honore Leverner, William Matskie, Ira Miller, John Nolan, John
Norton, W. P. Otterson, Stephen Pouquette, W. A. Spangler, F. Steenfield, Joseph Smith,
George Wright, John Waggoner, all of Company B; H. L. Palmer, Charles Chase, Thomas Dillion,
A. B. Haxford, Thomas Callahan, B. P. Smith, B. N. Castle, R. W. Hays, J. S. Baldwin, T.
Z. Black, C. Brandeburg, S. C. Culver, M. Curtis, C. T. Clark, L. D. Vaud, George Down-
ing, J. A. Daugherty, W. Gallagher, A. S. Hart, F. Henke, J. Kent, C. Kinsman, B. Kluns-
man, H. Kricher, E. Langler, William H. Noble, 0. N. Noble, W. H. Polley, Z. Reimer, P.
B. Richer, William Struetz, William Spiller, William H. Strong, William M. Smart, B. Suer,
E. E. Sweet, E. Thompson, J. Taylor, J. W. Tremont, C. M. Turner, D. A. White, all of
Company C ; T. W. Lane, Second Lieutenant ; George G. Hussey, J. M. Wheeler, G. W. Sykes,
L. P. Pond, Joseph Myers, George La Borde, Nelson Apley,' F. P. Anderson, Donald Brander,
F. Bublitz, J. S. Burton, Laurence Bird, Joseph Beguen, A. J. Graig, Thomas Day, Thomas
Deckerson, Jared Fields, James Foley, Jacob Gosh, D. H. Goodrich, Lewis Harting, N. M.
Hephner, C. Helgerson, Henry Hamilton, A. E. Johnson, John Ludwick, M. F. Nickerson, P.
W. O'Hern, J. A. L. Pooch, Alexander Pengilly, Arne Rensom, Jerome Roe, H. Stone, John
Spear, Henry Sidenburg, J. H. Warren, C. W. Seely, all of Company D.
Col. Harnden. on account of his frankness and honesty, was dubbed the " Puritan Col-
onel." He was too frank, while confiding in Pritchard, at Poor Robbin Ferry. But he was,
nevertheless, an obstinate fighter, and a brave man. Once, having been severely wounded,
being unable to stand, he braced himself against a tree and continued to shoot every rebel that
came within range, as long as any were in sight.
Career of Commander William B. Cusking. — The soldier dead are, as a matter of fact, all
illustrious — all worthy of conspicuous places in history. But the historian is frustrated on every
hand, in the attempt to do them justice, by a total lack of proper materials ; and only those,
therefore, whose record has fortunately been preserved, and been furnished by living friends,
can be enrolled.
No more glorious name ever added luster to the resplendent escutcheon of fame than that
of Commander William B. Gushing, a native of Waukesha County. In the results of the use of the
limited authority he h9,d, he was greater than a Lawrence or a Perry. A volume like this might
be filled with a recital of his deeds of patriotism and valor, and no apology will be given for the
space devoted to them here. They will be read with increasing interest as time goes on and
they continue to shine brighter and brighter in the halo of glory that forever will illumine the
* Several of those present at the capture of Jeff DaTis have been personally questioned, who say that Pritchard learned of the reward
of $100,000 while on the road in pursuit of Mr. Daris, and that the fact was known to him at his meeting with Col. Harnden at Abbeville.
JPritchard*s statement that he knew of no reward when he " started on his expedition *' is thus questionably sustained. He knew it a/i!er he
started.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 531
graves and names of American soldiers. The following descriptive masterpiece was written by
Harriet Prescott Spofford, and appeared in Harper s Monthly for June 1874 :
"The world just now is full of heroes, for the wars of the late decade are resplendent with
actions well fulfilling the poet's prophecy of the period when
' Many a darkness into the light shall leap,
And shine in the sudden making of splendid names. '
But among all the laureled number it has not been our fortune to hear of any whose exploits
eclipse in brilliancy and elan those of one of our young naval officers, who entered the lists a
stripling, and whom the close of the war found, at the age of twenty-two, with the rank of Lieu-
tenant Commander, and with the engrossed thanks of Congress and of the Navy Department in
his possession, together with countless testimonials, medals, and acknowledgments from Gener-
als of division, Union Leagues, and corporate bodies in all parts of the country ; tributes to
deeds which bring back to us a remembrance of those of the old heroic days — deeds so great
that men became great through the mere recital of them. And certainly he who so often and so
gallantly risked life and fame for his country as Lieutenant Commander William B. Cushing did,
deserves some other record than the disjointed and fragmentary one hidden away in the archives
of the Bureau of State ; and it is a task full of interest to gather one rumor and another, sift
their truth, and put official statement by statement, till the story of those five glorious years of
his service stands complete.
Midshipman Cushing sailed from Boston in the frigate Minnesota, and reached Hampton
Hoads in May, 1861 — a lad then scarcely seventeen years old, but fully determined upon play-
ing a great part in the great events to come. The Cumberland, the Quaker City, and the Mon-
ticello, men-of-war, all lay in the Roads, and the latter of them, which has the honor of having
.been the first ship under fire in the Rebellion, young Cushing subsequently commanded. The
fieet had been at anchor a single day when five schooners, loaded with tobacco, were captured ;
and that night the young midshipman took into port the Delaware Farmer, the first prize of the
war. During the next month he was on duty with the blockading squadron on the Carolina
eoast ; but in August he was again in Hampton Roads, and was in the first launch with those
sent to storm a battery and burn some small vessels ; and in the same month he sailed in the
Minnesota to the assault of the Hatteras forts, the squadron consisting of the flagship with six
other men-of-war and some steam-transports, and being the largest that had ever sailed together
under the American flag. The waters to which Hatteras Inlet gave entrance at that time
swarmed with privateers and blockade-runners, and its possession was an object of importance, and
was guarded by the two forts, Clark and Hatteras. As the squadron moved into line, and the
first shot fired by the Wabash was answered by the rebel gans instantaneously, and every ship
aeemed suddenly sheeted in flame, the scene heightened by the contrast of perfect peace other-
wise on sea and sky during all the bright summer day, we can easily imagine what an experience
it was to the boy for the first time under the fire of one of those engagements to which his fancy
had thrilled a thousand times, and his enjoyment of it may be known by the eagerness with
which from that moment he plunged into everything affording any promise of the same excite-
ment and danger.
" During the following winter Midshipman Cushing did blockading duty on the Cambridge,
and saw some hot work with a party " cutting out " a schooner up a narrow stream, being
attacked by and defeating a large body of infantry and artillery. He was often in this stormy
season out in open boats for hours together, with the sea breaking over him, till it was neces-
sary to hoist him on board, too stiff with ice and sleet to bend a joint. But it was at this time
the great Merrimac fight came off, a part of which he was — a part of' the Saturday's black
despondency that saw the Cumberland go down and the white flag flutter from the peak of the
Congress, of the Saturday's superb confidence, when the rebel giant, with the sun glistening
on her iron shields, bore down on her grounded antagonist, and never seeming to see an idle
mote in the distance till a 200-pounder came from it, crashing through her consort, which
532 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY:
turned and fled, a wreck, while shot after shot beat and brayed her own sides till the skies rang
with the echoes, and the fate of the old navies, with their snowy billows of canvas, was settled
by the victory of the little black iron turret.
" Of course the young sailor had, as time went on, the usual number of the escapades that
seem to be the peculiar properties of his class, one, not the least, of which happened after the fight
of Malvern Hill, when, being ashore with his admiral, and fired, by the account of his valiant
brother, with the desire of sharing in an afiair that might be similar to the seven days' battle, he
boldly made ofi"in search of adventure, and rode to review the army on President Lincoln's staff,
finding himself under arrest on his return, though presently, with the proverbial luck of the
middy, released from duress. He was destined, however, soon to leave that fortunate and irre-
sponsible condition, and in July, 1862, was promoted to a lieutenancy, with intermediate grades
being overlooked, and was ordered to the sounds of North Carolina ; and, having turned to account
the year's stern schooling, there the career that has rendered his name remarkable really began.
And it may be mentioned here that it was not only in the art of the sea-fight that he had
accomplished himself, but in the more difficult art of attaching men to him in such wise that
they would hazard life and fortune to follow him, a thing absolutely indispensable to his under-
takings. Of this attachment of his companions and subordinates an instance may be cited to
the purpose, though so trifling. This occurred once when the Lieutenant went to Washington
with dispatches, and when, chancing to look over the hotel register, he found the names just
above his own were those of the officers who had ventured with him on that terrible night of
the afiair of the Albemarle, and whom he had supposed to be gone to their long home. He had
worn on the coat which he had thrown ofi' that night upon taking to the water a ribbon with a
gold chain and locket of some value ; and upon springing into the room where were the officers,
in the sorry guise of their prison habiliments, after the flrst greetings were over he saw one take
from under the collar of his blouse some of the buttons of that coat, one the locket, one the
chain, and another the ribbon, the men having carried these articles, unsuspected and untouched,
through all the want and privations of four months in rebel prisons.
" It having been decided, not long subsequently to Lieutenant Cushing's promotion, to make
a combined movement of army and navy against the town of Franklin — afterward destroyed by
the army — an agreement was entered into by the army to open the attack, and the navy to send
three vessels up the Blackwater in order to intercept the retreat of the 7,000 rebels. For some
reason or other, the plan was changed, but the messenger dispatched by the commanding officer
with the account of the change did not reach his destination in season ; and presuming that all
was to be as arranged, three vessels moved up the Blackwater at the appointed hour, and were
presently engaged, with a couple of hundred men and a few cannon, by all the strength of the
enemy, in a stream exceedingly narrow, and so crooked that lines had constantly to be taken
from the ships and wound about the trees on the shore, to obtain purchase and haul the bows
round the bend. At last, on working past a sharp angle of the shore, they came upon an impas-
sable barricade, an abatis formed of the great trees felled from both banks directly across the
stream, at a point wliere the force of the angry current drifted them strongly in toward the left
side ; and at the moment every object on the bank became alive, and blazed with a deadly fire,
and such a yell burst forth from every quarter that it seemed to belong to the universal air.
Capt. Flusser instantly ordered all hands into shelter, since it would have been the merest
bravado to attempt fighting his few men on an open deck ; but Lieut. Gushing, chancing to
glance over the side, saw a mass of infantry rushing down under cover of this fire to board the
vessel that lay in such a cruel ambuscade, and calling for volunteers, he dashed out, cast loose
the howitzer, and by the aid of half a dozen men and an officer, wheeled it to the other side of
the deck. Before the piece could be leveled, the seven men lay dead and dying around him,
and, alone on the deck, he sent the death- dealing canister %ing into the assailants with a will.
It had the efi"ect of magic, making such havoc that the enemy fled in terror — all save the leader,
a man of noble appearance, who, unaware of the faltering of his troops, advanced, brandishing
his sword, his long hair streaming behind him, a shining mark for death to lay low. Upon this,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 533
all hands were called to the scene, the guns were worked with grape and canister, and the
marines, protected by the hammocks, watched the treetops for a puff of smoke, and picked off
the sharpshooters, who fell every moment through the breaking branches with wild cries.
After that nothing was left but retreat, and there followed half a day of furious assault and
repulse, fighting for every point, in order to send the lines ashore there, and so to round the
curves of the river; of struggling on the enemy 'spart to keep theshipsin the toils, of barricades
at every bend, of rifle-pits on every bluff. Of course the ship that had been in the rear of the
advance now led the retreat, and received the concealed fire of a thbusand infantry at every
exposed spot, while the Commodore Perry, bringing up the rear at some distance behind, was
in almost every instance unexpected by the rebels, and coming on their flank, threw into them
such volleys of grape and shrapnel ttat those on board could distinctly see the bloody havoc
that they wrought. At length, completely exhausted, the three brave vessels were in open
water once more, decks wet with blood and heaped with dead and wounded, and sides fairly
riddled with bullets. It was probably owing to the report of this affair, in which Lieut.
Gushing was highly complimented, that he was ordered to his first command, the gun-boat Ellis,
a craft of a hundred tons, mounting two guns, and drawing so little water that, in Western par-
lance, she could float on a heavy dew; and in her the young ofl5cer, aged nineteen, resolved
upon noble achievements.
"After capturing the town of Swansboro, taking and being obliged to burn the Ade-
laide, with a cargo worth $100,000, and destroying many important salt works, Lieut.
Gushing made a dash for the county seat of Onslow Court House, about twenty miles from the
mouth of New River, where the wide and deep waters afforded an excellent harbor for Nassau
vessels. The following is his ofiBcial report of the affair, to his senior ofiicer, and his demand
for an investigation, which was denied him, because, as Mr. Fox said, ' We don't care for the
loss of a vessel which fought so gallantly as that :'
United St\tes Steamer Hetzel, November 26, 1862.
Sir : I have the honor to report that I entered New Eiver Inlet on the 23d of this month, with the United States
steamer Ellis under my command, succeeded in passing the narrow and shallow place called the Rocks, and started
up the river. My object was to sweep the r^ver, capture any vessels there, capture the town of Jacksonville, or
Onslow Court House, take the Wilmington mail, and destroy any salt works I might find on the banks. I expected
to surprise the enemy in going up, and then to fight my way out. Five miles from the mouth, I came in sight of a
vessel bound outward, with a load of cotton and turpentine. The enemy fired her to prevent her falling into our
hands. I ran alongside, made sure that they could not extinguish the flames, and again steamed up the river. At 1
P. M., I reached the town of Jacksonville, lauded, threw out my pickets, and placed guards over the public buildings.
This place is the county seat of Onslow County, and quite an important town. It is situated on the right bank of the
river going up, and is thirty-five or forty miles from the mouth. I captured twenty-five stand of public arms in the
court house and post ofiice, quite a large mail, and two schooners. I also confiscated the negroes of the Confederate
Postmaster. I forgot to mention that the town is situated upon the main turnpike road from Wilmington. Several
rebel officers escaped as I neared the town, and carried the news to that city.
At 2:80 P. JL, 1 started down the river, and at 5 P. M. came in sight of a camp on the bank, which I thoroughly
shelled. At the point where the schooner captured in the moroing was still burning, the enemy opened fire on the
Ellis with rifles, but were soon silenced by our guns. I had two pilots on board, both of whom informed me that it
would be impossible to take the steamer from the river that night. High water and daylight were two things abso-
lutely essential in order to take her out. I therefore came to anchor five miles from the outer bar, took my prizes along-
side, and made every preparation to repel an attack. All night long, the signal-fires of the enemy could be seen upon
the banks. At daylight I got under way, and had nearly reached the worst place in the channel, when the enemy
opened on us with two pieces of artillery. I placed the vessel in position, at once hoisted the battle-flag at the fore,
the crew gave it three cheers, and we went into action. In one hour, we had driven the enemy from his guns and
from the bluff, and passed within a hundred yards of their position without receiving fire. Up to this time I had
been in every way successful, but was here destined to meet with an accident that changed the fortunes of the day,
and resulted in the destrnction of my vessel. About five hundred yards from the bluffs, the pilots, mistaking the
channel, ran the Ellis hard and fast aground. All hands went to work at once to lighten her, and anchors and sjeam
were used to get her afloat, but without success. The headway of the steamer had forced her over a shoal, and into
a position where, as a center of a circle, we had a circumference of shoal all around. When the tide fell, I sent a
party ashore to take possession of the artillery abandoned in the morning, but when they reached the field it was
discovered that it had been removed while we were at work upon the vessel. If I had secured this. X proposed to
construct a shore battery to assist in the defense of my vessel by keeping the rebels from placing their battery in
position. At dark I took one of my prize Schooners alongside, and proceeded to take everything out of the Ellis
excepting the pivot gun, some ammunition, two tons of coal, and a few small arms. Steam and anchor again failed
to get my vessel afloat. I felt confident that the Confederates would come on me in overwhelming force, and it now
534 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTS .
becatoe my duty to save my men. So all men were called to muster, and the crew told that they could go aboard the
schooner. I called for six Tolunteers to remain with me on board and fight the remaining gun. Knowing that it was
almost certain death,* the men came forward, and two master's mates, Valentine and Barton, were among the num-
ber. These gentlemen subsequently behaved with coolness and bravery. I ordered the schooner to drop down the
channel out of range from the bluffs, and there to wait for the termination of the impending engagement, and if we
were destroyed to proceed to sea. Early in the morning, the enemy opened upon us from four points with heavy
rifled guns (one a Whitworth). It was a cross-fire and very destructive. I replied as best I could, bat in a short
time the engine was disabled, and she was much cut up in every part, and the only alternatives left were surrender
or a pull of one and a half miles under their fire in my small boat. The first of these was not, of course, to be
thought of; the second I resolved to attempt. I fired the Ellis in five places, and having seen that the battle-flag was
still flying, trained the gun upon the enemy, so that the vessel might fight herself after we had left, and started down
the river, reached the schooner, and made sail for sea. It w.as low water on the bar, and a heavy surf was rolling
in, but the wind forced us through after striking several times. We were just in time, for about six hundred yards
down the beach were several companies of civalry trying to reach the mouth of the inlet in time to cut us oif. We
hoisted our flag, gave three cheers, and were off. In four hours I reached Beaufort. I brought away all my men,
my rifled howitzer and ammunition, the ship's stores and clothing, the men's bags and hammocks, and a portion of
the small arms. I retained on board the Ellis a few muskets, pikes and pistols to repel boarders. I neglected to
state that when I took possession of the enemy's ground on the 24th, a salt work was destroyed, and ten boats ren-
dered useless that were to have been used for hoarding.
At 9 A. M., the United States steamer Ellis was blown in pieces by the explosion of the magazine. Officers and
men behaved nobly, obeying orders strictly under the most trying circumstances.
I respectfully request that a court of inquiry may be ordered to investigate the facts of the case, and to see if
the honor of the flag has suffered in my hands.
" This report was indorsed in commendatory terms by the senior officer to whom it was
addressed, and was further indorsed by Admiral Lee with the expression of his ' admiration for
Lieut. Cushing's coolness, courage and conduct.'
" Shortly after this affair, there being need of pilots for the harbor of Wilmington, upon
which place an attack was meditated, Lieut. Gushing undertook to make prisoners of some ; and
in the course of his adventure, at night, a couple of miles up a narrow, shadowy stream, he was
suddenly saluted by a volley of musketry. Without losing a moment, he turned his boats to
shore, and crying to his men to foUow^im — there were but twenty in all — he had them,. yelling
and shouting, up a bluff and charging an earthwork, over ditch and parapet, and, through the
might of sheer boldness, driving the garrison from the fort with so firm a conviction that they
were surprised by a much superior body, that arms and valuables and even supper, were left at
the mercy of the conquerors, who, enjoying the supper, and possessing themselves of everything
portable, soon destroyed the earthwork and returned to the little prize schooner in which they
had disguised their approach, and which was already rolling in the heavy swells of an approach-
ing storm. Inside of the angle made with the coast by Cape Fear and Frying-pan Shoals,
which jut out into the Atlantic for some thirty miles, and where every southwest gale heaps up
the sea in a fearful manner, in a vessel of forty tons, with one anchor, a few fathoms of chain,
and a lee shore alive with an angry and alert enemy — this is a situation certainly not to
be coveted ; and though the Hope ran under close-reefed canvas, it soon became apparent that,
making as much leeway as headway, there was no possibility of her weathering the shoals at ail-
Meanwhile a tempest of rain abated in some degree the great height and power of the waves,
but it was accompanied by a dense fog that enfolded the little schooner like a fleece, and shut
her oflF from all the world of raging waters round them. At this juncture one of two things
must at once be decided upon — either to go ashore and surrender vessel and crew as prisoners of
war, or to put boldly out across the thirty miles of stormy space between the shore and the
shoals, and, allowing for all the leeway made, endeavor to strike the mere vein of a channel that
was known to streak them like a hair. Of course Lieut. Gushing chose the latter, although, in
such a gale, he was aware that the breakers must be very high even in that narrow channel.
It was, in fact, a magnificent game of chance, for should they veer to the right or the left the
distance of a dozen rods, not one plank of the schooner would be left upon another. Accord-
ingly he fixed his course, placed Mr. Valentine — the same master's mate who acted so gallantly
at the loss of the Ellis — at the helm, and told him alone of the danger.
" ' All at once,' says Lieut. Gushing, in relating the affair, ' I saw the old Quartermaster at
* The magazine, aa Lieut. CuBhlng does not mentioa in his report, being entirely exposed.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 535
the lead turn deathly pale as he sang out, ' Breakers ahead ! For God's sake, sir, go
ahout ! ' In an instant the cry was, ' Breakers on the lee bow ! ' then, ' Breakers on the weather
bow ! ' and we were into them. All seemed over now ; but we stood at the helm, determined to
•control our boat to the last, A shock — she had struck. But it was only for a second, and she
still fairly flew through the great white breakers. Again and again she struck, but never
hard. She had found the channel, and in twenty minutes we were safe, and scudding
for Beaufort.'
" Lieut. Gushing now took command of a steamer mounting five 100-pounder smooth-bore
guns, one 100-pounder Parrott rifle, and a 12-pound howitzer, with a crew of 150 men — pre-
ferring this command in Hampton Roads, with a good prospect of engagement, to that of the
fast blockader Violet and a prospect of many rich prizes. And fighting being what he wanted,
he had, one might suppose, a plenty of it, being engaged continuously for three weeks, and
never once defeated ; taking earth works and bringing off the guns ; pulling in his gig from ship
to ship under the muzzles of the enemy's guns in full blast ; taking, with ninety sailors and a
howitzer, the town of Chuckatuck four hours after it had been occupied by Longstreet'a left
wing; making important reconnaissances, constantly exposed to danger — bullets grazing his
skin, and one shearing a lock of hair from his head close to the crown — ^but never meeting with
any injury. At the close of this duty he received a letter of congratulation and thanks from
the Secretary of the Navy, and being ordered into dock for repairs, he was sent for by the
President, who complimented him with enthusiasm in an hour's interview.
"After being put in condition again, Lieut. Cushing's ship proceeded on an expedition up
the York River, in which Brig. Gen. Lee, the son, of Gen. Robert B. Lee, was made prisoner ;
and before long he was ordered to the defense of the capital, which the advance of the rebels
had endangered. It was while he was stationed at Washington that the battle of Gettysburg
took place, where his brother fell fighting in command of a battery of the Fourth United States
Artillery, and Lieut. Gushing at once proceeded to the field with the double purpose of procur-
ing his brother's remains and of working his guns, if permitted to do so ; but the army had
already moved on, leaving its terrible debris of horses and cannon and caissons, of countless
wounded men and unburied dead, beneath the burning sky. 'As I write this,' says Lieut.
Gushing, some years later, 'as I write this, rocked on the long swell of the Pacific, under the
warmth of the equatorial sun, my mind goes back in review of the many sad scenes in those
bloody years of Rebellion, but fails to bring up any picture that is so grand, or solemn, or
mournful as that great theater of death.'
" In the following August — thatof 1863 — theLieutenant went on board the Shoboken, which
was a ferry-boat with the hull built out, fitted for work in all manner of shallow creeks, but
eminently unseaworthy. In her he destroyed the blockade-runner, Hebe, after a contest with a
rebel battery ; and being refused permission to do as much for another vessel in New Topsail
Inlet, soon undertook the task without permission. Anchoring the Shoboken near the land late
in the afternoon, he led the enemy to suppose that an expedition in boats was intended six miles
up the river to the wharf where the prize lay ; and accordingly one gun was detached from the
rebel battery of six at the mouth of the inlet, carried up to the wharf, and pointed so as to
command the deck of the prize, in case the remaining guns had not entirely annihilated the
party attempting entrance ; and a watch having been set, things seemed as safe as strength and
vigilance could make them. But the rebels had a foe to deal with of whose strategic powers
they made no calculation, and it did not enter their heads to observe that the Shoboken was
aachored four miles up the beach, and to draw any inference from such anchorage. So, with
the night, taking ashore two boats' crews in a single boat, the Lieutenant had them shoulder the
dingy and carry it across the narrow neck of land, and launch it on the other side, four miles
inside the inlet, and entirely out of range of the battery at the mouth. A night surprise is apt
to be a successful thing, for it has to aid it all the doubt and magnitude and awe of the night,
which increases the attacking force to infinity, and bewilders the judgment of the assailed with
darkness ; but even with knowledge of this the rebels might have been amazed if they had ever
536 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COU:NTy.
learned that they were surprised, charged, and routed in the night by six sailors, their artillery
and ten prisoners captured, the vessel burned, and some valuable salt works destroyed, two sail-
ors acting as pickets, two guarding the prisoners, and two, assisted by the ever-ready plantation
hands, burning the vessel and buildings. Of course the ten prisoners would have been entirely
too much for the six men if they had only known there were but six, but three of them being
stowed in the dingv, while a great amount of ordering and answering passed between suppositi-
tious boats on the stream, the remainder were directed to go some furlongs up the bank and
report to an officer there, and not to go too far out unless they wished to be shot by the pickets
of their captors ; and that being done, the Lieutenant and his party glided away in the darkness
and regained the Shoboken in safety.
" But not to rest. It was only from one thing to another with this daring spirit. Finding
the next day, on regaining the squadron, that it was engaged with a battery on the shore, he
threw himself with twenty men into boats, assaulted the battery, and took two rifled guns, which
he got aboard his ship ; and immediately afterward, no other enemy being at hand, entered into
a tussle with a northeast gale, which so nearly had the better of him that when he came in sight
of the fleet again he learned that all had supposed him at the bottom of the sea ; but he had, in
truth, a curious way of always coming to the surface again and of frequently being taken for
his own ghost, as was evident, indeed, on the night succeeding the destruction of the Albemarle. ^
Immediately after this gale he was detached from the Shoboken and ordered to the Monticello,
the command being given him, said Mr. Fox (for distinguished services rendered), and it is not
a little amusing to find him, hot-headed as ever, while on shore awaiting his outfit, administer-
ing summary chastisement to some men who had dared to speak disrespectfully of his uniform.
" In the winter of 1862 he was again blockading oiF the Carolina coast. This service must
have been on many accounts an interesting one — the ships by day lying at their anchorage out
of the enemy's range, by night drawing together in one long line across the bar in order that
none of the leaden hulls of the runners, so skillfully mingling with the tints of mist and twilight,
might elude them, and always on guard against shoal and reef and the coming out of the moon
to show them close under a hundred rebel cannon, pointed at different altitudes, so that one
might do what another failed to do. There were also cruisers stationed farther out, whose duty
it was to determine what ought to be the whereabouts of richly laden escaping steamers, taking
into account the probable time of escape, moon and tide and speed, a lookout being always aloft
to give the cry, and start the chase that would presently overhaul a million dollars for prize.
Such work, however, was not adventurous enough for Lieut. Cushing's fancy, and he deter-
mined to celebrate Washington's birthday in a more exciting manner, by taking and hold-
ing Smith's Island, close to the enemy, one of the outlets of Cape Fear River, which would
have been an event of great importance. Failing to obtain permission, through his senior ofiicer's
fear of assuming responsibility, although the undertaking proceeded on the assumption of such
complete security in the strength of their position on the part of the enemy that every precau-
tion which could stand in the way of a surprise was most probably omitted, and indignant with
what seemed to him a lack of dash and spirit where it could be of any service, the young man at
once proceeded to act for himself, and we have never heard of any instance since the da/s of
windy Troy to compare with that night's adventure ; for as he was not allowed the means to
carry out his original proposition, Lieut. Cushing had gravely assured his senior that in order
to prove to him how completely feasible it was, he would have the honor of bringing off the Con-
federate commanding officer to breakfast with him in the morning. All lovers of heroism will
remember the passage of the Iliad where Ulysses and Diomed leave the circle of old kings sitting
around the field-fire in the dead of the night, and, exploring the hostile camps, take the spy Dolon
and destroy Rhesus in his tent, and bring off the
' Steeds
More white than snow, huge and well shaped, whose
fiery pace exceeds
The winds in swiftness.'
It was quite as daring a thing which Lieut. Cushing now proposed to do.
HLSTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 537
" He had already, on a reconnaissance, found that the rebel confidence was so great that
when grazing the very face of the forts he had received no challenge, and therefore on this night
he took twenty men, entered the Cape Fear River, and pulled directly up to Smithville, the rebel
headquarters, landing before the hotel, perhaps twenty-five yards from the fort, and hiding his
men on the shore. Obtaining from a negro at a salt work on the bank the requisite information,
with two of his officers he crept at midnight, when not a sound disturbed the air, up the princi-
pal street to the commanding Greneral's residence, a large house, with verandas, opposite the bar-
racks, where, about fifteen yards off, lay twelve hundred men without a dream of danger. There
had been a gay gathering, apparently, in the house that evening, and delaying till after the
guests had gone and the occupants might be supposed to sleep, Lieut. Gushing noiselessly
tried the unbolted door, entered the hall, glanced into a mess-room, and then ascended the stairs.
But at the moment of softly opening the door of a sleeping-room he heard a crash and the whis-
pered call of his ofiicer, below, and quickly springing to answer it, he found that his other compan-
ion, whom he had left on the veranda, had, in a sublime confidence that the place was already
taken, gone strutting up and down, awaking the Confederate Adjutant General, who, throwing up
a window, found himself suddenly looking into the muzzle of a navy revolver, upon which the
sash had been dropped with a clang, and the Adjutant, escaping through a back-door, had made
for the brush. In an instant the Lieutenant was in the room, and struck a wax match, had floored
the remaining occupant, the chief engineer of the forces there, and with his pistol at the head of
the man, still half dazed with sleep, threatening to blow out his brains if he spoke, had made
him put on some clothes, had learned from him that the commanding General had gone that day
to Wilmington, had possessed himself of the Adjutant General's papers and plans, and was in his
boat again and in the middle of the stream before the outraged rebels had gained their senses, or
had begun to swarm out and fill the air with cries and calls ; and while the signal-lights were
flashing to the forts below, and the long roll calling to arms, he was pulling quietly aboard his
ship, and carrying the chief engineer of the enemy, snatched from the very teeth of that enemy,
to breakfast with his commander — if not exactly what he had promised, at least the next best
thing. There being occasion on the following day to send in a flag of truce, a note was dis-
patched by it, of which a copy is given below :
My dear General, — I deeply regret that you were not at home when I called. I inclose my card.
Very respectfully, W. B. Citshcng.
" Of course, after the first burst of indignation, the' matter was taken very good-naturedly
by the offended party, but this note was declared to be the very climax of impudence, and Lieut.
Gushing was given very distinctly to understand that his experiment could not be repeated — a
gage which he had no opportunity to take up until the following June.
''Having been undergoing repairs at Norfolk, in June Lieut. Gushing returned to Beaufort,
his coaling station, and there learned that a rebel iron-clad, the Raleigh, had been defying the
fleet after wanton fashion, and, conscious of her strength, had not only convoyed blockade-run-
ners through the intimidated squadron, but had remained out of harbor for several hours, only
returning at her leisure after daybreak. Of course the younger officers of the navy were burn-
ing with resentment, and Lieut. Gushing, in the Monticello, accompanied by the Vicksburg,
immediately started in pursuit, though unsuccessfully, as she had taken harbor ; and it was not
until a letter came from Admiral Lee himself that Lieut. Gushing was allowed the men and boats
that he desired to go upon an expedition inside the bar, and to avenge the insult the navy had
received by boarding and taking possession of the Raleigh where she lay. After dark, then, one
night late in June, with fifteen men and two officers — Mr. Howorth and Mr. Martin — he slipped
into the harbor, passing Forts Caswell and Holmes and the other batteries, and pulled up the
river with muffled oars, just escaping being run down by a tug, and passing the town of Smith-
ville— the scene of his capture of the chief engineer — in safety. His object was to determine
the whereabouts of the Raleigh, and then to return and bring back a hundred men to board her.
The Raleigh, however, was not to be seen anywhere, either inside the bar or at quarantine, and he
accordingly pursued his course up stream, although a strong current made it best for him to
538 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
in the tideway, knowing they would knock about safely there till morning, when they would be
hazard pulling on the side where the moon lay. Just as the boat reached Fort Anderson,
there came a sentry's hail, followed by the shouting of a dozen other voices and a quick
volley of musketry. Immediately, the Lieutenant put the boat about and pointed her head
down stream, and, giving the helm a turn so as to present the least possible surface to
the moon's rays, he cut across into the shadow of the other bank, where he once more made his
way to the river, leaving the enemy to pursue an imaginary foe in the opposite direction.
When within four miles of the city, it being nearly day light, the crew went ashore, and draw-
ing the boat by means of their united strength into a patch of swamp, they masked her with
branches of trees, and disposed of themselves in the growth along the bank. Here during the
long summer's day they saw several steamers going unsuspiciously up and down the river, with
the rebel Commodore's flag-ship and many smaller crafts, but there was no sign of the iron-clad
to be seen. At twilight, however, fancying that an approaching party of fishermen in a couple
of boats was a discovery and an attack, Lieut. Gushing stepped from his hiding-place, hailed
them, and boldly ordered them to surrender, which the gentle creatures did upon the spot.
From these prisoners he ascertained that there wSiS very good reason for his not finding the
Raleigh at her anchorage, nature having taken the matter out of the Lieutenant's hands ; for,
having run upon a sand bar some time previously, the iron-clad, with the falling of the tide, had
broken in two by her own weight, and was now an utter wreck. Being satisfied that this was
really the case, Lieut. Gushing resolved, before returning, to obtain all the information possible
concerning the batteries and obstructions of the place, knowing that a movement upon it was
already in contemplation. Having mastered all the facts of the forts and channels, he at last
stationed himself with eight men at a junction of the main turnpike with two other roads,
hardly two miles from the city and all its swarms of soldiery and lines of fortifications. The
first thing done was to capture the army mail-carrier with his mail of between four and five hun-
dred letters, among which were those containing plans of the rebel defenses, and other impor-
tant documents ; and the adventurers being by this time rather hungry, and having taken pris-
oner a wandering storekeeper, Mr. Howorth put on the coat and cap of the mail-carrier,
mounted his horse, and started for the town to procure provisions, his pocket being well lined
with the Confederate money taken from the mail ; and he presently returned from his danger-
ous errand — one on which detection would have twisted a rope round his neck, with a very short
shrift — bringing in good refreshments, and having mingled freely with the enemy, for whom he
had been obliged to exert his inventive faculties after a manner that would have done justice to
the best romancer living. In the mean time, the Lieutenant and his men had not been idle, and
they were now guarding twenty-six prisoners under the most excellent discipline since a shout
from any one of them would have brought an army about their ears ; and he was now only wait-
ing for the evening courier with the Richmond mail before rejoining the remainder of his party
and putting oiF for sea. He decided, however, to send his prisoners to the boat, and it was just
as they were crossing the road that the mail-carrier came in sight, accompanied by a Confeder-
ate ofHcer, who, drawing a swift conclusion, turned about to flee. Being mounted on the horse
of one of the prisoners, the Lieutenant instantly gave chase, but to no purpose, as his horse was
neither one of the best nor the freshest; and thereupon, cutting the telegraph wires in two
places, he hastened to his boat, which now lay moored in a little creek, put the prisoners into
the canoes which had been picked up, and dropped down toward the river, which was reached
exactly as the shadows of night darkened it pleasantly. It had been the Lieutenant's intention
to leave the greater part of his prisoners on the lighthouse island in the river, having captured
them merely to secure their silence ; but just as he was putting in under the bank for that pur-
pose the steamer Virginia came pufiing close upon him. In a breath the order was given for
every man to jump overboard and push the boats into the marsh grass, and the prisoners were
promised instant death upon the first sign ; and while every head was held under the gunwale
for a moment, the steamer plowed by without suspicion. Having eluded this danger, Lieut.
Gushing now removed the oars and sails from the canoes, and set twenty of his prisoners adrift
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 539
seen and cared for from shore ; and attaching to a buoy, where it could not fail to be seen and
taken oflf, a note, in which he happily recalled to the memory of the authorities their declara-
tion that he would not again enter their harbor, he made all haste for sea, intending to pass
through the upper outlet, and having' Forts Anderson and Fisher to pass, together with the island
and outer batteries. It was a little below Fort Anderson that, encountering a boat-load of
soldiers, he captured them without ado, and learned that a guard-boat containing seventy-five
men awaited him on the bar. This was not unexpected ; and the fresh prisoners having been
menaced with assurance of their due deserts if they attempted aid or comfort to the enemy at
the critical time, it was resolved by the Lieutenant and his officers to pull for the bar, the tide set-
ting down strongly, lay themselves alongside the guard-boat in the bright moonlight, and while
engaging the men there with cutlases and revolvers, drift with them by the batteries, which,
since they could not destroy them without firing on their own men, would be likely to let them
pass. It was no great while before glimpses were caught of a boat rocking on the tide below
them, and they eagerly made for it, quite confident of their ability to occupy many times their
own number of land-lubbers until they should be out of range of the batteries, when it would
be just as easy to l«ave their foe behind. .But when still some yards distant from the boat, and
just preparing to open a broadside upon it, suddenly four other boats darted out from behind a
neighboring point, and five from the opposite island, and formed a line across the bar, completely
entrapping the Lieutenant and his men, while at the same time, going short round, a large sail-
boat was discovered to windward. Misfortune could hardly have seemed more imminent and
absolute, and if anything could be done it must be done on the instant. The river, as it
chanced, divided at that point round an island, making two channels, one that up which they
had passed on the preceding night from Fort Caswell, now lying seven miles below, and which
it would have been madness to try, since it would have brought them opposite Smithville and
the forts by broad daylight, even if the southwest gale had not been blowing there, and making
breakers in which the boat would have been crushed like a bubble. Of course, then, their only
hope was to circumvent the enemy, so that the other and shorter channel might be gained, at
whose entrance no such dangerous sea was to be encountered. Quickly giving the word to his
men, the Lieutenant darted ofi' with his boat as if for Smithville, passing the large sail-boat ;
then suddenly sheering, so as to escape the full moonlight (as in going by Fort Anderson the
night before), he was for one moment invisible in the swell, and the whole ten boats were after
him on the way to Smithville — boats manned by soldiers instead of sailors, who were, therefore,
totally unaware of the impossibility of exit by that channel. Seizing the opportunity, the
Lieutenant boldly turned about, and when he came in sight again was making for the sail-boat
as if he intended to board her. Of course, the crew of the sail-boat, unused to such contests,
hesitated, and started to tack, but missed stays, and drifted away on the tide, before they could
recover themselves, while the crew of the Lieutenant's boat, bending all their strength to the
oars, darted round in a broad curve astern the line of boats, and were in the desired channel, a
hundred yards in advance of all the rest, before their object was fairly understood ; and heading
for the breakers on Carolina Shoals, lest on another course the batteries should blow them to
atoms — breakers which the boats rowed by soldiers could not dare dream of attempting — -they
took the great waves safely, and were presently past all pursuit. The results of this expedition
were so important, and the conduct of it so remarkable, that we are not surprised to find its
leader again receiving the formal thanks of the Navy Department. Indeed, these official congratula-
tions became apparently quite a matter of course ; and in the following October he was earning
them again, together not only with the engrossed thanks of the Congress of the United States,
and addresses from chambers of commerce, boards of trade, municipalities, and clubs without
number, but with the more substantial reward of a promotion to the grade of Lieutenant Com-
mander, at the age of twenty-one, all in recognition of his destruction of the rebel ram Albemarle,
an iron-clad of the same model as the Merrimac, which had done great damage, and met the
fire of hundred-pounder Dahlgrens and Parrotts at ten yards range without injury.
540 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" Directly upon his promotion the young hero took command of the flag-ship Malvern,
bearing the broad pennant of the rear-admiral, and in December was part of the force operating
against Fort Fisher. Here Commander Gushing performed what, with the exception of the
Albemarle affair, was in reality the most dangerous exploit in all his term of service, and one
requiring a more steady courage, being nothing less than the buoying of a channel in an open
skiiF — a skiff rivaling the famous little boat of the battle of Lake Erie — in the midst of a shower
of round shot, shell and shrapnel, the. work continuing for six hours, the skiff frequently half
filled with water by the plunging shot, and its companion being sunk.
" During the brief cessation of more active operations against the Wilmington forts. Com-
mander Cashing offered battle to the Chickamauga, a rebel privateer carrying an extra crew ;
but the challenge being declined, he drove a large blockade-runner ashore under her nose, and
returned to the fleet, which, on the 12th of January, resumed the attack upon the forts, the ships
being sixty in number, comprising iron-clads, frigates, slbops of war and gunboats. An assault
being ordered, after three days' bombardment, Commander Gushing, with other oflicers, accom-
panied the force of sailors and marines about to storm the sea-front of Fort Fisher. Marching
to within a few hundred yards of the embrasures, the entire body threw themselves down under
the slope of the beach, waiting for the signal of attack, the whole fire of the navy passing with
a deafening noise just over their heads. Springing to their feet at the word of command, they
moved forward steadily over the soft white sand, which the sunshine made dazzling, and the
relief of which rendered every ofiicer in his uniform of blue and gold-lace — and, indeed every
man — a conspicuous target, the rebels meanwhile pouring forth an unceasing fire that cut down
their foes in windrows. Finding himself alone at last, just after reaching the palisades, Com-
mander Gushing turned to rally his men, and was obliged to cross a hundred yards of the bare
sand with the bullets pattering about him in such wise that it seems as if he must have borne a
charmed life. Most of the ranking oflBcers were either dead or badly wounded by that time, or
else remaining under shelter of the palisades till nightfall — more fortunate than their comrades,
who, dropping on the beach, were swept out to sea by the rising and falling of the tide — he
therefore assumed the command himself, and gathered some hundreds of men with great effort,
he was again proceeding to the assault, when requested to relieve with them a regiment which
went to the assistance of the army on the other side, which was operating to such effect under
the gallant Gen. Ames that before midnight the works had surrendered.
" The first important action of Commander Gushing after the surrender was the seizure of
the pilots who had so many times safely steered the blockade-runners into port; and when his
preparations to hang them had thoroughly frightened them into obedience, he agreed to spare
their lives on condition of their erecting customary signal lights on Oak Island, by which the
blockade-running steamers came in and out. Accordingly, some four or five days after the capt-
ure of the forts, the large blockade-running steamer Charlotte, trusting to the lights, came over
the bar and made her private signals to Fort Caswell, and being hailed and told that the signal
corps had been withdrawn to Smithville, came confidently up to her anchorage. She was com-
manded by a British ex-naval officer, and she carried, among her other passengers, two officers
of the British army, coming over to see the Confederate sport, and the owners of her costly
cargo of arms and munitions — all of whom, in great glee at the successful termination of their
hazardous enterprise, had just sat down to a sumptuous banquet, and were toasting their safe
arrival in champagne. Suddenly the door opened, a light form stepped in, a hand was laid
upon the captain's chair, and every one looked up in amazement, to meet the gaze of these
dauntless eagle-eyes of Commander Gushing, which no one who has once seen him is likely to
forget. " Gentlemen," said he, " you are my prisoners. Allow me the pleasure of joining in
your toast. Steward, another bottle of champagne !" Of course there was nothing but sub-
mission, for his men were already disposed about the deck, and the Charlotte was his prize.
There was a moment or two of sullen silence, on the part of the discomfited passengers ; then
one of the British officers looked at his vis-a-vis, and exclaimed, in noble rage, " I say — beastly
luck ! " To which his comrade presently replied, in a voice proceeding from the depths of his
/■U'
NORTH LAKE.
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 543
disgust, "Unmitigated sell!" After which disembarrassment a better feeling prevailed, and
the banquet was proceeding as gayly as the circumstances allowed, when Commander Gushing
was summoned on deck with the announcement that another steamer, the Stag, was coming up
the river, upon which he bade adieu to the festive scene, and proceeded to make prize of the
second steamer. ,
" It would be easy to go on enumerating the days of this young officer by his valiant deeds ;
to tell of the capture of small towns, of great storehouses of cotton, corn, and bacon ; of his
examining the obstructions before Fort Anderson, and going so close in that, one night, exasper-
ated by the speech-making and carousal there, he sent a bullet whistling through the astonished
merry-makers, and in consequence very nearly robbed the navy of one of its brightest ornaments
by the storm of grape that instantly scattered the water about him ; of his constructing a mock
monitor out of an old flat-boat and some-painted canvas, and sending her past the fort on the
night tide, so that the commandant, knowing the army to be in his rear, and seeing the gunboats
gaining the stream above, abandoned his fortifications without spiking the guns. But an account
has not yet been given of the greatest of his achievements, and it is perhaps enough to close
with the story of his destruction of the Albemarle — a more daring and spirited act than we can
call to mind out of the records of any navy.
" The Albemarle, as it has been mentioned, was an iron-clad of tremendous strength, which
had already defeated the whole Federal fleet, sunk the Southfield, exploded the boiler of the
Sassacus, engaged nine foes at once without danger to herself, forced the surrender of a brigade,
and the abandonment of the whole region of the Roanoke by the Federal forces. The Govern-
ment having no iron-clads capable of crossing Hatteras bar and encountering her, all its opera-
tions in that section were rendered practically useless by the Albemarle's presence there, and the
expense of the squadron necessary to keep watch upon her movements was something enormous.
In this emergency Lieut. Gushing submitted two plans to Admiral Lee for the ram's destruction.
The Admiral approved of one of them, and sent its projector to Washington to lay it before the
Secretary of the Navy, and the latter, though at first a little doubtful of its merit, finally author-
ized him to procure the means to carry it into execution ; and he immediately purchased in New
York two open launches, each about thirty feet long, fitted with a small engine and propelled
by screw, carrying a howitzer, and provided with a long boom that swung by a hinge, which
could be raised or lowered at will, and which had a torpedo in the groove at its further extremity.
These boats were taken down through the canals to the Ghesapeake, one of them being lost on
the way, and the other reaching the sounds at last through cuts and creeks and an infinitude of
toils, hindrances andruses. Joining the fleet which lay at the mouth of the river, the Lieuten-
ant disclosed his object to his men, assuring them that they not only must not expect, but they
must not hope to return, for death was almost inevitable, and then called for volunteers. They
all stood by him, and six others presently joined them; Assistant Paymaster Frank Swan and
Mr. Howorth, who had often accompanied him on his most reckless adventures, being of the
number. The Albemarle lay moored at the Plymouth wharf, eight miles up the river, both
banks of which were lined with batteries, and held by several thousand soldiers, while at some
distance up, that portion of the wreck of the Southfield which still lay above water was occu-
pied by a picket-guard, whose duty it was to throw up rockets on the first alarm, for, unknown
to the attacking party, rumor of the intended endeavor had in some mysterious way already
reached the Plymouth authorities, and every provision had been made for their reception. How-
ever, on the night of the 27th of October, the little launch entered the Roanoke River, her
engine at low pressure, to make the least noise possible, left behind all obstructions, passed
within thirty feet of the unsuspicious picket on the Southfield, and approached the wharf where
the ram lay, a vast black mass in the darkness. Greatly emboldened by this success, the Lieu-
tenant for a moment resolved to change his plan, and, knowing the town perfectly, to put in
shore and trust to the efiiect of a night surprise, with which he was so well acquainted, over-
power those on board, get her into the stream before the forts could be aroused, and fight the
batteries with her on her way down. But just as he was about to carry his sudden plan into
544 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUKTY.
execution, a cry from the ram rang out sharply on the night, repeated on every side, followed
by the instantaneous booming of the great guns from ship and shore ; and returning no answer,
the Lieutenant put on all steam and made for her. At the same moment an immense bonfire of
pine knots and turpentine blazed up on the bank, most fortunately for him, since it revealed
directly the untoward fact that a boom of logs extended around the ram in all directions to-
guard her from torpedoes, which for one second seemed an insurmountable obstacle. Only for
one second, though. With the next the lieutenant had given orders to sheer off across the stream,
so as to get room for acquiring headway and carrying his launch by the force of its own impe-
tus straight across the boom, though it never could get out again, he knew. As they turned, a
volley of buckshot tore away the whole back of his coat and the sole of his shoe, and the man
by his side fell lifeless. Before the volley could be repeated, the launch had struck the boom,
was over, and was forging up under the Albermarle's quarter, directly beneath the mouth of a
rifle-gun, and so close that the merest whisper on board the ram, where they were endeavoring
to bring the gun to bear, could be distinctly heard.
" That must have been a terrifically exciting moment to those on the little launch, with
the vast mountain of iron towering above them, the fire-lit mass of foes upon the shore, and
triumph and eternity in the next moment. Lieut. Gushing stood at the bows of the launch,
with several lines before him ; one of these lines was attached to the howitzer, one to the ankle
of the engineer, one to the oflBcer who was to lower the boom carrying the torpedo, one was that
by means of which the torpedo was to be slid under the ram, another was the exploding-line,
which should pull away a pin and let a grape-shot drop on the percussion-cap beneath. The
howitzer had already been discharged. The line attached to the engineer was pulled : the engine
stopped. The boom was lowered, the torpedo slid slowly off and under, the air-chamber at top
bringing it up in position beneath the ram. The last line was pulled, the grape-shot fell, just
as the rifle-gun went off — and the rebel ram and the launch blew up together, and columns of
water shot up and fell again, heavy with dead and dying. But just as Lieut. Gushing
pulled the exploding line he had cried out to his men to save thettiselves, and throwing ^off arms
and heavy garments, had struck out into the water. The surface was being rippled up with shot,
boats were already out picking up the wounded, and dying men were going down with gurgling
groans around him ; but he boldly made for the other bank, and was just reaching it, when
he heard the voice of his own men in a sinking state, and turned to relieve, if possible, one who
had shared such peril with him. Finding the man, he supported him with one arm and kept him
afloat for several minutes, when all at once he went down, leaving the Lieutenant alone on the
water, swimming with faint strokes, with what seemed interminable distances before him, but so
firmly resolved to escape that, perhaps, after voluntary power was expended, the muscular
motion still continued mechanically, and carried him at last to shore, where he fell, with his feet
still in the water, and lay, not more than half conscious, till morning, when the bright, invigorating
sunshine showed him that he had gained a piece of swamp not far from one of the forts, and
from whence he could see the angry and excited town, with a curious sense of power in the midst
of all his weakness. The sentinel, meanwhile, was walking his round on the parapet, and in
order to make any shelter it was necessary to rise and run for it the moment his back was turned.
Doing so, he was obliged, at the instant the sentinel turned about again, to drop where he was,
between two paths of the tall grass, which partially sheltered him^ since, being covered with mud
from head to foot, he was hardly distinguishable from the soil, as he presently found when a
party of men came down one of the paths and passed so near him as almost to tread on his arm
without discovering him. Knowing it would be impossible to remain there safely for any length
of time, he lay on his back, planted his elbow and his heel firmly in the ground, and thus hitched
himself slowly along till he- gained the cypress swamp, a mass of bog and brier, through which,
barefooted, bare-headed and bare-handed, he had to force a path till the blood flowed from his
innumerable wounds and bruises. Entering at last a clearing, a fresh danger appeared, in the
shape of a group of soldiers, behind whom he had to pass at a distance of twenty yards, creeping
through a corn furrow. He was now in the outskirts of a wood, and encountering an old negro.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 545
he gave him a piece of money which had chanced to remain about him, and sent him back to
town to bring him news of what had happened there over night; for he wished to be sure that
he had 'done the work there thoroughly before making any more effort to get back to his ship ;
and famished, exhausted, and with every nerve strung to its utmost tension, it seemed to him
that if he had failed he did not care to get back at all. Vibrating, in bis suspense, between a
fear that the man might betray him and a confidence that he would not, he rested there till the
messenger came back, bringing him news of the complete destruction of the rebel ram, and he
plunged gayly into another swamp, so dense that he could only direct himself by the sun, emerg-
ing from its tall reeds and brambles, a couple of hours past noon, upon one of the deep and nar-
row creeks that wind in and out through all those regions, exactly opposite a fresh detachment
of soldiers on the other bank, and who, as fate willed it, had a little skiff made of four or five
rough boards, with the seams pitched with tar, ' toggled to the root of an old cypress tree that
squirmed like a snake into the inky water,' as he described it. Lying in wait in the dense
greenery and shade till the men went back to their rude meal, he gently slipped between the
reeds and slid into the water, swimming softly till he reached the skiff, loosened it, pushed it
before him round the first curve, when he clambered in and paddled away for dear life; paddled
all day, into sunset, into twilight, into starlight — such starlight as sifted down through the
great shadows of the swamp and the cypressed-lined and moss-hung banks of the creek. At
last he was in the Roanoke, at last in the open water of the sound, where a swell would have
swamped the frail skiff, but where the night was singularly still and soft — though, as it was, he
was obliged to paddle all upon one side to keep his boat on the course which he laid for himself
by the stars. When he came, after a wearyjwhile, in sight of the picket vessel of the fleet, and, after
what seemed a longer and still wearier while, within hail, he gave his " Ship ahoy ! " and dropped,
gasping, benumbed, and half dead, into the bottom of the boat. But immediately on his hail
the vessel had slipped her cable, and had got out her boats to take measures against infernal
machines, firmly convinced that the skiff was a piece of retaliation on the part of the rebels, and,
in response to his assertion that he was Lieut. Gushing, loudly assuring him that Lieut. Gush-
ing was no longer in existence ; and it was still some time before he found himself on board
refreshed, clothed and in his right mind, and on the way to the flag-ship, where, in honor of his;
return, rockets were thrown up and all hands called to cheer ship, even before the success of his.
expedition was announced. And for once valor had its due acknowledgment and reward."
William B. Gushing was born on Section 18, town of Delafield, Waukesha County, November 4,
1842. His father, Milton B. Gushing, was one of the earliest settlers of that town. Com-
mander "Gushing served one year in the naval academy three years before the breaking-out of
the war, in which he was one of the first to enlist. At the close of the war, he married Kate
Forbes, of Fredonia, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., who, with two sweet children, survived his death,
which occurred at the Insane Hospital, in Washington, December 17, 1874. At his death the Wau-
kesha Freeman said : " Many old citizens who remember the ragged little fellow of twenty years
ago, playing on the banks of the Bark River in the village of Delafield, and who afterwards
learned with pride that the same ' Billy Gushing ' was performing some of the most glorious
work of the war against secession, will be stricken with sorrow to learn of his untimely
death."
The National Republican, of Washington, in its issue of Friday, December 18, 1874, said r
"At half-past 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Commander William B. Gushing, one of the
bravest officers who ever trod the deck of a vessel, breathed his last. This announcement will
cast a shade of sorrow throughout the land, for where is the American who has not heard of the
valiant deeds of him whose corpse is now lying at his late residence in the navy yard ? There
was no officer who ever entered the navy whose record was brighter — not even that of Decatur —
than that of the deceased hero." Some years before his death. Commander Gushing received
large sums from the Government in reward of his valuable services, and his family has a com-
petence. The disease that caused Commander Cushing's death was contracted while on duty in
the Gulf of Mexico. It caused him to become insane, in which condition he died. On his
546 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
person, after death, was found an autograph letter, in which the strong pen of the late Gideon
Welles returned the fullest thanks for the wonderful services which the brave Waukesha boy
had performed for his country.
Had no other man entered the war of the Rebellion from this county, Waukesha would still
be honored through all time as the birth-place of William B. Gushing.
Scraps of War History. — In April, 1861, two ladies of wealth, standing and with families,
offered their services at the recruiting oflfice as nurses as soon as the fighting began.
By May 1, 1861, Oconomowoc had subscribed over $2,000 to aid soldiers' families.
Delafield had raised $400 for the soldiers on May 10, 1861.
The "Home Guards," a company enrolled at Waukesha for home protection in case of
emergency, was fully organized by May 1, and consisted of the older men of prominence and
property. Malcolm Sellers was Captain.
The "Constitutional Guards," organized for home protection, was a company composed of
men considered too old, or physically unable to fight except in case of emergency, on May 7,
1861, elected officers as follows: W. S. Hawkins, Captain; David Somer, First Lieutenant ;
Martin Shafer, Second Lieutenant ; Leo Uhr, Sergeant ; John W. Lowry, Corporal. Gov. Ran-
dall refused, however, to commission these officers, because, he said, the company was unfit for war.
June 1, a young son of Mr. Curtis, of the Oconomowoc Free Press, enlisted, and the
patriotic father, in the next issue of his paper, said : " It is tough, but we cheerfully resign him
at the call of the nation. And more — whenever necessity shall seem to require it, we shall as
cheerfully go ourself, wherever duty may point."
Winchel D. Bacon, of Waukesha, was appointed by the Governor as one to purchase
clothing for the Wisconsin soldiers. His first purchase was in June, 1861, and consisted of
soldiers' equipage valued at $200,000.
In June, 1861, Fred Ring was chosen Captain of the "Waukesha Zouaves," and was
immediately commissioned to enroll a company " without expense to the State."
In July, Edwin Hurlbut, of Oconomowoc, was commissioned State Agent for the Fourth
Regiment.
The fourteen-year old son of W. A. David, of Waukesha, went to Michigan and enlisted in
a rifle company.
In June, the sixteen-year old sons of Samuel Reed and Thomas Chandler, of Ottawa,
enlisted for three years.
In October, 1861, Henry Shears, of Merton, was commissioned to raise a company of
volunteers.
In November, the ladies of Ottawa formed a " Nightingale Society," to aid the soldiers.
They were very successful in all their undertakings.
In December, 1861, Gov. A. W. Randall was offered the commission of Major General.
He wrote in reply to President Lincoln : " Whenever you want a caucus managed, send for me ;
but the military business would be better left in other hands, for this country is in peril, and
her affairs are not to be trifled with." That characteristic letter is still on file at Washington.
In December, seven months after making their enthusiastic pledges, a large number of the
subscribers to the volunteer fund to aid the families of soldiers refused to pay their assessments.
This brought a storm of letters from the soldiers, who complained bitterly that, while they were
manfully "living up to their enlistment oaths in the field, those who pledged aid to their fami-
lies at home were backing out like cowards."
In December, Capt. Shaw's Company went into camp at Janesville, as members of Col.
W. A. Barstow's regiment of cavalry.
In January, 1862, Sergt. B. F. Cram returned to Waukesha with nearly $1,000 in gold
for the families of those in his company.
While on the way to the front, during the last of March, 1862, eleven of Col. W. A. Bar-
stow's cavalry were killed in a railway accident near Chicago, and twice that number seriously
wounded.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 547
Joseph Doty, an editorial -writer for some time on the Waukesha Democrat, turned rebel
and held a commission in the Confederate army. Three or four citizens of Waukesha County
signed resoli^tions indorsing his course and requested their publication, but met a prompt refusal
from both the Democratic and Republican editors.
R. L. Gove and H. F. Potter, of Col. Edward Daniels' regiment, edited a paper at Girar-
deau, Mo., called the Eagle, and made a good paper of it, too, during the spring of 1862.
In June, 1862, C. W. Bennett was commissioned Captain, to raise recruits. He opened
an office at the court house in Waukesha about that time.
In August, 1862, John Hodgson offered $20 each to the first five men to enlist in Capt.
Williams' company. He paid it, and, August 12, the company was full and ready to march.
F. B. Ward, the deaf printer of " Humbug City," near Waukesha, when asked by his
third and last son if he should enlist, replied " Yes, yes, don't stay for me. I would go, too, if
they would take me. I can care for myself; if not, it won't matter much." And his third
son, less than eighteen years of age, signed the roll.
Mr. Curtis, of the Oconomowoc Free Press, who sent his son to the front early in the war,
in August, 1862, enlisted himself, although age and physical disabilities nearly debarred him as
a volunteer. He declared in his paper that when thje country was in peril, every man should
be able-bodied, and he, therefore, had shouldered a musket.
Dr. C. A. Leuthstrom announced that he would attend free to the families of all soldiers
who should enlist after August, 1862. He kept his word.
On Thursday evening, August 14, 1862, C. C. White announced that he should raise a
company of volunteers, and at midnight the following night the required number for a company
had signed the enlistment roll. This was quick work.
Michael Thompson, in August, 1862, offered to furnish firewood to the families of any
Waukesha village men who might enlist, and George Babcock offered to board free during the
war the family of one volunteer.
The companies commanded by Capts. Enos, Townsend, Stevens, Williams and Meyer, belong-
ing to the Twenty-eighth or " Waukesha Regiment," left for Camp Randall during the second
week of September, 1862.
Three Waukesha County Assemblymen, in 1862, voted against allowing the soldiers to vote
in the field.
The only vote in the Assembly against the measures to place Wisconsin on a war footing,
at the breaking-out of the war, came from a Waukesha County member.
The town of Waukesha, in October, 1862, voted a bounty of $50 each, to the volunteers
from that town in the Twenty-eighth Regiment.
Capts. H. A. Meyer and M. G. Townsend were presented handsome swords and belts
before leaving for the front, in October, by their friends in the county.
The Twenty-eighth left Milwaukee for the front, on Saturday, December 20, 1862.
Cushman K. Davis, afterward (xovernor of Minnesota, Elihu Enos, Sidney A. Bean, Mr.
Curtis, Irving M. Bean, C. C. White, C. B. Slawson, Edward Daniels, B. F. Cram and sev-
eral others corresponded regularly for the Waukesha County papers, and some of them wrote
also for the Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee papers.
In January, 1863, a large meeting was held at Genesee, to raise funds for soldiers' fami-
lies. The result was satisfactory. The ladies of that town also had " Mite Societies," for the
same purpose, securing considerable sums of money and large amounts of food and clothing.
In February, 1863, Henry Shears was appointed Postmaster of Beaufort, S. C.
February 26, 1863, Winchel D. Bacon, of Waukesha, was appointed Paymaster in the
army, with the rank of Major.
After the passage of the " Conscription Act " by the State Legislature, the following were
appointed, in May, 1863, to make enlistment rolls in the various towns : Waukesha, James
Davis; Menomonee, Cyrus S. Davis; Merton, David S. Foote ; Lisbon, George Cairncross ;
Oconomowoc, D. R. Thompson ; Summit, E. Baker; Delafield, Samuel Thompson; Pewaukee,
548 • HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
J. M. Heath ; Brookfield, Dr. J. H. Bevier ; New Berlin, H. H. Hunkins ; Grenesee, Henry
Bowman ; Ottawa, Meigs ; Eagle, A. R. Hinckley ; Mukwonago, F. M. Payne ; Vernon,
Ira Blood; Muskego, C. H. Babcock. These men were to discover and record the number of
men fit for military duty in their respective towns.
At the battle of Port Hudson, Col. Sidney A. Bean threw aside his sword and coat, and,
seizing a musket, loaded and fired incessantly, until mortally wounded.
In December, 1863, Lieut. Slawson. for Waukesha ; L. Barker, for Brookfield ; E. Oleson,
for Oconomowoc, and C. Helwig, for Vernon, opened recruiting oiBces to fill up the Twenty-
eighth Regiment.
In February, 1864, Brookfield, Merton and Menomonee voted to raise bounties for volun-
teers. Oconomowoc voted the bounty proposition down. Mukwonago, Waukesha, Genesee and
Pewaukee made arrangements for bounties a few days later, and March 1, 1864, Mukwonago
had her quota full for the call for 500,000 men, made February 1, 1864.
In April, 1864, Genesee paid a Milwaukee firm |4,000 for re- enlistments, and Milwaukee
had the men credited to the Second Ward of that city. Genesee afterward got back $1,000 of
this money.
Some of the bundles sent out by the Ladies' Aid Society were curiously and touchingly
marked. On a bundle containing bandages was written : " This is a poor gift, but it is all
I had ; I have given my husband and my boy, and wish I had more to give, but I have not."
On some eye-shades was marked : " Made by one who is blind. Oh, how I long to see the
dear old flag that you are all fighting under ! "
For several weeks after April 1, 1864, Irving M. Bean acted as Provost Marshal of this
district, Mr. Tillapaugh having been deposed for crookedness.
In May, 1864, meetings were held for the purpose of raising 100-day men. Excitement
again ran high, as it was thought the war was nearly at an end.
August 1, 1864, Mukwonago raised $2,600 to free the town from a draft consequent upon
Lincoln's call of July 18, for 500,000 men for one year.
During the latter half of the Rebellion, the pay of soldiers was as follows : Sergeant-
majors, $26 ; quartermaster and commissary sergeants of cavalry, artillery and infantry, $20;
sergeants of ordnance, sappers and miners, and pontoniers, $34 ; corporals of ordnance, sappers
and miners, pontoniers, $20 ; privates of engineers and ordnance of the first class, $18 ; and of
the second class, $16 ; corporals of cavalry, artillery and infantry, $18 ; chief buglers of cavalry,
$23 ; buglers, $16; farriers and blacksmiths of cavalry and artillery, $18 ; privates of cavalry,
artillery and infantry, $16 ; principal musicians of artillery and infantry, $22 ; leaders of
brigade and regimental bands, $75 ; musicians, $16 ; hospital stewards of the first class, $33 ;
hospital stewards of the second class, $25 ; hospital stewards of the third class, $28.
The contract for feeding the men drafted by Vernon Tichenor, in November, 1862, was
let to Silas Barber, of Waukesha.
The first demonstration in Waukesha County of those who sympathized with the rebellion
was at a public meeting held in Mukwonago, March 11, 1863, at which " secesh " speeches
were made, and the name of every Union officer and soldier was reviled in the most shameful
manner. Three days later, on March 14, a larger public meeting to denounce " the butcher
Lincoln" was held in Robinson's Hall at Waukesha. William S. Hawkins was admitted and
took opportunity to deliver such a speech for the Union as broke up the meeting. A few days
later, a similar meeting was held in Merton, but it re-acted, resulting in the formation of a Union
Club, which caused Confederate sympathizers to thereafter keep safely hidden.
The women did not join in these demonstrations against the Union. The wives of Confed-
erate sympathizers were found at Union meetings, and were working as members of the
" Soldiers' Aid Societies," while their husbands were condemning the war.
Late in April, 1863, the sympathizers with Jefferson Davis had another public meeting,
and invited Alexander F. Pratt to be present and to make a speech. He did so, and delivered
such a speech for the Union as those present had not heard for many a day. Although
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 549
impromptu, it was a fine effort, and sent dismay into the ranks of those who had gathered to
give aid and comfort to the cause espoused by Jefferson Davis.
The greatest demonstrations in favor of Jefferson Davis were made at Oconomowoc, where
numerous citizens wore copper cents for buttons, and the raid on the house of one Union man
was, for a time, really dangerous.
This was about the last of secession demonstrations, as the atmosphere became altogether
-too hot for it.
THE GLOVEE RESCUE.
The greatest and closing chapter in the noted Glover rescue — the final act of rescue — is
credited to the Anti-slaveryites of Waukesha County. Joshua Glover was a fugitive slave, at
work in a mill at Racine. His owner, with a guide obtained at Racine, found the house where
Glover was staying, and, after striking him with some heavy instrument, put him into a car-
riage, and, driving rapidly to Milwaukee, threw him into prison in that city. Sherman M. Booth,
who had resided at Waukesha before that time (March 11, 1854), mounted a horse, and, riding
rapidly through the streets, called out a very large crowd to rescue the fugitive slave from
prison. Speeches were made by several Anti-slaveryites, and excitement was at the highest
possible pitch. While the speeches were being delivered, a squad of excited men, led by Booth,
secured a heavy beam, and with it upon their shoulders battered down the jail door, and soon
had Glover in a carriage riding through the throngs that filled the streets. Further details as
to the affair at Milwaukee are not necessary here, except to state that every city, hamlet and
town in Wisconsin was in a fever of excitement, and that Henry H. Messenger, a strong Dem-
ocrat, having his sympathy aroused, took Glover into his own carriage, because his horse was
the fleetest in the country, and drove at all possible speed to Waukesha, as that was considered
the surest avenue for the escape of all fugitives from slavery. When he arrived at Waukesha,
his horse was pretty well used up, as the roads were heavy and he had been pursued for. some
distance by men and officers upon horses, on foot and in carriages ; but, by dodging between two
parallel roads, and by urging a fleet horse to its utmost speed, he escaped all pursuers, arriving
at Waukesha late the same night. Knowing that Winchel D. Bacon was an Abolitionist, Mr.
Messenger went direct to his house, which is now the upper portion of the Mansion House in
the village of Waukesha, then owned by Mr. Bacon. It was not thought best to keep Glover,
whose hair was still clotted with blood, and his clothing dirty and torn from maltreatment
received at Racine, hidden in the village, so Vernon Tichenor, Dr. W. D. Holbrook, Charles
Blackwell, and perhaps one or two others, were called in for consultation. Two things were
necessary, a safe place and a reliable man. Finally, Vernon Tichenor went across the fields, in
the mud and dark, to the house of Moses Tichenor, his father, about two miles south of the vil-
lage, and aroused him from bed. Mr. Tichenor at once consented to take charge of Glover,
and, on his return, Vernon Tichenor was chosen to act as guide in conducting Glover to his
father's place. On arriving there, Mr. Tichenor saw several persons in the dim light at his
father's house, and instinctively drew back, thinking Glover had been followed ; but, on looking
more closely, he saw Mr. Bacon and Dr. Holbrook, who had kept silently along, to see that the
fugitive was not captured. Glover was hidden in Mr. Tichenor's barn until Chauncey C. Olin
had made arrangements to convey him to Racine, where, in proper disguise, he took a boat and
escaped to Canada, never to be recaptured. Racine was chosen as the place to embark for
Canada because it was thought the excitement had all been transferred from there, where it
originated, to Milwaukee. This was a correct supposition, and Glover escaped easily from that
point. At Muskego, Mr. Olin went to Richard Ely and said he was fleeing with Glover and
must have a fresh team. " You can have anything I have got," said Mr. Ely, " and no matter
if it can't be returned." He got a fresh team. During several days after Glover was in
Waukesha, the' houses, bridges, and roads were watched by the slave-hunters, but they were out-
generaled, as they had always been in " that Abolition hole," as the village was for years called.
550 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Years afterward, Salmon Portland Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, spent a summer at
Waukesha, with Judge Andrew J. Miller, of the United States District Court (who, after the
escape of Glover, was very severe in dealing with S. M. Booth, Edward Daniels and others, for
aiding in the "rescue,") Visited the room in the Mansion House in which the noted fugitive
remained during his first night in Waukesha, and where his wounds were dressed and food given
him.
The rescue of Joshua Glover resulted in the arrest of Sherman M. Booth, Edward Daniels
and others, for violating the "fugitive-slave act," and the matter was in the courts, as well as
some of the men in prison, for various periods during the next sixteen or seventeen years.
On the 16th of March, four days after Glover was brought to Waukesha, those who
espoused the cause of slavery got together in Waukesha and hung Booth in effigy, and in other
parts of the county all who had anything to do with the rescue were burned or hung in effigy.
SEVEN MURDERS.
The county of Waukesha had got a reputation abroad for having had but one murder, apd
a large number of her inhabitants thought the reputation a just one, as the only life-taking
remembered, except the shooting of Henry Keene by' David Bonham, was the stabbing of
Peschke by Dr. Bigelow, which was not generally considered murder. But Waukesha County
has had her full share of murders, as shown by the public records, and there have been two or
three mysterious deaths within her limits which smell strongly of foul play, but no was ever
arrested for any of these, nor could any clew as to the perpetrators be obtained.
The first murder in the county is remembered by all the old settlers ; and its story, with
all the variations which time and personal enmity or friendship inevitably add, has been
repeated scores of times to the younger generations. Some of the others, however, have
nearly passed from the public mind, except the severing of the head of Christiana Werner, and
the escape of her assassin from punishment.
First Murder in the Qounty. — The highest /crime known to the law, that of life-taking,
was wholly unthought of in Waukesha County up to 1845, when not only the people of this
county, but of the whole State, were thrown into the wildest excitement by the report that
David Bonham, a prominent politician here, and afterward in Missouri, had shot and killed
Henry Keene, in Menomonee.
Very briefly stated, without touching upon the details or merits of the case, the facts are
these : Thomas Phippin and one Nottingham had built a saw-mill in the southwest portion of
the town of Menomonee, before the canal lands, on which it stood, had been sold. Soon after
Mr. Phippin sold his interest in the property to Henry Keene, the firm thus becoming Notting-
ham & Keene. According to sworn testimony, Mr. Nottingham soon after went to the land
office at Milwaukee, without Mr. Keene's knowledge, and took a deed of the entire mill prop-
erty in his own name, instead of allowing the title to rest in the firm name of Nottingham k
Keene. Mr. Keene, after going to the land office and finding that he had no redress there,
went to his partner and asked for some sort of an equitable and amicable settlement of the
afiair. Mr. Nottingham replied that he had no settlement to make, and refused to listen to any
further propositions. Mr. Keene then went to the mill, determined to get some value for his
investment, if possible, and began to displace and carry to Phippin's house, which was near by,
such machinery and tools as he could, without help. This was discovered by David Bonham,
who was laboring by the month for Mr. Nottingham, and who ordered Mr. Keene to leave the
mill. His orders were disobeyed, Mr. Keene having, as he said, purchased an interest in the
property, and expressed the opinion that he had a right to perfect freedom upon his own premises.
Finding that he could not prevent the dismantling of the mill by such means as he had at hand,
Bonham sent his brother to fetch a loaded gun. The simple appearance of the gun failing to
have the desired eifect, Mr. Bonham took deliberate aim and shot, the result being the death
of Henry Keene. The horrible tragedy was witnessed by several persons, whose testimony
furnishes the facts for the story of the murder. Other testimony, however, was to the eifect
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 551
that Mr. Nottingham wrote from Milwaukee to Bonham, that Mr. Keene was on his way to take
possession of the mill, and to "be ready for him." The letter, so far as testimony shows, did
not counsel violence. Testimony at this date is as conflicting as it was when Mr. Bonham was
on trial for the murder of his neighbor, and some of those who have furnished information to
the historian concerning this initial tragedy, have evidently forgotten some of the statements
they swore to as facts during the trial at Racine ; so that little discrepancies in this account are
unavoidable. Three things, however, are undisputed : This was the first murder in the county ;
James Keene was so dead that he was buried, and he was perfectly alive and well before David
Bonham shot him, in May, 1845.
Mr. Bonham was arrested without resistance, by Barzilea Douglass, and had his preliminary
examination before William P. Sloan, Justice of the Peace, at Waukesha. Alexander W.
Randall, afterward Governor of Wisconsin, and Postmaster General of the United States, was
Bonham's attorney, and no man ever worked more persistently for his client than he did to
clear the man charged with the first murder in the county. Mr. Sloan, " in spite of hard
swearing and eloquent pleas," held Bonham for the murder, and committed him to the jail at
Milwaukee, Waukesha County not then having been set apart and organized.
A change of venue was secured to Racine County, because the excitement was so great
and the feeling was so bitter against Bonham that his advisers thought a fair trial and impartial
justice could not be had at Milwaukee. The details of the long and well-contested trial will be
of no value here ; suffice it to say he was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced
to the gallows, as hanging for capital crime had not then been abolished in this State. On being
sentenced, Mr. Bonham, who was physically a very strong man, and who had borne up bravely
until the sentence was pronounced, lost courage; but not so his attorney and friends, who at
once set about securing intercession from the Governor. Every effort that could be made by
shrewd attorneys and tireless friends was made in Bonham's behalf, the Governor's ofBce being
in a continual state of siege. Finally, several long temperance petitions which had, at the cost
of several months of labor, been secured by Rev. Mr. Powers, and which contained the names
of a large number of the prominent citizens of Waukesha and vicinity, fell into the hands of
Bonham's friends, who cut the temperance petitions from the lists of names, and pasted in their
stead a petition praying the Governor to grant the condemned man full and free pardon. On
the strength of this petition the pardon was granted at the very last. Before this pardon,
which was obtained in a manner not indorsed by the community, Gov. Dodge reprieved Bonham
for one month. A large concourse of people had gathered at Racine to see the hanging (in
December, 1847), but were disappointed, as Bonham was reprieved in the morning of the day
set for his execution. The reprieve was taken by A. F. Pratt, who, with "old Whitey," a
horse famous in those days for tireless speed, reached Racine with several hours to spare. The
crowd, largely from Waukesha County, was very angry on learning what had been done, and
one man made a speech in which he declared they " never could have a better opportunity for
a first-class hanging, or a more deserving subject." No violence was attempted, however.
After this reprieve, and before the final day set for the execution, the emasculated petition
above mentioned was sent to the Governor ; and not knowing its character, probably, he signed a
full and free pardon. If possible, this causei greater excitement than the murder ; but once
done there was no remedy — Bonham was forever free. He had an opportunity, however, to attend
two or three indignation meetings, held to denounce Gov. Dodge and the means used to induce
that official to undo the work of the court, as well as those who had a hand in making fraudu-
lent use of a temperance petition. Among those who composed the loads of people who went
from Summit, Waukesha, Menomonee, Lisbon, and nearly every town in the county, to Racine,
when Bonham was to be hung, were some who openly threatened to take the law from the hands
of the Territorial officials, even after his return to this county, but fortunately these threats
never were carried out.
Mr. Bonham, it should certainly be added, soon after went to Missouri, where he redeemed
his past life, as far as possible, and held offices of trust and emolument with honor to his friends
652 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and credit to himself. As every man, woman and child in Waukesha County knows of him,
and his name is always mentioned as though an interesting history clung about it, which is the
case, the following sketch of his life, taken from the St. Joseph (Mo.) Union, of May 26, 1870,
is here inserted for the benefit of those who only knew David Bonham as " the murderer of
Henry Keene: "
" Col. David Bonham, one of the most remarkable men of the Northwest, died at his home
on Empire Prairie, Andrew County, Mo., on Saturday last, at 7 P. M., after a long and painful
illness, and his remains were interred at 1 P. M., on Monday, by his brother Odd Fellows. The
• old hero is at rest. Let us learn a lesson from his life.
" David Bonham was the son of Robert and Jane Bonham, and was born in the town of Road,
Northamptonshire, England, in 1809. His parents were poor, and the only educational advantages
— so called — which he ever received, was three months' attendance at Sabbath school. Never in his
life did he attend common school for a single day ; yet, such was the energy of the man, that
in his later years he acquired a comparatively thorough education. He embraced every oppor-
tunity of obtaining information, and at length became, in the true sense of the term, self-educated.
" At the early age of thirteen he left his home, and for eight years thereafter worked upon a
farm. When twenty-one years old, he bade farewell to England, and emigrated to America, landing
in New York. One year after his arrival, he was married to Miss Rebecca Weaver, a most
estimable lady, who has shared his misfortunes for nearly forty years, and now mourns his loss.
For six years he was in the employ of Stebbins & McEntee, on the Erie Canal, during most of
which he occupied responsible positions.
" In 1836, deceased moved to Wisconsin, then a Territory, and resided in Milwaukee County
for twenty years. He was an oflBcer in the Legislature during the winters of 1840, 1841, 1842 and
1845, and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all. For three years he was Justice of the
Peace, and held the oflBce of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Town Clerk, etc., in the
town of Lisbon, Milwaukee County. His fidelity in the discharge of his duties, together with
his native talent, made him at all times a most efficient officer.
" In the spring of 1856, deceased came to Missouri, and purchased a large tract of land in
Andrew County. In the fall of that year, he brought his family to his new location, and per-
manently settled upon the farm where he died. It is a beautiful place, in the heart of one of
the richest prairies of the West ; and here David Bonham spent most of his time for fourteen years.
When the war broke out, and the country needed the aid of every man, David Bonham was
among the first in the Northwest to come boldly forward to its defense. He sought no rank,
but, shouldering his musket, enlisted as a private in the State militia. But talents such as his
could be of more service in higher and more responsible positions, and he was shortly promoted.
He remained at his post until failing health compelled him to resign.
" In 1865, he was chosen a member of the State Constitutional Convention,. and our new
constitution is stamped with the impress of his foresight and originality, several of the provisions
having been drafted by him. In 1866, he was elected to the State Senate from Andrew County,
and soon became one of the leading members, not so much by reason of his brilliant oratory, as
by his strong practical common sense and heroic devotion to principle. The writer remembers
conversing with a lobby member, during Col. Bonham's terms, who had some wild-cat railroad
project to log-roll through the Legislature. ' I have got the House,' he said, ' and would be
sure of the Senate, but for Bonham. The old Spartan, suspecting something, has set himself
dead against me, and all h — 1 can't make him budge an inch.'
" In 1868, Col. Bonham was a candidate before the Republican State Convention for Lieuten
ant Governor, but failed to get the nomination. Shortly afterward he sailed for England to visit
his brothers and sisters, whom he had left thirty -nine years before. Finding some of their children
and grandchildren wearing their lives away in drudgery, he organized an emigration scheme, on an
extensive scale, corresponded with leading British journals, returned to America, engaged
passage for a colony, arranged for their reception in New York, secured transportation forthem to
Missouri, and had the satisfaction of seeing all comfortably located and prosperous before his death.
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 553
" Deceased had seven children — five of whom are now living — Robert, David, and William,
and Mrs. Jane Brown, of Empire Prairie, and John Bonham, in St. Joseph. They are in every
respect worthy of their sire.
" David Bonham is dead ! Republicanism in Missouri has lost a pillar. Deceased had
his faults — ^like the rest of us — but he was ever true to principle. His nature was akin to the
rough granite, which admits of no polish. He was of such stuff as constitutes heroes, and, like
a primeval bowlder, has engraven his record upon the historic columns of the nineteenth century.
No man had a better friend, or a more generous foe, than David Bonham."
Other Murders. — The second murder in the county was committed in the town of Merton
on the 25th of June, 1850, when William Flanagan shot Francis Horel with a "horse-pistol."
The shot did not result fatally at once, Horel lingering until July 5 following, or ten days,
during which time he appeared before Vernon Tichenor and made a sworn ante-mortem state-
ment, charging the murder upon Flanagan and reciting all the details of the shooting. The
grand jury, at the November term of court, 1850, found a true bill of indictment against
Flanagan for murder in the second degree, and Judge Hubbell, March 20, 1851, sentenced him
to hard labor in the State Prison for five years. The case was thoroughly contested by the
defense at Flanagan's trial, and after the sentence, which was a light one, a great effort was
made to Secure his pardon. This was impossible, as the murder was generally believed to have
been cold-blooded and unprovoked, and none but near friends would sign the petition. Horel
had been ordered to leave the place, and was obeying; but because he did not move as rapidly
as was possible for him to have done, Flanagan shot him while he was mounting the stile ;
according to the testimony, therefore, there was no cause whatever for the murder. The light
sentence which Flanagan received was owing to the influence of his church and friends, who
labored assiduously in his behalf.
The Waukesha County murder that was committed with the least provocation was the
killing of John W. Craft, at Brookfield, by Francis H. Stevens, in 1857. The murder was
committed in the true banditti style, for money, by the use of a heavy club, with which the
victim's head was beaten almost to a jelly. The murderer, Francis H. Stevens, was only twenty
years of age. He was convicted and sentenced June 20, 1857, to the State Prison for life;
but his attorney, Vernon Tichenor, never for a moment relaxed his labors in behalf of the con-
vict, who, at the end of fifteen years, was pardoned by the Governor. The murder, for such it was
in the fullest sense of the term, was committed January 19, 1857, for about $100 in gold, silver
and bank bills. The instrument of death was a maple sapling four feet in length, taken from a
pile of wood belonging to the school house near Brookfield Plank-road Junction. Craft, who was
married, and twenty-eight years of age, had started, after dusk, to visit the residence of F. B. Ward,
and was waylaid by his young friend, who was unmarried. At his capture $70, in such denom-
inations as Craft was known to have shown, were found on Stevens' person. It was fortunate
for the young criminal that he was convicted and sent to prison, for had he been acquitted there
is little doubt that he would have been hung by a posse of men who had watched the trial from
the beginning, with that purpose in view, and declared that no matter what the verdict might
be, justice 'would certainly be administered by some one. This feeling was shared by a large
portion of the community, because the manner in which Craft's life had been taken was so
extremely brutal ; and the sum of money for which the deed was planned and executed so insig-
nificant, being less than |100. To show how determined this spirit of vengeance was during
the trial of young Stevens, it is only necessary to mention that a rope had been secured and
a tree selected for the lynching, in case the jury should acquit him.
The town of Vernon is charged with one murder, but the man who committed it never was
punished, except by the lashes which his own conscience has administered. The trouble which
resulted in this murder grew out of a dispute about a pair of bars, between Lazarus Whipple
and James Nolan. After bandying words for some time, and abusing each other according to
respective ability, Whipple, who was a sharp pettifogger and very quick-tempered man, seized a
heavy club and killed his companion then and there. Mr. Whipple was arrested by Romanto
554 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COU>fTY.
Peck, a Constable, who failed to hold his prisoner. The escape caused as great excitement as
the murder, and Peck was then arrested for aiding Whipple to escape, and examined before
Vernon Tichenor, Justice of the Peace, who held him for trial ; he was sentenced to the county
jail for four months by the circuit court. Lazarus Whipple, who was one of the very first settlers
in the town of Vernon, escaped to Texas ; but whether he is now living is not known. The
crime was committed August 21, 1852, and Peck was tried in December of that year. Mr. Nolan
lived a few hours, long enough to make a dying statement which charged that the murder was
committed by Lazarus Whipple without provocation. Whipple never was followed to Texas,
because in those early days Texas was a long distance from Wisconsin, and thought to be a
worse place to live in than the State Prison. He wrote to friends several times, saying he would
return for a visit if such a course was considered safe ; but the answers of his friends were such
that he never came, so far as is known. By some of his friends it is claimed Mr. Whipple
killed Nolan in self-defense.
Another murder must be charged against the town of Menomonee, the pioneer in the awful
crime of taking human life. On the 25th of April, 1853, Hugh Drum, a young man still ''in
his teens," shot and killed his mother, Margaret Sullivan. Hugh's father was dead and his
mother had married a second husband, named Sullivan. The shooting grew out of family dif-
ficulties brought about by the second marriage. The examination of young Drum, which was
before Vernon Tichenor, at Waukesha, occupied more than a week's time, and resulted in hold-
ing him for trial. The trial was a peculiar one, the interference with witnesses by outsiders
who interested themselves in Drum's behalf, causing some trouble, and finally resulting in his
acquittal. It might easily be considered strange that a person charged with murder should be
acquitted when neither self-defense nor insanity was set up as a defense. It was the result of
the labors of numerous friends in his behalf.
The bloodiest and most shocking murder ever committed in this county was the killing of
Christiana Werner, in the town of Genesee, by Eli Moyer, January 30, 1858. He threw her to
the floor, and with an ax completely severed the head from the body. The indictment, which
was very elaborate otherwise, did not state particularly the residence of Christiana Werner, and
on that ground Moyer's counsel was only prevented from quashing the indictment by a prompt
continuance of the case. The county was put to a large amount of costs in the preliminary
work of the attempt to bring the murderer to justice, but everything turned to naught, except
the efforts of J. P. Walker, Moyer's attorney, who finally secured the discharge of his client
without even a trial, District Attorney Edwin Hurlbut moving that a nolle prosequi be
entered, having concluded a conviction was impossible, which was done.. This raised a storm of
indignation, especially among the Germans ; but that was all there was of the matter. In Wau-
kesha County, in January, 1858, Eli Moyer severed the head from the body of Christiana Werner,
according to the testimony and indictment, and was discharged with only a partial trial !
The history of Muskego is also stained with human blood, and the stain is comparatively
fresh. Dr. P. C. Bigelow, Joseph Peschke and others had, on the 25th of February, 1874, been
drinking ; and, before the fun was over, a quarrel was begun by the two persons just mentioned.
This altercation became very spirited, and Peschke followed Dr. Bigelow with a club, threat-
ening violence. The threats and demonstrations being repeated several times, the Doctor turned
and stabbed Peschke with a pocket-knife, fatally. Dr. Bigelow was arrested, tried for murder,
convicted of manslaughter in the second degree, and sentenced to 'the State Prison for a short
period — four years. Before the end of his term, in consideration that Peschke was killed partly
in self-defense, the Doctor was pardoned, to have his freedom so long as he refrained from
drinking. This proviso was broken and he was sent back, where he served his full term. He
has not since been a resident of the county. He was considered an excellent physician and
was for some years quite prominent as a politician, being a man of considerable ability.
EARLY MANUFACTURING.
The county of Waukesha lays claim to the honor of having had built within her borders
the first thrashing machines, first mowing machines, and first railway cars erected in Wisconsin.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 555
In 1839, Hamilton Nelson, now a resident of Beloit, Wis., began the erection of thrash-
ing machines. They were rightly named, for they did nothing more than to beat the grain out,
then scattered grain, chaff and straw in a heap behind the machine, where one man stood with
a fork to shake the loose kernels from the straw, which he then pitched farther to the rear, and
another stood with a rake to push the grain and chaff into a pile at one side, to be
afterward cleaned by a fanning-mill. Mr. Nelson's first machine was built in his little log
house, for his brother, John Nelson. When any stick of timber was too long to be handled in
the house, the door was thrown open and one end allowed to protrude. Having nothing with
wliich to pierce a hole lengthwise through the cylinder for the iron axle, Mr. Nelson, after find-
ing a sound oak log, sawed it to the proper length, split it into halves, and, with a gouge cut
grooves in each half at the heart, so that, when the log was again put together it had a hole
through the centre. The axle was then inserted and the rifted block of wood banded together
with iron. For teeth, Mr. Nelson drove round bars of iron into the oaken cylinder. For such
iron work as he could not manufacture himself, he sent East, where he had been a thrashing-
machine manufacturer. Mr. Nelson made several of these primitive thrashers, horse-powers
and all, and they ran for many years without repairs.
These, so far as known, were the first thrashing machines built in Wisconsin. A small
portion of one of them is still to be seen under an old shed in the town of Pewaukee.
The first mowing machine built in the county, and doubtless in the State, was the work of
Andrew McCormick, one of the very earliest settlers of the county. It would be considered a
very ungainly piece of machinery to-day, if put by the side of a solid iron " Walter A. Wood
mower," for instance. One old settler says it " resembled a large barn after the boards had all been
blown from its frame." The first trial of the capabilities of this wonderful machine was made
on Nathaniel Walton's land, near the present site of the State Industrial School for Boys. It
actually cut some grass ; pulled up a great deal, and beat the balance down most admirably.
Although of but little practical value, this awkward piece of mechanism was the foundation on
which Mr. McCormick afterward built a machine which operated successfully ; but of his subse-
quent success little can be said here, as he left Waukesha County soon after building his first
machine.
EARLY HORSE-RACING FEATS.
The first horse-racing done in Waukesha County was, of course, done by the Indians. A
few of the very earliest white settlers were fortunate enough to be witnesses of these extraordinary
equestrian exhibitions ; but not unless they understood Pottawatomie, or chanced to pass the
race grounds while the racing was in progress ; for the Indians posted no bills — simply passed
the announcement from one to another. The most important rendezvous for the dusky jockeys
was Mukwonago, where, on lands afterward owned by Henry H. Camp, one of the earliest set-
tlers, races were held at various periods. They were much more elaborate affairs than the
racing of more modern times and people. They were exhibitions of speed, horsemanship,
equestrian feats, battle attitudes, and of the physical prowess of the riders.
The races to test speed were generally short, but swift and spirited. The other exhibitions
consisted of riding upon the side, rump, neck, or almost under the horse ; in a standing or
reaching posture ; in jumping from one horse to another while the animals were speeding at a
wild rate ; in leaping to the ground and back to the horse while on the run, and in performing
various maneuvers with guns or poles. The manner in which both horses and Indians thus
performed was remarkable indeed, Solomon Juneau declaring that before the warriors were
demoralized by whisky and the whites, the equestrian exhibitions which he witnessed the first year
he was in Wisconsin [he passed the greater portion of the first fall, winter, and spring at Muk-
wonago] surpassed in horsemanship and physical training, anything he had ever seen or read
of. Although greatly degenerated, the few races had by the Indians after the whites came to
Waukesha County were said to be exciting and interesting in the extreme. The aborigines had
no horse-trots ; the racing was to test running qualities.
556 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The Pottawatomies built no race-tracks ; had no grand stand ; engaged no bands of music ;
had no policemen, and charged no admission. The exhibition was free to all. Mr. Juneau said
that, although little or no labor was expended in preparing a place for the curious performances,
the grounds were very good, as level prairie ground was selected, which, by much using, be-
came quite smooth, free from grass, and hard. The dress used by the riders was occasionally
fantastic, but not elaborate, as clothing was a burden that interfered seriously with the gymnas-
tic performances. The horses, which were ridden without saddles of course, were ponies, and
smaller than the trained and race-horses of the present day. There will never be another Pot-
tawatomie horse-race in Waukesha County.
A DISTINGUISHED COUNTY.
There are many reasons why Waukesha may properly be recorded as a distinguished county.
True, of late she has settled down to quieter ways, taking comparatively little part in all those
public affairs and deliberations in which, during her earlier years, she was almost always a leader.
Waukesha County did not furnish leaders for one party merely, but for both and all of them. Dur-
ing the active periods of their lives, the most distinguished members of both the Democratic and
Republican parties in Wisconsin made Waukesha County their home. Erom here they made
the suggestions that moved public affairs in all parts of the State.
For years Prairieville was called " the hub," because it was the acknowledged headquarters
of the powerful and successful agitators arid political managers of the Territory and State.
'' The time was," said a distinguished official in a recent visit to Waukesha, " the time was when
it was considered a crime to make up a State ticket of any kind without giving one or two of its
most important positions to men from Waukesha County."
Prairieville was for many years the place for holding all the conventions, railroad meetings,
and public gatherings for Milwaukee County, although Milwaukee was a larger place and had
more hotels. But a lack of ample' hotel accommodations was nothing to be considered in those
days, for the latch-string to every house hung out, and 'all friends in a common cause were
welcome to the best the house afforded.
It was the headquarters for the Democratic party in its earlier days ; for the Abolitionist
and Liberty parties ; and, during the first few years of its existence, furnished some of the most
active and influential men of the Republican party. But, " the cat will mew, and the dog will
have its day;" so Waukesha County has seen her greatest political day pass into oblivion, and
most of her persistent and stirring leaders borne to the grave, or established in office in other
States. For a county with no large cities, and only sixteen towns, the list of those who have
made her distinguished is a long one, as follows : William A. Barstow was Secretary of State
in 1850-51 ; Governor in 1854-55, and Colonel in the army. Alexander W. Randall was Gov-
ernor two terms, from January 4, 1858, to January 6, 1862. earning the title of the '' War
Governor of Wisconsin ;" was First Assistant Postmaster General, and United States Minister to
Rome under Lincoln, and Postmaster General under President Johnson, thus giving to Waukesha
County the honor of furnishing the only Cabinet Minister Wisconsin ever had. Bleazer Root
was the first State Superintendent of Schools, and the author of the School Law in the State
Constitution. E. M. Randall is Chief Justice of the State of Florida, holding before his appoint-
ment to that position, various offices in this county, as did also his brother, Alexander W. Randall.
Charles D. Parker, who, if he was not born in Waukesha County, came here when a mere child,
was Lieutenant Governor from January 5, 1874, to January 7, 1878, being elected the second time,
while William R. Taylor, with whom he run, was defeated by Harrison Ludington, for the office of
Governor. He is not now a resident of the county. Cushman K. Davis, who made his mud
pies, received his education and did his courting in Waukesha County, was Governor of Minne-i
sota in 1874-75. W. W. Randall, brother to A. W. Randall, was during several years United States
Consul to Valparaiso, Chili. Robert G. Ingersoll, whose father was a Presbyterian minister at
Waukesha, spent his college and more callow days here ; and his brother. Dr. Ingersoll, is still
a resident of the county. I. M. Bean, a Colonel in the army, is now Collector of Internal
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA. COUNTY. 557
Revenue, for the first and largest Wisconsin District. Elihu Enos, Postnsfcster at Waukesha, is
a member for Wisconsin, of the Republican National Committee, serving his second term.
Rufus Parks, who died in the town of Summitt, in September, 1878, was the first Receiver of
Public Moneys for the Milwaukee Land District. William B. Gushing, born in the town of
Delafield, was one of the most noted men in the navy during the war of the Rebellion, his name
being famous in the military circles of the whole world. Edward Daniels was State Geologist, a
Colonel in the army, and prominent in the so-called " Booth war," and Enoch Totten, Timothy
0. Howe's son-in-law, now has the largest law practice in the highest courts, of any man who
appears before them. He resides in Washington. A list of distinguished names like this,
ramifying to almost every department of military and civil life, is seldom found in a single county.
In 1847, the Albany, N. Y. Journal, said " the county of Waukesha seems to have especial
charge of the politics of the Territory of Wisconsin," which was true. At the beginning of the
war, however, Waukesha lost her office of " guardian of Wisconsin politics." But she has made
a name that will always be bright and prominent in the history, not only of the State, but of
the nation.
COUNTY POOR-HOUSE AND FARM.
The first paupers which Waukesha County was called upon to provide for, were cared for
under contract, by the week, by Findlay McNaughton, at his log house in Vernon. During
some years, the number of paupers was not great. They received excellent care and treatment
under this plan, and the expense to the county was merely nominal, until the numbers began to
grow considerably larger.
Finally, his old house becoming too small, Mr. McNaughton abandoned it and erected a
commodious wooden building, suitable for both a residence and poor-house, on the northwest
, quarter of Section 2, town of Vernon — which structure is a portion of the present poor-farm
buildings — where he continued to be poor-keeper.
On the 6th of December, 1866, Mr. McNaughton sold his farm, consisting of 165,^
acres, with all its buildings, to the county for $9,000. In 1874, a new building of brick, three
stories in height, was erected, in which were placed grated and barred cells for the insane.
The poor farm now has ample accommodations for its paupers, and cares for the insane
fully as well as could be expected, it being well understood that the keeper has not the facilities
always provided for caring for the inmates of regular insane hospitals ; nor can these unfortun-
ates have the skilled medical treatment which is so necessary in such cases. After the county
system was adopted — that is, paying the expenses of supporting paupers by general taxation,
the first person taken was an unknown child left at the " Exchange Hotel," in Waukesha, and
recorded as "No. 1, December 1, 1857." From that time until December 31, 1858, the record
of inmates shows that 72 difierent paupers were received in that time, and that 40 remained at
the end of the year. During the next year, 81 difierent persons were cared for ; and from that
time to 1880 the record shows an average of about 70 different persons cared for per year. This
would be equal to keeping 1,610 paupers one year. There are now 48 inmates at the poor
farm, 20 of whom are insane or idiotic, and several of the former are " incurable," and never
leave their cells. Their unfortunate condition entails a large amount of care and labor upon
the keeper.
The farm is a good one and is in an excellent state of cultivation, producing almost every-
thing required for the keeper, the inmates and their attendants. A little flour and the usual
plain groceries are generally all the farm does not produce, except fresh meat during the warm
weather, which the inmates have once or twice each week, to better insure good health. Cows,
sheep and swine are raised on the farm, generally sufficient to supply all wants. Sometimes
the young pigs are sold on foot and pork bought with the proceeds. There are eleven cows on the
farm at this time, and from them the keeper's large family of paupers is supplied with milk and
butter. The diet of the paupers consists of bread, butter, vegetables, salt meat generally, milk
and tea, coffee and milk ; of such food as this they have an abundance.
558 HISTORl" OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
A large share of the work about the building is performed by the female inmates, and all
the male paupers who are able to labor at all are required to work according to their strength,
on the farm. This is better for them and better for the county.
Findlay McNaughton, the first Superintendent of the poor farm, held the position until the
appointment of George C. Pratt, in 1872 ; Mr.Tratt was Superintendent about three years. Since
the expiration ofhis term in January, 1875, J. T. Morris has held that position.
The county poor-house had its origin in a poor-house for the town of Waukesha, begun on
the farm of Matthew Wright. George C. Pratt, then Chairman of the town, had this primitive
institution nominally in charge.
For the year 1879, the cost of maintaining the poor farm and house, including the Superin-
tendent's salary, was about $92 per week, or a little over $4,500 per annum. During the year
1857, the last one before adopting the county system, the county paid $6,500 for the support of
her paupers.
POST OFFICES IN WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first post ofiice established within the boundaries of the present county was callep
Prairieville, and David Jackson was Postmaster.
In 1843, the county contained the following post ofiBces : Delafield, Menomonee Falls,
Muskego, Mequanigou (now Mukwonago), New Berlin, St. Marie's, Summit and Vernon. It
will thus- be seen that Oconomowoc, now the second place in Waukesha County in importance
and population, was not large enough to have a post ofiBce, several other places that are
still the merest villages, being then of greater size and importance.
On the 1st of January, 1851, the county contained the following post ofiices : Big Bend,
Brookfield, Bullion (discontinued), Delafield, Denoon (discontinued), Eagleville (discontinued),
Genesee, Golden Lake, Hartland, Howards (discontinued), Lisbon, Mapleton, Marcy, Menom-
onee Falls, Merton, Monches, Monterey, Mukwonago, Muskego Center, Oconomowoc, Okau-
chee (discontinued), Ottawa, Pewaukee, Prospect Hill, South Genesee, Summit, Sussex, Ver-
non, Waterville and Waukesha.
The post oifices for 1880 are as follows : Waukesha, in the town of Waukesha ; Oconomo-
woc, Monterey and Mapleton, in Oconomowoc ; Waterville, Dousman, Golden Lake, Summit
Center and Nashotah Mission, in Summit ; Ottawa, in Ottawa; Eagle, in Eagle; Mukwonago,
in Mukwonago ; Genesee, North Prairie Station and Genesee Depot, in Genesee ; Delafield, in
Delafield ; Hartland, Stone Bank, North Lake, Monches and Merton, in Merton ; Sussex, in
Lisbon ; Pewaukee and Duplainville, in Pewaukee ; Vernon, Big Bend and Dodge's Corners, in
Vernon ; Durham Hill, Tesa Corners and Muskego Center in Muskego ; Prospect Hill and New
Berlin, in New Berlin ; Brookfield, Elm Grove, Brookfield Junction, Butler (on the line be-
tween Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties) and Marcy, in Brookfield ; Menomonee Falls and
Fussville, in Menomo'nee.
There are now thirty-seven post oflBces in the county,|and there was but one in 1837. David
Jackson, the first Postmaster, carried or sent the mail to Milwaukee once each week, if there
was any to send, and on his return brought back whatever mail there was directed to the only
office in the county. Now the county sends and receives more than one hundred mail bags per
day. If there is anything astonishing in the present century it is the perfectness of the facilities
for handling mail, transmitting intelligence in all forms with wonderful speed and almost abso-
lutely unerring accuracy. Not only is information sent, but money and numberless small
articles — and never with loss to the sender — are transmitted to all portions of what, in the
modern sense, is the civilized world. All the business connected with the transmission of mails
is in the hands of the Government ; not as a means of revenue — for its Post Office Department
annually costs much more than it brings in — but that the public may be equally well served in
all places, whether the community be rich or poor, large or small.
WAUKESHA COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.
Archimedes discovered a lever which would move the world, if he only had whereon to place
his fulcrum. When the day of modern newspapers came, centuries after Archimedes had turned
DELAFIELD
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 561
to dust, there appeared the lever, the fulcrum and the place whereon to stand to move the world.
For good or for evil the influence of newspapers is felt everywhere ; and it is generally for good,
because, being always before and depending upon the public, anything wrong or antagonistic to
the best interests of the people, in any publication, always results disastrously to itself.
Waukesha County has always been blessed with newspapers of more than ordinary honesty,
ability, influence and respectability. The general intelligence and prosperity of a communitv
may be fairly measured by the character of the newspapers published therein, and the liberality
with which they are supported. An intelligent, thrifty and enterprising community demands
newspapers of the same attributes, and sooner or later that demand is always supplied. Wau-
kesha County has not been in advance of her newspapers, from the days of the first American
Freeman, down to the present publications, and possibly has not been up to them in liberality
and enterprise. The county had very good local newspapers before she had many schoolhouses,
churches or many inhabitants to support them. They have kept fully up to an excellent stan-
dard ever since; always praising and pointing out to the world, without money or price, the
advantages of soil, health, climate, location, growth, society, education, culture and enterprise
of the place; inciting new improvements and enterprises, where they did not already exist,
and wielding, in the case of one or two of them at least, a strong influence in shaping political
and State, as well as local, affairs. They have, therefore, played a very important part in the
development and growth of the locality and the State, and the best history would rightly be
considered far from complete if it contained no accounts of the various newspaper publications
of the county.
Waukesha County is particularly prosperous and famous as a summer resort. Her position
in this respect would have been far less advanced had it not been for the aid received from her
newspapers, which are always eager to say a good word for the community where they are
published. It is hardly necessary to except the schools and the churches in pointing out that
the most powerful and influential agents in the civilization, advancement, history, public welfare,
growth, prominence and prosperity of any community, is its cordon of newspapers. Their labors
are unceasing, their efibrts tireless. They have always a paragraph for the climate, location,
soil, inhabitants, schools, churches, manufactories and natural advantages, thus attracting con-
tinually new settlers and increased capital. If the public stood by the newspapers as the news-
papers have ever stood by the public, editors and publishers would be as forehanded as any other
business class, instead of dying early and poor, which is very frequently the case. But Wauke-
sha has done tolerably well by her newspapers, for most of them are more than ordinarily pros-
perous. But they should be rich, as to their unceasing praise of the locality as a summer
resort and desirable location for the sick, more than to all things else combined, does it owe its
present wide notoriety and prosperity. t
First Newspaper. — The first newspaper not only in the village of Waukesha, but in what
is now the county, was the A77ierican Freeman. The material on which the Wisconsin Enquirer,
the first paper published in Madison, was printed, was taken to Milwaukee and used by C. C.
Sholes to publish the Milwaukee Democrat, which he began in 1843. He continued his paper
for six months, and becoming dissatisfied with the position of the Democratic party on the slavery
question, changed its name to the American Freeman, and espoused the cause and principles of
the Liberty party, then just beginning to attract public attention. A few months — just twenty-
eight weeks — sufficed to demonstrate to Mr. Sholes that Milwaukee would not support an anti-
slavery publication, so a stock company, consisting of the friends of the Anti-slavery cause every-
where in the State, but mostly at Waukesha, was formed, and the paper moved to Waukesha,
then Prarieville, in September, 1844, where the Anti-slavery doctrines more strongly prevailed.
To be more particular, Mr. Sholes sold his entire newspaper outfit to the Territorial' Liberty
Association, and entered into a contract to publish the Freeman at Waukesha during the next
three years, solely in the interest of the Abolition party. The Executive Committee of
the Liberty Association leased the printing material to Mr. Sholes for the purpose mentioned.
The property of the association was divided into equal shares, and each member subscribed and
562 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
paid for as much as he couW afford of this stock. In August, 1844, when the Freeman was
purchased of Mr. Sholes, the Liberty Association publishing stock was held and owned by the
following persons :
Milwaukee — Edward D. Holton, David McDougal, E. Cramer, J. R. DeReimer, John
Ogden, J. J. Miter, Mr. Eggleston, Asahel Finch, Jr., R. N. Kimball, J. G. Kendall.
Prairieville — V. Tichenor, W. D. Bacon, Thomas Brown, George Hawley, T. H. Olin, N.
Clinton, H. N. Davis, J. McNeil, S. Hinman, E. D. Clinton, Nelson Olin, S. R. Manning, B.
Douglass, G. Wright, W. S. Barnard, Daniel Chandler, Edward Manning, W. Morley.
Pewaukee — David Miller, J. H. V^aterman, H. C. Waterman, A. J. Palmer, A. Clark.
Beloit — Benjamin Brown, Rev. S. Peet, D. Cleary.
Southport — Charles Durkee, R. B. Waldo, Hohns & Branch, William Lay, S. Hall, R.
H. Deming, Charles Clement, T. Newell, Rev. Mr. Seward, J. B. Tillson, John C. Hohns,
A. P. Wightman.
Racine — Jacob Ly Brand, S. N. Smith.
Burlington — E. G. Dyer, R. C. Brown, 0. Perkins, John Aitken, C. P. Barnes, P. M.
Perkins, E. Perkins & Son, John Bacon.
Wauwatosa — E. D. Underwood, Richard Gilbert.
Aztalan — J. F. Ostrander.
. Lisbon — S. Dougherty, A. Nottingham.
Salem — Lemuel Booth, D. C. Sanborn, W. Wagoner, H. C. Wain, W. Munson.
Brookfield — Moore Spears, J. L. Irwin.
Caledonia — Ansel Briggs.
Shares were $5, and certificates of stock were issued to all stockholders on payment of
the same.
New shares were sold as fast as the men interested could get the necessary funds. In
February, 1845, forty-three shares were sold, and so on at subsequent Liberty meetings.
Mr. Sholes continued as editor about one year, and in 1845 Rev. Ichabod Codding became
editor. Although the paper eked out a precarious existence, occasionally levying upon its
friends for the support that was absolutely necessary to keep its head above water, it never
wavered from its strong Anti-slavery principles, urging their adoption with a vigor, faithfulness
and ability that made its influence felt wherever it was perused. Finally, C. C. Olin, still a
resident of Waukesha, became possessed of a majority of the stock, and ultimately the whole of it.
On the 3d of November, 1846, T. D. Plumb became C. C. Olin's partner in the publication of
the paper, that date beginning the first number of Volume III. Just one month later, Ichabod
Codding bought out Plumb, the publishers being Olin & Codding. On the 18th of January,
1847, Mr. Codding withdrew from the firm and C. C. Olin became sole proprietor. In April
appeared an article congratulating the readers of the Freeman that "henceforth Sherman M.
Booth, of New Haven, Conn., a graduate of Yale College, and who, with I. Codding, had edited
the Christian Freeman, will have charge of the editorial department of the paper. He (Booth)
has been a Liberty man always, and an Abolitionist twelve or fifteen years."
On the 24th of May, the Freeman was issued from Milwaukee, and July 19, 1848, the firm
of Olin & Booth was changed to Codding & Booth. The latter was noted afterward as the
rescuer of Joshua Glover, an alleged escaped slave, and the former as the most eloquent and
powerful speaker in the whole Northwest. The paper was published, while at Waukesha, in the
third story of what is now Blair's stone machine-shop, then owned by its builder, W. D. Bacon.
Mr. Olin and Mr. Codding went about the country together in the interest of their paper and
the Anti-slavery cause, the latter rousing the people by his wonderful oratory, and the other
singing Antislavery songs and taking subscriptions. It was the ablest paper in the great North-
west, and was constantly assailed in the most virulent manner by the pro-slaveryites. North and
South. Mr. Codding is dead; Mr. Booth is in Washington; Mr. Olin is a real-estate and
insurance agent in Waukesha ; C. C. Sholes is feeble with age, and a large number of the Free-
man's early shareholders are dead.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 563
While at Waukesha, the Anti-slaveryite residents of the vicinity were obliged to board the
type-setters and employes of the Freeman, its income not being suflScient to even pay their board-
bills, which, in those days, were small as compared to the present. But that its employes were
compelled to live upon the charity of the people was of little consequence ; the paper must be
published, as the cause it advocated with such eloquence, bravery and ability as is rare even in
this advanced newspaper age, would be without means or channel through which to reach the
people, if it should suspend.
Wauhexha Advocate. — This paper, begun after the bill to divide Milwaukee County passed
the Legislature, was the liveliest newspaper ever published in Waukesha County. It was printed
on the material in the American Freeman oflBce at Waukesha, and was published just as fast as
possible — not daily, but oftener than once a week. It was continued until after Milwaukee had
been cleft, and sixteen of her towns erected into the county of Waukesha. Old settlers still
keep copies of this paper as specimens of early red-hot journalism.
Waukesha Democrat — The first purely local paper Waukesha County ever had, started a»
a business venture, and with an idea of permanency, was the Democrat, founded by George
Hyer July 20, 1848. Mr. Hyer was a man of ability and came with an experience in the
publishing business extending over a period of fifteen years. His paper was Democratic in
politics, and was able, eloquent and dignified rather than radical or rabid. Although Mr. Hyer
made the paper pay as well as any one could, it was not a great financial success, though a large-
share of the people then living in the county, who were able to do so, patronized it. He sold
the ofiSce in July, 1851, to Henry D. Barron, and gave up possession in August. Mr. .Hyer
was one of the ablest editors in Wisconsin, and, while he resided in Waukesha, did all he could
for the county. Mr. Barron continued the Democrat until 1853, when he changed it to the
Chronotype.
The first number of the Democrat under Mr. Hyer, supported Cass and Butler for President
and Vice President, but he said : " When the principles of the Wilmot Proviso shall divide the
North and South, as it will probably soon do, we shall take that stand which a free and liberal
education has inculcated in the mind of every citizen of the Free States."
Waukesha Ohronotype — In August, 1851, the Democrat was sold to H. D. Barron, who
changed its name to the Ohronotype. The history of the paper is told in the following letter
from Henry D. Barron, now a resident of St. Croix Falls, Wis.:
"There was to me, in boyhood, a charm and attraction about type and press that no other oc-
cupation, profession or business presented. There was a grand, great mystery there that cre-
ated an awe, a curiosity that is yet fresh in memory. I remember well .slipping into printing
offices on my way to and from school, tg see type gathered by nimble fingers from case to stick,
and at times to see the old hand press strike ofiT the Balston Spa Grazet.te, the Saratoga Sentinel,
in Eastern New York, and after that the Cayuga Patriot and Cayuga Tocsin, in Western New
York. It seemed \,o me that my dream of ambition would be full when I could become a printer
and an editor. And had not Franklin, who Was sage, philosopher and patriot of the New World,
and the associate of kings and scholars in the Old World, been a printer's apprentice ? I drifted
to the type-case and press at the age of fourteen. When I came to Wisconsin, newspapers were
few, and newspaper publishers had to struggle for an existence. I succeeded in the purchase of
a press at Waukesha in this State, twenty-five years ago. I picked up my type and worked
press, because I preferred it to all else, and from August, 1851, to June, 1857, at Waukesha, in
this State, tried to be a respectable and well-behaved printer and editor.
" I came to Waukesha when I was nineteen years of age, with Edward H. Baxter, an En-
glishman, and a printer by trade. He was about twenty-five years old. I had worked at print-
ing about three years, and read law at Auburn, N. Y., and at the law school at Balston Spa, in
that State. We started together from Auburn for Wisconsin, and Wisconsin only, to purchase
or establish a newspaper. We found a split in the Democratic party at Waukesha, and -dissatis-
faction with George Hyer, the editor and proprietor of the Waukesha Democrat, upon the
564 HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
part of our faction. After a week's negotiation, v,e bought him out in the month of August,
1851. We paid him $600 (as much as $1,200 now), for old type, old press and material worth,
in all, about $200. The balance of the $600, I suppose, was for ' good will ' and sub-
scriptions due, but never colle cted, a failure which was not his fault. Silas Chapman, of Mil-
waukee, 'trusted' us for some new type. In three months, Mr. Baxter, a most changeable man,
got weary, and I bought him out 'on time,' and afterward paid for his half out of the proceeds
of the office. The $600 paid Hyer exhausted the amount we brought with us — all we
had in the world — the proceeds of work at the type-case and press.
" The only paper preceding this Democrat was the Freeman, the old type of which came to
us from Mr. Hyer. In 1853, I was appointed Postmaster at Waukesha by President Pierce, and
changed the name of the Democrat to that of Ghronotype — the name of a radical paper that
I admired very much, though I was a Democrat, once published in Boston by Elizur Wright.
In 1857, I think, 'falling out' with 'Barstow and the balance' — not agreeing with the dicta-
torial spirit of the friends of Barstow, I proposed a sale to them of the paper. They purchased
it, paying me, I think, $1,200. In the meantime, a paper had been established in Waukesha,
called the Waukesha Independent Press, by C. C. White and I. M. Bean, to the columns of
which the hoy, 'Gush Davis,' now 'ex-Gov. Davis,' of Minnesota, contributed. Dominick
Casey followed the Press with a paper called the Waukesha Democrat. It was bitterly personal.
"When we purchased of Hyer, the Democrat was located in a wooden, cheap building, owned
by J. M.Hurlbut, brother of E. Hurlbut, of Oconomowoc, over hi,s paint-shop, next to the
stone drug store of Zerrye Hatch, near Barker's Hotel. I afterward moved it into Cutler's
building, over the post office, opposite Birchard, Newton & Totton's store. (My brother-in-
law, Capt- Andrew G. Bennett, had charge of the post office for me, as clerk.)
" The foregoing contains much that will be, no doubt, of no value. I have written it down as
occurring to me."
Waukesha County Herald. — This paper is not remembered with feelings of pleasure by
its projectors and managers. The Whigs of the county thought they needed an organ, and
they banded together for the purchase of material necessary in publishing a paper. Stock was
taken at $10 per shave, and a person named Ezekiel Stoddard was engaged to do the editing and
printing. A few prominent men, among them Talbot C. Dousman, were the responsible officers
of the concern. The paper had been published only a short time when all at once, editor,
presses and type were missing. Where either of them were might have always remained a
mystery if Andrew E. Elmore, while on the way to Madison with a reprieve for David Bonham,
the murderer ofKeene, had not, in poking about on a cold night in the fall of 1845, for somo
straw, found the type concealed in a barn in Waukesh^ Village. This material thus found, a
few years later, went into A. F. Pratt's first' printing office. The debts contracted by the
Herald were sued and the Sheriff collected them, with costs, of Mr. Dousman and one or two
others. They have never since entered into the publishing business on the joint-stock plan.
Independent Press. — This paper, which was short-lived and devoted wholly to the local in-
terests at Waukesha, was started in 1853, by C. C. White and Sidney A. Bean. It was edited
in the most elegant and finished literary style, as its editors and contributors were gentlemen of
ability and polish. Its life was short, lasting hardly a single year. The last number was issued
in March, 1854, after which the material was bought by Dominick Casey.
Waukesha Republican. — This was the first Republican newspaper printed in Waukesha
County. It was started August 6, 1856, by W. D. Bacon, at Waukesha, as a county campaign
paper. He, as Chairman of the Republican County Committee,' continued its publication until
the middle of November, of that year. The subscription list was, some time later, given to
Curtis & Emmerson, who continued the paper under the same name. The Rep'-hlican was
an exceedingly good newspaper, but never paid its publishers any large dividends. Finally, early
in 1859; the office outfit was sold under chattel mortgage to the Milwaukee type foundry. This
mortgage took with it the last remains of at least three different papers which had preceded it.
Waukesha Plaindealer. — During many years, the Plaindealer was one of the excellent, as
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 565
well as one of the leading, representatives of the fearless, wide-awake and withal able, Western
weekly newspapers. It was the Democratic child of a Democratic father. It was begun by
A. F. Pratt and lived but a short time after his head and hand had forever ceased to guide it. The
first number, with the motto, " Hew to the line, let the chips fall where they may, " was issued in
July, 1854, on the old Herald material. It took at once a leading part in politics, and never failed to
have something to say upon every subject before the people, and soon had a large circulation. In
the spring of 1856, the Plaindealer office, with its entire contents — files, type and valuable
papers — was destroyed by fire. The publication of the paper was not then revived, Mr. Pratt
entering into other business, and, soon after-the breaking-out of the Rebellion, entering the army.
At the close of the war, he again began the publication of the Plaindealer, issuing the first num-
ber July 25, 1865. It was a seven- column folio, and as spicy a sheet as A. F. Pratt could make
it. His opening announcement was this :
" The proper object of a newspaper is to disseminate information as to all matters of local
and public interest, to the end that the people may more fully appreciate their relations to their
neighbors, and to the government under which they live.
"Not forgetting this general duty, it shall be our chief purpose, in publishing the Plain-
dealer, \a advance the local interests of Waukesha County, and, to the full extent of our influence
as a journalist, contribute to the prosperity of all its citizens, regardless of partisan and religious
distinctions. In this manner, we hope to make our paper an acceptable visitor at every family
fireside, and to insure for it the generous patronage and active friendship of every good citizen.
"We profess no blind allegiance to any political party, but it would be impossible, as well
a positive disregard of duty, to wholly avoid a fair and candid discussion of the many political
questions now prominent in the public mind. But in doing this, n e shall eulogize no man unless
we think him worthy of the confidence of the people, and we shall support no measure which we
do not believe conducive to the public good. Slavery to party, and the passions of party are
the fruitful source of many of the gigantic evils which have afflicted the country during the
past five years. In view of the experience of the past, men should now act honestly, candidly
and wisely. If the bitter and destructive war through which we have passed has not taught us
this lesson, we have learned nothing of which we can boast.
"Through the undaunted bravery and invincible courage of our citizen soldiery, the armed
enemies of the Government have been crushed and the Union of our fathers is preserved. It
remains to us now to defend that Government from the future dangers with which partisan fae -
tions may threaten it, to invigorate with new life the restored form of the old Union, and to
cultivate that spirit of fraternity and concord among the American people which furnishes the
only certain guarantee of a permanent and prosperous peace. We believe such to be the present
object of the President of the United States [Andrew Johnson], and so long as that faith is
sustained by his future actions, we shall feel it our duty to plead his cause, and we are confident
that all patriotic men of every party will approve this determination.
" We have a habit of sometimes saying what we think bluntly. We believe the truth
should be told on all occasions with bluntness of speech, and this is the custom of the honest
advocates of truth the world over. We may not abandon this habit now, but if we should unfor-
tunately ofiend any of our readers in this particular, while conducting the Plaindealer, we
bespeak their patience, and trust they will attribute it to our sincerity in the advocacy of our
own opinions, and not to any design on our part to offend those who may honestly differ with
us as to the current questions of the day."
Mr Pratt did, as he anticipated, speak the truth bluntly, and his opposition to the Repub-
lican party was always vigorous. The new Plaindealer reached a greater circulation, and was
a more profitable concern than the old one, which prestige was retained until Mr. Pratt's
death in 1874. It was continued for a time by the administrator, and then sold to parties
who disposed of the material and discontinued the paper, its good will, subscription list and
appurtenances falling to the possession of the present Waukesha Democrat, in 1876.
566 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Waukesha County Democrat. — This paper, as it exists to-day, is not, and never was, the
successor, legitimately, of the first local paper in the county, started by George Hyer, under
the same name. Its first material was that on which C. C. White and S. A. Bean printed the
Independent Press, a Whig paper. Late in March, 1854, they sold to Dominick Casey and
P. H. Carney, who at once began the publication of a thrifty, straight-out Democratic newspa-
per. Mr. Carney had but little to do with the paper until 1856, when he became sole editor
and publisher, and during the next ten years it was the only permanent Democratic newspaper
in the county. In 1865, Mr. Carney sold the Democrat to J. ,B. Hunt, since deceased, who
very shortly afterward sold to Alexander F. Pratt. It then became the Plaindealer, and there
■was no Democrat published until January, 1872, when E. L. Spencer and J. A. Gaynor were
induced by a large faction of the Democratic party which did not like the Plaindealer, to start
a new paper under the old name of Waukesha County Democrat, which they did. It was a
successful newspaper from the beginning, and has always maintained a leading position among
the Democratic weeklies of the State. In 1874, Mr. Gaynor sold his interest in the establish-
ment to Mr. Spencer, who continued to be editor and proprietor, purchasing, in 1876, all the
material, subscription list and good will of the Plaindealer. The valuable portions of the two
were used to make a better office and publish a better paper, while the balance was disposed of
to the type foundries. Very early in 1877, the Democrat passed from Mr. Spencer to P. H.
Carney, who had been its editor, in earlier days, during about a dozen years. He was there-
after editor and proprietor until April, 1879, when F. A. Eastman, ex-Postmaster of Chicago,
and a writer of rare culture and ability, purchased the establishment and became, and continues
to be, sole editor and proprietor. The paper is clean, dignified and scholarly ; a means of
instruction as well as a medium for the dissemination of news. It deals briefly but ably with
national and State affairs, devoting its attention and space mainly to local matters. The theory
of its editor is that a local newspaper should do all within its power to advance the interests of
the locality in which it is published, believing that the two are mutually dependent upon each
other for prosperity. The Democrat is a nine-column folio newspaper,- published every Satur-
day at $2 per annum, with the usual deduction of 50 cents for advance payment. Its motto
is: " Devoted to Democratic principles and to the local interests of all the people."
Waukesha Freeman. — The first number of the Waukesha Freeman was published on
March 29, 1859, as a seven-column folio, by M. Cullaton, who had. during the preceding year,
disposed of his interest in the Beaver Dam Citizen, with the intention of leaving the newspaper
business entirely. His predilections toward journalism, however, induced him to return to the
field and start a paper at Waukesha — occupying rooms forthat purpose in Aitkins' Block, whence
he removed to Barnes' Block, now owned by Charles Cork, August 7. He furnished a good
newspaper during the six months of his management of the Freeman. On the 27th of Sep-
tember, he published his valedictory, having disposed of the journal to L. B. Wright. The last-
named gentleman was not a fiery writer, but a cool, industrious business man, with a good
knowledge of printing. He gave his patrons the news in readable shape, was careful and pru-
dent, and usually found on the right side of all public questions coming before the people dur-
ing his editorial administration. April 7, 1863, Mr. Wright removed his office from the Barnes
Block to the Alexander Block (now a part of the Opera House Block), which had just been com-
pleted. He added to the printing facilities of the office from time to time, enlarged the paper to
an eight-column folio and accumulated money, investing it in real estate, with the intention of
retiring from business as soon as practicable. In pursuance of this purpose, he sold a half-interest
in the paper to T. B. Reid, now United States Consul at Funchal, Madeira Islands, in November
1867, and in November, 1868, he disposed of his remaining interest to Nicholas Smith, the pres-
ent editor of the Janesville Grazette. The paper was conducted by this firm until August 18,
1869, when Mr. Reid retired and left Mr. Smith as the sole proprietor and editor. In May,
1870, Mr. Smith disposed of a half-interest to T. W. Haight, who purchased the remaining half
a few weeks later, and removed the establishment to Robinson's Block. During the same year,
the paper was enlarged to a seven-column quarto, and a new Fairhaven press, the first power
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 567
press brought to the county, was made to take the place of the old Washington hand-press that
had done duty since the founding of the paper. New type and a new job press were also added.
The editorial management of the Freeman at this time was more marked for the ability exhib-
ited than at any previous date, while the business was very prosperous. While editor of thfe
Freeman, Mr. Haight did a great deal to acquaint the citizens with the geology of the locality,
and briefly with its history. On the 1st of February, 1872, H. M. Youmans, the present pro-
prietor, purchased a half-interest in the Freeman, and, shortly after, the publication office was
changed to the ^tna Block. January 1, 1874, the size of the paper was changed to a seven-
column folio, accompanied by a reduction in price from $2 to $1.50 a year.
Messrs. Haight & Youmans published the Freeman for two years and eight months, the
first-named member of the firm taking charge of the publication and editorial work, and the
latter superintending the mechanical department. This arrangement was continued until Sep-
tember 24, 1874, when Mr. Haight sold his interest to his partner, although he has since been
a frequent contributor to its editorial and local columns.
On January 1, 1875, the Freeman was enlarged to eight columns to the page, was supplied
with a new dress of type, and made to pay largely during the year, so that early in 1876 the
proprietor was enabled to add to the facilities of the office, a new Cottrell & Babcock cylinder
press, a large-sized job press, together with steam power, all of which had been found necessary
in order to keep pace with the largely increased demands upon the business, caused principally
by a wonderful growth in the mineral-water trade of Waukesha. The intervening time up to
1879 witnessed an increase of patronage and prosperity beyond that usually enjoyed by
country newspapers, being such at the opening of the above-mentioned year, that Mr. Youmans
determined to erect a building for the accommodation of his business. Accordingly, a lot 20x66
feet in the business center of the village, on Grand avenue, was purchased for $800. Early in
March ground was broken, and on June 1, 1879, the new building, a handsome brick structure,
20x60 feet, was occupied. Simultaneously with the occupation of the new office the form of
the paper was changed to a quarto, six columns to the page, and an entire new outfit of type
was supplied. Following the large expenditure was an increase of business, which is gradually
«xtending, accompanied by a corresponding increase of influence among the best classes of citi-
zens in Waukesha County. The Freeman has ever been prominent in the discussion of all
subjects of local importance, and has constantly labored for the advancement of the best interests
of society; especially has it been an important factor in the furtherance of the summer resort
interests of the entire county, at all times devoting space to the publication of such matters as
are likely to attract the attention of health and pleasure seekers.
The Freeman was established as a Republican journal, the principles of that party being
at all times maintained, though censure has been unsparingly bestowed upon its representatives
whenever facts warranted it, or justice demanded it. By this course it has secured that respect
which is ever due to a determined adherence to principle and right. In this paper the name of
the American Freeman, the first newspaper in the county, is perpetuated.
Oeonomowoo Free Press, Badger, La Belle Mirror, and Times. — It may be always safely
predicted of a town, that when its papers cease to flourish, the place ceases to grow to any
material extent not only, but falls into a sort of rut in opinion and development, from which,
too often, it never diverges. Fortunately for Oconomowoc, its founder and a majority of its
first settlers were so irrepressible, that its future was insured from the first. Year after year,
in the rapid march of their progress, brought successive improvements until at last a want
arose that only the newspaper could satisfy. No sooner was this want apparent than there
were willing hands, purses and brains ready to supply the necessity. Accordingly, during the
first week of October, 1858, the first paper, the Oconomowoc Free Press, was established and
published by D. W. Small and John S. Rockwell, as editors and proprietors. A Washington
hand-press, a small job press and other furniture made throughout as complete a newspaper
oflBce as was then generally found, and costing about $1,400; the office was in a frame build-
ing that stood nearly opposite the mill, on the ground where Mr. Lalerberg subsequently built
568 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
his first hardware store. They had two printers, Abram Small and William Messenger. The
politics of the paper were then Democratic, but the chief object which the publishers had in
view was the promotion of the general interest of the village without regard to parties or party
differences; and that they did much in this direction may be readily believed, for in a very few
years after this it began to be noised abroad that Oconomowoc was a splendid place for fine
scenery and rare fishing and hunting, as well as the needed accessories of excellent water and
good climate. After running the paper for a time, Messrs. Small & Rockwell leased the estab-
lishment to D. S. Curtis, who continued to publish the paper until the great Rebellion de-
manded men, then he laid aside his " pencil and stick " for a position among the boys in blue.
From 1862 until 1866 the village had no paper. During that year, the office was purchased of
Small & Rockwell by Thomas Reid, who had his ofiice in the old oil-mill building. He bought
the whole outfit for f500. The paper, its name having been changed to the Badger State, was
conducted by Reid & Brother until about 1867, when it passed into the hands of Dr. E. J.
Benjamin. It had been enlarged and the politics changed from Democratic to Republican.
Benjamin sold the paper and good will of the business to Lawren Edwards & Co., after running
it until 1869. Edwards & Co. changed the name of the publication to the La Belle Mirror.
Very soon after they sold to Alexander McGregor and D. H. Sumner, the latter assuming
editorial control for a short time. He was succeeded in \he management of the paper by Mr.
McGregor, continuing its publication until 1870.
In August, 1870, Ashley D. Harger purchased the Mirror and published his first number
on the 6th inst. of the latter month. In his salutatory he said, among many other beautifully
worded sentiments and expressed intentions : "In politics we bid for the Republican party, be-
lieve in the men and measures that crushed the Rebellion and saved the' Government. As a
consequence, we shall be guided and governed politically by the party we represent, and support
their nominations to the best of our ability." How well he did this afterward appears. Au-
gust 31, the paper appeared under a new name, having fairly run the gamut of , different titles.
It was now called the Oconomowoc Times, and continued to be published under that title until
it subsided.
When Mr. Harger took charge of the paper, it was mortgaged for $800, which liability he
assumed. He went to work with a will and by his industry, perseverance and eminently
good qualifications as an editor, won hosts of friends from the start, and soon wielded an influ-
ence throughout the surrounding country of no small magnitude. He apparently was not
satisfied to wait patiently for the reward of industry, for, after slashing his party opponents in
a masterly manner, suddenly, about the opening of the Greeley campaign, to the surprise of a
majority of his patrons, the Times turned and began working with might and main the other
way. Notwithstanding this change, at such a time, Mr. Harger evidently prospered. Six or
eight prominent Democrats from various parts of the county, subscribed the ^800 which Mr.
Harger owed on' the institution, and paid off the Aehi gratis. From this on the Times was Demo-
cratic, and for a time increased in circulation very rapidly. He had at one time six men and
a foreman working hard to do the business. Suddenly a loved child died ; to drown his grief
he took to drinking, then his foreman died, and from that time everything went at " sixes and
sevens." His friends came to the rescue; a fund was voted by the town authorities to pay him
for nominal printing, but to no purpose. Tide had turned and its flow could not be changed.
After a brief but unfortunate career the Times was suspended, and Mr. Harger moved first to
Watertown and .then to Milwaukee. He was one of the most brilliant newspaper writers Wau-
kesha County ever had.
Oconomowoc Local. — On the 4th of September, 1874, the first number of the Oconomo-
woc Local was issued, with F. W. Coon and A. C. Macrorie, publishers. Mr. Coon was fresh
from college, the latter a practical printer; and, coupling the enterprise of these two young men,
a newspaper was produced, that at once grew into public favor and secured a handsome patron-
age. In the following summer, Mr. Macrorie withdrew from the paper, and the present editor
has conducted it in the capacity of both editor and proprietor since that time. The Local was
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNT-Y. 50 9
first issued as an Independent paper, but in the fall of 1875 it espoused the cause of Repub-
licanism, which it has since sturdily adhered to. It has a good advertising patronage, and is
one of the prosperous newspapers in the county. The subscription price is $1.50 per year, in
advance, and advertising rates reasonable. A good job office is now in connection with the
paper, and the proprietor prides himself upon turning out artistic work. The newspaper is
issued each Friday morning during the year. It is an eight-column folio, and the only Republican
paper in the north and northwest portion of the county, and has an ample field in which to labor.
Wisconsin Free Press. — This is one of the influential, esteemed and well-patronized papers
of the county ; has led, for a paper of its age, a very checkered career as well ; having been
the victim of several tag and rag newspaper bobtails. The paper dates its initial number from
May 15, 1875, and is indebted to C. C. Bowsfield, now a partner in the Milwaukee Evening
Ghronicle, as its founder. The first paper came before the public at a very inauspicious time,
as the Oconomowoc Times, with Ashley D. Hager as editor, was in a flourishing condition, and
the Oconomowoc Local had been established a little over ten mdnths, and was also doing a fair
business. The pertinent question was asked, what can Bowsfield do with his prodigious semi-
weekly infant. Mr. B. made, as he termed it, an "ideal paper," and a nine-column, entirely
home-manufactured, semi-weekly folio country newspaper was the result. The attempt was a
bold one, and deserving of a better fate than befell it, for in the future, as the sequel proves,
Mr. Bowsfield lost everything he had, and more.
In the salutatory, a brief summary of which is given, it is announced that the paper shall
be devoted to the dissemination *of local and general news and choice literature.
Its chief aim shall be the prosperity of the young city. That, although the editor expects
to encounter incredulity and discouragements, nevertheless he launches out fearlessly, and shall
publish, twice a week, nothing but valuable intelligence. He has an ideal which he intends now
to illustrate, and he would rather make an ignominious failure than to publish a single number
that the people would be ashamed of.
The dignity of the profession of journalism shall be maintained, in the columns that sparkle
with independence, life, and spice.
In the discussion of all social and political questions, which come before the public, he
shall take an independent and conscientious course, aloof from the behests, or dictates, of any
man or party, and endeavor, at all times, to promote purity in legislation, the prosperity of all
practical systems of education, and a higher standard of morality in our common life.
Mr. Bowsfield continued to issue the paper for two or more months, but at last the time
came when, if he would avoid a collapse, he must get help. He sought help, which he obtained
from Messrs. E. Hurlbut, C. M. Smith, and Chauncey L. Innis, who signed a note with him,
secured by mortgage on his stock and printing fixtures, to obtain the money required, some
$300. These gentlemen did this, not only from a feeling of personal interest, which the young
man had aroused in his favor, but because they were public spirited, believing it would be a
good thing for the city and community at large, to keep the paper running.
Mr. Bowsfield, with the money borrowed, managed to stem the tide for a time, but soon
found himself in the same dilemma in which he had been before, and with less prospect of final
success. Again he went to Mr. Hurlbut for funds. The money was advanced, but with some
misgivings, for it certainly seemed to him that nothing less than a miracle could now save the
iostitution from ruin. But he was determined that the young man should have another chance,
whatever might be the result. After this, Mr. Bowsfield formed a partnership with R. B. Rice,
a practical printer, who had been connected with the Commercial Times of Milwaukee. On
the 14th day of August, 1875, one day less than three months from the time of starting, the
first paper bearing the names of Bowsfield & Rice as associate editors and proprietors, was
issued, reduced to an eight-column paper, but to be still published twice a week. In the saluta-
tory it was announced, somewhat to the surprise of a portion of the readers, and to the gratifi-
cation of the remainder, that " The Free Press will now take its place in the ranks of the Dem-
ocratic Reform party of Wisconsin."
570 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The partnership had not gone on long, before Mr. Bowsfield discovered that he had not
made a desirable acquisition, and he determined to give up the ship, which he did, leaving Mr.
Rice in command.
Wednesday, October 6, R. B. Rice announced that the management of the paper had been
taken by him, and would be maintained on the same platform. Mr. Hurlbut consented, being in
hopes that he might get out of his newspaper interest. Moreover, the Presidential canvass was
then brewing, and the Democratic party wanted an organ that would maintain the claims of
their candidates. Mr. Rice was to continue the paper through the canvass, as it had been, in
size and politics. He went on with the paper from this time until the following spring ; but
not having any money, was obliged to get help several times to pay for stock. This money
came from the same source as the other. The last paper which Mr. Rice issued was on April 15,
1876, when, without warning, he went to Waukesha, and began working on the Plaindealer.
Mr. Hurlbut, who was away at the time, returned and consulted with Mr. C. M. Smith, who
had a tangible interest in the concern, and they decided that Mr. Smith should assume manage-
ment. He conducted the paper from April 22 until July 8, 1876, at a loss of $150. He
declares if " some one had not come along just at this time, and relieved him, he believes he
would have pitched the entire institution out of doors." Charles A. Feistcorn, who claimed to have
money from the sale of a paper in Blue Island, 111., expressed a willingness to buy the Free
Press, and finally, through Mr. Bowsfield, did contract for it. He took charge in July, 1876,
but was not allowed to publish the paper as his until he had paid something on it. Mr. F.
changed his tactics, by collecting all of the old outstanding bills, and adding to the list of
advance paying subscribers, as largely as possible, and on September 20, while Mr. Hurlbut
was away, determined upon a withdrawal of his forces. Mr. Hurlbut has not seen him since,
nor the money collected for the paper. On Wednesday, the day following Mr. F.'s departure,
Mr. Hurlbut returned, to find several disconsolate workmen about his oiBce, wondering what
was going to happen next. Said he, " Boys, go to the office, I'm going to run the paper." Just
then Thomas Spence. former editor of the Waukesha Democrat, came in, and on invitation went to
the ofiice, and looked over the fixtures and stock, with Mr. Hurlbut, which they found entirely
at sixes and sevens. Mr. Spence explained what was necessary to be done, and Mr. Hurlbut
started for Chicago that afternoon, without saying a word to his townsmen about the trouble,
and returned with a large stock of necessary articles the next day. The next Saturday, the
paper appeared as usual, with the following salutatory address to the citizens, under the title
"Absconded."
"Charles A. Feistcorn, late of this city, and former manager of the Frte Press, having taken French leave for parts
to us unknown, it becomes necessary for some one to take charge of the paper, who has a more substantial interest
in its success than the mere dollars and cents realized from its publication from week to week. Consequently, here-
after the paper will be managed and controlled by us. We shall endeavor to act in perfect good faith with all the
patrons of the paper, and contract no debts but which we are able and willing to pay.
The Free Press, as heretofore, will be a consistent Democratic Reform paper, with "no friends to reward nor
enemies to punish ;" but truth and justice shall be its guide in all things. Everything that will tend lo advance the
welfare and prosperity of this city, county, State and nation will find a faithful advocate in ua. Friends, take the
paper, read it, and give it a fair trial ; then if you are not satisfied with it — stop it. Edwin Hurlbut.
The " barn door," as the paper was at first called, was at last hung on a substantial hinge,
and the people knew it ; for when in the afternoon Mr. H. started out with subscription-book in
hand- there was no laCk of subscribers. He worked until 9 o'clock that night, and was re-
warded by an addition of 111 names to the before meager list, and from that time, September 27,
1876, until the present, the Free Press has gained friends and influence. Mr. Hurlbut also
reduced the price of the paper at that time to $1.50 from $3, per year. The office was also
transferred from the old place, in C. M. Smith's block, to its present place, and throughout, a
new order of things was instituted. Some time ago, an improved Fairhaven press costing $1,000'
was purchased, the old Washington hand-press being too small for the largely increased busi-
ness. Also, as have been needed at different times, the best appliances for labor saving and job
printing have been added, until the office is now thoroughly equipped.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 571
Pewaukee Standard. — As Pewaukee and vicinity began to become famous as a summer re-
sort, witb hotels, cottages, fishing grounds, springs and boats to be noticed and patronized, they
felt the need of a newspaper. Various inducements were held out to whoever would locate a publi-
cation office at that place, which resulted in the founding of the Standard, in 1877, by C. P.
Smith. The paper, which was well received in the neighborhood of Pewaukee, was a six-column
quarto, " patent on six pages, and Republican in politics. Mr. Smith soon received a good run
of job work, and had. a larger business than he anticipated. Finally, after the death of his father,
he sold the good will and subscription list of the Standard to H. M. Toumans, of the Waukesha
Freeman, in May, 1880, and the patrons of the former are served with the latter publication.
Mr. Youmans maintains a Pewaukee department in the Freeman, and has an office in that vil-
lage for the accommodation of advertisers and other patrons of the paper, so that the people of
that village, although with a newspaper printed precisely on the ground, are still pretty well
served. Mr. Smith now publishes a paper in Minnesota.
FRUIT-GROWING IN WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first apples ever grown in Waukesha County, except the wild fruit, were probably taken
from two trees planted by David Jackson, the first Postmaster in the county, in the village of
Waukesha. These trees have long been dead. There were 112,982 apple-trees in orchards in
1879, of which 109,116 were of bearing size. The number of bushels produced was 54,822.
Of pear-trees there were 1,684 of bearing size, which produced 1,321 bushels of mature fruit ;
of grapevines there were 4,418 of bearing size, and 10,642 growing, which produced 1,684
bushels of fruit ; of cherry-trees there were 9,654 of bearing size — 43,000 in all — which pro-
duced 1,112 bushels of fruit. The product of smaller fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries,
gooseberries and currants, was about 1,400 bushels for 1879.
Most of the apples and pears were grown in the east tier of towns joining Milwaukee County,
which are from eight to eighteen miles distant from Lake Michigan. In the second tier west,
some apples and pears were fruited. The third and fourth tiers had but little large fruit; but
their grapes and berries were good, and most all the smaller fruits were from those towns.
More than one-third of the apple and pear trees are within the towns of Menomonee, Brookfield,
New Berlin and Pewaukee. The towns having the least are Otawa, Summit, Delafield and
Genesee, there being less than 12,000 trees for those four towns. Those towns are farther from
Lake Michigan, and also have a peculiar soil. It is of the glacial drift more or less, and is not
suited everywhere for fruit trees, except where there is more or less clay and a northern slope
to the land, which are not on every farm. Yet Waukesha County can and will raise as much
fruit as any county in the State, and perhaps as many different varieties as are to be found any-
where in the State. . Owing to the great number of varieties, the amount of fruif is less than it
should be, because many sorts are not suited to this climate, and will only grow for a time.
Whenever we have had a very dry and hot summer or severe, cold winter, or both, old Eastern
favorites will get killed, or hurt so they will not fruit any more. Now, if those varieties that
are tender would be discarded, and trees substituted that are hardy and will bear well, we could,
in a bearing year, furnish nearly 500,000 bushels of apples, besides those required for home
use ; but that will never be, as there are so many worthless trees always imported to our coun-
try, and set out year after year, that nearly one-half the trees growing cannot be counted upon
to bear enough to pay for the room they take up, and the time spent to grow them.
A list of apples that have paid, and are hardy and profitable, are Duchess of Oldenburg,
Wealthy, Fameuse or Snow, Alexander, for fall and early winter. For summer use Fetofsky,
Washington or William's Favorite. For winter, Tolman Sweet, Pewaukee, Golden Russet,
Westfield, Seek-no-Further, Ben Davis. This list can be extended, but it is the best-paying
list, on as many years' trial as varieties named.
The soils for horticultural purposes are as follows : The east half of Waukesha County, which
is in part, red, marly clay soil and limestone loam. A strip of land two to two and one-half
miles in width, extends ftom northeast to southwest, belonging to the kettle range (and is of
572 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY
glacial drift more or less), where all kinds of soil can be found, and where occasionally a very
fine orchard could be grown with profit. Grapes and small fruits are at home on those lighter
soils. The chief fruit grower of Waukesha County, is George P. Peffer, of Pewaukee, who furn-
ished the two preceding paragraphs. A recent writer said of his fruit farm :
" He has one hundred and thirty-two varieties of apples, many of them on trial, but only
twenty to twenty-five of them he recommends as suflBciently hardy for this climate. Among his
forty-three varieties of pears, he considers but five of them adapted to this country. He has
never lost a tree of the Flemish Beauty, and the Ananas d'Eta varieties, by frost. He is confi-
dent they can be raised in this country without any danger of fi-ost. Of his forty differ-
ent kinds of grapes, he recommends but five for this climate. He has some thirty-three
varieties of plums, but warrants from four to five kinds only. He raises his peaches from the
seed, and has had remarkable success, having lost but two years out of twenty. His nursery
consists of eighteen acres, and contains, besides a well-grown orchard, 35,000 apple-trees, 3,000
pear-trees, 6,000 plum-trees, 10,000 grape-vines, in addition to an almost endless variety of
gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, and all of the hardiest varieties."
WAUKESHA COUNTY THIEF-DETECTIVE SOCIETY.
This association of the property-owners of the county has been a valuable one to all con-
cerned. Before its organization, scarcely a week passed that the newspapers did not contain
reports of horses or valuable property being stolen ; but since it got into complete working order,
thieving has been almost entirely unknown, especially in the neighborhoods where members of
the association reside. Alexander F. Pratt, one of the best detectives who lived in this portion of
the State, was the founder of the detective society. The first organization was formed in
1865, as the following call will show :
The Executive Committee of the Waukesha County Detective Society (which includes all the officers) will meet
at the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Waukesha, on Saturday, the 14th inst., at 1 o'clock, P. M., for the
purpose of adopting by-laws and rules for the government of the society. It is important that the officers shall all be
present, as the success of the society will depend very much upon its by-laws, without which the society is no pro-
tection to its members.
Waukesha, October 2, 1865. Gr. C. Pratt, Secretary.
This did not result in such a complete and permanent organization as was desirable. The
following, which is the present constitution, was adopted March 5, 1870 :
Article 1. This organization shall be known as " The Waukesha County Thief-Detective Society."
Art. 2. Its officers shall consist of a President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two additional officers, as an Execu-
tive Committee, who shall be elected annually, and hold their offices until their successors are elected and quali6ed.
Art. 3. Any person may become a member .of this Society by subscribing to the constitution and by-laws, and
paying into the treasury $5.
Art. 4. The Officers of the Society, including the Executive Committee, shall constitute an Executive Commit-
tee for the transaction of business of the Society, with power to audit accounts and direct generally in all expenditures.
Art. 5. Whenever any horse, mare or gelding of the value of |30 or more, is stolen from any member of the
society, it shall be the duty of each member to aid and assist in recovering it and capturing the thief or thieves;
but no person shall be allowed pay for such services unless he acted by the advice and authority of the Executive
(Jommittee.
Art. 6. The Executive Committee shall have power to assess an equal tax upon all the members of the Society,
for the purpose of defraying its expenses, or to pay for stolen property that cannot be recovered, whenever the same
will be necessary, but shall never pay more than two-thirds the value of the horse, mare or gelding, which shall have
been stolen, nor more than $200 for any one loss. Provided. That to entitle any member to recover compensation for
stolen property, every loss must be notified to the President hereof within twenty-four hours after the same shall occur.
Art. 7. The headquarters of this Society shall be kept at the county seat ; but whenever twenty-five or more
persons join the Society, from any town, except Waukesha, the Executive Committee may appoint a town committee
of three, from those members, who shall have all the power within their town of the Executive Committee, except
auditing accounts.
Art. 8. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to keep the funds of the Society in some safe depository, and shall
not use or pay out the same for any purpose eicept upon the order of the Clerk, with the names ol a majority of the
Executive Committee indorsed thereon, and shall receive such pay for his services as the Executive Committee may
direct.
Art. 9. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record all proceedings of the Society in a book to be kept by
him for that purpose, which book shall also contain the constitution and by-laws of the Society and the names of its
members, and the Executive Committee may allow him for his services such compensation as they may deem proper.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 573
Art. 10. The annual meeting of the Society shall be held at the court house on the second Monday in December,
of each year, at 2 o'clock, P. M., and each member shall be entitled to a yote.
Art. 11. Special meetings of this Society may be held at any time' whenever ordered by a majority of the Exe-
cutive Committee, hy giving notice in a newspaper published in Waukesha.
Art. 12. This constitution and by-laws may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any
regular meeting of the Society.
In 1870, A. F. Pratt, founder of tte society, wrote as follows in his paper, the Plain-
dealer : " Many of our farmers are not aware of the fact that we have a well organized and
efficient county detective society, that insures two-thirds the value of all losses by thieves.
Any person, by paying the paltry sum of $5 and signing the constitution, can become a mem-
ber. Every farmer or business man should become a member. When it is understood that we
have such an organization, with two or three hundred members to back it, no professional thief
will ever come to this county to steal ; if he does, he'll certainly be captured, for money will
CATCH ANT THIEF. Among its members may be found the most wealthy and substantial farmers
in the county. We have not the list of members before us, but among them are Capt. George
Lawrence, A. C. Nickell, John Porter, M. Barber, R. B. McCumber, William Blair, Orson
Tichenor, Daniel Brown, C. A. Blodgett, E. S. Purple, R. M. Jameson, John Aitken, W. R.
Blodgett, Hendrick Gregg, James McDonough, Benjamin Smart, Andrew Snyder, and others."
Professional horse-thieves give this county a wide berth ; one horse was stolen soon after the
society was organized, but it was recovered four miles from the place where it was taken. The
treasury now contains $170 in cash, and the society is stronger than ever before. Its officers
have been as follows: President — John Porter, 1870; A. F. Pratt, 1871-74 ; A. 0. Nickell,
1875; John Porter, 1876-78 ; R. B. McGumber, 1879-.80. Secretary— W. V. Tichenor,
1870-72 ; Frank H. Putney, 1873-75 ; R. M. Jameson, 1876-78 ; Orson P. Clinton, 1879-80.
Treasurer — William Blair, from its permanent organization to date. The society has an Exe-
cutive Committee composed of some the best men in the county, whose business it is to look
after the general welfare of the organization.
OCONOMOWOC AGRICULTURAL, MECHANICAL AND STOCK ASSOCIATION.
Feeling the necessity of good accommodations for agricultural and stock exhibitions nearer
home, the citizens of the northwestern part of the county held a meeting April 2, 1867 for the
purpose of organizing an association, the chief object of which should be to advance the agri-
cultural, mechanical and stock-raising interests of Oconomowoc and surrounding towns. It was
resolved by those present that shares of $100 each per member, should be subscribed, to be used
in a common fund for joint-stock purposes, and that a tract of eighteen acres be purchased
from Cooledge Eastman and Calvin C. Palmer, the same lying south of the highway, and south
of David W. Small's hop-yard, to be used for fairs as the association might designate. The
charter members and shares taken were as follows, viz.: D. W. Small, one share; G. Winton,
one share ; A. B. Hale, one share ; William Wentworch, one share ; C. H. Hartwell, one share ;
J. A. Henshall, two shares ; D. McL. Miller, one share ; D. H. Rockwell, one share ; A. C.
Rockwell, one share ; J. Weltner, one share ; Louis F. Rowell, one share ; Cooledge Eastman,
one share; Samuel Buck, one share ; C. C. Palmer, three shares ; A. M. Bruce, one share ; J.
C. Hitchcock, one share ; D. McArthur, one share; Thomas Chandler, one share; E. W. Bar-
nard, one share. On April 17, 1867, a meeting was held, and the following officers elected
temporarily : President, D. W. Small; Secretary, J. C. Hitchcock; Treasurer, A. B. Hale;
Directors, Louis F. Rowell, C. C. Palmer, and Cooledge Eastman. The Directors and President
were authorized to make such assessments, from time to time, on the capital stock, as might be
necessary ; and on motion it was decided that shares should not, in the future, exceed $25.
Fourteen shares represented, constituted a quorum for transacting business.
A short time after this, D. H. Rockwell, D. McL. Miller, and C. H. Hartwell, Ezra
Wing and George A. Winton, were elected Vice Presidents, and it was decided that the Presi-
dent and Directors already elected should conduct the affairs of the association, until a meeting
of the Legislature, when they would obtain a special charter.
674
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
During the summer, the fair grounds were fitted up, and inclosed with a fence from seven
to eight feet high. The first annual fair of the association was held during the autumn of 1867.
At the first regular election of officers, D. W. Small was elected President, and continued to be
at each election ; J. A. Henshall, Vice President ; J. C. Hitchcock, Secretary ; A. B. Hall,
Treasurer ; J. A. Henshall, L. F. Rowell and G. A. Winton, Directors ; and J. A. Henshall,
L. F. Rowell, and D. W. Small, were appointed a committee to draft constitution and by-laws.
By report of the President, July 25, 1868, they were in debt $1,300, and a resolution was
adopted to levy an assessment on the shareholders and sell shares to pay this indebtedness.
As early as 1870, it was thought best that the association grounds should be platted and
sold to pay the debt on them, and the residue of the funds be employed to purchase cheaper and
more lands, as the grounds then in use were not sufficiently large.
During the spring of this year a sura of money was borrowed to pay the indebtedness of the
association. At a meeting of the stockholders, in December, 1871, a motion was made and car-
ried, that the grounds should be surveyed and platted, and sold to the highest bidder. The lots
were platted as directed, and sold to the highest bidder among the members of the association.
The sale came oif in July, 1875, and shares previously purchased applied on the purchase of
lots. The fence and other property was sold by Mr. Hall as agent.
The last record of an election or other meeting being held was in April, 1876. After the
division and sale of the property, the interest formerly sustained died out, and with it the society.
During the existence of the spciety, agriculture, stock-raising, and kindred matters received
an impetus which is illustrated by the fine farms and stock now to be found in this vicinity.
The benefits of such an organization cannot be too highly appreciated by any community.
While the society was in operation, fine stock exhibitions and races were of frequent occur-
rence, splendid annual fairs were given, and handsome prizes distributed ; now if the farmers, in-
ventors, or stock fanciers would exhibit their productions, they must seek some other place where
proper facilities for this purpose are furnished.
OLD settlers' clubs.
There is hardly a county in the State where old settlers' clubs could be more easily organ"
ized and maintained, and in which the age of their members would more fully entitle them to
the name. Unfortunately, however, the two societies, which had brief but pleasant and profit-
able existence in Waukesha County, are dead now, apparently past all resurrection. The papers
presented by the members of each are made use of elsewhere; that is, those which have not been
lost, or destroyed by fire.
Waukesha County Old Settlers' Club. — In December, 1870, several of the pioneers
of the county had an informal talk about the desirability of an old settlers' club. This resulted
in a call, which was circulated by various parties, until it assumed the following form and
dimensions :
The old settlers of Waukesha County are requested to meet at the " Exchange,'' in the village of Waukesha, on
Saturday, February 4, at 2 o'clock, for the purpose of making arrangements for an " Old Settlers' '' meeting. It is^
expected that this preliminary meeting will decide upon the programme for a large gathering.
F. Slawson,
l{obert Curnin,
,M. D. Cutler,
Isaac Smart,
Richard Smart,
Benj. Smart,
N. Walton,
A. C. Nickell,
Moses Tichenor,
Vernon Tichenor,
Orson Tichenor,
Elon Fuller,
.Joseph Fuller,
W. S. Hawkins,
Henry Bidwell,
J. L. Gaspar,
John Gaspar,
John Sperber,
Robert Crawford,
David Rea,
Robert Begg,
William Graves,
U. Gallagher,
E. W. King,
.James King,
R. Mercer,
.J. G. Gredler,
James Pinkman,
A. Donaldson,
H. Totten,
S. H. Barstow,
William Blair,
J. N. Woodworth,
Sebina Barney,
J. H. Kimball,
S. McCumber,
Silas Barber,
Manville Barber,
B. F. Chamberlain,
I. M. White,
George Lawrence,
W. S. Barnard,
Andrew Aitken,
C. Jackson,
Ira White,
J. C. Snover,
James Bias,
John Burnell,
P. D. Gifford,
Norman Shultis,
M. L. Sayles,
D. B. Sayles,
P. Bannon,
W. D. Bacon,
W. A. Nickell,
J. Stoltz,
H. Austerman,
F. R. Lyons,
I. Lain,
A. Blackwell,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
575
F. M. Putney,
0. Howie,
Francis Thompson,
Moses Bi'yant,
C. S. Hawley,
A. Cook,
G. A. Hine,
H. H. Hunkins,
James Hunkins,
Lucien Clark,
N. WMcher,
Josiali Moore,
Lyman Goodnow,
Zebulon Bidwell,
J. Y. Watson,
J. Q. Watson,
G. M. Barney,
C. T. Deissner,
H. J. Deissner,
J. Hadfield,
William Smith,
James Poole,
W. W. Worden,
J. W. Thomas,
A. J. Frame,
Henry Frame,
Elihu Higgins,
William Emslie,
James Begg,
P. McNaughton,
John Darling,
D. Cameron,
Aaron Putnam,
Hosea Judson,
E. Enos,
A. S. Putney,
M. Putney,
A. F. Pratt,
G. C. Pratt,
R. Dunlap,
James Davis,
W. H. Kendrick,
C. Nohl,
John Patterson,
James Murray,
C. f. Silvernale,
S. Silvernale,
N. Burroughs,
K. N. Kimball,
0. Z. Olin,
E. S. Purple,
G. Harter,
James Stewart,
William Stein,
J. S. Baldwin,
K. C. Robertson,
Amos Goff,
Martin Field,
William Rhodes,
E. S. Kellogg,
L. B. Noyes,
John Stockman,
H. Grimshaw,
Richard Jones,
Pitts Ellis,
John Remington,
A. Pender,
J. I. Rehberg,
W. K. Hesk,
S. Bennett,
S. Ware,
0. M. Hubbard,
W. N. Lannon,
Patrick Higgins,
J. T. Walklin,
Ed. Allen,
Thomas Limbe,
A. B. Clifton,
H. Colgrove,
B. Carmiohael,
John Graham,
A. M. Warner,
Joseph Cook,
William Harland,
I. M. White,
R. B. McCumber,
J. W. Williams,
Henry Davis,
A. A. Davis,
R. B. Hammond,
John Wagner,
W. D. Holbrook,
W. R. Williams,
D. W. Reed,
James Murphy,
John Murphy,
J. J. Murphy,
E. Gove,
R. L. Gove,
D. Creighton,
A. Cowan,
Amos Putnam,
L. Martin,
John McKenzie,
Peter McKenzie,
H. Gregg,
F. B. Ward,
Thomas Spence,
Kd. Porter,
T. D. Cook,
\V. A. \'andei'pool,
John Aitken,
A. Dingniann.
J. Austin Waite,
R. A. Waite,
John Waite,
Hosea Fuller,
Rial K.jlfe,
Janit's \\'eaver,
Thomas Weaver.
William Weaver,
W. P. King,
J. M. Gavitt,
T. C. Dousman,
Joseph Bond,
Sewall Andrews,
P. D. -Murray,
E. A. Church,
W. L. Wright,
M. Wright,
James Wright,
James Welch,
J. F. Peffer,
J. J. Punch,
Amos Smith,
William Toner,
John Blackburn,
William Sugdeu,
Thomas Sugden,
M. J. Bovee,
W. R. Bovee,
S. Moultou,
E. W. Jenkins,
Patrick Fox,
James Moore,
Patrick Cullerton,
P. H. Carney,
M. Deagan,
William Kelley,
John Magee,
Thomas S. Reese,
Peter Van Bureu,
C. Vanderpool,
Henry Hunkins,
A. C. Vanderpool,
George Whitmore,
George Howard,
H. Smith,
M. S. Hartwell,
C. S. Hartwell,
Dennis Hanna,
H. G. J. Palmer,
Hastings Hunkins,
Dr. J. fcmith,
J. P. Story,
S. W. Warner,
Emanuel Cook,
Thomas Cook.
The above call resulted in a meeting, of which the following is the official report :
At the meeting held at the Waukesha Exchange, on Saturday, the 4th inst. (February, 1871), pursuant to call
published in the last issue of the Plaindealer , Alexander Cook was called to the chair, and E. Enos chosen Secretary.
The Chairman stated the object of the meeting to be the making of the necessary arrangements for the organization,
of an association of the early settlers of Waukesha County, and fixing the time and place of the first meeting of the
association.
On motion of William McWhorter, the following-named gentlemen were appointed by the Chair a committee to
report apian for such organization, and to fix the time and place of the meeting as above stated; A. F. Pratt, Wau-
kesha; Elon Fuller, Pewaukee ; John Gale, Merton; James McDonough, Muskego ; R. C. Robertson, Vernon; J.
S. Nickell, Summit.
The committee reported, recommending that the first meeting of the Early Settlers Association be held in the
afternoon and evening of February 22, 1871, at Waukesha, and also recommended the appointment of the following
Committee of Arrangements for such meeting: A. F. Pratt, Henry Totten, A. Cook, William White and F. M. Putney,
to which the meeting added William A. Xickell, Manville Barber, William S. Barnard and E. Enos.
On motion, a committee consisting of A. Cook, Frank H. Putney and E. Enos were appointed to draft a con-
stitution for the association, to be presented for the consideration of the meeting, and also prepare a historical sketch
of early incidents of the settlement of Waukesha County.
A. Cook, Chairman.
E. Enos, Secretary.
According to the above recommendation, a very large and enjoyable meeting was held, in
Robinson's Hall, in the village of Waukesha. It is well described by the Secretary's official
report, which is as follows :
Robinson's Hall, February 22, 1871.
Meeting called to order ; Alexander Cook in the chair ; E. Enos, Secretary. The proceedings of the prelimi-
nary meeting was read. The report of Committee on Constitution and By-Laws was read, and after some discussion
576 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
was adopted. Enrollment of names was then begun by calling the towns. The Waukesha brass band then played
several tunes. Permanent officers were then elected, as follows ;
President — L. Martin, Vernon. Vice Presidents — A. P. Pratt, Waukesha ; E. Hurlbut, Oconomowoc ; J. C.
Molster, Merton ; .James Weaver, Lisbon ; William R Hesk, Menomonee ; John D. McDonald, Summit ; Stephen
Warren, Delafield; Elon Fuller, Pewaukee ; S. 6. M. Putney, Brookfleld; T. C. Dousman, Ottawa ; Thomas Sugden,
Genesee; William L. Parsons, New Berlin; A. R. Hinckley, Eagle; S. Andrews, Mukwonago ; L. Ellerson,
Muskego. Secretary — I. N. Stewart, Pewaukee. Treasurer — H. H. Hunklns, Waukesha. The President appointed
the following Executive Committee — L. Martin, Chairman; E. Enos, I. Lain, Sebina Barney, William Blair, W. A.
Nickell.
The Committee on Constitution reported the following, which was adopted :
Section 1. The name of this society shall be " The Old Settlers' Club of Waukesha County."
Sec. II. The objects of this club are to revive and foster sentiments of kindly feeling and good fellowship
among the old settlers of this county, and to gather and preserve incidents connected with its early history.
Sec. III. Any male inhabitant of this county, who shall have resided in the Territory or State of Wisconsin for
twenty years, may become a member of this club by subscribing lo this constitution, giving the date of his settlement,
and paying an initiation fee of 50 cents ; and each member shall have the privilege of recording the female mem-
bers of his family as honorary members of the club.
Sec. IV. The iirst class shall be composed of all those whose settlement dales prior to the year 1840, and shall
be known as " The Pioneers ; " the second class shall be composed of all those whose settlement dates between the
years 1S40 and 184.5 inclusive ; the third class shall be composed of all other members of the club.
Sec. V. This club shall meet once in each year at the county seat at such time as the Executive Committee
shall appoint.
Sue. VI. The officers of the club shall be a President, one Vice President for each of the towns in the county
except the one from which the President shall be chosen, a, Secretary, a Treasurer, and Executive Committee of such
number as the by-laws of the club may prescribe.
Sec. VII. The ofiicers of this club shall be chosen annually by the members at their regular meeting, and a
majority of all the votes cast shall be necessary to a choice.
Sec. VIII. This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the club by a two-thirds vote of the
members present.
The following by-laws Were also reported and adopted:
Sec. I. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the meetings of the club, and preserve order, and he
shall be px officio, the Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Seo. II. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to assist the President in the discharge of his duties, and in
his absence the Vice President having the oldest settlement shall act as President joro tern.
Sec. III. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the proceedings of the club, to file and
preserve all historical sketches and other papers presented to it, and keep a register of the members of the club and
their age, nationality and date of settlement ; his records, books and papers shall always be open to the inspection
of the members of the club.
Sec. IV. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all moneys paid into the club, to keep a true account
of the same, and to pay them out upon the order of the Pre-ident.
Sec V. The Executive Committee shall consist of five members, and it shall be their duty to Inake the necessary
provisions for the annual meeting of the club, and to hear, audit and allow claims.
Seo. VI. No subject of political or sectarian character shall be discussed before the club.
Sec VII. The annual dues of the members of the club shall be 25 cents.
Sec VIII. Every member of the club shall subscribe his name to the constitution and by-laws of the club, and
duly observe the same.
Seo. IX. Upon the death of any member of the class designated as " Pioneers." it shall be the duty of the
Secretary to notify the members of the club of the death of such member, and of the time and place of burial.
Fred W. Monteith then read a sketch of the early settlement of Muskego. After some discussion by the
" old 'uns" as to times, places, and men, he read a letter from Hon. J. D. McDonald, of Summit, giving this gentle-
man's early experience. The committees of Eagle and of Merton furnished summary histories of their respective
towns. A. E. Gilbert and Judge Field followed with an account each of his own town. New Berlin and Mukwonago.
Club then adjourned to supper, which was furnished at the Exchange and the American. In the evening, the hall was
well filled with old settlers, and a fair sprinkle of young settlers. All enjoyed themselved in the dance or social
chat as suited their fancy. I. N. Stewart, Secretary.
This club held three meetings — all pleasant and more or less profitable — but nothing has
been done toward reviving these annual gatherings during six or seven years, and it is feared never
will be.
Bark River Valley Old Settlers' Olub. — The old settlers of Hartland, Pewaukee, Mer-
ton, and vicinity, held a preliminary meeting at the Burr Oak House, at Hartland, February 3,
1870, having in view the permanent organization of an old settlers' club. There were seventy-
three persons present, and all had a very enjoyable time.
The second meeting was held on Thursday afternoon and evening, January 12, 1871, at the
same place, when 124 of the old settlers of Waukesha County put in an appearance, and became
\^
¥-P ''^T-^W^ "''
M U K WAN AGO.
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 579
members of the club. The meeting was called to order by Stephen Warren, Esq., President,
and the following resolutions adopted :
Resolved, That the male member of this club who is the oldest settler, shall be the President, until removed by
inability or death ; and that the male member of the club, who is the next oldest settler, shall be Vice President,
under the like conditions.
Resolved, That a Secretary be chosen for the current year.
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed, whose duty it shall be to determine when and where eaeh
anrual meeting of the club shall be held ; make the necessary provisions for attending funerals of members, and pro-
cure circulars, and see to their distribution ; collect statistics, and arrange any and all matters, for the information
and eiiifioation of the club ; such committee to act for the current year.
Resolved, That the members of the club be assessed for any amount necessary to defray the incidental expenses
for the current year.
The following persons were chosen officers of the club : Ralph B. Allen, President ;
Thomas Redford, Vice President for Lisbon ; Stephen Warren, Vice President for Delafield ;
C. G. Williams, Vice President for Waukesha ; W. C. Gates, Vice President for Pewaukee, and
F. S. Capron, Vice President for Oconomowoc ; Chauncy Simonds, Secretary, and Elisha Pearl,
Treasurer. On motion, it was decided to hold the next annual meeting at Hartland, the second
Thursday in January, 1872.
One who was present, and who seems to have been well fed, furnishes the following description
of the supper, which is always a prominent feature of all pioneer gatherings :
" At 7 o'clock, P. M., business was dropped, and all hands turned into the dining hall
of our friend, and prince of hotel-keepers, G. W. Nourse, whose genial disposition, gentlemanly
conduct and qualities eminently fit him for the position of landlord. But while the outside
arrangements were so admirably conducted, Mrs. Nourse presided with a queenly grace over
that more difficult and delicate department that is always counted first at a hotel, the satisfying
of the inner man. No one escapes her attention, and a welcoming recognition is sure to greet
all of her guests.
" The tables were loaded down with the substantials of life and all those delicacies and dain-
ties which melt upon the tongue and ravish the palate with delight. But oysters stewed, and
oysters fried, and oysters pickled, and oysters raw, were the favorite dishes. Until 10 o'clock
the caterer held sway, and well did he do his duty. Then the crowd assembled in the hall and
took up that order of business 4hat all were so much interested in, the relation of historical
incidents and reminiscences of pioneer life.
" Messrs. Thomas Redford, James Weaver, Ralph B. Allen, Rev. E. H. Chapin, Rev. N.
A. Spooner, M. L. Skinner and Chauncy Simonds addressed the club with such hearty good
will, eloquence, and relation of witty anecdote, that the audience were loath to break up the
meeting, even at the midnight hour. Several gentlemen presented written accounts of the
early settlement of the towns in which they Ijve, which were left with the Secretary for publica-
tion.
" The meeting was a complete success. The more of such gatherings we have, the better."
The second was also a successful meeting, as were one or two following ones ; but as the
novelty wore off this interest seemed to die out, and the Bark River Valley Old Settlers' Club is
now a thing of the past. Most unfortunate of all, however, was the destruction by fire of the
records of the club, at the burning of the depot at Hartland.
The following communication to this club, from the first Circuit Judge for the circuit of
which Waukesha County forms a part, will be interesting to pioneers everywhere :
MiiwAUKEE, Wis., January 20, 1872.
D H. Rockwell, Chairman :
Dear Sir : — Your proposed gathering carries me back through nearly twenty-eight years, to my first acquaint-
ance with Waukesha County forests, which then covered many a field that has long since yielded to the plow; and
faces were then youthful and forms erect that now bend under a snowy covering. All is changed. It would require
a book to record all the instances of courage, enterprise, perseverance, and privation which have brought about
these changes. One of the greatest diSBculties, perhaps the greatest met with in those pioneer days, was the want
of good roads. The roads to Milwaukee, your chief market, were not only unimproved, but some seasons, nearly im-
passable Who does not remember being "stuck in the mud" in the Milwaukee woods? It cost nearly all a load of
wheat would sell for to drag it through from Oconomowoc to the lake. But during the year 1848, the plank-road
580 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
(thanks to its enterprising builders) was opened, to the great benefit of both city and county. Not only Waukesha,
but Bodge, Jefferson and Dane Counties shared largely in this improvement, and the prices of lands and produce
rose together.
In the grand march of improTement, railroads soon followed. Waukesha could have got along without them,
but the rest of the State could not. We all well know what they have done to benefit the whole country. Give
them their due ; they are the offspring of civilization. But while they have monopolized the business of carrying
passengers and freight they must be guarded and watched ; though useful as servants they may be bad masters, and
must be made to feel and know that there is but one sovereign, the people. Looking back at many changes and im-
provements which twenty-eight years have effected, I am filled with pride and admiration. So rapid has been the
growth of the country far and wide, that we scarcely ^realize the advancement that has been going on under our own
eyes. I remember, when I was a boy, in Saratoga Co., N. Y. , one man, who was said to be worth five or six thou-
sand dollars, was looked up to as the richest farmer in the town. Probably twenty-eight years ago there was not a
farmer in Waukesha County who was worth as much over and above his debts. Now we count farmers by the score,
and hundreds, in every town, who are worth from five to fifty thousand dollars. If property confers bliss, your peo-
ple ought to be very happy. The old settlers of Waukesha County did not bring to their new homes a miser's spirit,
but they did bring prudence, pluck, good sense and strong arms, and they made good use of them. They know and
appreciate the uses of wealth ; they have provided their ferms with all the best agricultural implements furnished
by modern invention, and they have surrounded their homes and filled their houses with comforts and luxuries ; they
have erected factories, schoolhouses and churches, and have connected their material prosperity with intellectual
culture and a wholesome moral and religious sentiment. Such is the scene which will present itself to the old set-
tlers when they come together to exchange greetings and renew their friendship on Tuesday next. Well may they
look back with pride and satisfaction at the work of their own hands, while they thank God for His manifold bless-
ings upon them and our common country.
May they live long to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Please offer the following sentiment in my behalf: The old settlers of Oconomowoc, Summit, and vicinity — they
have made their heritage what it is, let their successors better it if they can.
Very respectfully yours, Levi Hubebll.
PREMIUM FARM.
During the year 1860, premiums were offered by the State Agricultural Society for the
three best farms in the State, and a committee was appointed to travel through the country and
visit the farms of the different applicants, to decide on their merits and report on the condition
of the country generally. During that year, the year before the " late unpleasantness," it will
be remembered by farmers that grain crops were never better throughout the State ; so the report
of the Commissioners was a glowing one. They placed the yield at twenty-five bushels per acre
on the average. This created a great amount of criticism throughout the Eastern States, and
finally Ohio sent a person to see if the report was not exaggerated. Contrary to their expecta-
tions, he said the crops were underestimated.
Among the applications was one from Mr. Edgerton, who then owned the tract now known
as the Van Brunt farm, in Summit, and who entered it in 1837. When the Commissioners
came on they found the buildings comparatively nothing to what they now are, there being only
a rambling one-story house, such as farmers sometimes build by piecing on to the first old log
house in every direction, until nothing is to be seen of the original structure but the chimney
(and maybe not that) and the interior. Of outbuildings, there was a carriage-house, built in a
substantial manner, of stone, the upper part being dedicated as a chapel, to gratify the wishes
of Mrs. Edgerton. This was the only chapel in the neighborhood until the little Church of St.
Maria was erected, a short distance east of the house, on land which belonged to the farm.
Beside the carriage-house, there was a large pantry, with cellars for milk, a cheese-room, smoke-
house, ashery, etc. There were three stone buildings, gothic in style, fronting toward the south,
and connected by wooden structures. These buildings were the only ones on the farm worth
mentioning. But the farm itself was, as it now is, almost perfect. To attempt to describe it
as it then appeared would be impracticable, as it has since been largely improved in every par-
ticular, by the expenditure of about $25,000 by Mr. Van Brunt, who came into possession of
the property in 1873. The farm is one mile long and half as wide, and is intersected by but
one public road, which runs through it from east to west, leaving one-third on the south side,
and the remaining two-thirds on the north side, on which are erected the splendid family man-
sion and capacious outbuildings. Directly back from these buildings, a lane runs north, divid-
ing this part of the farm in the center, by which the fields, twenty acres in area each, are reached
on either side, in a most convenient manner. This part of the farm is devoted principally to
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 581
raising grain and grasses. About sixty acres of the southern third of the farm, on the west,
are covered by a fine forest, besides seven acres in the northwest corner. The remainder of this
portion is divided into fields and used principally for pasturage. The farm is splendidly watered
by Bark River, which starts in on the eastern central side and runs southwesterly almost across
it, having a gravel bottom. To get anything like a fair idea of the real beauty and complete
natural, as well as artificial, arrangement of the place, one must go up into the cupola of the
house. From this point a fine view is obtained of this superb farm and the magnificent country
around, than which nothing better or more beautiful can be found anywhere. The surface soil
is a rich loam and limestone marl, mixed with a very little sand and gravel, which
has a heavy clay subsoil, and is therefore well adapted to various agricultural purposes.
The surface is not quite level, but just about right in wave and swell to drain nicely ; and
when covered with a luxurious growth of crops, dotted here and there by clumps of green trees,
presents as rich and attractive a picture as can be desired. In 1874, Mr. Van Brunt began hi&
improvement in building by erecting a horse barn, the front built of stone, being 40x48 feet,
two stories high, the north rear attachment to the above being a frame building 36x120 feet,
two stories, making this building 160 feet long. The interior front is divided into a carriage
room and ofiSce, and two box stalls sixteen feet square. The rear has a long passage-way through to
the center, and the sides are divided into box stalls from twelve to sixteen feet square, and all are
ceiled and finished in the most approved manner. When this stable was built, Mr. Van Brunt
expected to engage extensively in raising blooded horses, but finding that it does not pay, the
stalls are to be converted into sheep pens. This barn is connected with the ashery and other
buildings, before mentioned, by a long poultry house and apartments for broodmares and sheep,
making the whole southern front from outside corner of chapel to outside corner of carriage and
horse barn, 250 feet in length. Connected with the chapel, and running back south, is an ice
house and wagon and machinery sheds, 16x110 feet ; then directly south of this, and running east
and west, is a building containing granary, corn-crib, room for boiling feed, and a hog pen.
The granary is 20x30 feet, two stories high, the outside walls being lined with brick. The-
corn-crib is 18x48 feet ; the room for boiling feed is 18x24 feet ; the hog pen 18x48 feet,
making a building 150 feet long. Besides these various buildings, there is also a cattle barn
46x48 feet, two stories high, with basement. It is estimated by the proprietor that there are
ample accommodations for forty horses, fifty cattle, fifty hogs and five hundred sheep. It may be
added that these various buildings are completely finished throughout and painted. Thedwelling-
house, which is approached from the south by graveled drive-ways, is built of Milwaukee brick,
and gotten up throughout in a very elaborate manner. Mr. James Douglass, architect, planned,
in this case, a model country residence, with a handsome exterior and convenient interior.
About fifty or sixty yards southeast of the house, under a clump of fine trees, is a magnificent
spring, the Ajalon, which supplies the house with water. This spring is ten or twelve feet in
diameter, has a wonderful flow, and is extremely cold and very pure and healthful. A short dis-
tance farther south, on the bank of Bark River, are two more springs bursting out of the ground
within a few feet of each other, one being clear and pure, the other an iron mineral spring — such
are nature's freaks. The flow from these springs is also very liberal. The analysis of the
Ajalon Spring, by G. Bode, of Milwaukee, is as follows :
Total quantity of solid substances 27.336 grains.
Chloride of sodium 0.2398
Sulphate of soda 0.4738
Bicarbonate of soda 1.1992
Bicarbonate of lime 14.6484
Bicarbonate of magnesia 9.1552grains.
Bicarbonate of iron 0.0877
Alumina 0.1462
Silica 0.9360
Organic matter 0.4504
This farm, situated on the east half of Section 34, town of Summit, was awarded the pre-
mium by the Commissioners first mentioned.
POPULATION OF THE COUNTY AT DIFFERENT PERIODS.
In comparing the population of Waukesha with other counties, it should be borne in mind
that she has no large cities or centers of population, and only two places that really ar6 entitled
to consideration in computing the population of towns. And also, that she has but sixteen
682
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
towns and a very large area of water. With these facts taken into consideration, the growth
of her population has been steady, and' as rapid as a healthy growth can be. In 1834, the county
contained three persons, Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler and Henry Luther. In 1835, it was
about fifteen, though whether more or less, it is difficult to determine, as several persons came
for the summer and returned to the East during the winter. The census of 1838 may be found
elsewhere ; that of 1840 shows the following numbers : Genesee, 238 ; Lisbon, 116 ; Menomonee,
59 ; Mukwonago, 172 ; Muskego, 130 ; New Berlin, 199 ; Pewaukee, 222 ; Prairieville, 450 ;
Summit, 335 ; Vernon, 187 ; total, "2,108. This represents an influx of over 2,000 persons
in less than five years, for there was not a single white person spent the winter of 1834-35 in
Waukesha County, and the census of 1840 was taken early in the year. The amount of in-
crease was therefore about 500 per year.
June 1, 1846, a census report was made as follows :
Males. FemaleB. Total.
Prairieville 874 790 1,664
Vernon 346 293 639
Muskego 463 404 867
New Berlin 485 443 928
Broolsfield , 500 480 980
Lisbon 459 380 839
Menomonee 466 436 902
Merton 399 345 744
Pewaukee ' 563 455 1,018
Delafield : 376 314 690
Genesee 512 397 909
Mukwonago 464 377 841
Eagle 384 308 692
Ottawa 251 232 483
Summit 420 371 791
Oconomowoc 418 306 724
Total 7,380 6,331 13,733
The county contained 24 colored persons — 14 in Prairieville, 7 in Brookfield and 3 in
Lisbon. The greatest dfscrepancy between the male and female population was in Genesee,
where there were 115 more males than females ; and the least in Brookfield, where there were
only 20 more men than women.
The United States census of 1850, showed that Waukesha County contained 19,258, of
whom 75 adults could not read or write. Sixty-eight of those who were unable to read and
write were foreigners; the balance were born in America. The report, more in detail, is as fol-
lows:
Male.
Female.
Total.
Colored.
Total.
Brookfield
1,115
606
440
704
555
696
529
580
594
665
657
415
.'i89
481
468
1,202
808
528
374
584
481
644
437
514
517
628
557
378
517
443
421
1,086
1,923
1,134
814
1,288
1,036
1,340
966
1,094
1,111
1,293
1,214
793
1,106
924
889
2,288
15
1,938
Delafield
1,134
816
Eagle
2
1
Genesee
1,289
1,036
1,.S40
966
Lisbon L
Merton ;
1,094
1,111
1,293
1,216
793
Muskego
2
Ottawa
1,106
Summit
924
Vernon
889
25
2,313
Total
10,296
8,917
19,213
45
19,258
HISTOKY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
583
tions ;
In 1855, the population of the county was 24,012 ; in 1860, 26,831, and in 1865, 27,029.
The following table shows the population by towns, as returned at the last three enumera-
1870.
18T5.
1880.
Gain in
5 years.
LnBS in
5 years.
Brookfield
2,281
1,364
1,256
1,462
1,384
2,350
1,612
1,261
1,409
1,809
923
1,623
1,408
1,818
1,358
1,180
1,244
2,6.S3
2,228
1,509
1,224
1,376
1,421
2,348
1,522
1,135
1,450
1,707
893
1,474
2,121
2,080
1,159
1,247
1,735
2,807
2,104
1,45-')
1,158
1,366
1,453
2,248
1,578
1,084
1,423
1,620
838
1,3.35
2,174
2,193
1,138
1,175
1,644
2,978
124
Delafield
54
Eagle
66
10
Lisbon ■.
32
56
Menomonee
100
51
Muskego
27
New Berlin ... ., .
87
Ottawa
55
139
Oconomowoc City
S3
113
Summit
21
Vernon
72
Waukesha
91
Waukesha Village
171
28,274
29,436
28,964
425
897
Thus, the total loss in the county during the last five years is the difference between 425,
(the gains in towns of Lisbon, Merton, Pewaukee, village of Waukesha and city of Oconomowoc),
and 897, the losses in the balance of the towns, which is 472. This loss is owing to the emi-
gration of the younger portion of the population to the cities, and the unoccupied lands of the
West. When, however, the West is more generally filled, the increase in population will go on
again in Waukesha County.
SOME OF WAUKESHA COUNTY'S DISTINGUISHED DEAD.
Hardly a county in Wisconsin has a longer list of men distinguished in politics, war, the
State and the nation, than Waukesha. The list is not here complete ; but as many sketches as
the friends of the dead would furnish are inserted. The chapter is somewhat lengthy, but it
will be both valuable and interesting. Any history is necessarily a narration of the achievements
of men; for without men this book could not have been made, and Waukesha County would still
have been a wilderness.
Jacob Linsley Bean.
Jacob L. Bean was born in Williston, Vt., March 17, 1809. His childhood and
youth, up to his sixteenth year, were spent in his native place. He was descended from a
Scottish family bearing the name of McBean, the prefix to the name having been dropped by
the branch of the family that came to America. He had the misfortune, while yet a child, to
lose his father, an estimable man, respected and beloved in the community in which he lived,
and was left to his own guidance and thrown upon his own resources. After completing an
elementary education in the public school, he entered a mercantile house as a clerk. A short
experience in this capacity, however, was all that he required. He soon became an expert in
business methods, and ambitious to establish for himself an independent career. His first ven-
ture as a business man was as a manufacturer of iron, in Clinton County, N. Y., being at the
same time extensively interested in the lumber traflSc. It was quite apparent from the first that
he was destined to succeed, as he soon developed in his character and methods all of the elements
of success. Untiring industry and an energy both of mind and body, seldom equaled, marked
him as an exceptionally superior man of affairs. He brushed away obstacles that would have
584 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNT\.
appalled other men, and, once having undertaken an enterprise, he knew no such word as fail.
The great West offering, as it did, a boundless field for enterprise and pluck, lured him hither-
ward. After disposing of his business interests in the State of New York, he came with his
family to Milwaukee, in the spring of 1840, and became at once engaged in business as a
merchant, and in various enterprises in the direction of laying the foundation for that beautiful
city. Among them was the building of a large hotel known as the "American House." This
commodious structure will be well and pleasantly remembered by all early settlers. It was
burned in 1860, and superseded by the present " Plankinton House." Mr. Bean was prominent
among that small band of sagacious and enterprising citizens of the State who first undertook
the construction of a railway leading from Milwaukee westward ; and in connection with Byron
Kilbourn, E. D. Holton and other pioneers, distinguished for their zeal and ability in developing
the resources of this State, he was largely instrumental in setting on foot that great enterprise
Tvhich resulted in the construction of a railway two hundred miles in length, from Milwaukee to
Prairie du Chien on the Mississippi River. Subsequently, he was even more intimately connected
■witli the project of building the Milwaukee & La Crosse Railway. He was the first President
of the company, and in that capacity, with marked ability and business tact, directed its affairs
until the road was completed to the station known as Iron Ridge. The great deposit of
iron ore in that locality attracted his attention, and surrendering the control of the railroad
aehome into other hands, he purchased a large interest in this mine, and for a second time in
his business career became engaged in the manufacture of iron. Here again he was successful,
and in a short time established a flourishing and prosperous business. It was while thus engaged
that his life was brought to a sudden close. He had been absent from home, and returning on
the 5th of May, 1855, he complained of a severe pain in his head. This soon developed into
congestion of the brain, and on the 8th day of the same month, and in the forty-sixth year of his
age, he died. His untimely death was not alone an irreparable loss to his family — it was a loss as
well to the community and State in which he lived, for he had been in a most conspicuous way a
public-spirited man — helpful, zealous and capable. He was the father of a large family, and in
his own home v/^as a light and a blessing. To the world, he was justly known as a man of high
character, of kindly impufses and of good deeds.
Pitts Ellis.
Among the noted ofiicials of Waukesha County, was Pitts Ellis, a native of Genesee County,
N. Y., born February 29, 1808. He was educated and spent his early life in Cayuga County,
N. Y. ; was married in Cattaraugus County, in that State, to Lucia M. Balcom, a native of
Ontario County. In 1841, Mr. Ellis settled at North Prairie, in this county, where he began
farming that year. In 1843, he built the first frame house in Genesee Village, and engaged in
the shoemaking business, in which he continued for a number of years. Mr. Ellis was a
stanch and steadfast Democrat ; was the first Justice of the Peace in Genesee ; was Register of
Deeds two years during the war, and has held various town oflices. He was a member of the
Territorial Legislature in 1844 ; a member of the First Constitutional Convention and of the
Legislature of 1850. While a resident of Genesee, he relinquished shoemaking and devoted his
attention to farming and speculating in grain, associating with Tredway & Barker, well known
merchants of that village. Mr. Ellis also operated as speculator in Milwaukee, for four or five
years, in which business he lost every dollar of his property. The last few years of his event-
ful life were spent in Genesee, where he died February 1, 1875. The frame house built by
Mr. Ellis is still standing, and is occupied by the Lee family. Mrs. Ellis, a well-preserved and
intelligent lady of sixty-six gave the above facts, and is prouder of nothing done by her husband
than that he cast his vote for Horace Greeley in 1872. Whatever his faults, Pitts Ellis had
the name of being an honorable man, and was respected most by those who had known him best
and longest.
DENNISON WorwTHINGTON
Few men have a greater claim to a distinguished position among the illustrious dead
of Waukesha County than Dennison Worthington, though he gave but a comparatively
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 585
small portion of his life to the public, and never obtained, or sought to obtain, many
of the higher positions of honor and trust which were within his reach. In the absence of bet-
ter and more specific data as to his life and career, extracts from several newspapers, printed
where he was well known, will here be presented and preserved in his honor. The following is
from the Madison (Wis.) State Journal of April 24, 1880 :
" The telegraph brings the sad and unlooked-for tidings of the death of Hon. Dennison
Worthington. He died suddenly, at the home of his son, William C. Worthington, in Denver,
Colo., Friday, April 23, 1880."
Mr. Worthington was born in Connecticut, but lived in Albany, N. Y., after he had grown
to man's estate, for many years, and was a highly esteemed citizen of that place ; he was the
second President of the Albany Young Men's Association, and served as a member of the Com-
mon Council some years. In 1847, he removed to Wisconsin, and bought a farm near Summit,
Waukesha County. He was a member of the Assembly in 1852 and 1854, and a Senator from
1855 until 1861, taking part in the investigation of the La Crosse Land Grant scandal, as
Chairman of the Investigating Committee. In 1861, he was elected Secretary of the Madison
Mutual Insurance Company, and filled that position until 1874, when he was compelled to
resign on account of poor health. Since that time his home has been in Chicago, but latterly
he has been making trips to the West in pursuit of health, and has been living in Denver for
some time.
" The deceased was a brother-in-law of Hon. Andrew Proudfit, of Madison City. He was
an active and consistent member of the Episcopal Church, and while in that city was an earn-
est communicant of Grace Church.
" Mr. Worthington was about seventy-four years of age at the time of his death. He was so
well and so generally known, not only in Madison but throughout the State, that there is no need to
recount his many virtues, or do more than state the fact of his decease. The bare mention will
recall in many a heart the memory of his venerable appearance, of his gentle voice, of his win-
ning, genial address. He was one of nature's noblemen, and all his natural gifts were height-
ened and sanctified by Christian principle and a holy life. The world is better, not only for
the life-work, but, for the memory of such a man, and many a soul to-day is nearer Heaven
because of his example and influence. His removal from Madison and from the parish of Grace
Church, of which he had been for fourteen years the Senior Warden, left a blank that has never
been filled and never can be ; but the thought of what he would have said and would have coun-
seled, had he been here, has been of greater influence than any of us can express. Of him we
can one and all say, in the Spirit's words : ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from
henceforth, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.' "
The following appeared in the Oconomowoc Free Press of May 1, 1880 :
" Sorrowing relatives and sincere friends will alike mourn, with heartfelt grief, the death of
the Hon. Dennison Worthington, who, it is learned from private advices, died at Denver, Colo., on
Friday, April 23, in the seventy -fourth year of his age. Mr. Worthington was at one time a promi-
nent character in legislative, political and commercial circles in Wisconsin, and was for many
years a resident of Madison. He was one of the first settlers of Summit, this county, and owned
the farm now owned by J. M. Putney, at Genesee Lake. In 1852, he was elected a member of
the Legislature, and again in 1854. He was elected a member of the Senate in 1858-59 and
1860-61. In 1862, he removed to Madison, and took the position of Secretary of the Madison
Mutual Insurance Company, and it was during his connection with this company that the brightest
years of its existence are recorded. Some five or six years ago, he established his home in
Chicago, and, surrounded by children, continued his residence there until in the summer of 1879
when, with his unmarried daughter, he removed to Denver. Since locating there, he enjoyed
excellent health, and, despite his great age, his death had not been foreshadowed to his relatives
and friends in Chicago and throughout the Northwest, and the announcement of his demise
came with all the force of a surprise. Throughout his-life, Mr. Worthington gained the esteem
586 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
of men of every grade, and nowhere in the world had he any enemies. His personal popularity
rested upon a respect that was richly deserved, and a good will that was justly his due. He
was an upright man in the truest and strongest sense of the word.
" His remains were forwarded from Denver to Chicago ; thence to this city, where they
arrived at 2 o'clock, Friday morning, whence they were conveyed to Nashotah, where the
funeral services were held.at 12 o'clock, and were conducted by Bishop Welles, assisted by resident
and visiting clergy. Interment in Summit Cemetery."
The following is an extract from an article which appeared in the Waukesha Freeman in
May, 1880 :
" Mr. Worthington was a legislator of more than usual ability, but his chief claim to dis-
tinction here is the fact that he was
— ' Faithful found
Among the faithless — faithful only he,' —
in the midst of that amazing curruption in the year 1856, when substantially the whole State govern-
' ment, including the Legislature as well as the departments, and also including the editors of many
of the principal newspapers then published, were bribed with La Crosse Railroad bonds to author-
ize the issue of those swindling securities. Dennison Worthington was one of the few mem-
bers of the Senate who escaped unsmirched in the investigation that followed a year or two
after. That Waukesha County sent one of the few honest men in that memorable Legisla-
ture is pleasant for us to contemplate when we remember the affair at all, and this pleasure is
wholly owing to Senator Worthington. Such virtue should not be allowed to sink into oblivion
in a quarter of a century, but we doubt whether more than a very small percentage of our
readers would recollect, without this or some similar reminder of the fact, the claim which the
late Senator had upon our gratitude. In 1861, Mr. Worthington left his humble residence in
the town of Summit to become Secretary of the Madison Insurance Company, and occupied
that position until 1874, when he resigned, on account of the weight of years, and removed to
Chicago. He was a studious, thoughtful man, of more than ordinary intellectual powers, and
an intimate knowledge of English literature, the old writers being his favorites, and furnishing
him a vast fund of anecdote and quotation."
.Matthias J. Bovee. ,
Matthias J. Bovee was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y., on the 24th day of
July, 1793. His father dying when Matthias was but fourteen years of age, and being the
eldest son, the care of a widowed mother and the younger children devolved upon him. He
taught school during the winter seasons, and was employed on a farm during the summer
months. At the age of twenty-two, he became a merchant, and, many years, and until a short
time before his removal West, he was engaged in that occupation. In 1825, he was elected a
member of the Assembly of New York, having previously represented his town for a number
of times in the County Board of which he was several times Chairman. Mr. Bovee voted for the
first railroad charter in the United States (1826) authorizing the construction of the Albany &
Schenectady road. In 1834, Mr. Bovee was elected to Congress from the district composed of
the counties of Montogmery, Fulton and Hamilton. He was elected as a Jackson Democrat,
and represented his district two years in Congress. In 1843, Mr. Bovee, with his family, con-
sisting of his wife, nine children, mother and other relatives, moved to Wisconsin, going around
the lakes and landing in Milwaukee on the 8th day of June of that year. He resided in that
city for two months, when he moved to the town of Eagle, where he resided until the time of his
death, which occurred on the 12th day of September, 1872, being then in his eightieth year. In
politics, Mr. Bovee was a Democrat ; in religion, a Universalist. His funeral occurred on the
15th of September, 1872, the ceremonies being in charge of the Masons, to which society he
had belonged for over fifty years, and of which he was a Royal Arch member.
Eev. John Adams Savage.
John A. Savage, for many years President of Carroll College, was born on the 9th of
October, 1800, in Salem, Washington Co., N. Y. He was the son of Abraham and Mary
HISTORY OF WAUIvESHA COUNTY. 587
Savage, substantial farmers in that county. His early life was passed in the discipline of farm
duties. His literary tastes were soon noticed and encouraged. He fitted for college in Salem
Academy, in his native town, and graduated in the classical course from Union College,
Schenectady, N. Y., in 1820. While teaching before entering college, he also pursued theological
studies ; he completed his course under the tuition of the well-known Rev. Dr. Maxwell, of Delhi,
N. Y. He was licensed to preach in May, 1825, and, after having supplied several destitute
churches by appointment of the Presbytery, he was settled over his first charge, and was or-
dained at Fort Covington, Franklin Co., N. Y., in 1827, and served that people five years. He
was even in early life a successful educator. Prior to 1824, he was several years acceptable Princi-
pal of Delaware Academy, at Delhi, N. Y. When at Covington five denominations worshiped in
the church of which he was Pastor. He finished a room over his woodshed for a schoolroom,
and gathered a little band of tuition pupils. One of them was a young man named Silver, in
whose mind he aroused an ambition for the highest culture, and whose soul was awakened to a
higher life. When Dr. Savage came to Waukesha, twenty-five years afterward, he found
the said Silver as Pastor of the Baptist Church in this village. Verily he saw the fruit of his labors
and was satisfied. He was married, April 21, 1828, to Miss Eliza Turner, of his native place.
They had six children — Mary E., John A., Eliza T., Harriet F., dead; Edward, born in 1840,
now a minister in Minnesota; William T., born in 1844, and now living in Waukesha. After
leaving Covington, he served twenty years as Pastor of a large church at Ogdensburg, N. Y.
In 1850, he resigned his pastorate to take the presidency of Carroll College, which then existed
only on paper. A preparatory school had been previously established in the basement of the
Presbyterian Church, and it was the nucleus of the proposed college. For some years, his
duties were chiefly those of organizer and financial agent. Carroll College had been chartered
by the Territorial Legislature in January, 1846, but until the advent of Dr. Savage, in
1850, nothing had been accomplished toward its organization, more than merely to secure the
perpetuity of its charter privileges. By his tireless efforts, and the co-operation of Christian
liberal men, a neat, commodious stone edifice, adapted to all the purposes of instruction, was
completed in 1854 ; and in 1855 the college was equipped with a competent faculty and began
its educational work under the presidency of Dr. Savage. On the 15th of July, 1857, was
held the first commencement of Carroll College. The feith, skill and genius of Dr. Savage
were rewarded by seeing a class of six able young men go forth to be and do what would have
been impossible had they not borne the wise and loving impress of his inspiring soul. The col-
lege never received the financial support expected ; yet the Doctor struggled on, teaching, preach-
ing, and bearing the heavy burdens of the young enterprise. His health was impaired by
oppressive labor and the lack of oiBcial support. Full collegiate work was not done after 1860.
Dr. Savage died at his home in Waukesha, corner of East Division street and College ave-
nue, December 13, 1864. He was an educator both from choice and special adaptation. Earnest,
positive, tireless and magnetic, for him to live and move among men was to teach. Truths sec-
ular and sacred were enforced by the strong truth of his character. Wise and loved in the
schoolroom, logical and persuasive in the pulpit, affable and reliable, his was a well-balanced
character and a well-rounded life.
Rev. Robert Boyd, D. D.
Outside of the particular denomination to which he belonged, and of which he was always
conceded a leader. Robert Boyd was not as widely known, perhaps, as would have been any
politician with one-half his ability and energy ; but the fruits of his labors will never die nor
disappear — the example of his tireless energy will be one of influence for years to come. He
wrought himself into the grave for the good of others, which is the fulfillment of the highest
destiny vouchsafed to man on earth. Although not one-half of his life was spent in Waukesha
County, the fruits of his mind and genius ripened here, and he is claimed as a distinguished rep-
resentative of the noble dead of this community.
Robert Boyd was born in Girvan, Ayrshire, Scotland, on August 24, 1816. His parents
were highly esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church. Their anxious desire was that he
588 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
might become a minister of the Gospel. The surroundings of his early home were highly favor-
able to the development of his imaginative faculties, and a just appreciation of the grand and the
sublime. There, on the one hand, were the heath-clad hills towering rock-ribbed up to the
clouds, and on the other, the sea stretching far away toward the setting sun. The arrange-
ments of the home were no less favorable to the early development of his religious nature. It
doubtless was such an one as the poet Burns so happily describes in his " Cotter's Saturday
Night, " where
" The priest-like father reads the sacred page. "
When about twelve years of age, his parents moved with him to Glasgow, where he enjoy-
ed its superior educational advantages. Between the years of fifteen and sixteen he was con-
verted to Christ. Impressions that he ought to preach now ripened into strong convictions,
and immediately he began lecturing and preaching extensively in the north of Scotland and in
the north of Ireland ; speaking to large assemblies in the open air on week days, and, as he had
opportunity, in churches and Sunday schools on the Lord's Day ; becoming widely known as
the " boy preacher. "
While visiting at the house of a Presbyterian Elder whose daughter had become a Baptist,
he was requested to convince her of the error of her course. In the investigation for this pur-
pose, he was himself converted to Baptist views, and subsequently she became his wife.
In 1843, Mr. Boyd's health failing him, became to America, and settled first in Brockville,
and subsequently in London, Canada, prosecuting in both places his labors in the pastorate with
great zeal and efficiency.
Again, his health failing him, with a view to relief, he accepted the pastorate of the church
in Hamilton. In about five months, he was obliged to resign and seek absolute rest. For this
purpose he came in 1845 to Waterville, Wis.
In about a year, his health was so far restored, that he accepted the call of the church at
Waukesha. In 1855, a movement was set on foot by some of the members of the First Baptist
Church of Chicago, which resulted in the calling of Mr. Boyd to that city, and the organization
of the Edina Place Baptist Church, now the Michigan Avenue Church. Of his labors here, let
one who then enjoyed his pastoral care, and was intimately associated with him, speak : "As
we look back upon it, this ministry of eight years, in the Edina Place and Wabash Avenue pul-
pit, seems to us to be a truly wonderful one. The theme was always Christ, yet varied by a
remarkable richness of illustration, and so treated as to gather about it the whole doctrinal sys-
tem of the Christian faith. It could not fail to be evident, even to a casual hearer, that preach-
ing was his delight. It was a shining face, bright with the radiance of near communion with
God, which he invariably brought to the pulpit. His doctrine was clear, the enforcement elo-
quent, his appeals touching and persuasive. As a Pastor, he was a sympathizing brother and
friend, a wise leader, everywhere the soul of cheerfulness and inspiration."
In 1863, he returned to Waukesha. About this time ShurtleflF College conferred upon him
the degree of D. D. The church in Waukesha, without a Pastor and in a low spiritual condition,
called him again to be their Pastor. Although paralyzed in his lower limbs so that he had to
be carried to the pulpit in his chair and preach sitting, his grasp for truth was as profound, and
his presentation of it as vigorous and interesting, as ever. For four years, with great blessing
to the church and the entire community, he was enabled to carry on this precious work.
In 1867, from the eflfects of holding an out-door service in Pewaukee, he was confined to
his house, which he never afterward left, until he went to be with Jesus. He resigned his
pastorate, but it never was accepted by the church. Sometimes, when the state of his health
would permit, he would preach through the open window to the people assembled in his front
yard. A portion of the time he wrote for the columns of the Standard. Most of his time was
spent in the preparation of works for the press, one of his daughters frequently acting as his
amanuensis. The fruits of these years of patient toil, amid great suffering, he has given to the
world in his books : " Glad Tidings, " "N"one but Christ, " " Grace and Truth, " " Good Shep-
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 589
herd," "The World's Hope, " " Wee Willie, " "My Inquiry Meeting," "Lecture to Young
Converts, " "Words of Comfort to the Afflicted, " and an autobiography in manuscript.
Little wonder that his pastoral relations with the several churches he served was of the
most afiFectionate nature ! His name is a household word with them, and his memory, which
lingers in many hearts, is fragrant with the savor of the Redeemer he loved and served. Fidelity
to the truth as it 'is in Jesus, and holy fervor in its presentation ; clearness of thought, felicity
of language, and richness of illustration combined, were his distinguishing characteristics as a
minister. The uplifting the Cross, the honor and exaltation of Christ, were the key-note and
grand charms of all his preaching.
Robert Boyd died peacefully at his home in the village of Waukesha, August 1, 1879,
aged sixty-three. He had had nine daughters, five of whom are living. He lived long enough
to see several of his works translated into diiFeent European and Asiastic languages — an honor
accorded to but comparatively few American authors.*
Sebina Baeney.
Sebina Barnay, farmer, was born July 22, 1802, in Vermont ; was the son of John and
Sally Grove Barney, prominent farmers of the " Green Mountain State." When he was a
small boy, his parents moved to Adams, Jefferson Co., N. Y. In Adams Village he learned the
trade of blacksmithing, and carried on the business fifteen years. On the 2d of February, 1824
he was married to Miss Polly Mandeville, who was born January 1, 1802. In 1827, he was
accidentally shot in the shoulder by careless boys who were shooting at a mark ; this affected his
health through subsequent life. In 1836, he made a prospecting tour of seven months in
Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, purchasing land in each State. In July, 1837, he came West
with his family and located on what is known as the "White farm." This large farm was
sold in 1854 and he bought a home in the northeast part of the town. In 1855, he became
connected with the Waukesha County Bank at its organization and was one of its officers until
his death, being for many years its Vice President. After 1861, he resided within the village
limits. He was, before the war. Postmaster of Waukesha. He was for many terms a member
of the Board of Education, and also Supervisor, and was well known as a " city father." He
owned considerable real estate in the village and town of Waukesha. He was for many years
a believer in Spiritualism, but during the last year of his life many noticed a gradual change in
his sentiments. He died May 30, 1879. He had but one son, George M., born in 1825, who
is married and lives on a farm in Waukesha. Mr. Barney was a Freemason. He was a suc-
cessful farmer and prosperous business man in Waukesha Village and town for inWj forty-two
years. He was domestic in his tastes and enjoyed his evenings at home. He was liberal to
the unfortunate and afflicted — was a humanitarian. He was a safe counselor in all business
enterprises, and was the trusted friend of the poor and the rich. He was a veteran pioneer,
benevolent, eminently practical and thoroughly reliable.
RUFTJS Paeks.
Rufus Parks was born in Westfield, Mass., May 24, 1798, and died at his residence in the
town of Summit September 17, 1878. The grandfather of Mr. Parks was one of the earliest
settlers in the Connecticut Valley, and in the Revolution stood patriotically by the cause of the
colonies. He had two sons, the eldest of whom, at the breaking-out of the Revolutionary war,
was a Captain in the British army. The patriotic father urged him to resign and enter into the
American service. His refusal so incensed the father that he disinherited him, and at his own
expense armed and equipped a company of men, placing his youngest son (the father of the sub-
ject of the present sketch), in command. The company reached the patriot army at Bunker
Hill, and remained in service during the war. Both sons were present in the battle of Long
Island on their respective sides. Mr. Parks, on his mother's side, was the grandson of Nathaniel
Gorham, one of the signers of the Constitution of the State of Massachusetts, and for
two years President of the Continental Congress. He was also connected with many of the
*The major part of this sketch was taken from a memorial sermon by Rev. Robert Leslie, of Waukesha.
590 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
prominent families of Boston and vicinity. He received an academic education at Phillips'
Academy, at Andover, Mass., and commenced business as a merchant in Boston. Failing in
this he moved to Bangor, Me., where he studied law, and in 1836 was appointed by President
Jackson (through the influence of his brother, who was then in Congress from that State), the
first Receiver of Public Moneys at Milwaukee, Wis. This county was in his land district,
and during his administration of this office all the lands in this county were sold to the original
settlers. It was said of him that for many years he knew three-fourths of all the settlers in
his district. Mr. Parks continued in this office until 1842, when he was removed to make way
for a Whig, under a Whig administration. Afterward, in 1846, he moved on to his farm in
Summit, where he remained until his death. He was prominently identified with the early
history of this State and county ; was in the first Constitutional Convention ,of the State,
of which he was a prominent member. Was active, particularly, as a Democrat before the
organization of the Republican party, but after that party appeared, he attached himself to it,
being ardently opposed to the extension of slavery. His integrity was of the strictest kind.
In character he was intolerant of what he knew to be wrong, and never believed in any method
to gain right from which the light of day needed to be screened. His manners were of the
old New England school, always courteous to all without reference to degree or station ; and
the record of his life has not a single stain or blot upon it. His remains lie in the cemetery at
Summit, in which town he had lived for thirty years a much respected and revered citizen.
Warham Parks, a prominent soldier, and at present Postmaster of the city of Oconomowoc, is
Rufus Parks' son.
Bishop Jackson Kbmpbe, I). D.
One of the great and good men of Wisconsin and of the church was Jackson Kemper.
The hardships meekly endured, the dangers bravely met, the pleasures cheerfully foregone and
the privations heroically sufi'ered in the work of doing good to others by him will never be
known to mortal man. He* came of a stalwart race of high-principled, strong-bodied,, strong-
hearted and strong-brained men. His grandfather, Jacob Kemper, was born at Caub, on the
Rhine, the son of an officer in the Prince Palatine's army. He emigrated to America in 1741.
The Bishop's father, Daniel Kemper, was born at New Brunswick in 1749. Daniel Kem-
per was a Colonel in the Revolutionary army. He had sacrificed his means, which were not
narrow, freely in the struggle for national independence, and after the war, through Gen.
Washington's influence, held for some time an office in the custom house at New York.
Col. Kemper was one of the original members of the Order of the Cincinnati; among the
Bishop's heirlooms is his father's cross and jewel of the order, made in France under the direc-
tion of La Fayette, just after the Revolution.
The Bishop was born at Pleasant Valley, in Dutchess County, where the family were
temporarily residing, on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1879. On Col. Kemper's receiving the'
appointment mentioned above, he removed to New York City, which was shortly after the Bishop's
birth, and it occurred in that way that the child was baptized by Bishop Moore.
His full baptismal name was David Jackson, being so named after his uncle. Dr. Jackson, of
Philadelphia. In after years, the Bishop dropped the first name altogether, and his signature
was simply Jackson Kemper.
When about twelve years of age, the future Bishop was sent to the Episcopal Academy at
Cheshire, Conn., of which Rev. Dr. William Smith had just taken charge. Here he remained
two years. He was then brought back to New York and put under the charge of the Rev Dr.
Barry, a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and at that time one of the most distinguished
classical teachers, as he was one of the most finished scholars, in the country. Under his able
care, young Kemper was prepared for college, having as schoolmates, among others, Bishop Onder-
donk, of New York, and the Rev Dr. Wyatt, of Baltimore. He entered the Columbia College in
1805, and graduated in 1809, as the valedictorian of his class.
*Huch of thia sketch is adapted from the Diocesan Memorial, published in 1870 by the Diocese of Wisconsin.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 591
The Bishop's mind had been fixed all along upon the sacred ministry. He had a vocation
to preach the Gospel. From boyhood his purpose was settled, and the sweetness of his temper,
his natural and unaffected piety, his purity of mind and character, marked him for the altar and
the pulpit.
Immediately upon his graduation, he began the study of theology under the care of Bishop
Moore and the clergy of Trinity Parish. There were no theological seminaries in those days,
and candidates for orders were under the private tuition of the best learned clergy.
Young Kemper was ready for ordination as soon as he reached the canonical age of twen-
ty-one years.
On the second Sunday in Lent, in 1811, he was ordained Deacon by Bishop White, in St.
Peter's Church, Philadelphia, and that afternoon preached his first sermon in St. James'.
He was immediately called to the assistantship, under Bishop White, of the united par-
ishes of Christ Church, St. Peter's and St. James', made vacant by the resignation of the Rev.
Dr. Blackwell. In May, he removed to Philadelphia and entered on the duties of this position
which he held till June, 1831 — twenty years.
During this time, the young clergyman had two vacations. They used to have " vacations "
in those days, and the Rev. Mr. Kemper had his. It is as well we should know exactly what
those old-time ministerial vacations were, that we may compare them with modern ones.
In 1812 and 1814, he was granted leave of absence from the parish to perform missionary
tours in the West. In Western Pennsylvania, Western Virginia and Eastern Ohio, he took his
first lesson in the work to which God was soon to call him for life. In those, at that time,
wild regions of the Far West, he traveled far and wide, and, in many places, was the first to
hold divine service, and read the Common Prayer.
In 1819 and 1820, he also labored as traveling agent, in the matter of raising means to
establish the General Theological Seminary.
These were his "vacations" the only ones he ever took in his life. He needed them
because his general health, especially his voice, had failed seriously under the strain of devotion
to his parish duties, and so, to rest himself, he turned border missionary, or undertook the
thankless task of begging for a church institution.
Bishop Kemper had been twice married. In 1816, to Miss Jerusha Lyman, of Philadel-
phia, who lived but two years. In October, 1821, he was married to i\Iiss Ann Relf, of
Philadelphia, the mother of the daughter and the two sons who survive him.
In June, 1831, the Rev. Jackson Kemper accepted the rectorship of St. Paul's Church,
Norwalk, Conn. His residence here was to be short, although marked all his days to him by
the sorest sorrow of his life — the early loss of his tenderly beloved wife, who died at Norwalk
in 1832, and who rests, all that is mortal of her, in the churchyard of St. Paul's.
At the General Convention of 1835, the Rev. Jackson Kemper; D. D., was elected the
first Missionary Bishop of the American Church.
Sanctified by his sore bereavement he consecrated himself anew to his high calling. God
had quenched the happy light of his home, and from his darkened hearth he was ready to go
where the Master called.
In St. Peter's Church, Philadelphia, at the altar, where, twenty-four years before, he had
knelt to take upon him the orders of a deacon, he knelt again to receive the plenary apostolic
commission, a man who had purchased to himself as deacon and priest, if any man had, this
highest and last degree. It was the last consecration at which Bishop White ofiiciated, Sep-
tember 25, 1835.
The Missionary Bishop left his three motherless little ones under the loving care of their
mother's mother, at her home in Philadelphia, and went forth into the wild West to his ap-
pointed work. For eleven years, he was literally a homeless man. The fire that had died out
into cold ashes in 1832, in Norwalk, was never rekindled all those years, even in semblance.
Bishop Kemper was a stranger and a pilgrim on the earth. During those eleven years his
books were never unpacked. He had not even a study. He traveled on horseback and on
592 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
foot, he went over rough roads and untrodden paths, he swam rivers in his many journeyings.
He preached in way-side cabins, in taverns, schoolhouses, and upper rooms. His saddle-bags
contained his worldly goods — his robes, and his Communion Service, his Bible and his Prayer-
Book.
In his first journey to the West, he was accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Roosevelt
Johnson, late Professor in the General Seminary, a man of like spirit with himself, who from
that time forth has been his loving and most beloved friend, and who, among the many, far and
wide, who grieve to-day for his loss, will miss him sorely till the day he joins his dear old friend
and Bishop in the Paradise of God.
In 1835, early in the winter, the Bishop reached St. Louis, where he took up his resi-
dence, as far as he might be said to have a residence, until he removed to Wisconsin in the fall
of 1844.
His jurisdiction comprised "the Northwest." Out of it have been formed the Dioceses of
Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. Over all those regions
the Bishop was expected to travel, to watch their development, to seek out the scattered families
of church people, to establish church institutions. He was set as the watchman on the bor-
der, and was to move on as the border receded, leaving organized dioceses behind him, for
diocesan Bishops to occupy.
It came to hiin in 1837-38, at the request of Bishop Otey, who was suddenly disabled by
sickness, to take care also of the Southwest. He visited the Southern States, from Louisiana to
Florida, devoting several months to the work — comfirming, ordaining, and consecrating many
churches which had been used, sometimes for years, but had never before been visited by a Bishop.
It was at this time that he was recalled to the East, by being elected to the bishopric of
Maryland. This he declined. He was a Missionary Bishop, and a Missionary Bishop he
would remain.
In 1844, Missouri, as a diocese, elected a Bishop of its own, the late Bishop Hawks.
Shortly after, the Bishop removed to Wisconsin, and, in the summer of 1846, purchased
land adjoining the newly founded institution of Nashotah, and, in the fall of that year, took up his
residence thereupon in the humble cottage ("the Bishop's Palace " as it was pleasantly called),
which old settlers so well remember, and which still stands beside the family residence, and
there, with his children about him, for the first time since the breaking-up at Norwalk, he might
be said to have a home.
There still remained all his vast charge except Missouri. Indiana had been an organized
diocese since 1838, but had elected no Bishop. She was the next to relieve the burdened
Missionary Bishop by the election of Bishop Upfold, who was consecrated in 1849.
Iowa was organized under Bishop Kemper in 1853, and he was relieved by the consecra-
tion of Bishop Lee in the year after.
Four years after he organized Minnesota, though it still continued in his care until 18.57,.
when Bishop Whipple was consecrated.
In 1847, Wisconsin had been organized into a diocese, and the Primary Convention had
elected Bishop Kemper, Diocesan. This he had declined. He could not see his way to settling
down to the charge of a diocese, so strongly did he feel it his duty to be a Missionary Bishop^
to the end. It was not till seven years after, when he was again unanimously elected in 1854,
that he accepted, and then only when it had so been arranged by the General Convention that,
his acceptance would allow him to remain Missionary Bishop still.
He traveled extensively thereafter in the then Indian Territory and Kansas, and during a
part of the time in the latter Territory when the border troubles were at their worst. He had.
some severe experiences during the disturbed times, experiences which his happy temper always^
turned into amusing adventures afterward. It is only fair to say that personally he never met
with anything but respect and kindness from men of any party at that time. All recognized
the good man on his mission of love and peace, and the rudest " border ruSian " bade Bishop'
Kemper God-speed.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 593
In 1859, he organized the Diocese of Kansas, and was relieved of that part of his mission-
ary jurisdiction thereafter.
At the General Convention of that year, Bishop Kemper resigned his office as Missionary
Bishop in the following touching words :
" I now, with deep emotion, tender to the church my resignation of the office of a Mis-
sionary Bishop, which, unsought-for and unexpected, was conferred upon me twenty-four years
ago. Blessed with health and cheered by the conviction of duty, I have been enabled to travel
at all seasons through Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, 'and partly through
Kansas and Nebraska.
. My days must soon be numbered, for in less than three months I will be seventy years old. As
age advances, I trust I have an increasing love for our Divine Master and that church for
which He shed His most precious blood."
Rev. Thompson, in his memorial sermon, said of Bishop Kemper :
" He was the father of seven dioceses, the founder of seven bishoprics in the Church of
God. It was fitting that the crosier of an Archbishop should rest upon his coffin. He was an
Archbishop by the appointment of Heaven. Six dioceses, as well as Wisconsin, mourn their
father. If we miss him more here, or love his memory more, it is because we know him better
and possessed him, to our blessing, longer. Twice this diocese honored itself by electing the
great Missionary Bishop its Diocesan, by a unanimous vote ; once at its Primary Convention,
when he declined, and again in 1854, when, to the joy of all Wisconsin churchmen, he accepted."
At twenty minutes past 2, on Tuesday afternoon, May 24, 1870, in his study, to which
his bed had been moved a few days before, his children only being present, the Bishop breathed
his last. In the same room he lay, in the sleep of death, until the following Monday ; and the
few who entered it will never forget the contrast between its mournful silence then, and its usual
aspect before his work was done.
His age was eighty years and five months, precisely. He lies buried at Nashotah, near the
scene of his richest labors — a spot made as beautiful by nature as he had by godliness made his
life pure and useful
The funeral took place on May 31, and was very largely attended. Eight Bishops and one
hundred clergymen of the Episcopal Church followed his remains to the tomb. The cere-
monies attending the interment were beautiful and impressive. Although the body had been
kept one week it was in a state of wonderful preservation, and the face of the venerable Bishop
seemed to be reposing in peaceful slumber. The chapel at Nashotah, where the body lay, was
very appropriately draped in white and purple. It is estimated that about two thousand persons
were present at the funeral, nearly all of whom were from a distance, as the mission where the
late Bishop resided contains but a small population, mostly made up of students in "Bishop
White Hall," the college where young men are educated for the ministry. The ceremonies were
concluded at about 6 o'clock. The memorial poem was by Bishop Henry W. Lee, as follows:
The good old man of God has gone,
Gone gently to his rest ;
E'en as the low descending sun
Sinks calmlj in the west.
The dear old man now sleeps in death,
He sleeps beneath the sod ;
But O, he yet most truly lives.
He lives above with God.
We gave to earth his precious form,
And laid him softly down ;
But he'll come forth, in God's own time,
To wear the saintly crown.
In Paradise he now doth rest.
He rests from labors rare;
From ev'ry sin and sorrow free.
And free from ev'ry care.
594 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The Church doth mourn a Father dear,
A father dear in God ;
But she can still rejoice for him,
While feeling yet the rod.
He did the mitre meekly wear.
And ruled with gentle sway ;
Nor did he swerve from duty's path.
But onward kept his way.
In journeys oft, like Paul of old,
His pilgrim life was spent ;
He liv'd and labor'd in his work
As one divinely sent.
0, he did run a godly race,
And prove to duty true ;
And for his good example here.
Our (hanks are justly due.
The good old man indeed is gone,
We laid him to his rest ;
We heard the sound of falling dust
On his enooffin'd breast.
But we another sound shall hear,
From God's eternal throne ;
And this dear saint shall then arise,
As Jesus claims his own.
Calveet C. AVhite.
The subject of this brief sketch was a son of Lemuel White and Emily Brainard, and
born in Cazenovia, N. Y., August 29, 1830. He removed with his parents to Illinois
in 1838, and to Waukesha,. Wis., in 1840. In his childhood, he attended the Wau-
kesha Academy, and afterward Carroll College — then in its incipiency — as a pupil of Prof. Ster-
ling. At the age of fourteen, he entered the post oflSce as clerk, under his father — who was then
Postmaster — pursuing his studies in the mean while. At nineteen, he went to Milwaukee as an
assistant in Mitchell's Bank, and afterward acted as Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court of Milwau-
kee County. His father being elected Clerk of the Court for Waukesha County, in 1852, he return-
ed to act as his Deputy. In 1853 he, with Col. Sidney A. Bean, edited a village paper, called the
Independent Press. In 1854, he was married to Elizabeth A. Chester, and soon after removed
to Bloomington, 111. Finding his health impaired by close confinement in an office, he entered
into more active out-door life, engaging in the lumber and grain business. With a taste, how-
ever, for the legal profession, he relinquished this business in 1857, returned to Wisconsin, and
established himself in the practice of law at Waukesha. In 1861, he was elected District Attor-
ney of the county. He held this office in 1862, at the time of the organization of the twenty-eighth
Wisconsin Regiment of volunteer infantry, in the formation of which he took an active part.
He entered the military service as Captain in this regiment, and served the entire period ot
enlistment, three years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He returned home at the close
of the war, in the fall of 1865, but with a constitution badly undermined by the exposure inci-
dent to the war service.
Much of the time while in the army, he was engaged in important detached dutyl During
the last year of his service, he held the position of Provcst Marshal General of Arkansas, on the
staif of Maj. Gen. J, J. Reynolds. He participated in Steele's campaign to Southern
Arkansas, which was only saved from being disastrous, from the failure of Banks' Red River
expedition, by the hard fighting of Gen. Steele's command.
In November, 1865, he returned to Little Rock and entered into a law partnership with Col.
— now U. S. Senator — Augustus H. Garland. As he was about Returning for his family in the
summer of 1866, he was taken ill of typhoid fever, and was held in that climate until Novem-
ber. He then started North, with buoyant hopes that the pure air of his Wisconsin home would
recruit his wasted health. Reaching Chicago in a feeble condition, he was conveyed to his
; Y'
f I
,X^-
^ MUKWANAGO
/^ 2t-
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 597
brother's suburban home at Evanston, that of Gen. Julius White, where, after lingering a few
days, he died November 15, 1866, aged thirty-six years and three months. His remains were taken
to Waukesha, Wis., and interred in the village cemetery. Helefta wife and two young sons, Calvert
C. White, born at Waukesha April 11, 1863, and Edwin Chester White, born June 21, 1866,
all residing at Waukesha. In private life Col. White's reputation was without blemish.
His public service, whether civil or military, was distinguished by an intelligent appreciation
and conscientious discharge of the duties devolving upon him. While reasonably ambitious, he
never thrust himself forward, but, as in his entry into military life, always accepted positions of
less importance than he might have obtained, thus evincing the true spirit of self-abnegation ;
or, at least, appeared to the world as one subordinating any desire for advancement to conscien-
tious and patriotic sense of duty. His success, and great promise in his chosen profession of
the law, were most thoroughly attested by his associates of the bar and the bench, both in
Wisconsin and Arkansas.
His life, though brief, was useful, and his memory is dear to all who knew him. He lived
as he died, an honored and upright citizen.
Adaji E. Eay.
Adam E. Ray was born in Delaware, N. Y., in 1808. He secured a good prac-
tical education, and began mercantile life in 1831, at Saugerties, Ulster Co., N. Y. In 1832,
he was married to Miss Eliza Breasted, of New York State. They came West in 1888,
and engaged in farming at Mukwonago, Waukesha County. He went South in 1859 to Alabama
and built a saw-mill and a corn-mill, and had fitted them with first-class machinery, when the
election of Lincoln in 1860 made the locality very unhealthy for a Unionist ; he came North,
and all his movable property was destroyed or confiscated by the Confederates. He also owned
between one and two thousand acres of Southern land, which has not been reclaimed since the
Rebellion. His Alabama losses were about $14,000. He died in 1864, leaving ten children.
They have had thirteen children ; the living are Charles, Edwin, Henry, the twins Mary and
Eliza, Augusta, Jennie, Frederick, and the twins Ira L. and Ida V.; seven are married.
Mr. Ray was a Democrat until the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Bill, but was thereafter an
active Republican. He was a member of the Territorial Council from 1839 to 1841, and after-
ward held several town and county offices. From 1845 until his death, he owned a farm in Wal-
worth County, and, while living there, was elected State Senator from that district ; he was
instrumental in securing the building of the old Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Railroad, and
sacrificed heavily in its behalf. He was interested in whatever affected the public welfare, and
his counsel .was sought both by private citizens and public officials ; he was naturally a leader
among men. He was devoted to the Republican party, and was well posted in political affairs ;
he was a Master Mason. The entire family has always been highly esteemed. Mrs. Ray and
her younger daughter have a pleasant home on Wisconsin avenue, in Waukesha Village. The
head of the household passed away in the full vigor of his meridian powers, aged fifty-six. For
twenty-six years, in the early life of this county, ne was a potent factor in all public affairs. His
was a positive character, energetic, but not aggressive, spirited, but not eccentric ; his fellow-
citizens always reported him capable and popular.
BiCHARD HARDELL.
Richard Hardell was born June 10, 1795, in Lincolnshire, England. His father
was a gardener and did an extensive busriness. At the age of twelve, he entered, vol-
untarily, with bis father's consent, upon a seven years' apprenticeship at the carpenter and
joiner's trade, earning at the same time, by over work, what little pocket money he could, as he
received only board and clothes for his regular service.
At the age of nineteen, he was married to Jane Wingate, who was five years his senior.
Soon after the marriage, the young couple moved to Yorkshire and settled, Mr. Hardell going
into the contracting and building business, which business he continued until 1828, when he
had accumulated sufiBcient means to enable him to carry out a desire which he had for some
time entertained, viz., that of trying his fortunes in America.
598 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Accordingly, he settled his affairs, made such preparations as he deemed necessary, and
with his family set sail in March of the ahove-named year, landing without accident in New
York City, a few weeks afterward. He almost immediately found work, after landing, upon the-
Bowery Theater, which was then being built, and proved himself to be so good a workman that
he was the last one discharged.
Soon after leaving the theater work, he moved to Utica, N. Y., then a growing place^
and resumed his old-time occupation as contractor. Here he did a very good business on a lim-
ited capital, and also acquired such a reputation for honesty and integrity that one of the lead-
ing bankers of the place (Joseph Stibbins), when Mr. Hardell's paper was presented, wouldl
indorse it with the addition of the word "good." In 1830, he removed to .Clinton, N. Y.,,
and continued his accustomed vocation. During the time he was here, he did a very large and
profitable business, being employed as architect and builder of some of the finest edifices, both
public and private, to be found in that locality at that time.
The Clinton Liberal Institute building, quite a famous organization in its day, was planned
and erected by him, and as a memento of his connection with that enterprise, his name was
carved in white marble over the front entrance. In the spring of 1836, the tide of emigration
was setting in heavily toward Wisconsin, whither he determined to come, where he believed he
could enlarge his own fortune not only, but better pave the way for the future prosperity of his-
family, which had now increased to seven. He embarked at Buffalo. They arrived at Mil-
waukee in July, 1836. Soon after landing, he found employment as draftsman and foreman
with the firm of Prentice & Bird, contractors and builders, and remained with them until the
spring of 1837. In the fall of 1836, he, in company with others, made a trip to the town of
Lisbon, located a claim and made some improvements, and returned to the city the same season ;.
afterward he disposed of his claim. Early in 1837, while Mr. Juneau was surveying the Terri-
torial road from Milwaukee to Madison via Jefferson, he made several claims at different points
along the route, one of them being for Mr. Hardell, on Section 34. A few weeks later, Mr.
Hardell, in company with Mr. Dousman and Mr. Edgerton, came out on horseback to examine
these claims. Mr. Hardell, after looking over his claim and the surroundings, at once purchased
an additional one-half section adjoining, making in all one section of land. He went to work at
once and built a shanty and broke six acres of land, and in June went into the city and brought,
out his family. From this time he devoted his energies almost wholly to agricultural pursuits.
During the erection of the capitol building at Madison, he was appointed inspector of the work,
and thereby saved the State an expense of several thousand dollars. He was also appointed
inspector of the court house at Waukesha. At his death, which occurred June 10, 1878, at the
advanced age of eighty-three years, the county and community lost one of its most worthy citi-
zens— a man noted for his radical and just political opinions ; of undoubted probity of character
and rare intelligence. He left one of the finest estates in the town of Summit, consisting of
1,800 acres of land, improved and stocked. There are now but four of the family left, two sons
and two daughters. They are W. J. and A. G. Hardell, and Mrs. Charles H. Flinton and Mrs.
L. P. Merickle, all of whom reside in the town of Summit.
Alexander Foster Pratt.
The subject of this sketch was born in Westmoreland, Cheshire Co.,N". H., September
4, 1813. He was the youngest child of John and Nancy Pratt, natives of Massachusetts,
who settled in New Hampshire in 1805. The fathep of A. F. Pratt was an extensive farmer
and cattle-dealer, who died in 1822. Alexander continued with his mother at tlie old homestead
up to the age of sixteen years with the ordinary advantages of a country common school, with
the exception of the last two years, when he was sent to an academy in the adjoining town.
At the age of sixteen, he was employed in a dry-goods store in Woodstock, Vt., where he
remained two years, when he went to Boston, Mass., and engaged as salesman in the wholesale
dry -goods house of J. T. Hobart & Co., where he remained until the fall of 1836. He then
came to Milwaukee with a stock of goods, and opened a store in a shanty, as there was no better
building to be had. He built a shanty of boards on a leased lot large enough to hold his stock
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 599
of goods, which was valued at $5,000, and commenced business under the firm name of Hobart &
Pratt. Milwaukee was at that time, a big town on paper, but not much of a place for selling dry
goods, as there were no roads in either direction by which to get into the country and but few
people in the country when you got there. The trade was principally confined to dickering in
city and town lots, which were bringing at that time from $1,000 to $5,000 each. The ground
had been broken for the erection of a court house, out in the woods, as it was then called, and lots
in that vicinity were a legal tender. In December, 1836, many speculators had left Milwaukee,
and business became exceedingly dull. Mr. Pratt during that winter traded his stock of goods
for a little money and the balance in town lots and settlers' claims. None of the land had been
offered for sale by the Government and settlers' claims were good. In the spring of 1837, he pur-
chased of M. D. Cutler, a claim on 480 acres of land on Fox River, in the town of Prairieville
(now Waukesha), paying $1,000 for the claim in four village lots in the village of Ottawa, 111.,
and commenced to build a house and make other improvements. He employed a man and his
wife, and at once commenced farming. In January, 1839, he married Antonette
M. Powers, daughter of Henry Powers, who had recently come from Plattsburg,
N. Y., and settled in Troy, Walworth Co., Wis. Mr. Pratt had three children —
two daughters and one son. Elizabeth S. was born in 1839, married Darwin Fuller
of St. Louis, and died in December, 1871. Charles A. was born in 1843, married Emma Brown,
of St. Louis, and is now one of the proprietors of the Garrison House, Sedalia, Mo. Francis
H. was born in January, 1849, married Clarence A. Jones, and resides in St. Louis. Mr. Pratt
resided on his farm until the Government land sale in October. 1839, after which, until
the spring of 1844, he resided in Milwaukee ; whilst in Milwaukee, he was Constable and Dep-
uty Sheriff, and was considered the best detective in the Territory. In the summer of 1843, he
built a house on Cass street, near Division, and cut a road through the brush from the court
house before he could haul his building material to the site. In the spring of 1844, in company
with his brother, George C, he returned to the farm in Prairieville, and purchased quite a
large lot of lands adjoining the old farm, built another house, and commenced farming on quite
a large scale for those times. The Pratt brothers, in 1845, had under the plow over 300 acres,
and had a large stock of cattle, horses and sheep. Farming in those days, on a large scale, was
anything but profitable. The best of winter wheat sold in Milwaukee for 38 cents per bushel,
after hauling through thepiud with ox teams. From 1844, that part of Milwaukee County now
Waukesha, began to fill up rapidly with actual settlers, Mr. Pratt being what was then termed
an old settler, was called upon to do considerable public business, such as laying out highways
and building bridges. Out of settlers' claims, grew a great many little law suits, and Mr. Pratt
became quite a celebrated pettifogger. This public life suited him better than tilling the soil.
In the winter of 1847, Mr. Pratt and his brother sold a large part of their farm, which was the
end of farming. Together with W. A. Barstow, A. E. Elmore and A. W. Randall, and perhaps
a few others, during the session of the Territorial Legislature of 1846, he conceived the idea of
seceding from Milwaukee, and organizing a new county.*
Politics, at that time, had not entered very much into our elections. Mr. Pratt was an
uncompromising Democrat, and upon the admission of the State became one of the leading
Democrats in the county and State. In 1848, he was elected Sheriff ; he discharged the duties
of the oflSce to the general satisfaction of the people.
Mr. Pratt was usually at Madison during the sessions of the Legislature, either as member
of the " Third House " or as correspondent of some Democratic paper.
He was the reporter for the Milwaukee ^Evening Wisconsin when that was a Democratic
paper, and was reporter at Madison for the Milwaukee News for several sessions. In about
1853 or 1854, he commenced the publication of the Plaindealer at Waukesha. It was a strong
supporter of Franklin Pierce's administration, and Mr. Pratt was appointed Postmaster at
Waukesha by him.
Mr. Pratt went to Kansas in the spring of 1862, with the Third Wisconsin Cavalry (Col.
Barstow), in the sutler's department. Whilst in Kansas, he wrote for the Milwaukee News,
♦Elsewhere this subject is more elaborately treated.
600 ■ HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and was for a short time editor of a newspaper at Leavenwortii. His editorials in that paper
were not pleasing to Gen. Blunt, who was in charge of the department, and he ordered the
paper suppressed, and very soon Mr. Pratt (for something said in his correspondence to the Mil-
waukee iVews), was banished from the sutler's department and escorted over the line into Missouri,
■where he remained three or four months. At the end of that time, the command of the Depart-
ment of Kansas had passed into other hands, and it became necessary to look for some of the
parties whom Mr. Pratt had accused of stealing from and defrauding the Grovernment. The
officer in command being a Wisconsin man, and having some knowledge of Mr. Pratt's reputa-
tion as a detective, sent for him, and Mr. Pratt was appointed United States Detective to hunt
some of the very men who had caused his paper to be suppressed, and himself to be banished
beyond the Union lines.
He returned to Waukesha in July, 1865, and commenced the re-publication of the Plain-
dealer, which he continued up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 30th day of Nov-
ember, 1874.
Mr. Pratt held various town, village and county offices ; was twice elected to the office of
Sheriff, three times elected President of the village of Waukesha, and discharged the duties of all
these offices with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. In public progress and
improvement, he was always in the advance, and few men in Waukesha ever did more to make
the village what it now is than Alexander F. Pratt.
He was liberal in his religious views ; a member of no church, but contributed to the sup-
port of the Episcopal Church, of which his wife and family were members. His long residence
and business connection with Waukesha County made him one of the best-known men in it.
Mr. Pratt was always ready to express his opinion, never waiting to find out the opinion of
others ; and when he engaged in ariy enterprise, never abandoned it till he got to the end.
Sometimes he would fail to accomplish his object, but never for want of energy or perseverance.
He was a very warm and true friend, as well as a very bitter enemy. He was a very kind
neighbor, always ready to grant any relief in his power to persons in trouble, and at his death
many exclaimed, " I have lost my best friend."
Sidney Alfred Bean.
Sidney Alfred Bean, the subject of this sketch, was born in Chesterfield Village, Essex
Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, 1833. He came with his parents to Waukesha in the year 1846, the
previous years of his life having been spent in about equal portions at the place of his nativity
and in the city of Milwaukee.
Physically, he was of a somewhat slight organization, though but seldom prostrated by
sickness, or in any way prevented from discharging thoroughly and successfully the many ardu-
ous duties that thronged his young life. In his early childhood he displayed an unusual fondness
for learning, as well as an unusual facility for acquiring it. At the age of ten years, he was quite
proficient in the science of algebra, and, while still a mere lad, became far advanced in many of
the higher branches of knowledge.
In 1850, he entered the sophomore class of the University of Michigan, and graduated in
1852. going forth into the world with every promise of a brilliant future. One of the professors
of the university wrote that " he was distinguished for the ease and rapidity with which he
acquired knowledge. Indeed, he seems to have mastered the subjects almost intuitively, so that,
while his scholarship was thorough and accurate, he was enabled to devote much time to inde-
pendent literary and scientific studies outside of the regular college curriculum. His pro-
ficiency in mathematics already indicated for him an exalted position in this branch of science ;
besides, the talent and earnestness which he thus early exhibited as a speaker and writer, prom-
ised unusual eminence in more popular fields of usefulness."
His first business venture after leaving college was the establishment of a newspaper,
entitled the '■'■Independent Press" and in its columns he wrote with the ardor of youth, and yet
with marked intelfectual acumen, making appeals in behalf of the weak, the down-trodden and
the poor. In all things he raised his voice for justice; and there could exist no meanness or
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUXTY. 601
vice that did not meet his scathing denunciation. At the time of the border trouble, known as
the Kansas war, he was untiring in his efforts to rescue that fair Territory from the clutches of
the slave power, and it is well remembered with what graphic eloquence he sought to rouse the
people to a realization of their impending peril.
He afterward became connected with Carroll College as a Professor of Mathematics. This
institution was, at that time, in a most flourishing condition, and gave promise of becoming a
seat of learning second to none in the country. No one labored more assiduously, or gave more
freely of his means that the institution might be established on a lasting foundation, than did
the subject of this sketch. His specialty as a student had thus far been the science of mathe-
matics ; but he now sought other fields of learning and became engrossed in the study of lan-
guage. "Not of the languages," as he wrote, '• but of that science which treats of the forces
that underlie all forms and idioms, and out of which all forms and idioms grow."
In the year 1859, at the request of Chancellor Barnard, he delivered a lecture before the
University of Wisconsin on the " Study of Language ;" and among his papers are found an
elaborate outline of a philosophical treatise on this subject, which it is known he intended to
publish.
He was a careful and accurate writer, and, aside from the purity of his style, he always
wrote with the well-defined purpose of doing good, of correcting abuses, and of exalting the
standard of human conduct.
In a lecture delivered in Waukesha when he was not yet twenty years of age, he said : " The
holiest thing a man can do, is to make himself a perfect man by loving and living for his broth-
er. Do good ! 'Tis a simple phrase, but there is a melody in the thought of it that out-sings all
the weariness of the heart. Oh, suflFering, sad humanity ! In thy name will we live to do
good, in thy name do we cast in our lot with that little band of which Jesus is the King, who
are laboring for their fellows, to beautify the world with blessings, and give it an undying garni-
ture of noble, and disinterested deeds." Among his best-remembered lectures, are those on
" Heroism" and " God in History ;" they were both of them masterly discourses, compact in
logic and style, and replete with passages of fervid eloquence. The moral of the latter one was
that God takes cognizance of the actions of nations, and that he will most certainly punish them
for every deviation from the principles of justice and mercy. He insisted that human slavery ,
was such a deviation and in answer to the plea that it had Christianized the African race, he
exclaimed : " Oh, the iniquitous solecism of evoking the Christian from the ashes of the man ! If
the Jews held slaves, not so much the better for slavery, but so much the worse for the Jews.
Slavery is fairly responsible, not only for all the actual consequences of it, but
for all the possible consequences. It is logically held for all the evils which exist
in posse and not for those alone in esse. A law or an institution which confers
a power to do wrong, is criminal to the full extent to which that power may be car-
ried under any circumstances, because a power that ought never to be exercised ought never to
exist." At the breaking-out of the late war, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the
Fourth Wisconsin Infantry, and dedicated his great abilities and his great heart to the cause of
human freedom. No purer or more disinterested patriot ever drew his sword in defense of the
right. Pew men occupied positions so enviable as his ; surrounded by everything that makes
life pleasant, a happy home, warm friends and bright prospects of future honor and usefulness,
he sacrificed all to his sense of duty, and followed his country's flag, until he met a soldier's
death in the hour that its showy folds waved victoriously over the enemy's works. In his mili-
tary career, as in every other undertaking to which he applied his comprehensive mind and
unwearying energy, he was eminently successful. On the promotion of Col. Halbert B. Paine,
he was made Colonel of his regiment, which position he held at the time of his death. It is
not designed in this brief sketch of Col. Bean to give a narrative of his career as a soldier, for
the materials at hand will not permit ; but from the glance that has here been presented of his
exalted character and noble life, it will readily be inferred that in the field of arms, as well as
in the quiet walks of life, his star was still in the ascendant. Such was the fact, for the
602 - HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
exceptional adaptability for mastering whatever task came to him, that had characterized him as a
scholar, a writer and a public speaker, soon bore him to the front rank as a soldier. It is
entirely within bounds to say that no young officer in the great army of volunteers understood
the military art with more thoroughness and precision than he. The love and admiration of
his men and of all who enjoyed his friendship, knew no bounds. He drew his sword distinctly
to give freedom to the enslaved, that thereby his country- might rise to her true glory. Through
clouds and disappointment, he fought with an unswerving faith that the desired end would be
gained, and, though he fell ere the great battle was won, his faith was justified. The end was
gained, and who shall say that his precious blood was spilled in vain ? He entered the service
at the commencement of the war and served faithfully and most gallantly until the fatal morn-
ing of May 8. 1863. When in front of Port Hudson, Louisiana, directing a movement designed
to silence one of the enemy's batteries, and in the front line of the national troops, he was
shot through the right lung and instantly killed. So ended, in its twenty-ninth year, the life of
Sidney A. Bean. He gave his life for the country and principles he had loved so well, and left to
his friends and his State an enduring monument of fidelity and valor that in no age or clime has
been excelled. In closing this brief tribute to the worth of a true hero, the words of the world's
greatest poet inscribed upon his tomb seem most appropriate-:
" Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Chauncey H. Purple.
Among those who came to Waukesha County quite early, and were somewhat active characters
in its history, was C. H. Purple. He was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1820, and came to
Waukesha in 1844. He at once engaged in mercantile business in Waukesha (then Prairie-
ville) ; some years later, he removed to Brookfield, where he was engaged in the same business,
together with that of lumbering. In 1854, Mr. Purple was elected a member of the Wisconsin
Legislature, and in 1858, he was appointed bank clerk of the State Treasurer's office. He
then removed to Madison, and in 1859 he was appointed Assistant State Treasurer, under S. D.
Hastings, a position he held during Mr. Hastings' term of office, and also during that of William B.
Smith, the present Governor, until April, 1868 — in all over eight years. In 1869, he removed
to Watertown, Wis., where he engaged in the lumber business until his death, which occurred
in December, 1879. In addition to his correct business habits, Chauncey H. Purple was an
active worker in the reforms of the day, particularly in the temperance cause. He was a char-
ter member of the Rescue Temple of Honor, and its flourishing condition and acknowledged
usefulness were largely due to his untiring eiforts. In all of his active life, he established for him-
self a reputation which commanded the respect of all who knew him. Few men can do more.
His brother, Ezra S. Purple, is still a resident of Waukesha.
William Augustus Baestow.
William A. Barstow cariie of a highly respectable family, whose ancestral seat was Naburn
Hall, York, England, and some of the name are still found there. Four brothers came on the
"True Love," landed at Boston in 1635, and settled in Hanover and Hingham, Mass., from
whom all the Barstows are distinctly traced- William Augustus Barstow was born in Plainfield,
Windham Co., Conn., on the 13th of September, 1813. He remained at home attending school,
and assisting in farm work, until the age of sixteen, when he left home and became,a clerk in the
store of his eldest brother, Samuel H., at Norwich, Conn., where he remained four years. S. H.
Barstow then removed to Cleveland, Ohio, where William soon followed, in April, 1^34. The
next year another brother, Horatio N., came out, and W. A. entered into the forwarding and
commission business at Cleveland, and milling at Dresden, Ohio, where he remained about five
years. In May, 1839, Samuel H. came to Prairie Village ( so called at that time ) to look after
the building of a mill, and in November, William A. came with the mill-irons and to make his
home here, which now began to be called Prairieville. ' The establishing of a flouring-mill with
a smut machine was a great event for the settlers, as the flour made before that time was of a
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 603
slate color. William A. subsequently became one of the principal owners of the mill property,
-which embraced a good portion of the village.
In the small community of Prairieville, the miller and merchant combined was a personage
of no small importance, and he had frequent opportunity for the exhibition of his kindly charac-
ter, being ever ready to extend a helping hand to a suffering neighbor. He was known and
respected for other traits than those of kindness and generosity, however. He was the true and
loyal friend who never made "the promise to the ear but broke it to the hope," the acute, far-
sighted counselor, and the honorable and upright judge to whom all were willing to refer their
-causes of difference. He held at one time the office of Postmaster, and was appointed one of the
three commissioners of the county of Milwaukee, which then embraced what is now Waukesha
County within its limits. He was prominent and efficient in the creation of the new county,
and had the assistance of his brother, Samuel H. Barstow, at that time a member of the Legis-
lature. In 1844-, William A. married Maria Quarles, of Southport ( now Kenosha ), and con-
tinued to reside in Waukesha. In the fall of 1849, Mr. Barstow was nominated by the Demo-
•cratic State Convention for the office of Secretary of State, and was elected. On entering upon
the discharge of the duties of his office, he found its affiiirs in the condition of chaos. His clear
mind soon brought order out of confusion, and with patient labor he wrote out, in the most com-
plete and finished manner, nearly the full record of the office, up to the time when it came under
his control. He was an earnest advocate of the first railroad enterprise in this State, and was
among the foremost of those who lent their influence toward securing the charter of the Mil-
waukee & Mississippi Railroad. As one of the original subscribers to the capital stock, and one of
the first directors of the company, his efficient aid was of importance in its early struggles.
In 1853, he was nominated for Governor by the Democratic State Convention, and was elected
to that honorable position. He then removed his family to Madison, where they made many
friends. He was nominated for a second term, but the election was contested, resulting in the
installation, by the courts, of his opponent. Coles Bashford, although Mr. Barstow resigned before
the decision was rendered, and Arthur McArthur was Governor for a few days. Gov. Barstow then
removed to Janesville and entered into banking business, which did not prove a successful venture.
He then took to milling again with his younger brother, G. H. Barstow, for a short time, when
the war commenced, and he obtained permission to raise a regiment of cavalry, which he
proceeded to do. There'were many ready to respond to his call. The regiment was twelve
hundred strong, of which he was commissioned Colonel, Nov. 9, 1861. In March, the regiment
started for St. Louis, but before reaching Chicago some cars were thrown from the track and
ten or twelve killed. Col. Barstow was a great favorite with all, both officers and men, who still
cherish his memory. His health failed so that he was not able to keep to the saddle, and he
was appointed to the head of the court-martial at St. Louis, where he presided. At the close
of the war, he was mustered out and honorably discharged, March 4, 1865. That wonderful
power to secure the attachment of those around him was never on any other scene of action so
completely and usefully manifested as it was among the officers and men of his regiment. His
previous station in civil life and his evident strength of character and mind, secured him uni-
versal respect, among the officers of all ranks, in both the regular and volunteer army, with
whom he came in contact. His dignity of manner and remarkably fine personal appearance
attracted attention alike in camp, on the march, on parade and in the military court over which
he presided. While in Leavenworth, he was prostrated with a disease which had become chronic,
and his illness proved fatal. He died at Leavenworth on the 13th of December, 1865, at the
age of fifty-two years. There were none of his relatives present except his two oldest sons, Frank
Q. and Augustus Barstow, who were with him during his last sickness. His other relatives
were not aware of his failing condition. In the excitement of the moment of her arrival, his
wife directed his remains to be taken to Brighton, Ohio (near Cleveland), where his family were
interred. His many friends feel that his place of rest should have been in Waukesha, the place
he had done so much for, and where the people would have wished to raise a monument to his
memory.
604 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
"Barstow and the balance" were charged by the newspapers with stealing vast sums from
the State in the management of the school lands and in locating the State Hospital for the insane
at Madison. As to the truth of these charges, Edward M. Hunter, Gov. Barstow's private sec-
retary, wrote as follows for the published reports of the State Historical Society : " It may not
be amiss for me in this connection to state, that, intimate as I necessarily was with all that was
done or considered in the executive office during the time Gov. Barstow retained his position,
there was nothing done or proposed aifecting the public interest, but what might have been
printed in the largest type, and hung upon the outer wall of the capitol for the inspection of all.
He, during that period, neither counseled, took into consideration, nor did, a public wrong, and
his children need never fear to direct the closest scrutiny toward his acts as Governor of Wiscon-
sin. When he first entered upon the discharge of the duties of the office, he was in comfortable
circumstances ; when he left it he was poor, and was harassed for the want of means, and all that
he subsequently secured and lost did not repay him the amount he expended during his official
term from his private purse." And it might be added that David S. Vittum, who was Captain
of Company F, in Mr. Barstow's regiment, saw his old commander in Leavenworth a few days
before his death and then gave him $25 for the purchase of luxuries to nourish the fast wasting
body. These things go to prove that Mr. Barstow was honest in handling the public moneys of
the State.
As to the military career of the noted Democratic chieftain whose life is the subject of this
sketch, Elias A. Calkins, of Milwaukee, a Major in Mr. Barstow's regiment, wrote liberally at
the request of the State Historical Society, and the following extracts are from his article : "In
August, 1861, at the request of a number of gentlemen who desired to enter the volunteer army
in a cavalry organization, for which their tastes and some study had adapted them — I visited the
headquarters of Gen. Fremont, at St. Louis, with letters from Gov. Randall, certifying that I
represented responsible persons interested in raising a force of cavalry, which the State authori-
ties were not authorized to recruit and equip. I met Gov. Barstow at St. Louis, where he had
been called by a business undertaking, and stated to him my mission. I was unable to procure
any satisfactory reply from Gen. Fremont, and Gov. Barstow, who had several friends in military
and civil life there, proposed to interest himself in the object I had in view, to which I cordially
assented, and placed all the matters connected with it in his hands. He then made a proposition
to Gen. Fremont to recruit, equip, mount and arm in Wisconsin a cavalry regiment, independent
of State authority, except as to the commission of officers, the expenses to be re-imbursed by the
Government ; and his proposition was accepted. Gen. Simon Cameron was then Secretary of
War, and about that time visited St. Louis, to inspect the affairs of Gen. Fremont's department,
and Gov. Barstow's authority to raise the cavalry regiment was approved by him. Several
weeks had, of course, elapsed, and it was October before Gov. Barstow returned to the State,
when he established the camp of rendezvous at Janesville, and issued notices of his readiness to
receive recruits. Intelligence reached him almost immediately of the formation
of several , companies for his camp, when he was notified that his authority to raise
the regiment had been revoked by the War Department. The recruits, of course,
generally disbanded, and many went into other organizations. A few of the companies,
however, retained their standing. Gov. Barstow proceeded at once to Washington, and,
after a short delay, procured a renewal of his authority to raise the regiment,
with which he returned to the State. It was still some weeks before he could procure camp
equipage, and the baffling delays had discouraged recruiting. These difficulties were, however,
surmounted, and in December the first companies entered camp. In January, 1862, the regi-
ment was filled to the minimum, and in February the maximum was reached. Col. Barstow was
probably in June, 1 862, appointed Provost Marshal of Kansas. Martial law had been declared,
and the extreme lawlessness of the country made the duties of his office more than usually mani-
fold. In September following. Col. Barstow was relieved from duty as Provost Marshal ; the
lawlessness and violence from which the State suffered was not suppressed during his administra-
tion ; in fact, they rather increased than otherwise. The guerrilla forces of Quantrell were very
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 605
numerous and active, and outlaws who were the refuse and ' cow boys ' of both armies, swarmed
like pestilent vermin throughout the country. His successors produced smaller results, if possible,
than he did. For a year afterward, during which Quantrell's sack of Lawrence occurred, a reign
of terror prevailed along the entire border. Peace and quiet were not, in fact, restored till after
the war closed. After being relieved from Provost Marshal duty. Col. Barstow was assigned
with several companies of his regiment to the First Brigade of the Army of the Frontier.
" Camp duty and army fare told seriously upon Col. Barstow's health, and incapacitated him
for the long rides and rough duties on which the men were ordered. He was, however, in such
health, and possessed the confidence of the army commander to that extent, that he was placed
in command of the camp of invalid reserves, including the teamsters and the guards of the bag-
gage and supply trains at Rhea's Hills, when the army marched out to meet the enemy,
until the close of the battle of Prairie Grove. He rejoined the regiment the next day, at its
place of bivouac on the battle-field, and resumed command. Other operations of considerable
extent and magnitude followed, in which the regiment was constantly engaged, including the
magnificent raid on the rebel camps in the Arkansas Valley and on Van Buren, which occupied
the last days of December, 1862, and the first days of January, 1863. During a portion of this
time, he was with the regiment, and part of the time he was detained in camp by illness.
"In the midst of these stirring events, and probably in the month of November of that year,
1862, the regiment was encamped with the main body of the Army of the Frontier, at a point
some forty or fifty miles southwest of Fayetteville. While there I received a letter from a trusted
adviser and an intimate friend of Gov. Randall, and of his successor. Gov. Harvey, inclosing a
proposition that influences should be brought to hear, with Col. Barstow's consent, to procure his
appointment as Brigadier General. It was suggested in the letter that enlistments were tardy,
that the enforcement of the draft was unpopular, and that it was the policy of the Administration
to attract the Democrats to the support of war measures, by showing that the favors, or, in other
words, that military official commissions, were distributed without regard to partisanship, among
the leading men of both political organizations. The letter conveyed an intimation that, when
promoted to brigadier rank, he would be recalled to the State to superintend and stimulate
recruiting. It was suggested that, as a basis of the application for his appointment, I should
procure the certificate of army officers as to his capacity and fitness for the duties of a higher
military position. I showed him the letter, but he declined to take any of the steps that it men-
tioned as the means of procuring the proposed promotion. He expressed the opinion, that, if the
appointment was desirable for the public reasons stated, it would be procured by the State authori-
ties at home, without any steps being taken by him or his friends in the field. Nothing further
was ever heard of the proposition.
"During January and February of 1863, Col. Barstow remained at Fayetteville, Ark.,
suffering constantly from ill health. The army then moved back into Missouri, to be nearer the
base of supplies. Col. Barstow accompanied the regiment as far north as Cassville, Mo.
From there, in' February, probably, he proceeded to Kansas to inspect the detachments of his
regiments in that section, hoping also to procure an order for them to join the main body in the
field. This was his last service with the regiment. His health was considerably broken, and he
was unable to perform field duty. He remained at Fort Leavenworth during the spring and
following summer. He was then detailed on court-martial duty at department headquarters in
St. Louis, and remained on detached duty of that character until the end of his term jof service.
He never fully recovered his health, but was constantly feeble, and often prostrate, during
the remainder of his term of service. He was finally mustered out, and honorably discharged,
March 4, 1865. By the assistance of influential friends, he then procured a trade permit from
the Treasury Department, authorizing him to trade at any post on White or Arkansas Rivers.
I learn that the day he received this permit, he was offered $20,000 for the commercial pri-
vileges which it covered, and for the use of his name. He refused the off'er, thinking it
was as valuable to him as to anybody; having also arrangements on foot and capable backers
for large stocks of goods to be put on sale at the various points named in the permit. He
606 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
visited that country to select and establish trading-posts before sending the goods ; and, on
his return to St. Louis, was met by the information that all restrictions upon trade on the Mis-
sissippi River and its tributaries had been removed. His permit was, therefore, of no more value
than so much blank paper. He soon afterward proceeded to Leavenworth, where he remained
during the summer and autumn. He was, while there, again prostrated with the disease which
had become chronic in his bowels, and this illness proved fatal. It being fully established that
he died of disease contracted in the service, an officer's pension was granted to his widow.
" He never shunned a duty because it was a painful one. While Provost Marshal General of
Kansas, he was directed by the department commander. Gen. Blunt, to suppress the publication
of a radical Democrat newspaper at Leavenworth, and he discharged the command promptly
and without question. The publication of the paper was afterward undertaken by an old Wis-
consin friend of Col. Barstow's, to whom such indiscretions were imputed that the same disci-
pline was directed to be applied against him, and the order was enforced literally, and without
delay.
" A more eloquent and elaborate tribute than this is due from me to William A. Barstow.
During many years of arduous and embittered political warfare I was by his side, and in my^ pro-
fession it was frequently my duty as it was my pleasure to defend his character from partisan and
personal assaults. I believe that he cherished for me a reciprocal regard, and our friendship was
cemented in hardship and danger, and amid scenes of blood, to which we were called by com-
mon sentiment of patriotic duty. He fills a soldier's grave, for he as truly died in the cause of
his country as if he had received a fatal wound in battle. And I shall never cease to cherish
his memory, for his many manly virtues ; for his intrepid spirit, which was not disturbed either
in the decisive emergencies of political conflict, or in more trying vicissitudes of peril and dis-
tress ; for the integrity with which he adhered to one set of principles and to one set of friends
throughout his public career ; and as the foremost man, living or dead, in the Democracy of the
State!"
John Hodgson.
During the war, German and Irish companies were raised throughout the State. In speak-
ing of this feature of recruiting, a local paper, in August, 1862, paid the following tribute to John
Hodgson:
"All, all, have received a cordial recognition at the hands of the military bureau except our
English citizens. Yet, although they have been overlooked, we by no means think it has been
intentional. It is an error of the head and not of the heart. Waukesha and adjoining counties
have a large population of English-born citizens, than whom none bear deeper or raore loyal
devotion to the institutions of our country. Among this number is John Hodgson. When a
mere child, he left ];iis home in Old England, determined, much against the wishes of his family,
to seek his fortune in the New World. He arrived in Detroit penniless, and without a friend or
acquaintance. Passing along the street, his eye accidentally caught the sign of the Surveyor
General of Michigan. Now, surveying was a business with which young Hodgson, even at that
time, possessed good knowledge of — for his father was a surveyor, and the earliest inclinations of
the son were trained in a similar channel. Walking into the office of the surveyor, the youth
asked some kind of employment, which he fortunately obtained, and was duly installed in the
family of his employer.. It was but a brief pei'iod before his employer discovered that he pos-
sessed rare talents as a surveyor. Thereupon, the library of the surveyor, and everything which
could facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, were placed at the disposal of the young student.
At sixteen years of age, young Hodgson was associated with the Surveyor General in business,
having established a reputation for integrity, as well as mathematical correctness, which was of
more value to him than mines of wealth. At twenty-one years of age, Mr. Hodgson had accu-
mulated $5,000 as the fruits of his profession. He married the daughter of Capt. Blake, the
gallant old veteran of the lakes, whose name, not many years ago, was as familiar along the lines
of our great inland lakes as household words. Removing to Wisconsin, Mr. Hodgson, by a judi-
cious investment of his means, added to the rise of real estate, soon became the possessor of a
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 607
handsome property. His strict and honorable dealings and business qualifications attracted to
him hosts of friends, and for. years he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Pewaukee.
When Dennison Worthington resigned his seat in the State Senate, Mr. Hodgson was nominated
and elected by acclamation to fill the unexpired term ; and it was only because of the peremptory
refusal of Mr. H. to serve, that he was not unanimously re-elected to the same position.
" Governor Salomon ! the times are of startling moment in our history ; times too, when
every man's physical and moral power is needed to drive back the hordes of despotism who are
undermining the foundations of Government. We have called your attention to the representa-
tive man of the English-born in our State — and who in the county of Waukesha combines more
influence than all the politicians and lawyers together. Gov^ Salomon, "cut red tape," send
John Hodgson a colonel's commission, leave to him the officering of the regiment, and all other
details, and in thirty days he will furnish a taousand hearts of oak to fight the battles of the
Union. We know not as Mr. Hodgson ever thought of taking the field ; certain it is, that he
never accepts any position of honor unless pressed upon him. But this we know, our English
citizens constitute a large portion of our best population, and Mr. Hodgson is their represent-
ative man, and a true patriot. He needs no offices nor emoluments, for of wealth he has a
sufficiency, and it requires not honors to be thrust upon him to enhance his popularity. A
colonel's commission, therefore, to Mr. Hodgson, would not only be a recognition of a large class
of citizens heretofore almost entirely ignored, but it would be a compliment to them which he,
as a true patriot and lover of his adopted country, could not consistently refuse."
The above extract shows more the esteem in which John Hodgson was held in Waukesha
County, and the influence he carried, than the details of his life. His father was the steward
of a famous estate near Scarborough, England. On the death of his father, the oldest son,
older than the subject of this sketch, succeeded to the position of steward, in which he natur-
ally " put on some airs." He issued orders to young John at one time which were not obeyed,
and thereupon proposed to inflict a flogging upon the brother, who resented being made a menial.
John then went to his mother and declared he should leave England. Whatever could be said
to prevent so young a lad, for he was only sixteen, from going alone into a strange country,
was urged, but to no purpose. His mother therefore prepared him for the journey. John had
always been a pet of the surveyors, and had thus acquired a complete knowledge of the busi-
ness, and also of mathematics, in which science he was a prodigy. This surveyor, when his
young friend was about to sail, packed a trunk, with such books as he thought would be most
useful for him in the New World — among them the best works on surveying.
The young Englishman arrived in Detroit in 1827, and began at once to look over the
country, his purse suffering the while, until nothing was left for his support but the chest of
books. In this strait he began a search for work. Seeing a sign, " Gen. Lucius Lyon, Sur-
veyor General of the Northwest Territory," he walked in and asked for Mr. Lyon. He had
addressed that gentleman in person. This took away every particle of the penniless English
lad's courage, and instead of talking about surveying, as he intended, he meekly inquired if a
chore-boy was wanted. One was wanted — he must go up to Mrs. Lyon, who would engage
him. He was engaged to milk, care for the horse, prepare the wood and do general work,
although he knew nothing about such labors. His place was the kitchen. In that room no
light was provided except such as the fireplace afforded. John, after his work was done, would
start a blazing fire and lay down upon the hearth to peruse the books his old friend sent. Night
after night for a month or two this programme was repeated, when, one evening. Gen. Lyon
entered the kitchen and found him thus engaged. He walked up to John, reached for the book
and took notice of its title. " What do you know about the contents of this book ? " he asked.
John replied that he knew all about them. " Can you work this problem ? " queried the sur-
veyor, John said he could. A slate was brought, and the chore-boy wrought out whatever prop-
osition or problem was ofi"ered, and with such rapidity as showed a master mind. " Who are
you?" demanded Mr. Lyon. "I am John Hodgson," said the lad. '-But what does this
mean ? This is a rare work — the most elaborate ever published. Who are you ? How came
608 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
you to know all about this book? Where are you from? " Thus the astonished official plied
his young chore-boy with questions, finally learning his history. John was asked if he would
like to go into the office. He would. Mrs. Lyon objected at first, saying he was the best
chore-boy they ever had ; but her husband settled the matter by saying that John " knew more
about surveying than he did himself." And John entered the office. After remaining two or
three years with Gen. Lyon, Mr. Hodgson went to Cincinnati and entered the land office.
There he worked by the piece. His • companions would always quit when they had earned
$3 per day, which required from three to six hours, but he never left his work until he had
earned $10, which required from twelve to sixteen hours per day. This ambitious industry
characterized all his after life.
In 1834, Mr. Hodgson came to Wisconsin and surveyed until 1838, when he returned to
Michigan for a brief period. In 1842, when he located on his farm in Pewaukee, he had
entered nearly 9,000 acres of land. He entered the land on which Eagle and North Prairie
stood ; a large portion of the site of Geneva, in Walworth County, where he built the first dam
and saw-mill, and large tracts near Madison, in Dane County, as well as in various other localities.
He thus became a very wealthy man by his own efibrts and good management.
In 1861, Joseph Bond was nominated for State Senator. A few days later, John Hodgson
was nominated as his opponent, by the Republicans. As soon as Mr. Bond learned of this, he
refused to make the canvass, and wrote Mr. Hodgson that he would support him ( Hodgson ) for
Senator. Mr. Hodgson received all the votes cast, except about 200, in the county.
While mass meetings were being held to recruit for the Twenty-eighth Regiment during the
war, Mr. Hodgson made a stirring speech, which will always be remembered by all who heard it, and
which he closed with these words : " To the government of the United States I am indebted for
protection, both to person and property, and I gladly yield whatever I have that is required to
maintain that government."
From 18t)2 until his death, Mr. Hodgson was a member of the Board of Managers of the
State Industrial School for Boys. He died at " Derwent Farm," his home in Pewaukee, Decem-
ber 22, 1869, aged fifty-seven, and the procession that followed his remains to their last resting-
place was the largest one ever seen in Waukesha County.
Alexander W. Randali..
The subject of this sketch was born in the village of Ames, Montgomery Co., N. Y., in
the year 1819. After passing through his school days, a comparatively brief but successful
period of his life, he read law, and was admitted to the bar at the age of nineteen. Soon after
he emigrated to Wisconsin, locating at Prairieville, now Waukesha, in 1840. He commenced
the practice of his profession and had a large share of business, which he managed with success.
He returned to Canajoharie, N. Y., in the summer of 1842, where he married Miss Mary C.
Van Vechten, daughter of Herbertis and Susan Van Vechten. He returned in a few weeks
with his bride to Waukesha, where they continued to reside The death of Mrs. Randall occurred
in the fall of 1858. Mr. Randall continued to make Waukesha his home until 1865. Their
only child died in 1852, in the ninth year of her age.
He devoted so much of his time to politics that it interfered considerably with his legal
practice. Mr. Randall was originally a Democrat. He was always zealous in the cause he
espoused, and a working member in the full sense of the term, of the party with which he acted.
His first office was that of member of the First Constitutional Convention, in 1846. He took a
prominent position in that body. In 1848, when the Free Soil movement was inaugurated, Mr.
Randall was prominent in that movement. He did not, however, long harmonize with that
party, but soon fell back into the ranks of the regular Democracy.
In the fall of 1854, Mr. Randall was elected as an Independent Democrat to the Assembly
of the State, and gave the casting vote that elected Charles Durkee United States Senator. He
became, afterward, a recognized Republican, and in 1855 ran on the State ticket of that party
for Attorney General, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket. In the gubernatorial contest
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 609
between Barstow and Bashford, he acted as one of the attorneys for the successful contestant,
Bashford.
In 1856, Gov. Bashford appointed Mr. Randall Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit Court,
composed of the counties of Milwaukee and Waukesha, which position he filled with great credit
to himself, and to the public's satisfaction. In 1857, he was nominated as the Republican candi-
date for Governor, and was elected. He entered upon the duties of Governor on the 1st of
January, 1858, and discharged them so satisfactorily to the people that he was re-elected in the
fall of 1859.
His second term carried him through the year 1861 — the first year of the war. He proved
himself a very able war Governor. The ability, energy and boldness with which he labored for
the service gave him a national reputation. He was known everywhere as the " war Governor
of Wisconsin. " In 1861, Mr. Randall was a candidate for United States Senator, but was not
elected. At the close of his second term as Governor, Lincoln appointed him Minister to Rome.
In 1865 he was appointed Assistant Postmaster General. Mr. Randall afterward, upon the res-
ignation of William Dennison as Postmaster General, was placed at the head of the PostolEce
Department, which position he held until the close of Johnson's administration. This was his
last official position. He afterward opened a law office in the city of Washington and had a
lucrative practice. He died at his residence in Blmira, N. Y., July '26, 1872.
The following proceedings, had by the Village Board of Waukesha and a mass meeting of
citizens, are taken from a local paper, and are self-explanatory :
At a special meeting of the Village Board of Waukesha, called at 11 o'clock A. M.. this 27th day of July, 1872
for the purpose of taking appropriate action on the death of Hon. A. W. Randall, the following preamble and resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted :
Whekeas, The sad tidings have reached us of the death of our former honored fellow-citizen, ex-Governor Alex-
ander W. Eandall, at Elmira, New York, on the 26th inst., and
Whereas, In these tidings we recognize that the hand of Providence has removed from earth a man useful to
his generation, of true nobility of character, and whose name will ever be held in honor by the people of the great
State of Wisconsin, to the advancement of whose interests he gave a great portion of his life and talents, and espe-
cially by his old neighbors at Waukesha, who knew and found cause to admire him ; therefore.
Resolved, That this board recommend that a public meeting of our citizens be held at Robinson's Hall this even-
ing at 7:30 o'clock, to express a public appreciation of our great loss, and that it is further recommended that our
merchants and business men close their places of business from 9 A. il. to 12 jM. on Monday, July 29, 1872, and that
the several clergymen of the village be requested to have the bells of their respective churches tolled between the
hours of 9 and 10 o'clock, A. M., Monday, July 29, 1872. F. H. Pdtkey, Village C/erk.
At a meeting of the citizens of this village, held at Robinson's hall on Saturday evening, July 27, 1872, to take
action on the occasion of the death of our late fellow-townsman, Alexander VV. Randall, Elihu Enos was called to the
chair, and R. L. Gove elected Secretary. The Chairman briefly stated the object of the meeting. Remarks suited to
the occasion were made by A. Cook, Rev. Aitchison, .John Gaspar, Richard Buubar and others. On motion, a com-
mittee of nine was appointed by the meeting, as follows : A. Cook, Robert Bunlap, S. A. Randies, R. Dunbar, Vernon
Tichenor, Samuel G. Curtis, R. L. Gove, E. Enos and W. D. Bacon, to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the
meeting. The following funeral exercises were decided upon : That service -be held at the Baptist Church at 10:30
o'clock A. M., Mooday, .July 29 ; ringing of the church bell at 9:30 o'clock, tolling of the bell at 10 o'clock, to con-
tinue until 10:30 o'clock: procession of citizens to form at the Exchange corner during the tolling of the bell, and
proceed to the church, where funeral exercises will take place in the following order: Singing, prayer, reading of
the Scriptures, report of the Committee on Resolutions, remarks by resident clergymen and citizens, singing, bene-
diction. E. Enos, Chairman.
R. L. Gove, Secretary.
Adjourned meeting of the citizens at the Baptist Church, Monday, .July 29, at 10:30 A. M. Meeting addressed
by the Chairman and order of exercises announced ; singing by the choir; reading of the minutes of Saturday even-
ing; prayer by Rev. Blackburn ; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Camp ; report of the Committee on Resolutions,
reported by their Chairman, A. Cook, Esq.:
Resolved, That we, citizens of Waukesha, from the time of his earliest manhood to a recent period the home of
the late Hon. Alexander W. Randall, as long his acquaintance, associates and friends, here met to pay the tribute of
respect to his memory, look upon his career, from the time of his taking up his residence at this place, just after
attaining his majority, without pecuniary resources or the aid of influential family connections, attaining a command-
ing position at the bar, a seat in the State Legislature, the position of Judge of this circuit, the Executive chair of
the State for two successive terms, the position of Minister at a foreign court, and finally gaining the confidence of
the Executive head of the nation so fully as to be invited to the head of one of the Executive Departments of the
National Government, being thereby made one of his confidential advisers on all questions Of Executive responsibility
and duty, evidences a degree of talent, culture, ability, tact and winning personal address very rarely found com-
bined in equal degree in any one individual.
610 HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
That if ambition seeks, as it justly may, expressions of confidence, appreciation of ability and honesty of pur-
pose, he has enjoyed enough and more than enough to satisfy the most lofty, from his immediate neighbors, from the
people of his State at large, and from the people of the nation, as expressed through their representatives in official
position.
That, as Governor of this State, at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion, his executive ability in the
discharge of <luties devolving upon him, new to himself and to all others not trained to military life, of organizing,
equipping and forwarding to the field of action the regiments sent from the State, challenged and received the admi-
ration of the people, irrespective of party.
That the time and the circumstances of his entering the councils of the nation as Cabinet Minister— the Rebel-
lion having been recently subdued, and having left eleven States in a state of chaos, to be reconstructed and brought
to their original standing in the restored Union, and especially the reorganization of the functions of his own depart-
ments in those States, demanded the exercise of profound knowledge of human nature, far-seeing sagacity, the broad-
est philanthropy, and the fact that his discharge of those duties met the general approval of the country is of itself
clear proof of the possession of all the qualities requisite to the highest order of statesmanship.
That we, without respect to party, and having the opportunity, from the close intimacy of an acquainta,nce and
neighbor for many years with the deceased, with marked satisfaction point all men to the fact that while his trusts
were many and responsible, in no instance has he ever failed to fulfill, with fidelity and ability, in every respect,
every public trust committed to him.
That in sorrow and in grief at the occasion of our meeting, the pleasure of recording our high appreciation of
his character as a citizen and a neighbor is still toned with the saddest mourning.
That we here, and while they are standing by his open grave in a distant State, tender to his bereaved widow
and heart-stricken relatives our warmest sympathy in the loss which they have sustained in the death of a brother,
a son and a husband, and the country at large by that of one of its most honored citizens.
The Milwaukee News, his political enemy, had this to say of Gov. Randall, on the day of
his death :
" Our telegraphic columns contain the not unexpected announcement of the death of ex-
Grov. Randall at his home in Elmira, N. Y., aged fifty-three years. Few men in their physical
aspects have better promise of a long and vigorous life than Gov. Randall, but an acute disease
which seized him a brief time since rapidly exhausted his vitality, and has prematurely, as it
were, taken him from our midst.
" We have not the material at hand to write an accurate biography of Gov. Randall, and, if we
had, the brief time allowed, and the narrow limits of one issue would fail to do the subject jus-
tice. Such a biography would be a tolerably full political history of the Territory and State of
Wisconsin. A man' of ability, gifted as a speaker, and with a taste for politics, general and
personal, there have been few political campaigns of importance in Wisconsin in which Gov.
Randall has not been a prominent and efficient actor.
" Gov. Randall's career sufiiciently proves him a man of marked ability, of devotion to his
convictions and courage in maintaining them. In private life he was a man of pure morals and
sound character — a genial member of society, a steadfast friend and by i\o means an implacable
enemy.
" His death will be generally mourned as a public loss, while to many it will be felt keenly as
almost a private and personal calamity."
If there ever was a jovial, fun-loving person, Alexander W. Randall was that one. To
recount his jokes and tricks would fill a volume. No one escaped from them. He made the most
of every opportunity, and there was not a man in the State who had come in contact with Mr.
Randall who could say he had not been the object or subject of the War Governor's inveterate
joking. Mr. Randall was no aristocrat. He was a friend to all.
OEIENTAL BVANIC ORDER OF THE 1,001.
The famous " Oriental Evanic Order of the 1,001," was not the indescribable offspring
of Waukesha County as has been claimed, but was started in Grant or Iowa County, Wis., and in
1848 Robert M. Briggs gave it to the public. It was not at first even approximately as elaborate,
ridiculous, funny, indescribable and popular as in later years, but the plan of it was such that it
grew with wonderful rapidity, especially after Mr. Briggs, then Grand Segnior, introduced the
order into the Legislature at Madison, in 1849. At that time nearly all of the members were
initiated and carried enthusiasm for the order to their various portions of the State.
In 1849, Andrew E. Elmore, William A. Barstow and Alexander W. Randall met in Wauke-
sha and determined to form a branch for Waukesha County. An organization was accordingly
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA. COUNTY. 611
formed by electing Mr. Elmore, Grand Segnior, and William A. Baretow, Pilot. Alexander F.
Pratt, Elihu Enos and Harrison Ward aided the three just mentioned, in founding the order in
Waukesha County. •
No pen or brush can paint the astonishing things done in this order. The highest men,
financially, socially and politically, in Wisconsin, were initiated, and the " sublime order of
1,001 " made the word "initiated" the most comprehensive one in the English language. It
conveyed every thing the wildest and most abnormal imagination could invent. The first initia-
tion in Waukesha County took place in a building located where Carney's Opera House now
stands, in 1849, and later they took place in the court house, in W. D. Bacon's stone building,
and anywhere a secure room could be had. The ritual, than which no more astounding or side-
splitting book ever was published, was written by Andrew E. Elmore. It so far surpassed every
other one then extant, that the " Elmore Ritual " came into general use. Under it the greatest,
most modest, most refined, most distinguished and most able men in the country did things they
never have told of, and never will. The order existed in Waukesha County during a number of
years, until all the men of prominence in any direction had been initiated. Some of them were
so disgusted with themselves that they could hardly live.
Some men joined because they had been led to think that by so doing they could get higher
prices for pork or whatever they had to sell. Others joined because the assessor was a member,
and they thought he of course would favor members of the order ; others to secure more custom,
to get ofiice, and for every conceivable reason — all due to the extravagant but earnest and solemn
promises of the fun-loving members, who thus secured large numbers for initiation. The initia-
tion was all there was of the order ; and scores of men who were stripped, branded, bounced,
yoked, doused, made a sled of, whirled, tossed into the air, made to drink nauseous decoctions,
wear shoemaker's wax for weeks in the hollows of their feet to " draw out meanness," carry
asafoetida in their pockets to " counteract immoral tendencies," have their hair greased to pre-
vent foot-rot in sheep, and do numberless other outlandish and humiliating things, never went
near the lodge-room after the first night, being completely saturated with unutterable disgust.
But those who did return night after night to take part in the initiation of new candidates
undoubtedly had " more fun," as they still maintain, than was ever had by any set of men in any
other manner.
To recount all that was done would fill a volume like this ; therefore this brief account,
which will serve to remind those who were members, of the meaning of " A. ^I. A.;" and to per-
petuate that symbolic term, which was the pass-word, will be all-sufficient for the purpose of this
work.
POLITICAL PAETIES.
Waukesha County, during many years, was the acknowledged leader, for both parties, in all
political contests. The genius of politics seemed to be enthroned here, and the men who were
its embodiment for Wisconsin directed the hosts from their homes in Waukesha. They were not
politicians merely, for this county has furnished her full share of men to fill high State and
Federal positions. The two accounts here presented were prepared by members of the respective
parties — that of the Democratic party by an old Democrat and the other by a lifelong Repub-
lican and Libertyite. The latter is lengthy and covers wide ground ; but it is a history more or
less of both parties, and will be found interesting and valuable.
Democratic Party.
In the earliest days of the county there was no organized party, although the United States
Government was in the hands of the Democrats ; and all the officers in the Territory of Wisconsin,
where politics were taken into consideration in making appointments, were Democrats. There-
fore, had there been any politicians at all in the country, the members of the Democratic party
might have formed a party organization which, in view of the fact that the offices were to be had
from tl(at side of the house, and that the number and importance of them were constantly increas-
ing, would have been strong enough to have retained supremacy for an indefinite period. But
612 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
such a state of affairs was foreseen by no one at that time. The people here were poor. Thej
had left the land of wealth and political parties to establish homes, and, whenever any public
action was taken in their new countiy, it was in regard to the formation of a town, the
erection of bridges, or pertaining to some other purely local interest, into which it would have
been wholly impossible to inject anything of a political nature, and for which all labored with a
common zeal. About the first parties were " Sweet " and " Kilbourn," or canal and anti-canal.
Finally, in 1843, the General Government gave the Territory power to choose her own justices,
sheriffs, etc., in the different counties, and then began the first real interest in political parties.
There had, previous to this time, been little or no formal organization of the Democratic, or any
other party, and the claim that the first formal organization of the party in Wisconsin occurred
at a gathering of prominent men in Prairieville, since Waukesha, is probably a just one. Certain
towns, like the towns of Prairieville and Milwaukee, which had begun to assume some size and
importance, had before this divided on party lines in choosing supervisors ; but the divisions were
loose ones and of limited extent. Finally, when Milwaukee County had been divided and Wau-
kesha County erected and fully organized, it became evident to the people of the latter that they
were a little kingdom all by themselves, where political parties might do battle, win victories and
suffer defeat. Then politics, for the first time, received such attention as they had in older coun-
ties, and always have, since that time, received here. All the interests for which the people in
the sixteen towns which now compose Waukesha County had labored had been settled in their
favor, and the citizens now had time to squabble for the offices among themselves. And they
did it right royally ; there have been some as spirited and able election contests in Waukesha
County as were ever known anywhere, for the leaders of the various parties were men accustomed
to succeed ; and, having worked side by side in previous years for common county interests, they
knew each other's methods, and understood precisely what kind of fighting must be done to win,
now that they were enemies. When Waukesha County was organized the leaders of the Demo-
cratic party were substiantially as follows, the other parties being Whig and Abolition, or, as it
was afterward called, Free Soil : William A. Barstow, Alexander F. Pratt and Alexander W.
Randall — a big team, if there was any — of Waukesha ; Andrew E. Elmore and Joseph Bond, of
Mukwonago ; John C. Snover and J. Bottomley, of Eagle; William E. McClure, Henry Weiner,
and P. Lifferdorf, of Ottawa ; Orson Reed and John D. McDonald, of Summit ; John S. Rock-
well, of Oconomowoc ; Francis McCormick, of Merton; James Weaver and W. H. Thomas, of
Lisbon ; Willi,am R. Hesk and William. Costigan, of- Menomonee ; Andrew Proudfit, Albert
Alden and D. K. Warren, of Delafield ; Robert Stewart, of Pewaukee ; J. W. Brackett, of
Brookfield, and others, who have since become more prominent in these and other towns than they
then were.
At this time, the Democratic party was in the majority, or, more accurately speaking, in the
plurality, and elected all the county ofiScers at the first election. All the postmasters in the
county were also Democratic, if they had any known politics, and the party .thus had a prestige,
which, had it been properly engineered, might have lasted until the present time ; for settlers
were coming in rapidly, and all new-comers, if they had any political ambition at all, naturally
fell in with the strongest side. Thus, a great many men, some of them with ambition and good
abilities, had joined the Democratic party, who did not properly belong in it. They joined that
side because it then was in the majority and proniised to reach the political persimmons, for which
fruit they were hungering. When, therefore, a new issue came up, like the formal move
against slavery, the old-time Democrats set themselves so rigidly against the ultra anti-slavery
doctrines that they drove the above-mentioned semi-proselytes, who had joined the party because
it was winning, and who would have remained in it had a less radical course been pursued, com-
pletely out of it. Therefore, at the breaking-up of the Whig party, and the formation of the
Republican party, its successor, many of the ablest men of the Democratic party joined this new
political organization, becoming its leaders, while a few of the disintegrating Whig party became
Democrats.
'"*►»
'^^ffiStu^ rtfci
m
NEW BERLIN.
illSTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 615
Notwithstanding all ttis, however, the Democratic has been the strongest party in the county
since its organization. To illustrate : Since 1856 the county has comprised the Tenth Sena-
torial district, in which have been held twenty -four elections for State Senator. These have re-
sulted in fourteen victories for the Democrats and ten for the Republicans.
The first local paper Waukesha County had was Democratic ; the Democrat, started by
Oeorge Hyer in 1848. During most of the time since, the party has had from two to three
true-blue newspaper organs, which have been supported fully as well as the papers of the oppos-
ing party, and it now maintains two of the four newspapers published in the county.
In the earlier years of this party, John C. Snover, Jonathan Parsons and one other were
the only Democrats in the town of Eagle to hold caucuses and select delegates. These sturdy
politicians made this limited number answer all purposes admirably, however, for they had a
man for chairman of their crowded meeting on some hermit dry-goods box ; one for secretary,
(called " scratchetary " by Andrew E. Elmore when he first began to manipulate Democratic
caucuses) and one to shout out the motions.
The most distinguished Democrat Waukesha County produced was William A. Barstow,
though Alexander F. Pratt, without often appearing in the role of ofiBce-holder, was for many
years an influential party manager, and much of the secret history of the party was made by
him, not only in Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties, but in the whole State.
The oldest Democrats — those who have never switched off the faith, are Joseph Bond, John
C. Snover, James Weaver and Jacob H. Kimball. The latter was the first Chairman of the town
of Prairieville, and was also the first member from that locality of the Territorial Council.
In the vicinity of Oconomowoc, where David W. Small has been for many years a leading
Democrat, the members of the party displayed commendable wisdom by forming themselves into
a for;mal organization, electing such ofiicers as any deliberative or corporate body requires, and
keeping a perfect record, in a book procured for the purpose, of the proceedings of all caucuses,
conventions and meetings held in the interest of the Democratic party. This plan was adopted
in September, 1850, at a meeting held at the La Belle House, Oconomowoc, for that purpose.
This record was kept by Edwin Hurlbut, D. H. Rockwell, R. C. Hathaway, Hiram Carter,
Emulous P. Cotton, Samuel Dodge and others. During and since the war, no record has been
kept, and the formal Democratic organization at Oconomowoc has been suffered to break up,
unfortunately for history.
The county affairs have generally been managed by the Democrats, on one occasion the
County Board being composed of fourteen Democrats and two Republicans. The former,
therefore, lay claim to a good share of the honor due to those who have kept the county out of
debt and its finances in such good condition.
REprj3LiCAx Party.
The Republican party has been in existence in Waukesha County since its earliest
settlement, but only under its present name for twenty-six years. Its ancestor was
the earnest old Liberty party, whose members fought like Spartans in their chosen cause. They
began operations as soon after the settlement of the county as necessary local matters had been
adjusted, being aroused by the action of Congress, which denied the right of petition, it being
determined by the House, on motion of Mr. Patton, of Virginia, that for the future all petitions
or other papers touching slavery should be laid on the table without being debated, printed, read,
or referred. The murder of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, on the 7th of No^'ember, 1837, by a mob,
for publishing very tame Anti-slavery articles, with similar other aggressive acts of pro-slavery
men, made a deep impression on the country, and the friends of freedom saw in it a new revela-
tion of the contest on which they had entered. It was then promptly determined by the few anti-
slavery men in the North, to organize political abolition societies.
Prairieville (afterward Waukesha), was settled with a large number of Abolitionists, and
early formed Anti-slavery societies, and for several years was the center of the Territory for Aboli-
tion conventions, and party lines were soon sharply drawn, and both Whigs and Democrats were
616 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
driven together in political action, to beat the Abolitionists. In 1842, a Territorial Antislaverj
society was formed, in which Prairieville took a leading part.
The first Abolition Territorial Convention for the nomination of Delegates to Congress, was
held at Madison September 13, 1843, which was called to order by E. D. Clinton, of Prairieville ;
Ezra Mendall, of Prairieville, was elected Chairman, and Vernon Tichenor, of Prairieville, was
appointed to prepare an address to the people.
At the succeeding election for delegate to Congress, Henry Dodge, Democrat, received in
the Territory 921 votes ; George W. Hickox Whig, 354 votes ; Col. J. Spooner, Abolition, 115
votes.
A Territorial Liberty Association was formed in February, 1844, for political purposes, and
the dissemination of Abolition literature and intelligence. Charles Durkee, of Southport ( now
Kenosha), was President — an Executive Committee composed of Charles Durkee, Jacob Ly Brand,
Vernon Tichenor, E. D. Holton, Stephen Peet, Asahel Finch, Jr., and J, G. Kendall, were
chosen.
The American Freeman, organ of the Territorial Anti-slavery Society, which, in August,
1844, had been running about six months, was brought to Waukesha, and C. 0. Sholes engaged to
continue it in that place during three years, the expenses of its publication to be maintained by the
Abolition party.*
A Liberty Party Convention to nominate candidates for county offices for the County of
Milwaukee, met in Prairieville, on August 20, 1845. Winthrop Chandler, of Prairieville, was
called to the chair, and C. C. Sholes, of Prairieville, was chosen Secretary.
Delegates from Prairieville — M. S. Barnett, V. Tichenor, C. S. Hawley, W. D. Bacon, J.
W. Rossman, C. C. Olin, A. L. Barber, H. N. Davis, E. S. Purple, L. C. Slye, L. Goodnow^
W. Weed, 0. F. Curtis, C. C. Sholes, George Hawley, E. Bates, D. Chandler, M. Hawley,
Ezra Mendall, Rev. Seward and W. McWhorter.
Milwaukee — W. L. Collins.
Pewaukee — A. Ste^vart, J. H. Waterman, Thomas Brown, L. Crocker, M. Clark, and John
Hodgson.
New Berlin — Gdorge Hollister, Elon Murry, A. Gilbert, Hiram Hollister, A. C. Thayer,,
and W. Morris.
Menomonee — A. W. Norris.
Vernon — 0. B. Haseltine, Ira Blood, and C. A. Walker.
The convention nominated, for member of Council, Samuel Hinman, of Prairieville.
For the House of Representatives, N. S. Kendrick, Prairieville ; George Hawley, Prairie-
ville ; E. D. Underwood, Milwaukee ; Ira Blood, Vernon ; and J. H. Waterman, of Pewaukee ;
for Register of Deeds, Vernon Tichenor, Prairieville ; Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, David
McDougal, Milwaukee ; Treasurer, Samuel Brown, Milwaukee ; Coroner, S. A. Stratton, Mil-
waukee ; District Surveyor, Winchel D. Bacon, Prairieville.
The Committee on Resolutions reported twelve resolutions. The first was:
Resolved, That the anti-slavery enterprise is the most arduous as well as the most important ever yet undertaken
by the American people, and involves the necessity of corresponding exertions and sacrifices on the part of those
engaged in it.
5. — Resolved, That we will use all proper efforts to secure to the colored man the right of franchise, of which he
is unjustly deprived in the Territory.
9. — Resolved, That we view the National Constitution as an anti-slavery document, and every act of the Federal
Government for the extension of slavery, unauthorized by that instrument and contrary to its design.
IS. — Resolved, That we indignantly repel the efforts of our opponents to fix upon us the character of enemies
to the Constitution, the Government and the Union.
At the subsequent election the delegates to Congress, received in Milwaukee County,
Martin [Dem.], 5,526 ; Collins [Whig], 4,496 ; E. D. Holton [Libertyite], 815.
The annual meeting of the Territorial Liberty Association was held at Beloit, February 26,,
1845.
See chapter on " Waukesha County Newspapers " for an iotereBting account of the American Freeman.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 617
For town oiEcers at the election held April 7, 1846, in Prairieville and Pewaukee, both the
Whigs and Democrats united to defeat the Liberty party candidates. Prairieville, however,
elected two Liberty party candidates, Vernon Tichenor for Justice of the Peace, and B. Douglass
for Collector and Constable.
On the question of a State government, the vote in the Territory was in favor, 12,334,
against 2,487.
The question of the division of the county was voted upon at the same time as follows:
For. Against.
Prairieville 387 0
Pewaukee 151 7
Oconomowoo 2 111
Summit 2 184
Delafield 22 51
Warren 40 42
Lisbon 63 18
Menomonee 5 76
Brookfield : 74 72
New Berlin 110 20
Muskego :'. 39 48
Vernon 86 24
Mukwonago , 121 14
Eagle 80 15
Ottawa 27 11
Genesee 74 3
1,283 696
The vote in the table in reference to Summit was the result of two days' balloting. No doubt
they would have voted longer, but names became scarce. The last vote taken was said to be
from a traveler who voted from the end of a split stick, and in the list was credited to Peter Stick.
On the 3d day of February, 1846, the village of Prairieville was incorporated, and on the
2d day of March, 1846, E. D. Clinton, Abolition, was elected its first President.
The first political convention in the new county of Waukesha was called to elect delegates to
frame a State constitution.
The Liberty party called a convention to meet at Prairieville August 14, 1846. George
Hollister was elected Chairman and C. C. Sholes Secretary.
Delegates in attendance from Prairieville — E D. Clinton, V. Tichenor, C. C. Sholes, W.
D. Bacon, H. N. Davis, A. Gaston, George Hawley, 0. Z. Olin, E. S. Purple, S. Hinman, B.
Moore, T. H. Olin, W. McWhorter, Z. Bidwell, Ezra Mendall, B. Johnson, W. C. Whitman,
and E. Bates.
New Berlin— A. L. Barber, D. Gilbert, G. W. Hollister, A. E. Gilbert, R. Cheeny, H. P.
Kendall, Hiram Hollister, George Hollister, and D. Cheeny.
Mukwonago — John Andrews and S. H. Depuy.
Vernon — Ira Blood, A. Pierce, 0. B. Ilaseltine, J. Stoddard, B. Webster, and W. Guthrie.
Pewaukee — Asa Clark and Nelson Olin.
Lisbon — S. Dougherty, S. Bottsford, E. Matthews, and S. Potter.
Brookfield — J. L. Irwin.
Oconomowoc — J. Colby and J. P. Colby.
The platform was as follows :
Resolved, That we recognize no crisis or exigency in local or general politics as being of equal importance with
the great foundation principles of the Liberty organization.
Resoherl, That it is unwise and a departure from the integrity of Liberty principles for us by our votes to con-
tribute to the strength and influence of the old parties.
Resolved, That color, p'nce of nativity, religious belief or possession of property, as qualifications or disqualifi-
cations for the enjoyment of civil privileges involve a principle diametrically hostile to true republicanism, natural
and equal freedom.
The convention nominated candidates as follows :
For Delegates to the Constitutional Convention — Vernon Tichenor, C. C. Sholes, Daniel
618 HISTOET OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Gilbert, Timothy Palmer, James N. Heath, John Andrews, Ira Blood, J. Metcalf, Walter Gush-
ing, N. S. Kendrick and Esquire White. For Councilman — Samuel Hinman, of Prairieville.
House of Representatives — Orin Haseltine, of Vernon, and Nelson Olin, of Pewaukee. Sher-
iff— Barzilla Douglass, Prairieville. Coroner — Ezra Mendall, Prairieville. Register — Elisha
Pearl, Lisbon. Judge of Probate — Vernon Tichenor, Prairieville. Clerk of Board of Super-
visors— P. S. Brown, Pewaukee. Treasurer — T. H. Olin, Prairieville. Surveyor — John
Hodgson, Pewaukee.
A Liberty Association was formed for the county of Waukesha with the constitution of the
Milwaukee County Liberty Association. The officers elected were: President, S. Hinman;
Vice Presidents — George Hawley, N. S. Kendrick, G. W. Hollister, Asa Clark and J. S. Bald-
win ; C. C. Sholes, Secretary ; E. S. Purple, Treasurer ; Executive Committee — V. Tichenor, N.
Clinton, E. D. Clinton, T. H. Olin and W. D. Bacon, W. D. Bacon, C. C. Olin and Dr. G.
Wright were appointed a committee to raise money for lecturing, pledged to Messrs. Codding
and Clark. At the election, the average Liberty party vote in Waukesha County was 225 ;
Whig, 675 ; Democratic, 860.
On December 2, 1846, the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Liberty Association met at
Prairieville, Jacob LyBrand, Vice President in the Chair, W. D. Bacon, Secretary.
Waukesha County delegates were present as follows :
Rev. 0. F. Curtis, Lucius Bottsford, Winthrop Chandler, H. Blanchard, Rev. A. Gaston,
L. C. Slye, P. L. Brown, E. D. Clinton, Rev. D. M. Clark, John Nelson, William McWhorter,
B. Stown, E. Matthews, S. Bottsford, W. D. Bacon, L. Blanchard, John White, Thomos Blount,
E. S. Purple, H. Nelson, Rev. N. Miller, A. Stewart, Rev. A. L. Barber, R. Griffin, G. W. Hollis-
ter, H. A. Youmans, George Hawley, S. Dougherty, Samuel Hinman, W. T. Hollenbeck, Allen
Clinton, Vernon Tichenor, J. P. Colby, Harvey P. Kendall, Moore Spears, Stephen Richmond,
Thomas H. Olin, Zebulon Bidwell, Rev. Roswell Cheeny, John S. Baldwin Hiram Hollister, C.
L. Robinson, A. E. Gilbert, Joseph French.
The business committee reported in favor of employing Ichabod Codding to lecture one year
in Wisconsin against slavery. It also reported the following, which was adopted :
Resolved, That if a constitution disfranchising any portion of men shall be sent to the people for adoption, we as
friends of the rights of man shall feel ourselves bound more strenuously to oppose its acceptance.
The labors of the Liberty party secured articles favoring equal suffrage, which were sub-
mitted to the legal voters in connection with the constitution, which articles were defeated with it.
The vote on constitution was in Waukesha County : For constitution, 1,246 ; against 1,825.
For equal suffrage, 1,107 ; against, 617.
On July 14, 1847, the semi-annual meeting of the Wisconsin Liberty Association met at
Waukesha, and organized by electing E. D. Holton, President, and E. D. Underwood and W.
D. Bacon, Secretaries.
V. Tichenor, Seward and Love were appointed a committee to nominate a candidate for
Delegate to Congress. Said committee nominated Charles Durkee, whom the convention unan-
imously indorsed. E. D. Holton, Charles Durkee and I. Codding were appointed delegates
to the Liberty Party Convention, to meet at Buffalo October 20, to nominate Liberty candidates
for President and Vice President.
At the election following, to wit, in November, 1847, Charles Durkee, Liberty party, re-
ceived for Delegate in Waukesha County, 198 ; in the Territory, 973. Moses ' M. Strong,
Democrat, 583 ; in the Territory,9, 748 ; John H. Tweedy, Whig, 659 ; in the Territory, 10,670.
The Liberty party of Waukesha County called a convention to meet at Waukesha, Novem-
ber 13, 1847, to noininate the six candidates for delegates apportioned them for the convention
to frame a State constitution.
The convention organized by electing Sam'l Dougherty Chairman and W. D. Bacon, Secretary.
On ballot the following named persons were nominated as candidates for delegates to said
convention : Vernon Tichenor, John Hodgson, Richard Griffin, Ira Blood, Hiram Hollister,
N. S. Kendrick. ,
HISTORY OF Wxi_UKESHA COUJiTTY. 619
October 20, 1847, the National Convention of the Liberty Party met at Buffalo, at which
John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, was nominated for President, and Leicester King, of Ohio,
for Vice President.
Important constitutional questions were considered at this convention by the most eminent
men in the Liberty party, discussions lasting nearly two days.
Gerrit Smith came to the convention with his land league measures, which were finally
rejected, although in less than a year adopted by the Liberty party. John P. Hale had at no
time identified himself as an individual member of the Liberty party, and by several of the dele-
gates was opposed for that reason. Gerrit Smith advocated that slavery could be abolished by
direct Congressional legislation. S. P. Chase contended that slavery in the States was not
strictly unconstitutional, but extra-constitutional ; thought it could not be reached by direct
enactment.
A resolution was, however, adopted, declaring in effect that slavery could and would be
abolished by a constitutional administration of the Government. Mr. Chase was right in say-
ing that slavery could not be reached by direct enactment. The resolution was more than right ;
it was prophetic, for under Mr. Lincoln it was literally abolished by "a constitutional adminis-
tration " of the Government.
The year 1848 was prolific with nominations for the Presidency. First the Liberty party
nominated John P. Hale ; then the Land Leaguers nominated Gerrit Smith. On the 23d of
May, the Democrats nominated Lewis Cass ; on the 7th of June the Whigs nominated Gen.
Taylor, and on August 9, the Wilmot Proviso men, Barn-Burners and Liberty party men nom-
inated Martin Van Buren.
As the movement of the Wilmot Proviso men in calling the Buffalo Convention, to prevent
slavery pervading the Territories, and the admitting of new States with slavery, seemed to pre-
sent the most important duty at that day, a State convention was called to meet at Janesville
on July 26, to send delegates to the convention.
Waukesha County called a convention to send delegates to the Janesville Convention.
Three persons responded to that call, viz., W. D. Bacon, Alexander Cook and Dr. W. H Far-
ner. The convention organized by appointing W. D. Bacon, Chairman, W. H. Farner Sec-
retary, and Alexander Cook Committee on Resolutions. Delegates were duly appointed, and
it was
Resolved, that the delegates elected to represent this county, in the Janesville convention, be instructed to
use their influence in favor of nominating delegates in favor of nominating Martin Van Buren for the Presidency.
The Janesville Convention sent W. D. Bacon, Ichabod Codding and A. W. Randall for
Waukesha County delegates to the Buffalo Convention, and adopted this resolution, framed by
Andrew E. Elmore :
Resolved, That as a man has a right to life, and without access to the earrh which is the gift of God to all His
children he must perish, we are in favor of disposing of the Ifinds of the United States to actual settlers only in
limited quantities, at a cost of survey and transportation.
Soon after the Buffalo Convention, which nominated Van Buren, Hale having withdrawn,
the Liberty party took the name of Free Soil party.
Pursuant to call of the citizens of Waukesha County, the friends of Free Soil assembled in
mass convention at Waukesha, to ratify the nomination of Martin Van Buren for President,
and Charles F. Adams for Vice President.
The convention was called to order by A. W. Randall, and permanently organized by the
election of the following ofiBcers : Anson H. Taylor, President; B. R. Hinckley, Charles Bur-
chard, W. D. Bacon, L. Martin and J. W. Brackett, Vice Presidents ; J. M. Griswold, M. T.
Draper, R. M. Cady, Secretaries. A. Cook, E. W. Edgerton and V. Tichenor, were appoint-
ed a Committee on Resolutions.
On September 26, 1848, pursuant to call, a convention met at Mukwonago from the First
Congressional District to nominate a candidate for Congress. A. W. Randall was elected Presi-
dent, and W. D. Bacon Secretary. The delegates from Waukesha County were W. D. Bacon,
620 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
A. W. Randall, Charles Burchard, John M. Wells, and E. Pearl. The convention nominated
Charles Durkee, and at the polls in November he was elected. Charles Durkee had been a
strong, consistent Anti-slavery and Liberty party man for several years, and was the very first
outspoken, uncompromising Liberty party man who had at that date been elepted to Congress,
This was a big victory. A second mass convention of the Free Soil party assembled at Waukesha,
the 25th of October, 1848,, B. R. Hinckly in the chair, and J. M. Griswold, Secretary.
A county committee was appointed as follows, with power to appoint town committees
throughout the county : A. W. Randall, A. Cook, Charles Burchard, W. D. Bacon, J. W. Brackett,
L. Martin, and B. W. Edgerton. A. W. Randall was elected to attend the State Convention,
and A. Cook as the delegate at the Congressional Convention. The convention was then addressed
by Messrs. Austin, Lovell, Saunders and Goss.
On motion a committee of three from each town were selected as a nominating committee
as follows : Waukesha — A. W. Randall, John M. Wells, and W. D. Bacon ; New Berlin — S.
Beardsley, W. P. Hale, B. Hollister ; Genesee— W. Smith, T. Evans, T. Fender ; Ottawa^E.
Duchene, and H. B. Bloomer ; Mukwonago — A. B. Elmore and S. Collier ; Vernon — N. B.
Smith, John Sweet, A. Putnam ; Muskego — Asa Parker and Luther Parker ; Brookfield — M.
Spears and J. W. Brackett ; Pewaukee — Asa Clark, S. Love, J. W. Hildreth ; Delafield —
Stephen Warren and M. Teneyck ; Summit — E. W. Edgerton, R. M. Carter and F. Wilkenie ;
Oconomowoc — G. E. Conant, J. P. Colby, G. W. Cottrell ; Warren — M. Smith, Dr. Fenn and
C. G. Williams ; Lisbon — S. Bottsford, N. Miller and Harrison Phillips.
The committee presented to the convention the following names, which were unanimously
adopted : For State Senator, Benjamin Hunkins, of New Berlin ; Sheriff, Charles Hawley, of
Waukesha ; Judge of Probate, Alex. Cook, of Waukesha ; Register of Deeds, Geo. W. Cottrell,
of Oconomowoc ; Clerk of Court, J. M. Griswold, of Waukesha ; District Attorney, J. E. Gallagher,
of Waukesha ; Treasurer, Jacob Hengy, of Waukesha ; Clerk of the Board of Supervisors,
Vernon Tichenor, of Waukesha.
The convention appointed A. W. Randall, W. D. Bacon, Alex. Cook, E. W. Edgerton and
L. Parker, central committee.
At the ensuing election the Free Soil, Van Buren ticket for electors in the county of
Waukesha, received forty majority over the Cass ticket, and ninety-five over the Taylor electoral
ticket. In the State, Van Buren received 10,528 ; Zachary Taylor received 13,746 ; Lewis Cass
received 14,891. Mr. Van Buren received 291,037 votes in the fifteen free States.
Two State conventions were called for 1849, one by the Free Soil, or Free Democratic party,
as it now began to be called, to nominate State officers, at Madison September 12, and one by
the Cass Democracy.
The Cass men held their convention the 5th of September, at Madison, nominating Nelson
Dewey for Governor.
On the 7th of September, the Union-Liberty-Democratic State Convention met at Madison,
resolved that it was a Free Soil convention, and nominated Warren Chase for Governor, John
Bannister, Lieutenant Governor; Benjamin Hunkins, Secretary of State; Charles M. Goodsell,
Treasurer ; Marshall M. Strong, Attorney General.
The vote for Governor and other Free Democratic candidates in Waukesha County was 371.
In 1848 the Free Soil vote was 1,001, and in 1847 the Liberty party vote was 250, having gained
by the Van Buren movement only about 100 votes in the county ; but the country had been
electrified by the spasmodic advocacy by the Van Buren wing of Democracy, of the most radical
Abolition doctrine ever promulgated by Abolitionists ; a door had been opened and a respectful
hearing given to Free Soil principles, which made converts rapidly, and in twelve years buried
the Democratic party, and the pro-slavery body of the Whig party, so that it has not yet been
resurrected.
The Liberty party continued its political work under the name of the Free Democratic
party, gaining in strength year by year. The union in 1848 of the Liberty party with the Wil-
mot Proviso wing of the Democratic party advanced the principles of freedom, and elected to
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 621
"Congress Charles Durkee, an old and true Abolitionist, from this, the First Congressional Dis-
"trict. So a union in 1853 with the Whig party in this State resulted iii forming a new party
(Republican) in 1854 ; and in electing three State Senators, who would not have been elected
Dut for their union, and who helped to make a majority on joint ballot of one — which majority in
January, 1856, elected Charles Durkee to the Senate of the United States. The union was
l)rought about in this wise :
On the 8th of June, 1853, the Free Democratic party nominated Edward D. Holton for
Governor ; Jonathan Dougherty, Lieutenant Governor ; C. L. Sholes, Secretary of State ;
Yernon Tichenor, Attorney General ; Samuel D. Hastings, Treasurer ; 0. T. Bartlett, Super-
intendent of Public Instruction ; E. A. Howland, Bank Comptroller ; Selah Booth, State
Prison Commissioner.
The Whigs nominated a State ticket with Henry S. Baird for Governor.
The Democrats also nominated a State ticket, with William A Barstow for Governor,
Mr. Barstow being then the leader of the Democracy. Both Whigs and Free Democrats pub-
lished everywhere that the ticket nominated by the Democratic party was such as they could
not support. At the same cime, a large majority of the Whig party in Wisconsin had advanced
to the same faith as the principles promulgated by the Free Democracy, but were not willing
to work with them under that name. Therefore a few men from the Whig and Free Democratic
parties on consultation at the Wisconsin State fair, held at Watertown on the 4th, 5th, 6th
and 7th of October, 1853, issued a call and posted the same for a mass meeting of the people
opposed to the election of the Democratic ticket, to be held in a schoolhouse in Watertown
City, at 10 A. M., on the 6th of October.
At the time appointed the schoolhouse was literally packed with Democrats to prevent
the object of said call. The friends of a People's ticket, not being able to gain admission to
tlie schoolhouse, withdrew to a public hall and organized by appointing David Atwood Presi-
dent, and put forth an address to the people of the State.
The ticket nominated was as following : Leonard J. Farwell, Governor ; Edward D. Holton,
Lieutenant Governor ; J. A. Hadley, Secretary of State ; Samuel D. Hastings, Treasurer ; James
H. Knowlton, Attorney General : John G. McMynn, Superintendent of Public Instruction ;
James S. Baker, Bank Comptroller ; and Selah Booth, State Prison Commissioner.
An Executive Committee was appointed, consisting of Rufus King, of Milwaukee ; W. D.
Bacon, Waukesha ; David Atwood, Madison ; R. A. Doming, Kenosha ; with full power to fill
vacancies or to re-arrange the ticket for good cause.
This movement was not satisfactory to the Whig nominee for Governor, H. S. Baird, who
refused to decline in favor of the People's ticket, but kept in the field and received 3,304 votes.
Nor did the Free Democracy approve of the People's ticket. At the Janesville meeting of the
People's Central Committee and of the press of the Free Democratic party, it was determined to
support the Free Democratic instead of the People's ticket, W. D. Bacon and Vernon Tichenor,
of Waukesha, only dissenting. It was urged that a fair division of candidates was not observed
by the mass meeting at Watertown, the Whigs taking the head of the ticket and five out of eight
of the candidates. Mr. Bacon assured the committee and press, he being one of the Executive
Committee of the mass meeting at Watertown, that an early meeting of the Executive Committee
would be called to fill vacancies, and it was expected Mr. Farwell, nominee for Governor, would
decline, at which time he believed the ticket would be reconstructed, dividing fairly the candidates
between Whigs and Free Democrats. The motion to support the Free Democratic ticket was
reconsidered. The next day Mr. Farwell sent to the Executive Committee his declination to be
a candidate on the People's ticket. The Executive Committee of the People's mass meeting met at
Whitewater and reconstructed the ticket as follows : E. D. Holton, Governor ; Bertine Pinkney,
Lieutenant Governor; J. A. Hadley, Secretary of State; S. D. Hastings, Treasurer ; Orsamus Cole,
Attorney General ; John G. McMynn, Superintendent of Public Instruction ; Benjamin F. Pixley,
Bank Comptroller ; Selah Booth, State Prison Commissioner. The average Democratic vote in the
State was 31,000 ; People's ticket 21,000 ; Whig vote 3,300. The union of the Whig and
622 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Free Democratic parties having been effected under the name of the People's ticket, and having
elected several members of the Senate and Legislature of the State, on June 9, 1854, the follow-
ing circular was published throughout the State for a People's Mass State Convention to con-
vene at Madison July 13, 1854 :
All men opposed to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, the extension of slavery and the rule of the slave
power, are invited to meet at Madison Thursday, July 13, to take such measures as may be deemed necessary to pre-
vent the future encroachment of the slave power, to repeal all compromises in favor of slavery, and establish the
principles of freedom as the rule of the State and National Governments. The time has come for the union of all free
men for the sake of freedom. There is but one alternative — we must unite and be free, or divide and be enslaved.
[Signed] Many Citizens.
On that day over fifteen hundred voters met at Madison and organized under the name
Republican. At the next election, the new party secured a majority of the Legislature and cast an
unexpected vote in Waukesha County.
The first call for the Republican Convention for Waukesha County was signed by Elihu
Enos. Among the party leaders have been Mr. Enos, member of the National Republican
Committee, Alex. W. Randall, I. M. Bean, C. K. Davis, Warham Parks, E. M. Randall, Rufus
Parks, Sidney A. Bean, Vernon Tichenor, W. D. Bacon, W. M. Saunders, August Lins, F. G.
Parks, John C. Schuet, H. A. Youmans, A. E Perkins, the Dousmans and the Reeds, of Ottawa,
Albert Alden, Isaac Lain, William Blair, E. Beaumont, Henry Shears, George Cairncross,
Richard Cooling, Thomas Sugden, Henry Bowman, A. E. Gilbert, Dr. Ingersoll, W. W. Collins,
John A. Seabold, J. R. Carpenter, John and M. S. Hodgson, A. F. North, Asa Wilkins and
Jesse Smith.
The Republican party now is resting on its laurels — exists only to perpetuate the deeds and
preserve the fruits of the glorious past. When the Union was assailed the Republican party of
Waukesha County was as one man in its defense ; when financial heresy threatened the stability
of commerce and national credit, the Republican party here and everywhere was all-potent to
avert disaster. Whatever mistakes it has made, the party has aimed to do right — the heart of
its masses has always been with the best interests of the common country.
The foregoing will show conclusively that Waukesha County was prominent and persistent in
the work which resulted in the birth of the Republican party.
SUN DIALS.
So far as known, the first sun-dial in Wisconsin was made and set up, at or near Wauk-
esha, by William Cruikshank, and now the county of Waukesha has more permanent sun-dials,
without any doubt, than any other in the Union. They were all constructed by Mr. Cruik-
shank, whose first one was set about forty years ago. They are to be seen at various central
points in the county, and in all sunny days show at once to the stranger and resident the exact
meridian time. The finest in the county is probably the one in the cemetery at Waukesha,
which, if undisturbed by man, will point out the hour of the day unerringly for almost unlim-
ited centuries. Very many people have no idea of the purpose of a sun-dial when they dis-
cover one, and a still greater number have no idea how one can be accurately constructed. The
mystery of the fundamental principles cannot be furnished for the million, but the trigometrical
formula and an absolute rule can be given, so that whosoever has the will may construct a dial ~
according to the latter, and if he understand trigonometry, may prove his work according to
the former. First may be given three fundamental principles, as follows :
1. The true position of a sun- dial is the centre of the earth; but placed on the surface,
as it must be, there is no sensible error, the distance of the sun being so great that his hori-
zontal parallax is only 8.6 seconds. 2. The stile of every dial is parallel with the axis of the
earth. 3. Every dial, in whatsoever direction it may face, and however much it may lean back-
ward or forward is a horizontal dial for some point on the surface of the earth. Thus, a vertical
dial facing south in 43 degs. N. Lat. is a horizontal dial for a point 90 degs. farther South,
that is, in 47 degs. S. Lat.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
623
To construct a dial geometrically, the operator not being required to understand anything
but the use of tools, Mr. Cruikshank has ordered the following absolute rule, reference being
had to the accompanying cut for plainer illustration :
1. Draw the six o'clock line AB.
2. At aoy diBtanc3, draw FB parallel with AB, and produce it indeflQitely.
3. Draw the meridian line CD perpendicular to AB.
4. Draw the stile CE, making the angle DOE equal to the latitude of the place.
5. From D draw DGr perpendicular to CE,
6. Make DK equal to DG ; and with DK aa a radius, and K as centre, describe the quadrant DL, and divide it into six equal parts for the
hours, twelTe equal parts for the half hours, twenty-four equal parts for the quarter hours, etc.
7. From K draw the lines Kl, K2, K3, etc., and produce them till they meet FE in a, b, c, etc.
8. Draw the hour lines Ca, Cb, Cc, etc. These are the morning-hour lines, and the afternoon-honr lines are found in the same manner.
9. Set up the stile. If the stile is of an appreciable thickness, tfiere must be two meridian lines, just the thickness of the stile apart. In
order to avoid crowding, the lines only for the morning hours are drawn, and the plan of the dial is left incomplete.
For this latitude these nine rules can be used and a correct dial produced.
For calculating the angle of the hour lines with the meridian for a horizontal dial, we have
the following trigonometrical formula :
As Radius is to the sine of the latitude, so is the Tangent of the angle of the hour to the
Tangent of the angle of the hour line with the meridian.
The dials in the vicinity of Waukesha are cut upon Illinois marble, usually with stone
columns and Waukesha limestone pedestal, and will stand for ages. This much space is given
them because Waukesha county probably had the first reliable dial in Wisconsin.
ANECDOTES AND HISTOKT UNCLASSIFIED.
In 1844, while one of the most respected and best-known residents of Waukesha was on his
way to Milwaukee on foot, he met a prepossessing young woman traveling by similar conveyance
to Waukesha. She asked him some questions as to distance, and he replied properly. He then
desired to know if she had a husband and family to follow, and received a negative. " How
long before I can reach Mr. N 's house?" "In two hours, if you keep steadily on; but
how long before you could get married? " frankly inquired the citizen. " In two hours if I had
the opportunity," she archly replied. "Good!" exclaimed the tall man with a fine form, "it's
a bargain. " And it was. They were married immediately and lived a happy and prosperous
life.
P. Bannon was the only man who voted for Peter Cooper for President, in 1876, in the
village of Waukesha.
James A. Rossman and Chauncey C. Olin voted an Anti-slavery ticket, the first, probably,
in Waukesha County, in the spring of 1844.
624 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In the very earliest days of the settlement of Waukesha, Morris D. Cutler's was the only
ferry across the Fox River. He had a fee of 10 cents for carrying travelers across on his
back.
A splendid piece of land in Pewaukee was the, means of having no less than twenty
families purchase farms and settle in Waukesha County. A shrewd land agent would take any
land-seeker out to this rich tract of prairie and oak openings and make a good bargain for an
eighty or forty, but make out the deeds for lands elsewhere and often very poor; at least never
worth half as much as the land shown. The rough land near Sayles' mill, in Genesee, was sold
to Mr. Sayles in this manner.
It was forty miles from Prairieville to Milwaukee by the trails of 1834-36, and sixty miles
by the trails from Bark River to Milwaukee. Old settlers will understand this.
B. A. .Jenkins got out of fire in Genesee over forty years ago, and was obliged, not having
any matches, to take a potash kettle on a sled and go to North Prairie and haul a kettle of fire
home before he could have a meal cooked.
Not far from where Carroll College now stands at Waukesha, the Indians had their corn-
fields. M. D. Cutler's cattle, for want of fences, ran at will, and frequently destroyed large
quantities of this corn. Mr. Cutler therefore, to keep everything lovely with the Indians, gave
them an ox to butcher, which was entirely satisfactory.
David Jackson, the first Postmaster, was buried for a time in a pre-historic mound near the
Silurian Spring at Waukesha, as the place had no cemetery.
In January, 1847, the County Board resolved "that the bounty on wolf-scalps of every
description, should be and the same is hereby fixed at, three dollars each." This resolution
brought many a dollar to the pockets of sharp hunters, as the county paid nearly as much for
dog-scalps as for wolf-scalps. It requires a keen man to discover the difference between a wolf-
scalp and the scalp of a pup.
In January, 1871, there was some excitement in the county, over a contest for the office of
County Clerk, which case was also the means of deciding an important principle. John C.
Schuet was a candidate for Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Waukesha County, at the gen-
eral election held November 5, 1870. He received a majority of about five hundred votes. At
the time of his election he possessed all the qualifications of an elector, except that he was an
alien, and had not declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States. On the 14th
of November, 1870, that disability was removed by appropriate proceedings in the Circuit
Court for Milwaukee County, and he then became a citizen. The defeated candidate, Murray,
refused to deliver up to his successor the office, and the Board of Supervisors sustained him in
his action, the old Clerk taking the oath of office on the 2d of January following the fall elec-
tion. The alien also took the oath and demanded possession of the office. The Supreme
Court held [28 Wis., p. 96] that an alien who has not declared his intention to become a
citizen of the United States may be elected to an office, and, in case his disability is
removed before the commencement of the term of office for which he is elected, he will be entitled
to enter upon and hold such office. Mr. Schuet accordingly took the office.
In January, 1847, the County Board passed the following resolution :
Resolved, That the thanks of this Board be tendered to the Hon. George Reed for Territorial Script, amounting to
$21.50, tendered by him to the county ; and that the Treasurer be directed to preserve the same in the treasury,
until it can be used for the benefit of the county. '
In 1835-36, a store-keeper named Longstreet sold flour in Milwaukee at first for $15 per
barrel. Before the ice went out in the spring of 1836, he sold it at from $30 to $35 per barrel, and
the article was pretty sour and black at that. When the navigation opened, sour flour went down
to $10 per barrel, and then the settlers assembled and gave thanks. Beans at the same time
were $6 per bushel, 24 to 28 quarts being all that was allowed the purchasers for a bushel, and
mess- pork was $33 per barrel.
Aumable Vieau says he saw a score of little Pottawotomie Indians swimming and splash-
ing in Bethesda Pool at Waukesha as early as 1827.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 625
The Pottawatomies had a tradition that one hundred of their strongest warriors were once
doomed to death on the plateau where Carroll College now stands at Waukesha, and that " two
moons " were required to complete their torture and death.
At the election held November 6, 1849, the question of equal suffrage to colored persons,
received 1,086 votes, of which 964 were in favor of equal suffrage, and 122 against it.
One exceedingly cold morning in early days, a very prominent attorney went down to his
ofiSce at Waukesha, and found he was out of wood. As it was so early that he supposed no one
in the neighborhood was out of bed, he essayed to " borrow " enough for the day from a neigh-
boring pile already nicely sawed and split. He therefore tossed a liberal supply over the high,
tight board fence between the wood and his office. Alexander W. Randall chanced to be in his
office, and saw what was going on. He therefore carried the wood into his apartments as fast as
the other attorney tossed it over the fence. When the prominent attorney passed around with
countenance gleaming over his good luck in finding wood, to the other side of the fence, and
found every stick of the big pile he had thrown over gone, he was riveted to the spot with
astonishment, and was soon warm enough to perspire pretty freely without the aid of borrowed
wood. The mysterious disappearance of that pile of wood made an entirely different man of the
prominent lawyer. That was thirty-odd years ago, and he is a poor man now, having never
stolen a thing from that day to this. He has always since contended, that God not only looks
after the sparrows, but has a mighty sharp eye on lawyers as well. If this paragraph does not come
under his eye, he will die expecting that pile of wood will be offered in evidence against him
at the day of judgment ; for he never learned the part " Aleck " Randall played in the
affair.
In the earlier days of its history, the business of advertising and selling mineral water at
Waukesha was one of extreme difficulty. Those who were loudest in pronouncing the water
a humbug, and who left their legitimate business to run down the various mineral springs and
injure the character of their owners, resided in Waukesha — not out of it. Finally an Eastern
gentleman became interested in a spring, and, falling in with the croakers, soon made his busi-
ness inethods so obnoxious that they were the subject of a mass indignation meeting. One
butterfly sort of a fellow, who assembled himself more to give vent to fun than indignation, pre-
pared the following analysis which caused no small amount of merriment :
JjabOkatort of New York Glue Factoht.
Dear Sir — Your letter containing a sample of the water from the mineral spring you recently purchased in Wau-
kesha, Wisconsin, is at hand. I have forgotten precisely what you said you desired my analysis to show ; but, after
carefully reading all the almanacs to be had, I have compiled the following, which I should think would fill the bill,
as it embraces about everything the ignoramuses on a frontier town like Waukesha will be likely to know :
Double extract of pure-cussedness 2 wash-tubfuls
Bicarbonate of cancer juice 16.09 grains
Epsom salts (4 spoonfuls after each meal) 8.01 grains
Chloride of sodium (Syracuse diary salt) 1.00 wash-tubful
Paris Green 10.11 grains
j^safoetida .' 406.03 grains
Sulphate of Best's bottled beer 2.00 cases
Simmons' Liver Regulator (six bottles, $5) 18.00 grains
Chloride of pilgarlio 82.06 grains
Bicarbonate of Lorillard's Bloom of Health 11.18 grains
Tincture of abuse 862.99 grains
Bicarbonate of corrugated iron .82 grains
Bromide of tar and feathers 22.00 quarts
Vermifuge (kills the largest or smallest worms) .18 grains
Bicarbonate of lily white and garlic 84.16 grains
Permit me to say that I took the water from your spring carefully apart by all the methods known in a first-class
glue factory, and do not hesitate to pronounce it just what everybody wants, and the water of all other springs a
humbug. You will observe that the principal ingredient is double-extract of pure-cussedness, though tincture of
abuse is found in more liberal quantities than in any other mineral water I ever dissected. I also find strong traces
of the solid salts of meanness, and strong indications of the quintessence of dishonesty. I have no doubt it will
serve your purpose well, and when you remit 51,000 for this analysis, you may say I said so.
Yours, H P .
626 HISTORY OY WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The Democratic and Free-Soil Congressional Conventions for 1848 were held at Muk-
wonago. The former nominated William Pitt Lynde, on October 4, and the latter nomi-
nated Charles Durkee, on September 25.
In 1849, the bar of Waukesha signed a petition, asking the County Board to raise the
salary of the District Attorney to $300 ; but he was granted only $250 per annum.
The seven-year-old son of J. R. Wheeler, of Mukwonago, Tvas missing in December, 1849,
and, after a most thorough search, extending over several weeks, in which all the neighbors par-
ticipated, the little fellow was given up. It was generally agreed that he had been stolen by
the Indians, a few wandering Pottawatomies having been seen in the vicinity, but tluring the
next spring, his skeleton was found in a neighboring swamp. He had got lost and died
alone in the woods from exhaustion and starvation.
At the " Independence celebration," at Waukesha, on July 4, 1851, over five thousand
people were present. The address was by Arthur McArthur, now of Washington.
At the Democratic State Convention, of September 12, 1855, Andrew E. Elmore was
formally "read out" of the Democratic party, for bolting and for "obnoxiously advocating"
the doctrine of " all the rights of all men."
In 1843, a petition praying for the removal of Gov. James D. Doty received 131 signar
tures in Summit and 130 in Muskego. But Gov. Doty was not removed.
The greatest constitutional meeting ever held in the county was in front of Vail's Hotel,
at Waukesha, March 30, 1847. It was an imposing demonstration. The Mukwonago dele-
gation led the procession with about 200 men, with flags. A. D. Smith spoke against " wild-
cat " banks. While in the midst of his speech, a coon-skin was let down from the hotel and sus-
pended in front of him. Without the least perturbation, the speaker pointed to the skin as a fit-
ting emblem of the moneyed power, swinging in the breeze, hanging by its last thread, bodiless
and spiritless, and, as the man said upon the gallows, with " but a single line between him
and ruin."
E. P. Pearmain shot himself through the head at his home in Summit, January 25, 1842,
on account of financial difiiculties.
According to the local and other papers of 1843, the Postmaster did not send or deliver
opposition newspapers until they were ten days or a fortnight of age.
Among the bankrupts from Waukesha County, advertised in the ofiBcial State paper after
the session of the Legislature of 1841-42. were Rufus Parks, William A. Barstow, Peter H.
Turner, Winthrop Chandler, Samuel Hinman, Curtis Reed, Joseph Turner, Edward Manning,
Orson Reed, M. B. Cushing, Gust. A. Foster and Ferdinand Durand.
Some of the Indian shanties found near Waukesha by the first settlers were quite sub-
stantial, being covered with bark. These were not removed when the Indians made their annual
journeys to pass the cold weather in deeper woods. B. S. McMillan began to tear them down
and haul the material to his hotel for sheds. He was warned to desist, but said the Indians
never would return, and if they did, he would not care. A few of them did return in a few days,
but did not leave at night, as usual. " Mac," as he was everywhere called, fearing for the safety
of a fine horse he had, tied the beast to his door latch, thinking it could not be taken from there
without his knowledge ; but on going out at 4 o'clock next morning he found the pony gone,
together with other things, and never afterward saw hide or hair of it. He never took any
more Indian houses without leave.
Once the Barstow Brothers — William A. and Samuel H. — were surprised by some stylish
company from abroad. They had no meat in the house ; and, as none was to be had in the vil-
lage, William, who was the better talker, entertained the company while Samuel, who was the
better fisherman, waded up and down the Fox River spearing fish. That was about forty years
ago. Since then, both of the Barstows have had meat enough for ordinary and extraordinary
occasions.
The first settlers in Waukesha County were very much interested in the great number of
" Indian ladders " found everywhere. They were made of long saplings, the limbs being cut
HISTORY OF "WAUKESHA COUNTY. 627
off eight or ten inches from the trunk to answer for " rounds " on which to climb. These prim-
itive but useful ladders were used for climbing bee trees, which were very numerous in an early
day. The wild honey thus obtained the Indians mixed with their wild rice and corn, making
a very palatable dish. The whites also used the wild honey, which was not only plentiful, but
delicious.
Marvin H. Bovee, of Mukwonago, published a work — " Capital Punishment ; Reasons for
its Abolition " — which was instrumental to a considerable degree in securing the abolition of
capital punishment in Wisconsin.
On the 16th of August, 1860, the United States Marshal arrested Edward W. Daniels, of
Waukesha, and cast him into prison at Milwaukee, for aiding Sherman M. Booth to escape
prison, into which he had been put for rescuing Joshua Glover, an escaped slave, in March,
1854.
Under the heading of a " Gold-mine in a Sand-pit," the Saientifia American of 1860
contained the following: "On the 21st of last February, Messrs. Robinson & Eggleston, of
Waukesha, Wis., obtained (through the Scientific American Patent Agency) a patent for an
improved process of tanning hides, whereby tanning operations may be conducted altogether
independently of oak and hemlock barks of our forests, in any locality where there is plenty
of water, and a superior quality of leather (both upper and sole) is produced. I«i a letter dated
August 11, expressing the patentees' gratitude for our services in preparing their specifications
and prosecuting their case to a successful issue, they incidentally mention that they have j ust
forwarded to Washington, for record in the archives of the Patent Office, a deed of transfer of
an undivided interest in their patent, in consideration of the snug little sum of $150,000 !
This is a practical illustration of the aphorism of the iEsopian fable — ' there is nothing like
leather.' " '
( The Indians called Joseph Bond "Netch," or " Open Hand," because he gave them
tobacco, and also " Wau-bus-kee," which means white.
There were several fatal cases of cholera in Waukesha County in 1849, the first of which
resulted in the death of Alfred Brown. There were also several cases during the following
year.
In 1838, a Pottawatomie Indian stole a ham from the back room of John Woodworth's
house. Mrs. Woodworth saw the theft, and seizing an ax made chase, and soon compelled the
brave savage to drop his ill-gotten meat. He was afraid of a woman.
Andrew E. Elmore was called the "sage of Mukwonago" by the. whites, and " Nau-kee-
shuk " by the Indians, which means "Four Eyes." This was because Mr. Elmore wore spec-
tacles.
In the early '40 's "Prof." Old was the genius of poetry in this portion of the country.
He frequently gave whole lectures in rhyme. The opening verse of one delivered at Prairie-
ville, April 21, 1847, will sufiice for this work, or any other. It is as follows, literatim :
"'You nasty flea, I can't tell why
You made these lumps upon my thigh ;
If I could catch you here, my lad,
I should feel so very, very glad.
The other night it did the same
Unto my wife and made her lame ;
To cure us both I now must try
Or we will surely mortify :
I've caught it now here in the bed.
And now the nasty thing is dead. "
PIRST THINGS.
The first white man that was positively known to have remained over night in what is now
Waukesha County was Samuel A. Storrow, in 1817.
The first actual settlers were the Cutler Brothers, A. R. and Morris D., who came from
La Porte, Ind., early in the spring of 1834, and made claims where Waukesha Village now is.
628 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY
The first building erected by a white man was a claim shanty of logs, put up by the Cut-
ler Brothers in May, 1834, where Blair's machine shop stands on the bank of the Fox River,
in the village of Waukesha. Before this shanty had been completed, another was begun by
the Cutlers where Morris J). Cutler now lives, in the same village.
The first hotel was a small log building erected by B. S. McMillan, in the summer of.
1835, not far from the present location of the county jail. It was called "McMillan's Inn,"
but was not intended at first to be used as a hotel. It was built for a residence.
The first hotel, planned and projected as such, was the Prairieville House, built by Henry
Bowron and first kept by James Buckner. It was opened in 1837, and for years had a large
amount of custom. One wing of the building stands on the old site, in Waukesha ; another is
a part of the American House, and the balance is divided between several parties.
The first store was erected by Solomon Juneau, not far from the present location of St.
Joseph's Catholic Church, in Waukesha. Juneau hired a clerk to' run it, who dealt mostly in
Indian goods and "wolf tobacco." This tobacco was also for the Indians, and was so named
because it was said to be strong enough to kill a wolf. The store was opened in the winter of
1836-87. Mr. Juneau sold goods here before that, however.
The second store in Waukesha Village, and the first one intended to be entirely for the
accommodation- of the settlers, was erected by Charles R. Dakin and opened on Main street.
Mr. Dakin carried a large stock for those days.
Robert Curran had a hotel opened in Brookfield, in 1836, which for many years was w«ll
patronized. It was the first in that town.
The first white woman in Waukesha County was Mrs. Stewart, sister of Almon Osborn,
now a resident of Pond du Lac County. She came the 1st of May, 1835.
In 1837, Sewall Andrews opened a stock of goods at Mukwonago, which was undoubtedly
the first, exclusive of Indian goods, in the county. Mr. Andrews is still living.
The second woman in the county was Mrs. McMillan, who arrived at Prairieville May 7,
1835. Mrs. Isaac Smart arrived May 16, and was the third woman in the county.
The first white child born in the county was James, son of Isaac Smart. John A., son of
Joseph Smart, was born in Mukwonago, December, 1836. This was probably the second
birth in the county and the first in Mukwonago ; and Merian and Meriam Hill, twin daughters
of Lyman Hill, were born in Mukwonago, January 20, 1837. These were the first twins in
the county. The first white child bom in Pewaukee was Uriel P. Olin, son of Nelson Olin.
He was shot dead in the battle of Antietam.
The first blacksmith probably was Charles Raynous, who brought his tools to Mukwonago
in 1836. Settlers "backed" their plow-points, land-sides and other iron utensils, from fifteen
to forty miles to his shop for repairs. Mr. R. very soon after moved to North Prairie. About
the same time Mr. R. settled at Mukwonago, Hugh Mclntyre settled near where Wedge's mill
was built, in Muskego.
B. A. Jenkins first found the water power at Genesee, which determined him to settle in
the town of Genesee.
The first real bridge was erected in the fall of 1837, by the citizens generally, across the
Fox River at Prairieville. It was of logs,, and, though rough in appearance, was an exceedingly
substantial afiair.
The first school house was built of logs, every able-bodied man lending a hand, in the fall of
1837, " under the hill " on the west side of the Fox River, in Prairieville. The first school was
begun in it by John Moon Wells, in November, 1837.
The first stone building in the county and probably in the State, was the Prairieville
Academy, built by Lyman Goodnow and Wm. T. Bidwell, at Prairieville, in the spring of 1840.
The first breeder and dealer in Shanghai poultry, was Joseph Carpenter. He led a big
rooster at the first county fair, in 1842.
The first colored people to settle in the county were Father Richard Moon and his family,
in 1838. Mrs. Moon, now over ninety, is living at Waukesha.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 629
A poor, friendless, homeless German was the first to take his own life in the county. He
drowned himself in 1838, at Genesee. The second person who committed suicide was E. G.
Webb, a miller, in Prairieville.
The first fiouring-mill was built by Mr. Bigelow at Eagle. It began gi-inding, run by
water, early in 1838. The stones were hardly as large as the bottom of a water pail, and could
not turn out a grist much more quickly than a coffee-mill. A good flouring-mill exists now on
the same site. Mr. Bigelow made the first stones for this mill with his own hands, and with but
few tools.
The first frame building was built in nine days, by Lyman Goodnow, the Clintons and
another, in Prairieville.
The first death, probably, was that of Edgar T. Owen, sou of Ethan Owen, killed in Pe-
waukee, accidentally, while at work in the woods, in the winter of 1836. Charles Cox died in
Mukwonago July 23, 1838.
The first reaper or mowing machine was invented and built by Andrew McCormick, at
Prairieville. It was the first in Wisconsin, and consisted of a huge, square, ungainly frame of
wood, with a cutter-bar something after the modern patterns. It was first tried on Nathaniel Wal-
ton's land, and did a tolerable job of cutting, pulling up and beating down.
The iSrst French-horn player in the county was Gordon C. Cone, afterward a promi-
nent county official.
John Manderville, residing near Prairieville, was appointed the first Justice of the Peace,
and Nathaniel Walton the fifst Constable, in what is now Waukesha County.
The first boarding-house was opened in 1838, by Deacon Allen Clinton, in Cutler's claim
shanty, near the river, in Waukesha. He boarded the hands who were at work on the race and
foundation for the first fiouring-mill in Prairieville.
The first agricultural fair held in Wisconsin was in Prairieville, October 28, 1842.
The grounds did not even have a fence around them, and there was no horse-racing.
The first stone dwelling was erected on the street leading past the Court House in Wau-
kesha, by Lyman Goodnow, in 1841, for W. P. Sloan, attorney at law. It was a two-story struc-
ture, and is still in use as . a dwelling. Mr. Goodnow was paid 76 cents per perch for the
■materials, and lost money. He desired to advertise his stone-quarry.
The first Jurors summoned after Waukesha became a separate county, were Charles But-
lerjunt, Robert Curran, Whitney Hudson, 0. M. Hubbard, Geo. W. Porter, B. W. Knight,
Joseph Marsh, C. H. Purple, William Brimmer, A. R. Hinckley, Elisha Pearl and E. B.
Birchard.
February 13, 1847, Andrew G. Miller opened the first session of court for the county, in
the old Prairieville Academy.
The first piano was brought to the county by George Diessner, from Germany. In the
fall of 1849, Dr. Gilbert Wright brought the second one to the county.
The first fiddler in the county was Daniel Thompson, and he had all the fiddling he cared
to do.
The first saw-mill was built by Mr. Wedge, in Muskego, early in 1886 ; the second was
built by Israel W. Porter, a short distance above Prairieville ; the third was built by Lord, Gale
& Barber, at Prairieville, and the fourth was built by Clinton & Hine, a short distance below
Prairieville. The second and third began sawing early in 1838 ; the fourth, a little later.
In 1836, A. C. Nickell brought the first stallion to the county. The horse, a handsome
animal, was a great curiosity among the Indians.
The first Postmaster was David Jackson. The date of his commission is not on record.
He carried the mail to Milwaukee once a week, if there was any, in his overalls pocket. The
office was opened early in 1837, as Prairie Village.
The first stone-quarry was opened by Lyman Goodnow, in Prairieville, in 1840, on M. D.
Cutler's land.
Dr. Gilbert Wright was the first regular physician to take up his residence in the county.
630 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In the fall of 1839, water was brought in tamarack pump-logs, bored by hand, from the
spring now owned by Samuel A. Randies to the old Prairieville House. The next, or possibly
the same year, David Jackson's house was supplied from the Silurian spring.
The first church edifice in the county was erected by the Congregationalists in 1839. It
was raised on Friday and Saturday, and the frame was covered with the boughs of trees for
services the next Sunday. During fifteen years thereafter, services were held in it every Sun-
day, except one, after the inside had been painted.
The first railroad in the State reached Prairieville in January, 1851.
The first temperance society probably in the State was organized by E. W. and Lyman
Goodnow and William T. Bidwell, at Prairieville, in 1839.
The first academy building erected in the State, was the old stone academy at Prairieville,
erected in June, 1840, by Lyman Goodnow and William T. Bidwell. It has turned out many
distinguished men.
The first lawyer in Waukesha County was Vernon Tichenor, who still practices his profes-
sion at Waukesha.
In a paper prepared for the Old Settlers' Club, Alex. F. Pratt wrote : " These first settlers,
who came with their families in '35, were under everlasting obligations to Mr. Juneau, for
provisions furnished them the first year, for there were none for sale except what he had, and he
furnished supplies to several who had no means at the time to pay with."
To settle which was the first marriage in the county is a difficult matter. Alfred Orendorf
was married to Livonia Rathbun, in October, 1837; Prucius Putnam and C. W. Haseltine were
married at Col. Haseltine's, Vernon, January 1, 1838, to Miss Haseltine and Miss Thomas,
respectively, and Hamilton Nelson was married to Mrs. Caroline Eggleston, at Robert Love's,
August 12 ,1838.
In 1885, Isaac B. Judson built the first fireplace and chimney in the county for the
Fullers, who settled in Pewaukee.
Elon Fuller was the first guest at Curran's Hotel, in Brookfield.
The first railway cars built in Wisconsin were constructed in the stone shops of the old
Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad, at Waukesha.
John S. Rockwell first improved the water-power at what is now Oconomowoc.
The first thrashing machine erected in the county (probably in the State) was made by
Hamilton Nelson, in Pewaukee, in 1839.
Nathaniel Walton brought the first thrashing machine to the county in 1837 ; but it was
old and of little account, except for his own use. The next was brought soon after, by John
Nelson. It was an eight-horse machine and was the pioneer in the business of thrashing for
everybody.
The first lawsuit in the county was before John Manderville, at Nathaniel Walton's log
house, near the present site of the State Industrial School.
W. W. Collins opened the first store at Oconomowoc.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS HENCE.
To go back, not one hundred, but even fifty years into the past history of Waukesha County,
has been attended with difficulties which those for whose benefit this work was projected will never
understand. To go one hundred years into the future, however, is to go on a pleasant journey
where all is smooth sailing; is a task as bare of difficulties as dreaming, or " building castles in
the air."
As to population, the county will not be required to keep up such a large ratio of gain as
has characterized its growth during the last forty years, to contain, in 1980, 100,000
souls. This will be a trifle over 6,000 to each town, which is not a large population,
being already exceeded in China, Japan, the Netherlands and other countries. High-
ways will then be macadamized, or constructed of paving blocks ; trees will line all the
streets; fruit will be within reach of passers by; horse cars — not drawn by horses, how-
ever, but propelled by some of the many stupendous natural forces which will then be
(/. (s). iDiruvQ/t>yi^^<^
OTTAWA
HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 633
utilized —will cross the various towns; the scores of beautiful lakes will be lined with magnificent
villas and summer hotels, and their bosoms dotted with floating gardens and steam craft not
now thought of; other railroads will traverse the county, equipped with better roadbeds, cars of
splendor now unheard of, and drawn by locomotives which can rush across the endless garden —
for a garden this county will be one hundred years hence — at a speed of at least one hundred
miles an hour ; the forests surrounding some of Waukesha's scores of lakes, will be private parks
with regular keepers, and filled with deer and other animals — more like the zoological gardens
of the present time ; Government Hill will be the base of an observatory from whose summit six
or seven counties, the City of Milwaukee, containing half a million souls, and Lake Michigan,
can be distinctly seen; the old court house at Waukesha will have been razed and a structure
reared in its place, surpassing in beauty of architecture, size and surroundings even the
wildest imagination of the toilers of 1880 ; vehicles will be in use by which individuals can pro-
pel themselves at a speed equaling that of railway trains at the present day ; daily papers, more
complete in news, make-up and culture, than any in Wisconsin to-day, will be published in the
county; dozens of hotels surpassing in size and elegance of appointment anything now in exist-
ence will then be built for the accommodation of those who gather from all parts of the world,
to drink of Waukesha mineral waters ; factories will have sprung up in every town for the
manufacture of articles not now to be had, or even invented ; colleges, seminaries and costly
schoolhouses will be so near together, in 1980, that the children of each family can easily attend'
school each day from their homes ; dwelling houses, oiBces and cities will be connected by a net-
work of wires or tubes, affording such a cheap and simple means of communication that all can
use them ; dwelling houses will be made on new and improved plans, of new materials, and will'
be warmed in a manner and at a cost not now known ; there will be some different and more-
strict qualifications for voting ; women will be allowed to vote upon many, if not all, questions ;:
and finally, not a single person who reads this book in 1880 will be here in 1980 to know how
truly this prophecy will be verified. However, it is by no means an unreasonable one, for, had
any one predicted, fifty years ago, the existence in the future of what we now have about us, he
would have been written down a lunatic ; but nevertheless, his predictions, true though they
would have proven, would have appeared far more miraculous for the time than those made in
this brief article do for the great year of 1880.
VILLAGE OF WAUKESHA.
LOCATION.
The site for the present village of Waukesha was not chosen by chance. There were no
white people in what is now Waukesha County at that time, and those who located the place
had no opposition or rivals. They came to the wilderness — as beautiful then as it has ever been
since — and, after looking over the surrounding country thoroughly, and weighing all the various
natural advantages, chose the present site of the village as the best the vicinity afibrded. The
choice was mostly due to the father of Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler, who had come with his
sons to add his judgment and experience to theirs in choosing the most desirable location. They
desired to found a village, or city, and determined that the spot where Waukesha now stands,
, with the rapids in the Fox River, which was then a much larger stream than now, the rich soil,
fine springs, surrounding timber and proximity to Lake Michigan, would ultimately be the site
of a goodly city. They have all — though the father is now nearly one hundred years of age —
lived to see their judgment proven correct.
The soil was rich and dry, but covered with hazel brush and a tangle of other small shrubs,
with here and there an oak, and above, below and back of the present village was a large
aggregation of Pottawatomie wigwams, which was called by the early settlers, Prairie Village.
Nearly every village and city in the West is built upon the ruins of an Indian village, the
aborigines being apparently more expert than their white brethren in the choice of the most
eligible sites for a large collection of dwellings.
634 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first claim made in what is now the village was the " mill quarter," consisting of 160
acres of land, blazed out by the Cutlers, in 1834, which embraced all the lots on which are the busi-
ness portion, the court house, and a considerable portion of the residence lots of the village, as
it now is. This " mill quarter"^ was claimed by Alonzo R. Cutler, who very soon after ex-
changed it with his brother Morris D., for property in Illinois. In 1837, Lord, Gale, Bar-
ber, through William A. Barstow, purchased it for $6,013. They gave a heavy mortgage on the
property, which finally, except the water power, reverted to Mr. Cutler, who had it platted
into village lots, by George S. West.
In 1836, David Jackson employed Martin Field, now a resident of Mukwonago, to plat
forty acres into village lots; but the plat was never recorded.
It will thus be seen that M. D. Cutler was the original , permanent proprietor of
Waukesha.
The first settlers here were also the first in the county — Morris D. and Alonzo R. Cutler and
Henry Luther. The first house here was A. R. Cutler's claim-shanty, erected in May, 1834,
near where Blair's machine shop now is. It was finished a few days before the one built by M. D.
Cutler, where his limits, present resiflence is, in the park. The next buildings were erected outside
of the present village limits, as every new-comer desired to secure a tract of the splendidl and with
which the vicinity abounded. The only village there was for two or three years, consequently,
was the Indian village, which was. densely populated during the summer seasons, but generally
pretty well deserted every winter. Even in 1837, after the " Prairieville House " had been
opened by James Buckner, the place did not look much like a village to newcomers, or give
promise of ever becoming one. The underbrush had only been cleared away in patches, for gardens
and a little grain ; there was a log hotel ; Juneau's log store (Indian trading post, more properly),
a post office, without much mail, in David Jackson's log house, and that was all. Down at
Bethesda spring, and out on the prairie where the Smarts now reside, were log houses, and
also similar residences down the river and on the west bank. It was not a village, nor did
it begin to assume such proportions as would entitle the place to that name until about 1340.
The building of the grist-mill, by W. A. Barscow and others — the Saratoga Mills, now owned
by B. Boorman, are the ones refered to — was a great event for Prairieville. It contained the
only "smutter" in this portion of the Territory, and was the largest mill then within its limits.
People came from far and near to this mill, being unable to get white flour made at any
other point, and this not only brought a large amount of trade to the merchants, but attracted
settlers to the locality. From the date of the flouring-mill, which began grinding in 1839,
Prairieville began to be of some importance and to increase in population.
DIFFERENT NAMES.
The village of Waukesha, as well as the town, has existed under three different legal names.
The first, Prairie Village, was taken from the Pottawatomie village which the whites found
here, and which was so named because it was a large collection of wigwams on a prairie. This
name was bestowed by the Legislature, March 8, 1839 ; but, being considered too long, and not
entirely proper for the town nor for a city if the place should become one, it was changed by
act of the Legislature approved December 21, 1839. Under this name the village throve,
growing rapidly in population and wealth until 1846, when, the name of the new county, of
which Prairieville was the county seat, being called Waukesha, the name of the village (and of •
the town also) was legally changed to Waukesha, which, no doubt, will remain unchanged as
long as there is anything hero worthy of any name whatever.
But Waukesha has been known by other names. When W. A. Barstow proposed to erect
a flouring-mill at Prairie Village, some of the inhabitants were so much pleased that they pro-
posed to call the place Barstow, and for some time after that the people in the surrounding
towns called it " Barstow's Mills."
Before this the place was called Lisbon for a short time.
A few proposed to name the place Jacksonville, after the first Postmaster, and the first
Scotchman here desired to name it Glengarry. These attempts, it is well known, amounted to
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 635
nothing; but Waukesha for many years was known to outsiders as "the hub," because it con-
tained so many political leaders, and was the place for holding almost all conventions and pub-
lic meetings. It was also known as " that stinking Abolition hole," because of the great num-
ber of Anti-slaveryites who had settled here.
All of these titles were doubtless considered well earned, as its present one certainly is —
" Saratoga of the West." This popular term arose from the great number of mineral springs
found here, and from the fame the place has gained as a summer resort.
WAUKESHA INCOEPORATED.
Prairieville was platted as a village at an early day, but not incorporated ; it was merely a
part of the town, and governed by the Town Board of Supervisors. Finally, after several
attempts on the part of several citizens, an act entitled " An Act to incorporate the Village of
Waukesha, in the County of Waukesha," was passed January 10, 1852, and the boundary lines
fixed as they had been agreed upon when a charter was prepared. Some of the chief points of
the charter, as it now exists, may be gathered from the following :
Section 1. The inhabitants of the district of country included within the follovfing limits and boundaries, in
township number six north, of range number nineteen east, in the County of Waukesha, to wit : Beginning at the
southwest corner of the east half of the southwest quarter of section number three (3) ; from thence due north on
said line to town line, from thence east on said line to the northeast corner of the town plat of " Prairieville Village ;"
from thence south on the line of said village to the center of JIain street, in said village ; from thence westerly,
following the center of said street until it intersects the highway (or what is now used and fenced as such), running
from said street south through the lands of Henry Bowron ; from thence, following the center of said highway
until it strikes the line running north and south through the center of the northwest quarter of section number
two (2) ; from thence on said line to the south line of section two (2 ) ; from thence west to the place of beginning,
are hereby created a body corporate and politic by the name and style of the " President and Trustees of the Village
of Waukesha," and by that name shall be capable of contracting and being contracted with, of suing and being
sued, pleading and being implealed, answering and being answered unto in all courts and places, and in all matters
whatsoever, with power of purchasing, receiving, holding, occupying and conveying real and personal estate, and
shall have a common seal, and may change the same at pleasure, and shall be competent to have and exercise all
the rights and privileges, and be subject to all the duties and obligations pertaining to a municipal corporation.
Sec. 2. The government of said corporation and the exercise of its corporate powers and management of its
fiscal, prudential and municipal concerns shall be vested in a President and six Trustees, and such other officers
as are hereinafter provided for.
Seo. 3. Section 3 of Chapter 30 of the Private and Local Laws of 1859, entitled an act to amend an act
to incorporate the village of Waukesha, is hereby amended so as to read as follows: "The elective officers of said
corporation shall be one President, six Trustees, one Marshal, one Treasurer and one Street Commissioner, to be
elected by the qualiiied voters at the annual election of said corporation to be held on the first Tuesday of May, in
<ach year, and shall hold their respective offices for one year and until their successors are chosen and qualified.
Sec. 10 The President, each and every Trustee, Marshal, each and every Justice of the Peace and Constable of
the town of Waukesha, shall be officers of the peace, and may command the peace and suppress in a summary manner
all rioting and disorderly behavior, in a manner consistent with the ordinances of said village, within the limits
thereof, and for such purposes may command the assistance of all by-standers, and, if need be, all citizens ; and, if
any person shall refuse to aid in maintaining the peace when so required, every such person shall forfeit and pay
■such fine as may be prescribed by ordinance of the village in such case provided.
Sec. 17. The President and Trustees shall have power to enact, establish, publish, enforce, alter, modify,
■amend or repeal all such ordinances, rules and by-laws for the government and good order of the village, for the sup-
pression of vice, for the prevention of fires, and for the benefit of trade and commerce, and for the health thereof, as they
may deem expedient, declaring and imposing penalties, and to enforce the same against any person who may violate any
of the provisions of such ordinances, rules, or by-laws, and such ordinances rules and by-laws are hereby declared to be
and to have the force of law : Provided, That they be not repugnant to the constitution and the laws of the United States,
and of this State and for those purposes shall have authority, by ordinance, or by-laws, to organize fire companies, hook
and ladder companies, to regulate their government and the time and the manner of their exercise, to provide all nec-
essary apparatus for the extinguishment of fires, to require the owners of buildings to provide and keep suitable lad-
ders and fire buckets, which are hereby declared to be appurtenances to the real estate, and exempt from seizure, dis-
tress or sale in any manner ; and if the owner shall refuse to procure suitable ladders or fire buckets, after reason-
able notice, the Trustees may procure and deliver the same to him, and, in default of payment thereof, may recover
of the said owner the value of such ladder or fire buckets, or both, with cost of suit : to regulate the storage of gun-
powder and other dangerous materials, to direct the safe construction of a place for the deposit of ashes, to appoint
one or more fire wardens, to enter into, at reasonable times, and examine all dwelling houses, lots, yards, enclosures
■and buildings of every description, in order to discover whether any of them are in a dangerous condition, and to
cause such as may be dangerous to be put in a safe condition, to regulate the manner of putting up stoves and stove
pipes, to prevent fires and the use of fire works and fire arms within the limits of said village, or such part thereof
as they may think proper, to compel the inhabitants of said village to aid in the extinguishment of fires, and to
636 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
pull down and raze such buildings in the vicinity of the fire as shall be directed by the Trustees or any four of them
who may be at the fire, for the purpose of preventing its communication to other buildings, and any building so
destroyed shall be paid for by the corporation; to construct and preserve reservoirs, pumps, wells and other water
works, and to regulate the use thereof, and generally to establish other measures of prudence for the prevention or
extinguishment of fires as they may deem proper. Second, to prevent, abate and remove nuisances, and take such
measures for the public health as they may deem proper, and compel the owner or occupant of any grocery, cellar,
tallow-chandler's shop, soap factory, tannery, stable, barn, privy, sewer or other unwholesome or nauseous houses
or places, to cleanse, remove or abate the same, from time to time, as often as it may be deemed necessary for the
health, comfort and convenience of the inhabitants of the village. Third, to license and regulate the exhibitions
of common showmen, or shows of any kind, or the exhibition of any natural or artificial curiosities, caravans, cir-
cuses, or theatrical performances, under the ordinances or common law. Fourth, to restrain and prohibit all descrip-
tions of gambling, and fraudulent devices and practices, and all playing of cards, dice or other games of chance,
for the purpose of gaming in said village. Fifth, to prevent any riots, noise, disturbances or disorderly assem-
blages, suppress and restrain disorderly houses, or groceries, or houses of ill-fame, shows and exhibitions. Sixth, to
direct the location and management of all slaughter houses and markets. Seventh, to prcNont the encumbering the
streets, sidewalks, alleys or public grounds with carriages, carts, wagons, sleighs, boxes, lumber, firewood or other
materials or substance whatever. Eighth, to prevent horse racing, immoderate driving or riding in the streets, and
to regulate the places of bathing and swimming in waters within the limits of the village. Ninth, to restrain the running
at large of cattle, swine, sheep, horses and other animals, and to authorize the distraining and sale of the same or
to impose a fine not exceeding $5 for every such animal found so going at large in violation of the laws of the
village. Tenth, to prevent the running at large of dogs, and to authorize the destruction of the same in a summary
manner, when at large contrary to the ordinances, or to impose a tax on the same. Eleventh, to prevent any person
from bringing, depositing or having within said village any putrid carcass, or any unwholesome substance, and to
require the removal of the same by any person who may have upon his premises any such substance, or any putrid or
unwholesome beef, pork, fish, hides or skins of any kind, and in default to authorize the removal thereof by some com-
petent officer at the expense of such person or persons. Twelfth, to establish and regulate boards of health, provide
hospitals and cemetery grounds, regulate the burial of the dead, and the returns of the bills of mortality, and to exempt
burying grounds set apart for public use from taxation. Thirteenth, to provide for the security and protection of bridges.
Fourteenth, to prevent all persons riding or driving any horse, ox, mule, cattle or other animal on the sidewalks in said
village, or in any way doing any damage to such walks. Fifteenth, to restrain drunkards, immoderate drinking or
obscenity in the streets or public places, and provide for arresting, removing or punishing any person or persons who may
be guilty of the same. Sixteenth, to regulate the police of the village, to appoint watchmen and firemen, prescribe their
duties and punish their delinquencies. Seventeenth, to protect trees and monuments in the village. Eighteenth, to
provide for draining low, wet or marshy lands in said village ; and shall have power to tax the property directly
benefitted by such drains in such proportion to the benefit derived therefrom as may be determined by the Presi-
dent and Trustees, and for such purposes may enter upon such lands and any adjacent lands for the purpose of dig-
ging or constructing such drain. Nineteenth, to establish the grade of all streets in said corporation, and to appoint
a surveyor and prescribe his duties, and fix his compensation, not to exceed the pay allowed by law to others
for like services. Twentieth, to appoint auctioneers, and compel to pay license.
Sec. 54 — If any election provided for in this act shall for any cause not be held at the time prescribed, it shall
not be considered a sufficient reason for arresting, suspending or absolving the said corporation, but such election
may be held at any time thereafter by order of the trustees of said village, of which time ten days' public notice shall
be given.
Seo. fi5 — The trustees shall have power to appoint, and at their pleasure remove, the following officers, to wit :
one chief engineer of the fire department, two fire wardens, as many assistant wardens as they shall from time to
time deem necessary ; one surveyor, one sealer of weights and measures, sextons and keepers of burial grounds^and
a street commissioner, a,ji,<i prescribe their duties and fix their compensation under the provisions of this act, and
to impose and enforce in' law such penalties as the said trustees may deem proper for any malfeasance or improper
conduct of any of said officers, and to require bonds for the faithful performance of the duties of such of them as may
be deemed expedient and necessary by the trustees : Provided, That the trustees shall have no power to pay them-
selves any compensation for their services.
In 1860, the charter was amended in such a manner as to prevent the Village Board from
levying more than $500 per year for defraying municipal expenses, unless, at a special election,
a two-thirds vote could be secured for levying a greater sum. In 1870, this section was
amended in such a manner as to allow the trustees to levy f 1,000 per annum for village expen-
ses, and more if permission could be obtained by a two-thirds vote at a special election held for
that purpose.
The following are some of the more important village ordinances :
Section 1 — No person shall throw, place, or deposit any putrid meat or fish, decayed vegetables, or nuisances
of any kind, in any street or alley, or upon any vacant lot in this village, under the penalty of five dollars for each
and every off'ense.
Sec. 5 — All ornamental or shade trees, or posts of any kind, hereafter placed or set out in any street in this
village, shall be placed within one foot of the outer grade of the sidewalk of such street.
Sec. 14 — No person shall ride, drive, or lead any animal upon any sidewalk in this village, unless in necessarily
crossing the same, under the penalty of two dollars for each offense.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
637
Sec. 1 — No horses, mules, cattle, sheep, swine, geese, or other animal shall be suffered to be at large in the
streets or upon the public grounds of the village of Waukesha.
Sec. 1 — No person shall keep any hog, pig, cow, ox, jack, mule or other animal in this village, within forty feet
of any dwelling house other than the dwelling house actually occupied by such person so keeping any such animal,
unless by permission of the Board of Trustees.
Sec. 1 — The President and Trustees of the village of Waukesha shall have power to appoint one suitable person
who shall be known as " wood inspector," who shall keep an office at some central and convenient place in said
village, whose duty shall be to measure all wood offered for sale in said village.
Sec. 1 — No person shall keep within this village a billiard table, shuffle board, B. 0. table, faro-table, ten-pin
alley, or any other instrument of gaming with which money shall in any manner be played for, and every such
person shall, for each and every such offense forfeit the penalty of ten dollars.
Sec. 1 — No person shall be allowed to fish with hook and line from or under any bridge or from or within sixty
feet of any bridge or street in the village of Waukesha.
Under the act of incorporation, H. N. Davis, Thomas H. Olin and John Wagner, Jr.,
Supervisors of the town of Waukesha, appointed Wednesday, June 30, 1852, as the day of the
first village election, and Joseph Turner, E. M. Randall and Vernon Tichenor as the Judges of
Election. There were 253 votes polled, of which, for President, E. B. West received 120;
Nelson Burrows, 127 ; S. S. Case, 3, and John Bailey, 1. The first meeting of the village
fathers was held July 1. 1852, in the office of the Town Clerk. The first resolution to assess
taxes authorized the collection of $300 to pay the " expenses of the new government for the
year."
The first sidewalk-tax, which created something of a hullabaloo among some of the tax-
payers, was as follows, with the cost of publication to be added :
TAX LIST for constructing a SIDEWALK on the south side of Wisconsin street, from the west line of Lot 6, in
Block 5, to the east line of Lot 10, in Block D. Ordered by the Board if Trustees, September 16, 1 852 :
VAMES.
LOT.
BLOCK.
VALUATION.
TAX.
Silas Wear
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
i
2
3
2
4
5
6
D.
C.
'5
30
35
40
45
35
35
40
190
70
70
100
1000
80
135
45
45
60
60
140
$2255
$ 6 47
7.55
George Campbell
William Purinton
8.63
9.70
H. N. Davis
7.55
H. N. Davis
7.55
William Durant .
8.63
William Durant
40.97
Isaac Lain
W. D Bacon .. .
15.08
15.08
21.59
215.48
17.24
29.00
J. R. Prouty
9.70
J. R. Prouty 50 by 150 feet on northwest corner
0.70
William Morse
12.94
12.94
30.20
Total
?486.0o
Dated at Waukesha, this 14th day of October, A. D. 1852.
N. BuBEOUQHS, Preaident.
Attest. S. S. Case, Clerk pro tern.
Pursuant to the act to incorporate the village of Waukesha, the taxes assessed in the above list are required to
be paid in labor, materials or money, within twenty days from the date hereof — provided the labor and materials
aforesaid in payment of such taxes are suitable.
G. C. Cone, Street CommUsioner.
Waukesha, October 19, 1852.
FOR constructing a SIDEWALK, on the northerly side of Mill street, from William Moor's Lot, No. 7, to Fox
River, and from Fox River to the building now occupied by Messrs. Sellers and Clinton ; and also a SIDEWALK on
638
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
the southerly side of Madison street, from a point opposite said building to River street. Ordered by this Board of
Trustees, September 16, 1852.
Messrs. Bacon, Poole and Blackwell, Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Lockwood and Barstow's Subdivision of
part and addition to plat of Prairieville
6. H. Barstow, Lot No. 5, in Prairieville
Robert Mangold, Lot No. 6, in Prairieville
Blair and Smith, so much of the Mill Reserve as is occupied by their stove, furnace and black
smith shops, value
Also, so much of the Mill Beserve as is occupied by the stone building lately owned and occupied
by W. D. Bacon, value
J. L. Bean and T. H. Olin, so much of the Mill Reserve as lies northwest of Mill street, and west
and south of the stone building now owned by Blair and Smith, value
J. L. Bean, so much of the Mill Reserve as has been surveyed into lots 150 feet deep, fronting on
the northerly side of Madison street, between Fox River and Block P, in the Northwest Addition
to Prairieville, value
Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad Co., part of Mill Reserve, bounded southeast by Fox River,
northwest by Block R, in the Northwest Addition to Prairieville, and northeast by lifadison
street, value
Also, Lots Nos 1 and 2 in Block K, in the Northwest Addition to Prairieville, value
114 68
8 10
3 60
30,00
17 75
8 83
13 24
6 50
26 50
Total tax $150 00
Dated at Waukesha, this 14th day of October, A. D. 1852.
N. BtTEKouGHS, President.
Attest. S. S. Case, Clerk pro tern.
Pursuant to the act to incorporate the village of Waukesha, the taxes assessed in the above list are required to
be paid, in labor, materials or money, within twenty days from the date hereof; provided the labor and materials
aforesaid in payment for such taxes are suitable.
G. C. Cone, Street Commissioner.
Waukesha, October 19, 1852.
FATHER OF THE SARATOGA OF THE WEST.
No one denies that before the discovery of the valuable medical properties of the Bethesda
Spring, which led to the discovery of similar virtues in the numerous other Springs in the vicin-
ity, Waukesha was comparatively a dull and unimportant place. It was near to Milwau-
kee, whose markets were liberally patronized by the people, thus making the mercantile busi-
ness less profitable, and it contained few manufactories. Everything was made the most of, doubt-
less ; but there was comparatively little here for the making of a large and thrifty center of
population.
Whether Richard Dunbar's discovery was providential or not, it certainly was fortunate for
himself, the village and the world; for it bOre him safely over a grave which seemed to be
already in sight ; added new life and prosperity to Waukesha, and opened the doors of health to
thousands of his afflicted fellow-mortals.
A sketch of his life may, therefore, very properly appear at this point. He is entitled to
the distinctive appellation which is given him in the title of this article, and his energy in
advertising Waukesha to the world, while many of those who are now reaping the rich benefits of
his labors were sneering at his faith and opposing him in all possible ways, it will be held in more
grateful remembrance as time rolls on and reveals the real magnitude of his work.
Richard Dunbar, although well known in other connections, was chiefly famous as the dis-
coverer of the Bethesda Mineral Spring, at Waukesha. He was born May 1, 1836, in County
Mayo, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parentage. His grandfather having been named Richard, and
his father also Richard, he was playfully styled " Richard the Third. " He came to the United
States when quite a young man, and was afterward a successful railroad contractor.. He was
a partner several years of the Hon. Seeley Chamberlain, of Ohio. He married his first wife
and lived some time in Ohio, where the wife died leaving no issue. He came to Wisconsin about
thirty years ago, and engaged in railroad building in company with Alexander Graham, of
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 639
Whitewater. He was married in 1857 to Catherine, third child of William Clarke, of Wau-
kesha. Not long after marriage, he went to Cuha, and was soon given the contract hy the Span-
ish Government to build what they called " The immense railroad of the West. " This proved
a very lucrative enterprise. They returned to New York in the spring of IStil, and Mr. Dun-
bar was soon called to engage in building the aqueduct which brings Potomac water into Wash-
ington. Then he returned to Brooklyn, and for some years held an honorable position in the
Internal Revenue Department in the city of New York.
Dr. Willard Parker, Sr., of New York, his family physician, first discovered Mr.
Dunbar's failing health, which was caused mainly by diabetes, and advised him to make an ocean
voyage, and revisit his native clime. After visiting all the famous springs of Europe without
finding relief, he returned to America discouraged. In August, 1868, he was called West from
New York by the death of Mrs. Dunbar's mother. His family physician had prophesied death
within two months, claiming that medical skill had been exhausted. He was quite feeble and
enduring much sufiering. About this date, while being driven out for air and exercise, he provi-
dentially drank from this spring, since so famous. In his eagerness, he drank six tumblerfuls.
His thirst was fully satisfied, and a strange, refreshing sensation went coursing through his sys-
tem. After resting half an hour under the old guardian oak near the spring, he again drank
freely of the water. The result was wonderful profuse perspiration and restful relief followed
the first all-night's sleep enjoyed for years. The benefits were continuous with use, but early
the following year, while absent, he suffered a relapse. On hastening to the spring again and
finding the same relief in effect, he soon after purchased the spring and its beautiful surround-
ings. He named the spring '' Bethesda," in memory of the healing pool at Jerusalem, and
because of the goodness and mercy of the Lord in leading him to its healing waters. He pro-
claimed the virtues of this spring. People came, drank and were healed. The angel of health
had blessed the spring, and tens of thousands of the afflicted have since sung its praises in all
quarters of the globe. Waukesha, till the discovery of Bethesda, was ''little and unknown."
The Colonel's cure gave him unfaltering faith in the curative properties of the water; and this
unwavering faith, combined with his business ability, indomitable will and tireless efforts, soon
made "Bethesda" and "Waukesha" household words. The popular demand for Bethesda
water, turned the ticJfe of summer tourists to Waukesha. The spring was a source of health and
wealth. New life and prosperity came to Waukesha. Though at first the best citizens smiled
or sneered at the Colonel's enthusiasm and prophetic visions, yet now all concede that to Richard
Dunbar's success does Waukesha owe its present prosperity and proud pre-eminence as the
"Saratoga of the West." Col. Dunbar lived years after the discovery of Bethesda, and,
having nobly earned success, he enjoyed the rewards of his persevering genius. Waukesha,
Bethesda and Duntar, names inseparably linked, became world renowned. After a brief illness,
Col. Dunbar passed from earth on the 15th of December, 1878. Few men had a wider cir-
cle of friends or more sincere mourners. His remains now rest in the grand chapel at Notre Dame,
Ind. The discourses of the clergy, the expressions of sorrow from his fellow-citizens, as well as
the many letters of condolence received by Mrs. and Miss Dunbar from distinguished individ-
uals, illustrate the position which he held before the world and among those who knew him best.
Though he was human and therefore not without faults, and sometimes subject to criticism,
especially from ambitious rivals, yet, take him all in all, we do not often look upon his like.
Nature made him a commanding type of manhood ; a practical education, extended travels,
shrewd observation, great executive ability and irrepressible energy made him a marked man
among men. Young and old testify, " Col. Dunbar was a gentleman." His affable manner
and generous heart made thousands happy to call him friend. His refined tact gave satisfaction
m business relations, although he was often sharply antagonized by persons impatient at opposition
and persistent in purpose. His enthusiasm for Bethesda was unbounded, his charities liberal, and
his hospitality princely. His fame is now in the keeping of an appreciative public. His suc-
cessful life-work is the heritage of a bereaved wife and stricken daughter. His devotion to the
latter, Miss Estelle, was a marked feature of his character.
640 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The village and county of Waukesha are the beneficiaries of Richard Dunbar's success —
the scene of his noblest toils and triumphs — and the former, largely beautified by his own hand,
is to be the final resting-place of the Discoverek of Bethesda Mineral Spring.
POST OFFICE AND POSTMASTERS.
The first Postmaster, not only of Waukesha Village, but in what is now Waukesha County,
was David Jackson. Whether he received his commission before January, 1837, or not, it
is now difficult to determine ; but he was Postmaster to all intents and purposes, and had a com-
mission as such, signed by President Andrew Jackson. It is not to be presumed that " Old
Hickory" Jackson appointed David Jackson Postmaster on account of similarity of names, for
the man who first had charge of mail in this county had other qualifications. He was a good
man, possessed of sufficient ability, and came permanently to Waukesha very early in 1836 —
probably in February or March — and had located a claim in 1835. The first mail matter that
came to the office was a letter for Almon Osborn and a paper for John M. Wells. There were
no envelopes or postage stamps in those days, and, if the person to whom letters were to be
delivered had no money, they were returned to the post office. There was no post office at first;
that is, not even the usual blue box furnished by the Government had been provided for Mr.
Jackson, and when the packages became so numerous that he could not carry them in his
pocket, or the crown of his hat, Mrs. Jackson, an excellent woman, put them in a brightly
scoured tin pan and hoisted the pan safely to the top shelf. She also kept her husband's pock-
ets in excellent repair, putting a button on the one in which Mr. Jackson brought the mail
from Milwaukee. Sometimes he went on foot ; sometimes on horseback, and sometimes he sent
by the neighbors. The post office in those days was not a political machine, and was not much
of a machine anyway.
Mr. Jackson held the office until his death, which was caused by consumption, December
19, 1841. He was succeeded by William A. Barstow, who received his commission in Febru-
ary, 1842. Mr. Barstow, who was connected with the mill, moved the postoffice from Mr. Jack-
son's house, which stood near the present site of the Episcopal Church, to near Charles R. Dakin's
store. Mr. Barstow held the office for a year or two and was succeeded by Alex. W. Randall,
who continued to hold the office until the spring of 1846, when Lemuel White was appointed.
Mr. White held the office during the balance of James K. Polk's term, and was succeeded in
April, 1849, by John H. Hays. Mr. Hays was a Whig groceryman from Virginia, and, after
receiving his appointment from President Zachary Taylor, moved the office into his store. He
was a peculiar man and held the office but a very short time, being succeeded in a few weeks by
Martin H. Howard. Mr. Howard drew the Postmaster's salary about one year, but Elihu Enos
had the office in charge ; was the Postmaster de facto during Mr. Howard's time, and was
appointed by the President to succeed him in July, 1850. Mr. Enos made a satisfactory Post-
master, and held the office during the Whig administration, being succeeded in the spring of
1853 by Henry D. Barron, who was appointed by President Franklin Pierce. At this time
the post office had become a political machine ; the Democratic party was divided into factions,
and the squabbles for the office were numerous, vigorous and astonishingly successful. In 1854,
Mr. Barron was greatly astonished to receive notice that his resignation, after due deliberation,
had been regretfully accepted, and that J. B. Reymert had been appointed to succeed him.
Rival Democratic politicians had written a resignation, signing Mr. Barron's name, which, upon
being forwarded to Washington, was acted upon, the officials there raising no question as to its
genuineness. This bold and novel scheme miscarried ; but Mr. Barron was in hot water, and
in October, 1855, was removed, and A. F. Pratt appointed to succeed him. The war of his
political enemies began upon Mr. Pratt before he had fairly learned the boxes, resulting in his
removal early in February, 1856, and the appointment of Sebina Barney. Mr. Barney was
succeeded by A. W. Cole, appointed by James Buchanan. Mr. Cole held the office until April,
1861, when he was succeeded by Orson Z. Olin, who was appointed by Abraham Lincoln. Mr.
Olin gave general satisfaction as Postmaster, and held the office longer than any man who had
preceded him, or eleven years consecutively. He was succeeded in April, 1872, by Elihu Enos,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 641
who has held the office uninterruptedly from that date. During his first term, about six
months after receiving his commission, Mr. Enos was greatly astonished to receive notification
that his resignation had been accepted and George C. Pratt appointed to succeed him as Post-
master of Waukesha. The telegraph office was then in the postoffice, and in charge of Mr.
Enos, who at once sent a telegram to the Post Office Department stating that any resignation
purporting to have come from him was a fraud and a forgery, and that he not only had not
resigned, but did not intend to do so. In a few hours he received a message saying he had been
re-appointed, and telling him to hold the office and show the telegram to Mr. Pratt.
The -yost office has been where it now is since 1862, having been established there by 0.
Z. Olin ; and there is probably no office in the State so conveniently and compactly arranged,
or one kept in better order. David Jackson went to Milwaukee once each week with mail, if
there was any ; now the post office receives and sends ten pouches of mail each day.
The first money orders issued were on July 3, 1865 ; as follows : One for John George
Eisman, for $10, payable to Peter Imig, at Madison, and one for Mrs. Pamelia A. Canright,
for $17.40 payable to G. H. Ledyard, Sparta, Wis. There were no other orders issued until
July 10 : then on July 18, and again August 8. Business was not lively in the money order
department. The whole number issued up to January 1, 1866, was seventy-one. The whole
number issued to July 3, 1880 — precisely fifteen years from the date of issuing the first order,
was 20,024, and the number issued during 1879 was 2,108. The net proceeds turned over to
the Government by Mr. Enos for 1879 were $3,625 ; that is, the profits of the office after paying
all salaries and expenses were the amount named. The money order office handles about
175,000 per year.
The post office at Waukesha is the only second-class office in the Union in a village of less
than three thousand inhabitants.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The school history of Waukesha Village can be very briefly told. The old schoolhause
built of tamarack logs on the west side of the river, in 1837, was the first in the place, as well
as in the county, and is described somewhat elaborately elsewhere. Slabs were its seats, and a
tar-barrel its stove. It served a good purpose until the west portion of the village was set off
into a separate district, and the stone schoolhouse erected in 1847, near the residence of William
Blair, on the hill. This building has served thirty-three years for District No. 10, which
includes the residents of that portion of the village which is on the west side of the river. Only
one teacher is employed in this school, which aims only to be a first-class district school.
When the village was divided into two districts, the eastern portion had no schoolhouse,
and, owing to various differences, did not build one until the present stone structure was erected
in 1854. The district rented the basement of the Presbyterian church, and other convenient
places, until a schoolhouse was built. In the mean time, private schools, in addition to the Carroll
College were comparatively numerous. A seminary was opened in Juneau's old trading-post
building, where the Catholic Church now stands, and several female seminaries and select schools
also flourished for longer or shorter periods, so that the children of the village did not suffer for
want of educational facilities.
The present schoolhouse is known as the Union School building. The site consists of
three acres of level land situated on the west side of Grand avenue, on which a few oak trees,
planted by nature, still afford shade to the boisterous youngsters, in addition to those since
planted by the school officers. The site was deeded to District No. 1, January 10, 1854, by
Morris D. Cutler, for $700. The front wing of the building, constructed of- Waukesha lime-
stone, was built during the summer of 1854, under the supervision of Mr. Creighton.
The original structure was equal to all demands upon it during a dozen years, at the end
of which time the teachers began to complain of over-crowded rooms, and in 1867, W. D. Bacon,
as a member of the school board, attempted to secure the erection of a new building, but failed.
This attempt was annually renewed by him or others, but, owing to conflicting opinions, without
result until 1870. After repeated special meetings, a contract was finally let, July 26, 1870,
642 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
to Jentch & Creighton to do the mason work for $1,850, and another to J. Banson, for $1,650,
to do the woodwork and painting on a brick wing, to be finished in the same style as the origi-
nal building.
The cost of maintaining the school in District No. 1, has been as follows for the last five
years : Ending June 1. 1876, $4,670.63 ; 1877, $4,517.92 ; 1878, $4,116.82 ; 1879, $4,513.06 ;
1880, $4,406.58. Total, $22,225.01. The Principal, Prof.' A. A. Miller, has as alary of$l,200
per year. He has seven teachers under his direction. The school for some reason has never taken
advantage of the high-school law, which allows the district to draw a goodly sum of school
money from the State ; but all the higher branches usually taught in a high-school are pursued
here. The ofiicers are M. S. Griswold, Clerk ; A. T. Stebbins, Director ; A. J. Frame, Treas-
urer. The district once had a debt of $2,000, but is now unincumbered. The school has a
comparatively large number of foreign scholars.
CHUECHBS.
First Congregational Ohurch. — The First Congregational Church of Waukesha has the
distinction of being the oldest Congregational church in the State of Wisconsin, and is believed
to be the oldest church organization of any name within the limits of the county. It was organ-
ized January 20, 1838, in the log cabin of Mr. Robert Love, a very few rods south of the
Bethesda Spring. " Prairie Village," as the locality was then called, had been an Indian set-
tlement. The Indian title to the lands had just been extinguished when settlers began to
locate here, pushing through the dense " Milwaukee Woods," and here coming upon the first
view of prairie land.
There was as yet no village, only a cabin here and there, where the pioneers were begin-
ning their farms.
Among the settlers occasional religious services had been held. Elder Wheeler, Methodist,
and Elder Grifiin, Baptist, are remembered to have held meetings at the house of Mr. Walton,
who .retains his home on the same tract east of the Industrial School. There had been funeral
services, too, the first graves having been made near the southeast corner of the present college
grounds.
Rev. Gilbert Crawford had come to Milwaukee in the previous summer, and was preaching
for the First Presbyterian Church, then just organized in that settlement. He had become
acquainted with some of the new-comers in Prairieville, and, being invited to visit them for
the purpose of organizing a church, came out with his wife on that winter day, and was enter-
tained at the house of Mr. Walton.
The members who constituted the church at its organization numbered eighteen — Ezra
Mendall, Mrs. Alice Mendall, Robert Love, Mrs. Martha Love, Jared Rice, Mrs. Laura Barnett,
E. H. Marshall, J. W. Rossman, Mrs. Irene Rossman, Mrs. Achsa DeWolf, Asa Clark, Mrs.
Naomi Clark, Edmund D. Clinton, Mrs. Amanda Clinton, Allen Clinton, Mrs. Adaline
Clinton, Mrs. Sally Cushman and Mrs. Caroline Eggleston. Three of these survived to the
fortieth anniversary of the founding of the church — Deacon Edmund D. Clinton, Mrs. Laura
Barnett and Mrs. Caroline Eggleston, now Mrs. Hamilton Nelson.
The church seems at first to have depended upon Rev. Mr. Crawford for occasional services.
Asa Clark and Ezra Mendall were the first Deacons, and Robert Love, Clerk. Rev. Moses
Ordway, afterward the Pastor of a Presbyterian Church in South Prairieville, is mentioned as
presiding at several meetings of the church.
The first minister who regularly supplied the church was Rev. Cyrus Nichols, who labored
one year from May 1, 1889, and was succeeded by Rev. Otis F. Curtis, whose ministry was
very successful, and continued from May, 1840, to November, 1846.
Mr. Curtis and the church were active in securing the co-operation of other churches in the
formation of an ecclesiastical union. This resulted in the " Presbyterian and Congregational
Convention of Wisconsin," which was organized at Troy, Wis., in October, 1840. The union
of the two denominations was not acceptable to some of the prominent members of the church,
and one. Deacon Ezra Mendall, was permitted to place his protest upon the church records.
HISTOEY 'OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 643
In a small log schoolhouse erected on the north side of the river, the Sunday services were
held, and the increasing congregation was accommodated by the erection of an addition of slabs.
When there was not room enough for the crowd, the brethren would leave, and go to the grove
for a prayer meeting, while the Pastor preached in the house. Some time in the summer of
1840, Rev. Mr. Curtis announced, at a Sunday service, that they would meet next Sunday at
the new Congregational Church. No such edifice had yet been reared, but during the week
preparations were made. On Saturday the frame was raised, and on Sunday, said Mr. Curtis,
" I stood in the frame behind a work-bench and preached, the people sitting on the sleepers,
with their feet in the grass. "
As the work of building the house of worship went on, the people met there Sunday after
Sunday. The green boughs that had been laid upon the joists for shade were replaced by a
roof; the sleepers were floored over, and temporary seats arranged. There was an interruption
of service at the church only for one Sunday, to give time for the paints to dry.
This building, the first Congregational Church edifice in the Territory of Wisconsin, stood
on the corner of Wisconsin and Maple avenues, and with subsequent additions served the uses
of the congregation for a quarter of a century ; it was then used for a while as a schoolroom,
and finally removed from its site and transformed into a dwelling.
The ministry of Rev. Mr. Curtis in Prairieville had commenced with a revival season of
very deep interest, and such scenes were repeated in this house in successive years. At the
communion season in May, 1840, immediately after the coming of Mr. Curtis, fifty-four persons
were received to membership ; in February, 1841, thirty-one were added ; and, in the course
of the two following months, twenty-seven more. There was also a large accession in the year
1844.
The church records of those days show that a strict watch was kept over the members, and
that the discipline and excommunication of the delinquent was a very common part of the
church business. Profanity, Sabbath-breaking, drinking, dishonesty, and the neglect of church
ordinances were dealt with as they deserved ; nor did horse-racing, dancing and attending
circuses find any tolerance. A resolution expressed the opinion of the church that " Going to
the post office on Sunday is an ordinary business transaction, and as such should be considered
a violation of God's command to keep the Sabbath holy." Another resolution declared that
"All secret societies are inconsistent with the religion of Christ, and, therefore, we will not
receive any person who is a member of such societies."
It was inevitable that a church so wide awake and so uncompromising should be very early
moved to act on that subject which was ere long to convulse the nation. In March, 1845, a
preamble and resolutions were adopted, after full discussion, and by a vote, in which the yeas
and nays were put upon record, vigorously denouncing slavery, and declaring that " We will
not admit to our pulpit or communion, or have any Christian fellowship with, any person who
practices, upholds or justifies this gross system of iniquity."
The next Pastor after Mr. Curtis was Rev. I. Codding. Mr. Codding was a very forcible
Anti-slavery lecturer, and had presented that subject in New England and the West; he had
not been ordained as a minister until after the church called him to its pastorate. A council
of churches and Pastors was called for the purpose, and the service took place July 13, 1847.
After serving the church one year, he left, to pursue his former course as a lecturer.
After an interval of about a year, in which the pulpit was occupied by Rev. J. lugersoll
and Rev. C. Jones, the church called Rev. Job H. Martyn, who had been for some years
preaching in Massachusetts and New York, and his pastorate commenced in October, 1850.
Mr. Martyn's preaching was that of an evangelist; he aimed at immediate results, and
secured within a year the addition of sixty-one members.
After this very successful year, the church record is strangely silent concerning the next
twelve months, and begins again in May, 1853, with the coming of the next Pastor, Rev. Mead
Holmes, of Ohio. Mr. Holmes remained with the church for two years, closing his labors in
April, 1855.
644 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTS.
The church remained without any regular supply for its pulpit until March 1, 1857, when
Rev. W. F. Clarke, of London, Canada, with whom they had been some time in correspondence,
arrived, and commenced his services.
Mr. Clarke was soon felt in the village as a man of energy and strength ; the church pros-
pered and the congregation was increased until the house of worship was inadequate. At the
end of his first year, he made his continuance in the pastorate contingent on the enlargement
of the church edifice, and more perfect arrangements in regard to nis support. The first of
these conditions ajipears to have been neglected until the following December, when, upon
another hint from the Pastor, the work of providing more ample accommodation was begun, and
public religious services, in consequence, were suspended until the following February. About
that time, Mr. Clarke was invited to take charge of a mission in British Columbia, and closed
his labors here in March, 1859.
Rev. Hiram Foote, of Janesville, was invited to succeed Mr. Clarke, and commenced in
April, 1859.
Mr. Foote's ministry was that of a faithful and earnest man, whose sincere interest in the
welfare of the church was still manifested in the years of his residence here, after the close of
his pastorate. He was a zealous advocate of temperance and opponent of slavery, and, with the
church, fully sympathized in the effort of the government to maintain the integrity of the
Union. The congregation was well represented in the army, the Pastor having to mourn a son
who died at Andersonville.
Rev. Mr. Foote resigned his charge in January, 1864, to engage in an agency for the
Rockford Female Seminary. He continued to reside at Waukesha, and was very helpful to his
successors, and to the church, by his counsels and his service in many ways. Rev. Charles
Caverno, then pursuing his studies in Chicago Theological Seminary, was engaged for one year
from June 1, 1864. In the spring of 1865, a series of union meetings was held under the direc-
tion of the noted evangelist, Rev. J. D. Potter, which resulted in a goodly number of conver-
sions. Twelve persons were received to membership in the month of May in that year.
Mr. Caverno was succeeded by Rev. A. P. Johnson, of Enfield, Conn., who served the
church one year and closed his labors, June 1, 1866.
The house of worship and the lot on which it stood had been sold in February. After
possession of it had been given the purchaser, the church was dependent on the courtesy of the
Baptist Church and society for a place in which to meet. It was decided not to call a Pas-
tor until the new house of worship was completed. Communion services were held from time
to time, and a series of meetings conducted by Rev. J. T. Avery, of Ohio, during the month of
January, 1867, in which Rev. Mr. Foote and Rev. Robert Boyd, the beloved Pastor of the
Baptist Church, very cordially joined, resulted in many conversions, and the addition of
twenty-five members to the Congregational Church.
The building of a new house of worship was commenced in May, 1867, and completed in
the following December. It stands at the head of Wisconsin avenue, upon a lot of ground which
had been purchased through the energy of the ladies of the congregation, at a time when it
seemed very doubtful whether the society had the ability and the courage to undertake the work
of building a new church edifice. This house of worship, forty-five feet by sixty-five, with an
oratory in the rear, with bell, fences and furnishing, was completed at the cost — including the
lot — of $11,254. The rear of the lot, with the dwelling house upon it, has since been sold. The
pipe organ now in use was purchased four years later. At the time of the dedication, a very
beautiful pulpit Bible was presented to the church by Mrs. Julia Whitmann, of Canadaigua, New
York, a sister of two of the members of the church, A. S. Putney and Milo Putney, and an elegant
communion service by Rev. and Mrs. H. Foote, a memorial of their son Horatio, who died in the
stockade prison at Andersonville.
This new church edifice was dedicated to the worship of God, December 26, 1867. A very
large assembly was in attendance, many persons coming from other congregational churches, to
express their interest, and to off'er their congratulations. Rev. Charles W. Camp, of Fond du
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 645
Lac, who had been called to the pastorate, conducted the services of dedication, and commenced
his labors with the beginning of the year 1868.
The public installation of the pastor was deferred, and did not take place until January 10,
1871, when the service was duly performed by a council of the neighboring churches and their
Pastors. Rev. W. D. Love, of the Spring Street Church, Milwaukee, preached the sermon on
that occasion.
On the 21st of May, 1872, was held a deeply interesting service at the ordination of John
W. Baird, a member of this church, a graduate of Beloit College and Chicago Theological Semi-
nary, who had been appointed a missionary to the Bulgarian people in European Turkey. Rev.
William Walker, long a missionary in Western Africa ; Rev. Josiah Tyler, a missionary for some
years in South Africa ; Rev. Dr. Treat, Secretary of the American Board of Missions, of
Boston, and Rev. Dr. Humphrey, District Secretary, Chicago, were present and participated in
the services. Rev. Mr. Baird is still faithfully prosecuting his work at ilonastir, European
Turkey. The interest awakened by his ordination resulted in the formation of a missionary
society among the ladies of the church, which has continued its meetings and its contributions to
the present time.
The fortieth anniversary of the organization of the church was observed with great interest,
January 20 and 21, 1878.
On Sabbath, January 20, Rev. 0. F. Curtis, Pastor of the church from 1840 to 1846,
occupied the pulpit in the morning, and in the evening Rev. Mr. Camp delivered a memorial
discourse to a very large assembly, the Presbyterian aad Baptist congregations, with their
pastors, being present.
On Monday, January 21, a full assembly met in the evening, and were addressed in
reminiscences of the past by Rev. 0. F. Curtis, Deacon E. D. Clinton, of Brodhead ; Hamilton
Nelson, of Beloit ; Deacon Bell, of Pewaukee ; Silas Chapman, of Milwaukee, and Messrs. Orson
Tichenor, Ezra S. Purple and C. C. Olin, of Waukesha. Deacon Clinton and Mrs. Nelson were
members of the church at its organization ; Deacon Bell was present at that time, though he did
not join; Mr. Chapman was a member of the church in 1841, and at that time taught
the academy here, which was the first successful incorporated school in the Territory of Wisconsin.
The singing on this occasion was conducted by the survivors of the first organized choir,
Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Olin, Mr. and Mrs. 0. Z. Olin, Mrs. E. S. Purple, Hamilton Nelson and 0.
Tichenor.
Letters were read from Rev. Cyrus Nichols, the first pastor of the church, aged seventy-
eight years, and too infirm to attend; from Rev. H. Foote and wife, Rev. Mead Holmes, Rev.
0. Cavferno, former Pastor, and from Rev. J. W. Baird, of Turkey. A letter was subsequently
received and published from Rev. W. F. Clarke.
A fellowship meeting, in which neighboring churches and Pastors united, was held on the
next day, and a little printed "Memorial," containing an account of the celebration, with the
Confession of Faith, the Covenant, Rules of the Church, Constitution of the Society, etc., etc.,
was widely circulated.
In September of the same year — 1878 — a very interesting meeting of the general conven-
tion of the State was held with this church. Pastors and delegates from all parts of the State
were present, and from abroad. Rev. Dr. Alden, Secretary of the American Board of Foreign
Missions ; Rev. Dr. H. M. Storrs, Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society, and
missionaries from Turkey and China. The representation of the churches was unusually large,
as many came expecting to attend the meeting of the American Board of Foreign Missions,
which was held that year in Milwaukee, immediately after the convention here.
The officers of the church and of the ecclesiastical society for the present year, 1880, are
as follows:
Pastor — Rev. Charles W. Camp. Deacons — Newton S. Kendrick, Edwin Wood, Orson
Z. Olin, Orson Tichenor. Clerk — 0. Z. Olin. Trustees — Leonard Coleman, Orson P. Clin-
ton, Prof. A. A. Miller. Clerk and Treasurer of the society — M. S. Griswold.
646 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Miss Nora L. Olin is the organist, and M. S. Griswold, the Sunday-school Superinten-
dent.
The church has now 138 members, of whom fifteen may be classed as absent. The whole
number upon the roll from the first is 669. A few of these names occur twice, members
having removed and subsequently returned. Many have been gathered home in the course of
these years, but a multitude still living in wide dispersion over the country, cherish pleasant
memories of their former connection here.
• Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodist Episcopal Church of Waukesha was organ-
ized in 1839, under the pastoral charge of Rev. H. W. Frink. Rev. Hooper Crews was Pre-
siding Elder. The first class organized, consisted of Mr. Owen, Leader ; Mrs. Owen, Richard
Smart, Truman Wheeler, Mrs. Truman Wheeler, Hiram Wheeler, Mrs. Hiram Wheeler, The-
ophilus Haylett and Horace Edsall. The first quarterly meeting held was in a tamarack school-
house on the Pewaukee side of the Fox River. In a very short time, a revival of religion added
to the membership of the class, from which, with the tide of immigration setting in from 1840
to 1842, the class received the names of Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Bromwell, Alexander Henry,
who soon became leader, Mr. and Mrs. Winter, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hafield, Mr. and Mrs.
Daniel Clark, Sarah Packham, Mr. Blodgett, John White and Rev. Jonas Clark.
Rev. Hooper Crews was the first Presiding Elder who visited Waukesha and in connection
with the Pastor held a revival meeting, from which a deep religious interest prevailed all through
the county.
Alexander Henry was a man mighty in prayer, and, in com ection with some members of
the Congregational Church, Deacon Mendall, Daniel Chandler, Allen Clinton and John M.
Wells, went around to the neighboring schoolhouses and villages to hold prayer meetings.
They were all regarded as men of deep piety, and their services were highly valued. The old
settlers named them, by way of eminence, " The Prairieville Breaking Team." On one occasion,
the team made a visit to Oconomowoc to aid in a revival meeting in the Congregational Church,
of which Rev. Mr. Montague was Pastor. The praying team got started before the good Pastor
came, and they were having a lively time on his arrival. It was a little more of a noise than
seemed right to the Pastor, and he made the remark, " We must stop these Methodists or they
will take the roof ofi" the church." He was quietly reminded that these were Congregational-
ists, as the Methodist part of the team had not yet taken hold. One feature of Prairieville
Methodism was a deep, earnest piety. There are people yet alive who, in the early days of the
place, in religious meetings have been known to fall helpless to the floor. Such scenes are
now quite rare. Rev. John G. Whitcomb was appointed pastor of Prairieville Circuit in 1841,
and Rev. L. F. Moulthrop in 1843. In 1841 and 1842, a commodious church edifice had been
erected, and the general interest was largely on the increase. In 1845, Revs. G. W. Cottrell and
Miles L. Reed were appointed to the circuit. In 1846, Revs. Washington Wilcox and J. M.
Walker were appointed to the charge. Large accessions were made to the membership during
this year both in the village and the outposts of the circuit.
In 1846, the name of Prairieville was dropped out of the list of appointments, and that of
Waukesha substituted, to correspond with the change of the name of the village, and Rev. Wash-
ington Wilcox was appointed to the church as pastor. Mr. Wilcox was a man of strong mind
and fine preaching ability. He still lives in the memory of many of the older members of the
church, who regarded him as an earnest and true man, and a most uncompromising Christian.
He has long since gone to his reward. In 1848, Rev. W. G. Miller was appointed to Waukesha
station, and also in 1849. This earnest and devoted man was very successful on the station, and
won the respect of those outside of his own church as well as those within. He has since been
a man of great success, and has filled all the more important places in the gift of his conference.
Having conquered all the territory in this conference, he last year was transferred to the Ne-
braska Conference, where he has new fields for victory, in which he is making grand successes.
His pastorate in Waukesha will always be respected.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 647
In 1851, the Wisconsin Annual Conference was held at this church, Rev. Bishop Waugh,
D. D., presiding. The session was one of great harmony, and left a good impression on the
entire community. The visit of so many ministers is still regarded with pleasure by the older
portion of the citizens. There is to be found no more matter of record of interest until 1860
and 1861, when Rev. J. M. Walker was again returned to the church. Mr. Walker was a
man of rare preaching ability and a good administrator of church discipline. His sermons were
logical, and rendered with clearness and much fervor. He studied law and was admitted to the
bar before he became a minister.
In 1861, the church, which had stood for twenty years, was consumed by fire under very
suspicious circumstances. Many believed it to have been the work of an incendiary.
The Congregational Church now offered their church to the Society for use until they
could rebuild, which kind offer was accepted.
In 1861, Rev. G. C. Haddock was appointed to the charge, and served the church for two
years. During his pastorate, the substantial stone building now standing was built. Mr. Had-
dock is a man of great energy, and was considered a brilliant preacher. He was succeeded in
1863 and 1864 by Rev. J. C. Robbins. Mr. Robbins is still held in loved remembrance by
the church for his earnestness and devotion to his work.
The Wisconsin Annual Conference was again held in Waukesha in 1863, when one hun-
dred and thirty ministers convened. Rev. Bishop Scott presided. The number of members
for Waukesha for that year was one hundred and thirty, and the value of church property,
$6,500. In 1865, Rev. Isaac Searles was appointed Pastor. Mr. Searles was a man of mild
temperament and was modest in manner. He has gone to his rest. Rev. G. Fellows was
appointed to the church in 1867, Rev. J. T. Woodhead in 1868, Rev. W. Lattin in 1869, and
Rev. R. Blackburn in 1870 and 1871. Rev. Henry Colman was appointed to the charge in
1872 and 1873. During his ministry, the church was greatly improved in numbers and inter-
est. Mr. Colman is a man of marked ability in his calling, dignified and earnest in his pulpit
work, and is still very popular in Waukesha. Rev. S. Halsey was appointed Pastor in 1874,
and served the church for three years. Mr. Halsey was a good pastor and was well received
by the people generally. The membership was greatly increased during his pastorate. His
name is still held in high esteem. Rev. Mr. Hewitt was appointed in 1877, and served as pas-
tor two years with general acceptability. His preaching was scholarly and instructive, and he
is still highly respected by many friends. The church members reported at the last confer-
ence for 1879 numbered 203. Value of church property, $12,000.
The present Pastor, Rev. Lugg, was appointed to the charge in 1879. He is a hard
worker.
The church edifice is a very large one, built wholly of Waukesha limestone. The audi-
ence room is about eight feet above the streets, which pass on three sides, and below are the
prayer and lecture rooms. This church always takes a leading part in temperance work. The
Sunday school, which has been organized ai)out forty years, is large, and maintained with
interest.
First Baptist Church. — This was organized January 23, 1839, over forty-one years ago.
A council, consisting of ministers and brethren from the Baptist Church in Milwaukee, met in
a log house owned by N. Walton, upon invitation of the " members of the Baptist Churches
residing in and about Prairieville." Rev. Richard Griffin was elected Moderator, and Rev.
E. Mathews, Clerk.
Fifteen brethren and sisters presented letters from sister Baptist Churches ; the usual
exercises were had, and a Baptist Church duly and formally organized.
Rev. R. Griffin was called to the pastorate, and R. M. Hollister was elected Clerk. Two
sisters came forward and united with the church by baptism. Soon after deacons were
apointed, and a Sabbath-school with a large class was organized.
The church continued to grow and flourish, not only by other members coming in from the
East, and uniting by letter, but from time to time sinners were converted and baptized. In
648 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
1842, Hev. A. Minor was called to the pastorate, and commenced his labor in June. He at
once took a prominent place as a superior preacher and excellent pastor.
In 1844, the church society built a chui'ch edifice on the corner of West Division and
Wisconsin streets, which was then the largest and best in the place, costing $2,500. In that
early day, this was thought to be a large sum to invest for that purpose.
Without going into details from year to year, down to the present time, sufiice it to say
that the congregation continued to occupy the first church edifice until 1871, enjoying, in the
mean time, the labors of a number of the most able ministers of the denomination. In 1871,
the church and society, having outgrown their old house, determined to build a new church edifice
which would serve them well into the future. The old house was removed from the lot where
it was built twenty-seven years before, on to lots farther east, on Wisconsin street, and occupied
by the church while the new edifice was being erected. Afterward it was sold to the Town of
Waukesha, and is now being used as a town hall.
The new church edifice was built of the celebrated Waukesha limestone, the front being
rock-faced. It is two stories high ; the first story is divided into a vestibule, lecture and Sabbath-
school room, parlors, cloak rooms and kitchen. The auditorium is in the second story, is
finely frescoed, has splendid stained glass windows, and is richly carpeted throughout. The
choir is supplied with a fine pipe organ of large dimensions.
There are few finer church edifices anywhere than the one now occupied by this denom-
ination on the corner of Grand and Wisconsin avenues. It was finished and dedicated in the
summer of 1872, at a cost of about $25,000, though it is doubtful if it could be built for that
sum now. It is excellent in its proportions throughout. The spire is a marvel of beauty,
simple as it is. The interior is what one of the speakers described it, at the recent installation
services of its pastor — " more than comfortable, it is sumptuous."
The Baptists formed one of the earliest denominations of Protestants, and under different
names they rapidly spread into Holland, Germany, and into the North and South of Europe.
They differ from the other Protestant denominations in their understanding of the rite of bap-
tism, adhering to the primitive mode of baptism by immersion. They have attracted vast num-
bers to this form of worship, and are in no danger, particularly in Waukesha, of being absorbed
by other denominations. During the first ages of the Baptist Church, its members were made
the special objects of persecution. Some of their number were burnt at Smithfield ; and in
Massachusetts, long after the persecuting feeling against them had died out in Europe, they
were, equally with the Quakers, cruelly treated. In a popular history of the Baptists, a sufi'erer
for his faith records his tortures while exposed to the lash in sublime language. Besides
adhering to immersion, there appears to be still another difference between the Baptists and the
other Protestants, and indeed all other denominations and churches.
As appears from their literature on this subject, they hold that it is only to those who have
exercised faith in the Son of God, and have " been born again," that the rite of baptism is to
be administered. Those only who are converted and repent of sin are proper subjects. These
are their distinguishing doctrines. ,
The Baptists are the first as to numbers in full fellowship in this vicinity, and the Baptist
Church in Waukesha has been wonderfully prospered. It has been aggressive from the first,
and has constantly been a power for good, with the other churches in the community, since its
organization. About 900 persons have been members, a goodly number of whom have been
converted, and baptized into the fellowship of the church. A large number have also united by
letter at different times. Numbers have died and gone to " the better land," while a good
many have taken letters and have gone to various parts of the Great West, and are now active
members of Baptist churches in the towns, villages and cities where they are located. The
church now numbers about 250 members. The valuable property now owned by them is
entirely free from any incumbrances, and the finances of the organization are in a healthy condition.
The present pastor is Rev. Robert Leslie. The Deacons are A. H. Griffin, Josiah Wheeler,
W. H. Kendrick, Richard Street, Alvin Blackwell, Dr. A. Kendrick, J. A. Waite. The
if
X-;
NEW BERLIN.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. . 651
Trustees are Isaac Lain, Silas Richardson, Dr. J. E. Bacon, William Street and C. G. Williams ;
and the Clerk is Charles E. Sawyer.
First Presbyterian Churah. — The First Presbyterian Church of Waukesha, Wis., was or-
ganized in the Methodist Church edifice, September 8, 1846, by Revs. Silas Pratt and Aaron L.
Lindsley, Committee of the Presbytery of Milwaukee, known as the " Old School. "
Rev. A. L. Lindsley acted as stated supply until 1852, preferring not to be installed as
Pastor. The first session was composed of three Ruling Elders, namely, William L. Lindsley,
Edward Potter, William P. Sloan.
After worshiping for several months with the Baptist brethren, who had no Pastor, the
infant church repaired to the Academy building, on Wisconsin avenue, where they celebrated
their first Communion Service, February 14, 1847 ; and organized a Sunday school with Prof.
Eleazor Root as Superintendent ; and where they continued to worship most of the time, till
the basement of their church edifice was ready.
To raise funds for building. Rev. A. L. Lindsley went East in 1847, and again in 1849 ;
Revs. L. I. Root and Thomas Frazer supplying the pulpit during his absence. By zealous
effort he raised from various sources the sum of $2,5^0, and the work began.
The first Board of Trustees was chosen April 13, 1850, composed of Lemuel White, A. C.
Nickell, A. G. Hanford, Samuel Hoffman, A. W. Randall and Lucius I. Root. Alexander W.
Randall (afterward Governor of the State and Postmaster General of the United States) was
the first Clerk of the Board. Upon the departure of Rev. A. L. Lindsley, in 1852, Rev. J. A.
Savage, D. D., President of Carroll College, and Rev. Prof. L. I. Root supplied the pulpit
until August, 1853, when Rev. John Huntington was called to the pastorate. Much was
hoped for through his labors, but in the spring of 1854, while visiting Albany, New York, he
was seized with cholera, and died. Dr. Savage again took charge till November, when Rev.
Prof. Louman Hawes was associated with him. George McWhorter, Moses S. Hartwell,
R. W. Wright, Henry Davis, Edward Chester and A. McLachlin, acted as Trustees during
these years.
In 1855, the church building was at last dedicated. Dr. Savage and Prof. Hawes conduct-
ing the services with a crowded house. During this year, Malcolm Sellers and William R.
Williams first began service as Trustees.
In 1856, Rev. Oscar Park, of Janesville, was called to the pastorate, and installed Julv
19, Revs. Daniel Smith, J. A. Savage and J. M. Buchanan officiating. Dr. Savage and
Sidney A. Bean were chosen Trustees the same year. With 1857 appears Rev. Prof. John
Monteith, often assisting in the pulpit, and chosen a Trustee ; while George McWhorter and
Henry Davis were elected elders. In 1859, the names of Louis A. Proctor and Henry Potter
and R. B. Hammond appear as Trustees ; in 1860, Joseph Williams ; in 1861, Henry Kellogg ;
in 1863, A. J. Cole and John Forbes.
In 1863, Rev. Oscar Park resigned, after a faithful service of seven years.
During the seventeen years of its existence, the church had gradually grown in numbers
and in financial strength. From the beginning, Dr. Savage seems to have been a true and
zealous friend, and at one time, was chosen a ruling elder, with Henry Davis.
In 1862, Duncan Anderson and R. B. Hammond were added to the eldership ; and in
1864, Moses S. Hartwell and W. H. Beach.
In October, 1863, Rev. Prof. William Alexander was engaged as stated supply. Although
Prof. Alexander remained less than two years, the church was much blessed through a
marked revival of religion, and the accession of a large number to the membership.
Upon his departure. Rev. P. D. Young acted as stated supply, from about January to Sep-
tember, 1866. In the mean time James Davis had been chosen a Trustee, and A. T. Wiest-
an, Elder.
With October, 1866, comes the advent of Rev. J. H. Barnard, who was duly installed as
Pastor, and served the church faithfully and acceptably for four years. The church was increased
652 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
in numbers and in strength every way ; and the building was enlarged by the erection of the
tower, and otherwise improved at a cost of over $2,000. Sheds were also built for teams.
During his pastorate, John Anderson, Clarke S. Hartwell, A. Y. B. Dey and Walter L.
Rankin began service as Trustees ; and soon after, Henry Linn.
During the winter of 1870-71, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. William C. Turner.
During 1870 and 1871, several families removed from the place, by which the church was
much weakened financially, and the membership reduced from 114 to 95.
In October, 1871, Rev. Thomas Q. Watson, of New Brighton, Staten Island, having
received a call from the church, began service as Pastor, though he was allowed to retain the call
till the following spring before laying it before the Presbytery. He was installed, June 17,
1873, having waited to see whether his health, which had been impaired by overwork, would
allow him to undertake full pastoral labors. At this date, July, 1880, he is still the Pastor.
During these eight and one-half years, the church has been blessed with many tokens of the
divine favor. The membership has grown to about 140. It has passed through the financial
crises of five years, without losing heart or getting in debt. The building has been improved
for increased usefulness and comfort, a rooijp fitted up, below, for the primary department of
the Sunday school, and the main room repaired ; the walls of the main audience room
repapered and calcimined ; the pews entirely remodeled, and cushioned.
During these years. Prof. W. L. Rankin, Jacob Beebe and W. M. Farr have been added
to the eldership ; and the rotary system of choosing elders adopted.
N. S. Stickles, William A. Nickell, William McWhorter and George Barber have been
called to service as Trustees.
In 1879 Prof. W. L. Rankin, having been called to labor elsewhere, resigned the ofiice
of Superintendent of the Sunday school, where he had done noble work for thirteen years.
The same year also, Mr. Clarke S. Hartwell laid by the duties of chorister, to which he had
been called by the officers of the church more than twenty years before, and which he had per-
formed faithfully and efficiently. Through the zeal of the Ladies' Society, and of the members,
the church is growing in the knowledge of and interest in the great mission fields of the world.
The church edifice is a large and substantial structure of stone, situated on an eligible site,
and is very pleasantly as well as tastefully arranged in its interior.
St. Matthew's Upisoopal Church. — Sometime in the year 1840, there being several
Episcopal Church families in the town of Prairieville, the Kev. J. L. Breck, one of
the founders of Nashotah Theological Seminary, was occasionally called upon ' to hold
church services with them up to April 8, 1844, when a parish was formed. Mr. Breck
and his companions — for a portion of the time he was accompanied and aided by two class-
mates who came also from the East — had no church edifice or organization at Waukesha up to
this time, and, after 1841, were obliged to come down from Nashotah whenever services were
held in the- village. At the time mentioned, April 8, 1844, the formal organization was accom-
plished by the appointment of the following officers : Caleb Nanscawen, Senior Warden ; Wm. M.
Chamberlain, Junior Warden ; Chas. R. Dakin, Samuel H. Barstow, Roliert Stewart, Peter Chesley,
John Nanscawen, Vestrymen ; Robert Murry, Clerk ; Wm. M. Chamberlain, Treasurer, and the
parish was given the name of St. Matthew's. Previous to 1844, a small church had been erected
on a lot donated by Wm. A. Barstow. The Rev. Messrs. Breck and Adams continued holding
services and kept the church open up to April, 1847, when the Rev. S. K. Miller was elected
Rector, who remained in charge of the parish until July, 1848. In October, 1848, the Rev.
James Abercrombie took charge of the parish, and continued as Rector until June 14, 1852.
During the time Mr. Abercrombie was in charge of it, a great effort was made to build a new
church, which was greatly needed. A plan for the new building was obtained, the estimated cost
of which was $5,000. Subscriptions were raised in the parish to the amount of $1,000 and the
Rector was sent East to raise the balance of the necessary fund, of which he succeeded in raising
in New York City and Milwaukee about $4,000. Mr. Abercrombie made a visit to New York
in 1850 and also in 1851. A lot was purchased and the present church building commenced in
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. t)53
the spring of 1851, the comer stone of which was laid by Bishop Jackson Kemper, on the 15th
day of June, 1851. The outside walls were completed during that season, when the farther prog-
ress of the work ceased for want of funds. An application was made to Trinity Church, in New
York City, for a loan, which was refused. At this time, the oflBcers of the church were as follows :
Charles R. Dakin, Albert Marsh, Wardens ; Geo. C. Pratt, Ghas. Patterson, Robert Murry, Geo.
Hatch, Samuel Eels, Wm. M. Chamberlain and Samuel H. Barstow, Vestrymen ; Geo. C. Pratt,
Samuel H. Barstow, Chas. R. Dakin and Wm. M. Chamberlain, building committee. In June,
1852, the Rev. Abercrombie resigned. The church was temporarily fitted up so that services
were held in it occasionally during the summer ; but it was by no means complete.
In October, 1853, the Rev. Chas. B. Stout was elected Rector, and continued as such until
March, 1856. While in charge of the parish, the church building was finished at a cost of about
$10,000, and was consecrated June 29, 1855. The building is of the best Waukesha limestone,
situated on the corner of East Division and Main streets. It has an exceedingly substantial tower,,
the basement of which forms the vestibule for the church, is tastefully finished on the inside, and
has a good pipe organ. Very near where the foundation of the tower was laid, was the head of the
famous turtle mound, one of the largest and most interesting relics of the pre-historic nations
found in the Fox River Valley. When the church edifice was begun, this mound, which before
this had suffered more or less despoliation, was entirely destroyed. It is a pleasant theory with
some that this '' turtle " was built by a race now extinct, as an object of worship. If so, the present
Episcopal Church, another structure for worship, is but a continuation in another form and
farther into refinement and civilization, of the material evidences of religious tendencies, which
have existed for unknown centuries. When Mr. Stout resigned, the parish was without a Rector
until December of the same year, when he again took charge of it temporarily until July, 1857,
at which time the Rev. John H. Egar was elected Rector, and continued as such until June,
1858. He resigned at the last-mentioned date, and the parish was again without a Rector until
March, 1860, at which time the Rev. 0. H. Staples was elected, and took charge of the parish
until June, 1861, when the Rev. W. H. Story took it in charge, in connection with the parish at
Delafield, and continued in that capacity until 1863, when he resigned. Rev. A. P. Crouch
took supervision of the parish as rector in April, 1864, and remained about one year, when the Rev.
W. C. Pope was elected to succeed him, and remained in charge of the present parish until Nov. 8,
1866. He then resigned, and the church was without a rector until June, 1867, when Rev.
Wm. E. Walker was elected to that position, and continued to hold it until July 15, 1868. In
October, 1869, the Rev. Jerome Davenport was elected Rector, and continued in charge of the
parish for one year, when the Rev. Wm. E. Walker was again called to fill his former position.
He remained for one year. In July, 1873, Rev. Allan S. Woodell was elected as Rector in
diocesan order, and remained in charge until September, 1874. The Rev. Dr. Boyd was next
elected Rector, and took charge of the parish June 24, 1875, remaining in charge until March,
1880, when Rev. E. P. Wright was elected to succeed him, and is in charge of the parish at the
present time. The church and parish are free from debt, and are in a comfortable condition,
therefore, financially and otherwise.
Grerman Evangelical. — In the year 1851 and when the village of Waukesha was not as large
as now, a few Germans assembled to consider the propriety of organizing an Evangelical
Church. The number was small and the pioneers of the enterprise poor men. After consid-
erable opposition, they succeeded in the organization, which was, however, of short duration,
and the matter finally slept until 1853, when the present organization was formed. Messrs. F.
Torhorst, Adam Keyner, and John Smith, were among the first Trustees; and Rev. C. A. Schnacke,
who then lived in Jefierson, Wis., and afterward removed to Waukesha, and Rev. G. Flischer,
formerly of Pennsylvania, were the first ministers. Rev. I. I. Escher was the Presiding Elder
and held the office for two years, 1853 and 1854. There were about fifty members at the time
of the organization of the church, and the number has been steadily increasing ever since, until
at this time it has reached 245, with a Sunday school having an average attendance of 170
scholars. The small frame building owned by Patrick Bannon, adjoining the American
654 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
House, on Main street, and occupied by Owen McMahon as a grocery, was built by the Epis-
copal Church society many years ago, and occupied by them as a place of worship. The
building then stood on the east side of what is now the public park. The Episcopalians used
it for awhile and then sold it to the district for a schoolhouse, for which purpose it was used
until about 1853, when it passed into the possession of the German Evangelical society. They
held services in it until the completion of their own neat brick church in 1866 or 1867.
In reviewing the names of the ministers who have presided since the organization of the
church, many will recall to mind the good which those who have passed over the great river, have
left behind. In 1854, Rev. A. Rogartz and C. Lindner were the presiding ministers, but be-
fore the year closed Mr. Lindner died, and was taken to Menomonee, in this county, for interment.
The next year, 1856, Rev. Noah McLahn was in charge, with Rev. G. A. Blank as Presiding
Elder, who officiated until death called him home, on the 5th day of February, 1861. Rev. Mr.
Blank was a great favorite with his people. He was a man of ability and much magnetic power.
He was also a man generally beloved by all who knew him, being very popular with the people
outside of his church. In 1856, Rev. I. G. Eslinger and Rev. Henry Hulister were ministers for
two years, followed by Rev. I. Hammetter. At this time, 1858, the membership numbered
107 active members, with perfect harmony in their midst.
Rev. I. Eslinger presided in 1859, followed in 1860 by Rev. M. Hammetter. From 1861,
Rev. I. G. Miller presided with Rev. I. I. Escher for two years. In 1862, Rev. I. G. Miller
continued with Rev. L. Struebel, and then came, in 1863, Rev. I. G. Eslinger, with Rev. Henry
Hulister as Presiding Elder, who for four years filled the office. For three years. Rev. William
Hulister was the presiding minister of the church, which brings the records down to 1865,
when the society purchased the lot on the east corner of South and Bridge streets, and erected
their present brick house of worship.
At this time, the membership had increased from 107 to 124, and all took a deep interest in
the welfare of the church. The building was dedicated October 6, 1866, with Rev. Henry
Hulister as its minister, who officiated for two years, with Rev. A. Hulister as Presiding Elder.
The Trustees were Messrs John F. Ike, M. Kemph and Louis Thielman.
Rev. L. Stroebel preached to the congregation during 1869 and 1870, with Rev. C. A.
Schnacke as Presiding Elder, who held the position for three years. In 1871, Rev. F. Kurta
was installed over the flock, who preached to a large congregation for one year, and was followed
during the next two years by Rev. C. A. Schnacke. Rev. F. W. Kaufman was Presiding Elder in
1872-73-74. After leaving here, he was drowned near Madison. In 1874, Rev. Charles
Schneider was in charge, with Rev. G. Fritscha as Presiding Elder, who for four years was
stationed here. Rev. P. Massveger was the minister for the next two years. Rev. I. G. F.
Zimmerman for the past three years has ministered to the spiritual wants of the church, with
much success. During the past year. Rev. L. Buhler has been the Presiding Elder. Rev.
Dedrich is the minister now in charge. He is a fluent speaker and draws large congregations.
He is very popular both inside and outside of his church. The present membership of the
church is 245. It has no indebtedness and is in a flourishing condition.
St. Joseph's Oatholio Ohuroh. — St. Joseph's Church is located on Lots 20 and 21, plat F,
East Division street, Waukesha, and is one of the oldest churches in the county. In fact, the
building now in use is the oldest church edifice, built as such, now in the village. Catholics
settled at and around the village of Waukesha as early as the year 1840, and were visited from
time to time by different Catholic clergymen. Rev. Martin Kundig, the late deceased Vicar
General of the Archdiocese, of Milwaukee, was the first priest who held regular service at
Waukesha. In the year 1842, this zealous priest celebrated Holy Mass in the house of John
Gasper, on Main street, west of and next to Mr. Gasper's present cabinet store, where Mrs. M.
Schork's brick building now stands. In 1843, Solomon Juneau, of Milwaukee, donated to the
Catholics the present church lots, on which there stood at that time, near the place where the
church now stands, a log house, probably built by Mr. Juneau himself, and used by him as a
land-sale office. As soon as the Catholics had obtained possession of this property, they
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 655
changed the log house into a church, where divine service was held for some time. Rev.
Father Kundig now ceased to come to Waukesha, and Rev. Father Onin took his place.
Father Onin held service here for but a very short time.
In 1844, Very ReV. U. Kundig returned to Waukesha, in the capacity of the first-appointed
pastor of St. Joseph's congregation. He bought the house on East Division street, opposite St.
Joseph's Church, where now J. Forbes lives. Here he lived with his two sisters, who conducted
a parochial school in the same house. In the same year, the present stone church was com-
menced under the Pastor's supervision. The church was not entirely completed until about the
year 1848. Very Rev. Kundig remained for about six or seven years.
After Father Kundig, Rev. F. Tierney took charge of St. Joseph's Parish, who remained
only a short time. He was succeeded by Rev. .Tames U. Doyle, who bought and lived in the
so-called Prairieville House. Father Doyle remained about four years, and was succeeded by Rev.
James Morris, who remained only a short time. John Tiernan, erected the present parsonage,
which was subsequently lost to the Catholics by foreclosure of a mortgage that had been
given on it. Rev. Tiernan was succeeded by Revs.O'Neil and David.
In May, 1862, Rev. P. F. Petit was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph's congregation. Rev.
Petit resided on East Division street, almost opposite the church, in a house now owned by
Mr. William Langer. Under the direction of Father Petit, the belfry was built on the church
at the cost of about $1,500, and a number of evergreen trees were planted around it, which have
since grown to a considerable height, and add greatly to the beauty of the church grounds.
This good priest held the pastorate of the parish until March, 1865, at which time he was suc-
ceeded by Rev. John Vahey, who built the dwelling-house back of and attached to the church,
which is now occupied by Sisters who teach the parochial school. The cost of this house
was about $2,200. Rev. Father Vahey remained Pastor of St. Joseph's Church until Septem-
ber, 1866. At this time Rev. Daniel McGinnity, brother of the present Catholic priest at
Monroe, Green County, was appointed pastor of this congregation. Father McGinnity's health
was fast failing, and on that account he had to give up the parish in a few months.
Rev. Joseph Moder was now temporarily assigned as Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, who re-
mained until about May 20, 1867. The next pastor of St. Joseph's Parish was Rev. Peter
Deberge. Father Deberge found a debt on the church of $1,000, which this active and beloved
priest soon succeeded in liquidating. Rev. Deberge also bought back the present parsonage at
a cost of about $2,200, of which the Catholics had lost possession as above stated, through
foreclosure of a mortgage. About $1,200 was paid at this time on hew purchase, and for the
balance a mortgage was given to Mrs. P. D. Murray. Father Deberge remained until about
the middle of October, 1870. At this time. Rev. Edward O'Connor took charge of the parish,
and held it until about the 27th of January, 1873, at which time this kind priest died, and was
buried in the cemetery of the Holy Assumption Parish, at Franklin, Milwaukee County. His
remains were accompanied by a large number of his Waukesha parishioners, who deeply mourned
the loss of their Pastor. After the demise of Father O'Connor, Rev. Dominic F. Thill was
assigned Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and took charge of the parish on the 4th day of Febru-
ary, 1873. Father Thill soon became endeared to his new parishioners, and he has been most
successful in his spiritual and temporal administration of the parish. He found an incum-
brance of $1,000 on the parsonage, "and an additional debt of $200 for sundry items, making
a total of $1,200, which was liquidated within a very short time. Considering religious educa-
tion absolutely necessary for the spiritual advancement of the parish, he soon began to explain to
his people the necessity of having a parochial school, in which the little ones of his flock might
be instructed in their faith. An appeal to that effect was made by him to his parishioners, who
responded most cheerfully. The Sisters of St. Agnes, of Bartcyi, Washington County, were at
once invited to open a Catholic school in a dwelling-house back of the church, the schoolroom
being in the first story, and the Sisters living up-stairs. The school was conducted by them
for two years. The school could not possibly be continued in this house, the rooms being
altogether too small. In 1876, the Pastor took a collection, by going from house to house, to
656 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
procure necessary funds to build a new schoolhouse. The people contributed liberally, and
the house was completed in December of the same year, and the school opened in it under
direction of the Notre Dame School, Sisters of Milwaukee. The average number of pupils
attending this school has always been about 100. The schoolhouse is a two-story frame
building, 60x24 feet. The lower story is divided into two schoolrooms, and the upper story
is used as a hall, and is now known by the name of St. Joseph's Hall. The cost of the build-
ing, with necessary furniture, was about $2,200.
During Father Thill's time the following church societies have been organized : St. Joseph's
Benevolent Society, and St. Mary's Young Ladies' Society. The object of St. Joseph's
Benevolent Society is to assist the members thereof in sickness and distress, and to advance the
cause of religious education among the Catholics of the parish, and to induce, . by word and
example, the members of the congregation to comply with essential rules of the Catholic Church,
and to guard by all reasonable means against the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. At
present, this society has about forty-five members, with Mr. J. J. Clark as President, Mr. Sny-
der Secretary, and P. Bannon, Treasurer.
The Young Ladies' Sodality is in a most flourishing condition — has about sixty-five members
and owns a library of about two hundred volumes. The object of this sodality is to excite each
other to the practice of virtue and piety. The members of this sodality have always greatly
helped the Pastor in raising money to meet current expenses of church and school. They have
contributed up to this date not less than $600. There is an Altar Society of married ladies
connected with the church. The object of this society is the ornamentation of the church and
altar. It has about seventy members. From the time that Father Thill took charge of the
parish up to the present time, improvements have been made in and about the church to the
amount of about $5,000. During his pastorate, he has also had charge of St. Mary's Church,
at Pewaukee, where he found a debt of about $300, which he succeeded in paying in a very
short time. He also bought cemetery grounds there, and the lot, where the parsonage now
stands, at a cost of $350. The parsonage was also built by him at a cost of $800. Father
Thill resigned this congregation in October, 1879, leaving it free from debt. Improvements to
the amount of $2,000 were made by him at Pewaukee.
Evangelical Reform. — The German Evangelical Reform Church was organized in the year
1866, by Prof H. Kurtz, who was sent to Waukesha from the interior of Germany as a missionary.
Prof Kurtz presided over his flock for two years, after which he retired to seek other fields, and
was followed by Rev. H. Hanhart, who also preachedto this congregation for two years, and now
resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was called to another parish. In 1870, Rev. C. R.
Hinske took charge of the church, and for six years preached and labored with his people with
much success. The work of the church becoming too laborious, he resigned his charge for rest and
to regain failing health. Prof H. Kurtz is now located at Sheboygan, Wis., and is one of
the Principals of the Theological Seminary located at that place. Rev. F. Kuenzler, who has
presided over the church for the past four years, is a very popular preacher, and a great favor-
ite among his church members. Since Rev. Mr. Kuenzler has had charge of the church, he
has increased its membership to one hundred and ninety communicants. He has a large Sab-
bath school, with an average attendance of ninety, over which he presides each Sabbath.
The Trustees of the church are Louis Janke, Fer. Brueger and William Niedermeier.
The church has no indebtedness and is constantly increasing in members. The society own
the building, which is a handsome large stone building, built many years ago as the Prairie-
ville Academy, and used afterward as a Female Seminary. The grounds are spacious and lib-
erally supplied with shade and ornamental trees, and are kept in very choice order. Adjoining
the church is the parsonage, a neat little dwelling, which is in keeping with the church.
In speaking of this church, it is but proper to say that the project of organizing a German
Evangelical Reform Church in Waukesha was first suggested by Rev. Mr. Flieshene, a some-
what noted exhorter, as early as 1851 ; but the matter was abandoned for the time, and for rea-
sons he left for parts unknown. Thus the matter slept until 1866, as stated above.
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 657
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Prairie Lodge, No. 23, I. 0. 0. jF.— The first lodge of Odd Fellows instituted in the
county was chartered October 6, 1847, and .named " Prairie Lodge, No. 23." The original
records of the lodge were destroyed by fire, so that the first charter members cannot be ascer-
tained. The lodge flourished for many years, and comprised a distinguished membership.
At the breaking-out of the war of the Rebellion, however, a large portion of the members went
to the army, and it was at length found expedient to remove it to the village of Delafield, where
it struggled along feebly for a time, and finally gave up its charter, which, with all the accompany-
ing papers, was burned in the fire that destroyed the office of the Grand Secretary of the State,
at Racine. For some years, no efibrts were made toward the resuscitation of the order.
In the winter of 1869, application was made for the renewal of the charter by the follow-
ing petitioners : Samuel H. Barstow, Leander Hill, Pitts Ellis, James Pool, George M. Barney,
William S. Hawkins, Frederick Slawson, Dr. Robert Dunlap, A. J. Thompson, John Gaspar
and Charles Gauthie.
On the evening of January 27, 1870, Grand Master Samuel Ryan, of Appleton, Wis.,
installed the following officers : William S. Hawkins, N. G.; Samuel H. Barstow, V. G.; Leander
Hill, R. S.; Frederick Slawson, P. S.; James Pool, Treasurer.
All of the above-named officers are still living and reside in Waukesha, except Len-
der Hill, whose demise occurred in the summer of 1870. From the time it was resuscitated,
up to 1871, Prairie Lodge was the onlj lodge of Odd Fellows in Waukesha, and its mem-
bership increased with great rapidity ; the German- speaking element especially becoming so
numerous that it was found expedient to organize a new lodge. Accordingly, after much dis-
cussion on the subject and a thorough canvass among the members, a majority of the Germans
withdrew in order to establish a new lodge. In 1871, they applied for a charter, which was
granted them by the Grand Lodge of the State December 8 of the same year. They hold
their meetings in the same spacious and elegantly furnished rooms with Prairie Lodge.
Prairie Lodge is steadily adding to its membership, and now has upward of fifty members.
The following gentlemen are its officers at this date : Almon Welch, N. G. ; 0. Culver,
V. G.; George M. S. Jewett, R. S. and P. S.; John Gaspar, Treasurer.
The Lodge has three Trustees, one of whom is elected annually and holds his office for three
years. The present Trustees are M. J. Sommers, Almon Welch and William S. Green.
The meetings of the lodge are held on Thursday evening of each week, in the third story
of Jackson's stone building, on Main street.
The lodge has no indebtedness and has quite a fund on hand. It is composed of many
of the most wealthy and prominent citizens of Waukesha.
Bismarck Lodge, No. 193, I. 0. 0. F. — On the 1st day of August, 1871, a dispensation
was grarfted to George Sperl, Conrad Sehrt, Phillip Hepp, Julius Reise and Charles Herwig,
for an Odd Fellows' lodge, to be located at Waukesha, and to be known as " Bismarck Lodge,
No. 193." Grand Master Lindsley, of Green Bay, at once proceeded to Waukesha and
instituted the lodge and installed the following gentlemen as the first ofiScers : Conrad Sehrt,
N. G.; George Sperl, V. G.; Julius Reise, Secretary ; Charles Herwig, Treasurer.
The lodge has progressed under very flattering circumstances ; soon had a large membership,
composed of the best German element in and about Waukesha, and has gained the reputation
of being one of the best working lodges in the State.
When the Grand Lodge met in annual session in December, they granted to Bismarck
Lodge its charter with the same officers as were installed. Up to that time, the lodge had an
active membership of nearly twenty-five, and was still increasing ; notwithstanding they incurred
an indebtedness of over $300 at the outset for furniture and regalias, they soon paid the
debt, and, at this time, have upward of $800 in the treasury or in loans. The regalias of the
officers and members are expensive and the best that can be procured.
When the lodge was first instituted, the following gentlemen were elected Trustees :
George Sperl, Phillip Hepp and Charles Steine.
658 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The following' are its present officers: Arnold Stallman, N. G.; Henry Hassert, V. G.;
George Sperl, Secretary ; John Sperber, Treasurer. The Trustees are George Sperl, Franz
Elger and Carl Muench.
The regular meetings are held each Wednesday evening in Jackson's stone building, on
Main street. The ■working membership is now sixty-five.
Waukesha Mncampment, No. 51, I. 0. 0. F. — This Odd Fellows' lodge was instituted
July 10, 1871, by Lewis .Silber, Grand Patriarch of Wisconsin. The charter members were
Theron W. Haight, B. L. Spence, S. H. Barstow, W. S. Rowe, Henry Sehrt, John E. Lau
and Louis Janke. The first elective officers were : T. W. Haight, Chief Patriarch ; E. L. Spence,
High Priest; Samuel H. Barstow, Senior Warden ; W. S. Rowe, Scribe ; John E. Lau, Treas-
urer ; Henry Sehrt, Junior Warden. During the nine years since the Lodge was organized,
there have been fifty-seven persons admitted to membership. The present officers are as fol-
lows : Henry M. Youmans, Chief Patriarch ; F. Balzer, High Priest ; D. H. Sumner, Senior
Warden ; T. W. Haight, Scribe ; Ira Kimball, Treasurer ; Conrad Sehrt, Junior Warden.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A list of all the
Chief Patriarchs is comprised in the following: S. H. Barstow, John Bennett, B. F. Goss,
Theron W. Haight, John E. Lau, F. M. Payne, E. L. Spence, H. M. Youmans, M. M. Kelli-
her, W. H. Hardy, C. Reichenbach, Morris Stummes, H. N. Glenny, H. Pruetzmans, Ira Kim-
ball, Peter Lau, Conrad Sehrt, W. S. Rowe.
The following comprises a list of the High Priests : Ira Kimball, Hugo Philler, H. M.
Youmans, M. M. Kelliher, E. L. Spence, S. T. Bolles, John E. Lau, W. A. Howard, August
Diem an.
WauTcesha Chapter, No. 37, Royal Arch Masons. — This Chapter was granted a charter
February 5, 1868. The following persons were the first officers : Elihu Enos, High Priest;
A. Amsdem, King ; E. Hurlbut, Scribe. The Oihapter has about sixty members, and is a very
strong organization. The present officers are as follows : Van H. Bugbee, High Priest ; H.
S. Hughes, King; Rev. E. P. Wright, Scribe; W. A. Nickell, C. of H. ; M. S. Griswold, P.
S.; R. C. Beggs, R. C; J. P. Philips, M. 3d Vail; A. F. Estberg, M. 2d Vail; J. K. Randle,
M.< 1st V. ; James Poole, Treasurer ; W. S. Hawkins, Secretary. The regular communications
of this Chapter occur on the first Monday of each month in Masonic Hall, Gove's Block.
Waukesha Lodge, No. 37, A., F. ^ A. M. — The • dispensation for this lodge was granted
January 20, 1851, to James Y. Watson, Lemuel White, Asahel Finch, D. W. Reed, Joseph Tur-
ner, Paul Wheeler, Sylvanus Warren, H. Van Vleck, George Hyer and S. S. Case, with power to
hold lodge and admit members. The temporary officers were as follows : Lemuel White, W. M.;
W. D. Barker, S. W. ; H. Van Vleck, J. W. Under the dispensation, proceedings were had
until Jan. 9, 1852, when a charter was granted. In Fel5ruary, 1852, the temporary officers re-
signed, and S. S. Case was appointed by the Grand Master, Worshipful Master; W. H' Earner,
Senior Warden ; Michael Newton, Junior Warden, who held office until the charter was granted.
The first officers elected under the charter were as follows : S. S. Case, W. M. ; W. S. Hawkins,
S. W.; James Poole, J. W. ; W. S. Hawkins, Secretary; H. W. Sherman, Treasurer. The
present officers are as follows : H. S. Hughes, W. M. ; M. S.- Griswold, S. W. ; C. A. Estberg,
J. W. ; James Poole, Treasurer; Joseph P. Philips, Secretary; J. T. Wardrobe, S. D.; A. F.
Estberg, J. D. The lodge numbers ninety-four members in good standing. It has been com-
posed altogether of 277 members. Many have died or moved away and joined other lodges by
dimit. The dead number twenty-four — that is, twenty-four died while members of the lodge —
and eighty-four left by dimit. The communications occur on the first and third Fridays of each
month in their room in third stoi-y of Gove's Block. The treasury contains about $1,000 of
reserve funds. The furniture, which is owned by this, or the Blue Lodge, is elegant.
Waukesha Lodge, No. 311, Knights of Honor- — This lodge was organized on the 24th
day of June, 1876, by D. S. D. P. L. Teple, fifteen citizens of this village signing the constitu-
tion as charter members, to wit : F. H. Babcock, V. H. Bugbee, F. Elger, C. A. Estberg, J.
J. Gibbs, C. A. Haertel, William H. Kendrick, William Langer, V. L. Moore, F. M. Ploss,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. t)59
George Sperl, A. Tyler, S. D. Tyler, E. C. Wood, and H. M. Youmans. Since that date
the lodge has initiated fifteen members, which number has been by withdrawal, etc., reduced to
the present membership of twenty-five Knights in good standing. The ofiicers of the present
term, ending June 30, 1880, are : P. D., William Langer; D., William H. Kendrick ; Y. D.,
F. M. Ploss ; A. D., James Castle; Chaplain, C. A. Haertel; R. and Fin. R., l)r. Hugo
Philler ; Tr., George Sperl ; Guide, Joseph Castle; Guardian, William Schiimar ; Sentinel,
Ira Kimball ; Medical Examiner, Dr. Hugo Philler.
This lodge, however small in number, meets regularly on the first and third Mondays of
each month, at Barstow's Hall, for business and mutual exchange of good feeling. Its finances
are in a flourishing condition. It secures weekly sick benefits to its members, and to their heirs
a death benefit of $2, 000.
Forest City Council^ No, ^32, Royal Arcanum. — This lodge was instituted in this village
by Alfred Terry, of Detroit, January 10, 1879, with thirty-two charter members, viz : George
F. H. Barber, Miles L. Butterfield, George Combs, Orlando Culver, Frederick S. Doane, C.
A. Estberg, John Harley, H. S. Hughes, Samuel M. Hughes, Charles James, J. H. James, J.
H. Jones, William G. Kendrick, William H. Kendrick, Edward K. Kimball, William Langer,
Thomas McGeen, L. T. Mallory, A. A. Miller, Hugo Philler, J. K. Randall, Thomas Ryall, F.
E. Sanford, Frederick M. Slawson, William H. Sleep, Richard Street, William Street, Orvill
Tyler, 0. E. Tyler, S. D Tyler, J. H. Whitcher and Hugh Williams.
On the organization of the council, after obtaining the charter, the followmg gentlemen were
elected its officers, and duly installed : Regent, Richard Street ; Vice Regent, A. A. Miller ; Orator,
William Street; Post Regent, S. D. Tyler; Secretary, George F. H. Barber; Collector, Dr.
Hugo Philler ; Treasurer, Orlando Culver ; Chaplain, William H. Kendrick ; Guide, E. K.
Kimball ; Warden, Samuel M. Hughes ; Sentry, Fred M. Slawson ; Trustees, H. S. Hughes,
one year, William H. Sleep, two years, F. E. Sanford, three years.
The regular meetings of the council are held on the second and fourth Monday evenings of
each month, at Barstow's Hall, near the railroad depot. It has been steadily increasing in mem-
bership since its organization, and the roll now contains upward of sixty-three names, all in good
standing. One member has died, Orville Tyler, since its organization. His family received
$3,000 from the benefit fund, which they were entitled to, with promptness. The council is in a
most flourishing condition tod is composed of the leading business men and citizens of the village
and surrounding country.
Independence Lodge, No ISO, I. 0. Gr. T. — This lodge was organized in JBarstow's Hall,
January 13, 1872, D. W. Kent acting as District Deputy Grand ilarshal. The following persons
were appointed its ofiicers for the purpose of organizing : Samuel H. Barstow, Recording Secre-
tary ; Mrs. N. Barnard, V. T. ; Dr. Hubbell Fox, jMarshal ; Amos Greengrove, W. C. T.; Mrs.
Coles, Chaplain ; Miss Gooding, Treasurer ; Mrs. Mary A. Fox, Financial Secretary. The
following persons were charter members : H. Libbie Whitcher, Asena B. Whitcher, J. H.
Whitcher, Matie Blackwell, Hattie Putney, Elizabeth Sellers, H. T. Kent, F. McBeath, L.
Whitcher, M. Z. Bidwell, Carrie Hunkins, Nathan Whitcher, Mrs. N. Whitcher, Susan Good-
ing, Louie Nicholson, Millie Nicholson, Sarah Lees, Lucy Kent, A. D. Kent, L. Hunkins, C.
Wardrobe, A. E. Evans, E. E. Orvis, J. Ernest Jewett, Lucy Clark, Rosa Clark, Emma
Hawkins, M. Blackwell, C. A. Hine. At the election the same evening, the following-named
persons were elected the first ofiicers of the lodge : James H. Whicther, W. C. T. ; Hattie
Putney, W. V. ; F. McBeath, W. S. ; M. Z. Bidwell, F. S. ; H. Blackwell, W. T. ; C. Ward-
robe, W. M. ; Matie Blackwell, I. G. ; N. T. Kent, 0. G. ; N. Whitcher, W. C. : A. E. Evans,
P. W. C. T.
The receipts of the first evening's meeting amounted to $13, out of which was paid $10 for
the charter and $2.50 for books, etc., leaving a balance of 50 cents in the Treasurer's hands.
The meetings were held Saturday evening of each week, and were generally well attended.
New members were being admitted at every meeting, and all took a deep interest in the welfare
of the lodge. A paper called the Independent, edited by some brother or sister, was read at
660 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
every alternate meeting, followed by a debate on a proper subject, submitted by a member at a
previous meeting. The lodge was continued in Barstow Block until about the 3d of May, 1873,
when it was removed to the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Here it struggled for
an existence until about the middle or last of October, 1873, and then surrendered its charter,
the last meeting being held the 25th of October. It being the regular quarterly election, the
usual officers were elected by the small number present, but were never installed.
Phoenix Lodge, No. 17, I. 0. Q-. T. — In the winter of 1878, December 27, Phoenix Lodge,
No. 17, was organized by the following charter members : Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Barnard, Mr.
and Mrs. Samuel H. Barstow, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Kent, Nellie Kent, Katie Warner, Rev. T.
G. Watson, Heni-y B. Bidwell, James Clark, Mrs. and Miss Telyea. Lodge Deputy Hubbell
Fox, of Independence Lodge (which long since surrendered its charter), assisted by Gr. W. S.
Hazeltine, of Beaver Dam, installed the following officers soon after the completion of the organ-
ization :
D. W. Kent, W. C. T.; Mrs. Cole, W. V. T.; D. R. Prindle, W. S.; S. H. Barstow, F.
S.; Mrs. S. H. Barstow, W. T.; Rev. T. G. Watson, W. C; James Clark, W. M.; Miss Nellie
Kent, W. I. G.; William S. Barnard, W. 0. G.; S. H. Barstow, L. D. The occasion was one of
much pleasure, and the new lodge gave new impetus and vigor to the cause of temperance. The
members went to work with a will, and soon had a large and prosperous lodge, which still exists.
The meetings are held in the Town Hall, in rooms tastefully fitted up for that purpose, on Tues-
day evening of each week, and are well attended. During the past winter and spring, the lodge
has given many interesting entertainments, socials and suppers, which have been liberally
patronized. The following are the names of the present officers of Phoenix Lodge : D. R. Prindle,
W. C. T.; Miss Crissie Fletcher, W. V. T.; Dennie Maynard, W. S.; W. H. Middleton, W. F.
S.; Jennie Mill, W. T.; E. W. Chafin, P. W. C. T.; Miss Carrie Hawkins, W. C; Andrew
Ross, W. M.; Miss Mary Seabold, W. I. G.; Frank Barnes, W. 0. G.; D. W. Kent, L. D.
The present membership in good standing is 105.
Juvenile Temple. — This juvenile temperance organization is composed of little misses and
masters, and has a membership of about forty. It has been in existence nearly five years, although
not holding meetings each week. It was organized by Lillie Robinson. The present Superin-
tendent is Mrs. W. H. Middleton, who takes great interest in the work. The meetings are held
in the Good Templars' rooms, at the Town Hall, on Tuesday afternoons at 4 o'clock.
BANKS.
Waukesha County Bank. — The subject of organizing a bank in Waukesha, had for a long
time been discussed among several of the prominent men of the place, but they never came to any
definite understanding until about the 18th of February, 1855, when a meeting was held in the law
office of Alexander W. Randall (since Governor of Wisconsin and Postmaster General of the United
States), then and there organizing " The Waukesha County Bank," under the free banking law of
Wisconsin, which then existed. The capital stock of the concern was fixed at $25,000, divided into
two hundred and fifty shares of $100 each. The stock was all subscribed for and taken by the
gentlemen present who composed the meeting, viz. : A. Miner, subscribed for ninety shares ; Nel-
son Burroughs, twenty shares ; William White, ten shares ; C. C. Barnes, eighty-five shares ;
William Blair, five shares ; S. S. Sawyer, ten shares ; H. N. Davis, ten shares ; Sebina Barney,
twenty shares ; comprising the two hundred and fifty shares and the $25,000. All the stock-
holders were made the bank's first board of directors. Mr. Miner was elected President of
the banking company, and C. C. Barnes, Cashier. From the bank's first existence up to the
present time, safely passing through the many vicissitudes of financial depression of the country,
its business has increased, and it has always held the confidence of business men and the farming
community at large, and to-day it is one of the soundest moneyed institutions in the great West.
Mr. Oscar Burroughs, since deceased, was appointed Assistant Cashier May 7, 1 855. On the
3d of December of the year the bank was organized, the capital stock was increased from
$25,000 to $50,000. The same officers were elected in 1856 as were at first chosen. Other
matters occupying the time of Mr. Barnes, he resigned the position of Cashier April 14,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 661
1856, and Oscar Burroughs was appointed to fill the vacancy May 5, 1856. Sabina Barney
was then elected Vice President, which position hg filled up the time of his death in 1879.
October 13, 1856, the business constantly growing, the capital stock of the bank was again
doubled, making it $100,000. The following gentlemen were elected ofiicers of the bank Janu-
ary 7, 1857 : A. Miner, President ; Sebina Barney, Vice President ; and Nelson Burroughs,
William Blair, H. N. Davis, S. S. Sawyer and Thompson Richmond, Directors. At the next
annual election of ofiicers in 1858 there were no changes except that Martin Field and George
Lawrence, Jr., were elected Directors in place of Mr. Richmond and William Blair, the latter of
whom was elected Cashier at this meeting. At the annual meeting in January, 1859, there were
no changes in President or Vice President of the bank. The Directors elected at this meeting
were George Lawrence, Jr., Martin Field, J. H. Kimball, J. Y. Watson and William Blair. The
same officers were re-elected in 1860, except that Mr. S. Andrews was elected Director in place
of George Lawrence, Jr. In 1861, the only change was that Mr. Sawyer was elected in place of
Mr. Andrews.
At a regular meeting of the bank officers April 22, 1861, it was deemed advisable to reduce
the capital stock, and in June, 1861, it was reduced to |50,000. From 1861 to 1864, there was
no change in its officers. In 1864, at the annual meeting, C. H. Miner was elected Cashier in
place of Mr. Blair, and S. Barney, J. H. Kimball, J. Y. Watson, M. Field and William Blair
were chosen Directors. The same officers were elected in 1865, with the addition of Andrew J.
Frame as Assistant Cashier. The bank, at this time laboring under many disadvantages by
doing business under the old State banking law, resolved, at a meeting held January 16, 1865, to
re-organize under the new banking act The stockholders met January 8, 1865, to take action in
organizing the National Bank, at which date the meeting adopted their articles of association
and elected Messrs. A. Miner, S. Barney, J. H. Kimball, M. Field and William Blair its first
Board of Directors. A. Miner was elected President, S. Barney, Vice President, and Charles
H. Miner, Cashier. On the 22d of May, 1865, Andrew J. Frame was appointed Assistant
Cashier, which position he held until the resignation of Charles H. Miner, in February, 1866,
when he was appointed to the responsible position of Cashier.
Mr. Miner sent in his resignation as the President, which was accepted March 6, 1866.
Mr. Blair was elected to fill the place thus made vacant ; and Mr. Sewall Andrews elected to fill
the vacancy on the Board of Directors occasioned by the promotion of Mr. Blair to the presidency.
There were no particular changes in the officers of the bank from 1866 to 1869, when
J. H. Kimball resigned as Director, and Andrew J. Frame was appointed to fill the vacancy,
and finally was elected member of the board in 1870. Henry M. Frame was appointed book-
keeper in the fall of 1869 ; which position he filled until January 8, 1878, when he was
appointed Assistant Cashier. In July, 1879, he was appointed Director in place of Sebina
Barney, deceased. At the same meeting, in July, 1879, ]\Iartin Field, of Mukwonago, was
elected Vice President, in place of Mr. Barney.
The Board of Directors and officers next elected and now holding their respective positions,
are Hon. William Blair, President and Director ; Martin Field, Vice President and Director ;
Sewall Andrews, Andrew J. Frame and Henry M. Frame. The present building was purchased
by the bank October 13, 1873, of Andrew Aitkin, at a cost of $4,000. The bank put the
building in excellent condition by expending over one thousand dollars in repairs and other im-
provements. That the bank has the confidence of the people of Waukesha, is shown by its very
large deposit account. The following is the present list of stockholders and amounts of stock
held by each :
W. Blair, Waukesha „... $ 8,500
Sebina Barney (estate), Waukesha 7,000
Mrs. H. A. Blair, Waukesha 2,000
Andrew J. Frame, Waukesha 10,000
Henry M. Frame, Waukesha 3,250
W. D. Bacon, Waukesha 1,500
W. S. Hawkins, Waukesha 500
Sewall Andrews, Mukwonago $ 8,000
Martin Field, Mukwonago 4.250
Edward Sargeant, Omro, Wis 2,000
Atwood Sargeant. Chester, Vt 1,000
Mrs. Persis Baldwin, Chester, Vt 1,000
Marshall Wilder, Bl'attleboro, Vt 500
E. Kingsland, Keesville, N. Y 5uO
Total $50,000
662 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Farmers' National Bank. — In May, 1865, W. D. Bacon, of Waukesha ; H. A. YoumanS,
of Mukwonago ; James Parsons, of Whitewater ; A. C. Bronson, of Eagle ; Dr. A. Kendrickj
Jehial Smith and John Wagner, of Waukesha, as stockholders, incorporated the Farmers' National
Bank, with a capital of $50,000. The Directors were W. D. Bacon, President ; A. C. Bronson,
Vice President ; 0. M. Tyler, Cashier; H. A. Youmans and A. Kendrick. The corner room in
the Robinson Block, where Foster's drug store now is, was occupied by the bank, which in a very
short time after opening for business increased its capital to $100,000, A. E. Perkins and Jerry
Youmans, of Mukwonago, becoming additional stockholders. The bank did a very large and profit-
able business until 1868, when the President, who held a majority of the stock, desired to
withdraw his capital, and the concern was closed. It was against the wishes of the stockholders
that the bank went out of existence, as it had been a profitable investment.
Forest City Bank. — This was a State bank, chartered under the statutes as a bank of
issue, with $25,000 capital, by Sidney A. Bean, M. G. Townsend and others, about 1857. It
continued in business about five years, and was closed by Mr. Bean, who came home from the
army a short time for that purpose.
0. M. Tyler ^' Go's Bank. — Very soon after the closing of the Farmers' National
Bank, 0. M. Tyler, who had been cashier of that institution, opened a private bank under
the name and style of 0. M. Tyler k Co. According to the books kept by Mr. Tyler,
he began business with $17,000 in cash on hand. The bank continued to do business until
September 18, 1875, when, for want of funds to cash a small check, it was closed. Richard
L. Gove was appointed assignee under the State law, and collected a sum of money. This
he turned over to R. M. Jameson and P. H. Carney, the assignees appointed after bank-
ruptcy proceedings, in January, 1876. They continue to be assignees, and have declared
a dividend of 10 per cent of the indebtedness, which was about $32,000. On the Saturday
before the bank closed, J. S. Waite and R. L. Gove, according to the books of the bank,
deposited $150, but, when the concern was turned over to the assignee, only $83, in mutilated
bills, could be found. As the bank had been during some time without a cat, it is supposed the
mice destroyed the last deposits.
PUBLIC HALLS.
The old tamarack log schoolhouse, built in 1837, on the west side of the river, was not,
strictly speaking, a public hall, but during many years it was used as such in the absence of any-
thing more suitable. Before the log schoolhouse fell into disuse, the Congregational Church,
erected in 1839, was used for a public hall, as it was larger and more centrally located. The
first session of the County Board, long and stormy as it was, took place in this church. The
Prairieville Academy building was also used for a similar purpose, and in it the first term of the
United States District Court for Waukesha County was held. Judge Miller presiding. The
court house, which was between two and three years in building, was used for various public
gatherings after 1848, and Waukesha, therefore, never suffered seriously for want of places in which
to hold public meetings.
Jacob Hengy had a small hall in the Exchange, but it was mostly used as a dancing room.
In the third story of W. D. Bacon's large stone building was .a room used for a hall, but it was
more suitable for lodge meetings and the lofty tumbling of the 1,001 than for public gatherings.
Somewhere along in the fifties Andrew Aitkin built the stone block now occupied by I. M.
White and others, and had a portion made into a hall. It has long since been used for merchan-
dise.
Robinson's Hall. — Mostly at the solicitation of A. F. Pratt, Charles ' Robinson began the
erection, in 1856, probably, of a stone block of stores with a large public hall overhead. Although
never a paying investment, Robinson's Hall became a noted one and the place of all public gath-
erings. During the war, its name became familiar everywhere, as it was the place where all war
meetings were held. It is now owned by Poole & Ware, and is largely used for dances and social
gatherings.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA. COUNTY. 663
Carney a Of era Some. — As Waukesha was becoming more and more noted as a summer re-
sort, the need of an opera house more suitable for the concert and the drama became apparent.
Therefore, early in 1874 Mrs. E. H. Carney began the erection, on Main street, of a two-story
block of Waukesha limestone, especially for an opera house. The lower story was designed for
stores. The house has a pit and gallery with 600 seats ; private boxes, dressing rooms and a stage
with good scenery and all the modern improvements. The cost of the block was about $2.5,000,
and to fit the hall for all kinds of entertainments cost f 2,000. The building is an ornament to
Waukesha Village, but as a financial investment it does not pay 2 per centum on the cost. It
was erected by C. S. Hartwell and M. <jrleason.
HOTELS OF WAUKESHA.
Prairieville Mouse. — The first hotel opened in what afterward became the village of Waukesha
was the Prairieville House, first called the Prairie Village Hotel. It was erected by Henry Bowron,
and opened by James Buckner, in 1837. The structure was of logs ; and, as business
increased, which it did very rapidly, additions of logs and of boards were built from time to
time, until the hotel had the appearance of a village, which, in truth, it was. During many
years, the Prairieville House was the liveliest place in Milwaukee County. In it conventions,
mass meetings, law suits, town meetings, caucuses, elections, political conferences, slave-
hunters' consultations, and weddings have been held ; all of which were attended by the most
distinguished men in the State. Among its proprietors have been James Buckner, Peter
Jones and Samuel H. Barstow. When business began to be transferred to the present
center of the village, which was before the completion of the railroad, the location of the
Prairieville House was left to one side and was never afterward of any importance. One
part stands on the old site, east of the court house ; one part belongs to the American
House, and the balance is scattered piecemeal over the village. In l854, this hotel was
remodeled by Father Doyle and used for a Catholic seminary.
Exchange Hotel. — tlacob Hengy arrived in Prairieville more than forty years ago, with his
wife and family of children, with only fifty cents with which to begin business. He engaged
Lyman Goodnow to haul enough green basswood boards for a little shanty ; and in this he began
tailoring. In a short time he had earned enough to pay for an addition to his shanty, and in
1845 or 1846 he had accumulated enough to warrant him in building the front part of the
present Exchange building. This he opened to the public as Hengy's Exchange. To the
original building, as necessity required, additions were made until the wooden portion as-
sumed its present proportions. In 1864, the property was purchased by F. M. Putney, who
built a fine three-story addition of stone in 1870, fronting on Grand avenue, which is the
beginning of a stone structure of similar design and finish to cover the entire corner of Grand
avenue and Broadway, now occupied by the w(ioden structure. After Mr. Hengy sold the
hotel, it was managed by P. N. Cushman, F, M. Putney and E. Holbrook. Mr. Putney has
continued to be proprietor since 1864, leasing the house to other persons. W. C. Holbrook is
the present manager and has a large patronage.
American House. — This is the oldest hotel building in Waukesha Village, as well as the
oldest in the county. It was erected, not precisely as it now stands, in 1 844, probably by William
A. Barstow, and was considered a good building at that time. It was called the Barstow House,
and was managed by Samuel H. Barstow. Late in 1850, or early in 1851, the property was
purchased by Silas Barber, and the name changed to Railroad House. While Mr. Barber owned
the house, he had a contract to feed the drafted soldiers of the county. About the year 1864, he
sold the hotel to J. -B. Cable, who changed the name of it to the American House, which name
has ever since been retained. Mr. Cable was manager as well as proprietor until his death, and the
property remained in the possession of the Cable heirs until the spring of 1880, when it was pur-
chased by Weston for $8,000. L. Coleman is the manager, and has been since 1877. A portion
of the American House helped to comprise the old Prairieville House, the first hotel in Wauke-
sha. Previous to Silas Barber's purchase of the American House, it was owned and managed by
George Vail, and during several years from 1846 gained considerable notoriety as ''Vail's Hotel."
664 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Mansion House. — Originally the Mansion House was a small dwelling, in which, in the very
early fifties, W. D. Bacon had his home. It was enlarged about 1856, by Jacob L. Bean and his
sons, making one of the largest residences in the village. The property was finally purchased by
Miss Elizabeth H. Clark, now Mrs. E. H. Carney, and an addition, 26x80 feet, and four stories in
height, was erected in 1871 for a hall and additional sleeping rooms. Although a regular hotel,
keeping open for patronage during the entire year, the Mansion House makes a specialty of pro-
viding for summer guests — those who come from various parts of the country to receive benefits
from the use of Waukesha mineral water. It is made more popular by the brilliant parties and
receptions which are given every season at brief intervals. The hotel has been under the popular
management of L. N. Mowry, who has had more patronage than the house afforded room to
accommodate.
Fountain Souse. — This is the largest hotel in the State of Wisconsin, and one of the most
noted in the Northwest. The building of it in so small a village as Waukesha looked financially
hazardous to the majority of people; but Matthew Laflin, of Chicago, had been cured of a pain-
ful and dangerous malady by the use of Waukesha mineral water, and he was therefore deter-
mined to furnish more ample accommodations at Waukesha, that a greater number of the afflicted
might avail themselves of the virtues of her springs. The following is taken from the Hotel
World of May 17, 1879 :
" Last season, the influx of visitors from all parts of the country, and especially from the
South, to our Northwestern summer resorts was something extraordinary. Among the most
famous hotels none experienced greater demands upon its resources than did the Fountain Spring
House, at Waukesha, Wis., from whose doors dozens were turned away every week because of
lack of accommodations. It was the home of some of the most brilliant representatives of the
beauty and chivalry of Southern cities, who lingered far beyond the ordinary limits of a watering-
place season, dreading to return to their fever-stricken homes as long as the specter of their dread
/ hovered over them. The hotel and grounds were the scenes of gayety and enjoyment until the
night of September 1, when a fiend, twin brother of the yellow plague, burst in upon the inno-
nocent revelry that served to fill so many hearts with pleasure, and in a short space of time
nearly all of the splendid Fountain Spring Hotel was a heap of smoldering ruins ; all that re-
mained to tell the story of what had been, except the north wing of the structure, which was saved
only after the most superhuman efforts. It seemed like a death-blow to the ambitious citizens of
Waukesha, and, in spite of their all-abiding faith in the natural attractions of the beautiful village
and the eflEcacy of its celebrated mineral springs, they could not believe it possible for the place
ever to recover its lost ground. They had forgotten that the proprietor was a Chicago man,
whose experience with the fire fiend enabled him to regard the loss of a piece of property as
splendid as the Fountain Spring House in the light of an almost every-day event. Mr. Mat-
thew Laflin and his sons were blessed with too much of that native philosophy which enabled
them to laugh at trifles, and with the energy that belongs to every Chicago man, like his coat,
they only waited until the insurance loses had been adjusted, when they entered into negotia-
tions not only for the rebuilding of the burned portions' of the house, but also for an addition of
300 feet in length, which would make the new structure one of the largest hotels in the whole
country. How astonishingly rapid has been the progress of the work, may now be seen, for there
stands in the place of the former hotel a building whose magnificent proportions surpass the
wildest expectations of the most sanguine believers in Waukesha's destiny ten years ago.
" The old building was 147 feet front on Grand avenue by 147 feet deep, which front has
been restored, and the new part 300 feet front by 147 feet deep, with dining-room addition of
116 feet by 54 feet, together with the rising in height of some of the rear buildings, has been
added, thereby making one of the most complete and by far the most substantially built of any
summer resort in the country.
" The old part has been faced with rock-faced rubble stone laid in courses, with stone caps,
sills and window dressings. The additions are faced with the well-known >cream-colored Milwau-
kee brick, with cut-stone trimmings. The foundations are solidly built of stone resting upon a
HISTORY OF WAUJCESHA COUXTY. 665
hard gravelly bed, while the natural slope of the ground insures good ventilation and good dry
cellar room.
"The front on Grand avenue is three stories high above the surface of the ground, and the
roof line is broken by the pavilions, tower and center gable. A number of rooms are finished
oif in the higher portions of the roof, but the intervening or connecting parts are not finished
into rooms.
" The ground, which slopes rapidly to the west, will be handsomely terraced and ornamented
with shrubbery and flowers. This natural slope of the ground leaves the entire basement story
above the natural surface, so that all the various departments located therein are most perfectly
lighted and aired by natural means. Great attention has been paid to the drainage and sewer-
age, several thousand feet of the largest-sized drain pipe having been laid for the purpose of
providing the best system that modern skill and knowledge can devise.
" The entire building will be well supplied with water forced by powerful steam pumps to
three large iron tanks in the highest points of the roof, from which tanks the water will be dis-
tributed to the several stories in the building ; in connection with these pumps will be placed
three stand-pipes with three large glove valves and fire hose on the floor.
" The entire building will be lighted with gas, made onS;he premises, but in a separate and
isolated building.
" The building has been designed not only for the purpose of housing a large number of peo-
ple, but special exertions have been made to provide the very best accommodations for all who
come. Every comfort has been provided, the rooms are all large, well lighted, aired and venti-
lated, and many of them are provided with handsome mantels and fire-grates, so that those who
come early and stay late can have a- cheerful fire when needed. The halls are wide, high and
spacious, are straight, and cro^;s each other at right angles, and, being well lighted, there can be
no danger in getting from one part of the house to another, or of being lost in the confusion
incident to the intricate and dark passages of ordinary summer resorts.
" The guests' parlors and sleeping-rooms are all arranged en suite, so that families or parties
of any size can be accommodated with connecting rooms whenever desired.
" The main entrance is through the tower at the northeast angle, through a large vestibule to
the office, which is fifty feet square, and the clerk's desk commands a A'iew of the principal halls,
entrances and stairways.
" The main stairway is sixteen feet wide, and the others, four in number, are twelve and four-
teen feet wide. All are what are known as square-landing staircases, and being lighted and aired
by windows on each landing, and rising easy, it will not be tiresome to ascend them.
" The reading and waiting room is the first room from the oflSce, and is twenty by thirty-two
feet, with three large windows, a cozy mantel and fireplace. The reception parlors are 20x20
feet and 20x23 feet, respectively, and are connected by sliding doors. Next we come to the
four grand parlors, which, when thrown together by sliding doors, are 1-36 feet in length by an
average width of 24 feet. All these rooms are on one side of the main hall, on the opposite side
of which is the ladies' ordinary, or a small dining-room 38x50 feet, connecting with the nurses
and children's dining-room, 28x33 feet. Next is the grand dining-room, which for size and
general proportions is equal to any in the States. It is 50 feet wide by 106 feet long, and 24 feet
high in the clear, and free from any obstructions of columns or posts. It is lighted on all sides by
large plate-glass windows opening out into the pure air. There are three large domes in the ceiling,
the center one 24 feet in diameter, and one on each side of the center 14 feet in diameter. These
domes are filled with ornamental glass, and suspended from each of them are large gas chande-
liers and refiectors, which, with the side-bracket cluster lights, when lighted up will give a most
brilliant appearance. In the rear of these dining-rooms are the kitchen and working departments,
such as dish and carving rooms, meat-rooms, refrigerators, etc., all fitted up with the most
approved modern appliances for cooking, steaming and boiling. The range is 24 feet in length,
of the' best French pattern, and there are two six-foot meat broilers, besides meat and vegetable
broilers, tea, cofiee, and chocolate boilers, steam, carving and vegetable tables, etc. -
666 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" South of the parlors and dining-rooms on the first floor of the building is divided up into
guests' rooms. Many of the rooms have bath-rooms and dressing-rooms in connection, so that
guests can have the luxury of a cold or warm bath without leaving their apartments.
" The second and third floors and the more prominent portions of the attics will be devoted
entirely to guests' rooms and the necessary dressing-rooms and lavatories ; the servants' rooms
being located in the basement.
" Every room in the house has a large closet attached, so that the dreaded Saratogas and
double-deckers can be stored away and still leave room enough for the wardrobes.
"The stories are all of them very high, being as follows: First story, fifteen feet; second
story, twelve feet, and the third story, eleven feet in the clear.
" The basement is eleven feet high, and, being all out of ground, there is no deficiency of
either light or air. In it are the public lavatory and dressing-rooms, porters', boot-blacks' and
storage rooms, trunk and sample rooms, vegetable, fuel and ice rooms.
" Under the grand dining-room are located the bar and billiard rooms, 45x50 feet, barbers'
parlor, 45x50 feet, with four bath-rooms, attached. South of the billiard-room is the bowling-
alley and shooting gallery, 24x100 feet, containing three splendid alleys with unobstructed
light and air. The laundry, with its large and spacious, drying and ironing rooms, together
with the servants' ward and dining-room, are in the north wing of the basement, and are com-
plete in every essential.
" Communication by electric bells and telephone is had in every room from the main office ;
and telegraphic communication direct with all the Southern and Western cities, as well as
telephonic connection with Milwaukee and Chicago will be made so that rooms can be en-
gaged and railroad connections made without delay or annoyance. There is a veranda, two
stories in height, extending all round the building to the dining-room wing on the west side,
which, with the connecting halls, makes a promenade of several miles without leaving the house.
The furniture of the house, without being of extravagant or gaudy kind, is of the best designs
and manufacture ; and the carpets and upholstery are of the best. The traveler, on business
or pleasure, and the invalid in search of health, pure air and recreation, with the health-giving
virtues of the celebrated Waukesha Springs, can be assured of no better care and attention else-
where.
" Among the notable features of the interior of the house — one that attracts the attention
most forcibly — is the superb chandelier which depends from the center of the dome of the grand
dining-room, and contains twenty-six gas jets, while on either side is another chandelier, con-
taining twelve gas jets, making fifty jets of light depending from the ceiling of this magnificent
room. When all are ablaze, the scene is indescribably beautiful, and one can picture how
dazzlingly brilliant will be the dinner assemblage here at the height of the season.
" The whole was designed and planned by the eminent hotel architect of the United States,
William M. Boyington, of Chicago, who is well known as the designer and builder of the best
and largest hotels of the United States and Canadas. His last work, the " Fountain Spring,"
is not inferior in any respect to any hotel on the Continent. By his professional skill every
advantage has been gained and every improvement been considered and judiciously adopted;
prompt and responsible contractors have been selected for the performance of the several branches
of the work, and his assistant and former partner, J. W. Roberts, of Chicago, was placed in
charge as resident superintendent, under the immediate supervision of the architect.
" The total cost of the building and furniture is in the neighborhood of $150,000, which is
about half of what it would have cost in ordinary times.
" The numerous friends and patrons of the house will no doubt be glad to learn that Mr.
Albert Cleveland, the former popular host, is to be manager of the house. This makes the third
season of Mr. Cleveland's management, and it can be stated as something unusual that he has
proved himself more and more popular since first assuming the position, not alone among those
who have sojourned with him, but by all with whom he has had business relations. Courteous and
gentlemanly in all places, yet retaining sufiicient dignity to give the importance to his position
^ ^^^^"^^^^^^
LISBON.
^Z,^
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 669
that a successful management demands, thus he has served guest and proprietor equally well)
and has given a reputation to the Fountain Spring House superior to that enjoyed by any other
summer resort in the West.
" In this connection it is proper to speak of the aid rendered by George H. Laflin in building
up the business of the hotel in years past, and of the extensive arrangements now being made
by him for the business of the coming season. He is corresponding with parties in all sections
of the United States, with a view of bringing to the attention of tourists the extraordinary
opportunities oflered here for their pleasure and comfort. During many years of business life he
has become acquainted with people from every section of the country, and is thus enabled to put
in 1iis work where it will do the most good.
"And here we bid adieu to one of the most agreeable topics of the season, and confidently
call attention to the superior attractions of Waukesha as a summer resort, whether it be for the
traveler, the pleasure-seeker or the invalid ; and in so doing we can imagine no better or mora
■comfortable a shelter than is to be found under the roof of the Fountain Spring House. The
■original Fountain House, begun in 1873, cost $160,000. The new building, with furniture, is
valued at over a quarter of a million."
Park Hotel. — This beautifully located pleasure house was erected in 1874 by Lemuel White,
for a residence. It is of stone, three stories high above basement, with a mansard roof The
property is owned by the White heirs, consisting of Mrs. Elizabeth J. Watson, Mrs. Ellen D.
Monteith, Mrs. Hattie G. Gove and M. E. Cole. The structure is on Broadway, opposite the
Silurian Spring and Park. The grounds surrounding the hotel comprise several acres, which
are covered with orchards, gardens and shade trees. A recent writer says of the Park Hotel :
" In front and on either side is one of the oldest parks in Waukesha, which contains more than
a dozen different varieties of trees ; to the rear stretch acres of a fine old orchard, now in the
richest bloom — and across the street is the Silurian Mineral Spring, park, pavilions and bath
house — the buildings all new and elegant. This spring is one of the largest and best in Wau-
kesha, and within two minutes' walk of the Park Hotel. Its waters are always on draught,
fresh every hour in the hotel, and on the table at every meal. The situation and surroundings,
indescribably charming as they are, do not make the Park Hotel famous more than do its
elegant rooms — all rendered cool and fragrant by the surrounding pines, spruce, aspens, maples,
elm and fruit trees — and the unapproachable cleanliness, elegance and its variety of its tables. The
grounds surrounding the hotel are ample for all lawn amusements, tents, hammocks, etc., and
are everywhere shaded. Those desiring to tent on the grounds can have tents furnished, if
desirable, while hammocks and lawn games will be always at the disposal of the guests. There is
no crowding on the grounds of this hotel at the bottom of the Silurian Ocean, and guests have
the choice of orchard, lawn or park." The site was originally an Indian camping and burial
place, and in the earlier days of the village was a large nursery. When the nursery was
destroyed, Mr. White preserved the best specimens of all the different varieties growing, and thus
made, with the exception of Morris D. Cutler's, the finest park in Waukesha. Thus the fine
park, high grounds and substantial buildings combine to make a place of unexcelled attractions.
The manager is Mrs. F.E. Lewis.
Camhrian House. — Ed Evrard began the hotel business in Waukesha in an old building on
the west side of the Fox River, which becoming too small, he tore down, and built, in 1879, the
present structure on the same site. The old hotel was called the Cambrian House, and the new
one took the same name. The contract for the new building was let to Jacob Wright, of Dela-
field. The structure, of the best brick, three stories in height, and costing about $7,000, was
■completed and opened for business in August, 1879. The hotel will accommodate upward of
sixty guests ; is elegantly furnished in every department, and is finished in the highest style of
mechanical skill. Every room is thoroughly ventilated and well lighted. The house is well
patronized.
Dunbar's Betliesda Hotel. — The late Richard Dunbar contemplated erecting a large
hotel in the Bethesda Park, but before his death only progressed far enough to lay the corner
670 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
stone. This stone bears the following inscription: " This stone was laid by Hon. Salmon P.
Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, August 24, 1871." As he applied the mortar which
was to cement the stone to its foundation, Justice Chase, since deceased, spoke as follows : "At
the request of Col. Dunbar, the proprietor, I now lay this corner stone in the hope and confi-
dent expectation that the house to be erected will prove a pleasant home to many resorting
hither from this State, from other States and from other lands, to find refreshment and renova-
tion in the healthful air of this locality, and the healing waters of your spring, which has
been so fitly named Bethesda."
There was a very large concourse of people present on this occasion, which was an inter-
esting one. A lengthy address was delivered by S. A. Randies. Now that Mr. Dunbar is
dead, it is not known when the hotel will be erected.
National Hotel. — This substantial hotel building, three stories high, and of Waukesha lime-
stone, was built on the south side of Main street, in 1871, by John Sperber, who has ever since
been its proprietor.
Fox River House. — In 1869, Martin Shafer erected a large brick hotel structure on the
west side of the river, which was managed as a public house by him and his heirs until destroyed
by fire in 1878. It was a fine building and well appointed as a public house.
The other hotels are the Farmers' Home and Waukesha House. The boarding houses in
Waukesha, which are open during the crowded season in the summer, can hardly be mentioned.
There are, however, about fifty, and more than a hundred other families take a few boarders
after all the hotels and more regular boarding houses are full.
VILLAGE OFMGERS FKOM 1852 TO 1880.
Presidents. — Nelson Burroughs, 1852 ; W. D. Bacon, 1853 ; Charles S. Hawley, 1854 ;
A. Miner, 1855 ; Alexander F. Pratt, 1856 ; William Blair, 1857 ; Alexander F. Pratt, 1858
-59; William Blair, 1860-61; John Forbes, 1862; William Blair, 1863; John Fallon,
1»64; N. A. Spooner, 1865; R. L. Gove, 1866; Isaac Lain, 1867; Vernon Tichenor,
1868; R. L. Gove, 1869; Isaac Lain, 1870; W. V. Tichenor, 1871-72; R. M. Jame-
son, 1873; Richard Dunbar, 1874; Vernon Tichenor, 1875-76; R. L. Gove, 1877;
William Blair, 1878 ; P. H. Carney, 1879 ; Henry M. Youmans, 1880.
Clerks.— E.. M. Randall, 1852-55; 0. McMahon, 1856-59; H. W. Sherman and
Fred. Ring, Jr., 1860 ; Fred. Ring, Jr., and J. A. ■ Williams, 1861 ; -Vernon Tiche-
nor, 1862; L. B. Lyman, 1863; 0. McMahon, 1864; C. G. Heath, 1865; William
R. Williams, 1866; W. V. Tichenor, 1867-68; 0. McMahon, 1869; N. Smith and
W. V. Tichenor, 1870 ; Frank H. Putney, 1871-74 ; John Forbes, 1875 ; George C. Pratt,
1876 ; 0. McMahon and George C. Pratt, 1877 ; Ira Kimball, 1878-79 ; Ira Kimball and
F. M. Slawson, 1880.
Treasurers. — John P. Story, 1852 ; J. L. Delano, 1853-54 ; Vernon Tichenor, 1855 ;
William F. Fette, 1856; , 185 ("; William F. Fette, 1858; Gustavus Meyer, 1859; M. G.
Towns^nd, 1860 ; H. N. Davis, 1861 ; P. H. Carney, 1862 ; John E. Jewett, 1863-65 ; James
Hunkins, 1866 ; Ira Kimball, 1867 ; Leander Hill, 1868 ; James Hunkins, 1869 ; Alonzo
Tyler, 1870 ; John E. Jewett, 1871 ; Frederick Slawson, 1872-75 ; D. R. Prindle, 1876 ;
P. P. Mulligan, 1877 ; 0. Culver, 1878 ; C. A. Haertel, 1879 ; D. R. Prindle, 1880.
Marshals.— 3. L. Delano, 1852 ; D. Casey, 1853 ; James M. Hurlbut, 1854-55 ; Michael
J. O'Brien, 1856-57 ; Joseph O'Brien, 1858-59 ; B. B. Brown, 1860 ; Ira Kimball, 1861 ;
Chas. Zimmerman, 1862 ; J. E. Reauh, 1863 ; S. H. Barstow, 1864 ; Wm. K. Hunkins, 1865 ;
Robert H. Jones, 1866 ; 0. Culver, 1867 ; R. H. Jones, 1868 ; 0. Culver, 1869 ; Peter Telyea,
1870-71 ; 0. Culver, 1872 ; Peter Telyea, 1873 ; Geo. R. Jones, 1874 ; Conrad Sebrt, 1875 ;
Robert Varley, 1876-77 ; W. C. Holbrook, 1878 ; David Johnson, 1879-80.
Trustees. — J. R. Prouty, W. D. Bacon, S. S. Case, C. S. Hawley, Alex. Cook, Joseph
Turner, 1852; Wm. Blair, Wm. F. Fette, J. Turner, Elihu Enos, Jr., M. D. Cutler, G. C.
Cone, 1853; Thos. D. Cook, Edward Chester, M. D. Cutler, W. D. Bacon, Wm. Blair, Alex.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 671
Cook, 1854 ; T. H. Tucker, Geo. Hatch, J. P. Pullen, Wm. Blair, A. McCall, 1855 [village
here divided into wards for one year]. First Ward — Thoft D. Cook, H. N. Davis, Jabez
Burchard, 1856. Second Ward— John Fallon, Chris. Nohl, Thos. Curtis, 1856 ; John Fallon,
John Caspar, E. M. Randall, Amos Smith, Vernon Tichenor, 1857 ; Wm. Soper, John E. Gal-
lagher, John Fallon, John Collins, C. L. Robinson, Erastus Barnes, 1858 ; Wm. Soper, John
Fallon, D. K. Warren, James Poole, Wm. Blair, 1859 ; 0. Z. Olin, R. N. Kimball, C. C.
White, A. F. Root, Isaac Lain, S. A. Bean, 1860; R. N. Kimball, A. F. Root, E. Chester,
D. Casey, R. B. Hammond, Isaac Lain, 1861 ; 0. M. Tyler, Aaron Blank, Wm. Blair, Hum-
phrey Price, H. A. Meyer, Jr., Silas Barber, 1862 ; Wm. S. Barnard, John Forbes, Wm. S.
Hawkins, Humphrey Price, Julius Reise, John Tyler, 1863 ; Sebina Barney, M. Schafer, J.
L. Kennedy, Wm. Soper, Geo. C. Pratt, Erastus Barnes, 1864; John Forbes, R. B. Ham-
mond, James Poole, L. B. Wright, Julius Reise, Stephen Webber, 1865 ; Silas Barber. L. B.
Wright, Joseph O'Brien, Geo. C. Pratt, M. Schafer, Michael Gleason, 1866 ; R. B. Hammond,
R. N. Kimball, Vernon Tichenor, 0. M. Tyler, T. D. Cook, John Forbes, 1867 ; James Poole,
Charles Cark, Joseph O'Brien, R. M. Jameson, Julius Reise, 0. M. Hubbard, 1868 ; Silas
Richardson, M. Schafer, W. H. Bogle, W. S. Green, G. E. Fuller, Geo. C. Pratt, 1869 ; W. S.
Barnard, E. A. Church, R. N. Kimball, N. McBeath, F. Slawson, Orville Tyler, 1870 ; M.
Schafer, R. N. Kimball, H. H. Hunkins, Michael Gleason, Wm. Langer, 0. Z. Olin, 1871 ;
Wm. Langer, Arthur Holbrook, Michael Gleason, Peter Lau, Thos. H. Nelson, John J. Clarke,
1872 ; James Poole, H. H. Hunkins, Conrad Sehrt, Samuel Dodd, S. E. Allen, Chas. A. Est-
berg, 1873; Silas Barber, James Poole, Thos. Haynes, Peter Lau, Richard Street, 0. Z. Olin,
1874 ; Chas. A. Estberg, 0. Culver, F. M. Putney, Peter Lau, Henry Deakiii, Martin Brown,
1875 ; Chas. A. Estberg, Richard Street, Ira Kimball, James Poole, F. M. Putney, Wm. S.
Green, 1876 ; Sebina Barney, Jacob Sanner, John J. Clarke, John E. Lau, Wm. S. Green, F.
M. Putney, 1877 ; Charles Cork, R. M. Jameson, Michael Gleason, F. M. Putney, T. C. Mar-
tin, 1878 ; M. S. Griswold, Hugh Williams, N. McBeath, Peter Lau, B. Boorman, Frank
Blair, 1879 ; Alex. Cook, G. F. H. Barber, John E. Lau, 0. Culver, A. S. Putney, C. A.
Haertel, 1880.
Assessors.-^— John A. Dunbar, William Blair, 1852 ; J. A. Dunbar, Isaac Lain, 1853 ; J.
A. Dunbar, John P. Story, 1854 ; D. Vankirk, E. Chester, 1855. [The village was divided
into two wards for one year.] First Ward — D. Vankirk, 1856 ; Second Ward — 0. McMahon,
185 J; George C. Pratt, John Gasper, 1858; George C. Pratt, 1859; D. Vankirk, 1860 and
1861. The Assessor of the town of Waukesha now assesses the village of Waukesha also.
Street Oommissioners.~W. D. Horton, 1868 ; H. H. Hunkins, 1869 ; F. M. Putney, 1870;
0. P. Silvcrnale, 1871; Alexander F. Pratt, 1872; J. W. Gilman, 1873, 1874 and 1875; 0.
M. Hubbard, 1876; George C. Pratt, 1877; John Gibbs, 1878-80.
CONFLAGRATIONS.
The first fire of note occured January 11, 1844, and destroyed S. Ormsby's store, with
$2,000 worth of goods. The weather was bitter cold, and the facilities for fighting fire con-
sisted of a few stray buckets and pails.
The Fox River House, built by Martin Schafer, was burned on Thanksgiving night, in
1878. The fire, which was of unknown origin, consumed the hotel barn, two horses, a quantity
of harnesses, and the hotel furniture. The loss was about $12,000, on which there was an
insurance of $6,300 on building and furniture.
The Fountain House, built by Matthew Laflin, took fire in its kitchen at 11 o'clock P. M.,
of the last Thursday in August, 1878. The little fire appliances then belonging to Waukesha
Village were of little use in fighting so large a fire, and the authorities sent to Milwaukee for
aid. Engines arrived from that city at 5 o'clock in the morning, and succeeded in saving the
walls of about one-quarter of the building, although the fire had been raging six hours. The
hotel contained about 200 guests and seventy-five employes, all of whom escaped safely with
672 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
clothing and baggage. The loss was covered by an insurance of $55,000 on the building and
$20,000 on furniture. The hotel«ost, $160,000; and the loss was estimated to have been from
$100,000 to $125,000.
One of the disastrous fires to the village was that which burned the Smith or Hill block.
The buildings burned were built by Dr. J. Smith, and stood where the Opera House and Com-
mercial block now stand. They were consumed in 1868, probably, and remained in rains
until 1874, when Mrs. E. Et. Carney built the present fine blocks in their place.
On the 22d of March, 1856, a fire was seen issuing from the windows of A. F. Pratt's
printing ofiice. A Mr. Wheeler ran into the building, which was on the south side of Main street,
and found one Doty, who was in Mr. Pratt's employ, in a drunken stupor on the bed, and the
room was enveloped in flames. Doty was rescued, but the building, with its contents, was
consumed, and all the other buildings from Burrough's Block to the corner where J. A.
Waite's market now is. The heaviest losers were Joseph Turner, A. F. Pratt and John An-
grave.
The old Milwaukee & Mississippi car shops burned in September, 1877, and made a large
fire. They were owned by Russell N. Kimball, who had no insurance on the property.
FIRE DBPAETMBNT.
The fire department of Waukesha Village depends entirely upon the volunteer services of
the citizens of the place. The village pays a janitor (he will get no pay for his services for
1880, however, owing to a lack of funds, in which case he must spend his own time for the
benefit and safety of the property-owners of the entire village) ; pays for the coal used to warm
the building, and for all acids and soda used in the extinguishers. Some time after the close
of the war, two pumps, worked by hand, were purchased by the village at a very moderate cost.
But, owing to the scarcity of water in certain localities, and the extreme exertion required to
work them, an effort was made to secure the purchase of a steam fire engine. For this purpose,
the question of raising a tax of $2,500 was submitted to a vote of the people and defeated. A
tax of $1,500 was agreed to by vote of the people August 11, 1874, and Richard Street and
James Poole were appointed to report as to how the money should be expended. After jour-
neys to Milwaukee and Chicago, and examining all the fire extinguishers that could be had for
$1,500 they reported as follows :
Your committee on ezaminatiou of chemical fire engines respectfully report that, in accordance with an invita-
tion extended to them by the Babcook Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, to examine their machines, they visited
that city and carefully examined the construction and working of the Babcook Fire Engine, and your committee are
unanimous in expressing their satisfaction with the style, material and workmanship of their machines ; the price
with 200 feet of hose for an 80-gaUon machine is $900 ; for two machines, $1,800. Your committee further report
that they also visited Milwaukee and examined the Champion Fire Extinguisher, and were very much pleased with
the strength and simplicity of said fire extinguisher. Chief Lippert, of Fire Department, Milwaukee, recommends
the Champion as the simplest and most effective chemical fire extinguisher he has seen. The price of the Champion
for two machines, of 100 gallons capacity each, with 100 feet of hose, is $1,400. The difference in price between the
Babcock and Champion is $400 in favor of the Champion, with the addition of 40 gallons greater capacity. Under
these circumstances, your committee recommend the purchase of two Champion Fire Engines. They are of greater
capacity and cost $400 less.
Richard Street,
James Poole.
Two Champion Extinguishers were, on the strength of this report, finally purchased, at a
cost of $1,400.
The oflScers and members of the present Fire Department are as follows : Chief Engineer,
Charles Cork ; Assistant Engineer, W. P. Babcock ; Foreman, C. A. Haertel ; Assistant
Foreman, M. Adams ; Secretary, N. McBeath ; Treasurer, John Patterson ; Trustees, R. H.
Hunkins, W. P. Babcock and H. Williams ; Janitor, George Klock.
Engine Company No. 1. — Captain, R. H. Hunkins ; Assistant Captain, W. P. Babcock ;
J. Herbrandt, G. Lindtner, G. Deakin, J. Patterson, W. H. Holbrook, A. Carver, H. Kebler,
R. Schley N. Madden, F. Friedenstein, A. Wagner, F. Kramer and A. Schley.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 673
Engine Com/pang No. 2. — Captain, G. H. Abbott ; Assistant, C. Barnes ; J. Conners,
G. T. Willets, C. Cork, E. Wells, N. McBeath, Peter Lau, E. B. Sweet, L. Abbott, H. Wil-
liams, J. Kebler, C. Weidenhaft, M. Adams and J. Cross.
Mooh and Ladder Company. — Captain, George Klock ; Assistant Captain, F. Ploss ; E.
Evans, H. J. Hepp, D. Johnson, C. A. Haertell, H. H. Sehrt, R. Varley, E. K. Kimball, N.
Sumner, S. Herbrandt, H. Theilman, J. Hurley, H. Schneider and G. Gleissner.
The village owns the old pumps, as well as the extinguishers, and at a fire all four of the
machines are brought out for use.
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
Lord., G-ale ^ Barber's Saw-Mill. — The dam having been built and a race excavated,
early in 1838 Lord, Gale & Barber began the erection of a saw-mill where the old planing-
mill stands, a short distance below the Saratoga JMills. This was the first saw- mill in Prairie-
ville and the third in the county. A Mr. Lampman was the mill-wright, and did most of the
work of building it. In this mill much of the lumber for the flouring-mill, the timbers for
the first frame dwelling and much other lumber used in the vicinity of Waukesha, was sawed.
The old mill is of little account now for any purpose, and has not been used as a saw-mill for
many years.
Saratoga Mills. — There is probably no flouring-mill in Wisconsin which has seen more
years of service than Bowman's Saratoga Mills, at Waukesha. The water power was on Alonzo
R. Cutler's claim, who settled upon it in 1834, as an eligible manufacturing site. Soon after,
a trade was made with M. D. Cutler, his brother, and in 1837 the claim, consisting of 160
acres and the water privileges, was sold to Lord, Gale & Barber, through William A. Barstow,
for $6,013. The flouring-mill was begun in 1838. The frame was hewed by the late John
Woodworth, out of logs, and was floated down the Fox River to the foundation. The timbers
for the frame are unusually heavy and strong, and will last a century unless destroyed by
fire. The mill was over a year in building, owing to the scarcity of labor, the great cost of
material and the diflBculty in getting milling machinery transported from the East. There was
rejoicing in Prairieville when the old-fashioned "|pitch-back" waterwheel finally set the buhrs
in motion, for the mill contained the only "smutter" in the Territory, and the only flour bolt
anywhere in the vicinity. It was the beginning of an important era in the village, as it brought
a large amount of commerce to her merchants which before had gone to Milwaukee and else-
where. Probably in 1850, the mill was sold by William A. Barstow & Co. to Thomas J.
Williams, who rented it to various parties until 1855, when the entire property was bought by
Russell N. Kimball. Mr. Kimball made some changes in the machinery of the mill, putting
in new waterwheels, steam power and additional runs of stone. In 1876, Benjamin Bowman,
the present proprietor, came into full possession of the mill property ; removed the steam machi-
nery; put in improved waterwheels and made other improvements. The new wheels are of
such power and economy that enough water is always had to run the mill. It has flve runs of
stone with a flour capacity of two hundred barrels per day. Its capacity to do custom work is
sixty bushels per hour. Mr. Bowman ships largely to Scotland, but sells mostly in domestic
rkets.
The mill, with necessary belongings, cost Lord, Gale & Barber, and William A. Barstow,
$30,000, which was a large sum in 1839.
Blair's Iron Worlcs. — The large stone building now used by William Blair as his machine
and iron works was begun early in the spring of 1845, by W. D. Bacon, and completed in
1846. The corner stone of the building was laid with considerable ceremony, which was witnes-
sed by a large number of spectators. The cavity of this corner stone contains coin of various de-
uominations and other articles desired by some of those present to be preserved. The building is
three stories in height, with a large and spacious attic. The walls are all of solid stone and
built in a thorough and substantial manner. The structure was erected for a wagon and
674 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
blacksmith shop, and was used by its proprietor for many years for that purpose, or until
about 1853, when Mr. Bacon sold the property to Jacob L. Beanj who owned it for some time
and finally sold it to William Blair.
At the time the building was erected, it was one of the largest and best in the State. Its
central and commanding position as a wagon and blacksmith shop attracted customers from
a great distance, who came hither for their work and repairs. The principal roads leading to
Milwaukee through the State passed through Prairieville, as Waukesha was then called, in close
proximity to Mr. Bacon's building. It was no infrequent sight to see scores of wagons and
horses in and about the shop awaiting their turn for repairs. This building, besides being one
of the oldest in the country, has many interesting historic incidents connected with it.
It was from this building the first Abolition paper printed in Wisconsin was issued. It
was in the third story of this large structure that the " Ancient and Sublime Order of the 1,001 "
held some of its very first meetings, and continued to " raise Hail Columbia " in it for several
years. This was long before such an organization had an existence in Milwaukee. It was to
this building the most prominent and wealthy people came from all portions of the State to be
initiated into the order. Many came from Milwaukee and elsewhere, among whom might be
mentioned Don A. J. Upham, Jonathan E. Arnold, Levi Hubbell, John S. Rockwell, Andrew
E. Elmore, and scores of others, who occupied the leading positions in the State. If this old
building could talk, could tell all it knew in a voice loud enough to be heard one hundred
miles in every direction, there would go up the greatest roar of laughter ever heard by mortal
man.
The first lodge of Odd Fellows was instituted in this building, and was used by them for
some time. It is now managed by Frank Blair, William Blair's son, as a general machine shop.
Milwaukee and Waukesha Railway Oar Shops. — The original or first railroad com-
pany, the "Waukesha & Milwaukee," since the Milwaukee & Mississippi, and now the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, in 1849 commnced the erection of a large stone
building, 80x120 feet, with two very h'lgh stories, for the manufacture of cars. The building
was completed in the spring of 1850, and in it car building immediately commenced, which
continued until the company removed their works and shops to Milwaukee. The company
then sold the building to Messrs. Case & Co., who manufactured freight cars in it until 1855;
but, not finding the business profitable, suspended operations, and sold the property to Messrs.
John Nazro, of Milwaukee, W. D. Bacon and William Blair, of Waukesha, for $12,000.
From that time until about 1866, the building remained unoccupied, except for the storage of
customary rubbish, and goods of but little value. About the year 1866, the building waa pur-
chased by R. N. Kimball, who used it as a planing-mill for a brief time, and for storing wool,
lumber, thrashing machines and wagons, and finally, at considerable expense, he converted it
into an elevator, putting in mammoth bins, expensive truck and platform scales and modern
machinery for elevating grain. There being but a small amount of grain to elevate, the machi-
nery was but seldom used, and stood idle for years. In the month of September, 1877, on a
hot Sunday afternoon, the building was discovered to be on fire, supposed to have origi-
nated from the rays of the hot sun passing through the large glass windows on to the waste
used in cleaning the engine and machinery about the building. The large stone structure,
with its entire contents — engine, scales, machinery, together with a large amount of season-
ed pine lumber — was totally destroyed, incurring a loss to its owner of over $10,000 without a
dollar of insurance.
In this building, whose ranges of ruins are yet to be seen near the depot, were erected the
first railway cars built in Wisconsin, or the Northwest, and for a time a large number of men
were given employment within its walls. When the old Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad
Company secured the right of way through Waukesha, and was receiving other material
aid, its oflScers promised that these car shops should always be maintained where they were
built, in full operation. If that promise had been kept, W^aukesha Village would have been much
larger than it now is.
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 675
Waukesha County Manufacturing Company. — A charter was granted incorporating the
Waukesha County Manufacturing Company, by the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin, and
the act approved March 13, 1866.
A meeting of the Commissioners named in the act of incorporation was held at the office
of A. Cook, in the village of Waukesha, on the 17th day of March, 1866. Present, Albert
Kendrick, Sebina Barney, Gr. C. Pratt, Silas Barber and Edward Porter.
On motion, A. Kendrick was elected President, and G. C. Pratt, Secretary.
A committee was appointed to obtain subscriptions to the capital stock of the company,
and in a comparatively short space of time a sufficient sum was subscribed to entitle the com-
pany to organize under its charter. This they proceeded to do on the 21st day of April,
1866, by electing the following-named gentlemen to serve as their first Board of Directors :
William Blair, Albert Amsden, Isaac Lain, Silas Barber, T. D. Gook, G. C. Pratt and M. S.
Hartwell. Subsequently, on the same day, the Directors met, and elected the following officers :
President, William Blair ; Vice President, Silas Barber ; Secretary, G. C. Pratt ; Treasurer,
T. D. Cook. The board immediately proceeded to buy a lot and erect buildings thereon for
a woolen-mill. A stone building was erected 36x100 feet, three stories in height, with a one-
story addition for wheel and dye house.
They commenced running by water power, having built an overshot water wheel thirty-six
feet in diameter. But they soon found the water power was not sufficient to drive the neces-
sary machinery, and then added steam.
In December following, they commenced the manufacture of woolen goods.' Additional
buildings have been built from time to time, and new and better machinery has been added
from year to year, until now they have one of the largest and best woolen-mills in the State,
employing some seventy hands and working up about 200,000 pounds of wool annually. No
better goods are made East or West than are turned out at this mill. For several years,
nearly the whole product was woolen shawls, the sale of which they had contracted in advance
to Field, Leiter & Co., of Chicago, for cash.
For several years last past, the product of this mill has been of a mixed character, fine
cassimeres, shawls, flannels, blankets and yarns being the principal articles manufactured.
The Present officers are William Blair, President ; Richard Street, Vice President ; Isaac
Lain, Secretary ; T. D. Cook, Treasurer ; Richard Street, Superintendent. This is the largest and
most important manufacturing institution in Waukesha County, and serves a three-fold purpose,
viz., furnishing employment to a large number of persons, making a good market for wool, and,
by the excellence of its products, making Waukesha County famous for fine wool and fine goods.
SartweU's Planing-Mill. — In 1859, the planing-mill and sash, door and blind factory,
owned by M. S. & C. S. Hartwell, on the west side of the river, was burned. The firm imme-
diately secured the site on Grand avenue and erected the stone factory as it now stands. Since
1875, it has been owned by Clark S. Hartwell and is run in connection with his building
operations. In it he does re-sawing, planing, scroll-sawing, turning, matching and nearly all
kinds of wood- work. The motive power is steam.
West Hill Brewery. — In the fifties, Mr. Meyer erected a brewery, of wood and stone, on
the present site of Stephen Weber's buildings. . Mr. Meyer failed, and the property, through
Sheriff's sale, fell into the hands of Peter Peffer and Charles Nohl, who, in 1862, sold the
entire property to Stephen Weber. He erected the present substantial stone structure over the
old cellars, in 1873. In 1870, he erected a two-story ice-house of stone, which was made one
story higher in 1879. Mr. Weber manufactures about 2,200 barrels of beer per annum, and on
the opposite side of the street from his brewery has a building and machinery for bottling beer,
which branch of his business has grown to considerable proportions. West Hill is the largest
brewery in the county.
Olin ^ Clinton's Cheese Factory. — The cheese factory on Carroll street, in this village,
was opened for business by its present owners, 0. Z. Olin and Orson P. Clinton, in May,
1875. The proprietors make no butter ; their specialty is pure cheese. They now have an
676 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
average of 3,000 pounds of milk per day. During the first year, their cheese averaged Ill-
cents per pound. This year it has averaged a little over 10 cents per pound. The market
is mostly in New York and Chicago.
Barnard's Mill. — The upper dam on the west side of the Fox "River, was constructed to
furnish water power for a factory built by W. S. Barnard. Various small articles in wood and
iron were manufactured by Mr. Barnard. He finally changed the machinery into that for "a
flouring-mill ; but it never was a profitable investment. In this old building, which, cracked
and weak, still stands opposite the Barstow residence, William Blair began his iron manufac-
turing business. He had no lathe in those days, and did all the necessary turning by hand.
Porter's Wool Storehouse. — In 1876, Edward Porter erected a large wool and grain store-
house, near the Fox River. He has purchased from the farmers, adjacent to the town of
Waukesha, during the past ten years, upward of 1,225,000 pounds of wool, for which he has
paid Eastern prices, less transportation. He makes his shipments principally to the cities of
Philadelphia, Boston, Syracuse, and North Adams, Mass. Mr. Porter also handles immense
quantities of barley, which furnishes a ready market near home for the large barley crops of
Waukesha County.
Haynes' JElevator. — The old stone building erected by the Milwaukee & Mississippi Rail-
road Company, which was formerly a portion of the depot, was leased to Thomas Haynes, in
1863, for the purpose of storing, elevating and shipping grain, in which business he was engaged.
The increase of business soon compelled him to put in machinery and other facilities for the more
speedy handling of grain, and now it is one of the best elevators for its capacity on the line of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, outside of Milwaukee.
The receipts of wheat purchased by Mr. Haynes of the farmers adjacent to Waukesha,
vary from one to five cars per day during the fall and winter. The grain is shipped mostly to
Milwaukee. In addition to the elevator, Mr. Haynes, in 1878, erected a warehouse, 60x80
feet, near the railroad track, east of his elevator, for the storage of salt, cement, plaster, etc., in
which he deals largely.
For the seventeen years Mr. Haynes has been in the business, he has paid Milwaukee
prices, less the cost of transportation, and has disbursed, satisfactorily, a very large amount of
money among the farmers, who receive more for their cereals at his elevator than they could
realize hy hauling them to Milwaukee.
MISCELLANEOUS SKETCHES.
Cutler's Park. — This handsome property is located near the center of Waukesha Village.
There are about thirty kinds of trees and various kinds of wild flowers and plants growing
upon it. The park, which contains eight acres of land, is owned and occupied by Morris D.
Cutler ; who built a residence in the center of it over forty-six years ago. Mr. Cutler will not
sell the place, neither does he make modern improvements, but, on the contrary, he wishes to
see things as nearly as possible in the state of nature.
The park has now three pre-historic elevations of earth, called Indian mounds, which he
■allows to remain untouched. Mr. C. located on this property forty-six years ago, and
began to clear out the under-brush, and to set out trees at that early day, which he has
continued without interruption ever since. The report is that when Mr. Cutler is done with
the park, he will deed it to the village with the proviso that the mounds never be disturbed.
Town Cemetery. — This beautiful home of the dead is as much for the village of Waukesha
and surrounding towns as for the town of Waukesha, although owned and controlled exclusively
by the latter. As is the case with every newly settled place, Waukesha was for many years
without any common burial-place. David Jackson was buried in an Indian mound in the east
part of the village of Waukesha, in December, 1841 ; a few were buried on the knoll where the
Park Hotel now stands, opposite the Silurian Spring, which was the seat of an Indian cemetery;
and some, a few years later, were buried where the present cemetery was afterward located.
The fact that the locality possessed no common burial-place was the subject of much talk in an
early day, the newspapers as.well as the citizens taking the matter in hand. Early in 1848,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 677
the Democrat referred to the subject in this manner : "A spot so sacred as the burial-place oj
our friends and relatives should not be exposed to the intrusion of cows and other animals, as
the village cemetery is from the highway and adjoining fields. * * * Citizens of Prairie-
ville, will you do something to wipe oif this reproach from our good name ?"
Again, in 1849, the subject was handled in a still more vigorous and pointed manner by the
newspapers. This agitation seems to have had the desired effect, for in November, 1849, the
Supervisors of the town of Waukesha resolved to purchase ground for a burial-place, and
December 3, of that year, purchased three acres of Nathaniel Walton for $50 for that purpose.
On April 13, 1864, a little over five acres additional were purchased of S. S. Sawyer for $500,
The cemetery is situated in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10,
town of Waukesha.
The first person buried in this cemetery was the mother of Rev. 0. F. Curtis.
Shakespeare Club. — This literary society was originated in the winter of 1856 by S. A,
Bean, Prof Evans, C. C. White, W. L. Bean, I. M. Bean, F. W. Monteith and a few others.
The society was not kept up during the war. In 1874, it was again started by Rev. Isaac
Woodle. The officers at present are : M. S. Grriswold, President ; Mrs Annie Leedom, Secre-
tary. Among the principal exercises are the readings and criticisms of Shakespeare. Mrs.
C. C. White and F. W. Monteith are the only members left from the organization of 1856. The
present ipembers are as follows : Rev. T. G. Watson, M. S. Griswold, F. W. Monteith, T. W.
Haight, S. H. Vedder, Prof G. H. Reed, Mrs. S. B. Waller, :\Irs. C. C. AYhite, Mrs. T. W.
Haight, Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Eliza Darwin, Mrs. C. Jackson, Mrs. S. A. Randies, Miss Eva
Filley, Miss Annie Leedom, Miss Emily B. Marsh, Miss Louise M. Park, Miss Wilbor, Miss
Alice P. Perry and Miss Georgie Bennett.
Waterworks Company. — A corporation designing to supply the hotels. Industrial School
and private houses with drinking water, and the village with water for fire purposes, has been
chartered under the name and style of the Mineral Rock Spring and Water- Works Company,
with a capital stock of $100,000. Of this amount, $20,000 has already been subscribed. The
corporation consists of C. C. Olin, President; Barzillia Douglass, Secretary; M. D. Cutler,
Treasurer; Richard Walker and F. W. Olin. The design is to erect a water tower and pumping
works on the large vacant lot east of Grand avenue, and thus to furnish mineral water to all the
houses, public and private, in the village, as well as for public and private fountains, factories,
fire purposes and street sprinkling, and to have the work completed by July, 1881.
Waukesha Observatory. — This structure, about the first feature noticed by the visitor to
the vicinity of the village of Waukesha, is an octagon tower ninety-five feet in height, built by
Thomas Spence, in 1873, for the accommodation of those who desire a complete bird's-eye view
of the surrounding scenery. It looks down from the highest hill in the vicinity of Waukesha.
The highest gallery is 220 feet above the Fox River, which flows at the foot of the hill, a few
rods distant, and 445 feet above Lake Michigan. The view to be had from this tower is an
extended one and of rare beauty. Washington County points, thirty-five miles distant, can be
seen in the north, and Walworth County points as far distant as Elkhorn, the county seat, on
the southwest. A janitor is in attendance, who points out and names the localities of interest to
be seen from the observatory, for a small fee. During the summer of 1879, 1,300 visitors
ascended the tower and left their autographs on a register kept for the purpose. The struct-
ure is on Block C, plat of West Waukesha Village, immediately south of Lawndale Addition,
and cost about $3,000. It will accommodate 200 persons, and, though in part of wood, was
built to stay.
OliD SETTLERS DONE UP IN RHYME.
The following verses were written in 1853 or 1854 by a schoolboy who has been dead many
years :
■' A pretty place is Waukesha,
Its many scenes I love,
Its rippling streams and summer greens,
Its towering hills above. •
678 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Our citizens are active, brisk,
Witli names and manners droll *
And so to make my meaning plain,
I'll call the village roll.
We've Smiths in town of various kinds;
Some work in iron, tin.
While others use up mortal man
With drugs and medicine.
To which some of the craft object —
Are down on drugs and bills ;
And while the battle wages warm
SLET-ly gives their little pills.
Men of physic here we see,
Who say they're always Wriqht,
While others from their Casti* wage
War's opposition might.
But then, our Wbight has passed away ;
He loved the negro race —
But stole a woman who was White,
Before he left the place.
We still have people who are wljite ;
But oh ! it gives me pain.
To think that some of these dear Whites
Will always White remain.
Upon the hill there stands a mill.
They named it Carroll College —
A vast machine to fill the brain,
And grind out useful knowledge.
A word to you, professors dear, "
You labor for your pains —
I Make Small men great, but 'tis a sin
To Cbam their little brains.
We have a Cook in town who will not cook
A fowl or fry a fish ;
But if you want a batch of law
He'll cook you up a dish.
Our legal men of cities large
On knowledge oft are bent,
Which to obtain they do consult
The commentator, Kent.
But in our town 'tis not the head,
But stomach kept in view.
At 2 A. M. they do consult
Kent's "common taters, " too.
Our clergymen have told us all
That we to hell will drop,
Unless we go the narrow path.
Straight through the cooper shop.
In literary strength we boast-
Enlightened claim to be ;
Yet some advise with Savages,
And listen, as we see.
Our ladies' mouths are very small —
So very small, I'm sure
That they would scarcely hold a pint
Of crystal water pure.
But I have seen what I ne'er saw before,
In lands of north and south.
Some of our small-mouthed ladies, dear.
With HoLEROOKS in their mouth.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COrXTY.
Sellers are seen in other towns,
Yet far beneath the ground ;
But here, 'tia common to relate,
Our Sellers walk around.
We've Miners, too, who dig for gold —
I am not spinning yarns—
For at one time our Miner kept
His gold close by his barns.
But now his barn has been removed,
And is no longer found —
Our Miner only borrows it,
But not beneath the ground.
A Baker, too, I've seen at home.
And often in the street ;
But if you ask for bread or cake.
You'll get some music sweet.
We have a Lain, and it is long,
'In summer, when 'tis seen
Even after showers — the food of iiowers —
It's very seldom green.
Around this Lain some prim old maids
Are ever hovering near —
But why they hang around this Lain
To me doth not appear.
Three years ago, we packed no pork,
But our Baoon wished to cure,
So to the east — to say the least —
'Twas sent, I'm very sure.
And then it cured, and dried and cured.
Until one pleasanfday,
A homely youth by the name of Booth
Our Bacon stole away-
We have no schooners, brigs or ships.
Nor oceans blue and bright.
But then 'tis known to one and all,
Our Sayles are oft in sight.
Our Postoffice, in by-gone days.
Was called a Barron place —
But by a Baestow it was bereft
Of every Barron face.
But that Bars-tow has been cut of.
And it really gave him pain.
To find the Olfice called the "Post,''
A Barron place again.
Now I'm going to leave this town.
And I'm a hungry sinner.
Who will agree to tender me
A good substantial dinner ?
What do I lik^? I do not like—
I like not beef, pork nor greens ;
But then I guess I'll take a mess
Of pretty, little black -eyed Beans.
679
In 1871, the above rhyme was received with considerable gusto at the meeting of the County
Old Settlers' Club, at which time a pioneer could not resist the temptation to immortalize him-
self by adding the following :
In '71 the scenes have changed,
We miss some faces, dimes and pence ;
Some are scattered — some laid low,
Like Cutler's old rail fence.
680 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUKTY.
And since that old rail fence has gone,
The town has really put on airs —
Now sports its pickets, trees and walks,
From Elliott's up to Blaib's.
In by-gone days, to cross the street,
You'd need a sounding pole;
Now you can go from Bean to Bacon,
And never wet your sole.
Now, I'll bid you all good-bye,
It's time I end (his ditty ;
This village I never more will see,
For soon 't will be a city.
WAUKESHA IN 1842.
A writer in 1842 thus describes the village : This village, like most of those in our vicinity,
is rapidly progressing in beauty as well as population. We are glad to see in this, as well as
other of our inland towns, such a degree of good taste and good sense in the construction of dwell-
ing houses. Few places near us have greater beauties of location than Prairieville, and we are
glad to see, even in a new country, some sympathy between the locality and the inhabitants. Sit-
uated near a small prairie of about three miles in length, it has all the advantages of prairies, open-
ings and a well- watered soil. But about five years have passed since the place was first claimed,
yet the census just taken shows a population of 682. Probably one-half of this is in the village
and its immediate vicinity. The water-power on the Fox (Pish-ta-kee) River, by far the best of
that region, is the nucleus around which this town is gathered. This has been improved by the
erection of the extensive flouring-mills of Barstow, Gale & Co., which by the inducements held
out to the farmers in that vicinity for a ready market for their wheat, has caused nearly all the,
public lands to be taken up. Other mills, on smaller streams, have likewise caused a considerable
accession to the population and improvements of the town. The Prairieville mills have sent to
market during the past year 6,000 barrels of flour, the Globe, or Dakin's mills, 1,000 barrels.
This is the principal article constituting the business of the place, though other articles are of
course sent from thence. The village is not wanting in the -different mechanical arts, having most
of those which are usually found in places of its size. We understand that some ten or twelve
dwelling houses are erecting, or under contract, in the village ; and it bids fair soon to rival, in
business and population, some of our towns on the lake shore, and to become a thrifty, substantial
and populous town. It certainly holds out as great inducements to mechanics and tradesmen
as any country town in the Territory.
WAUKESHA IN 1844.
Some peripatetic person, who signed himself " Unchangeable Frizzle," wrote as follows to the
Green Bay Republican, dating his letter at Prairieville, September 25, 1844 :
" Since last I wrote you, I have paid a flying visit to some of the interior towns in this
(Milwaukee) county — Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Prairieville. None particularly attracted
my attention. Of these villages, Prairieville is the most pleasantly located, as well as most
important. They all possess, however, great natural advantages, being in the midst of an
increasing population, having a salubrious climate, and a soil equal to any in the world. I find,
however, as might be expected, that most, if not all, the land in this vicinity has long since passed
out of the hands of the Government. Consequently, good land cannot be obtained near the city,
unless at an exorbitant price. Immigrants, therefore, if they wish to obtain land at nominal
prices, would do well to visit the counties of Fond du Lac, Marquette or Winnebago, which are
certainly as inviting as Milwaukee County. Prairieville is a growing, prosperous village, and
will soon be the most important manufacturing town in Wisconsin. Everything about the vil-
lage evidences the briefness of its settlement and also its future importance. It contains the
most enterprising, able and best educated men of any new place I ever saw. They look intO'
the future before doing anything, and already they are the leaders of nearly all Territoral move-
ments."
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 681
WAUKESHA IN 1853.
The village of Waukesha was incorporated in 1852, and now (said a writer for the State
Historical Society in 1853) has a population of about 2,200. It contains one saw-mill, one
flouring-mill, two foundries, one railroad-car factory, one machine shop, one thrashing machine
manufactory, two breweries, nine blacksmith shops, nine boot and shoe shops, two paint shops,
one cooper shop, one carriage and wagon manufactory, two tailor shops, two millinery establish-
ments, two jewelry shops, three saddle and harness shops, two cabinet warerooms, two tin and
sheet-iron manufacturing establishments, two stone-cutting establishments, two butcher shops,
three drug stores, three stationery and book stores, three hardware stores, five dry-goods stores,
seven groceries, three hotels, two livery stables, nine physicians, one daguerrean room, one por-
trait painter, one dentist, seven lawyers, twelve ministers of the Grospel, besides Rev. Dr. Savage,
President of Carroll College ; eight churches, the court house and jail, a college, a female semi-
nary, the Waukesha County Bank, two printing presses, one literary paper and two newspapers.
WAUKESHA IN 1860.
In July, 1860, a poetical person, name unknown, visited Waukesha, and, after taking in
the beauties of the place, in an exuberant moment, furnished the following for the newspapers :
" Things beautiful in conformation, added to natural advantages, delight the eye and-add
refinement and taste to cultivated minds. The astromomer loves to turn the horoscope of his
vision, with intensified gaze, on the star-bespangled heavens, and, while the mind feasts and
ranges through the fields of astronomic lore, the heart beats with a stronger filial love to that
Great Father, who has spread such a coruscation of shining worlds and planetary orbs in their
undimmed and continuous splendor over our heads, and whose silent yet speaking beauty is
best described by that poet who spoke thus :
" ' What though in solemn silence all
Move round this dark terrestriai ball ;
What though no real voice nor sound
Amid their radiant orbs be found ;
Yet still in reason's ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice —
Forever singing as they shine,
The hand that made us is Divine ! '
" But when we turn our gaze from things which can only be reached in part by the con-
ceptions of our imaginations, and look at our feet upon the botanical world, with its blooming
verdure and scented pathways, exhibiting to out gaze not only ' the rose of Sharon and the lily
of the valley,' but its twenty-eight thousand different varieties of herbs and flowers that bud,
bloom and grow on this green carpet, yielding beauty, utility and fragrance to man, we may
well find ample scope for the exercise of mind and imagination in depicting things beautiful and
landscapes delightful, whether they be local or general. But before we wander any farther in
the general kingdom of landscape beauty, we will endeavor to localize our thoughts and descrip-
tions to the beautiful and pleasant village of Waukesha, the county seat of Waukesha County.
This delightful village of 3,000 inhabitants is situated in the midst of one of the most fertile
districts to be found in the State of Wisconsin ; its location is twenty miles by railroad from
Milwaukee on the Milwaukee & Mississippi road, and lying on a beautiful prairie, with the Fox
River running through its center. Natute has been most lavish to the place in gifts, both of soil
and landscape, and art hath superadded, in the erection of spacious churches, elegant hotels,
model schoolhouses, beautiful mansions and nonpareil stone side-walks on almost every street.
" But as I purpose being brief in my description, I will commence with the educational
advantages of the place. And first, I may state that there is an excellent college, well filled with
students, under the supervision and presidency of the Rev. J. A. Savage, D. D. Here are stu-
dents in attendance from all parts of the State, and the faculty and institution, generally considered,
are inferior to none in the West. The Young Ladies' Seminary, under the superintendency of
682 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Rev. Mr. Staples, assisted by a lady preceptress, is earning deserved popularity, and promises
great usefulness in the education of females. We have also a beautiful and spacious Union*
School on the east side of the river, located on a three-acre lot, enclosed with a neat picket fence,
and surrounded with shade trees. The house is built of dressed or cut stone, and seemsa fit
place for
' Pedagogues to rule — in human nature wise, and learned to boot —
To teach the young idea how to shoot.'
" There are also eight churches — six of which are large enough to seat from four to eight
hundred persons each. They are as follows : One Episcopalian, one Presbyterian, one Roman
Catholic, three Methodist (one of which is German Methodist), and one Congregational. One
might reasonably suppose there were not man.y sinners from the amount of church accommoda-
tions, but of this I judge not.
» " The private residences of the more wealthy and prominent citizens are palatial and comfort-
able. Among others, we note the following : The beautiful homestead of M. D. Cutler, Esq.,
situated in nearly the center of the village, and containing an area of about seven acres ; in shape
it forms a parallelogram, with one of its longest sides fronting 600 feet on Wisconsin street.
Around it is thrown a neat picket fence, and inside it is filled (apart from the neat and spacious
dwelling) with fruit trees of all kinds common to our soil, and shade trees of almost every imag-
inable class and description. If the reader were to walk around this delightful spot in a summer
day, and inhale the fragrant and scented air which rises from plants and flowers, as well as feast
his eyes upon the general beauty of the scene, he might well fancy himself in a suburb of the
once-famed Alhambra.
" The architectural beauty and surrounding embellishments of the residences on College Hill
of William White, Esq., Rev. Dr. Savage and William Soper, Esq., are ahead of most that can
be found in a Western or even Eastern town. And a little farther north, on the same street, are
those of C. R. Dakin and T. D. Cook, Esq., the latter of whom is the owner of the famous flag
and cut-stone quarries which are being so extensively worked at this place, and of whom it is not
saying too much, that by unwearied industry and assiduous attention to his business, he has cut
his way, within the past ten years, through rocks and difficulties to wealth and position. Such
men ought to succeed.
" On Carroll street is to be found the sash, door and blind factory (with planing-ipill), of
W. P. Babcock. Also, near the stone quarry of Messrs. Davis, Barnes & Blank (an energetic,
wide-awake stone company, by the way), is to be found the machine shop and factory of Messrs.
Hartwell & Palmer. It is a large stone building, erected this summer, with every necessary
facility for doing a big business. The integrity and scientific knowledge of Mr. Hartwell as an
architect and master builder are a sufficient guarantee for the success of the establishment.
" On the corners of Carroll and East Division streets are located the beautiful residences of
R. Walker, Leander Hill and H. A. Kennedy. This last-named gentleman was, until recently,
a resident of Cincinnati, but removed his family to Waukesha in consequence of its healthy local-
ity and superior educational advantages. Having established a model provision and grocery
store in our midst, he may be considered a permanent fixture.
" On Main street there are several beautiful cut-stone buildings for residences, among which
is that of N. Burroughs, Esq. Mr. B. is one of the oldest business men in the place, and the
blessings of all good housewives ought to rest on his head for the large assortment of premium arid
nonpareil cooking stoves he has always on hand to facilitate the culinary labors of the kitchen.
" On the west side of the Eox River the neat and tastefully arranged residences of R. N.
Kimball and William Blair, Esq., attract the attention. They are two of the solid men of
^Boston,' and are always to be found in the right place. Mr. Blair employs a large number of
hands the year round in his machine shop for the manufacture of thrashing machines, fanning
mills of all kinds, plows, drags, and farming apparatus generally. And, in connection with this
business, he has an extensive demand for castings from all parts of the State, which keeps his
molding furnace in full blast the year round. Mr. Kimball, the owner of the flouring and saw
mills in this place, is putting a large steam engine into operation in his flouring-mill, which will
HISTORY OF WAUKESHri_ COUNTY. 683
enable him to do all the custom grinding farmers may want, with promptness, and merchant
grinding to suit. When his arrangements are perfected, the mill will turn off 100,000
bushels of wheat annually. Mr. Kimball's business tact, united to an indomitable energy
which he has devoted to the growth of the place, makes him a valuable member of the commu-
nity, and it is a pleasure to know that he is well appreciated.
"In the business part of the town are some cut-stone blocks that will compare favorably with
those of larger cities. Among such is that of Dr. Smith (4 stories high), C. C. Barnes, D. C.
Davis, C. L. Robinson, C. Jackson, N. Burroughs, Andrew Aitkin and Wm. Clark.
- - " During the last year, the State Reform School has been completed, and is now ready for
occupancy. It is a splendid stone building about sixty feet high, with towers, etc., which gives
it quite a picturesque appearance. . A portion of the furniture for this structure was manufact-
ured at the prison at Waupun, and has already been received. The officers for the management
of the institution have already been appointed, but as yet ,there are' no inmates. The building
cost about $45,000.
" We must not forget, among other institutions of the place, that there are two regularly
chartered banks ; the Waukesha Co. Bank, generally conceded to be a bank in the fullest sense
of the term, and one of the foremost in the State, in amount of capital and general good manage-
ment. The name of its President, A. Miner, Esq., is sufficient guaranty for probity and honor-
able dealing. The acting Cashier, Mr. C. Miner, although young in years, is ripe in experience,
and thoroughly posted in financial matters, and has all the qualities requisite for the place. The
Forest City Bank has for its President S. A. Bean, Esq., a good financier, and a gentleman of
large acquirements. The Cashier, Mr. M. Gr. Townsend, is a model business man, of genial
address, and a great admirer of 'Abe Lincoln.' Success to the institution.
" Of doctors and lawyers we have a great number. ' Brutus was an honorable man,' and so
are they all honorable men — ever ready to attend to you in body or estate, and in as satisfactory
manner as any of their class.
" There are two extensive nurseries or horticultural gardens, owned by A. McCall and A. G.
Hanford, Esqs. Mr. Hanford is widely known throughout the West as being skilled in the
chemical appliances of agriculture properly carried out, also horticulture and botany. He has a
large nursery, where everything in his line can be found in quantities to suit.
" In the way of prominent men, we have made our 'mark,' having furnished two Grovernors
for the State, and, in the estimation of many, possess the requisite material for a first-class Sen-
ator, to fill the forthcoming vacancy.
" I may now state, for the benefit of those who read this brief outline, that it is not written for
the purpose of ' setting off ' anything connected with the village or surrounding country in an
exaggerated or false light, but as a bona-fide exhibit of everything spoken of. Genuine beauty
requires no paint to make it more lovely ; so the concentration of art, industry and talent in local
and socialized forms will still vindicate their worth and establish their just supremacy over indo-
lence, thriftlessness, . or a want of mechanical skill in any department of business. I might add
that the growth of farms, in agricultural fertility, stock and general good husbandry, is the basis
\ of support for all towns and villages in the West ; that the country surrounding our village gives
its yearly solution by the increasing yield of grain, stock and produce of all kinds, garnered by
the husbandman, that our farmers are getting rich, as their barns and spacious residences give
some faint token, if compared with those of six or seven years ago. Very few have got the rest-
less spirit of ' moving ' in their minds, so common in the West ; they are generally satisfied that
they have found the farmers' El Dorado, and mean to dig and plow, and drag and hoe, and find
not the fool's ' mica, ' but the substantial reward that agriculture invariably throws into the lap
of industry. ' The first creditor is certainly the plow,' and it is the basis of our wealth in this
new country. If it is not carried on with vigor and success, the artizan's hammer will lie unem-
ployed upon the bench — the merchant will find no business to transact in his counting-room —
and the vessels that now traverse our lakes freighted with merchandise will lie with their keels
rotting in the stagnant waters of our harbors. "
684 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
WHAT WAUKESHA, TILLAGE CONTAINED IN 1865.
In 1865, an enterprising individual prepared the following table of contents for the village
of Waukesha :
Wauke»ha has seventeen dealers in groceries, viz. : H. W. Stone, J. A. Dunbar, Wm. H.
Boyle, Chas. Cork, Buckner & Lawrence, A. Harrison, John Gr. Eisman, Tyler Brothers,
Jameson & James, C. S. Hawley, 0. Jackson, Charles Stein & Bro., I. M. White, Isaac Coller,
Patrick Murphy, John W. Fallon, Thomas Bigwood.
Dry Gfoods stores, seven, viz. : Miss E. H. Clarke, Buckner & Lawrence, John Gr. Eisman,
Jameson & James, Chas. Stein & Bro., Isaac Coller, D. Foster.
Hardware Dealers, three, viz. : N. Burroughs, J. Haertel, Julius Reise.
Druggists, three, viz. : I. M. White, C. S. Hawley and C. Jackson.
Dealers in Paints and Oils, three, viz. : N. Burroughs, I. M. White and C. Jackson.
Confectionery Shops, eight, viz. : U. Petrie, G. N. Coleman, P. Murphy, T. Bigwood,
A. Harrison, C. Cork, Wm. Boyle, H. W. Stone.
Book and Stationery Dealers, three, viz. : C. S. Hawley, I. M. White and C. Jackson.
ffat and Cap Dealers, viz. : R. L. Grove & Bro., Tyler & Frame, J. Gr. Eisman, Chas.
Stein & Bro., and Isaac Coller.
Crockery ware Dealers, three, viz. : Chas. Cork, Isaac Coller and Jameson k James.
Clothing Stores, four, viz.: Chas. Stein & Bro., Isaac Coller, Jacob Sanner, Jameson &
James.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, eleven, viz. : R. L. Grrove & Bro., Tyler & Frame, Dan'l
Gallagher, Heit & Sehrt, G. C. Bergeler, Icke & Lindner, Dan'l Flynn, Thos. Casey, Jacob
Schwindt, Fred Krannick, P. Evans.
Harness and Saddle Makers, three, viz. : D. R. Prindle, John Mulligan and Joseph
Harding.
Painters, three, viz. : W. S. Rowe, James Clarke and Fred. Cunningham.
Blacksmiths, six, viz. : Wm. Blair, John Fallon, Poole & Worden, Michael Fallon, John
Patterson, Peter Lowe.
Wagon and Carriage Makers, four, viz. : Church & Reeder, Fred Slawson, A. Markle
and Conrad Dehl.
Cabinet Makers, six, viz.: Phillip Hepp, John Gaspar, Simeon Weifenbach, C. Salmon, A.
Wehr and M. Clauson.
Jewelers, two, viz. : C. A. Estberg, Wm. Langer.
Tailors, five, .viz-. : Jacob Sanner, T. N. Coleman, R. Kenzie, G. Sperl and Wm. South-
ward.
Milliners, Mantuamakers, etc., five, viz. : Miss E. H. Clarke, Miss Howie, Miss Warr,
Miss Bornheimer and Mrs. McFarland.
Marble Workers, three, viz.: Butterfield & Bennett, E. P. Knowles and B. Leonard.
Carpenters and Joiners, sixteen, viz . : M. S. & C. S. Hartwell, W. P. Babcock, J. F.
Pefi"er, Chas Zimmermann, L. L. Hill, Wm. Phelps, Richard Hill, Conrad Komet, S. Raynor,
A. Blank, Robert Beggs, A. C. Billings, J. Vreeland, Silas Ware, D. Kelly and Wm. Schu-
maker.
Stone Cutters and Masons, nineteen, viz . : T. D. Cook, Michael Gleason, Ed. Gleason,
David Creighton, Arthur Cowan, Henry Hepp, C. Wardrobe, Jas. Lynam, Samuel Eales, John
Dickmann, Mathias Schock, Ed Baker, James Sullivan, Charles George, Michael Bennett,
Michael Devlin, E". Barnes, Jacob Koenig and C. Ester.
Coopers, three, viz. : A. T. Wiest, Luke Chapleau and A. J. Smith.
Steam Planing Mills, three, viz.: M. S. & C. S. Hartwell, Wm. P. Babcock and Wm.
Phelps.
Tinsmiths, three, viz.: N. Burroughs, John Haertel and J. Reise.
Iron Foundry, one, viz. : Wm. Blair.
Machine Shop, one, viz. : Wm. Blair.
^£Lj?
/&, /^, Xpc^tii^
^
OCONOMOWOC.
, HISTORt OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 687
Gunsmith, one viz. : B. Clarke.
Currier, one, viz. : S. A. Allen.
Thrashing Machine Manufacturers, one, viz. : Wm. Blair.
Sash and Blind Factories, two, viz. : M. S. & C. S. Hartwell and Wm. Phelps.
Hotels, three, viz. : The " Exchange," by F. M. Putney ; " Union House " by M. Schafer,
and "American House," by J. B. Cable.
Saloons, seven, kept by P. Bannon, H. A. Meyer, Chris Nohl, Pat Murphy, G. Dingeldein,
John Sperber and Wm. J. Ware.
Billiard Saloons, two, viz. : Wm. J. Ware and John Sperber.
Lumber Dealers, one, viz. : Silas Richardson.
Wheat Buyers, four, viz. : R. N. Kimball, Thos. Haynes, D. W. Kent, and J. AV. Thomas.
Daguerrean G-alleries, two, viz. : 0. E. & H. C. Tyler and J. B. Bates.
Attorneys and Counselors at Law, seven, viz. : Vernon Tichenor, A. Cook, Wm. Soper,
J. Bourbon Hunt, Wm. S. Hawkins, S. A. Randies, F. W. Monteith.
Surgeons and Physicians, nine, viz. : John G. Cook, R. Dunlap, Moses Barrett, J. Smith,
Hugo Philler, A. Kendrick, V. L. Moore and A. Fowler & Son.
Dentists, two, viz. : W. D. & A. Holbrook.
Barbers, two, viz : L. Reidel and Wm. Davis.
Neivspapers, two, viz.: Freeman, by L. B. Wright, Plaindealer, by A. F. Pratt.
Banks, two, viz. : "Farmers National " and "Waukesha National."
Flouring Mills, two, viz. : R. N. Kimball and W. S. Barnard.
Saw Mill, one, viz. : R. N. Kimball.
Carding Machine, one, viz. : Ira Kimball.
Butchers, four, viz. : Jones & Wallace, Phillip Herbrand, Ch. Ester and Mrs. J. Angrave.
Draymen, three, viz. : M. Thompson, Fred. Bergeler and Conrad Brunner.
Livery Stables, two, viz. : Silas Barber and Geo. W. Thustan.
Breweries, two, viz. : Stephen Weber and H. A. Meyer.
Bakers, one viz. : Louis Thielmann.
Schools, six, viz. : Carroll College, Female Seminary, High School for boys, Union School,
and two private schools.
Churehes, nine, viz. : Baptist, Congregational, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic, Method-
ist Episcopal, German Methodist, Primitive Methodist and Dutch Reformed.
Ministers, eleven, viz. : Four preachers of the Gospel and seven political preachers.
WAUKESHA IN 1880.
In manufacturing importance, Waukesha has not grown to any appreciable extent since the
erection of the woolen factory. She has been rapidly growing as a sunlmer resort, however ;
has more guests this year than ever before, and has more facilities for their accommodation.
The population has also grown, as each succeeding census since the village was incorporated
shows. For the decade ending June 30, 1880, the increase has been equal to that of former
periods, notwithstanding the panic which laid an iron hand on all industries during a large por-
tion of that time. The population is 2,980, an increase of 347 since the census of 1870. The
number of dwellings is 635, which is but a small increase since 1870, though more than a mill-
ion dollars have been expended in building. Since 1870, the Fountain House, the largest
hotel in Wisconsin, has been twice built, the largest portion of the Mansion House erected, and
various other buildings, aggregating a greater cost than number, have appeared in the village.
On the whole, therefore, the growth of Waukesha Village has been more in wealth and value
than in the number of its residents.
NOTES AND FIRST THINGS.
The first white settlers on lands now in Waukesha Village were Morris D. and A. R. Cutler
and Henry Luther. The latter was here but one summer — that of 1834.
688 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first buildings were three frame shanties — one erected near Blair's foundry ; one where
M. D. Cutler now resides, and one near Bethesda Spring. The first-mentioned was built
first.
The first marriage was that of Hamilton Nelson to Mrs. Caroline Eggleston, August 12,
1838, at Robert Love's house, near Bethesda Spring.
The first frame building was built in 1838, and is now occupied by J. Austin Waite, near
Wisconsin avenue. It was also the first frame house in the county. Concerning the manner and
time of its building, Lyman Goodnow writes as follows : " In 1888, my brother Edward W., and
I, with teams and axes, started for the woods to cut and draw timber twenty feet long to the
saw-mill, which had just started. Wm. T. Bidwell sawed and Allen Clinton framed this lum-
ber, for the first frame house built in Prairieville. The house was post and beams. All the
material was sawed in this mill, and used green. We got our lime of Deacon Mendall, and for
a plastering trowel we had to use a common mason's trowel. This house was built by Edward
W. Goodnow and Deacon Allen Clinton, and is now occupied by Austin Waite. It was taken
from the stump, put up, finished and moved into, in less time than any house in this town,
before or since."
The first carriage brought to Waukesha was owned by Charles R. Dakin. • The second
was brought by Geo. A. Hine, and the third by Joseph Turner.
The first white woman to settle in what is now Waukesha was probably Mrs. B. S.
McMillan, as Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Isaac Smart settled outside of the village limits.
The first hotel was the Prairieville House, built in 1837.
The first schoolhouse was of logs, built in 1837, on the west side of the river.
The first bridge was of logs, built near the flouring-mill, in 1837.
The first store, except Juneau's Indian store, was opened by Charles R. Dakin.
The first church was the Congregational, built in 1839.
The first newspaper, the American Freeman, started here in 1845.
The first Postmaster was David Jackson, who was appointed by Andrew Jackson early in
1837, and died in 1841.
The first lawyer was Vernon Tichenor, who opened an office in 1839.
The first school teacher was John Moon Wells, who taught in the log schoolhouse in 1837.
The first piano was brought into the village by Dr. Gilbert Wright.
In May, 1866, a Young Men's Association was formed for the purpose of establishing a
public library. The first officers were as follows : President, 0. M. Tyler ; Vice President, W.
Story ; Secretary, A. Holbrook ; Treasurer, A. J. Frame ; Trustees, A. Tyler, M. L. Butter-
field, Geo. Lawrence, 3d, A. F. Pratt, F. H. Putney, R. L. Gove, L. B. Wright. Committee
in Library and Reading Room, Story, Pratt and Putney. On Finance, Gove, Wright and
Lawrence. On Lectures, A. Tyler, Butterfield and Frame. Committee on Solicitation, Pratt,
A. Tyler and Lawrence. The association died, and the village has no public library.
A certain Thursday in October, 1865, was a great day for Waukesha. A public dinner
was spread for all the soldiers in Waukesha County and vicinity, at which 4,000 people were in
attendance. Speeches were made by A. W. Randall, Isaac Lain, C. C. White and J. A.
Williams. •»
The first stone dwelling was built by Lyman Goodnow for W. P. Sloan, attorney, on Main
street.
The " Forty Thieves," dubbed for short, after a time, the "Forties," was an imaginary
organization of the leading Democrats of Waukesha. How the name arose is not precisely
known, but it was common as long as W. A. Barstow, A. F. Pratt and their friends were alive.
The first Fourth of July celebration of any note was held in the half-finished Prairieville
academy building in 1840. It cost $30. Speeches were made by Rev. 0. F. Curtis and W.
T. Bidwell.
The Ucho was a mysterious little newspaper, said to have been printed " under the bridge "
in an early doy. It gave the local politicians a thorough hetcheling.
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 689
Rev. Stephen Peet probably preached the first sermon in the village, or where the village
now stands.
In early days, Prairieville was famous as the headquarters for fun of all kinds. The equal
of those who gathered here will probably never be found. The leader in all " sells," fun, prac-
tical jokes and hilarity was "Aleck " Randall, as everybody called him, even after he became
Governor and Postmaster General. His companions were Harrison Ward, Charles R. Dakin,
Andrew E. Elmore., E. M. Randall, William A. and Samuel H. Barstow, A. F. Pratt and a
few others. Where two or three of these gathered together, not the Lord but the " Old Nick "
was in the midst of them ; and for many years, whenever any trick was played upon anyone, or
any monstrous practical joke was perpetrated, it was always charged to " Aleck " Randall and
his friends. They have thought of things that never were dreamed of before, and there is not
a judge, justice, prominent official or public man living in Waukesha County, who was in public
life during their time, who has not been the victim of some extraordinary trick or joke. No
occasion was too great and no business too important to be forgotten instanter if an opportunity
for a "sell" presented itself. The days of Randall and Barstow will never be forgotten in
Waukesha.
The first saloon was opened by Mrs. B. S. McMillan ; or rather the first liquor was sold by
her, in 1835. The Indians had liquor from Janeau's trading post before that date.
The village is lighted by kerosene oil lamps on all the main streets. The attempt to secure
the erection of gasworks ended, as it began, in talk. The lamps were put up in 1877.
The principal materials used for sidewalks in Waukesha Village are limestone. They were
the pride of the village in an early day, and those laid thirty-five years ago are as good as those
laid as many days ago. On account of their roughness, walks are now being laid of planks
instead of Waukesha limestone. The stone walks are considerably over thirty miles in length.
The first sidewalk in Waukesha was built from Austin Waite's mearmarket to George C. Pratt's
residence. The second was laid around Morris D. Cutler's park. Richard Walker did the work.
In 1839 and '40, David Jackson's house and the Prairieville House were supplied, through
hand-bored pump-logs, with mineral water from the Silurian and S. A- Randies' springs.
The first railway depot was built in 1850. Cars came to Waukesha from Milwaukee in
February 1851.
Lyman Goodnow was the first Collector, the tax being one imposed to pay the school teacher.
One man refused to pay, and the Collector took corn enough for the tax, and paid the cash —
about $4 — out of his own pocket.
Nathan Walton was the first Constable^ and J. Manderville the first Justice of the Peace.
Richard Dunbar discovered the virtues of Waukesha mineral water in 1868.
The stone quarry was opened by Lyman Goodnow in the spring of 1840.
The first authorized election was held at the Prairieville House, in 1839.
Morris D. Cutler's was the first ferry boat in the Fox River at Waukesha. He had 10 cents
for his first fee.
The first public speech was probably made by John Moon Wells in reference to a bridge
across the Fox River.
At the first charter election, held at the Court House in June, 1852, 252 votes were polled.
The first village platting was done for Morris D. Cutler, by George S. West, of Cleveland,
in the fall of 1835. In the summer of 1836, Martin Field platted a tract for David Jackson,
which was never recorded.
The regular village plat was laid out by Daniel Wells, Jr., in 1842, and recorded at Mil-
waukee January 10, 1842.
One of the remarkable characters of the present time is S. B. Needham, a shoemaker,
who preaches "pure Bible doctrines" to assembled crowds on the streets and in public halls.
He also circulates thousands of tracts, the matter for which he writes and has printed at his
own expense. He has educated himself while working at the bench where he evolves all his
sermons, lectures and tracts.
690 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
CITY OF OCONOMOWOC.
THE NAME.
Before entering upon a history or description of Oconomowoc and surroundings, it will
doubtless be well to give those translations of the word which are usually accepted as being
correct. That there should be a difference of opinion existing among the oldest settlers, regard-
ing the meaning of the term, does not seem singular when considering that the aboriginals them-
selves have gone not only, but very much else that was intimately connected with the lives of the
pioneers is also gone; buried in an oblivion from which there is no resurrection through the
memory of man.
The untutored savages that once called these lovely scenes their own, when nature reigned
supreme, have disappeared, and with them all absolute certainty as to the meaning of their
names ; yet the very mystery that invests them possesses for their successors an inexpressible
charm. They cling to the lakes and streams they loved, like an invisible presence, and carry
us back by fancy and association, to an unsubdusd wilderness, savage beasts, and perhaps more
savace men. These Indian names are all that are left to us of nature in her virgin state and
man in a primitive condition. They reflect the image of the past ; the conceptions of such
minds as "see God in the clouds and hear Him in the wind."
Tourists and visitors are usually informed, by the regular residents here, that Oconomo-
woc, spelled as above, signifies "the place of the beaver," as when the whites first came here
the evidence of beaver work abounded here, although not so extensively as in many oflier
localities in the State ; and it has also been asserted that this is a literal translation of the word
as given by the Indians themselves. However, the story of Mr. Charles B. Sheldon, the first
settler, who enjoyed the earliest and probably best opportunities for learning the exact truth
regarding this name, is entirely at variance with the usually received interpretation.
He says that when he first came here he became very well acquainted with a man by the
name of John Dority, either white or half breed, who had married a squaw, with whom he lived as
one of the band of Whirling Thunder, a Winnebago chief. This man Dority, who under-
stood the Indian as well as the English language, told Mr. Sheldon that Oconomowoc, pro-
nounced as here spelled, meant " the River of Lakes," and when one observes the manner in
which the lakes in this vicinity are united by Oconomowoc River, that version seems quite
reasonable. It is not the purpose of this work to do away with old and generally received
opinions, or to set up new ones merely for the purpose of acquiring notoriety ; but there is
undoubtedly as good if not better grounds for this latter than for the former definition. An-
other story is, to the effect that the name signifies " beautiful waters." Though this opinion is
well founded in so far as the waters are concerned, yet the term smacks of other " beautiful
waters," and seems to be more appropriately the creation of a certain poet's fancy than that of
the " poor Indian's." A ratl;ier amusing story prevails (probably the invention of some frontier
story-teller) to the effect that a white man once came across an Indian who was just on the point
of shooting a coon ; the shot was fired, and down came the corn poacher. The Indian there-
upon threw up his hands and cried, " 0, cooney, no mo' walk ! " The great number of " literal
translations " given by various parties of the term originally applied to this locality by the In-
dians shows that some of them, at least, must be inventions. What Oconomowoc means, the
Indians themselves cannot tell ; but Vieau,' who has been in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties
about three-score years, says " Cou-no-mo-wauk " means "water-fall," or place where the river
falls. The term seems to have been a Winnebago corruption, wauk meaning river or moving
water, e. g., Manitou-wauk (now Manitowoc), Bad Spirit River.
The question will be left unsettled, the best authority apparently being Vieau, who, although
not a full aborigine, is practically a Pottawatomie.
VILLAGE AND CITY GOVERNMENT.
The first village charter was granted and published in chapter 231 of the laws of Wiscon-
sin for 1865 — an act to incorporate the village of Oconomowoc, approved March 28, 1865.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 691
This charter includes in its grant and provisions the east fractional half of Section 32, and the
west fractional three-fourths of Section 33, of the Town of Oconomowoc ; and the northwest
fractional fourth of Section 4, of the Town of Summit ; containing in all about 900 acres ; but,
owing to the position of La Belle and Fowler Lakes, which encroached upon a large portion of
the village grant, there was only a little more than 700 acres pf land that could be used for
building and farming purposes. Of this amount, at that time, about . 390 acres were used as
farming lands, leaving of land occupied by buildings, or in building lots, only a little more than
300 acres.
Prior to securing this village charter, for several years, there had been a constantly increasing
demand, among the inhabitants of the village, for a village government separate from the town,
which was at last realized in this charter, to a somewhat limited extent. The chief reason urged
by the people for the change was the necessity of better streets and sidewalks, which were
then, and had been since the first settlement, in a sad condition, for a place possessing such
fine natural advantages for good walks and roads. The town authorities had not sufiicient
power to compel lot-owners to grade and construct such sidewalks as were needed ; besides, the
law allowed an appropriation of but 25 per cent of the highway tax, which could not exceed
7 mills on the $1, assessed value, a sum entirely inadequate to maintain and improve the con-
dition of the streets, in conformity with the public demands and growth of the village.
This tax was payable at the discretion of the tax-payer, either in labor or money, a condi-
tion maintained by the first, second, fourth or last charter.
This charter granted such distinct and special powers as are usually extended to village cor-
porations, as the provision of special ordinances for various purposes, and elections of oflScers, in
whom were vested the management of its fiscal, prudential and municipal concerns. These officials
were one President and five Trustees, and a Police Justice, elected by the people. The Clerk, Treas-
urer, Street Commissioner, and one Constable, who was also ex officio Marshal, were appointed. The
village was thoroughly empowered and independent of the town in the election of the Trustees,
in the establishing of ordinances, and in the raising of funds by tax to improve their thorough-
fares ; yet they were connected with the town in town government, in the election of town,
county and State ofiScers, and in all the various general details pertaining to town afiairs, the
same as they were before getting a charter.
The town meetings, as well as village meetings, were convened in the village for the pur-
pose of elections and other public objects, for two years subsequent to the granting of the
charter, without any particular allusion having been made to any project for building a town
hall ; yet it appears that such a desideratum had been contemplated by the more ambitious of the
villagers, and, as a result, in the spring of 1867, at the annual town meeting, without previous
notice having been given to the voters, of the order of business, as by law provided, a
motion was made in the afternoon, by one of the prominent politicians and leaders, to
raise $3,000, for the purpose of building a town hall in Oconomowoc Village. There being but
few of the tax-payers present, and those seemingly by pre-arrangement from the village, as a
consequence the motion was carried.
A few of those who were present at the vote, thinking that the proceeding Avas not legal (as
appears in Section 25 of the Revised Statutes of 1858). and supposing that no attempt would be
made to collect the money, said but little, although opposed to the measure ; so the whole trans-
action was almost entirely ignored. But this indiflPerence vanished when the time came for pay-
ing taxes in the latter part of December following. Then, the tax being unusually large, an
inquiry was made, and it was discovered that the Town Clerk had calculated the $3,000 Town
Hall tax, which was being collected. The people at large were terribly incensed at this, and a
meeting was immediately called, and attended by a majority of the tax-payers of the town, who
nearly unanimously resolved to employ counsel and resist the collection of that part of the tax.
This was done, but not until a considera-ble portion of the tax had been collected ; yet the
injunction had the eifect to delay any further collection until the Legislature of the State had time,
on a large petition of the tax-payers, to pass an act submitting the question to the voters whether
692 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
tlie money which had been collected for the Town Hall should be refunded or not. This, of
course, occasioned considerable trouble and expense ; however, the extra tax collected was calcu-
lated, and all who had paid received their money back. As a result of the whole proceeding, a
breach of such magnitude was created between the town and village that nothing less than a total
separation would suffice. On the one hand, a portion of the villagers were persistent for the
hall, while the town population were equally determined against it, as, the village being on the
extreme edge of the town, it only would be benefited, it was thought, while the town people would
have to pay the same and yet not have the hall centrally located. Consequently the villagers
decided to become entirely separated from the town, and thereupon a new charter was drawn up
for that purpose and submitted to the Legislature in 1869. Then another difficulty arose : The
town of Summit opposed letting that part of the village which was in Summit be included in the
new charter, and in order to get the bill through (Chapter 327 of Private and Local Laws, that
territory had to be detached, to the great chagrin of the villagers residing in that town. Subse-
quently an independent village called " Summitville " was established and incorporated under
Chapter 70, R. S., and General Laws of the State, with more territory added in Summit.
Although this new phase of affairs was very well, so far as Oconomowoc was concerned, yet Summit-
ville was not satisfied ; having to go three miles to the Town Hall in Summit to vote was a great
annoyance and seemed entirely uncalled for ; besides, Summitville, under the new regime, was in
such a shape that she could not keep pace with her big sister, Oconomowoc. Then to re-unite the
two villages again became the question of the day, and every means was Suggested and tried that
could 1)6 thought of, to bring about this result, but without avail. While the subject of annexa-
tion was yet being discussed, pro and con, the constitution of the State was amended, placing
that hoped-for consummation further out of the power of the people than before, as will be seen
in Section 31, and 32, amending Article4 of the Constitution, viz. : The Legislature, among other
things, is prohibited from enacting any special or private laws for incorporating any town or
village, or to amend the charter thereof, and for granting corporate powers and privileges exeept
to cities. This put an entirely different aspect on the affair, but not more favorable. By this
time, the people of Summit, having become thoroughly satisfied of the justice of the demands of
Summitville, gave a reluctant consent to let that part of their town be separated from them,
and united with the village of Oconomowoc as before. But, as the two sections could not be
united by a village charter, the only alternative now left was to petition for a city charter. This
was at once done ; an almost unanimous appeal being sent to the Legislature. As a result, a new
charter was granted, organizing a city government under Chapter 59, of the laws of Wisconsin for
1875. Previous to this time, it will be remembered, the highway tax was paid either in labor or
money, at the option of the tax-payer. But by virtue of this charter the highway tax in the
village, was to be paid in money only. The corporate limits were extended to include the whole
of Section 32, and the west three-quarters of Section 33 of Oconomowoc and the west three-quar-
ters of the north half of Section 4, and the north half of Section 5, of the town of Summit ; being
in all about 1752 acres, but only about 1472 acres of this grant was fit for use.
This territory- was divided by said charter into three wards, of as nearly equal dimensions
and population as convenient. The officers of the City were a Mayor, a Clerk, Treasurer, and
one Assessor, who were elected at large in the city ; one Justice of the Peace, one Constable
and three Aldermen were to be elected from each ward ;; the Street Commissioner and Marshal
were elected by the Common Council, who were composed of the Mayor and aldermen of the
different wards. Previous to the grant of the city charter, School District Number 3, the
largest part of which is composed of the south part of the city, the balance being parts of the
towns of Oconomowoc and Summit, and part of District Number 10, which is composed of the
north part of the city and a small portion of the town of Oconomowoc, were governed by the
general laws of the State. But an attempt was made, by provision of said charter, to re-organ-
ize and unite these two districts, they to be governed by what was known and called the Ocon-
omowoc City School Board. This board was composed of the Director and Treasurer of Dis-
trict Number, 3 and the Director of District Number 10, together with two representatives,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 693
to be appointed by the Council. A City Superintendent was to be appointed by the above
board, in conjunction with the Mayor, he becoming a member of the Board, having exclusive
authority over the city schools, in place of County Superintendent.
By virtue of special provision, this joint district was to be exempt from electing a County
Superintendent, and was therefore not subject to the office (contrary to Chapter 179, of the gen-
eral laws of 1861, creating the office of County Superintendent of Schools). One of the
objects had in view, in making this school arrangement, was the erection of a large high school
building, and provisions were made in the charter for raising funds for this purpose ; but they
were not acted upon.
The school system, as here inaugurated, proved to be entirely too complicated for efficient
work, so much so, indeed, that a general dissatisfaction soon prevailed ; one wanted. one thing, and
another, another, while the officials scarcely knew what they ought or ought not, or what they could
or could not, legally do, in many cases, in the premises. After much discussion, in private as well
as public circles, and through the press, in trying to untangle the skein, which seemed in conse-
quence to become only the more knotted, — they were finally obliged, in order to stop the dissention
and bickering, and secure peace, to appeal to the Legislature for a repeal of that part of the charter
authorizing the system (Chapter 53 of law of 1877). The schools were conducted on this plan for
two years — probably as unsatisfactory years as any'in the history of the city schools. There were
too many conflicting elements and interests at work ; and as a rule attempts to interest outsiders in
city improvements proves futile. Nearly all of the town people wanted to withdraw from the first,
and they, in conjunction with some of the city people, kept up a constant fight until they accom-
plished thfeir object. After the Legislature had abolished the school law in the charter, the city
affairs went on for the next four years without any great dissension, but not satisfactorily. The
draft of the charter being imperfect, considerable unnecessary trouble was caused in conducting the
city government. The wording of the charter was ambiguous, and repetitions frequently occurred ;
besides, some of the provisions made were contrary to the laws and constitution of the State, and
in fact, the general difficulties presented were such, especially in collecting the highway tax,
that at last a committee was appointed by the City Council, to meet in the town Clerk's office,
and give the city charter a thorough examination, and report upon the propriety of having it
revised and amended. The committee — Horace Kellogg, D. G. Munger and C. B. Johnson —
as directed, made the examination, and reported that the charter certainly ought to be altered.
A meeting of the citizens was then called, and various propositions discussed and voted upon,
relating to a remodeled and improved charter. They finally resolved that the charter should
be revised and condensed, but remain the same in all general features, with the exception of
two amendments, one providing that the Marshal, Constable and two Justices, should be
elected by the people hereafter instead of being appointed by the Council, and the other,
that the higheway tax should again be paid in money or labor at the option of the tax-payers.
R. C. Hathaway, the Town Clerk at that time, was authorized to draw up the new charter, which
he did, employing the greatest brevity, without repetition, consistent with a clear expression of
the various provisions and details. All matters provided for by the general laws were left out,
leaving those laws for guidance. As a result of this plan, when the new charter was completed
It was nearly one-half smaller than its predecessor, and, while it embraced all of the salient points;
was much clearer, and more definite and methodical in manner. It was then submitted to the
Council, by the committee ; who immediately adopted a resolution, asking the Legislature to make
It a law. The charter was sent to Madison at once, and Mr. Hathaway was employed to go out
and see it through; it passed in due form and is known as Chapter 239, of the Laws of Wisconsin
for the year 1879 ; according to this chapter, one Mayor, Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, one Marshal,
one Constable, and two Justices are elected at large in the city, and one Supervisor and three
Aldermen from each ward. All of these hold office for one year, with the exception of the Justices
and Aldermen. The former are elected for two years, the latter for three years, one being
elected each consecutive year. The Common Council (of Aldermen and Mayor) on the first
Tuesday of April, after the city election, appoint a President of their body.
694 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first charter election of the village of Oconomowoc was held in the store of C. Y. Read^
Esq., on the 22d day of April, A. D., 1865, at which the following officers were duly elected :
Wiljiam Thompson, President; I. C. Stratton, A. B. Hall, C. M. Hartwell, Trustees, and J.
R. Carpenter, Esq., Police Justice.
The first meeting of the Board of Trustees of the village was held on the 26th of April,
1865, at which time David Brokaw was appointed Village Clerk; Alfred Harden, Street Com-
missioner, and J. W. Place, Constable.
The second village election was held on April 9, 1866, at the village hall, the following
ofiicers being elected: Edwin Hurlbut, President; Cyrenus Munger, C. M. Hartwell, Charles
Hubbard and Walter Dibble, Trustees ; and Samuel March, Police Justice.
At the next charter election, held in April, 1867, D. H. Rockwell was elected President ;
C. M. Hartwell, Frederick Bender, William Wentworth, Lyman Kellogg and Delos Hale were
elected Trustees, and C. M. Smith, Esq., Police Justice.
At the fourth annual village election, held on April 13, 1868, the following officers were
'elected : President, Dr. J. A. Henshall ; Trustees, George W. Fay, Lyman Kellogg, Jacob
Weltner, Samuel March and L. A. R6well ; Police Justice, C. M. Smith, Esq.
At the fifth annual election, held in April, 1869, the following officers were elected : Pres-
ident, J. A. Henshall ; Trustees for one year, Orville Hathaway, Jacob Weltner ; for two years,
Cyrenus Munger and J. M. Brown ; Justices of the Peace, C. M. Smith and R. C. Hathaway ;
Assessor, John McPherson ; Treasurer, D. H. McArthur ; Village Clerk, J. R. Carpenter ;
Marshal, Henry Ludington.
The following year of 1870, the village officers were elected as follows : President, William
Thompson ; Trustees, Copeland Townsend and H. F. Lyke ; Village Clerk, Joel R. Carpenter ;
Assessor, R. C. Hathaway ; Treasurer, H. G. Jones ; Marshal, Henry Ludington.
In the year 1871, the officers of the village were as follows : President, Orville Hathaway ;
Trustees, J. A. Henshall, J. L. Hastings, B. M. Woodruff, H. K. Edgerton, Edwin Hurlbut
and Lawrence Rinney ; Clerk, R. C. Hathaway ; Assessor, C. M. Smith ; Treasurer, H. G^
Jones ; Marshal, Henry Ludington ; Justices of the Peace, C. M. Smith and W. J. Brown.
At the charter election of 1872, the elected officers were as follows : President, William
Thompson ; Clerk, J. R. Carpenter ; Treasurer, H. G. Jones ; Assessor, D. R. Thompson ;
Marshal, E. Thayer ; Trustees, J. C. Starkweather, C. B. Johnson and Gabriel Erricson.
In the year 1873, the officers of the village were as follows : President, Lyman Kellogg ;
Trustees, Ole Halverson, Job B. Mills, E. D. Parsons ; Clerk, J. R. Carpenter ; Treasurer, H.
G. Jones ; Assessor, D. R. Thompson ; Marshal, Henry Ludington ; Justices, D. R. Thompson
and J. R. Carpenter.
In the spring of 1874, at the last election held under the village charter, the following
officers were elected : President, Lyman Kellogg ; Trustees, J. C. Starkweather, H. K. Edger-
ton, Lawrence Kinney ; Treasurer, H. G. Jones ; Assessor, D. H. McArthur ; Clerk, J. B.
Carpenter ; Marshal, H. Ludington. It was at this election that the ordinance duly adopted
by the President and Trustees of the village of Oconomowoc, entitled " An Ordinance providing
for the annexation of the village of Summitville to the village of Oconomowoc, was submitted to
the voters of the last-named village and adopted by a vote of 151 votes " For," and eighty-two
votes '"against union ordinance."
First city election April 6, 1875 — W. W. Collins, Mayor; J. R. Carpenter, Clerk; H. G.
Jones, Treasurer ; C. M. Smith, Assessor.
1876 — Martin T. Draper, Mayor ; Lloyd C. Babcoct, Clerk ; H. G. Jones, Treasurer ;
C. M. Smith, Assessor.
1877 — Martin T. Draper,' May or; R. C. Hathaway, Clerk; H. G. Jones Treasurer ; D. H.
McArthur, Assessor.
1878— W. W. Collins, Mayor; R. C. Hathaway, Clerk; H. G. Jones, Treasurer; WilU
iam Thompson, Assessor.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 695
1879— A. J. Rockwell, Mayor; R. C. Hathaway, Clerk; E. E. Ely, Treasurer; William
Thompson, Assessor.
1880 — Martin T. Draper, Mayor; E. D. R. Thompson, Clerk; H. G. Jones, Treasurer;
George L. Kern, Assessor.
PAST CONDITION AND GENERAL GROWTH.
Although very many incidents that were intimately connected with the early history of
Oconomowoc Village and surroundings are irretrievably lost — forgotten, never to be recalled —
that would have contributed largely to the interest of this work, yet enough facts are preserved
in vivid recollections and reminiscences among the few early settlers who yet remain, to give a
faithful reflex of its early condition and growth, and of the enterprise and achievements of the
pioneers, as well as of later comers.
The first actual claimant to the first village property was H. W. Blanchard, who entered
•the west half of Section 33, Township 8, Range 17, in April, 1837, and on the 1st of May,
sold to Philo Brewer, who, in September of this year, erected the first house or cabin ever
built in Oconomowoc. It was made of logs, with shake roof, and stood on the lot now owned
by the widow of J. S. Rockwell, a little west of the present residence.
At that time there were no streets or roads — only the Indian trails leading from point to point.
Mr. Sheldon, the oldest as well as first inhabitant, says that these trails formed a junction at
about where the old La Belle House stood, on the northeast corner of Main and Milwaukee
streets, diverging from that point about as those streets now do. Very much of the land that is
now occupied for business purposes and dwellings, was then a tamarack and ash swamp. From
the point where Zion Church stands, across to a point a very little south of the Townsend
House, a lin# might be drawn ; from this line south, where a beautiful sheet of water now lies,
was all swamp, and from this swamp a slough extended south across Milwaukee street, back of
the Summit Bank property, and the whole scene in this vicinity then gave but little promise of
its present development. Soon after Mr. Brewer built, A. W. Hatch and J. S. Rockwell came
here and bought a two- thirds interest in Mr. Brewer's property, and, in conjunction with him,
set men at work building a mill-dam across the Oconomowoc River, where the wire bridge now
is. The mill (a saw-mill) is said to have been located a little west of the dam on or near the
banks of La Belle Lake. The work was continued through the winter of 1837-38, and in the
spring it was completed, so that as soon as the mill was done, business could be commenced.
But just at this juncture a most unfortunate disaster occurred. With the breaking-up of winter,
and the melting of snow and ice, came a freshet, and the dam, which had not been very sub-
stantially built, gave way, putting matters hors du combat. The only thing to do then was to
fill up the gap, which was immediately done, only to have it swept away again in July. How-
ever, the proprietors were not to be discouraged by this misfortune, but at once rebuilt in a more
substantial manner. In the mean-time, while the dam was being so constructed, an addition was
built to the saw-mill, to be used as a grist-mill. Mr. Jesse Edsall, and his father-in-law, Mr.
Noble, came on in August of this year to fit up an^ run the grist-mill. While they were on
the trail, going through the woods, they got lost, and finally, quite late in the evening, came
upon the cabin of Mr. Sheldon, and asked for supper and lodging, stating that they were trying
to find Oconomowoc Village, having been employed to go there to attend to the new grist-mill.
They were kindly cared for, and the next morning saw them on the scene of their future oper-
ations. Curtis Brown was employed to go with a team and bring on the grinding apparatus,
and within a short time thereafter, to the great ■satisfaction of the settlers, the mill was in oper-
ation. About this time a turning-lathe was also added.
In 1839 or 1840, John Heath was placed in charge, having a Mr. Palmer as assistant. In
1840, Mr. Brewer sold his interest in the mill property and village site to G. A. Foster. In
the summer of 1841, the water undermined the dam, which was located on a yielding, marshy
soil, and swept the whole institution away, dam, mills and all. So ended the first mill enter-
prise. Nothing was done toward reconstruction until the following spring, when a Mr.
696 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Anderson-was employed to build a dam where the present dam is, he guaranteeing the work for
five years. During this season, 1842, a new saw-mill was built also, and by autumn was ready
for work.
The second house in the village was the Worthington cabin, a small affair, built by Mr.
Edsall in 1839. Here he and family afterward lived until Mr. Worthington purchased it.
This was the first family that settled in Oconomowoc Village. This year brought quite an acces-
sion to the village population. William Quigley came and built a small plank house on the lot
now occupied by the Summit Bank, and Day Dewy and John Ferry erected the first frame
house on the lot recently owned by Clark Hartwell, and just south of the house now owned by
Harold Peck.
George W. Pugh, George Brooks and Charles Wilson settled here this season, also.
During the ensuing winter, George Brooks built a house, Charles C. Wilson doing the carpenter
work, such as was to be done ; and in the spring, or early part of the summer, of 1840, Mr.
Brooks moved in and opened the first tavern. This stood on the lot now owned by Mrs. Bruce.
In 1840, Wilson built another house, the red house that stood on a part of the present Semi-
nary grounds, and which W. W. Collins occupied for several years.
During 1840, or 1841, J. Dougherty, Day Dewy and Mr. Barton, three bachelo s, began
a manufacturing enterprise, in the shape of a chair-factory and cabinet-shop, there being a
demand among the new-comers for furniture. The work done here was certainly good', for
many of the oldest settlers have chairs and other articles of furniture, which they are now using,
that were made at this factory. The business was discontinued after a few years, as it did not pay.
In 1840 or 1841, A. Rowe built the house now owned and occupied by H. M. Peters.
This is said to be the oldest building in the city. Mr. Howe soon after started his blacksmith-
shop on the lot where the Town Hall now stands. It was used for a blacksmith-shop until 1851.
In 1840, the first child was born in the village, Eliza J. Dewy, daughter of D. Dewy and
wife. She was born in the first frame house built in the place, January 17, 1840. The fol-
lowing year, January 16, 1841, Charles H. Ferry, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ferry, was born.
He was the first male child born in the village.
In the month of March, 1841, the first death was announced to the little community, and
many there were who sincerely lamented the sad occasion, for in this death the village lost an
esteemed lady, Mrs. G. A. Foster. She was buried near where Zion Church now stands, but
was afterward removed to Nashotah Cemetery. Mr. G. A. Foster died a few years later and
was interred in the same cemetery.
In the Winter of 1842, J. S. Rockwell, in conjunction withE. P. Cotton, made arrange-
ments to build a new grist-mill, which was begun in the spring, and finished in 1843. The
lumber and site were furnished by J. S. Rockwell, and Cotton furnished the machinery and
attended to the labor. This mill was known as the " old red mill," and stood on the banks of
La Belle Lake, nearly opposite Draper Hall. A. B. Hall and I. C. Stratton were among the
principal carpenters employed on the work.
The chief difiiculty experienced in those days when building, was in getting enough hands to
do the raising. But, although they entertained apprehensions on that score, they were set at rest
on the day of the raising, for the people were only too glad to help to get a mill up, and came in
from far and wide, until there was no lack of help. It may be remarked here that at that
time " help one another," was the rule, for in no other way could they get along.
An account of a Fourth of July celebration that came off in 1843, will not come amiss here,
as it aptly illustrates the spirit that actuated the people then, when a celebration was more a
matter of patriotism than parade, and less a matter of business than recreation (features con-
nected with our national anniversary /ete that are not now the same). The story as related in
the Free Press, is given with a few interpolations:
It occurred in July, 1843, quite a number of families having by that time settled in and
around Oconomowoc. Emulous P. Cotton was President of the day ; Elder Wheelock was
Chaplain ; Jonathan Dougherty was the Orator ; George W. Pugh was Marshal ; Chaiuncey C.
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 697
Ludden was to read the Declaration of Independence, but he got mad about something and at
the last refused to do so. Upon that John Barton was appointed, and, according to some acounts,
read it. There was also a fine band of martial music. John Ferry was fifer, Chauncey Osborn
tenor drum, and Conrad Osborn base drum. The committee on toasts were John Metcalf and
. David Findley. There were no short-hand newspapers reporters present, or we might now have
been in possession of detailed reports of the oration and toasts. The dinner was a picnic one,
prepared by the ladies, and the tables were set on the bank of the lake near where Mr. Peck's
new house now stands, and in the afternoon a large party of Indians, who were en-
camped at the foot of the lake, came up to see the pale-faces' " pow-wow." At that time the
Indians infested the country here largely, and continued to do so for a few years. They were
ordinarily peaceful when not squibbe (drunk), and were great beggars.
Some time in 1842 or 1843, the mill property interest of Hatch Foster is said to have
been purchased by J. S. Rockwell, or his father-in-law, a Mr. Hard. During the summer of
this year, J. S. Rockwell began building a hotel opposite to where the seminary building now
stands. It was finished this year, and in 1844 opened by Charles Chaffe. From him it passed
into the hands of a Mr. Willie, who kept it for a short time, when Mr. Charles C. Wilson
became permanent manager. This hotel was for a long time the only one in the village worth
mentioning, and in the person of Mr. Wilson was presided over by a jolly and popular landlord,
who was remarkable for two qualities. He was a great story-teller, and yet had such a bad
memory as to business matters that he could not remember any debts he owed. He used to say
that " when he died he wanted to be buried near the bank of the lake, so that he could hear the
loons screaming in the spring." His wish was gratified as to the place of his burial, but
whether he heard the loons has not yet been ascertained. He died in 1858. He was a kind,
good-natured man, and his death was much regretted. Many a story is told of the sports
indulged in by the bachelors who made this place their chief rendezvous during his time. He
was succeeded by A. R. Moore, who kept the hotel during the latter years of its existence. It
was finally burned.
In 1844, George W. Fay and W. W. Collins opened a store, an event of considerable
importance, as it supplied a want long felt, and relieved the inhabitants from the necessity of
going to Summit, the rival town, for the many things they were constantly needing. Although
this may be regarded as the first regular store, yet Mr. Rockwell had brought in a few articles
some time before, that were kept at his house, which was very early used as a sort of boarding-
house and hotel, Deacon Goodell being the landlord.
The store of Fay & Collins was kept in a frame building on the lot where Mr. F. Peck, of
Chicago, is now building a summer residence. The stock of merchandise was general, including
drugs and liquor for medicinal use, or otherwise. There being no "internal revenue" then,
the best of brandy sold at $2.50, and whisky as low as 25 cents per gallon. That which pre-
ponderated in their stock, according to the best authorities, singular to relate, was crockery.
" Big mug et little mug " being hung up conspicuously around the room. The firm continued
in this place until 1849 or 1850.
Loan Saxe & Co. came in 1845 and rented a little building owned by Mr. Beaman, who had
it fitted up for them as best he could. They brought in a pretty fair stock of goods, said to
have been in part the residue of an old establishment in the East. Although Loan Saxe was
the figure-head of the company, yet his partner Samuel March was the moneyed man. About a year
and a half after this store was opened, J. Dougherty, who had put up a small building where
the north end of Draper Hall now is, got a young man by the name of Packard to come in with
a stock of goods, he thinking at the time that they might possibly run out Loan Saxe & Co.
So at that early day, competition and stride had already begun.
Packard was an auctioneer from New York, and his uncle, a Mr. Ranney, of Racine, fur-
nished him with goods. There was a large quantity, but mostly old, shop-worn stuff". C.
Eastman hauled them from Racine. This firm lasted not more than a year or two, as, the young
man not paying, his worthy uncle shut up the shop.
698 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In 1846, Saxe & Co. put up a new building near the site of the old one. This they occupied
for. a few years, then moved it to where it now stands, on Main street, where they kept a store
until Saxe's death, and after which Samuel March perpetuated the institution for a feyf years.
This store is now known as the red front.
After Saxe & Co. ha<f moved into their new building, in 1846 or 1847, Mr. Beaman stocked '
up the shop with dry goods and books. He was not here long before he traded with a man at
Monterey for a mill privilege.
After Packard and Dougherty were closed out, Capt. Parsons started the first regular
grocery at the same place.
Soon after coming to Oconomowoc, George W. Fay, a man of considerable enterprise and
influence, proposed to the citizens of the place that they should go at it and improve Main street,
as it was in a miserable condition, being so low in front of where the present mill stands, that
the going was often very bad. A subscription was taken and $800 raised, for which sum Mr.
Pugh graded the street from Draper Hall nearly to Johnson's harness-shop. After that, a Nor-
wegian was employed to grade on from Draper Hall to the old mill, several parties pledging
themselves to Mr. Fay to pay, but at the end not doing so, probably for want of money. Mr.
Fay also at one time employed a large number of men to clear land, who came from far and
near, glad to work for 50 cents per diem, store pay, to get food.
About 1845, the first village plat was surveyed, and extended from north line of Section 33,
to about where Johnson's harness-shop now is, Main street being laid out very crookedly, to
accommodate the lay of the land on either side. A number of lots were bought and buildings
erected by this plat, but Mr. Rockwell, being satisfied, that it would be to the future advantage of
the entire community to have the road laid out straight, secured an act of the Legislature vacat-
ing this plat. A new plat was laid out by J. S. and L. R. Rockwell and D. M. Hard, and
surveyed by J. A. Farnham in January, 1848. This plat straightened the street and changed
the boundaries of several of the lots, and extended from north to south line of Section 33 ; it was
recorded in the spring of 1849 ; there was some difiiculty experienced in fixing the new bound-
aries, one man in particular, a shoemaker by the name of Daniels, making a good deal of
trouble. Sometime during this season several of the prominent citizens met, and by common
consent agreed that Main street should be widened eight feet, the plat allowing only fifty feet.
This arrangement brought the boundary line of the road directly up to Daniels' dwelling house,
and necessitated the moving of his fence ; this he refused to do. Very soon after, upon getting up
one morning, he discovered his fence had been moved to the back of the house, near La Belle
Lake. Seeing that he would only have trouble, if he refused to comply with the wishes of his
neighbors, he yielded.
The old barracks, so called from being a huge three-story shell, were built about 1845, and
figured quite generally in the history of the settlement for years, as blacksmith-shop, carpenter
shop, tenement house, schoolhouse, and, it may be added, hospital. Here the first fire occurred;
there having been some sort of a meeting in the evening, it was discovered, after the folks left,
to be on fire in the second story. Water was brought and the fire drowned out, as were the
family that occupied the lower story. H. McCoy, the builder, fled the country many years
ago, under the suspicion of having been a counterfeiter and general rogue. The barracks stood
a little north of the present mill. It is now used as a cooper-shop by George Stephens.
In 1847, the people here began to be afflicted with that miserable disease, fever and ague.
It continued for the next three or four years, and became so prevalent that at times there werfr
scarcely any more well ones than were needed to care for the sick. The old barracks then came
into play as hospital, for nearly all living in it were shaking and had to be nursed. There was
but one physician living in the village then, unless mention be made of William Quigley, who
could give a dose of physic or prescribe a sweat.
During the constitutional campaign of 1846 a mass meeting was held here, and A. !>
Smith, since Judge of the Supreme Court, and Curtis Reed, were opposing speakers. The
town was in a perfect furor, and half of the men in it were either tight or getting so as fast a&
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 699
they could. Smith stood in a wagon in such a breezy condition that he had to be held up while
he denounced Reed to a crowd of men, who were cheering him, while the man who held Smith
up kept saying, " 'Ear 'im ! 'ear 'im !" On the other hand, Reed waa entertaining a crowd by
pouring forth his eloquence against all dissenters to his doctrine, and especially emptying the
vials of invective upon the head of the devoted Smith — this being the style of argument often
employed at that time.
In 1849, the first brick building was erected, E. P. Cotton and Fay and Collins being the
builders. It was divided into two stores, Fay and Collins moving into one-half, and E. P. Cot-
ton and P. A. Woodruff taking the other, and putting in a new stock of goods. Fay & Collins
continued for five or six years, then ceased to operate. Cotton & Woodruff continued for a
short time and failed.
In 1850, R. C. Hathaway started a wagon-shop in the building vacated by Fay & Collins,
continuing there for a short time. Subsequently this building was moved across the road, and
was eventually purchased by Martin Draper, and canverted into sleeping-rooms.
From 1849 to 1853, there was a large amount of building done in Oconomowoc. In 1850,
Loan, Saxe & Co. put up the old LaBelle House, which was completed in August, and was
formally opened to the public by Dyer Topliff, who, in his prime, was the prince of landlords.
A grand party was given to commemorate the opening of the hotel. It was as gay a party as
has ever assembled ; they met together on the evening of the 11th of September, 1850. Every-
body came. There were no old people in Oconomowoc then, and society had not become divid-
ed. It was the first public gathering of the kind in the place, for the reason that, previous to
the building of the La Belle House, there was no building of sufficient capacity in the village to
entertain a large party. That party was nearly thirty years ago. There were about 140
guests, with not a single gray-headed one among them. How would the surviving members of
that party look to-day if they could assemble together again? The hotel stood on the large
vacant lot on the corner of Main and Milwaukee streets, and was eventually burned.
In 1848 or 1849 the first frame schoolhouse in the village was built by subscription, on
the north side of the Oconomowoc River, familiarly called, " Canada." It is still used as a
schoolhouse. Isaac C. Stratton was the builder of this temple of learning.
In 1850 or 1851, the red brick building that stood where Mann's Block now is, was built
by Mr. Humphrey for a hotel, and was opened as such by Mr. Janes, who was succeeded by
Mr. Clock. This hotel was called the Globe. After being run for about two years it was con-
verted into a store and dwelling-house, being occupied by the firm of P. A. Woodruff & Co.
It was afterward used for various business purposes until it was torn down. At this time there
was a saloon in full blast on the opposite side of Milwaukee street, one Hovey being the keeper.
This was the first saloon started, and was begun about 1848 or 1849. Previous to this time
the " needful " was purchased at the stores and hotels.
In 1849 or 1850, E. Murphy put up a black smith-shop, then close to the edge of Fowler
Lake. This and the building next to it are two of the oldest in town, as may be readily seen by
their exteriors. They are now used for barber shops and jewelry stores.
In 1850, the Watertown and Milwaukee plank-road reached Oconomowoc, and proved of
great benefit to the village. One Nottingham was the originator of the scheme. When the
time came for organizing the company and electing officers, the people about Ooonomowoc, with
J. S. Rockwell as leader, turned out en masse, ostensibly for the purpose of subscribing for
stock, but really to elect the President. How well they succeeded, is well known. The fight
for locating the plank road was a hard one. On the north, the people of Neosho, Stone Bank,
Monterey, and other localities, were working with might and main. On the south. Summit and
Delafield were exerting themselves in like manner, but without avail, for the man at the fore
was one too many with his supporters, for all competitors. When the Watertown plank-road
came through, the slough across Main street, east of the Summit Bank, was bridged to accom-
modate the road, and people began taking lots along Milwaukee street. Edwin Hurlbut
subsequently circulated a subscription paper, and obtained money with which a dam was run
700 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUKTY.
across the slough next to Fowler Lake, to keep back the waters of the lake while the low ground
was being filled in. In process of time this was done, the street becoming, in consequence, as
it now appears.
No sooner had the Watertown plank-road reached the village, than the Mayville plank
road project was set afoot. The Company was incoiporated in 1850 or 1851, with J. S. Rock-
well as President. Stock to the amount of $12,000 was sold along the route, and J. S. Rock-
well invested $3,000, and some of the company at the other end of the line put in as much
more ready cash. The road work was bei^un and completed, and did very much to open and
improve the country ; but it was a dead loss to the stock-holders, as it never paid a cent. John
Metcalf superintended the work on this route.
About the time the plank-road was completed through to Watertown, the necessity for a
railroad running through the village west, from Brookfield, on the Prairie du Chien Railroad,
was being generally agitated, J. S. Rockwell being, as ever, the moving spirit in the enterprise.
Very soon the discussion took material shape in the organization of the Milwaukee & Watertown
Railroad Company, with Mr. Rockwell as President. This was a large undertaking, and it
required a great deal of influence and sagacity to so manage the wire-pulling as to get the road
through here, for this was by no means the most direct route. However, in spite of all opposi-
tion, Oconomowoc got the road, and from that time the certain growth and future prosperity of
the place was insured. In the summer of 1854, a depot was constructed, it being built of red
brick from Pugh's brickyard. In December following, the first engine and construction train
put in an appearance, and this point became the western terminus of the road, and remained so
for about a year after, the workshops being here during that time.
In May, 1879, a new depot was begun, the old one having been demolished, and by the
1st of July was completed and ready for use. The want of this depot had been long felt,
especially during the summer season and fall, when the large throngs of visitors were coming
and going.
There have been but few railroad accidents at this place, in all not more than five.
The building now owned and occupied by E. D. Parsons, was built in 1852, by C. M.
Smith. It was originally built to provide the Masons and Sons of Temperance with a hall.
J. S. Rockwell put in the first stock of goods, and called it the " Plank Road Store."
In 1853, the old oil mill of Cotton & Rockwell, was built. It was three stories high and
well fitted with machinery for making linseed oil, but the sinews of war being wanting in the
shape of flax-seed. The mill proved a failure and was sold, the building being converted into a
dwelling-house and saloon. It finally furnished material for a fire. Cotton afterward went to
Adams County.
The store of Rockwell & Randall was built about 1854. The post ofiice was kept here for
a long time after W. W. Collins relinquished it, Rockwell being Postmaster.
About 1855, the village was electrified by the report that C. Y. Reed, who not long before
had come here from the East and started in business, had been robbed, his store having been entered
by burglars and $1,000 or $1,500 having been taken from the safe. This being the first robbery
of any consequence that had ever been perpetrated here, it created an intense excitement, and all
sorts of methods of investigation were suggested. Among other things it was proposed to send
for a young fellow said to be a remarkable clairvoyant. As there was not a trace left by which to
track the thieves, something of this kind seemed to be the only means by which the treas-
ure could be found. The young man was therefore sent for, and came and was mesmerized
by a well-known citizen of the place. No sooner had he passed into an apparently abnormal
condition, than he said a man had entered the house and taken the key to the store or safe and
given it to another, who had gone into the store and taken the money, and with still another
had gone some distance and concealed it in a holIoW tree. The following day, the young fellow
professed to identify certain highly respected citizens of the place, as the ones he had seen while
mesmerized. This further development caused still greater excitement. When the young
fellow was again mesmerized, he said the parties had become frightened and had moved the
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 701
money, but in doing so had dropped a $2 bill. He went with others, according to his
story, to this place, and lo! the money. He then said the stolen money had been sunk in a can
to the bottom of the lake. The next thing was to drag the lake ; but to no purpose. A detect-
ive was soon after brought from New York, who professed to find a gang of horse thieves and
counterfeiters located here. Then the people became frightened, suspicious, and red-hot with
anger at the imputations thrown out by the detective, who implicated some of the most promi-
nent men in the county as being connected with the gang ; however, nothing came of the whole
proceeding, except hard feelings and political rancor, for the politics of the county were for
awhile largely affected by these circumstances.
There was for many years a bridge over a waste weir almost directly in front of the pres-
ent mill, but it was torn away a long time ago, having become a rickety old affair, and the
hollow was filled in. An improved weir was introduced, and suitably covered so that no one
would ever know, unless he were told, what a miserable spot on the street that place had been.
During the next few years the village built up gradually, there being no very marked changes
until 1859 or 1860, when the Dodge building was constructed. It was a fine three-story brick
edifice, and stood on the ground occupied now by the Metcalf Block. D. W. Small furnished
most of the means for putting up this building. It subsequently burned. During 1859, David
W. Small erected the building now owned and used by the city for a city hall. It was built to
be used for banking purposes, and during this year the Summit Bank was established. It was
a stock bank and was incorporated September 1, 1859, under the State law. The stock-hold-
ers were H. K. Edgerton, J. S. Rockwell, D. W. Small, E. W. Edgerton, B. B. Hinkley and
E. S. Stone. The original capitial was $25,000. A robbery of the bank was attempted in 1868,
but proved unsuccessful. May 1, 1869; the company relinquished its charter, as a stock bank.
H. K. Edgerton then purchased the fixtures and good will of the old institution and perpetu-
ated it as a private bank. The bank was moved from the old stand about 1870 into Fay's Block,
on the southeast corner of Main and Milwaukee streets. This substantial building was erected
by George W. Fay in 1869.
During 1859, Col. Birchard, probably the oldest merchant in the county, having been
engaged in business here for thirty-five years, came to Oconomowoc from Waukesha and bought
a bankrupt stock of goods owned by Marsh & Reed, successors to Loan, Saxe & Co., and in
June of 1860 moved from the old red front into Dodge's Block. In 1869, he built his present
fine store, and moved into it in 1870.
During the war, business flourished here as it never had before. Although it proved a
great calamity to very many, yet the merchants often sigh for such another harvest, if it would
only come without bringing with it so much misfortune. About this time, summer visitors
began putting in an appearance, the first of whom, it is said, were Messrs. Cofiin and Schu-
feldt. From that time on, the theme of greatest interest to Oconomowoc people, in all relations,
has been " Oconomowoc as a summer resort; " and certainly they are justifiably proud of that
distinction, for it is a beautiful place to live in, as well as being an unusually good point for
nearly all kinds of business.
In 1864 or 1865, the first sidewalk was laid here. Soon after, one was laid in front of the
stores on the east side of Main street. A deal of trouble was caused by this walk. Each one
wanted it to fit the door step in front of his store ; so at first it was up and down all along, but
eventually they consented to have the grade established as it yet remains.
In 1869, Odd Fellows' Hall was built and perhaps two or three other buildings. During
1870 '71 the old Globe Hotel was torn down and Mann's splendid brick block was begun on
the same ground and finished in 1872. The building comprises three stories, is built of the best
Watertown brick, contains an elegant hall used for Masonic purposes, with a separate one used
for theatrical performances, public assemblages and social gatherings ; both located on the third
floor. The second floor is divided into suits of rooms well arranged, to be used as oifices or for
other purposes, all of them light, airy and lofty. The first floor is used for business purposes and
contains four stores, neatly arranged. One of them, a drug store, located on the corner, is a very
702 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNT!'.
attractive establishment. During the next few years, the business portion of this place continued
to improve, and would probably have been much larger, if not more prosperous, had it not been
for two or three very severe fires that destroyed a number of very valuable buildings, and a large
amount of merchandise. They occurred as follows : one in 1871 ; one 1875 ; one 1879 ; all being
within a period of eight years.
The vacancy caused by the fire in 1871 was soon occupied by the present block of C. M.
Smith, next to the bank. After the destructive conflagration in 1875, which destroyed Dodge's
Block and the La Belle House, John Metcalf soon rebuilt where the brick building stood, but
not so large as before. The La Belle House lot unfortunately yet remains vacant, and presents
a very bare appearance in so prominent a place in the city. It is just such a spot as one would
expect to see occupied by a fine hotel, or block of business houses. The terrible, devastating
fire of April 7, 1879, left, in a short time, a very large area covered with charred ruins, where,
only a few hours before, life and thrift prevailed. It was the general impression on the morn-
ing following the fire, that this space in the center of the town would remain a long while
unimproved. Like many similar prognostications, this one also failed of fulfillment. But a little
more than a year has passed, and what a change. Substantial brick buildings now cover nearly
all of the burnt district ; many of them elegant structures that would be a credit to any town in
the State, and all occupied by active, energetic business men. Oconomowoc is a highly favored
locality in every respect, being a place where business is good, society excellent, and, in fact,
where all the chief requisites to happiness exist in prodigal abundance. That her past may be
but an earnest of her future development is the acclamation of all.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ACADEMY.
Joint District No. 3, in which was the first school in Oconomowoc, was in keeping
with the condition of the place and tim«s. There were very few scholars at first, scarcely
enough to make it an object to maintain a school : but the necessity of early education was as
well understood by the pioneers as it is by those of to-day, and, although they were poor and
had to struggle hard for subsistence, yet it must be noted that in this, and every community
throughout the county, the schools and schoolhouses always received early attention. There
is no doubt, considering their ability to do and pay, that they did as well in proportion as is
done to-day in giving their children facilities for learning. Before the old "barracks" were
built, the school here was kept in the log schoolhouse ; after that, the school authorities rented
a room in that building, where school was taught for several years.
In 1850, there were but sixty-eight school-children in the place, thirty-six male and thirty-
two female.
About this time, the necessity of putting up a respectable public school building. began to
be talked of; but the matter dragged along until 1854, before anything decisive was done.
During that year, the present lot was purchased, at a cost of $75, and the red-brick school-
house was put up. The grounds and building, when completed, were valued at $2,500. This
house accommodated the school until 1866, when the number of children had so increased that
more room was necessary, and the officers purchased the old Methodist Church property, paying
$1,200. At about this time, it was proposed to unite the "Canada" District No. 10, with
District No. 3 ; but nothing came of the project until 1875, when they were united, only to
separate in 1877. At that time, the intention was to have a union high school, thereby giving
the school a higher standing, and also securing the State fund appropriated for high schools,
which, under the present system, cannot be obtained. The present school building was com-
pleted in January, 1877, at a cost of $7,094. The building was constructed by adding on to the
old one. A great deal of difBculty was experienced by the School Board in getting jt erected.
A general clash of interests and opinions prevailed for a time, which not only hindered the work
and made expense, but caused considerable ill-feeling to enter into the details. There was more
than enough of bother. The school is now conducted on the graded system, there being six
departments and ten grades. This system was reached in 1879. The present course of study
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 705
waa adopted in the sprino; of 1876. There are four rooms in the new or main part, and two
rooms in the old part. The teachers employed are a male principal and five female assistants.
The present average attendance is a little over three hundred pupils, with excellent standing in
all departments.
There have been here, as in all places of any importance, select schools, denominational
and other schools. About 1868, Rev. E. J. Montague, Pastor at that time of the Congrega-
tional Chtfrch, induced the people of his church to raise and enlarge the church edifice, and
put in a basement to be used for school purposes. In 1869, the work was completed, and what
was called the Oconomowoc Academy was started, with D. B. Smith as Principal and Mrs. J.
Z. Smith as Assistant; Rev. E. J. Montague, Teacher of Latin; F. Gebhardt, Teacher of Ger-
man, and Mrs. D. Wilsey, Teacher of Music. The school opened with fifty pupils and increased
to one hundred during the year. S. B. Smith, being elected Principal of the Public Schools,
the academy was discontinued the next year. In 1873, the Rev. J. Allison opened the school
again and kept it running for a short time, and thus ended the academy.
From school records it appears that the public school had a library before 1850, and that funds
were voted, while it lasted, for the purchase of books. Until September, 1856, the library was
under the control of the school clerk. At this time L. S. Warner was elected clerk. In 1858,
D. Faurot was elected ; and in 1859, John B. Reynold. He either resigned his charge or left
before his time expired, and at the next election, in 1860, a vote was taken that the Board
should take charge of the library. Whether they did or not does not appear upon the record,
only reports of the clerks following show that the library regulations were not complied with,
and at present there is no library to report upon.
FIRES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Oconomowoc was singularly free from fires during the early period of its existence, and, in
reality, even after its incorporation in 1865, no very serious fire occurred, until January 31,
1871, when a fire proceeding from the store of Lee & Watson swept away a large amount of
property. The block owned by Franz Pumpf, was entirely consumed, and Lee & Watson lost
everything. The post ofiice building was partly destroyed, and the Summit Bank building,
owned by G. W. Fay, was seriously damaged. R. C. Hathaway lost his library with instru-
ments and valuable plats and field notes for surveying. Although the damage was very con-
siderable, yet the people were not sufficiently aroused to take steps to secure protection from
fires, being yet content to take further risks rather than pay out any money. But from this
lethargy they Were doomed soon to be rudely shaken. On April 28, 1875, a most disastrous
conflagration devastated the place. At an early hour, the La Belle House, one of the oldest and
most familiar land marks of the town, was discovered to be in flames. An immense crowd of
people soon gathered, but were powerless to prevent thespread of the flames, and the fine three-story
brick block owned by John Metcalf, standing next to the fated hotel, was soon enveloped in
flames also, and the destruction of the entire business portion of Oconomowoc seemed inevitable.
By a seeming dispensation of Providence, in changing the direction of the wind, and bringing
a heavy rain-fall, was that terrible calamity averted. But, notwithstanding the rain, the hotel
and Metcalf Block were destroyed, and an injury done the place from whibh it has not yet
entirely recovered. On the following day, April 29, 1875, the first meeting was held and steps
taken toward organizing a fire company, under the leadership of Henry Howarth. Thirty-two
men enrolled themselves as charter membersof the organization, and styled themselves the"Ocon-
omowoc Hook and Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1." The names and officers elected
were as follows : Henry Howarth, Captain ; C. H. Osborne, First Lieutenant ; D. W. Frenz,
Second Lieutenant ; Gardner Fulmer, President ; A. C. Macrorie, Secretary, and E. D. R.
Thompson, Treasurer. The regular members were James Reavely, James Jones, Frank Mil-
lard, C. W. Snere, Hans Johnson, Charles Nelson, A. W. Bright, F. W. Kinne, J. 'D. Reid,
J. C. Stelzner, J. A. Wood, J. J. Sullivan, Joseph Scott, Stephen Hubbard, George Olson, C.
C. Bowsfield, J. H. Williams, E. W. Tuttle, J. H. Lyman, R. G. Williams, Nick Ilenessy,
706 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
William Jones, James Fox, E. L. Palmer, George Cole, Matthew Queoghn. The company as
organized with officers and men was recognized and its services accepted by the Common
Council on October 2, 1875. According to provision of the charter the Council then instituted
inquiries for the purchase of some sort of a fire extinguishing apparatus, and, finaly, on December
18, 1875 adopted a resolution accepting a proposition made by the Babcock Manufacturing
Company, of Chicago, who furnished a hook and ladder truck with appendages, and chemical engine,
known as the Babcock Fire Extinguisher, for the use of the company, which upon an-ival in
the spring of 1876, was placed at its disposal.
The company struggled along, hardly maintaining an organization, until September 7,
1877, when, being thoroughly disgusted as well as convinced, of the inefficiency of the apparatus,
it was compelled to work with, and after having in vain sent in petitions, signed by the most
prominent citizens, for something better, the members called a meeting and voted to disband.
Still nothing was done until after the devastating fire of April 7, 1879, had visited the
place. The fire originated in the brick store built by David Henry Rockwell, on the present
site of Mr. Hugo Lorleberg's splendid hardware store, about 9 o'clock in the evening. The
store was occupied by Case & Co., as a dry-goods store. The contents of the store must have
been dry, for in less than fifteen minutes the roof had fallen in, and in two hours, eight business
houses were in ashes. The poorly equipped fire company worked manfully, but was powerless
with the "saleratus syringe " to stay the ravages of the flames, and had not an engine and com-
pany, in response to a telegram for help, come out from Milwaukee, in all probability a much
larger amount of property would have been destroyed. The losses, besides the building in
which the fire started, were as follows : E. C. Hartwell, frame two-story building, occupied by
Daniel McArthur, as a drug-store ; loss, f 2,000 ; no insurance. Mrs. William Wagner, frame
grocery store; loss, about $2,000 ; insured. Hugo Lorleberg, two story frame building, used
as a hardware store; loss about $5,000 ; insured. David W. Srnall, two-story frame building,
occupied by Mr. Johnson, as a harness and trimming shop ; loss on building, $500 ; no insur-
ance ; stock mostly saved. Fred Wollin, restaurant and dwelling ; loss, about $2,000 ; insured.
Mr. Bloedel, frame store and dwelling ; store occupied by Mr. Bloedel, as a dealer in country
produce ; loss, $1,500 ; insured, A frame building next south of Mr. Wollin, formerly owned
by Thomas Honey, and occupied by James Leavitt, as a grocery store, the basement occupied
by William Beeberman, as a shoe-shop. The building and Mr. Leavitt's stock were insured,
but Mr. Beeberman lost nearly all he had except his family. This fire was all that was needed
to induce the city fathers to purchase a steam fire engine ; and on May 12, 1879, a unanimous
vote was passed, accepting a proposal made by the agent of the Silsby Manufacturing Com-
pany, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., for a rotary steam fire engine, fully equipped, with 1,000 feet of
hose, costing $4,500. This engine is a perfect beauty, and took the premium for engines of its
class at the Centennial, and is undoubtedly one of the best, as well as handsomest in the State.
On the 17th of May, 1879, the Hook and Ladder Company disbanded, and immediately re-organ-
ized under the name of " Silsby Volunteer Company No. 1," and elected officers.
Immediately after organizing, the company tendered its services to the city, which were
recognized and accepted by the Council July 9, 1879.
The Silsby Volunteer Fire Company is a fine body of men, and has shown a ready willing-
ness and proficiency at all times, either at practice or parade. They are suitably uniformed and
when out in a body present a truly fine appearance. The present officers are : W. B. Fay,
Foreman; George Olson, Assistant; E. D. R. Thompson, Secretary; Joseph Scott, Treasurer;
Stephen Hubbard, Captain Hose Cart No. 1 ; B. S. Young, Assistant ; Gardner Fulmer, Captain
Hose Cart No. 2 ; R. C. Moore, Assistant. There are about forty-four members in the company.
BRASS BANDS.
The first steps toward organizing a brass band here were taken as early as 1852. A subscrip-
tion list was passed around, thirty-two persons signing to the amount of $172.50, to purchase instru-
ments. Harry P. Lester gave $25, D. H. Rockwell, $20, and W. W. Collins $15, the remainder
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 707
being paid in sums of from $1 to $10, by tbe different contributors. The first meeting was held
January 27, 1853, when a permanent organization was effected, and a constitution and by-laws
were adopted. The original members were R. C. Hathaway, J. T. Woodruff, Orville Hathaway,
D. H. Rockwell, James Luck, E. H. Parsons, H. P. Lester, W. W. Collins and J. M. Brown.
R. C. Hathaway was elected Musical Director. From this time, the band was maintained with
various changes of members until 18.59, when, having become very much run down, they
disbanded. In 1860, they re-organized, but continued together only for a short time. This
organization was known as the " Oconomowoc Saxe Horn Band." After it ceased to operate,
nothing further was done in this direction for several years, and, in the mean time, their instru-
ments, which were purchased new at the time of organizing, were scattered and lost. Event-
ually, Dr. Linger proposed to some of the young men that another band should be started.
The suggestion was acted upon, and a subscription taken with the understanding entered into
with the subscribers, that an incorporated body should be instituted, for the purpose of mutual
protection, and for purchasing and caring for the instruments. The instruments were purchased
hap-hazard, and, although steps were taken to incorporate the organization, nothing binding
was effected. This band continued for a time ; then, like its predecessor, subsided.
There is at present a German band, started within a short time, now having quite a large
membership. They have employed a good German teacher, and appear to take great interest
in their practice. They are considered very good players for the length of time they have been
playing together.
There has also been a movement on, foot for some time to organize a new American b.ind,
and take the instruments of the old band, and in all probability this project will soon be carried
into effect.
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
A Library Association at one time existed here, which, it is to be regretted, long since
became defunct. It was founded in the winter of 1870, a large number of the prominent pub-
lic-spirited citizens taking a part in the movement, and in some instances subscribing liberally
to the object. It was hoped and expected that such an institution as a public library, suitably
located, where books and periodicals could be obtained merely far the asking, would attract and
thereby benefit a great many who could not, or would not, otherwise obtain good reading ; and
would also furnish a place for youhg people to congregate where there would be no bad influen-
ces. The intention was good, and the library ought to have prospered, but, like very many good
things, it was not properly understood or appreciated. After organizing, the association hired
the large front room in Metcalf's Block, which is directly over the store now occupied by Kel-
logg & Wilsey, for the library room, this being about the first time it was used after building.
The room was furnished with chairs, tables, desk, book-case and stove, and books were contrib-
uted by various parties. Drs. Henshal & Wight, and G. P. Gifford, presented the most and best
works. The ofiice of the Oconomowoc Times., which had been running then a short time, was on
the same floor with the library, in a back room, and the editors kindly allowed the use of their
exchange list. By this means, there were an abundance of papers and periodicals always on
hand ; but, when Ashley D. Harger took the paper he stopped the use of the exchange list, as
he wanted the papers for himself. Twice during the life of the association, George Westover,
and others, got up concerts and appropriated the funds to the use of the library to pay rent.
The regular membership fee was a merely nominal sum, and consequently did not go far toward
paying the expenses. When the interest began to die out, of course the supply of funds died
out also, and at last, when there was nothing to pay for room rent, fire and lights, D. H. Sum-
ner, who had been appointed librarian, resigned ; and finally, in the spring of 1871, after a few
spasmodic gasps for life, the Library Association subsided. The books were then taken to
George Westover's oflHce, he having been 'one of the leaders in the movement, where they
remained until 1876 ; then the fire company boys, thinking they might as well have the use of
what books there were, took them over to the engine-house where what is left of them can be
seen piled up in the corner of the room. As they ai-e principally Patent OSice Reports, it is net
708 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
probable that any one will bother with them further. So ends the public library, and it may
be added, as a rule, that a library unsupported by a regular tax is usually a failure.
OOONOMOWOC YACHT CLUB.
The first boat built and launched on La Belle Lake, was built by Capt. Budd Parsons,
and called the La Belle, A. D. 1849. The first boat club, called the La Belle, was organized
in 1853, by Dr. James Lewis. The members' were the following gentlemen : John Parsons,
E. Parsons, W. W. Collins, E. Hurlbut, H. Birdsell, H. G. Jones and G. P. Fay. In the
same year another club, called the Scow Club, built a flat-bottomed boat, called the Dimasiptle.
The following gents comprised the members : H. P. Lester, D. H. Rockwell, Dr. Wilson and
Sam Dodge. In the year 1854, Lester built a sail-boat called the Kalanthe, and in 1855, B.
Parsons & Son built a sail-boat called the Flying Fish, and in 1856, Capt. Gassman built a sail-
boat for D. H. Rockwell, called the Blue Bird.
Although the excellent opportunities afforded at Oconomowoc, and in its vicinity, for row-
ing and sailing, have always been fully appreciated by the inhabitants and summer visitors,
and have been largely embraced during the past, yet no organization tending specially to pro-
mote these healthful exercises and delightful amusements was effected here, since the La Belle
Club was disbanded, until quite recently. Although a yacht club had been spoken of or pro-
posed at different times by interested parties, it remained for Mr. Sutton, and a few other leading
boatists, to set the movement afoot, that finally culminated, two years ago, in the present yacht
club.
The Oconomowoc Yacht Club was organized in September, 1878, and the following names
were enrolled as charter members 1
Yacht Club. — Charles T. Sutton, Oconomowoc ; H. Germain, Oconomowoc ; E. B.
Birchard, Oconomowoc ; C. Linger, Oconomowoc ; F. E. Wadhams, Oconomowoc ; Charles E.
Case, Oconomowoc; D. Mc Miller, Oconomowoc; A. J. Rockwell, Oconomowoc; H. M. Ackley,
Oconomowoc ; Henry Schuttler, Oconomowoc ; D. G. Munger, Oconomowoc ; Loren
Edwards, Oconomowoc; John S. Kenyon, Oconomowoc; E. M. Wisner, Oconomowoc; C. B.
Draper, Oconomowoc ; Ed. C. Shears, Oconomowoc ; Hugo Lorleberg, Oconomowoc ;
J. C. Hitchcock, Oconomowoc ; Fred Parsons, Oconomowoc ; H. B. Anderson, Oconomowoc ;
William Jones, Oconomowoc ; A. J. Padgman, Oconomowoc ; John F. Bender, Oconomowoc ;
Walter L. Peck, Chicago ; C. I. Peck, Chicago; Ferd W. Peck, Chicago ; George W. Fuller,
Chicago; J. J. Knickerbocker; J. H. Westover; W. A. Spaulding, Chicago; George A. Schu-
feldt, Chicago ; H. H. Schufeldt, Chicago ; Willie Schufeldt, Chicago ; S. Cooper, Chicago ;
Charles A. Dupee, Chicago ; H. S. Peck, Chicago ; J. R. Robinson, Chicago.
There have been nineteen names added since the organization of the club. The oflScers
elected for 1878, were as follows : Commodore, Walter L. Peck ; Vice Commodore, Charles T.
Sutton ; Secretary, Charles B. Draper; Treasurer, D. G. Munger ; Measurer, H. Germain.
There are twenty boats in the fleet, boats of the first class being more than 18 feet in
length. There is one steamer. Frolic, owned by H. H. Schufeldt, 35 feet long and 7 feet wide.
There are eleven yachts, as follows :
Nautilus — length, 22 feet; width, 9 feet 6 inches; formerly owned by Charles T. Sutton.
Mystic — length, 24 feet ; width, 9 feet 6 inches ; owned by Walter L. Peck.
Buda — length, 20 feet, 9 inches ; width, 8 feet 7 inches; owned by Ferd W- Peck.
Magic — length, 20 feet, 6 inches ; width, 7 feet 8 inches ; owned by Walter L. Peck.
Sortie — length, 22 feet; width, 10 feet 5 inches; owned by G. A. Schufeldt.
Blackbird — length, 18 feet ; width, 6 feet; owned by C. Linger.
Pearl — length, 15 feet 9 inches; width, 6 feet 3 inches; owned by Charles Sutton.
Sprite — length, 18 feet; width, 6 feet; owned by Charles Sutton. '
Florida — length, 26 feet ; owned by H. Schufeldt.
Annie — length, 24 feet ; owned by George A. Laurance.
Dolly — length, 11 feet ; owned by Charles T. Sutton.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 709
There are four ice boats, viz. : Flash, Charles Sutton ; Whiff, E. C. Shears ; Icicle, Walter
L. Peck ; Edward H. Tucker, Fred Parsons.
There are four pleasure barges, viz. :
Adele — 6 oars ; length, 25 feet; Charles T. Sutton, owner.
Vesta — 6 oars ; length, 25 feet ; Charles T. Sutton, owner.
Gipsey Queen — 4 oars ; length, 18 feet; Walter L. Peck, owner.
May Howey — 4 oars ; length, 16 feet ; H. H. Schufeldt, owner.
The Club have a tidy floating club house, which lies anchored just northwest of the city, in
La Belle Lake. It is comfortably furnished, and the walls are suitably decorated with marine
views. On the top of the boathouse is the judges' stand.
Regattas, with sailing and rowing matches, occur each year at different seasons. The
Nautilus has thus far taken the prize pennant.
The Executive and Regatta Committee is composed of Ferd W. Peck, D. G. Munger, and
H. M. Ackley.
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
The Cemetery Association was organized May 9, 1851, under the provisions of Chapter 48,
of the Revised Statutes of Wisconsin. There were twelve charter members from among the best
of the citizens. The first cemetery managed by them was located near Fowler Lake, and was
called the Oconomowoc Cemetery. Lots were purchased and people were buried here until 1864.
Then the association, becoming satisfied that the village would some time require a larger bury-
ing-ground, determined to have the old cemetery vacated and a new one established before it
became too late. Accordingly, during the winter of 1864, J. R. Carpenter, then a member of
the Legislature, presented a bill for this purpose. The bill passed, and the present site was
immediately after selected, and named La Belle Cemetery. The Trustees were authorized to
allow owners of lots in the old cemetery to select lots in the new one in exchange, and to pay
them for moving their dead ; otherwise, to locate the lot themselves, and attend to the moving
of the dead. The change of the cemetery created a great division of feeling among the people,
which it took years to efface ; but it must now appear plain to every one, that the change was
for the best, and entirely justifiable. The old grounds were sold in January, 1865, for $1,325, to
Messrs. Thompson, Metcalf, Fowler- & Hall, and were afterward platted, and are now known
as Hall's Addition. Before the Oconomowoc Cemetery was laid out, the people had a burial-
ground on what is known as the Henshal Place. The business of the Association is transacted by
six Trustees, who appoint a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, from among their number.
HOTELS.
Accommodations for sutnmer guests and travelers, in and about Oconomowoc, are excep-
tionally good in every respect, being equal to the demands of the most fastidious and exacting.
No pains are spared here to make the stay of transient or permanent visitors pleasant as well
beneficial. How well the efforts of the landlords and people have succeeded in this respect is
attested by the constantly increasing popularity of*the place.
Woodlands. — This is the home and resort of D. W. Small, and is a most lovely place, with
extensive and finely wooded grounds, from which it takes its name, lying on the south bank of
Lac La Belle. It is a delightfully picturesque retreat, and ranks as one of the most attractive
places within the city limits, or in the county, and is presided over by a gentleman and lady
by whom it is a pleasure to be entertained. The grounds were formerly owned by George
Pugh, but were not utilized by him, unless the brickyard, which was in operation here for many
years, be excepted. Mr. Small purchased and built first in 1860. In 1873, finding that his
house was not nearly large enough to accommodate his constantly increasing patropage, he
erected a large addition and remodeled the building, making a very commodious and stately
residence. Again, a few years subsequently, he was obliged to build a cottage to keep pace
with the demands of his custom. He has now ample room for about 100 guests.
710 HlStOltY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Townsend House. — The first large first-class Hotel erected ia the county for the exclusive
use of summer guests, was the Townsend House, which was built in 1870. Over $35,000 were
expended in building and furnishing, and 100 days were required in constructing and fitting
up. On the 19th day of June, 1870, a grand benefit opening was given. A train of cars was
run from Milwaukee especially for the occasion, and hundreds of guests from abroad and at
home were present. There was a grand banquet provided, and speeches and toasts were ofiered
by some of the most prominent men in the State. The townspeople presented the house with
three beautiful flags and a streamer. In the evening, the afiair wound up with the most brill-
iant party ever given in Oconomowoc. Severance & Williams' band discoursed sweet strains
" till the wee sma' hours, " and the moments were annihilated by flying feet and thoughts
that took no heed of time.
The first season, the builder and proprietor, Copeland Townsend, took in $14,000, and for
several seasons following hai a similar run of custom. During the winter of 1875 and 1876,
at the urgent solicitation of his many patrons, Mr. Townsend concluded to enlarge the house,
and duplicated the first building throughout, at a very large expense. The house is now very
large and commodious, there being ninety-one rooms elegantly finished and furnished. It is
beautifully located on the east bank of Fowler Lake, and the grounds are large and very attract-
ive. The accommodations throughout, provided at this establishment, are not surpassed by
any in. the country, and the surroundings are such as to invite and charm the most fastidious.
It is a very popular and prosperous resort.
Draper Sail. — This hotel, owned and managed by Martin T. Draper, although famous,
from Wisconsin to the sea, as a delightful summer idling place, is also a regular hotel, kept open
all the year round for the ti-aveling public. The original building, which contains office, hall,
sleeping-rooms and winter dining-room, is the old store built by Fay, Collins & Cotton, in 1849;
it was built of brick, and strengthened across the front by huge blocks of building stone brought
from Waukesha. When the surrounding buildings were either torn down, or moved to the busi-
ness part of the village, this, being too heavy to move and too valuable to destroy, was left, and,
after its vacation as a store, was opened by Dyer Toplifi" as a hotel. Mr. Draper purchased
the property in 1868, and named it, and began improving the surroundings, and advertising the
place as a summer resort. He has been successful from the first, and has been obliged to enlarge
the building at difierent times, besides taking all the rooms he can get in the neighborhood, from
year to year, to accommodate his guests. The situation of Draper Hall is delightful ; facing as
it does to the west, and on La Belle Lake, a superb view is aiforded. Main street passes directly
in front and between Draper Hall and its grounds on La Belle Lake. There are several
springs near this hotel, one of which, a treble one, is remarkable. The water from it is at
62° Fahrenheit all the year round, never fre'ezing in winter, and no fish have ever been able
to live in it over night. The main spring is rank with iron, being of an oily, rusty, red color,
and is five feet in depth ; another, twenty feet deep, near the same place, which has an outlet by
tubing ; its waters are very similar to those from the Waukesha mineral springs ; and a third
one, driven twenty-one feet into the earth, is soft and totally unlike the other two. A few feet
distant is still another spring, from which th# hotel is supplied with drinking water. The sum-
mer guests of Di-aper Hall are in part from Milwaukee and Chicago, but largely from St. Louis
and the South, with whom the place is in great favor.
La Belle Souse. — This hotel was named after the old hotel, and stands facing La
Belle Lake, a short distance south of its shores. It was built about ten years ago by D. Topliff.
It is a large frame building, that unfortunately is so situated as not to be pleasant for boarders.
When shade-trees have grown up about the La Belle House, it will be one of the attractive places
of Oconomowoc.
Jones Souse. — This hotel stands a short distance from and directly between the .rail-
road and school building. It is the resort par excellence of traveling men, and, with Mr. Jones,
the genial and accommodating landlord at the head, it is an excellent place at which to stop.
Within a few years, the place has become so rapidly popular that, notwithstanding the several
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 711
additions he has built to the original structure from time to time, he has not enough room.
The main building was built in 1872, and three additions were subsequently made. There is a
north front of fifty feet and a rear extension of sixty feet with a veranda on the two sides, one
hundred and seven feet in length. There are about twenty-six or twenty-seven comfortable,
nicely finished, and furnished rooms in the house.
William Tell House. — The William Tell House was erected in the spring of 1858, and was
intended at first for a private dwelling, but in the fall of the same year was opened as a hotel.
In 1866 or 1867, an addition was built, increasing the size of the building to its present dimen-
sions, which are 32x48 feet and two stories in height. About thirty guests can be accommodated,
and there is also a commodious barn on the premises. The builder and first owner, Fred Gerber,
is the present proprietor. There are two or three other hotels here, besides numerous boarding
houses, that appear to be doing a land-office business, providing for the wJints of visitors and
travelers.
Grifford's. — One and one-half miles from Oconomowoc, on the north bank of Oconomowoc
Lake, is one of the most beautifully located and" perfect resorts, taken all in all, to be found
anywhere. Every requisite necessity for a home, for social enjoyment, and for physical and
mental rest, is here liberally provided either by nature, or the ingenious hand of man. There
is boating, hunting, fishing, mineral water to drink, and plenty of the best to eat. George P.
Gifibrd, Sr., at the time of purchasing this property, erected a private residence, intending to
maintain the place simply as a home, but, observing the facilities attached to the place for comfort,
and actuated by an innate hospitality, he invited his friends to visit him during the summer
season ; these friends were delighted, and each year visited and revisited the place, until it
became necessary to enlarge the private residence, and enlarge again, until it has assumed its
present proportions, and become one of the most popular resorts on the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railroad. Its habitues find easy access to this city, and courtesies with guests of
the Townsend House, Draper Hall, and summer residents, are freely interchanged. This resort
is a favorite with the people from Southern cities, and many families have made it their summer
home for several years in succession. The house contains seventy-five rooms ; fifty guest cham-
bers, the remaining twenty-five being divided into parlors, sitting-rooms, dining-rooms, etc.
Gifibrd's station, on the Chicago Milwaukee k St. Paul Railroad, is about seventy rods from
the hotel grounds, and all accommodation trains stop here. There is a large dancing pavilion,
billiard-room and bar, livery stable, bathing house, boats, etc., in connection with the hotel.
In fact everything is provided that any reasonable person can expect or demand. The hotel is
under the management of George P. Gififord, Jr.
CHURCHES.
Zion Church. — The services of the Protestant Episcopal Church were celebrated for the
first time in Oconomowoc in the year 1841, by the Rev. Lemuel B. Hull, Rector of St. Paul's
Church, Milwaukee. He officiated at this place once in four weeks, holding services usually at
the log schoolhouse north of the bridge, and once at the residence of Mr. Foster. During the
spring and summer, Mr. Hull came on foot from Milwaukee, thirty miles distant, to hold these
services.
In August of the same year, services were held by the Rev. J. H. Hobart, and in September
by the Rev. William Adams, now the distinguished Professor of Divinity at Nashotah. These
gentlemen, with the Rev. James Lloyd Breck, were then sojourning at Prairieville, now Wau-
kesha, contemplating the establishing of a mission school of divinity, which soon after became
realized in the founding of Nashotah House.
Only occasional and irregular services were held at Oconomowoc until 1844, when the Rev.
Dr. Adams began regular services.
In August, 1846, Zion Parish was duly organized. Dr. Adams continued to officiate
during 1847-49. In 1850, the Rev. Dr. Cole, of Nashotah, was chosen Rector, and continued
in charge until Easter, 1853. In the summer of 1853, the Sunday school was organized.
712 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
During Dr. Cole's rectorship, the church building was erected, at a cost of about $5,000. It is
a substantial brick edifice, 25x50 feet, pleasantly situated on a point of land that juts into
Fowler Lake. The church was built largely by money advanced by Mr. John S. Rockwell,
and, together with the point of land on which it stands, was conveyed by him in a deed of trust
to Dr. Cole, who, some years afterward, viz., in the year 1869, relinquished it by quitclaim
deed, to the Rector, Wardens and Vestry, of Zion Church, Oconomowoc.
On Christmas Eve, 1853, the first service was held in the new church by Bishop Kemper,
and subsequently, until the following Easter, services were maintained by the Rev. Lewis A.
Kemper, and the Rev. E. S. Peake, of Nashotah. On Easter Monday, 1854, the Rev. Dr.
Cole resigned the rectorship, and the Rev. E. S. Peake was chosen Rector. Mr. Peake con-
tinued in charge until the autumn of 1855 ; September 1, 1855, the Rev. L. W. Davis was chosen
Rector, and continued in charge until October, 1861. During the years 1862-65, the Rev.
Lyman Phelps, a graduate of Naphotah, was Rector. He was succeeded in the Rectorship by
the Rev. Ezra Jones, for the years 1866-69. In 1870, the Rev. A. A. Fiske was chosen
Rector, and continued in charge during the five years following, or until the summer of 1855.
For two years succeeding Mr. Fiske's resignation, the rectorship, of necessity, remained vacant.
During this interval, the Rev. L. W. Davis, former Rector, now residing in the parish, was
invited by the Wardens and Vestry, from time to time, to ofiiciate as minister in charge. In
1878, Mr. Davis accepted a formal call to the rectorship of the church, and has continued in
charge to the present time.
The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodist Episcopal Church was first started by
the Rev. Frink, who came here while preaching on what in an early- day was known as the
Watertown Circuit. The first class was composed of Mr. George W. Williams, leader; and
Mrs. George W. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Day Dewy and Jonathan Dorrity, in the fall of 1841.
Their services were held over the cabinet-shop of Day Dewy and Jonathan Dorrity, as a rule,
although in after years, they at times used the schoolhouse. Mr. Frink was succeeded by
Rev. Father Wheelock. After him, in 1843, the class was connected with the Prairieville Cir-
cuit, and shared the ministry of the Revs. L. F. Moulthrop and S. Snover.
The ministers who did work on the circuit here in pioneer days, were supported prin-
cipally by missionary funds, although the settlers contributed as liberally as their means would
allow'; yet, had it not been for said funds, it would have been many years later ere they could
have enjoyed religious services. During Mr. Moulthrop's time, they' had their first revival.
The first church enterprise was commenced during the pastorate of the Rev. S. W. Martin,
1849. The prime movers in the undertaking were George W. Williams and Father
Washburn. A lot was donated by John S. Rockwell, and the lumber and timber, with the
exception of a few sticks, was supplied by Mr. Williams, also a part of the glass. This lumber
and timber Mr. Williams had prepared to build a barn, but, for the sake of having a church,
gave up the barn until four years later. Mr. Washburn furnished the stone to lay the foun-
dation, drawing the same from his farm a mile distant, besides doing various other things to
aid in building the church.
The church was ready for dedication by the 3d of February, 1850, when the Rev. W. G.
Miller, D. D., who was preaching on the Watertown Circuit, came and performed that ceremony.
From this time the church prospered, until a wolf in sheep's clothing got into the fold, in the
person of the Rev. Mr. Maxon. He had been here but a short time, when his true character
began to develope ; he was heard by different members, using profane language, and he was
also accused of other immoral practices. At first, some of the members remonstrated with him,,
but this only had the effect of incensing Maxon, who would not listen to any of the protests
^offered. Charges were then preferred against him by some of the members. At this, he went
around and obtained signers to a remonstrance, both among members and outsiders. The Sunday
following, he read out the names of some of his accusers, declaring that they were dropped from
the church. The charges were ignored, although those who preferred them were prepared with
proofs of his perfidy. The Sunday following this, twenty-one of the regular members withdrew,
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 71S
and within a month eighteen more left, making in all thirty-nine withdrawals. This so prostrated
the church that Maxon had to call on two classes, one that had been established on Chatham
street, and the other at Monterey, these being under his charge, to come and hold their services
here. From this time until the departure of Maxon, and even for years after, the society was at
"sixes and sevens," only gradually recovering strength with the addition of new members.
For several years the project of building a new church was discussed, and finally con-
summated in the erection of the present fine brick edifice. This building was commenced under
the pastorate of Rev. George Fellows, 1867, and w^as finished in 1868, while the Rev. William. R.
Jones was in charge. Previous to the erection of the new church, the old edifice was sold to the
village, to be used as a school building.
Within two or three years after the new church was built, many of the disaffected members
came back. Matters at this time, and for many years subsequent, went on quite smoothly,
only excepting musical matters. As is nearly always the case in churches, there are, and
always were in this shurch, a few worthies who could never endure any sort of an invasion upon
old-time practices. Consequently, when the choir was started, and also when the organ was
purchased, there were olljectors. However, in spite of opposition, as the years went by, the
choir grew stronger and better, until at last it became noted as the best in the conference. Then, ■
about four or five years ago, some of the members wanted the singers moved from the front to
the back of the church, behind the pulpit, where they could be seen ; of course, this move met
with opposition/but was brought before the Board, and they voted that the choir should be
moved. Let no one suppose that this ended the struggle, for it did not ; that choir must go
into the corner was the next cry, and into the corner it went. No sooner did this happen than
the matter was referred to conference, and the choir were moved back again. By this time, the
singers began to get thoroughly riled aiid angry, and, when Elder Hewitt came and took sides
with the move element, then war was fully and finally declared. Mr. Hewitt's influence was such,
that the choir, in spite of the vigorous support of friends, was moved back to the corner. In
conclusion of that matter, sufiice it to say, the singers nearly all left, and that was the last of
the finest choir in the district, and was also a signal for the withdrawal of several vigorous
workers from the church. Under the direction of the present minister, the church appears to
be getting along without any particular trouble. Owing to the condition of the records, it is
impossible to give the names of but few of the ministers, who have officiated in this church. In
1863,N.J.Aplin; 1866, T. 0. Hollister; 1866, George Fellows; 1867, William K. Jones; 1870,
J. S. McChesney; 1871, H. Sewell; 1874, A. Hollister and Thomas Clithero ; 1875, Samuel
Lugg ; 1876, J. L. Hewitt ; 1877, George W. Burtch ; 1878, C. E. Carpenter, the present
Pastor.
Congregational Church. — This 'church, the third in the place, was organized by Rev. S.
Peet, August 3, 1845, with twenty-three members. The members of the church here were, for
two years previous, united with the church at Summit, under an organization that bore the name
of both places. The present society was formed by a mutual division of said church. Rev. J.
P. Foster was the first minister and served the church from November, 1843, to February, 1845.
Rev. N. Goodhue succeeded, and served as stated supply from May, 1845, for nearly two years.
After him Rev. W. C. Fiske was employed. He officiated from October, 1847, to October, 1848.
From this time on, for four years, the society was to a great extent destitute of preaching, only
as they attended Methodist meetings. In October, 1852, Rev. Sidney H. Barteau was engaged,
and discharged the duties of Pastor until September, 1856. The house of worship was com-
pleted in 1854, at a cost of $2,300, and was dedicated to the service of the triune God January
1, 1855, during Rev. Barteau's time. After the departure of Rev. Barteau, the pulpit was supplied
by difierent persons, and by the reading of sermons, until December 15, at which time the serv-
ices of N. G. Goodhue were secured for a year ; but, by his own request, he was released at the
expiration of six months.
Again the services were conducted by difi'erent persons, either reading sermons or preach-
ing. For a little part of the time there was no service. Sometimes this people met with the
714 HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Methodists, until September 20, 1857, at which time J. B. Preston began his labors, which
lasted for a year ; after which. Rev. J. Williston was called, October 3, 1858, and remained
nine inonths ; then arrangements were made with the church at Summit, and Rev. E. J.
Montague was engaged to supply, for a year, the churches of Summit and Oconomowoc. At
the expiration of the year, his entire services were secured for this church and society, and he
remained as Pastor for more than twelve years, from January 1, 1860, to March, 1872.
During this time the church building was enlarged and raised, so as to give place for rooms
in the basement, which were used for a school for a time ; afterward, for prayer and other meet-
ings of the church society.
After Mr. Montague resigned. Rev. A. M. Rice, of Chicago Theological Seminary, was
secured as a supply for six months, from April 19, 1872.
After the expiration of this time, a call was extended to Rev. J. Allison for six months,
from the third Sabbath of October, 1872. Mr. Allison remained with the church until June,
1874. This clergyman, although very talented as a preacher or lecturer, was as a man of
principle, a failure. He was intemperate, and, by his obnoxious conduct and example, in that and
other immoral practices, did the church and cause lasting injury. He ^afterward went into the
. field as a temperance lecturer, but whether he ever reformed is not certain. He is said to be
preaching yet. After him candidating was the order of the day, until the church became
well-nigh discouraged by repeated failures to secure a satisfactory pastor. •
Rev. T. A. Wadsworth, late of Brandon, supplied from October 25, to December 6, inclu-
sive. Then followed the labors of A. E. Tracy, who served the church faithfully from Decem-
ber 20, 1874, until the first Sabbath in October, 1878.
The pulpit was then filled by diiferent persons until December 1, when Rev. D. R.
Anderson began his labors with the church society, in answer to a unanimous and urgent
call, and at present date is the regular supply.
The church at this time appears to be in a prosperous condition.
Oconomowoc Baptist Society. — It was organized November 7, 1867, with ten members.
January 23, 1868, they were re-organized as a Regular Baptist Church, by a council of churches
called for that purpose. There were then twenty-eight members, who were trying to build a
church, and, according to their report, had f 1,350 subscribed for that purpose, and a lot paid for.
They then held meetings in one of the old schoolhouses, now Regan's Hall, with Rev.
Edmonds as minister.
In 1868, they borrowed money to build, giving Mr. E. Hurlbut security on the lot and
building for pay. They went on and had the basement finished and a large frame erected, when
a young minister by the name of Ellis took charge, and, it is said, persuaded the church to dis-
organize, and repudiate the debt, then re-organize. They disorganized, and Mr. Hurlbut was
left to do the best he could with the church. The church authorities were about to take the
building ofi" his hands, when a tornado came along and relieved them of the necessity or inclina-
tion, by dashing the frame to the ground, where the remains of it can now be seen.
St. Jerome s Catholic Church. — The first service was held among the people of this con-
gregaion, by Father Hobbs, of Mapleton, about 1858, in a private house. Fatlier Hobbs con-
tinued holding services in this section, in private dwellings, until 1860, by which time St.
Jerome's Church was completed and ready for use. The church was erected under his super-
vision, at an expense of |1,500. Father Hobbs held services in the church from 1860 to 1865,
attending the congregation as a missionary connected with Mapleton. From 1865, Father
Vahey assumed charge, and continued the services, as a missionary from Mapleton. In 1870,
Father Allen was appointed regular Pastor of the church, and served about a year. Then
Father Scott was placed in charge, and remained two years and a half. After him came Father
Keehan, who held the charge one year. Father Casey succeeded Father Keehan, and attended
to the ministry for one year. Father McMahon followed, and ofiiciated for six months, until
1876. The church was enlarged in 1866, or 1867, by Father Vahey, at a cost of |1,000. The
parsonage was built by Father Allen, in 1870, at a cost of $1,700. The present value of the
HKTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 715
church property is probably about $4,500. The membership comprises about eighty families.
First German Lutheran Church. — The first services of this denomination were held in the
spring of 1862, in the Congregational Church, the Rev. Mr. Fack, then Pastor of the Golden
Lake Society, oflBciating. There were but few of the present congregation present. Services
were held again July 1, 1865, in the same church, the Rev. L. Nietmann presiding. On this
occasion, the society was organized, the following individuals becoming members : H. M.
Peters, W. Wilkie, H. Zimmermann, Fred Meyer, Fred Krupnow, August Hartwig, Charles
Rochout, John Selnow, Frederick Enke and August Mathias. The Rev. Nietmann served the
society for some time after the organization. The lot where the church now stands, on the
bank of Fowler Lake, and fronting on Lake street, was purchased July 10, 1869, by H. M.
Peters from Judge Small, for |179. At that time there was a building on the lot, 14x16, to
which they made an addition, of the same dimensions, and used the entire building for a church
until the present edifice was erected ; the first services were held here during that summer by
students from Nashotah Mission. On October 10, of this year, 1869, the Rev. A. F. H. Geb-
hard was called, and remained until July, 1870. He was succeeded by A. Krueger, who served
from July, 1870, to September, 1872. His successor was Rev. J. Emke, who remained until
July, 1877. The present Pastor came in December, 1877. This church was incorporated as
the "Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul Community."
Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This society was organized at a called meet-
ing held at the house of Ole Halverson, and the first services were also held here. There were
about twelve families represented at the organization. Subsequently, services were held around
at dififerent private houses, and in the Lutheran Church, until 1873. In January, 1872, a meet-
ing was held, and arrangements made for erecting a church. Ole Halverson donated the lot,
and a building committee was appointed and the work started this year. The basement was
completed ready for use January 1, 1873 ; the remainder is not yet done. The church is built
of brick, and will cost, when finished, $3,000. The first minister was Rev. S. Gilmeyden; first
regular Pastor, Rev. N. Brant; first members, Ole Halverson, Gilbren Jensen, Gunder Olson,
Ole Sorbe, Gulick Peterson, Jacob Larsen, Hans Johnson, Mrs. N. Oleson, Mr. G. Johnson,
John Elfsen, Nels Rasmussen and G. Ericksen.
The Scandinavian {Norwegian) Baptist Church. — This society was organized April 27,
1866, at the house of John Baratsen, on Walnut street, by the Rev. E. Gergensen, of Chicago. The
first members were as follows, viz., John Baratsen and wife, Peter Jensen, Julius Jacobson,
Jacob Johnson and wife, and Ingerberg Johnson. Afterward, services were held in different
private houses in the city, until 1872, when they bought a house and moved it to the lot on
Lake street. This was their church from that time until 1878, when they disposed of the old
building and erected a small edifice at a cost of |600. This has been their place of worship
since. The first regular minister was C. Westergeard, he was Pastor for three years. From this
time until the fall of 1879, the church was supplied by various parties. In that year, K. Sunt,
was chosen regular Pastor, and has been with them since. There are now about forty members,
being an increase of thirty-three members from the first. The Trustees are John Evesen, James
Nelson, and Nels Johnson.
Das Buch Ahynegelen. — The first service in this circuit was held in Monterey, by a
local preacher. Christian Schafer, in 1857. He came from Watertown every other Sunday to
preach, and to visit the folks. In 1860, the society was organized by Rev. John Rinder, who
lived in Monterey, and came from there to Oconomowoc to hold services. Friedrich and Gess-
lak Humhbly were the first members. The first church was built in Monterey in 1860, at a
cost of 11,000. The church in Oconomowoc was built in 1868, at a cost of $800. The list of
the regular Pastors is as follows : John Rinder, October 20, 1839, to October 17, 1861 ;
Florentine Feistkorn, October 26, 1861, to October 6, 1863 ; Henry Schultz, October 9, 1863,
to October 12, 1864 ; Henry Overbeck, October 18, 1864, to October 17, 1867 ; Ernest Fitzner,
October 18, 1867, to October 20, 1868 ; Charles Iwert, October 3, 1868, to October 6, 1869 ;
C. F. Leipprandt, October 10, 1869, to October 18, 1870 ; Canradt Eberhardt, October 18,
716 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
1870, to October 6, 1872; John Brauer, October 8, 1872, to October 18, 1875; Peter
Schafer, October 12, 1875, to October 12, 1877; Nikolaus Eifler, October 6, 1877, to
October 18, 1879 ; F. F. R. K. Klenske, October 10, 1879. The present value of church
property is : In Monterey, $1,500, and the church in Oconomowoc, $1,200. The number
of members is thirty-six. The names of the first officers are Peter Hinners, Presiding
Elder; John Kinder, Pastor; L. Schenk, William Bery, John Graper, Christ Groose, Charles
Groose and G. Kysow. The present officers are, Frank Schimelpfennig, Phillipp Roth, John
Zimmerman, Charles Woelike, G. Schinnemann, G. Kelling and Charles Hubner.
The Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church was builr in 1875, on the street running east
from the Townsend Hohse ; cost, about $700. The first members were dissenters from the
Lutheran Church, and a few others. The first minister was Ole Worsen ; through his influence
the church was built, he contributing largely toward it from his private means. The next
minister was P. Smith — then a Mr. Thompson, who was succeeded by Rev. P. Jensen, the
present minister.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
The charter members of Oconomowoc Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., are as follows : Isaac
N. James, W. M. ; H. T. Hopkins, S. W. ; Budd Parsons, J. W. ; Simeon demons, Aaron
Schults, W. Emmons and W. H. Acker.
Dispensation granted July 14, 1852 ; lodge constituted under charter from the Grand
Lodge, granted August 23, 1853.
Charter surrendered April 9, 1860.
Ellsworth Lodge, No. 133, F. ^ A. M. — This lodge was organized under a dispensation
granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin, dated June 18, 1861, to Henry G.
Jones as W. M. ; George H. Simonds, S. W. ; Charles M. Hartwell, J. W. The charter was
granted, June 13, 1862, to H. G. Jones, George H. Simonds, C. M. Hartwell, Georjre-
C. Kinney, J. R. Carpenter, David Farote, Montreoville Young, G. A. Ludington, W. W.
Collins, B. M. Jones, Joseph Fowler, Samuel Tucker and Josiah Wood ; Henry G. Jones, W.
M.; George H. Simonds, S. W.; C. M. Hartwell, J. W.; Joel R. Carpenter, Secretary. Thfr
same officers held until December 25, 1868. The officers installed every year are as follows :
1863— H. G. Jones, W. M. ; C. M. Hartwell, S. W. ; G. A. Ludington, J. W. ; W. W.
Collins, Secretary.
1864— H. G. Jones, W. M. ; G. A. Ludington, S. W. ; J. R. Carpenter, J. W. ; C. M.
Hartwell, Sec.
1865— G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; J. R. Carpenter, S. W. ; C. Hubbard, J. W. ; C. M..
Hartwell, Sec.
1866— G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; Charles Hubbard, S. W. ; J. C. Saltzman, J. W. ; C. M..
Hartwell. Sec.
1867— H. G. Jones, W. M. ; C. Hubbard, S. W. ; D. Faurote, J. W. ; V. W. Seelee,
Sec.
1868— Charles M. Hartwell, W. M. ; J. R. Carpenter, S. W. ; David Fanrote, J. W. ; D.
H. Rockwell, Sec.
1869— H. G. Jones, W. M. ; David Fanrote, S. W. ; H. H. Fay, J. W. ; D. H. Rockwell,.
Sec.
1870— G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; D. Faurote, S. W. ; Elon Munger, J. W. ; Loren
Edwards, Sec.
1871— David Faurote, W. M. ; W. W. Collins, S. W. ; G. C. Kinne, J. W. ; Dow B.
Smith, Sec.
1872— W. W. Collins, W. M. ; H. M. Ackley, S. W. ; D. H. Rockwell, J. W. ; Dow B.
Smith, Sec.
1873— George Vilas, W. M. ; H. G. Jones, S. W. ; Elon Munger, J. W. ; Dow B. Smithy
Sec.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 717
1874— G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; H. G. Jones, S. W. ; G. A. Winton, J. W. ; Dow B.
Smith, Sec.
1875— J. R. Carpenter, W. M. ; George L. Wilsey, S. W. ; F. M. Spear, J. W. ; Dow B.
Smith, Sec.
1876— George L. Wilsey, W. M. ; G. A. Winton, S. W. ; H. F. Lyke, J. W. ; G. A. Lud-
ington, Sec.
1877— David Faurote, W. M.; Henry Erredge, S. W. ; E. S. Wilson, J. W. ; G. A. Lud-
ington, Sec.
1878— Henry Erredge, W. M. ; Elon Hunger, S. W. ; H. G. Jones, J. W. ; G. A. Lud-
ington, Sec.
1879— Henry Erredge, W. M. ; Elon Hunger, S. W. ; H. G. Jones, J. W. ; G. A. Lud-
ington, Sec.
, This Lodge is now in a flourishing condition, with a membership of sixty.
Oeonomowoc Chapter, No. 4^, R. A. M. — This chapter was organized under a dispensa-
tion from the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of the State of Wisconsin, October 24, 1871, to the
following officers : George Vilas, H. P.; H. M. Ackley, K.; D. H. Rockwell, S.; J. R. Car-
penter, Sec; and a charter was granted January 24, 1872, to Comp. George Vilas, H. M.
Ackley, J. A. Henshall, D. A. Winton, D Mc L. Miller, D. H. Rockwell, G. A. Ludington, C.
M. Hartwell, James McCall, Curtis Mann, H. G. Jones, F. D. Ludington, R. W. Griffith,
George Craw and J. R. Carpenter, under the name of Oeonomowoc Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M.
December 25, 1872, the same officers were elected and installed.
1873— J. A. Henshall, H. P.; G. A. Ludington, K.; H. G. Jones, S.; George L. Wilsey,
Sec
Sec.
Se
1874— J. A. Henshall, H. P.; G. A. Ludington, K.; H. G. Jones, S.; Dow. B. Smith, Sec.
1875— J. A. Henshall, H. P.; George Vilas, K.; J. C. Hitchcock, S.; Dow. B. Smith Sec.
1876— George Vilas, H. P.; H. G. Jones, K.; H. F. Lyke, S.; G. A. Ludington, Sec.
1877— George Vilas, H. P.; H. G. Jones, K.; H. F. Lyke, S.; G. A. Ludington, Sec.
1878— D. Mc L. Miller, H. P.; H. G. Jones, K.; H. F. Lyke, S.; G. A. Ludington,
1879— D. Mc L. Miller, H. P.; H. G. Jones, K.; H. F. Lyke, S.; G. A. Ludington,
This chapter reports a membership of fifty-nine.
Oeonomowoc Lodge, No. 127, 1. 0. 0. F. — The dispensation was granted to this lodge
June 5, 1869, upon application of the following persons : John E. Moulton, August Borchert,
F. W. Ernst, Peter Klos and P. K. Tucker. All of these gentlemen, excepting John E.
Moulton. were, before this time, members of Franklin Lodge, No. 141, located at Delafield.
The first meeting was held at Rockwell Hall, where they discussed the propriety of organizing
a new lodge. As it would be much more convenient for them to meet here, and as it was only
a question of time when they began, there being no doubt that there must be a lodge here some
time, the sooner they began the better. After the granting of the charter, the lodge was
regularly instituted June 26, 1869. The first officers were : N. G., John E. Moulton ; V. G., F.
W. Ernst; Recording and Permanent Secretary, P. K. Tucker; Treasurer, Peter Klos; Guardian,
August Borchert. Past Grands now in good standing are P. K. Tucker, E. D. Parsons, 0. P.
Andrus, L. S. Carpenter, L. F. Stewart, E. L. Palmer, G. W. Cole, Thomas McNally, W. H.
Bolson and D. G. Munger.
The present N. G., Ole Rosholt ; V. G., J. C. Van Horn; R. Secretary, Johnton; P.
Secretary, P. K. Tucker ; Treasurer, E. L. Palmer. There has but one death occurred among
the lodge members. John Brainard died April 6, 1877, and was buried with honors. P. K.
Tucker is the only one of the charter members left in the lodge ; he has been an Odd Fellow for
twenty-four years, and at one time belonged to Geauga Lodge, No. 171, oneof the strongest lodges
in the State of Ohio. In case of death or sickness in this lodge, the members pay expenses by
voluntary contribution, there being no weekly dues paid for charitable purposes. Within a term
718 , HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
after beginning the lodge had increased to sixteen members. There have been 115 members in
all. The annual celebrations of the order in the county have been held here two or three times.
Badger State Lodge, No. SW, I. 0. 0. J".— This lodge was instituted July 23, 1873. At
that time F. W. Ernst, Peter Klos, F. WoUin, Willian Bueberman, L. H. Albert and August
Borchert met in the present Odd Fellows' Hall as projectors of a new lodge, they all being
members of Lodge No. 167. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Ernst, and its object explained.
After general discussion, they decided to apply for a charter in German, and agreed upon the
name ; $80 was voted to pay expenses of charter, and Deputy F. Paulfranz, was authorized
to make application to the Grand Lodge for the same. The charter was granted, and they met
July 9, 1873. The lodge was then duly instituted, and the following officers elected for the
ensuing term of six months, viz.: N. G., Peter Klos ; V. G., August Borchart ; Rec. Sec,
F. W. Ernst ; Per. Sec, L. H. Albert. When the lodge began, they had |77.90, their share
of the funds from the treasury of the old lodge. They have had three deaths thus far, two men and
• one woman (Rebecca). F. W. Ernst died February 18, 1874, and Charles Heise, July 12, 1879,
Sister Augusta Newman died 'January 11, 1875. The widows and children of deceased, are paid a
weekly allowance. The lodge holds its meetings in the old hall, in common with the English
lodge. There are now twenty-three members, and the institution is in a healthy condition.
Temperance Societies. — A temperance meeting was held here as early as the winter of
1844. At that time a big sleigh ride on the ice of La Belle Lake, one afternoon and evening,
was participated in by the majority of the people, and, when they were satisfied with riding,
they all repaired to the old School House, and listened to a temperance speech by the Rev.
Goodhugh, after which nearly every one signed a total abstinence pledge. George Pugh is
said to have been the first one to forego his allegiance, and, upon being questioned about it,
acknowledged the charge, but declared he forgot at the time all about it. Although there were
lectures at different times, yet, it appears, as nearly as can be ascertained, that no regular tem-
perance organization was formed here, until June 22, 1850. Then the Oconomowoc Division,
No. 98, Sons of Temperance, was instituted by E. Hurlbut, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch.
This lodge grew rapidly in size and influence after its inception. In October, 1853, the Grand
Division of the order convened here and passed resolutions pertaining to a vote on the prohibitory
liquor law, submitted by the Legislature to the people's decision, and made arrangements to
canvass the State for the purpose of securing prohibition ; E. Hurlbut, who was elected the
head of the Grand Division of the State, and others, were deputized for that duty, and the State
was thoroughly stumped ; but notwithstanding, the movement failed. The Oconomowoc Division
continued prosperous for several years, and at one time had as many as a hundred members,
and could manipulate local elections etc., at will. At last women were taken in, and very soon
after one of the members preferred a charge against another, in open lodge, of immoral conduct;
and almost immediately thereafter the institution subsided, after running about twelve years.
In 1851, a section of the cadets of temperance was formed here with twenty-four young
boys. This lodge flourished for awhile, gradually weakened and ceased.
Soon after the Sons died, a movement was set afoot to organize a Good Templars society,
and in June, 1864, upon petition of twenty persons, J. Giles came on and instituted a lodge.
This lodge like the others, had its age of growth, decay and death, and probably in its tiine
did some good.
In after years another Templars' lodge is said to have come up. Phoenix-like, from the
ashes of the old one, but did not exist a great length of time, going up at last where all good
things are supposed to go. During the summer of 1866, the people were very much wrought
up by a discussion which was published in the Oconomowoc Badger, and it is said the temper-
ance men got so furious at last, that, when the next election came off, they carried the day.
The authors of the articles were Wareham Parks, and Thomas Reed, editor of the paper.
For several years subsequent to the war period, the temperance movement did not seem
to possess very much vitality, but was finally aroused from its lethargy by the Temple of Honor
and Blu€ Ribbon furore. A Temple of Honor was started in March, 1876, with nineteen char-
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 719
ter members. This order has undoubtedly been largely beneficial to a goodly number of men,
of very good standing, who were losing their influence and business through habits of intem-
perance. During the winter of 1877 and 1878, a series of lectures was held at Mann's Hall,
and some of the churches, under the auspices of the Temple, and a large Blue Ribbon society
was formed. The good done by the Ribbon movement seems almost entirely lost ; as that organi-
zation was never, in this or any other place, for some reason, of any great permanency.
In February, 1879, a council of select Tempalrs was formed. It is a similar institution to that
of the I. 0. 0. F. Encampment, and embraces the higher degrees of the Temple of Honor.
There were twenty-two charter members. These orders are now in a healthy condition. The
Temple has about forty active members, including some of the best men in the city.
Oconomowoc Lodge, A. 0. U. W. — This lodge of United Workmen was established May
20, 1879, with the following members : M. F. Pauifranz, P. M. W.; J. F. Hopkins, M. W.;
J. Weltner, G. F.; F. Gerber, 0.; W. H. Brunner, Recorder; P. W. Fay, Financier; Peter
Klos, Receiver ; J. Bundscher,' J. W.; P. Venden, 0. W.
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
The present flouring-mill was begun in the spring of 1855, and was completed in 1857. It
is three stories high and 40x50 feet. There are three runs of stones, operated by four Goodwin ,
turbine wheels, one three, and the others four feet in diameter. The mill was calculated, at
the first, to be capable of turning out 100 barrels of flour evei'y twenty-four hours ; but now^
since new machinery has been introduced, and the new process of grinding adopted, that amount
cannot be made per diem. There is an unlimited water supply, and the dam has an eight-foot
head. Taken all in all, this is one of the best mill properties in the county, if not the best.
The mill was built by J. S. and D. H. Rockwell and Mr. Luck. . In 1864, 0. Hathaway pur-
chased the interest of J. S. Rockwell, and in October, 1875, Luck & Hathaway purchased the
interest of D. H. Rockwell. In 1879, Messrs. Ackley, Stone & Parks purchased the property
and are the present owners.
/. Howell ^ Sons PIoh' and Cultivator Factory. — This factory was established in 1867,
by I. Rowell, who was a plow maker-in the State of New York, before coming to this
State, in 1841. The first plow-factory known to have been erected in the county was started
by Mr. Rowell, on his farm in the town of Lisbon, in 1852. Here he carried on the business,
on a small scale until 1867. About this time, Mr. Rowell's sons, Kendrick and Louis, built
the shop here, which is 32x145, the machinery being operated by a twenty-horse-power engine.
About ten years ago, Mr. I. Rowell, became a partner in the firm, which has since been styled
I. Rowell & Sons. In 1873, Mr. M. Bush bought out Mr. I. Rowell's share, which he still holds,
a half-interest, although the firm still runs under the old name. The factory has a large
capacity, and does a profitable business. There are twelve men employed, and 1,500 cultiva-
tors, and 12,000 plows can be made per annum. Sales run from $25,000 to $30,000 a year, in
this and adjoining States.
Foundry. — The foundry and machine shops of Hartmann, Hubner k Co., were built in
May, 1879, and commenced business the same year. The building stands a short distance back
from Milwaukee street. The foundry is 24x50, and two stories high. The machine shop is
30x50, and two stories high. A large variety of work is done here, as sawing, ripping, turning,
casting rollers, etc. The machinery, which is very complete, is driven by a fifteen-horse-power
engine. The building and fixtures cost between $5,000 and $6,000.
Union Carriage and Wagon Factory. — The Union Carriage and Wagon Factory was
established on Milwaukee street, by William H. Young, the present proprietor. In 1854, Mr.
Young began, with a small shop and limited capital, but has largely increased his capital and
enlarged his shop, and now does about $7,000 per annum of work, and gives employment to
eight men.
City Brewery. — The City Brewery, Peter Binzel, proprietor, was established by him on
Fowler street, where the present building stands, in June, 1868. The first brewery was a small
720 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
frame building, with a capacity of three or four hundred barrels per annum. The ice house
was built in 1873; it is 24x60 feet. The present brewing building was built in 1877 ; is 40x78,
two stories in height, with a capacity of 1,200 barrels per year, the most of which is sold in this
locality.
Planing Mill. — G. Vilas & Co. have a planing and sawing mill in connection with lumber-
yard, established in 1870.
There is also a grain elevator here, under the management of Mr. William Thompson,
that is worthy of mention, as it does a large shipping business.
ATTORNEYS.
Joel R. Carpenter commenced the practice of law in Oconomowoc November 13, 1848,
Edwin Hurlbut in 1850, D. W. Small, November 12, 1851, all by certificate, they having prac-
ticed in other places. The following were admitted on examinations in Waukesha County : William
Hassell, March, 27, 1858 ; R. C. Hathaway, March 26, 1862 ; Warham Park, March 20, 1867 ;
Charles H. Van Alstine, July 19, 1877, and E. D. R. Thompson, Dec. 2, 1879. Loran
Edwards and Hobart Mason practiced a short time and moved to other parts.
Jonathan Dougherty, said to have been considerable of a pettifogger, attended to the legal
business of the place before any of the above. He was also one of the first Justices of the Peace.
1
POSTMASTERS.
Loan Saxe was appointed the first Postmaster, as early as 1845. He was succeeded by
W. W. Collins, who was followed by D. H. Rockwell. After him the ofiice was held by Thomas
N. Stephens. In 1865, D. R. Thompson was installed and remained in charge until 1868;
John C. Starkweather then took charge of the office, holding it until 1873, when Miss C. L.
Edwards was appointed. After Miss Edwards, in 1875, Warham Parks was appointed and
has since held the oflSce.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Townsend came in as early as 1846 or 1847, but never succeeded. He united with the
physicians of the county in establishing rates for service soon after coming, and, the people
thinking it a swindle, made a call for another physician. Then Dr. Little came. Dr. Conant
arrived soon after and set up as partner with Dr. Little. Dr. Warner followed within a few
years and set up practice. Then Drs. Saltzraan, Miller, Hopkins, Hays, Jones, Regan and
Dale, all of them more or less popular and skillful physicians, came in turn to minister to
the necessities of the sick. x
NOTES.
Ten years ago,- there were seven hotels, five dry goods stores, three drug stores,
four hardware stores, three boot and shoe stores, two clothing stores, four tailor-shops, five gro-
ceries, nine saloons, three provision stores, two restaurants, two furniture stores, two harness-
shops, three jewelry-shops, one bank, two livery stables, one carriage-shop, one foundry, one
planing-mill, four cooper-shops, one bakery, two meat markets, a postofiice doing a business of
$40,000, and paying $1,500 per annum; two district schools, five physicians, six lawyers,
two Justices, seven ministers, one newspaper.
Picture-taking was first begun here in 1858 or 1859. The gallery was opened in what was
known as Putnam's Block. C. M. Smith began learning when the gallery was first opened, and
in a month had learned so as to take a picture ; this shows how far the art had progressed at that
time ; yet, in justice to what was done, no matter if learned in a short time, it must be said
that the work was fair, as shown by a picture now in Mr. Smith's possession. Mr. Smith
bought the gallery and continued it for a short time, then sold. From that time on, the place
has had a good gallery.
WAUKE.SHA
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 723
WAR INCIDENTS.
Oconomowoc, like cotemporary places of equal size and importance, had a war experience,
peculiar to itself alone, the record of which lives, principally, in the memories of actors in the
various episodes. That many of those occurrences were not creditable to all parties concerned,
taken in the light of history, and as examples to succeeding generations, is to be regretted
rather than denied ; but that there were grand and full contributions made, of life and money,
to the cause of the Union Government, is equally certain, and must be a source of unqualified
gratification to the majority of the community, in view of their condition to-day. " T-he late
unpleasantness," familiarly so-called, was carried on, upon the part of the North, in accordance
with the fact, that the whole of the body politic is of infinitely more importance than a part ;- at
least, that was the view taken by a majority of the people of the North, who recognized in every
application of power or precedent, our national motto, "in union is strength." There were a
large number of persons then living in Oconomowoc and vicinity, who utterly failed to take a
comprehensive view of the situation in which the North was placed by the declaration of the
hostilities upon the part of the South, and who did not seem to perceive the application, that
could be made at any time in the future, of such a precedent as a separate and independent
government fully secured by the South ; and no species of argument could convince them of the
folly of a peace policy, or sympathy with the designs of men whose every act was entirely at
variance with every precept known to statesmen for the maintenance of a permanent govern-
ment, and consequently the universal prosperity of the people.
To give a detailed account of all that occurred then, and which to a great degree interested
every one, would be simply impossible, for every day was of itself a series of incidents, fraught
with little of joy, but much of sadness, for the majority.
No sooner had the news reached the place that Fort Sumter had been fired upon than
a fever of excitement prevailed. A meeting was immediately called at Dodge's Hall — just
completed — and speeches and resolutions were made, and a movement was at once instituted to
organize a cavalry company. Within a short time the cavalry company was enrolled and officered,
as a home guard, called Oconomowoc Cavalry. As demonstrations of all kinds were then
necessary, to express the public enthusiasm, a grand celebration was set on foot for the 4th
of July, 1861, and all hands in the village and town met on Brown street, and had what would
be called a glorious time. A sham battle was fought, and firing of cannon and small arms was
indulged in, and roast pig, a la cobtail, turkey, chickens and everything were annihilated
without remorse, in honor of the occasion ; and the whole thing wound up by a grand cavalry
race, such as many a participant rehearsed in earnest in after days.
It must not be supposed that during this time unanimity of sentiment in this matter pre-
vailed— not so. Meetings of Southern sympathizers were being held, and speeches made, and
ridicule of all kinds launched against the eflbrts of Southern opposers. The headquarters of
the Copperhead party, so-called, was the grocery store of J. K. Carpenter, on the corner where
the brick block of Judge Small now stands. The cavalry company broke up this season, and
the majority of the men went away and enlisted, and not until quite late in the year was an
attempt made to enlist a company here. Then, Rev. Mr. Fox, a Methodist minister, and an
enthusiastic war-man, got up a company, known as Capt. Fox's Company. While the enlist-
ment was going on, some unusual demonstrations were indulged in by the anti-war party, which
greatly ofiended the new company. As a result, one morning when Mr. Carpenter arose, he
found his store barricaded. This being the first hostile demonstration made here, Mr. C.
became thoroughly alarmed, and went to Mr. Hurlbut, who was early appointed United States
Marshal, for relief. Mr. Hurlbut immediately issued an order to Capt. Fox, to have his com-
pany cease their demonstrations, and signed it officially as Colonel on the staff of Gov. Ran-
dall. Capt. Fox reported at once, surprised at receiving such an order, but was soon convinced,
upon seeing the commission, that, as a soldier, he had the duties of a soldier to perform ;
within a short time everything was restored to order ; although violent threats were uttered, and
fears were entertained that a riot would ensue. In 1862, Capt. Stevens' company was enrolled,
724 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and in the fall went out with the Twenty-eighth Regiment. They were as brave and gallant fel-
lows as ever left the place. From this time a greater unanimity of feeling prevailed among the
people. A Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society was early formed, as a branch connected with the Milwau-
kee department, and efficient and hearty service was rendered to the destitute and suffering sol-
diers, in prison, the hospital, and the field. After Capt. Stevens' comp'any went South, a man
said to be a relative of his, who had been connected with that infamous secret society known as
the "Knights of the Golden Circle," came North, as a detective, and among other places visited
Oconomowoc. While here he professed to identify several prominent men as members of the
order, and it was generally believed that there was quite a strong organization here. When the
time came for raising money to pay soldiers, Oconomowoc was not behind, but contributed liber-
ally. At the time of drafting the opposing element made considerable trouble, and a good many
of the drafted parties ran away. But at the last the town furnished more than its quota, some-
thing which, under the circumstances, speaks volumes for the efforts of those who aided in
putting down the Rebellion. More than 200 men went from Oconomowoc, and, taken all in
all, the place stands high in the ranks of earnest supporters of the Government and Union.
INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
First Catamaran. — One of the first boats ever used on Lake La Belle, was a catamaran,
built by Lyman Dewey in 1844. It was made for a big Fourth of July celebration. The idea of
building a deck on two boats, side by side, with a water space between, seems to have been
entirely original to him. This class of boats are now justly great favorites, as swift sailers,
and for their safety. Dewey's boat, it appears, was poorly constructed, and nearly sank
within a short time after starting out with its living freight. Its occupants were barely able to
reach the shore, and universal condemnation was meted out to the "new-fangled" institution.
This voyage was the first and last, of what was called " Dewey's folly."
The First Fight. — During the celebration in 1844, the first battle of " Cooney " is said to
have been fought. It was a fist fight between Elisha Morris and E. Williams. Would it had
been the last !
George W. Fay as a Policeman. — In 1844, an old "codger," supposed to have been. an
Englishman, from the cut of his gib, put in an appearance in the village, and finally, after
trudging about awhile, stepped into the shop of I. C. Stratton, who was then working near the
old store of Mr. Fay. The fellow being a rather hard-looking character, Mr. Stratton regarded
him with suspicion. In a short time, after peering around here and there, he withdrew. No
sooner had he gone, than Stratton looked about to see if anything was taken, and missed his
drawing-knife. He at once reported to his employer, and they together made the fellow come
back. He denied having the drawing-knife, and said that they would find it among the tools ;
going where the tools were he slipped the knife out from his pantaloons leg, when he thought
they were not watching him, and pointed to it a moment after. He then took a tri-square,
concealed it, and started off. Mr. Stratton witnessed the performance, and reported to Mr.
Pay. Mr. I^ay then ordered the man to go into his store, and consider himself a prisoner. To
make a long story short, after having been kept in custody in this way for some time, the chap
thought he would make an effort for liberty. So, when Mr. Fay was not watching, he slid out,
and started off on a run. Mr. Stratton called to Mr. Fay, telling him of the escape of his
prisoner, whereupon Mr. Fay started in hot pursuit, and from one end of the town to the other
they ran, pursuer and pursued ; but the Englishman, owing to the interference of another party,
got away.
The First Phrenologist. — Many stories are related of the jolly times indulged in by the
bachelors who made their rendezvous at the old hotel kept by Charles C. Wilson, the joker
and story-teller. One of these is to the effect that one day, about the time phrenology was first
being discussed, a rather seedy individual came to the hotel, and said to one of the bystanders
" Hever 'ad a lecture on phrenology 'ere?" The man replied, saying that they had not. The
stranger then said that lecturing, and examining 'eads was his business, and he would like to
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 725
give a lecture and examine some 'eads, if he could get some one to help him post some bills.
This was readily agreed to by the other party, and accordingly arrangements were made for the
lecture. When night came, the boys all turned out, expecting to have some fun. They soon
discovered, after the fellow began, that he was a fraud, and, as this was not in the programme,
and not to their taste, they concluded to give him a " send-off." So one of the audience jumped
up, and seizing a dog by the hind legs, swung him around and knocked Mr. Phrenologist heels
over head. As soon as he could come to time, another candidate for examination was perched
on the stool. After Phreno. had given him a character fit for a king, the boys concluded that
they would take another hand in, and give Phreno. a little further experience of their characters ;
so without ado, they grabbed him and jerked him into the bar-room. A whisky and soap slide was-
the great game those days, and of course he must take a " slide." The rules of the slide were,,
that a man must be laid on the counter or table, which was well smeared with soap and whisky,,
and be slid back and forth and finally shot off. If he went off straight, he need not be slid
again. Poor Phreno. called for the landlord, but he could not be found just then; so they slid
him, and slid him again, until he could hardly have told whether he was a still or a soap factory ;
and, finally, it is said, they opened a side door connected with a flight of stairs, and a hill-side
alley, and slid him down stairs alley and all. Phreno, in a very dilapidated condition, got up
and retired, saying, "I calls such treatment ha hinsult."
Chauncy Ludden's Courtship and Marriage. — Chauncy Ludden, who came here very early,
is said to have come West partly to get away from the regions of an old sweet-heart, who had
taken to a "handsomer man." After he had been here some time, he one day asked a fellow-
workman what he had better do, get married or not. This was rather a ticklish question to-
answer, especially considering the fact that there were but a few girls here then. There were
Edith Brainard, Libbie Barton, Miss Goodell, Louisa Washburn, the two Misses Campbell and
Emily Sage. Emily and one other girl were famous runners, there being but one among the
young fellows who could outstrip them, said to have been C. Eastman.
After comparing notes as to the merits of these various parties, Ludden decided to get
married if he could, and to call on Libbie Barton right away. That night found him paying
his devotions at Cupid's shrine, but Libbie was too much for him ; she quoted poetry, and
talked sentiment to him until he was fairly distracted, and declared afterward that " that kind
of sass was too much for him." He next sought Emily Sage, but Emily was, as will be
inferred from her abilities as a runner, a rather frisky miss, and, withal, had a suitor. Yet
Ludden was not to be ignored ; so on trial, she went to spelling-school with him. But, alas for
Ludden's hopes, the other fellow was there, and, when he tried to make his candle stick to the
desk and could not, his rival passed remarks. This disgusted Chauncy, who, without further
ado, withdrew, and his girl went over to the ranks of the enemy. Soon after this, while busy
at work one day, he started up, borrowed a rule from Mr. Stratton, his companion, and went
out to the lumber yard. Nothing was seen of him until evening, when lo ! what should he
have done but drop the rule and go a-courting. This time he launched his shafts at the staid
Louisa, and struck the mark, for soon after they were married.
Old Tom. — Old Tom, the property of Mr. Worthington, was for many years the only
horse that could be hired in the village, and was consequently in great demand on all special
occasions. When the time arrived for Chauncy Ludden and Miss Washburn to be married,
George Pugh, who had been invited, determined to go in style; and, as they were to be married
at Mr. Washburn's house, two or three miles from the village, he concluded to get Old Tom for
the journey. Tom was accordingly brought and hitched to a post while Mr. Pugh was
"fixing up ;" but just at the time Pugh was ready to start, what should the horse do but break
away and start off. Pugh gave chase, and away went Tom pell mell through town with Pugh
at his heels, all dressed in his Sunday best, calling " Stop him, stop him !" Tom, seeming to
know for what service he was intended, ran do^n the road toward Mr. Washburn's, and finally,
to the intense disgust of Mr. Pugh, and to the great amusement of his friends, stopped at Mr.
Washburn's gate, apparently well satisfied that he had done his duty and had no farther to go.
726 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Big Doings at the Adoption of the Constitution. — At this time a grand celebration was
held at " Cooney," and all sorts of jolly proceedings indulged in. Among other things and
the most attractive part of the sports, was the firing off of big charges of powder from old wheel
gudgeons, there being no cannons. The gudgeons did noble service this day, and the boyd fired
salutes for nearly everything and person they could think of. At last, when the category of
worthy, objects was about exhausted, a salute was proposed for "Old Church," who was an in-
terpreter, and an inveterate toper. When this proposition was made, D. H. Rockwell, who
was one of the crowd, all-seas-over like the rest, said he " would not cheer any such drunken
cuss;" at the same time over he went into a mud puddle or something worse, and off went the
gudgeon in honor of Church, while all hands gave a cheer for the fallen hero.
Charles Wilson and the Preacher. — Charles Wilson was early converted and became a
Methodist, but did not stick to his faith long, owing, as he said, to the fact that he kept a hotel
to make a living for himself, and not to furnish preachers with a home. After he left the hotel,
he became very careless as to Sabbath usages, and worked on Sunday occasionally. One Sun-
day morning he was hard at work fixing his house, when a friend going to church with a
minister came along. Shaking their heads regretfully, they bade him good morning. " Good
morning. Elder ;" said Wilson, " nice morning. You see the Seven Day Baptists are not all
dead yet." The joke was too many for the preacher, and he passed on, very much amused at the
sally, and compelled to acknowledge that a man's faith may furnish him with an excuse for
doing almost anything.
Judge Small's Income. — Judge Small says there is no real reason why young people can-
not get along if they are willing to work, and live within their means ; but, of course, if one
has nothing to do, and no means, he generally gets a very slim living. To illustrate : When
Judge Small got married, his wife's father, or his own, presented the couple with enough
to buy a house and lot, and left it to the young lawyer to make enough out of his profes-
sion to support them, which he did ; their expenses for the first year not being $100, and
his income not being more than $125 ; the second year his expenses were about $125,
and income perhaps $50 more, and the third year his income had increased to $250,
and his expenses to $175, the expenses, although increasing, always being less than the in-
come.
Lieutenant Bull's Temperance Speech. — During the last of the war, A. J. Rockwell started
a company here, and, either at the beginning of the enlistment, or a short time after, a Lieuten-
ant Bull, from Madison, came to help him get his company together. While he was here, the
temperance people were holding meetings, and having speeches. One day or evening, young
Rockwell walked into one of the meetings, accompanied by Lieut. Bull, and said that the Lieu-
tenant was a temperance man and speaker ; thereupon, the Chairman invited him to step up and
speechify. Nothing loath, the military man went to the front and began a big temperance talk.
While he was laying himself out to make converts, and beguile the erring ones from their cups,
who should step in but old Mr. Ludington, who at that time indulged very freely in the ardent.
Looking at the speaker in astonishment, for a few moments, he finally spoke up, and asked :
"Ain't you the chap I saw sucking whisky down below here a spell ago?" The Lieutenant,
not to be driven out of the field without a parting shot, said : " Well, what if you did see me,
haven't I been telling the truth? "
How Old Mrs. Besser Defended the Soldier. — During the war, when the public sentiment
was at a boiling point, a discussion took place at the depot one day, and all hands were decry-
ing the Southerners, when a little soldier stepped up, who had been listening, and without ado
told the crowd they did not know what they were talking about; he had been South and
knew, and the rebels were no worse than the Northern soldiers. The crowd was furious, and
two men by the name of Lampman and Lockwood off with their coats and were going to thrash
him. Seeing that discretion was the better part of valor, the soldier ran into Mrs. Besser's
saloon to escape. They chased him to the door, where Mrs. B. met them, armed with a flat-
iron, and declared, if either stepped in, she would crack their skulls. They stood outside and
HISTOBY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 727
pounded the door, and cursed ; but, nothing daunted, Mrs. B. held her own, and finally drove the
belligerent parties away, to the great amusement of the lookers-on.
At the time the La Belle House was burned, it was being kept by a spruce young fellow
who now keeps hotel in the South. It appears that the alarm of fire roused him from a sound
sleep and utterly confused his brain, so that he did not know where he was, or what he was
doing. He jumped up and rushed into the street in dishabille, and ran around in the crowd
shouting for some one to go and "see to the soap and milk the cows." He had to be told,
before he came to himself, to put his clothes on.
Many more amusing anecdotes could be given concerning the place and people, that occurred
at different times, but enough has already been told to illustrate the phases of every day life
here in the past.
ANALYSIS or LA BELLE SPRING.
Temperature, 480° ; specific gravity — The amount of salts in a gallon of twenty-three
cubic inches :
Grains.
Bicarbonate of lime 12.4931
Bicarbonate of magnesia 9.3724
Bicarbonate of soda 1.7577
Bicarbonate of iron, 00.946
Bicarbonate of potassa 00.465
Sulphate of iron 02.192
Chloride of sodium a trace
Silica 07.714
Alumina 00.784
The general healthfulness of this locality has long been acknowledged. This place, being
near the highest point between Rock River and the Fox River, is blessed by a cool, dry and
bracing atmosphere,while the numerous attractions beguile the invalid forth to ride or walk, and
breathe, fresh from nature's fount, this invigorating fluid, or receive life from the sun's genial and
magnetic rays.
Incomparably beautiful surroundings, a cool, salubrious climate, and as pure water as ever
sprung from the bosom of mother earth — what more can be asked ? Saratoga, Long Branch,
Newport, the White Mountains, the retreats of Virginia, Arkansas, Colorado, California or the
glorious Hudson, afford no more sweetly picturesque and charming scenes than can be found
here. Tourists who have visited this place are enthusiastic in praise and admiration of all they
find here, active and anxious in securing a similiar enjoyment among their friends and acquaint-
ances, and seldom fail to put in a second appearance themselves.
Within a comparatively few years, since Messrs. Coffin, Schufeldt and others first came here
for fishing and recreation, this country has acquired a fame, both near and far, as deserved as it
is exceptional. What a marked contrast appears between the present and the past ; the wilder-
ness is subdued ; the revolutionary hand of civilization has changed the face of nature ; where
once stood the lodge of the savage, or cabin of the early settler, now inviting farm dwellings
are seen, and the neat and attractive houses and stately country residences of business men, or
people of leisure, line the streets, or dot the well-kept lawns and umbrageous retreats that
border the lakes.
Where once the Indian or pioneer followed the trail to some famous spring, or favorite
hunting or fishing resort, now come and go the favored and fashion of the land. Here at the
height of the summer season the gayest of the gay seek an outlet to their exuberance and hilar-
ity ; the prematurely worn speculator, rest and refreshment to strengthen him for new ventures ;
the invalid, invigoration and health from climate and scenery ; the student, knowledge from
history and association; while all combined, conspire to make up a little world by itself, instruct-
ive as well as beautiful. Here are to be seen " turnouts " in every imaginable variety ; coaches
with liveried attendants ; carriages with servants behind ; dashing equipages with four in hand ;
tandems of blooded stock ; road wagon to track horse ; sportsmen in dog carts ; and pleasure
728 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
parties on horseback, all going at a spinning rate, seeming devotees the to old maxim, '' While
•we live, let us live." The future of Oconomowoc is established, as it is already determined by
the annually increasing host of fashionable assemblages, one of the favorite watering-places of
America, and one of the few places in the world suitable for a summer home.
BEAUTIES OF OCONOMOWOC.
To portray the many and great attractions of Oconomowoc City and surroundings, the most
fertile fancy and elaborate word-painting seem inadequate, for, in view of so much natural
magnificence and varied perfection, all laudation appears tame and commonplace. Go which-
ever way you may for miles, and scene upon scene of surpassing loveliness greets the charmed
senses, and feelings of delight are experienced that can never be forgotten. Within a radius
of eight or ten miles, are twenty-three or twenty-four lakes, resting like gems in emerald settings
of hill and dale, vernal with rich fields and shady woodlands ; while here and there bright streams
and brooklets, like threads of crystal, go hastening joyously along to hide themselves in some
one of nature's spacious reservoirs.
The roads here are the pride of the inhabitants and the delight of travelers. The soil
being somewhat gravelly and slightly porous, good natural roadbeds are secured, and, by careful
management and work, they have been rendered permanently hard and smooth, and, like every-
thing else in this favored region, are as good as can be found anywhere. They are neither lim-
ited in number or circumscribed in distance, and lead, winding in every direction, through gor-
geous parks of farming lands, sunny slopes and openings, and overhangiog forests and the ever-
recurring lakes, and sparkling rivulets, that intersect the landscape on every hand.
The mean height of the land about Oconomowoc is 300 feet above the level of Lake Mich-
igan. Government Hill, a few miles distant, is about 600 feet above the lake. From this point
on a clear day, twenty-eight lakes can be seen. The names of the prominent ones are Lac La
Belle, Oconomowoc, Okauchee, Silver, Golden, Twin Lakes and Fowler's Lake, while there is
one peculiar one known as "Aunt Polly's Wash-Tub, " which alone gives soft water. These are
all within easy driving distance, and here the disciples of Walton, in search of pleasures pisca-
torial, will find an abundance of fish, the waters being literally alive with bass, pickerel, perch,
etc. Sportsmen also find promising hunting-grounds in this vicinity; as water-fowl, snipe, wood-
cock, quail, and almost every species of small game luxuriate here in unlimited numbers.
The mineral springs found here may as justly be proclaimed for their healing properties
and life-giving qualities as any found within the State of Wisconsin. There is a strip of country
beginning on the eastern boundary of Waukesha County running west more than forty miles, and
much of it belonging to the valley of Rock River, that is particularly noted for its mineral wells
and springs. These waters are similar in their nature ; most of them containing iron in large
proportion, others magnesia and various mineral properties, but all noted for their health-giving
qualities. Of these there are a goodly number, and thousands already bear testimony to their
efficacy. One of the largest, is located on Mr. Hitchcock's property. In the early settlement of
the country, this is said to have been a favored spot among the Indians, and the various tribes
brought their sick here to avail themselves of the benefit of " the healing waters."
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 729
HISTORY OF TOWNS.
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD.
Township 7, Range 20 east, called Brookfield, was set apart as now bounded, and organized
into a town by act of the Legislature of 1839. It is an excellent farming section and one of
the good fruit-growing towns of the county. Its close proximity to Milwaukee, excellent con-
nections with that city by two railroads and the plank roads, gives the farmers opportunity to
secure, at all times, the highest cash market prices for their products. Thus the location adds
materially to the natural productive value of the farms in this town.
The first real settler was Robert Curran, who came to Prairieville August, 1836, with his
family, consisting of a wife and three children. In September of this year, he moved to Brook-
field and purchased a claim on Section 25, where H. Gregg now lives. There was a small cabin,
partly completed, on the place. He moved in while there was yet a stump inside, no floor having
been laid, and with scarcely a roof over their heads. He came in with two yokes of cattle and
had to brush out a road, there being only Indian trails through the town at that time. He went to
work at once and cut a large quantity of hay for his cattle and for the purpose of providing for
travelers. During the winter, he made the first clearing, and in the spring of 1837, built an
addition, and made it his chief business to care for travelers.
His house was the first tavern in the town, and Elon Fuller was his first guest.
In November, 1886, George Putney came in with a family and settled in the west part of
the town, on the farm now owned by Chester Blodgett. He remained a few years and at last
ran away with the Mormons.
S. G. Putney came here in the fall of 1836, and in 1840 brought his family and settled on
a canal claim of 200 acres, one mile south of the Brookfield Junction Depot, where he still
lives on the same old claim.
In the spring of 1837, Augustus Yale, a young married man, came in, hiring a team to
haul his things out from Milwaukee into the deep woods where he had made his claim. Here
he started life by sticking up two or three poles in the ground and covering them with a bed-
quilt, this constituting his first dwelling. Where he stuck his first stake he now lives, having
developed a fine farm and reared a large family.
During this spring, Mr. Curran broke three or four acres of land and planted corn and
vegetables. This was the first land broke in the town, and these were the first crops raised.
Jacob Stam came in very early in the spring of 1887, with his family, the snow being quite
deep when his house was built. He was the third settler in the town.
Maj. Farr and family, and E. A. Parker, his son-in-law, a brother of John G. Parker, the
Canadian patriot, came in the summer of 1837 and made permanent claims and built houses.
Augustus Story came in and settled at the Plank Road Junction about this time.
Moore Spears came in 1837 and settled near Elm Grove ; Ezra Maynard came in the
summer of this year, and Mr. Van Vleck also.
In the winter of 1837 and 1838, the first school was taught in the town by Moore Spears,
in a claim cabin on Maj. Farr's place. There were about twelve pupils, some of them being
of age.
In the spring of 1838, the Hatch settlement, so-called, was formed in the northwest part of
the town. There were two Hatch brothers, and two or three others in this settlement.
A saw-mill was built by Charles Hart on Section 15, about 1838. This was the first mill
in town, and was run until within a few years.
J. P. Story bought out his brother Augustus about in 1840, and built a steam saw-mill soon
after. This was run for several years, but did not pay, and was finally abandoned.
Charles Hart built a small grist-mill about 1860, near his saw-mill. This mill was never
prosperou''. and nfter stnndincr a few veara wa<! demolished.
730 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The first schoolhouse in District No. 1, Section 26, was built in 1839, of logs, and Juda
Phelps taught the first school here.
In 1840, Rev. H. W. Frink held meetings here, and organized a class of Methodists.
There were five members from Brookfield, Robert Curran, wife and son, and Gideon Wales and
wife. The first preaching in town was at the house of Robert Curran, by Elder Wheelock, in
1838, and Mr. Curran's son Charles rode around the neighborhood to warn out the settlers.
The first death was that of Miss Susan Farr, daughter of Maj. Farr, who died in the spring
of 1838.
Joseph Irwin and Fanny Farr were married in 1839, by Rev. Cyrus Bowles, of Milwaukee.
This was the first marriage in the town.
The first birth was a child of Gideon Wales. His son Solomon was born about 1840.
Harmenus Van Vleck was the Territorial Justice about 1840.
The first election was held in a house built by Lot Blanchard on the old Dousman plat,
afterward occupied by Jerome Toplifi", who kept tavern here and the first post ofiice.
The plank road junction was at one time called Storyville, after the Story family.
Charles Raymond was the first Justice of the Peace and Postmaster in Brookfield. H e
lived two miles east of the plank road junction.
The first blacksmith-shop in the town was started by Jacob Stam, in 1837, on Section 26.
He was an excellent workman. John Bevier, M. D., came here in 1840, and was the first residen
physician in Brookfield.
There are several churches in town — two Catholic, one Lutheran, one Methodist and at
Bible Christian Church.
Most of the land in town came into market in 1839. Among the first settlers were Mr.
Buell, about 1836 or 1837 ; Joseph Irwin, Mr. McLaughlin, Joshua Cheney and Paul
McMahon, in 1836 or 1837 ; Gideon Wales, Isaac N. Smith, Mr. Van Vleck, J. Shirtleff,
Nathan Raymond, Charles Raymond, J. W. Brackett, John McLean, Charles Hart and father,
William Leith, Isaac Fellows, Charles Leland, G. H. Breed, James Hines, Deacon DegraflF,
Mr. Ellis, Jacob Keeler, Charles Shut, Harmenus Van Vleck and sons, Amos and Aaron, who
came in 1838, 1839 or 1840.
Brookfield Junction. — The first depot was built here in 1853, at the junction of the Mil-
waukee & Prairie du Chien road (then called Milwaukee & Mississippi) and the Milwaukee &
St. Paul Railway (then called the Milwaukee, Watertown & Baraboo Valley). This depot is
now used as a dwelling house. The present depot was built in 1867, after the purchase of the
Milwaukee, Watertown & Baraboo Railway, by the Milwaukee & Prairie du Chien Company.
Dyer Bill kept the first post office here. C- H. Purple, now dead, opened the first store in town, at
or near Brookfield, in 1852. He also kept the post office here, which was established after the
coming of the railway. Fare from Brookfield to Waukesha was once but 10 cents. John Ban
started a little shop here in 1858. He was engaged in working for the railway company, when
a bank caved in on him, disabling him, and compelling him to resort to this means of support.
He soon sold out, an addition was built to his shop, and a hotel was opened here by Harry Cox.
A steam saw-mill, was built here in 1849 or 1850, by Bean, Clinton, Powers and B. D.
Holton. This mill they constructed and fitted up on quite an extensive scale, there being a fifty-
horse-power engine and two boilers, but, the various working parts proving very defective, the
mill did not work well. Aft«r ifhad been run about a year without paying, E. D. Holton and
W. D. Bacon purchased the interests of Bean, Clinton & Powers, becoming joint-owners. They
at once proceeded to change the working parts and connections in the mill, putting in new and
improved machinery, and adding a twenty-two-inch circular saw in place of the mulay saw.
From this time on the mill proved a complete success. In a short time after, Mr. Bacon pur-
chased Mr. Helton's interest, becoming sole proprietor, and held possession and ran the mill as
long as there was need of one in this vicinity.
The Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company depended very largely upon this mill for
lumber for building cars, bridges and roadbeds. That was before the invention of satis-
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 731
factory "chairs" for holding the ends of the rails where they unite, and one of the first
pieces of work done here was to cut ties 18 inches wide for this purpose. These double ties
were laid the entire distance from Waukesha to Eagle. A quantity of timber, twenty-two
inches wide, sixteen feet long and six inches thick, enough to lay two to each one of the cattle
guards, from Eagle to Prairie du Chien, were sawed here, besides crossing-plank and bridge
timbers. All of the first ties used in the several " y's " at Milton Junction were cut here, and
the plank and ties used in constructing the first railroad bridge over Rock River, at Janesville.
The entire bill .of 100,000 feet of joists required to build John Nazro's large double store
at Milwaukee, was sawed here. When the mill closed, Mr. Bacon sold the boilers and engine
to R. N. Kimball, who set them in his grist mill at Waukesha.
Elm Grove. — The majority of the inhabitants of Elm Grove are Germans, and it is an
exceedingly quiet little burg.
The depot was built here in 1864, and about that time the post oflRce was established, with
G. B. Breed as Postmaster. After him, Mr. Schlick, then Mr. Reusch, then Mrs. Reusch, the
present Postmistress. The first store was kept by Mr. Wood, in the basement of the building
now owned by Mrs. Reither. Mr. Reither is now the oldest store-keeper here.
St. Mary's Orphan Asylum and Convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame was founded by
Lady Superior Caroline, of the Mother House, in Milwaukee, in 1855, at first as an asylum.
For the last two or three years it has been used for a convent school, as well as asylum. It is
at present self-supporting, and has a large farm connected with it. There are now about
eighteen children, twenty candidates and twenty-four Sisters in the convent. There is a
church and two parish schools in connection with the institution. Sister Mary Hippolita is
now the sister in charge.
TOWN OF DELAFIELD.
Originally the present town of Delafield, Township 7, of Range 18 east, formed a part of
the town of Warren, now Merton; by act of the Legislature, approved February 17, 1842, it
was included as part of Warren, the election to be held at the schoolhouse in District No. 1 ;
by an act approved March 21, 1843, the boundaries were established as they now are, and the
town named Nehmabin, the first election to be held at the house of N. P. Hawks; and by an act
of the Legislature, passed January 26, 1844, the name was changed from Nehmabin to Delafield.
The town of Delafield presents as many attractions, especially to the tourist, as any in
the county. That it is one of the most beautiful, fertile and well watered, cannot be denied.
Here are as fine drives, views and farming lands as heart can wish for or imagination suggest.
The population of the town is quite varied in nationality. It is an easy matter for one to
study here, in the space of a few square miles, the manners and customs of several diiferent
nationalities. The Welsh still live in primitive simplicity among the hills of the south ; in the
northwest, the Scandinavian cultivates the hop-vine with enthusiasm, and in other parts Yankee
and Scotchman, Englishman and German, each pursues his peculiar way of life without let or
hindrance from the others.
The first claim was made by Deacon Schuyler, in the spring of 1837. He erected a cabin
on the site of the present village of Delafield, and lived there for a year or more, then moved
into the town of Summit. Albert Campbell came in 1837^ and chose the fine farm where he
now resides. Here he at once built himself a little house out of poplar logs, covered the top
with poplar poles, with more of them split into "shakes " for shingles; made his furniture of the
same facile material, and "enjoyed himself the best he ever did in his life." Mrs. Campbell
says that she felt as if she was entering a palace when their household goods were removed to a
more substantial log house (which is now rotting down in the woods). The following parties
also came in this year, besides some whose names are not known, viz., Hiram Campbell, Henry
C. Skinner, George W. Skinner, Edwin Skinner, E. Melvin Skinner, Gaylord Ellsworth, Homer
S. Finley, D. W. Kellogg, George Paddock and Millard Hughson.
732 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTS.
In 1838, Stephen Warren came in and many others, the exact date of their arrivals not
being known. About this time or soon after, there came Ira Morris, A. J. Wilson, John A.
Messenger, Elisha Daggett, Robert Lookwood, John Heath, Harvey Burchard, Rufus Scott,
Edward Pearmain, Ben Brewer, Ben Moffit and Nathaniel Hughson ; but many of these
moved away soon after or sold their claims.
According to the old poll list for September, 1842, there were but nineteen voters ; of those
not already mentioned there were George Paddock, Martin Waite, Harvey Brewer, Isaac Harrison,
N. P. Hawks, Francis Chase, Ben Brewer, E. Dolivar, M. B. and W. Gushing, E. L, Math-
ews, A. L. Castleman, and Samuel Smith. Soon after, Michael Ward, Thomas Gahill, Mike
Glarey, Jack Wilson, John Heath, Russell Frisby, Daniel Plumley, Albert Alden and many
others came.
The first deaths were those of E. Melvin Skinner and Gaylord Ellsworth, who were drowned
in Snail Lake, now known as Pewaukee Lake. This was a most sad and aggravating circum-
stance, and is still fresh in the memory of many. It occurred October 8, 1837.
The first funeral and first sermon was on the occasion of the deaths, by drowning, of the
above named. The ceremony was conducted by Elder Wheeler, about October 12, 1837.
Not many years after this, Edward Pearmain committed suicide by shooting himself, owing
to trouble which he had with Daniel Plumly, his son-in-law, said to have been a worthless
wretch, who subsequently traded his wife with another fellow, of equal merit, for his sister.
The first marriage was that of Henry Bowron to Miss Hellen Campbell, the ceremony
of the occasion being performed by Elder GriflSn, of Waukesha, in the spring of 1840.
The first person to commence his existence in this town was Frank H. Skinner, son
of Henry C. and Susan Skinner, born January 4, 1838. He died in California.
A school was taught by Mrs. Stephen Warren, in a room of their dwelling-house, in the fall
of 1840, there being about twelve pupils. This was the first school taught in town.
The first school in a schoolhouse was taught by Morgan L. Skinner, in 1841-42. Num-
ber of pupils, fifteen. The schoolhouse was made of poplar logs, and stood near Rowell's gate.
The first dam was built and a saw-mill commenced by the Warrens, in 1841, at Hartland.
This property was purchased by Christ Hershey, in 1842, and was operated by him for several
years.
The first well was made in 1841, by Stephen Warren, on the place occupied by the Widow
Skinner.
The first store in the town was opened at Delafield in 1843, by Albert Alden, in the build-
ing afterward occupied as a hotel by Silas Barber.
In July, 1842, N. P. Hawks advertised for a blacksmith, and soon after a shop was started
here by a Mr. Selick.
The first Justice's docket in the town was opened by Milton B. Gushing, on the 15th day
of February, 1840, and a case was tried by him between Russell Frisby, defendant, and G. S.
Hosmer, plaintiff. Mr. Cushing was succeeded by N. P. Hawks, in 1843.
The old Territorial road came to Delafield in 1838, and gave the town the benefit of a public
thoroughfare.
The first hotel was started by N. P. Hawks as early as 1840. Hawks was known from
that time forward for many years as the " prince of high living."
There were three hotels, located between Delafield and Pewaukee, on the stage route in this
town, as early as 1844, and so great was the travel that they all did a thriving business until
the advent of the plank road and railroad. Daniel McVean owned one on Section 25, and Messrs.
Houston & Crombie owned the others on Section 26. They were all burned after 1850, heavily
insured.
At the first town meeting held in Delafield, then Warren, at the schoolhouse of District
No. 1, Tuesday, January 5, 1842, the following oflScers were elected, George Paddock being
chosen Moderator, and George W. Skinner Clerk of the meeting : Milton B. Cushing, Chair-
man, Henry Cheney and William Odell, Side Supervisors; Town Clerk, Ellas Palmer; Con-
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 733
stable and Collector, Stephen Warren ; Assessor, Hiram Warren ; Road Commissioners, John
Johnson, John Molster and A. L. Castleman ; School Commissioners, Samuel B. Parsons,
Albert Campbell and Philetus S. Cross. It was then resolved that all town ofiScers should receive
a compensation of $1 per day for service if not otherwise provided for by law ; that a tax should be
levied on all property not to exceed ^ of 1 per cent, for school purposes, on all taxable property,
and that $25 shall be raised to pay town officers. According to the first assessment roll, there
were but twenty-four tax-payers in the town. The amount of personal property assessed was
$1,530 ; of real estate, $9,815.32 ; total wealth of the town, $11,345.32.
A saw-mill was built on Bark River, Section 19, by Albert Alden, in 1844. N. P. Hawks soon
after built a flouring-mill here, and became half-owner in the whole property, with Mr. Alden.
Shortly after this, Mr. Alden sold his interest to Mr. Hawks, then, directly after, everything
burned, with no insurance. Mr. Hawks rebuilt, erecting a commodious frame structure.
Eventually the property was purchased by Rossman & Wheelock, afterward Rossman & Kern,
they selling to Mr. Notbohm, the present owner. The dam has a nine foot-head.
Dr. Castleman was the first practicing physician in town.
Delafield Village. — This place was first called Hayopolis, then Nehmabin, then, in 1843,
Dekfield, after a Mr. Delafield, who came here from New York to start a mulberry grove. In
an early day, this place was the chief point on the road between Watertown and Prairieville.
The land here was bought from the Government by Messrs. Pearmain and Heath, and Mr.
Pearmain built the second house here. The first frame house was built by Mr. Heath. In 1842,
Mr. Heath began the work of building a dam and erecting a mill. He soon after sold an
interest to Mr. Delafield, and a man by the name of P. Potter, Register of the Land Office,
Milwaukee, in 1843, also became interested about this time. After Mr. Delafield died, Mrs.
Delafield held the property. In 1846, Andrew Proudfit bought it, and Heath and Potter left.
He refitted the mill, dug a new race, raised the dam, and added a steam engine, then run the mill
night and day, doing an immense business. Proudfit, about this time, erected the building now
occupied by John Kilmer for a store and post-office. He subsequently erected several build-
ings, but eventually failed and lost everything. He was one of the most enterprising citizens
Delafield ever had. Mr. H. Buck now owns the mill.
In 1843, the post-office was established here, and N. P. Hawks was appointed Postmaster.
At that time the people from Merton had to come here for their mail.
In 1847, N. P. Hawks built a commodious hotel. Mr. Hawks was the great joker and
story teller of the country.
In 1843, Jacob Luther came in and opened a blacksmith shop, after Selick, and lived here
the remainder of his life. He died in 1879, and the old shop is closed.
In the fall of 1844, Simon Dolivar was killed, just north of the village, by a sleigh over-
turning and letting a saw-log fall on him.
In 1850, N. P. Hawks put up a frame building for a town hall, about where stood the first
hotel, or Pearmain House. This building Mr. Jacques afterward purchased, and rebuilt as it now
is. It is at present used by Mr. Kuntz for a store. The hotel kept here now is the one kept
by Silas Barber in the palmy staging days of yore. At that time there were three hotels here.
While Barber was here, a man named Hull put in his appearance one day with a span of horses
to sell, making oath that they were his ; Barber was about to buy, when word came that Hull
was a perjurer, that the horses belonged at Kenosha. Hull was at once arrested and brought
before Justice Jacques, who has been a resident here since 1844. Hull had no money or coun-
sel, so Mr. Jacques said to N. P. Hawks, who was present, " You will please act as counsel for
this man, Mr. Hawks !" " Very well," said Hawks, " but if I act I shall clear him." "With
that I have nothing to do," said Justice Jcaques. Just at this time the owner came on, and of
course Hull was thought to be a goner. The trial was to come off in the evening, but, while all
parties were standing in front of the Justice's office, in the dusk, what should the worthy Hawks
do but slyly raise an empty dry-goods box, when no one was looking, and slip Hull under it.
The Deputy Sheriff, Houston, had been rather indifferent about watching Hull, and when called
734 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
could not find him. "How is this, Mr. Houston ?" said the Justice. Said Houston; " I don't
find him." " No, nor you won't ; for it is written, in the Second Book of Hawks, that when a per-
son gets forty rods the start, from my pump, in the night, he is what you might call clear."
He escaped.
When the project of getting a plank road built through here was being discussed, in 1848
and 1849, N. P. Hawks wanted it built at one place, and Dr. Castleman at another, each prom-
ising to give a handsome sum to have it as he wished. Between the two stools, the road fell to
the ground. William M. Jacques, a public-spirited man, went so far as to build quite a stretch of
grade in addition to his subscription, but it availed nothing. At about this time, Daniel Kel-
logg conceived the idea that it would be a good thing to build a steam mill in the eastern part of
the town, and also a piece of gravel road to reach it. He undertook the latter first, and com-
pleted one of the finest pieces of road in the State, but bankrupted himself by doing it.
There are two churches in Delafield. The Episcopal Church was built at a very early day,
by J. Ralston Cox, of Philadelphia, and donated to the parish of Saint John Chrysostom, Dela-
field. Dr. Adams, of Nashotah, is the present rector. It is a commodious structure and very
handsomely finished in hard woods.
The Presbyterian Church was organized November 16, 1866, with the following members:
D. D. Robertson, Catharine Robertson, Robert Miekel, Marion Miekel, Elizabeth Anderson,
Mary Lowrie, Elizabeth Jaques, Anna M. Jaques, Mary Davis, James 0. Robertson and Mrs.
Ella Robertson. During the summer of 1868, the church was built. It was dedicated January
28, 1869. There are now fifty members. The pastors have been P. D. Young, J. H. Potter,
and J. Martin, the present minister.
Delafield has an I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, which is is one of the oldest in the county. N. C.
Hawks, son of N. P. Hawks, published a small newspaper here at one time.
Hartland. — Stephen Warren was the first settler at this place and remains here yet. The
first improvements of any value were constructing the dam and erecting the saw and grist mills,
which were going as early as 1842, under the management of Christ Hershey. The grist-mill
is now used for a cider mill; the saw-mill was torn down several years ago. It stood west of
the grist-mill. The first store was opened by William Hobkirk in 1844. The next store was
opened in 1846 by McVean and William P. Clark. McVean died or left in a short time
after and Chauncy Simonds bought and ran the business.
The first mail route through Hartland was established in 1846. The first Postmaster was
William P. Clark, who was soon succeeded by Chauncy Simonds, and the first quarterly re-
turns were $5.46.
The Congregational Church was built in 1855-57, but the society was organized as
early as 1842. A meeting was held, it is said, in a barn on the farm of Mr. Cheney, now
owned by Mr. Wakeman, where the society was organized by the Rev. Baker, to be called the
First Congregational Church of Warren. The members were, J. C. Molster, Sarah Molster,
Nancy Hopkins, William Cheney, S. Warren, D. K. Warren, N. Nicholson, Sybrant Hale,
J. Ferguson, Euphemia Ferguson and Lucy Wells. 0. S. Smith is the present pastor. Since
the first school taught here' by Mrs. Warren, in a small room, the number of pupils has increased,
until now a fine school building is used, with two departments. About eighteen years ago, the
Rev. Bennett, a student of Nashotah, preached in the cider-mill, and succeeded in getting- enough
by subscription to buy a lot. After about six years, there was enough money raised, by church
socials and sundry subscriptions, with f 100 presented by Bishop Kemper, to begin a church.
The church cost $1,100; the furniture was obtained from an old church in Chicago. Services
are now held at irregular intervals.
The first Lutheran Church movement of Hartland was started in 1870, by Mr. J. C. Krause
and Mr. Ole Hansen, each pledging together that they would donate $50 apiece toward a church.
Accordingly, meetings were called at two different times, first at the house of Jacob Blitch, second
at the house of Ole Hansen, where, a large number being present, it was decided to build a
church. As a result, they had a snug little church ready for dedication on the second Sunday of
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 735
1871, and P. M. Hatelstadt preached the sermon in English. The church is free, the minister
being supported by subscription. Preaching is in English. There are now about 100 members.
The first depot of the La Crosse Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad
built at this point, is now used for a stable. The depot which succeeded it was built in 1867 and
stood here until the morning of the 25th of May, 1879, when it was struck by lightning and
burned to the ground.
A large amount of grain is shipped from this point annually, Mr. Johnson, who has a
warehouse, having shipped as high as 100,000 bushels per annum.
The charter of Bark River Lodge, No. 122, A., F. & A. M., was granted to William
Goodman, Master ; George E. Bergwell, Senior Warden, and Henry Shears, Junior Warden, by
the Grand Lodge, June 13, 1860. There are now thirty-seven members on the roll. The lodge
room over the store of Mr. Staps, is carpeted and neatly furnished and decorated.
Hartland Temple of Honor, No. 93, was organized December 28, 1876, and was finally
instituted on the 15th of January, 1877, with fifteen members. The officers were : W. C. T.,
William S. O'Brien; W. V. T., H. E. Salsich; P. W. C. T., J. T. Bickford ; W. C, Charles
A. Fassett; A. R., George Crozier; F. R., W. Wilson; W. T., William LeRoy; W. U., Charles
Kerr; D. U., 0. Finch. There have been 110 initiated. There are now 36 members in good
standing, with a good hall.
There is a large flouring-mill here now ; ^.Iso several stores and mechanics' shops.
Nashotah Station, once called Pine Lake, is in this town. There have been a hotel and
store near here for several years.
TOWN OF EAGLE.
Township 5, Range 17 East, was first organized into a precinct separate from and
independent of adjoining towns, in accordance with act of the Council and House of Representa-
tives of the Territory of Wisconsin, January 12, 1841. Up to 1839, Eagle was a part of Muk-
wonago ; then a part of Genesee up to the passage of the above act. The first town meeting was
held at the house of Andrew Scofield, in Eagleville. However, it is impossible to be strictly
accurate in the earliest details, |Owing to the fact that the first town records are lost, so far as
ascertainable.
The town received its name in a rather singular manner, as follows : In the year 1836,
while Thomas Sugden, John Coats and a Mr. Garton were prospecting, they came to a beau-
tiful prairie about one and a' half by two and a half miles in area. Here, hovering and curv-
ing over a large mound, near the present residence of Ebenezer Thomas, was a monster bald-
headed eagle. From this incident and time, the prairie and town were callecj Eagle.
The country, in its natural state, was diversified by springs, brooks, marshes, prairie and
burr oak openings. The arable soil is slightly variable in composition, being, for the most
part, a rich loam and gravel, and is ijuite productive. A chain of bluffs passes through the
northwest part, but the greater part of the land is tillable. Here, as elsewhere in the county,
the inhabitants suflFered the deprivations incident to pioneer life, which have become the subjects
for many an evening tale.
The first claim is said to have been made by A. R. Hinkley on Eagle Prairie, where he
now lives, the 20th of September, 1836, and here he erected a shanty, the following winter,
which yet remains, " a relic of by-gone days."
Here he brought his family in 1838, and in a space 12x16 feet, put up two beds, a pine
table, a rotating-top stove, four chairs or stools, a large box for bedding, five barrels of flour
and one of pork. This single experience but illustrates the trials and inconveniences to which
all were subject.
In 1836, Eb Thomas and wife came and erected a house on their claim and occu-
pied it. They were actually the first permanent settlers. The year following, Mr. Thomas
started a blacksmith- shop, the first in the town.
736 HISTOKY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Mrs. Bovee, mother of Matthias Bovee, one of the distinguished dead, is said to have
been the first person who died in the town of Eagle, though John Hurst and Ebenezer Thomas
lost infants at about the same time. Charles Sherman, who now resides at Whitewater, was
the first child born in the town, and his people, who have long since moved away, were among
the very first settlers.
In 1837, Jerry Parsons built a hotel at the point called Jericho, on the road to Madison
and the " Far West." This was the first regular hotel. Jericho took its name from the first
syllables of Parsons' given name and the Bible name, but it cannot be said to have been a more than
usually saintly place. Jericho had also at one time two stores, one kept by H. Skidmore, and
the other by a Mr. Spooner — with shops accordingly.
The fall and winter of 1836, found Daniel Bigelow, one of the pioneer millers of the State,
building a little saw-mill in the wilderness, at the place called Bagleville. This was the first
mill in the town. Here, for many years, the pioneers hauled their logs and got their lumber
sawed. This mill has been gone these many years. The following year, Dr. Bigelow, who
appears to have been a very enterprising person, went to work alone, to erect -a grist-mill,
which was soon completed and doing work, crushing grain for the early settlers. The doctor
being unable to get buhrs, hunted arouad until he found a couple of granite stones suitable for
his purpose, dressed and fitted them, and for years these were the only stones used in the mill.
Thus does necessity pave the way to invention. This was the first grist-mill in the county,
and stood where now stands its successor, the mill of A. Scofield, with its fine machinery and
complete general appointments, and which was built about 1844. The first store in the town was
started by Mr. Scofield, in 1844, at Eagleville. By this time, this place and the town "had
become of sufiicient importance to require a post-office, which was established here, Mr. Sco-
field being Postmaster. Previous to this time, the people were compelled to go to Mukwonago
to get their mail. Eagleville, at this time, had stores, shops, etc., and until the coming of the
railroad in 1851, was the town metropolis.
The first frame dwelling house erected in town was built by T. W. Pitman, at Eagle Center,
in 1845, the timbers being sawed at Bigelow's mill, and the lumber for finishing being hauled
from Racine. The building is a substantial structure, and in a goodstate of preservation to-day.
The first religious service is said to have been held at Dr. Bigelow's, when an itinerant
Presbyterian preached to a small audience.
The first school is said to have been taught by Miss Gertrude Goodrich, in a small building
near Jericho, in 1840. •
The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first church that held regular services and had a
Sunday school. The nucleus of the present church first held services at the house of Mr. Cross,
and Rev. Mr. Halsey is said to have been the preacher. Afterward, services were held at
difierent times, here and there, in the settlers' houses, until the erection of the schoolhouse of
District No. 1, in 1841, after which time the Methodists held their services in this schoolhouse
and others, until the establishment of the church at Eagle Center. It is told of one of the early
ministers, a Mr. Moultrop, from Canada, a very able preacher, that he made application to Messrs.
Long and Cross for a picket fence around his yard, and carpet for his floor. They were very
indignant at the demand, and replied : " We have no carpets nor picket fences, and if you
preach for us you can't have any either." He didn't have any — at least, not in Eagle.
John James and Miss Francis, George Robinson and Ann Archer, were the first couples
married here, and Henry Hinkley, the first Justice appointed by the Territorial Governor, per-
formed the ceremonies.
It is said of Miss Cross, who married Jonathan Parsons, in an early day, that after her
marriage she used to sweep the floor of her log house, and dust her pine table, wooden chairs,
and mud-chinked walls ; with cap and gloves on, to the infinite amusement of her less fastidious
neighbors.
Cheese manufacturing was begun in the town in 1875, in a building constructed for the
purpose of making burial cases, but which was never put to its intended use, on account of the
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 737
company that built it having come to an unseasonable end. The factory, as it now is, has a
capacity for handling 10,000 pounds of milk per day. In connection with the factory, there is
a fifteen-horse-power engine which runs a log-sawing apparatus, and a planing and feed mill.
The "in-fair," held at Andrew Scofield's, in Eagleville, in honor of the marriage of his
adopted son, will be well remembered by the oldest inhabitants. On that occasion, in the autumn
of 1841, nearly all of the inhabitants within a radius of six miles were invited and were present,
and were entertained with all the jolly old-time hospitality. Rachael Scofield and Andrew, her
husband (a Quaker), did nothing by halves; and, Rachael being a most excellent cook, it maybe
easily believed that there was fun and feasting without stint. Here the young couple sat in a
corner bolt upright, with their backs against the logs, and maintained the dignity of the occa-
sion, and received the compliments and respects of their many friends who came to see them ofi"
on the journey of life. Nowadays, the bride is not often found cooking and serving her own
marriage refreshments.
William Harrison kept the first store in Eagle, in 1842, at the place called Palestine. Here
a hotel was sllso kept a few years later, and perhaps a blacksmith-shop, etc. There is nothing
left now to show for that condition.
A Mr. Long, said to have been the longest man in Eagle, in an early day came very near
to starvation at one time, and was obliged, in order to avoid this result, to live on such roots and
fruits as could be found in the forests.
There are a few slight errors, apparently, in the following renort made in 1871 to the Old
Settlers' Club, but they are by far too insignificant to impair its value :
The Town of Eagle was first settled during the fall of the year 183G. The persons settling were William Sher*
man, Jonathan Parsons, Henry A. Hinkley, Ahira-R. Hinkley, Harrison Ward, Daniel Bigelow, Andrew Schofieldi
Richard B. Whitehouse and James Bigelow. In 1887, Ebenezer Thomas, James T. Walklin, John Long. Thomas
Orchard, Taylor, William Ellis, Baxter P. Melendy, Daniel P. Melendy, Herman Bnos, David Benedict, Samos
Parsons, Ferrand Bigelow, Isaac Severance, Daniel Ewers, Emory Harris, Richard Sharpe, David Barnard, Seneca
Harris, Jerome C. Sawyer and Samuel Orchard. In 1.S38, James Bias, John Hurst, John Carlin, Ebenezer F. Weld,
Leveritt Sherman, Francis Draper and Jonathan Betis. In 1839, William De Wolf, William C Garton and David
Crerar. In 1840, James Cation, Widow Barnard, Obed Barnard, Joshua Roberts, Henry Pett and Richard Sleep
In 1841, William K. Cash, Daniel Jennings, Jerome Hopkins, Sherman R, Hopkins and William Robinson. In 1842,
John C. Snover, Rev. Newell Dustin, Clement Dustin, Henry AVall, Henry James, Hugh Murphy, Isaac Bottomly,
Thomas Trow, Miller, Cyrenus Baldwin, Charles Raynous, John Hinton, Joseph Hage, William J. Hage, Richard
Hage, John Hancock, Oramel Hinkley, Matthew Bartlett, Gregory Abbott, Joseph M. ,'^tillwell and George Atwood.
In 1843, Col. F. A. Sprague, George Underbill, Matthias J. Bovee, Philip V. Bovee, Ransom Kestead, Robert Rose,
Benedict A. Bovee, James Dillon. Ward Atwaterand Alsadalos Newcomb. In 1844, W. W. Tredway, Geer,
Luck, David Toop, Peter D. Gifford, David Lampman, Dr. Thomas Emerson, Robert Clark, Daniel B. Reels, Noah
Young, Daniel D. Carpenter, George E. Logan, Daniel T. Sabin, Henry Snyder, Eber Ewers, Thomas Taylor, Thomas
Sugden, Lester Gifford, Thomas W. Pitman, John Crowley, Robert Andiss, Arnold, Linas Morgan, Charles M.
Cole and Henry Palmer.
The first white child born within the town was Charles Sherman, son of William Sherman. The second born
was Jacob Thomas, son of Ebenezer Thomas. L. D. Hinkley, son of Ahira R. Hinkley, was the third person born
within the town.
First marriage, Jonathan Parsons and Miss Jane Cross. First death, a child of John Hurst. First breaking of
the soil was done by Kirkendall and Pendall, 18^^6 ; first manufacturing establishment was asaw-mill and grist-mill
built in 1836, Daniel Bigelow proprietor ; second, a fanning mill factory by Newell & Clement Dustin, 1842 ; first
sohoolhouse, a log structure built by William Sherman, on Sec. No. 24, 1841 ; first school was taught by Miss Emily
Goodrich, 1842; first blacksmith, Charles Raynous, 1842 ; first shoemaker, Seneca Harris, 1844 ; first tailor, Robert
Clark, 1844 ; first tavern, kept by Isaac Severance, 1844 ; first wagon-maker, Henry James, 1843. » * * *
Respectfully submitted,
J. C. Shovek,
A. R. Hinkley,
J. T. Walklin.
Eagle Center. — The village of Eagle Center is located in the center of Section 22, a little
southeast of the geographical center of the town, from which it derives its name.
The location, in point of general detail, is not the best. The soil is sand and gravel, and
the surface of the ground in the northwest part is uneven.
The village dates its infancy from 1851, when the southern branch of the Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad was laid through the county. At that time, William J. Kline, who had but recently
738 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
purchased eighty acres of land here, gave to the railroad company three acres for a depot and
general use, and laid out a plat of town lots. At about the same time, Mr. Sprague, who owned
eighty acres of land east of Mr. Kline's and adjoining the same, and T. W. Pitman, who caine in
1844, and who owned the land south of and adjoining Messrs. Kline and Sprague's, also
laid out plats of town lots. These lots are now, after a lapse of twenty-nine years, nearly all
taken, and in use either as residences or business places.
In point of commercial importance Eagle is claimed to take rank as third in the county at
the present time, although it is not so old by many years as Eagleville, once the metropolis
of the town. The village has grown steadily, though slowly, from the first, to its present pro-
portions. It has now two dry-goods houses (Coombs Bros, and J. A. Lins), two hardware
stores (W. McWilliams and C. Lins & Schmidt), two clothing and tailor establishments (J.
A. Lins, and Mr. E. Bossingham), Lins' butcher-shop, B. Bovee, grocer, one harness-shop, mil-
liners and saloons.
There is a very good elevator and warehouse located here, which does a very large grain-
buying and cleaning business. It is fitted up with the latest and best machinery, and has a
cleaning and storage capacity of 15,000 bushels. It is an old, unused warehouse refitted, which,
in all probability, would otherwise have added but little to the prosperity of the town. The pro-
prietors are Harvey Clemens and J. 0. Hall.
The postoflSce was located here after the coming of the railroad.
The first store was opened by Charles Bronson, in the building now used for a postoffice,
directly in front of which, in the road, is the center-stake of the section on which the village
stands.
The present and only hotel ever built here, is a plj.in structure, which was erected in 1853,
by Mr. Kline, near the site of the first house in the village.
The schoolhouse of District No. 9 is located in this village. The district was first
organized December 9, 1846, on petition of M. J. Bovee, F. 0. Sprague, R. Kestead, T. W. Pit-
man, H. C. Thayer, H. Skelton, E. Skelton, William R. Bovee, R. Sprague and F. A. Sprague,
Jr. P. V. Bovee was chosen First Moderator, H. C. Thayer, Clerk, and F. A. Sprague,
Thomas W. Pitman and H. Skelton, Trustees. The first schoolhouse here was 24x30 feet, twelve
feet high, with a balloon frame, and was erected at an expense not exceeding $800. It was
completed and ready for use in the winter of 1850 and 1851.
The present building, which was erected on a site purchased from Mr. Pitman in the year
1859, is a fine two-story frame building. It has a main schoolroom, library and recitation
rooms on the ground floor, and large primary department, with recitation-room and closets on
the second floor, together with entries and hall.
In the year 1860, John Hage, an old settler and thorough-going Methodist, purchased the
old schoolhouse for a little over $80, and converted it into a church. This was the first Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in town, and here himself and others preached nine or ten years, until
there was some dissatisfaction expressed by the people, when Mr. Hage offered the building for
sale at auction. It was purchased by the congregation, who then elected Trustees and decided
to erect a new church.
Thenew Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1870, and dedicated by Dr. Bellows. H.
C. Tilton was the first pastor. Mr. Robinson is the present pastor, with a membership of forty.
The Baptist Church in this village, and the only one in the town, was organized in 1870,
and the old schoolhouse and Methodist Episcopal Church was purchased for its use. The
church began with a membership of seven. The Baptists have never had a regularly located and
salaried pastor, except one for six months, and students that have come at diiferent intervals
from Morgan Park Theological Seminary, Chicago. Although their services have been irregu-
lar and their membership small, never exceeding thirty-five, yet they have always maintained
Sabbath schools.
The Trustees of the First Methodist Episcopal Church were John Hage, Jesse Tomlinson,
Mr. Haswell, James Griffin, Daniel G. Griffin, J. Parsons and Thomas Onyon.
,^ ,
^^
',!■' h
■f
f
WAUKESHA
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA C0U:N[TY. 741
The clergymen called were Revs. Tilton, Cooley, Watkin, Eldridge, Carpenter, and the
present pastor, Mr. Robinson.
There is but one secret society in the place, or the town — the Robert Morris Lodge of Free
Masons, No. 115. This lodge was organized January 15, 1859, with a charter membership
of seven, viz. : Thomas Mc Williams, M. J. Bovee, M. H. Bovee, Isaac Newstadtl, Charles W.
Potter, F. G. Parks and H. R. Hill. The present number of meinbers is thirty-three.
There is a union depot at this place sufficiently large to accommodate the Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railway and the branch of the Western Union, which has its northern terminus at this
point.
The first celebration here was quite a notable event, as it came off on the 4th of July
following the coming of the railway, and is remembered as an occasion of big doings, when
every one from far and near that could come was there ; and when S. S. Merrill, then a freight
conductor on the road, was the ruling genius of the day, and the god of the fire-works.
TOWN OF GENESEE.
By an act of the Legislature approved March 8, 1839, the town of Genesee was made ta
comprise the present towns of Genesee, Eagle and Ottawa. By an act approved March 21, 1843,
the present town boundaries were established.
In 1851, the town was surveyed into school districts by E. Manning.
The first town meeting on record was held at Andrew Scofield's, in Eagleville.
Stillman Smith is said to have been the first person to lay a claim in the present town,
which he did in the spring of 1837. The summer following, himself and his brother Horace,
who came on in June, built a house on Section 32, this being the first house and they the first
actual settlers.
In September, Absalom Denny settled in north part of town with family, said to have been
the first family to settle here ; also this year B. A. Jenkins came in.
The first hotel was erected by Mr. Jenkins in what is now known as North Genesee, but
which at that time, and later, was known as Jenkinsville. The tavern stood on the corner
where now stands a blacksmith-shop, opposite the store and hotel of Mr. Bowman, and was
known to travelers as "Jenkins' Log Cabin."
A very good story is told of Jenkins and his pluck. He went into Milwaukee with a wheel-
barrow to get provisions, and brought them out all' right — nearly twenty-five miles.
In 1841, a German itinerant preacher discoursed to the people at the house of Stillman
Smith. Old Mrs. Pitts Ellis says : " Quaw (his name) will never be forgotten, nor his text,
as he kept repeating, ' Why stand ye here all day idle in the market place ?' while his eyes stuck
out and his hands kept sawing the air." This was the first preaching.
Charles Raynous, who at first lived in Mukwonago, came to North Prairie in the fall of
1837, and put up a house and moved in soon after.
The following season, Mr. Raynous put up a shop and began doing blacksmithing ; the first
in this section and the first in town. Here the farmers came for many years to have their
" breaking-plows " made and all general work done. It was the custom then, for any one who
wanted a plow made, to ofi" with his jacket and officiate with the heavy sledge hammer until it
was done.
Mr. Raynous kept a sort of tavern, and Mrs. Raynous, one of the first women in the town,
had to divide her attentions among a lot of worthy bachelors, among whom may be mentioned
Messrs. Horace and Stillman Smith.
The first school was kept overhead in Mr. Raynous' house in 1840, by a Mrs. Cash, who
taught eight or ten pupils.
The woolen-mill of James Proctor, located on the road between North Genesee and the
depot, is the oldest in the town and county. The original building was erected in 1844 by D.
T. Hicox. After passing through several hands, it finally came into the possession of the present
owner. The old mill walls and timbers are in excellent condition yet, and, although there has in
742 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUN'TY.
later years been added a substantial addition, yet the main portion of the machinery still runs
in the old part. The principal power is supplied by a small stream. An eleven and one-quarter
inch LefFel turbine, with the aid of an eight-horse power upright engine, does the work. Mr.
Proctor, after coming into possession twelve years ago, put in a large amount of new machinery,
such as a new set of forty-inch cards, a 200-spindle jack and other things to match.
The old saw-mill, near North Genesee, was built by Benjamin A. Jenkins, in 1840. In
1850, an effort was made to get the State Prison located here, and Messrs. Remington and
Hamilton offered twenty acres of their stone quarry, called the Genesee Quarry, as a location.
The first death in the present town is said to have been that of a German named Synder,
who committed suicide in the year 1838 or 1839, by displacing a quantity of water with his
person.
The first services of the Congregational Church were held in a log schoolhouse, two and a
half miles southwest of Waukesha.
May 7, 1843, a meeting of professing Christians was held at the house of Mathew Dodson,
North Prairie, to consider the expediency of organizing a church. Rev. Stephen Peet was
appointed Moderator, and H. W. Sherman, Clerk. A second meeting was held at the house of
Mr. Sherman. After a sermon by Mr. Peet, the following persons united in forming a church :
William Tredway and wife, Selah Castle and wife, P. Castle and wife, William Hill and Rachel
Hill, B. A. Jenkins and wife, Amasa West, Vroman and Phoebe Hinkley, A. T. Sherman,
Mrs. A. Marsh, Miss M. Smith and Mrs. Van Schaick. W. W. Tredway and S. Castle were
appointed Deacons, and B. A. Jenkins, Clerk. In August, 1843, Rev. C. Warner was called,
who preached one year. In October of 1848, Rev. C. W. Camp, now at Waukesha, was called
to preach for a year. In December following, the name of the church was changed from North
Prairie to Genesee. The present church edifice was built in 1851, and dedicated in September
of the same year. The present Pastor is Rev. John Fassitt.
The first services for the Welsh Calvinistic Church of Genesee, were held at the house of
Richard Jones, 1843. Afterward, for a long time, Sunday schools and services were held in his
barn, under the management of (Jriffith Robberts and H. Elias. R. Jones, John Hughes, Morgan
Jones, Thomas Hughes and many others, with their entire families, were regular attendants
at this time. A log meeting-house was built on Section 9, in 1845, and was used until the
building of the present church, in 1850, which was enlarged and improved in 1870, making the
entire cost of the edifice, furnished and with organ, $2,000. . First Board of Trustees: Richard
Jones, Thomas H. Evans and H. Elias. Present Board : William Evans, R. Mason, John
Roderick, D. Charles. C. Jones and Richard Davis. The present preacher is Rev. R. H.
Evans.
North Prairie. — In this town, North Prairie is the principal village, and is situated on a prai-
rie of the same name. This prairie, so called from the earliest settlement, was named by Messrs.
Coats, William C.Garton and Thomas Sugden, who came from Mukwonago, in 1836, to this point,
on a prospecting tour, and, as they did not go any farther north, they concluded to call this
North Prairie. The village never amounted to anything until the advent of the railroad. The
first hotel, now called the " Equality," was built by Peter D. Gifford, a man of considerable
political influence in the county twenty-five years ago.
Orlando Harrison is said to have been one of the first wheat-buyers. Dayton H. Prentice
occupied, at one time, the warehouse opposite Sadd's building, where religious services and singing
schools were sometimes held. Twenty-five years ago, Alfred Sargeant and Mr. Bogardus were
well-to-do merchants hefe, but they ceased operations many years ago. Thomas Sugden, William
Sugden, the Wilkinson brothers and many others yet remain of the early settlers. A Good
Templars' lodge was organized here about 1857, and held its first meetings in the chamber of
Mrs. D. H. Willman's house. The leading spirits in the enterprise were Mr. Boss and wife,
Mr. Sargeant and wife, Mrs. Willman, D- H. Prentice, the Misses Green, Mr. Balcon and several
others. Mr. Bovee, of Eagle, presided at the first meeting. The lodge was called Mendota.
It long ago subsided. The erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church at North Prairie, the
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 743
election of Trustees and the appointment of pastor in charge all took place in 1864-65. The
first preacher was Rev. J. 0. Hazeltine, who is now minister in charge at the Sailors' Home,
at Milwaukee. The church edifice cost $1,500, the money being subscribed by the inhabitants
of the village and the surrounding community.
By an act approved April 10, 1866, Horatio Harrison, Henry Qrimshaw, William
Nixon, George C. Pratt, Robert Wilkinson, P. D. Gifford, John Magee, James Wallisan and
J. T. Walkin were empowered as the ''North Prairie Petroleum Company," with a capital of
$50,000, to dig or bore a hole in the ground in the town of Genesee, on what was known as
"the oil territory," and take out oil, minerals, or anything that might be found in said hole.
The enterprise was a failure.
North Gfenesee. — This village, called in an early day Jenkinsville, began its career soon
after Mr. Jenkins built the log cabin. Mr. Holt kept the first store in a building near the
present store of Mr. Bovpman, in 1844. The first framehouse, was 1 uilt by Pitts Ellis in 1843,
where he lived for many years, and which still remains. In that year, a frame schoolhouse was
erected, and Cyrus Remington taught the school at $10 per month. The following year, the
Owenites settled here. One of the oldest physicians in the county, Dr. Steele, settled here at
that time. Mr. Farnham and family, and Mr. Prentice and family, and many others, settled
here at that time or soon after. The church of the Congregational society, in this town (built
in 1851), is located here, besides a fine grist-mill, and the cheese factory already mentioned.
One of the finest springs in the county was found near here. The flouring mill here was
erected by B. F. Jenkins about 1848. It is a solid stone structure three stories in height.
From Mr. Jenkins it passed into the hands of Mr. Hart, from whom it was purchased by James
Bogley & Son, 1855, who has since run it, though in partnership with others. Tredway & Barker
started a store here in 1844. Mr. Tredway was also Postmaster, and, as the story goes, Mr
Elmore succeeded in getting him removed because he defied him (Elmore). Henry Hardy was
appointed in his place, and carried on a tailor-shop, postoffice, store, etc.
There is an Odd Fellows' lodge here, organized September 27, 1869. Charter members:
B. S. Winchell, James Proctor, A. L. Williams, K. B. Rowlands and W. H. Hardy. First
oflScers as follows: N. G., B. S. Winchell; V. G., W. H. Hardy; Sec'y, A. L. Williams;
Treas., R. B. Rowlands. The lodge was first held at the house of H. D. Carr. It is now
held at the Odd Fellows' Hall, purchased in 1877 of Mr. Prentice. There are at present
thirty-six members. Thomas Steele has two cheese factories, one located on White Creek, in
North Genesee, which was built in 1875. The other factory was built by Mr. Frank Shultis,
the same year, on the farm of J. A. Jones ; from him Mr. Steele purchased it in 1878, and
moved it to Roderick's Corners, on Section 17, where it now stands. Old Rufus Watson and
Mr. Farnham are perhaps the oldest settlers living in the village of Genesee, although there are
several others who came in at nearly the same time, among whom may be mentioned John Paul,
Dr. Steele and H. V. Prentice.
The first postofiice in the town was established here.
In 1845, a number of the ladies laid a scheme to surprise their good men, on the 4th of
July, with a picnic, and succeeded to a charm in carrying out their aim and having a good time.
Genesee Depot and the surrounding stores and residences are of course, of much later
growth than North or South Genesee (called Saylesville). The depot was the^ first building of
any importance built. Mr. Jenkins owned the land at that time, upon part of which he built
and kept store and warehouse and bought produce. The hotel was erected about 1861, by P.
Lynch. There are at present two or three stores and various mecha'nics' shops, and a fine
warehouse, this being a very good grain-buying and shipping point. The Catholic Church of
the town is located here.
South Geensee. — The grist-mill at Saylesville, or South Genesee, was built by Whitman
Sayles, David Orendorf and Mr. Le Suer, about 1842. The stone used to build the dam and race
was brought in a boat manned by Capt. F. D. Cook, with Mr. Smith as mate. April 16, 1866, G.
H. Vincent, the present owner, purchased the mill from Mr. Orendorf, which has been largely
744 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
improved since it came into his possession. There are now two runs of stone, propelled by two
thirty-inch and one twenty-four inch Tyler turbine water wheel.
Sayles & Orendorf opened the first store about 1842. The place has no store at present.
South Genesee has a Sunday-school Hall, which was erected by the Sunday-school Asso-
ciation for the purpose of holding religious services.
Here is also the Excelsior Cheese Factory and Creamery of F. Shultis. It is three stories
high, including basement, which has stone walls and cement floor. It is turning out an average
of 400 pounds of butter per week.
A fine business of selling milk in Milwaukee, began July, 1879, with a light patronage,
which has so largely increased that they are now shipping from 700 to 800 pounds of milk and
twenty gallons of cream per diem. This is done by Mr. Shultis and Mr. Vincent.
TOWN OF LISBON.
By an act of the Territorial Legislature approved January 2, 1838, the land included in
the present towns of Lisbon, Pewaukee, Brookfield and Menomonee was erected into the town
of Lisbon, the first election to be held at the house of Charles Skinner. A subsequent act,
passed March 9, 1839, established the town lines as they now are.
This town possesses many very fine general features. All monotony is removed from the
scenery by the endless variety of hills and valleys, woodland and prairie.
The soil is clay and limestone marl, the substratum abounding in extensive beds of excel-
lent limestone. It is what would ordinarily be called a heavy soil, being not easy to till.
Farmers usually call this kind of land "white-oak land," as white-oak timber grows particularly
well upon it.
It is a steadfast, rich, and fruitful soil beyond that of the lighter soils. There are very
many fine farms in various parts of the town, and a general air of thrift, intelligence and
industry pervades everything in all sections.
There are several churches and a number of schools in the town, all well attended and sup-
pprted. The dwelling-houses are brick, grout or frame, and usually in good repair. There seems
to be in this section quite a general liking for grout houses, as grout, when carefully pre-
pared, makes thoroughly substantial walls and at a very much less cost than any other material.
The inhabitants are principally English, American and Scotch, with a sprinkling of Irish
and Germans.
To Thomas S. Bedford, probably, belongs the distinction of having been the first one to
drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of
Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he
located the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.
In June of this year, P. Bay, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee
and selected claims, and assisted T. S. Bedford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of
headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month
of August, John Weaver, Lucius BotsfOrd, Thomas' Bolf and David Bonhamcame into the town.
They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families,
for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall
and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were
staying, and brought them out before the snow was ofl" the ground in the spring. A. A. Bed-
ford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their
children the first of the small folks.
In the spring and summer of 1837, James Weaver, who now lives at Sussex ; George
Elliott, Edward Smith, Nathan Peso and Samuel Dougherty came with their families and set-
tled here, making for themselves permanent homes.
During the year 1841 and the year following, there was quite an infiux of settlers, among
whom may be mentioned, Bobert James and Archibald Bodgers, John Small, Alexander Harris
and a Mr. Moyes, all said to have come from Scotland ; Thompson Bichmond, George Cairn-
HISTORY or WAUKESHA. COUNTY. 745
cross, J. Reed, Thomas Bloor and family, John Muir, Henry Sears, Harrison and Henry
Phillips, Ira D. Goodwin, Ira and Mark Rowell, Dr. John A. Willard, John Thompson, E. B.
Quiner, and Elisha Pearl, and many other persons came during the following year. From this
time forward the increase in population was steady, if not rapid.
According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone
schoolhouse on Section 35, when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham,
Clerk. David Bonham was regularly elected Chairman of the Board ; and Samuel Dougherty
and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk ; James Weaver,
Treasurer ; R. Blount, Assessor ; George Corastock, Collector ; D. Bonham, Ed Smith and
James Weaver, Commissioners of Highways ; Sherman and Lucius Botsford and D. Bonham,
School Commissioners ; E. W. Eowler and Thomas Bedford, Constables ; John Weaver, Sealer
of Weights and Measures ; A. A. Kedford, Samuel Dougherty, D. Bonham and William Weaver,
Overseers of Highways ; A. A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence
Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.
The earliest recorded assessment was made in the town of Lisbon, in 1843, when 4,920
acres were assessed : Value, $12,848.20 ; personal property, value, $1,997 ; county tax,
$101.61 ; town tax, $105. Total tax, $206.61.
The first one removed from the little community by death, was Stephen Bonham, a little
son of D. Bonham, who died in October, 1837, and was buried on his father's farm.
Lisbon had its first representative of a new generation in the person of Ruth Weaver,
daughter of James Weaver, born November, 1837.
As early as 1838, Mrs. John Weaver began a school in her own home, a small log house.
This served the purpose of kitchen, parlor, dining, sleeping and school room. Here, after she
had attended to the duties of a mother, in waiting upon her family of little ones, she wo.uld
storm the citadel of ignorance with A, B and C, sometimes teaching as many as twenty pupils,
many of whom had to come long distances.
On the 3d day of June, 1839, the first nuptials were solemnized at the marriage of Lucius
Botsford and Miss Lucinda Denny, Elder GrifiSn being the officiating clergyman.
Rev. Frink was the first preacher, and held the first service at the home of John Weaver,
about 1838. Elder GriflBn also began holding services in this section soon after.
The first schoolhouse was erected as early as 1841, and, some of the oldest settlers say, as
early as 1839. It was built of stone, by Mr. George Elliott, and occupied the site of the present
school building of District No. 1, on Section 35. In this building were held the first Sabbath
meetings and Sunday-schools; also public meetings. The town then comprised one district.
From the report of Commissioners of Schools in 1842, it appears that there were 110 scholars in
the town, 69 males and 41 females, with one male teacher and two female teachers, and $148.40
was raised by tax and $26.60 by subscription to defray the expense. Phineas Bissell was the
first male teacher.
District No. 2 was organized in 1842, and comprised the southwest corner of the town.
Among the teachers were Henry Williams Rodeman, Henry Calkins, Miss Small (now Mrs.
Robert Rodgers) and Miss Julia Griswold (now Mrs. Austin Wheeler, of Pewaukee). The
present schoolhouse of District No. 2 was built about 1853. About 1839 or 1840, Rice Gale
came in and put up a blacksmith-shop on Section 35, near the house of D. Bonham. Mr. Gale
was followed by Mr. Nottingham, who built one near by.
About 1840, Levi Russell started a little store and shoe-shop in his log house on Section
35. This point at that time was the most important place in the town ; but after the nucleus
nothing was added, unless the church and grave-yard in the vicinity are mentioned.
The first field plowed in the town is said to have been on Section 36. In 1837, E. Smith,
James Weaver, John Weaver and George Elliott sowed a patch of turnips a little east of Sussex,
on the ground where now stands the feed-mill, and the next winter turnips were used for apples.
The first plow is said to have been brought in by D. Bonham. At that time, the settlers
went to Milwaukee to get th^ir plows sharpened and repaired, which had to be done very
746 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
frequently, for on much of the land grew what was called red-root brush, andthe ground, being
literally filled with these tough roots, was very hard to break.
The first saw-mill was built a short distance north of the village of Sussex, by James
Weaver, George Elliott, Edward Smith and Cooley Frarey, in the winter of 1842. It was
designed to run by water, with an undershot wheel, but, owing to the nature of the bed of the
stream, they could not confine the water. An engine was therefore purchased and moved out
from the city, at an expense of about $1,200. It had not been set up a very long time before
the boiler burst, while under the charge of Thomas Weaver. This difficulty was overcome, and
the work went on for several years, but not in a profitable manner. The mill has been long
abandoned, and nothing now remains.
The brewery, which stands about one-half mile north of the mill, on the road from Sussex,
was first built by Stephen Stone. In 1862, Mr. Boots became sole owner. Twelve years after,
in 1874, Mr. Boots had the misfortune to lose the old brewery by fire. In 1875, it was rebuilt
as it now is.
James Weaver was the first Postmaster, and had the office at his home on the old farm on
Section 35. Subsequently, he resigned in favor of his son, Thomas Weaver, from whom, in
1849, the office was transferred to Sussex, and Richard Cooling became Postmaster. Mr.
Cooling held the office four years, and then resigned in favor of William Brown. Mr. Brown
held it two years, when it passed into the hands of William Weaver, where it remained until
1861, when Mr. Cooling again came into possession of the office, and held it until 1878 ; he then
resigned in favor of his son-in-law. Mr. Templeton, who has had charge of it since.
F. Otis, who came in 1837, built the first frame shell ; but Sherman Botsford erected the
first really substantial frame house built in the town. About 1850, the project of a plank road
was started by many of the leading men of the town and county, the road to run from Mil-
waukee to Hartland, with a branch to run from the southern part of Lisbon to Merton. It was
almost a total failure, so far as the interests of the majority of the farmers were concerned, for
many of them lost all they put in, and very few, if any, escaped without a loss. The road,
according to estimates, cost about $60,000.
The Episcopal Church Parish was organized in 1842, and was composed principally of
English settlers. The congregation met and worshiped in the barn of James Weaver, and
occasionally at the schoolhouse of District No. 1, until able to erect a church. The parish
remained under the pastoral care of the clergy of Nashotah Mission, until the 7th of March,
1847, when Rev. William Armstrong took charge of it. At the organization of the parish, there
were five families ; but in June of this year, the congregation had increased to thirty-four
families. The parsonage was erected in the spring of 1849. Rev. George A. Whitney is the
present Rector. The church has been much improved lately in appearance by the addition of a
fine tower and bell, and the introduction of new chancel furniture and stained windows.
In June, 1841, a number of the people, principally Congregationalists, united and formed a
society called Congregational, Rev. 0. F. Curtis, from Prairieville, assisting. This was the
first regularly organized society in the town. Just at this time, the Rev. Spencer Baker came
and conducted the first regular service. He was then engaged to preach during the year. Al-
though barely able to live the minister fared as well as any, at a time when none fared sumptuously.
Mr. Baker remained there three years. The school-house was used by the Congregationalists
until the erection of the Union Church. The Methodists united with the Congregational society
in furnishing the money and materials for building this church, with the understanding that they
were to have the use of it on alternate Sundays. They finally united, forming what is now
known as the Bible Christian Society.
The Lisbon United Presbyterian society's church is located near the center of the town, on
Section 21. The society was organized August 30, 1847, by Rev. James R. Bonner, of the As-
sociate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called the Associate Reformed Congregation of
Lisbon, until 1858, when it took the name by which it is now known.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUKTY. 747
The first members were Robert Rodgers, Archibald Rodgers, John Muir, John Brown,
Thomas Chalmers, John Gilmore, James Welch, Ann C. Gilmore, Agnes Templeton, Margaret
Rodgers, Elizabeth W. Booth, Margaret Muir and William Small. They only had preaching
occasionally from this time until January 4, 1851, when the Rev. G. W. Gowdie became pas-
tor and remained with them nearly three years. On April 1, 1878, the Rev. T. E. Turner,
the present pastor, took charge. The congregation now numbers forty-eight, there being five of
the original members among them.
The first lime was burned in a small kiln, built as early as 1848 or 1849, by Messrs. Smith
& Elliott, on the farm now owned by Richard Craven. The old kiln of Thomas Weaver was
built by B. Storms, who lived near it and ran it for several years. He sold to Mr. Weaver in
1853. Mr. Weaver rebuilt the following year and did a thriving business for twelve years or
more.
The stone quarry of Mr. Davidson, Section 23, was opened about 1840, and the quarry of
William Graves was opened about 1842. The stone taken from these is of excellent quality.
Lisbon Mutual Insurance Company. — A meeting of the citizens of Lisbon Avas first held
at the town hall, the 18th of April, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a town insurance com-
pany.
On the 9th ofMay following, another meeting was held, when William Weaver, Sr., George
Elliott, John Watson, John Edwards, John Andrews, William Small and John Keating were
elected as Board of Directors.
On the 16th of May, 1874, the board met at the store of D. P. Topping, Sussex, and elected
William Weaver President, and John Keating Secretary and Treasurer. The insurance rate
was fixed at one mill per $1, and $2 for survey and policy. The board also authorized the Presi-
dent and Secretary to issue policies from that date. Every person who is insured becomes a
member of the company, and is entitled to a vote, if his insurance amounts to $200. The first
annual report shows forty-one applications on file, covering property to the amount of $58,407,
and $89.46 on hand, after paying all accounts. The amount of insurance now maintained is
$271,850, with $517.57 cash on hand. There are now 225 policy-holders.
There are three cemeteries in Lisbon.
Very many will remember the first turkey-shoot that came off in this town, and very likely
the first in the county. In 1839, David Bonham got the turkeys, and men came from far and
near and had a big time. Among other preparations made for the event, Bonham went with
Thomas Bedford to Milwaukee for a keg of beer. In coming home over the rough roads the
beer got so shook up, that it burst out the bung, and it was not drank by turkey-shooters.
Lisbon has had three suicides. One John Brown rented Mr. Thomas Redford's farm in
1848, for five years, intending to get married and go to housekeeping soon. After the arrange-
ments were concluded, and Mr. Redford's furniture purchased, the young lady, Miss Melville,
put the wedding off. This so affected Mr. Brown that he hanged himself without delay.
Jerry Stone, in 1866, swallowed a dose of strychnine in some beer, and thus ended his
career.
James McDonald while temporarily insane, in 1869, cut his throat.
Sussex Village. — This lovely little burg, the only one in the town of Lisbon, is not very
centrally located, but is connected with the surrounding country by several good roads ; in fact,
it appears that whoever laid out the roads, contemplated that Sussex would be the business
center for this section of country. There are quite a number of dwellings here, besides three or
four general stores, various mechanics' shops and ofl5ces. The place has a quiet, yet exceedingly
attractive, appearance, the streets and cemetery being very handsomely shaded and well kept.
George Elliott wa's the first settler in this vicinity. His old house is yet standing, a little out
of the village, and is occupied by one of his sons. Richard Cooling was the first villager. He
came in June, 1848. Shortly after came Messrs. Fray, Smith, Brown, Champeny, Sims, Stone,
Weaver and others. The first birth in the place was John T. Cooling, born November 16, 1846.
The first buried here, Charles Payne, December 26, 1843.
748 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Sylvester Rowe and Harriet S. Brainard were the first couple married here, January 5, 1844.
A blacksmith shop was opened by Mr. Cooling when he first came here.
The first store was opened by William Brown, about 1849, in the house where Mr. Topping
now lives.
About 1854, a union store was started by the farmers. This, however, soon fell into the
hands of Mr. Cooling, who continued the business for ten years, finally turning it over to his
son-in-law, Mr. Templeton.
The first school was taught here during the winter of 1849-50, by Mr. Calkins, in the
schoolhouse, built in 1849, on Section 26. There is now a very good school in Sussex, Vrith two
departments. The old schoolhouse was used as an Episcopal parish school at one time, but is
now used for a town hall.
TOWN OF MBRTON.
Merton is particularly noted for its picturesque scenery, and the large number of streams
and lakes. The surface of the country is very broken and irregular, compared with many other
localities in the county. The soil is rich and deep, there being scarcely a part of the town that
is not first class. Nearly all the farms bear the appearance of thrift and enterprise, and trades-
men and mechanics seem to be doing well. The inhabitants represent several nationalities.
There are English, American, Irish, Danes, Norwegians and a few Swedes and Scotch, the
foreign element preponderating. Ralph B. Allen enjoys the distinction of having been the first
white man who drove his claim stake here ; however, William Clarke and a Mr. Hatch came
about the same time. This was in the spring of 1837. Mr. Allen first made a claim on what
is now known as "Fisher's Flats," but he soon after relinquished it. The first breaking was
done near Hai'tland, during 1837, on one of the claims near where Mr. Allen subsequently
settled.
The first house was Mr. Allen's cabin, which served for a time as headquarters for the
bachelors. Soon after Allen, Clarke and Hatch came in. Messrs. Cole and Short made claims
near Pine Lake, but did not stay longer than one season. In 1838, Martin Molster, Albert
Wising, S. Fisher, and perhaps a few others, came in. In 1839-40, Cornelius Molster, John
C. Molster, the Warren family, John Fisher, George W. Skinner, Sylvanus, Dewey K. and Hiram
Warren, William and Abial Odell, Jonathan Finch and brothers, L. M. Moore, Josiah Moore, Henry
Cheney and a few others — as George Garaty, Mr. Childs, M. Lynch and Mr. Pritchard came in.
In 1841-42, a large number came in — as John Johnson, Earl Wright, J. Weikert, Christ Hershey,
John Fisher, Philetus Cross, Abel Cross, John M. Hall, Peter Weeks, James M. Gavitt, J. N.
Cadby, S. S. Case, Sybrant Hall, F. Shraudenback, Henry Kuntz, A. De Witt, John Whipp and
his sons Richard, William, James, Edward and John, Jr., David Mason, Mike, Andrew,,James and
John Shiel, Jerry Flinn, J. D. and Jonathan Hartly, David Smith, Charles G. Williams, Daniel
S. Wells, Henry Shears, Jesse Newell, Moses Smith, Harrison Cheney, Jacob Snyder, William
D. Curtiss, Zadock, Henry, E. and J. Palmer, William Leroy, L. H. Taylor, George McKerly,
P. and R. Perry, James Miles, D. S. Cheney, John Cox, J. D. Hartly, the Furgusons (John,
Jr., and John, Sr., and others. In 1843, Hosea, Nat and Isaac Prentice, T. R. Smith, J. 0.
Rudberg, J. Kelly, James and Thomas Ray, D. Allen, S. B. Mills, Joseph Smith, Mr. Bur-
roughs, W. W. Caswell, Capt. Gassman, John Kelly, Sr., Patrick and William Kelly, William
P. Clarke, D. C. Marsh, William and Gideon Russell and many others came. In after years,
the influx of settlers was very rapid, until the land was all taken. In 1841, and subsequent
years, a number of Swedes made a settlement on Pine Lake. The leader of the movement was
an enthusiastic young minister. Rev. Gustavo Unonius, a graduate of Upsala, who, after coming
here in 1841, induced several others, especially from among the upper classes, including the
nobility, who were anxious to better their fortunes in some way, to come here, to a land
of beauty and golden prospects. About twelve families in all came over, including two noble-
men of the realm, and one Baron. The only head of a family left now, and about the only
practical person among them all, was J. D. Rudberg, who was educated in the agricultural
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 749
college of his. native land for a civil engineer. The story of the sufferings of these people)
before used to every luxury, beggars description. Their money was soon exhausted, and then?
not knowing how to work to advantage, they were soon reduced almost to absolute beggary-
Baron Thott became a cook for Mr. Rudberg, in order to get bread ; Lieut. St. Sure, a noble-
man, tried to break up and work a stony piece of ground, but failed completely, and had to
abandon everything or starve. But the ones about whom lingers the most romantic interest,
were Capt. Frederick Von Schneideau, wife and child. Capt. Von Schneideau was a nobleman of
the realm, and belonged to the staff of Prince Oscar, of Sweden ; but, falling in love with a
beautiful Jewess, was obliged, owing to the opposition of friends of both parties, to effect a
clandestine marriage, and, in order to avoid the penalty of the laws against the marriage of
Christian and Jew, and the displeasure of friends, they came to America, and the home of their
friend Unonius, about 1842. He lived here several years, and lost his little all, not to speak
of his sufferings, through an accident which nearly made a cripple of him. During this time,
his tenderly nurtured wife proved herself one of " the bravest and best," caring for him and
their only child, an infant girl, with a woman's truest devotion. Afterward, they went to
Chicago, under the patronage of Mayor Ogden, where he made, a comfortable livelihood as a
photographer and music teacher. Eventually, he was enabled to visit his native land and the
friends of his youth. His wife died in Chicago, and his daughter was then adopted by Mr.
Ogden. She subsequently married a son of Leonard Jerome, of New York.
Among the many characters peculiar to this little colony was the hermit, Peter Bokman, a
dissenting preacher and religious recluse. A little log-cabin, near Pine Lake, on the grounds
of Dr. Leusthrom, marks the spot of his cave.
The intention of Unonius and the others was to found a university here, and a quantity of
cedar logs were got out to build a church on what is now called Interlachen Point, where Dr.
Leuthstrom's house stands. They made a small house of worship on the east side of the lake,
now boarded up and used for a private dwelling. Unonius graduated at Nashotah, and many
years after returned to his native land. The others are scattered far and wide, and probably
would wish to be remembered here no more forever.
In 1840, the first death occurred in the town, that of Martin Moulster, who died in January
of that year. About this time, or not long after, two young men were drowned in Lake Keesus,
while making maple sugar. The first birth was that of Emma Skinner, daughter of George W.
and Lucinda Skinner, November 18, 1839. The first one who preached in the town is said to have
been Elder Griffin. Elder Wheelock came here as early as 1842, and held meetings ; also Rev.
Baker, who held his first meeting in 1842 in the house of Henry Cheney. The first school-
house is said to have been erected in 1843 on Section 26, and either Mr. Taylor or Mrs. Stephen
Warren (nee Nicholson) was the first teacher. A schoolhouse was built at Stone Bank in 1843,
also, perhaps as soon as the other. George W. Skinner was Territorial Justice of the Peace in
1839 or 1840. The first marriage was that of Stephen Warren to Miss Mary Nicholson. The
ceremony was performed by George W. Skinner, Justice of the Peace, May 7, 1840. The first
store, if it could be called a store, was opened by Michael Shell, at Monches, about 1844. This
embraced shoe-shop, saloon and general merchandise. The Swedish settlers also had a little
shop, kept by the wife of Capt. Von Schneideau, in a very early day. The first cemetery was
surveyed in 1841. The first town meeting in Warren, now Merton, was held April 4, 1843,
at the house of William Le Roy, on Section 26. The voters of the town went to Delafield in the
morning, in sleighs, to vote. After the meeting had been called to order, it was moved by
Sylvanus Warren, that they divide the town, and that those who belonged in Merton (then
Warren) should repair to Mr. Le Roy's house at 1 P. M. of that day. The motion was carried,
and in the afternoon thirty-nine voters assembled as agreed. Moses Smith was elected Chair-
man of the Board of Supervisors, and Charles G. Williams and Jacob Snyder, Side Supervisors ;
Town Clerk, L. H. Taylor ; Road Commissioners, Hiram Warren, George McKerly and Earl
Wright; School Commissioners, L. M. Moore, Sybrant Hall, Dewey K. Warren and Reuben
Perry ; Assessors, Henry Cheney and John M. Hall ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Warren ; Constable,
750 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Jesse Newell ; Collector, Jesse Newell ; Sealer Weights and Measures, Christian Hershey.
Compensation for officers was f 1 per day. A tax, not to exceed half of 1 per centum, was to
be levied for support of schools. Sixty dollars was voted to be raised for current expenses.
Philetus Cross, and one or two more were elected Justices at this election.
In 1844, there were 57 voters, election held at the house of John Fisher. L. H. Taylor
was elected Chairman, and John M. Hall, Clerk. Three Justices were elected this year — L. H.
Taylor, Jacob Snyder and Leonard Griffith.
In 1845, there were 72 voters. E. Capron was elected Chairman, and Moses Smith, Clerk.
In 1846, William Odell was elected Chairman, and Hosea Prentice, Clerk. In 1847, Will-
iam P. Clark was elected Chairman, and John M. Hall, Clerk. In 1848, William P. Clark
Chairman again, and John M. Hall, Clerk.
During the winter of 1848 and 1849, Dewey K. Warren introduced a bill to have the
name of the town changed from Warren to Merton, to correspond with the name of the post-
office established in the town during the previous year. The town has since been known as
Merton.
The postoffice received its name in a rather singular manner. Henry Shears made appli-
cation to have an office established here, called Warren. To this application the Postmaster
General replied that there was already an office in the State by that name. Mrs. Shears then
selected the old English name Merton, or Moreton, where Cromwell first invaded the En-
glish Parliament, which was sent on, and the office was soon after established.
Merton Village. — William Odell was the first settler here, in 1840, and built the first
house. He entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 24, and his brother
Austin claimed the west half of the same quarter soon after. The land claimed by
Austin fell into the hands of John Metcalf, of Oconomowoc, in 1841. Dr. Hill came on and
jumped the north half of Metcalf s land, and sold it to Huntington and Kent in 1844, who built
a saw-mill, which stood a little northeast of the present mill. In 1846, Henry Shears and
George Trowbridge bought the property, and in 1847 built the present grist-mill. The saw-
mill was demolished about 1855. The grist-mill is now owned by Phillip Snyder. J. Finch
came here and built about 1840, near where now stands the house of Phillip Snyder, and
kept a hotel for some time. About 1843, Loyal M. Moore opened a blacksmith-shop.
Homer E. Fenn, who came here as a pettifogging lawyer, built the first frame building in
1847, near where now stands the store of F. Schraudenbach, and in partnership with Mr.
Warren opened the first regular store ; but there had been a few goods kept by Mr. Finch for
sale for some time before this.
W. W. Caswell built the first frame hotel about 1847 or 1848.
The first school was taught here in a little slab house north of the Bark River in 1847 or
1848, D. S. Foote teacher.
About 1849, the District bought the building erected by Fenn. An attempt was made to
make a schoolhouse out of adobe, or sun-dried brick, at this time, which failed, and Col. Shears
put up a building out of them which stood for several years.
About 1868, a comfortable schoolhouse was built, where the present one stands, which was
burned in 1878 and rebuilt the same as before. It has two departments. William Odell was
the first Postmaster; then A. J. Dibble was appointed ; after him E. Hackett held it for a time;
then it passed into the hands of M. & R. Weil, who were succeeded by J. M. Gavitt, P. M., and
Robert Kruger, assistafit ; they were followed by T. Mayhew in 1861, who was followed by
Francis Vaughn in 1866; who was succeeded by the present Postmaster, Eli Eastman, in 1867.
In 1862, the Merton folk were frightened almost out of their boots by the "Indian scare,"
and nearly all left for parts unknown.
The Baptist Church of Merton was organized August 31, 1843, with a membership of nine.
Rev. Richard Griffin acted as pastor until 1849. During that year meetings were held at
Hartland. In 1867, Rev. Chapin began his labors as pastor. Up to January 8, 1880, the
total number who have joined the church amounted to one hundred and seven. The Methodist
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 751
Church in this town has thirty-five members, and belongs to the Pewaukee charge. Rev. George
W. Burtch is the minister.
Stone Bank. — John Johnson entered the land on which Stone Bank village stands, on
Section 19, in January, 1841. He had moved on to it in 1840. About the same time came
J. Weikert (who afterward committed suicide by hanging himself), Christian Herschey and a Mr.
Schneider. Mr. Johnson built the first house in April, 1842. David Mason and James Miles
settled where they now are. In 1842, John Ferguson, Sr., came and purchased from Mr.
Johnson a portion of the Stone Bank mill privilege. In the fall of 1842, Mr. Johnson built a
saw-mill about sixty rods north of the present grist-mill. It was used nearly thirty-five years
before being abandoned. This was the first saw-mill in the town. In 1844, J. Ferguson, Sr.,
built the first grist-mill in the town, where it now stands, putting 4n two run of stone. In 1845,
he commenced a saw-mill near it, which was run about twenty years. In 1845, the first store
was started here, in a small log house near the mill. Soon after, F. Schraudenbach started a
good store. About 1858, the first post-office was established, Leonard Requa, Postmaster.
He held it until 1860, when it was transferred to John Ferguson, Jr. Mr. Ferguson held it
about four years. In 1864, unbeknown to him, the office was given to Samuel Darrah, his
deputy. Mr. Ferguson remained in ignorance of this change until the ensuing year, when Mr.
Darrah resigned in his favor. E. Drummond is the present incumbent, who has held the ofiice
for eight years.
Wohlen Bros, started a blacksmith's shop here as early as 1843. The Stone Bank public
burying ground was established about thirty-five years ago, the land being donated by J. Fer-
guson, Sr. A small Presbyterian Church was built here about twenty-one years ago,
the land where it stood being presented by J. Ferguson, Sr. ; it was rebuilt in 1878. Elder
Wheelock preached here in 1842 ; also, a Mormon, who made some converts. The Norwegian
Lutheran Church was built about 1850. The Temple of Honor, at Stone Bank, was instituted
January 16, 1878, by J. A. Watrous, with twenty-seven charter members. The following
officers were elected : W. H. Bolson, W. C. T. ; Frank Holt, W. V. T. ; S. Darrah, W. R. ;
Ed Drummond, W. T. R. ; John Mason, W. T. ; S. Siverson, W. U. ; H. Wild, W. G. ;
John Cassidy, W. S.
Monchis. — Earl Wright was the first permanent settler in this vicinity. In 1842, H. K.
Kuntz came, and, in 1843, built a saw-mill here, the second in the town. In 1847 or 1848,
Mr. Kuntz built a grist-mill. The saw-mill is gone; Mr. Kuntz sold it to Mr. Berg, the
present proprietor, several years ago. Mike Shell had the first store. Subsequently, Henry
McCaul opened a small store and ashery. Before the postofiice was established here, about
1847 or 1848, this point was called Kuntz's Mills, but the postoffice was called Monches,
after an old Indian chief, who used to haunt this locality, and who was buried here. John
Hartz was the first .Postmaster ; then, John Whipp, Sr. After him, P. O'Reily ; then, John
Whipp, Jr.; then, A. Mullen, and after him John Purtell, the present incumbent, was appointed ;
has been in charge about fifteen years. There is a Catholic Church here, the only one in this
locality. A log house of worship was built about 1844, with Father Morrisy as first priest. A
few years after, the present frame church was constructed.
North Lake. — The land here was first bought by Henry Shears, when it went into market
in 1850, it being school land. During 1850 and 1851, he built a saw-mill, and in 1853 erected
the present grist-mill. The grist-mill was refitted and enlarged in 1875, and four runs of stone
were put in. It has a splendid water-power.
The North Lake Brewery, by Rasmus Frederickson, was started in 1867, but has been
enlarged since ten different times. It has a capacity of 500 barrels per annum.
The postoffice was established about 1859, with Thomas Bignalls as Postmaster. Henry
Shears succeeded him. Rasmus Frederickson, the present Postmaster, took the office eight
years ago.
The work of raising money to build St. Peter's Episcopal Church at North Lake was begun
by Mrs. Henry Shears in 1867, and received subscriptions to the amount of $1,150. Two
752 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
other subscription lists were subsequently circulated, and a large amount obtained. The ground
■was donated by N. E. Peterson ; the church begun in 1868, and was completed in 1869, at a
cost of $2,500. The church was then in debt about $250, which was eventually paid in full
by Byron Kilbourn, M. D.
Henry Shears appeared to have been the pioneer in trout-raising in the county, for he
began on his present place in 1867. He has not yet relinquished the business.
Smith & Killmer's mill. Section 15, was built in 1847, and is still used.
Dr. Hilliard was the first physician. In 1851, Dr. Rice came. He has been an extensive
traveler, and has a collection of rare and valuable curiosities.
TOWN OF MENOMONEE.
Township 8, range 20, east, now called Menomonee, was a part of Lisbon until an act
of the Legislature, approved December 20, 1839, which declared the town, as now bounded,
should, after March 1, 1840, be a separate town, to enjoy all the rights and powers of any
other town.
Menomonee is largely a German town, though there are some Irish, a few Scotch and a
few Americans. It is composed of good farming lands, and its inhabitants are thrifty and
fore-handed.
The first settler in the town was Patrick Raferty, a native of Ireland. Many other Irish-
men soon after followed him, and the town at one time contained a large number of settlers of
this nationality ; but they have been displaced largely by the Germans, who now have a fast
hold upon much of the very richest farming lands in Menomonee.
The first death was that of Mrs. James Brogan, probably, whose husband was an early
settler in the town.
The first settler, Patrick Raferty, has the honor of being father to the first child born in
Menomonee. His son Francis, was born in 1837.
The first school was taught in the town during the summer of 1843, by Ellen Corbett, who
had comparatively a large number of scholars. In the fall of the same year, probably, a frame
schoolhouse was built, which was the first in the town.
The first church edifice was erected at what is now Fussville, in 1846.
The first religious services in the town were held at James Brogan's private house by Father
Kundig, of Milwaukee, afterward Vicar General. This was early in 1842.
William M. Saunders opened the'first store, in 1843, near what is now Lannon Springs.
The first saw-mill, or mill of any kind, in the town, was built by Nottingham & Phippin,
on the Fox River, Section 31.
The first murder in the county was on Section 31, in the town of Menomonee, in 1845.
David Bonham shot James Keene at the old Nottingham saw-mill.
Who first kept "open house" in Menomonee is not easily stated; but a comparatively
large hotel was built at Menomonee Falls in 1842, and the following appeared in the Mil-
waukee Courier :
THE subscriber has opened a public house bearing the above name, at Menomonee Falls, 14 miles from Mil-
waukee, on the Fond du Lac road, where he will be happy to accommodate all who may favor him with a call. He
has convenient lodging rooms, stabling, and all the otlier appurtenances that should attend a public house, and hopes
to give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call. W. R. Hesk.
Menomonee Falls, January 19, 1843.
In 1872, a town surveyor and permanent stone land-marks were provided for by public
taxation.
In 1879, a good town hall was erected on Section 16, near the center of the town. For
many years, annual squabbles had taken place over holding town meetings, first at one place and
then at another, which had become unpleasant and detrimental. The erection of the present
commodious building for town purposes was due mostly to the efforts of Thomas McCarthy.
The first postoffice was probably at Menomonee Falls, in 1842, and William R. Hesk
was the first Postmaster.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 753
Snow lay on the ground during the winter of 1842, from November 3 to April the next
spring. Wild turkeys were then plenty, but that winter starved them all, and none have been
seen there since. Deer were almost as plentiful as sheep are now, droves of thirty and forty
being a very common sight.
Wolves were still more numerous, and kept close company with whomsoever was hardy enough
to venture on a visit to neighbors.
A large camp of Meuomonee, with a few Chippewa, Indians was located on what is called
the "Wild Marsh. " During the winter of 1842, which was a memorable one in Menomonee,
they furnished nearly all the meat the white settlers had. They exchanged venison for various
articles.
The marsh that those Indians camped on was then, and is now, known by the name of the
"Wild Marsh. " It has more the appearance of a small lake than a marsh, and covers parts of
Sections 21, 22, 27 and 28, containing about 500 acres. It has always grown wild cranberries,
but only a few knew anything about it until within the last few years.
The Indians first showed the berries to a few of the whites, who were so afraid to have any
one find out where they grew that they would not pick them themselves. The land is now owned
by different persons, and they have to keep a good watch or the berries will all be picked for
them.
The surface of this marsh is as level as a lake ; of soft muck about ten feet deep, with a
thin sod on top. It is not safe for stock, as there is nothing to hold them up but the sod.
Isaac Howard's storie quarry was opened in 1838 ; that is, stone was taken from it at that
date. The quarry produces a good quantity of stone. The other quarries in the town, from
which excellent stone of smooth, even layers, is taken, are Saunders,' Davis' and William Lan-
non's. Menomonee limestone is noted for its exceedingly good quality.
Dennis McCarty, who settled in Menomonee in 1842, died in March, 1848, and was
buried in Brookfield. When, in October, 1862, his remains were removed to Lannon Springs,
the soft wood coffin was found so nearly petrified that it could be handled like a new, strong box.
Arthur A. Bedford, an early settler, was noted as being a wonderful story-teller and a
quack doctor. Probably the most ridiculous thing he ever did was to hire out as a wet nurse.
Of course he "got bounced" from his position in short order.
John Campbell gives Menomonee the honor of containing the largest family of boys of any
town in the county or the State. His son, Hugh Campbell, is one of the most noted athletes
in America, the strength and skill displayed by him in putting the heaVy weight, wrestling
and in other of the Scottish games, being truly astonishing. He is called the strongest man in
Wisconsin. Mr. Campbell's six sons average 220 pounds each in weight, and are well
proportioned.
The first recorded town meeting was held April 5, 1842, at the residence of W. R. Hesk.
D. E. Bancroft was chosen Moderator. It was voted to allow such officers as might be chosen
$1 per day for time actually spent in the service of the town. The first officers elected
were William R. Hesk, Chairman ; Hollingsworth S. Smith and Francis Bancroft, Side Super-
visors ; S. M. Garfield, Clerk ; Ira Rowe, Assessor ; D. E. Bancroft, Constable and Collector ;
William Ranney, Martin Nangle and William McCarty, Highway Commissioners ; William R.
Hesk, William McCarty and William Ranney, School Commissioners.
The present town officers* areas follows : Supervisors, Thomas McCarty, Chairman ; John
Welsh, Fred Wegner ; Tow n Clerk, Peter Reith ; Assessor, Bernard Minten ; Treasurer,
Franz Berchens ; Justices of the Peace, John Walfit, Eugene Campbell ; Constables,
Michael Kiefer, Thomas Gill, Jr., Henry Schumacher.
In April, 1842, the town was laid out into six road districts, S. S. Smith being overseer of
the First ; F. Bancroft of the Second ; Henry Bedford, Third ; Timothy Ryan, Fourth ; Stephen
Gray, Fifth, and William Ranney of the Sixth. The men who lived in the town at that time,
* Through the kindneBS and labors of Thomas McCarty, the historian was furnished a complete list of the town officers of Menonome®
for thirty-eight years ; but, as such a list could not be had from all other towns, it was deemed advisable to show no partiality toward Menomo-
nee, although necessitating the destruction of two or three day's' labor by Mr. McCarty.
754 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and were liable for road tax, were as follows : S. S. Smith, W. R. Hesk, L. C. Snyder, John Wren,
Mr. Waite, John Brown, F. Bancroft, Mr. Ward, 0. T. Reed, Abner Rowe, Daniel Proudfit,
Mr. Alban, Henry Bedford, T. C. Horn, Patrick Raferty, Timothy Ryan, Alexander Maloy,
E. L. Gurtley, Joel Hammond, Mr. Alender, Martin Nangel, William Daugherty, Patrick
Daugherty, Martin Stanton, Mr. Cone, Orson Hubbell, Levi Ryckman, William Rauney,
William McCarty and Joseph Pickel.
At the same time, April 28, 1842, the School Commissioners divided the town into six
districts. District No. 1 had six persons in it; No. 2 had five; No. 3, three; No. 4, ten ; No.
5, five ; No. 6, three ; total, 32. The total tax given out for collection at this time, including
county and Territorial tax, was $153.59.
On May 1, 1843, the first Justices of the Peace — William Ranney and Benjamin Harmon,
— were elected.
The Waukesha and Menomonee Palls road was surveyed June 7, 1845. It was laid out
in January, 1844, from the Falls to the Lisbon line (now Lannon Springs) a distance of four
miles and sixty-three rods.
The first road in the town laid out by the Supervisors, was surveyed by them June 18,
1849 . Previous to that time, the Road Commissioners had laid out all roads.
On April I, 1851, the first money, $75, was appropriated for the long tamarack bridge in
the centre of the town.
At the town meeting, held January 30, 1864, $4,200 was raised to defray expenses of
securing volunteers for the Rebellion, and other war expenses. ,
The Menomonee, Granville and Germantown Mutual Insurance Company was organized
March 20, 1875. The first Board of Directors chosen were : G. W. Everts, President ; John
Flanagan, Secretary ; Thomas McCarty, Godfrey Inden, Bernard Minten, William N. Lannon and
John C. Schneider. The first policies went into force on the 20th of May, 1875, when the
property insured amounted to $50,000. The total amount insured up to date is $1,158,822 ;
number of policies issued, 817. The company has since its organization sustained losses to
the amount of $3,035, which required two assessments of one mill on the dollar each time. It
has cost the members of this company four-tenths of one per centum for five years to keep
insured, besides $1.50 for application and policy. The company insures farm buildings and
contents, live stock, personal property of all kinds, but does not insure in any village or outside
of the three towns. The present Directors are as follows : G. W. Evarts, President, of Gran-
ville ; John Flanagan, Secretary, of Menomonee; Peter Reith, Menomonee ; John Kissenger,
Germantown ; Bernard Minten, Menomonee ; A. Barndt, Granville ; John C. Schneider,
Granville.
Menomonee Falls — The little village of Menomonee Falls is a thriving business center, and
handles a large amount of money and merchandise during the year. The historian is unable to
state positively, owing to the numerous conflicting statements, but probably Hollingsworth S.
Smith was the first settler in what is now Menomonee Falls, although William R. Hesk was one
of the very earliest settlers in this locality.
The first postofiice was established in 1842. W. R. Hesk was the first Postmaster. J. E.
Seabold is the present Postmaster, and has been in the ofiice the last nine years.
Considerable business is done at this place, for its size and population. There are two
grist-mills, the larger built about twenty-five years ago, by J. B. Nehs, and ever since run by
him, with water and steam power. Mr. Nehs was the first man in the milling business in this
part of the county. The other, a steam mill, is owned and run by G. P. Kehr ; a steam saw-
mill, owned and run by Nehs & Schlafer ; one foundry and agricultural establishment, owned by
I. B. Rowell & Co. This shop does an extensive business in plows and their celebrated corn cul-
tivators. There are two general stores, one owned by J. E. Seabold & Co., and the other by
Peter Keeler ; three blacksmith's shops, two wagon-maker's shops, two millinery shops, two good
hotels, two butchers, two undertakers and a number of smaller establishments, carrying different
trades, such as shoemakers, tailors, cabinet shops, etc.
HISTORY OF WAU5ESHA COUNTY. 755
Lincoln Lodge, No. 183, A., F. & A. M., was organized under dispensation, August 31,
1871, with the following officers : M. L. Youngs, of Milwaukee, G. M. ; S. S. Clark, S. W. ;
D. F. Bancroft, J. W. ; W. T. Palmer, of Milwaukee, G. Sec. ; J. Gray, S. D. ; A. B. Ostran-
der, J. D. ; G. W. Church, Tiler. A charter was granted July 1, 1872, and officers were elected as
follows : S. S. Clark, W. M. ; Rev. A. A. Hoskin, S. W. ; F. D. Bancroft, J. W. ; S. K.
Wambold, Treas. ; J. E. Seabold, Sec. ; J. Gray, S. D. ; A. B. Ostrander, J. D. ; 0. Shuck,
Tiler. Following are the charter members : F. C. Baker, G. W. Church, M. S. Griswold,
Byron Gray. Thomas Haynes, S. S. Muzzy, L B. Rowell, G. D. Rowell, J. M. Ritter, George
W. Smith, J. H. Waterlin.
The officers installed January 2, 1880, are these : J. E. Lounsbury, W. M. ; W. T.
Camp, S. W. ; I. B. Rowell, J. W. ; J. E. Davis Treas. ; J. B. Loomis. Sec. ; A. Lillicrapp,
S. D. ; G. Smith, J. D. ; G. W. Church, Steward ; A. Ploss, Steward ; G. Cook, Tiler. The
lodge now numbers twenty-nine members in good standing.
The Methodist Episcopal society is very prosperous. In 1868, they built a handsome
church, of the Cream City brick, at a cost of $7,500. The spire is 120 feet high, and adds
much to the beauty of the church. When Dr. Reid, editor of the Northwestern Qhristian
Advocate, conducted the dedicatory services, he pronounced it one of the finest country churches
he had ever seen.
The German Methodists have a substantia] and comfortable church built of stone. Both
societies are reported to be in a prosperous condition.
The Methodist Episcopal Sabbath School is in a flourishing condition, containing about 150
members. Teachers, 16; Rev. A. M. Bullock, Pastor; J. E. Seabold, Superintendent; H. L.
Haylett, Assistant Superintendent; George Hoyt, Secretary and Treasurer; M. Barndt,
Librarian.
The first minister of the Evangelical Association, who preached in the neighborhood of
Menomonee Falls, was John Lutz, in the year 1840. The Revs. Adam Stroh and Christian
Lintner worked here in 1841. They were, in 1842, succeeded by the Revs. F: Wahl and G. A.
Blank. Rev. M. Hauert followed them and preached here in 1848 and 1844. In 1844, Frederick
Nehs and William Barns, with their families, came from the State of Pennsylvania and settled in the
region of what is now called Menomonee Falls. Charles Nehs, a son of Frederich Nehs, with his
family, followed the next year, 1845, from Pennsylvania. They all were members of the Evangelical
Association. Rev. J. Harlacher, a veteran of the itineracy, at that time located in the adjoining
town of Richfield, preached for them in private houses in Menomonee Falls. The following
persons were formed by Rev. Andrew Nicolai, who succeeded Rev. M. Hauert, 1845, in the year
1846 into a class : Frederick Nehs, Rebecca Nehs, Sarah A. Nehs, Charles Nehs, Mary Ann
Nehs, William Barns and Susan Barns, which number, in the following years, more or less
increased. In 1859, meetings were held to consider the propriety of erecting a church. Fred-
erick Nehs donated an acre of land for a site. On August 22, 1860, the corner-stone of an
edifice was laid by Rev. J. G. Escher, which was dedicated February 24, 1861. The building
is 33Jx44i feet, and valued at $5,000. The parsonage, built in 1855-56, is valued at $1,200.
The present Minister is Rev. G. Fritsche. The church has a membership of 125, with the
following Trustees: Isaac Leister, Edward L. Nehs and Joshua Keeler. The Sunday school
numbers 161 scholars. Names of the officers are : H. Forster, President ; Jacob Schlseferg,
Vice-President ; Wesley Nehs, Secretary ; W. Forster, Treasurer ; John Baker and Henry
Nehs, Librarians.
Fussville. — The village and vicinity of Fussville were settled about the last of 1837, by
Americans and Irish, who owned some of the finest farms in the town. In 1844, the Germans
began to purchase these farms, and now not an American or Irishman remains to tell the story
of the first settlement of the place.
The first church in the town was built here in 1846. It is a large and prosperous church society.
The farmers in the vicinity of Fussville are exceedingly thrifty, and have some of the finest
farms in this portion of the county.
756 HISTOEY OF ^V^AUKESHA COUNTY.
Lannon /Springs. — This place was named in honor of William N. Lannon, on whose farm
were some beautiful springs.
The first postoffice at the Springs was opened May 10, 1854, by William N. Lannon.
The first school was taught in 1843, and the first church services were held in 1842.
In the spring of 1843, William M. Saunders and William Brown opened the first store.
Ashes were legal tender in those days, and any one trading with Saunders could get goods at
half-price if he could tell a good story, and pay in ashes at that.
About 1875, Michael Keating built the Lannon Springs Hotel, which is a model country
caravansary. He has allowed no games to be played in it since it was opened.
What is now Lannon Springs was settled in 1842 by W. N. Lannon, Dennis McCarty,
Erastus S. Comstock, John Golden, Jeff"rey Burke, James Brogan, T. Kinsley — all Irish but
Mr. Comstock.
In 1848, a Scotchman named George Clark was killed near Henry Bedford's while driving
a load of lumber. The next year, John McDonnell, while bringing a young lady to the Springs,
was killed in the same place. For some years thereafter, the people of the vicinity regarded
the place with fear and superstition.
Mrs. James Brogan was the first person to die, and James Brogan the first person to be
married at the Springs.
Father Kundig, of Milwaukee, held the first Catholic services at the Springs in 1842, at
James Brogan's house. In 1843, the Catholics of this place joined with those of Brookfield,
and bulk a church. In 1847, Rev. James Colton, now of Fond du Lac, took charge of the par-
ish, and in 1848, built the stone church at the Springs. In the fall the parsonage was built.
James Brogan donated an acre of land for the church and parsonage, and L. Kinsley one acre
for the cemetery, called St. James Cemetery. Mrs. JeiFrey Burke, who died in 1848, was the
first person buried in it.
TOWN OF MUKWONAGO.
Historically and otherwise, the town of Mukwonago is an important section of Waukesha
County ; and, if it would not make the histories of other towns appear short in comparison, a
very elaborate'and interesting sketchmight be written of this rich and beautiful town.
Mukwonago, by act of the Legislature, approved January 2, 1838, was made to comprise
the present towns of Mukwonago, Eagle, Ottawa and Genesee ; but by an act approved March
8, 1839, it was reduced to its present size. The name, as first sanctioned by the Legislature,
was Mequanego, and the first election was authorized to be held at Daniel Bigelow's house.
The first settler in this town was Charles N. Cox, who, with his wife and children, lived in
his covered wagon on a claim on Section 19. The exact day of their arrival is not known ;
but Thomas Sugden and Joseph Smart discovered their "camp" during the first week in June,
1836, and remained one night with them. On the 12th of June, Joseph Smart entered lands
and settled on Section 19, adjoining Mr. Cox, and Mr. Sugden settled on Section 26, in this
town. They were the next settlers. On the 15th of this month, Sewall Andrews, Henry H.
Camp and Mr. Meacham arrived at what is now Mukwonago Village, and settled upon lands
which they had blazed, or selected, in 1835. They were the third group of actual settlers, but
the first prospectors.
Here will be introduced the report made by the Mukwonago Committee [Martin Fidd}
to the Old Settler's Club in 1871, as follows :
'' Your committee, appointed to prepare an historical account of the early settlement of the
town of Mukwonago, respectfully report :
" Mukwonago, previous to its settlement in 1836, was a large and populous Indian village.
It was the chief or capital village of the tribe of Indians known as the Pottawatomies, situated
on Mukwonago Creek, not far from its junction with the Fox River, and near the border ot an
extensive forest. It was evidently a most desirable locality for the residence of a people possess-
ing the habits and customs of the Northwestern Indians. The inhabitants were, generally peacea-
WA
UKESHA .
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA- COUNTY. 759
ble and inoffensive, except, perhaps, when they supposed their rights were unjustly invaded.
Then it was that the peculiar traits of the Indian character were exhibited. Their wigwams
were permanently and substantially built, which clearly indicated a permanent and continuous
occupation of the place. Their council-house, a large building built of poles and covered with
the bark of large trees, in which the chiefs and principal men of the tribe held their annual coun-
cils, was, in 1836, standing on the north bank of Mukwonago Creek, at the south end of the vil-
lage. The valley in which the village was located being very productive, they raised corn in
great abundance. How long the tribe had made this locality their home cannot now be ascer-
tained with any degree of certainty, but, from the best information we have been able to obtain,
we conclude that it could not have been a great length of time. The only mention of this vil-
lage "and its inhabitants, prior to 1835, in any written history we have read, we find in Col.
Childs' ' Recollections of Wisconsin Since 1820,' an account of his journey from Southern Illi-
nois to Green Bay in 1827, with a drove of cattle. He says : ' We crossed the river at the rapids,
and struck the Fox River, which empties into the Illinois at Ottawa, followed up the Fox River
to Mukwonago, and there found a great many Pottawatomie Indians. They were rather ugly
in appearance, and threatened to kill m_y cattle.'
" The first white settlers* in the town of Mukwonago were Sewall Andrews and Henry H.
Camp. In the year of 1835, they, in company with Major Meacham, who afterward settled in
Walworth County, traveled through the southeastern portion of the Territory of Wisconsin and
Northern Illinois for the purpose of selecting a place for future settlement. After journeying
for several weeks, they finally determined upon the Indian village of Mukwonago, as the most
desirable locality for building up a town. In the following spring, and on about the loth of
June, 1836, Messrs. Andrews and Camp again came to Mukwonago for the purpose of remain-
ing, and made preparations for erecting a house. Although the title of the Indians to this por-
tion of the Territory had been previously extinguished, they had not been removed and still claimed
the right of possession, and objected to the erection of any buildings within the limits of their
village. They however immediately erected a house about a mile and a half northwest from
the village, and near the present residence of John Andrews. This was the first house erected
in the town, and a few weeks after its completion, the proprietors had the pleasure of furnishing
lodging and entertainment to Gen. Dodge, who was then Governor of the Territory of Wis-
consin. Delayed, but not driven from their purpose, they soon after negotiated with the Indians
for permission to build a house within the village, and gave them two barrels of flour for the
privilege ; under this permission they erected a house, only 10x12 in dimensions, on the south-
west corner of Block 8, in the village as it was afterward platted, and this house was the
home and lodging place of nearly all the white residents of the village, until the commencement
of the following winter. They were then all unmarried.
"A little earlier in the month of June, 1836, Charles N. Cox emigrated from Indiana with
his family and settled on Section 19. His wife and adopted daughter were the first white female
residentsof the town ; and still later in the same month, Thomas Sugden and Joseph Smart came.
Smart moving his family with him. They settled on Section 19, and Sugden on Section 26 ; Sugden
remained in the town until 1843. In the following August, George Bolsen came with his fam-
ily and settled on Section 18. Whiting Hudson and family came and settled on the northwest
quarter of Section 36, October 9, 1836. On orabout the 15th of October, 1836, Martin Field and Ira
Blood arrived from Chicago ; they came from Vermont early the previous spring, with the inten-
tion of settling in Wisconsin; but on arriving in Chicago, finding employment in the County and
City Surveyor's offices, they remained there during the summer. Soon after their arrival at
Mukwonago, they were employed by the proprietors to survey and plat the village, a map of
which was filed and recorded in the office of Register of Deeds of Milwaukee County, Nov. 1836. 24,
'' In selecting a name for the village, the proprietors adopted that given it by the Indians, the
signification of which is, ' a place where bears were killed.' Mukwo or Mequo, in their lan-
guage being the name of that animal.
* P re spi ctors would have been more accurate. Z
760 HISTOEY.OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
" Mr. Field remained in and became a resident of the village, and Mr. Blood made a claim in
the adjoining town of Vernon, and remained there until his death. In August, 1836, Charles
B. Stockman, formerly a resident of St. Lawrence County N. Y., came here and laid a claim to
the mill-site adjoining the village, and erected a house on the south bank of Mukwonago Creek,
which was, for a short time in the spring of 1837, occupied by Charles Raynous and his family.
Lat.e in the fall of 1836, and after the survey of the village had been completed, Mr. Andrews
erected a store on Block 7, and Mr. Camp a hotel on Block 8, both of which were constructed of
logs, Mr. Meacham, one of the original proprietors of the village, having a one-third interest
therein ; but, as he never was a permanent resident of the town, his name has not been before men-
tioned. He sold his interest to Mr. Andrews soon after the survey was completed. Those who
came in later in the autumn of 1836 were Simon Jones and family, Lyman Hill and family, Charles
Raynous, Wilder C. Chafin, John Prescott and Edward Bassett, who, with those heretofore
named, were all who became residents of the town during that year. John A. Smart, born
December 31, 1836, son of Joseph Smart, was the first white child born in the town. Mariam
and Marion Hill were the first white female children born in the town. They were twins
and born January 20, 1837, at the house of C. B. Stockman, on the south bank of Mukwonago
Creek. They were the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Hill, who came from Vermont a few
weeks previous.
" In the year 1837, we received a valuable acquisition to the population of our town. John
M. Stockman, John S. Morse, Webber Andrews, Ezra Stone, John Burnell, Robert Wilkinson,
William Cross, Sherman Cartwright, John Coats, and a man by the name of Newcomb, with
their families, and David Orendorf, James Orendorf, Samuel Pendleton, Capt. Burk, Cyrus
Hill, John A. Larkin and Ira Goodspeed, came and settled in different parts of the town; all
of whom were farmers excepting John A. Larkin, who was a shoemaker. John M. Stockman
frequently worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner. In the spring of 1837, Sewall Andrews
obtained a stock of goods from New York, and opened his store about the first of June. James
Orendorf about this time settled on Section 24, and established a ferry across Fox River, erected
a large block-house, and kept hotel for a year or two. In 1838, he was appointed Postmaster.
The office was called Springfield, that being the first postoffice within the limits of the town. In
the winter of 1839 and 1840, the office was moved to the village of Mukwonago, and Andrew
E. Elmore was made Postmaster, and from that time the office was called Mukwonago. There
soon began to appear among our farmers, and especially among those who had settled in the
northwestern portion of the town, marked indications of thrift and of future wealth. They were
improving their farms rapidly, commencing to breed all kinds of farm stock, and produced most
of the necessaries of life. Until a much later date, there were no physicians, or preachers of the
Gospel within the limits of the town, and probably none nearer than Milwaukee, a distance of
twenty-four miles.. We will not attempt to give a list of the names of those who settled here
in 1838, 1889 and 1840. The town was settling rapidly during those years, and any list we can
now make would necessarily be imperfect. We will only name a few of those whom we know
settled here during those years : Samuel Winch, Adam E. Ray, came in 1838 ; Joseph Bond,
in June, Dr. Solomon Blood in September, and Andrew E. Elmore in October, 1839.
" It may interest many who have never known, or have forgotten the fact, that the town of
Mukwonago, in its first organization, was twelve miles square, including the present towQS of
Genesee, Ottawa, Eagle and Mukwonago. The first election was held at the house of Daniel
Bigelow, in the village of Eagleville, in the fall of 1838, and Henry Hinkley was elected
Chairman."
Charles N. Cox was the first settler in the town ; Mrs. Cox, his wife, the first white woman,
and his children, David and Hannah, the first little folks.
The first frame house is the present residence of Dr. H. A. Youmans.
The first hotel was built in 1837, by Charles B. Stockman.
The first store was opened by Sewall Andrews, and the second by Andrew E. Elmore.
The former still has a store in the village.
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 761
The first noted place for horse-racing was in the northwest part of the town, which was,
therefore, named " Horse-race Prairie." A three-quarter-mile track was laid out there thirty-
years ago, by George Yearly.
Sewall Andrews and David Orendorf were the first Justices of the Peace, appointed in 1837,
or the first of 1838.
Mr. Powers brought the first mails to Mukwonago, once in two weeks. The next mail
carrier was William Wilkinson, now a resident of Genesee.
The first birth was John A., son of Joseph Smart, born December 31, 1836.
The first death was that of Charles N. Cox, July 23, 1838. He was buried at Jericho.
The report to the Old Settlers' Club states that Andrews and Camp built the first ^louse in
Mukwonago ; but the historian concludes that a house built on Section 19, by Joseph Smart and
Charles N. Cox, was occupied first. Both, however, were erected at about the same time.
The first preachers were Elder Burgess, Baptist ; Rev. Brooks, Episcopalian. In 1837,
an itinerant Methodist preached at Joseph Smart's house, probably the first sermon in the
town.
Miss Gertrude Goodrich taught the first school in the summer of 1842, at Jericho.*
In October, 1838, the marriage of Mrs. Charles N. Cox to John Long was the first in
Mukwonago. Sewall Andrews, Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony. He did it so
awkwardly, not being accustomed to such business, that Mr. Hinkley, a Justice from Eagle,
declared, after Mr. and Mrs. Long had lived together for some days, that they were not married ;
that the form was illegal, and Mr. Andrews without the proper authority. This was allowed to
frighten the innocent couple for a time; then the joke was explained, and they again lived as
man and wife.
Seneca Harris was the first shoemaker. It is said he never worked at the trade before
opening a shop in Mukwonago.
In 1842, Thomas Sugden was elected Assessor, but had no blanks or legal forms for making
assessment rolls or returns. He therefore improvised some which would serve well for the
present day. The first roll contains the names of 70 resident and 18 non-resident tax-payers,
whose real and personal property was valued at $53,384.
. At a school exhibition in the village of Mukwonago, March 23, 1866, the floor gave way,
very seriously injuring several people.
The first blacksmith was Charles Raynous.
In 1844, $2,000 in cash was raised in Milwaukee to improve the road to Mukwonago, which
was then in a very bad condition.
In January, 1843, a petition praying for the removal of Gov. James Duane Doty, received
130 signatures.
Mukwonago has been honored with several Congressional Conventions.
Andrew E. Elmore, the "Sage of Mukwonago, " read the New York Weekly; always talked
"all the rights of all men;" trusted everybody who traded at his store, and wished to be
trusted, and never blacked his boots.
William Wilkinson was married in 1838 to Anna Robinson. Everybody was invited;
everybody went, and everybody had a big time. Before getting a wife, he built a house. The
bed was made of poles, one end stuck into the crevices of the log house, and the other resting
on crotches, on which brush and leaves were spread. The table was of rough boards ; the chairs
of blocks cut from oak logs, and other furniture would have been in keeping, if he had had any.
A thoughtful neighbor sent to Milwaukee for a keg of beer, and after the ceremony, which was
said by Henry Hinkley, the feast and fun began. Mr. Hinkley was dressed in overalls and
jerkin, and performed the ceremony with a New York "form-book " in one hand and a box of
Scotch snuff in the other.
If any one desires to see a Mukwonago farmer dance like a toad on a hot griddle, it is
only necessary to coax him into some secluded spot and whisper " Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad."
* The people of Eagle^ claim Miss Goodrich as their first teacher. Her school was for children of both towns ; but it is a matter of dispute
as to which side of the town line the building stood.
762 HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUXTY.
Up to June, 1837, settlers in Mukwonago were S. Andrews, H. H. Camp, Charles N. Cox,
Thomas and John Coats, Samos, Jonathan and Jerry Parsons, Robert Wilkinson, the Sugden
family, Martin Field, Ira Blood, W. C. Chafin, J. M. and C. B. Stockman, John Burnell,
Joseph Smart, (first of the English settlers,) David Orendorf, James Orendorf and William Moo-
dy. Jesse Meacham, who visited the place, did not become a permanent settler.
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. — At a formal meeting held at the Mukwonago
House, January 31, 1874, the following directors were elected : C. B. Stockman, A. E. Per-
kins, J. A. Pratt, J. N. Crawford, W. Wilton and J. Wilkinson. A. E. Perkins was chosen
President, J. A. Pratt, Secretary, and W. M. Frazier, Treasurer. The first policy issued was
to A. E. Perkins. The company is for Mukwonago, Eagle and Genesee. The directors from
Genesee were H. Bowman and J. W. Farnham ; Eagle, J. Parsons. In March, 1877, the num-
ber of directors was increased to nine — three from each town. J. N. Crawford and A. J. Boss
have been President and Secretary since 1876. The present Board of Directors are J. N. Craw-
ford, A. J. Boss and William Frazier of Mukwonago; A. R. Hinkley, Samuel Hage and William
Wilton of Eagle ; Norman Shultis, W. H. Hardy and Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee. At the an-
nual meeting in 1880, the company contained five hundred and twenty members, holding four
hundred and sixty-two policies of insurance. The value of property insured is $520,000. The
rates of insurance are $1.50 for each policy and one-fifth of one per centum on the amount
issued. Twelve losses have been paid, mostly caused by lightniing, aggregating $1,743.50.
During 1879, the losses were $1,390. Cash now on hand $325.
Jericho* is a quiet little burg on the extreme west line of this town. It was so called from
the name of Jerry Parsons, who built an old tavern stand there in an early day. Jericho Creek
flows through a beautiful grove of old trees to the west of the village. The grounds of John
Burden and Mr. Pitcher having been inclosed years ago with masonry walls of limestone, now
gray and moss-grown, have given rise to the various sayings in regard to "the walls of Jericho."
It is one of the oldest settlements in the county, and has a natural location of extreme beauty.
Other Scriptural names in this locality are Palestine, Jerusalem, and on the farm of Mrs. Hill,
in Mukwonago, is Mt. Nebo, which is " over against Jericho."
Mukwonago Village. — This is not an incorporated village, but has the commercial import-
ance which warrants its claim to the title of village. Its first settlers were Indians. The last
tribe which inhabited the region were Pottawatomies, who had a large village on the site of the
present village, which was also named Mukwonago, meaning place of the bear, or bear town.
The first white settlers were Sewall Andrews, H. H. Camp and Mr. Meacham, who vis-
ited the locality in 1835, and took up their residence here June 15, 1836. The first house in
the village was erected by them. Mr. Meacham soon left for other parts, and was not a per-
manent settler.
The village was platted in 1836, and the plat recorded at Milwaukee, November 24, 1836.
That was undoubtedly the earliest recorded plat in Waukesha County.
The surrounding country is beautiful and rich ; the place has a good water-power, and the
inhabitants are well-informed and generally well-to-do.
A few years ago, Theron W. Haight wrote as follows of this pleasant village :
" Within three or four years from the first settlement, many of those whose names are still
known and honored in the town, were invited hither by the charming appearance of the country.
John Stockman built a house for the entertainment of travelers in 1837 ; the cheerful and genial face
of Joseph Bond was seen above the heads of his friends ; Andrew E. Elmore established himself
in a log store in 1839 ; Otis Sargeant began work upon a productive farm, and Elder Burgess,
a Baptist minister, initiated the regular preaching of the word of God. At that time, the well-
to-do farmer who wished to be thought stylish, went to church in a vehicle drawn by oxen,
while the less ambitious were contented to go on foot. A bridge of poles laid from one forked
stake to another, gave a precarious passage across Fox River to the footman, and many a poor
wight who lingered at the village, like Tam O'Shanter, was caught by the warlock drunkenness
*Jericlio is claimed by both Eagle and Mukwanago, but the moat of the quaint little place is in the latter town.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 763
before reaching the 'key-stane o' the brig,' and forced to become a temporary cold-water man
by tumbling into the river.
" In 1843 or 1844, the first permanent bridge was laid across Fox River, but, the structure
having been found to coat too much for repairs, it was replaced about four years ago by another,
which has proved impregnable to all watery attacks.
" The flouring and saw mill now owned by J. & M. Howitt, were begun (and the saw-
mill finished) in 1847, by a Mr. McVean, but they soon passed from his hands and became the
property of Mr. Sewall Andrews.
"A small church and schoolhouse had been erected in the village almost at the commence-
ment, but the friends of education decided, in 1858, on the erection of a building which should
be an honor to the town, and the present fine public school edifice, of brick, was accordingly
completed in 1859, since which time the utmost pains have been taken to secure the best attain-
able talent for school management, and the present course of study, including higher math-
ematics, German, and natural science, is believed to give as full advantages for culture and
practical knowledge as can be obtained below a collegiate or technical course of instruction."
Baptist Church. — The first Baptist service held in this town was in 1837, at the house of
Charles Cox, Jericho. J. M. Stockman, owning the only horse team in the village at this time,
was offered $1 each by five of his neighbors, to carry them to this meeting, and he remembers
accepting this offer. The society was organized in 1840, and a church built, under the leader-
ship of J. M. Stockman, "Webber and Sewall Andrews, H. Porter, Daniel Wood, Ebenezer
Thomas and others. This church was used until it became untenable, and was finally destroyed
by fire. For several years past, meetings were held in the schoolhouse. The society has com-
pleted an elegant new church, at a cost of upwards of $2,000.
Congregational Church. — The first subscriptions taken for the building of a church, were
by A. E. Perkins and A. Ball, in 1860. On the removal of Mr. Ball, the subscription was
dropped, though the society was organized at that time. The first Trustees were W. C. Chafin,
A. E. Perkins and another. Rev. Mr. Snow, assisting in the organization, and Rev. Mr. Sedg-
wick being the first regular pastor. In 1866, the subscriptions were renewed at the instance of
the Trustees, A. E. Perkins, E. T. Taylor and Dr. Jerry Youmans. Under the direction
of these gentlemen as Building Committee, the foundations were laid, in 1866, the present
substantial and handsome structure being finished in 1869, at a cost, with fixtures, furniture
and organ,, of $3,400. Prior to the building, and since the organization, of the church, weekly
services were held in the schoolhouse. This church is open to all evangelical denominations.
United Unitarian and Universalist Society. — Sewall Andrews, F. M. Payne, Otis Sar-
geant, William M. Frazier, J. N. Crawford and John Platner were the leading spirits in
founding this church, "W. P. Collins and Martin Field being the pillars on the Unitarian side
of the house. The organization was effected and a charter granted in 1877. The first officers
were Andrews, Frazier and Crawford, Trustees ; Martin Field, Secretary ; Peter Greeley,
Treasurer. They continue to hold these positions. The site for a church was purchased of the
heirs of William Burgess, for $700. The church, a very neat building, was completed in
August, 1879, and cost $8,000. It is used also by the Methodist Episcopal society. The
dressing-room, dining-room and kitchen were built with funds raised by the ladies. The church
is free from debt.
Uagle Lodge, No. 39, I. 0. 0. F. — This Lodge was instituted at Eagle, Waukesha County,
October 1, 1849. Its charter members were Philip V. Born, Allen Carr, Frank Draper,
Andrew E. Elmore, Alexander Farron, Dexter Finch, Freeman Ackly, John James, John C.
Snover, Adam E. Ray, Thomas W. Pitman, Hiram Lampman, B. Salsbury and Henry
Snyder. In May, 1859, Eagle Lodge was moved to Mukwonago through the influence and
labor of F. M. Payne, 0. B. Dickinson and George Richardson, and, by the consent of the
R. W. Grand Lodge, took the name of Mukwonago Lodge, No. 89. The presiding officer at
that time was John C. Snover. At the first election thereafter the officers were : F. M. Payne,
N. G. ; George Richardson, V. G. ; 0. B. Dickinson, R. S. ; H. H. Camp, T. The lodge
764 HISTORY OF WAU-KESHA COUNTY.
kept up its meetings during the war, until January, 1862, when it suspended, and surrendered
its charter. About the last of October, 1868, F. M. Payne, 0. B. Dickinson, H. H. Camp,
John Snyder, Perry Craig, Melvin Peacock, Melvin Gibson, E. D. Reynolds and B. S.
Winchell, petitioned for a charter, and on the 29th day of November, 1868, the lodge was
resuscitated by R. W. Grand Secretary L. B. Hills, of Madison. The lodge has made a good
many Odd Fellows, and lost a good many, but has succeeded in holding its own and a little
more, having now a membership of over forty in good standing, and about $500 in the
treasury. The ofiScers are: G. Lovejoy, N. G. ; William Miller, V. G. ; A. J. Stockman,
R. S. ; F. M. Payne, T. The night of meeting is Saturday, over Anderson & Wood's store.
TOWN OP MUSKEGO.
The town of Muskego formerly embraced a larger extent of territory than it now does, an^
was one of the earliest towns named and founded. The Territorial Legislature passed the fol"
lowing enactment :
Section 4. That the country included within the following limits, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of
Township 5 north, of Range 20 east ; thence west to the southwest corner of Township 5 north, of Eange 19 east ;
thence north along said township to the northwest corner of Township 6 north, of Range 19 east ; thence east to the
northeast corner of Township 6 north, of Range 20 east; thence south to the place of beginning; be and is hereby
set off into a separate town by the name of Muskego : and the polls of election shall be opened at the house of
Nathaniel Walton, near Prairie Village, and at the house of Hugh Wedge, near Muskego Lake.
Approved Jan. 2,1838.
The above-bounded territory included, with the present town, the towns of Vernon, Wau-
kesha and New Berlin.
The town of Muskego, as it now is, namely. Township 5, of Range 20 east, was
separated from the balance of the territory and erected into a town for self-government, by an
act of the Legislature, approved March 9, 1839.
It was one of the principal camping-places, next to Mukwonago and Waukesha, of the
Pottawatomie Indians, and a very large village of them was found about the shores of Mus-
kego Lake by the first settlers. The abundance of wild rice, water fowl, fish and muskrats, which
was probably not equaled by any other locality in Waukesha County, made the town of
Muskego an exceedingly desirable place for the aborigines, who depended almost entirely upon
wild game for food.
Muskego has within its borders the largest lake in Waukesha County, and a ^ery large
portion of the remainder of the town bears evidence of having been covered by water. A large
portion of the soil is therefore lower than most of the other towns, but it is rich and strong.
Nearly all of that which the early settlers deemed too wet for cultivation has since been turned
into the most productive meadows and grain fields.
The first regular "town meeting," or election — at least, the first one recorded — was held
April 5, 1842, at the house of Harriette V. French. . Asa Parker was Chairman of the meeting,
and H. B. Burritt, Clerk. After some discussion, it was agreed to elect town officers by ballot,
and the Clerk recorded the following elections, which did not include all the officials the town
was entitled to : George McWhorter, Hiram Hollister, Eben Harris, and Marion Mucky were
elected Highway Commissioners, and Rufus Peck and Phillips Riley were chosen School Com-
missioners. It was then agreed that the next town meeting should be held at the house of Mr.
A. H. Taylor. It occurred April 4, 1848, at which James Field was elected Chairman of the
town, and Rufus C. Peck and H. B. Burritt, Supervisors ; M. T. White, Assessor and Town
Clerk ; George Green, Treasurer ; and Francis Ives, Collector.
The officers of the town for 1880 are as follows : Supervisors, John Schmidt, Chairman ;
Henry Welsh, Matthew Elliott ; Town Clerk, George Rosenberg ; Assessor, Charles Finly ;
Treasurer, William Elliott ; Justices of the Peace, J. D. Buckett, Adam Muehl, Albert Claflin,
Sr. ; Constables, J. H. Jordan, P. Crosby, A. Shallanda.
The town of Muskego embraces historic territory among the Pottawatomie Indians, who
had villages and burial-places on its lakes. There are found here, also, some of the most inter-
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 765
esting of the numerous mounds covering the abiding-places of the pre-historic races, and one
arched temple or niche wholly unlike anything else in the pre-historic line in the county. It
was surveyed and a draft made by Increase A. Lapham, but has been, unfortunately, nearly
destroyed in recent years.
The Committee, consisting of L. Ellarson, C. Finley and John Schmedt, appointed by the
Old Settlers' Club to prepare a history of the town of Muskego, made the following report :
" An extended history of the town of Muskego would form a very interesting chapter in
the early reminiscences of th6 State of Wisconsin. Its dense thickets and heavy timber, its
lakes and marshes, have made it the special abode of the aborigines of this county for ages
pre-historic. It is here that generations after generations were born and passed away, and left no
calendar or record to tell us whence they came, or in what age they lived.
" Upon the north bank of Big Muskego Lake, on what is now known as ' Latander
Point,' is a burying ground, of which the Indians of late generations have no distinct tradi-
tions ; they simply hold it in sacred veneration as the last resting-place of a people long since
passed to their happy hunting grounds far beyond the setting sun, and here, too, are the graves
of those of whom tradition points to the time in which they lived and died, and here also is the
resting-place of those who have lived and died within the memory of the white man, and Mus-
kego was the last town in which the poor Indian found a home in the southern counties of
Wisconsin, whence they were removed in the year of our Lord, 1852, by order of the
General Government.
" The tenacity with which they clung to their hunting grounds in Muskego, shows the esti-
mate they placed upon its lakes, and its marshes, and its forests, and the great source which
furnished them game and fish for food, and fur and skins for clothing and traflSc. For years
after their removal, quite a large number of those poor Indians would return annually and spend a
few weeks unmolested upon their favorite grounds in Mus-kee-Guac — the fishing place* — by
the white settlers called Muskego. The year of our Lord 1836 gave them the first full surety
that ere long their hunting grounds would be converted into fields of grain and grass ; that
civilization was fast on its move westward and that they must seek a new home beyond the
Mississippi.
" It was about that time that Luther Parker emigrated from the State of New Hampshire,
and made the first claim and built the first house in the town of Muskego. This claim was
located on what is now a part of Section 9, at the south end of Little Muskego, at a point now
known as Muskego Center.
"The old house that he then erected was torn down about two years ago, by the present
proprietors, to make room for other buildings. At its demise, the old house was in a very good
state of preservation, and seemed to challenge time and weather for many years to come. About
six or seven years since, we were conversing with A. H. Taylor and Barnes Babcock in relation
to this old house, and they counted, up to that time, no less than forty-three families that had
lived in it. Could this old house talk and tell of the trials, the troubles, the dreams and the
pleasures it had witnessed, it would fill a volume with facts and romance that would be painfully
interesting to the reader.
" We have often heard Mr. Parker recount the hardships, trials and privations he necessarily
passed through, the first year he was here. Often be had to grf to Milwaukee (then a distance
of twenty miles by the Indian trail) and bring home provisions on his back to support his little
family, and often the rivers and streams were so swollen by rains and melting snow that it
required about three days to make the trip. It was during this winter that the first white child
was born in the town of Muskego ; a little daughter was born to Mr. Parker, which soon after
died, and now lies buried on the bank of its beautiful lake. This was the first grave, in which
the remains of the first white person were deposited, in this town.
" If our memory is correct, the next settler was Leonard Martin, now of Vernon, who
settled in the west part of the town, near his present residence. He was followed in a few weeks
by Lavalette Ellarson, who settled upon the same farm where he now resides.
* MuB-kee-Guac means Buofish, with which Muskego Lake aboundB.
766 HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
"In the year 1837, a number of settlers located and settled in the town. Among the first
of these were Patrick Conray, Mr. Houyck, Homer H. Hawkins, George Green, John Kendall,
James Field, Mr. Sexton, and also one or two others whose names we cannot now remember.
"In the year 1838, Garrett Doyle and family, James Conray, Francis Ives, John Burns,
Daniel Sweeney, Levi G. Guild, Mr. Cox and a number of others, settled in the town.
" The first school that we had was taught by Miss Hannah Field, daughter of James Field,
and now the wife of George McLaish, Esq., of Waterford, Racine County. This young lady,
as a professor of the science of teachine; the young idea how to shoot, was considered very suc-
cessful indeed, notwithstanding the fact that many of her pupils thought it a matter of greater
moment and importance to shoot a bear or a deer than an idea.
" We have no record of who preached the first sermon, but Elder Adams, a Unitarian, was
among the earliest divines who ministered to the spiritual wants of the people.
" Dr. Otis was the first physician who located here. His career was short, and he was suc-
ceeded by Dr. Squires, who fell a- prey to the cholera in 1849.
" Since the year 1836, when you take into consideration its dense thickets, its heavy timber,
its deepmarshes, Muskego has marched forward with a stride seldom equaled in any country.
Its heavy timbered lands have been converted into smooth and pleasant fields, much of its marshes
have been converted intobeiutiful and profitable meadows, its dense thickets havebeen cleared and
now reward the patient, toiling husbandman with a generous compensation for his labor. Each
succeeding year witnesses the clicking of the reaper and the mower over ground which a few
years ago was considered almost inaccessible to man or beast. How changed ! How wonder-
ful is the progress of civilization as it advances from the rising toward the setting sun !
" But where are those who were the pioneers in bringing those great changes about ? A few
of them yet survive and look back with pride and gratitude on the part they have acted in the
development of these events ; but the most of them have been called to receive their reward, and
have become our precursors and pioneers in that undiscovered country beyond the tomb. May
they rest in peace."
The first birth was that of an infant daughter in Luther Parker's family, at Muskego Center.
The child lived but a few days.
A few years ago, John D. McDonald, of Summit, wrote as follows : " The first plow used
to turn a furrow in Summit (which was on Baxter's farm) was made at the nearest shop —
Wedge's mills, which I believe is in Muskego. *I obtained the irons from the blacksmith, and
carried them to Summit on my back, and, as a recompense, I had the pleasure to travel between
the handles of that plow, to turn the first sod in our town." Thus the first plows made in Wau-
kesha County, were made in Muskego.
The oldest person in the town is Patrick Crosby.
The first settler in the town of Muskego was Luther Parker. All claims to the contrary,
there now seems to be no doubt of the correctness of this statement. Mr. Parker came from the
northern portion of New Hampshire, and made a claim where Muskego Center now is in the-
early part of June, 1836. He drove a two-horse team from the old "Granite State," and
brought his wife and family. The latter consisted of three daughters and one son Charles D.
Parker, who was afterward Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. The youngest shild, Amanda,,
died August 8, 1838', which was probably the first death in the town.
Before the close of June, 1836, Henry Houyck and his sister Rebecca, settled in section 5,
and soon after T. G. French and A%a Parker made claims in the town, the former at what is^
now Tess Corners, and the latter at a point about a half-mile farther south. These were alii
who actually settled in Muskego during 1836, although Leonard Martin, made a claim of lands
on Section 19, on November, 19, 1836, and Lavallette EUarson located a claim on Section 6.
During 1837, Homer H. Hawkins, George Green, Hugh Wedge, George Guild, Rufus C. and
Henry M. Peck, Patrick Conray and Leonard Martin were permanently added to the inhabit-
* Asa matterof fact, the saw was running juBt a few feet over the line, in New Berlin; but bo near, Mr. McDonald was easily miBtakea
The blacksmith shop was probably over the line in Muskego.
HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. 767
ants of the town. Mr. Conray was the first Irishman to locate in Muskego ; and Mr. Martin,
surveyed all the roads in the town, except one extending across the northwest corner.
During the year 1838, Anson H. Taylor, of New York, settled in Muskego, and purchased
800 acres of land about Muskego Center. He built the first saw- mill in the town, as well as
the first store and hotel. He was looked upon as a rich man in those days. Gordon C. Cone,
Gerritt Doyle, Thomas Lannon, Hiram Claflin, George Law, R. Drought, D. Sweeney and
William P. Hall were very early settlers in Muskego, and the demise of a daughter of the latter
was undoubtedly the second death in the town.
The first schoolhouse, which no doubt is as plainly pictured in the minds of the early
pioneers as the faces of their nearest friends, was built of logs. The expense of its building was
not defrayed by general taxation, but by voluntary subscriptions. It stood about eighty rods
south of what is now Tess Corners. The first person to teach school in this primitive temple
of learning was Miss Hall, in the fall of 1838, and winter of 1838-39.
The old Wedge saw-mill, well known throughout the county, must be mentioned in the
history of Muskego, although it was built a few feet over the north line of the town in New
Berlin.* After it was demolished in 1855, the present saw-mill was erected a few yards south
of the town line, in Muskego. H. E. Hale, the present owner of the property, purchased it in
186.1, and erected the grist-mill, which is also south of the town line, in this town.
During 1870, Jacob Siegel, a native of Wurtemburg, built a large steam flouring-mill at
Muskego, which was destroyed by fire in 1876.
During the latter part of 1839, a post ofiBce was established in Muskego. James Field was
the first Postmaster, and kept the office — there was precious little else but the office to keep —
at his house, on Section 12. He was succeeded by Luther Parker, who kept the office at his
place during a number of years.
A post office- was established at Muskego Center, with Anson H. Taylor as Postmaster, who
was succeeded by J. D. Reymert, Thomas Taylor, David Henry, and John C. Schuet, the latter
of whom now has the honor ot signing a " P. M." to his name. In politics, Mr. Schuet is called
the "King of Muskego."
The first post office at Tess Corners was established in 1867 by the appointment of H.
Rosenberg as Postmaster, which position he has since continuously held. This place was named
in honor of Jacob Tess, a native of Mecklenburg, who was a prominent farmer in this vicinity.
Nearly or quite forty years ago, an office called Muskego Mills was kept near Wedge's
Mill by a man who was best known throughout that part of the county as "Piper" Reynolds.
Thirty years ago, J. D. Reymert kept the postoffice at Denoon, which is now discontinued.
During the war, Durham Hill postoffice was established in Muskego, by the appointment
of S. A. Tenny, the noted stock-raiser, as Postmaster. The present Postmaster is A. Veennedaal.
What was called the "Norwegian Settlement" began in the south part of the town in 1839,
and grew rapidly until some of the newly-arriving immigrants brought the cholera, in 1849.
Terrible and indescribable scenes followed the breaking-out of this fearful scourge, as the poor
and ignorant people did not know how to diet or abate its ravages in the least. A hospital was
finally established on the shores of Big Muskego Lake, in a large barn, where scores of the
poor people died. This plague broke out here again in 1851 and raged with frightful violence
and fatality. A log house near the town line in "Norway" was then an improvised hospital,
and graves were dug and kept open for expected corpses. The plague resulted in so many
deaths, and carried such terror into the community, that all but a few of the surviving Nor-
wegian families left the town.
The first German to settle in Muskego was George Zingsheim, and Peter Schmidt was the
second.
*8ee history of New Berlin.
768 HISTOEY or WAUKESHA COUNT\.
TOWN OF NEW BERLIN.
Township 6, of Range 20 east, was included in the town of Muskego by the act of
January 2, 1838. In 1839, it was called Mentor, the name being changed by the following
enactment :
" Section 1. That the town now called Mentor, in Township 6, Range 20, in the county of
Milwaukee, shall hereafter be called New Berlin.
"Approved January 13, 1840."
It has been generally supposed that the name. New Berlin, was suggested on account of the
large number of German settlers who now began coming into the town, and who desired to per-
petuate in some common manner the names of prominent cities in their Fatherland. But this
is not the fact. The town was named by Waterman Field and Sidney Evans, in honor of the
latter's native place.
New Berlin has no lakes and no large streams of water, though Poplar Creek and branches
of Root River take their rise in this town, affording at least one good water-power.
The settlers in this town are largely Germans, or of direct German descent ; and it is one
of the most forehanded communities in the county. The farms are thoroughly tilled, debts
promptly paid, and taxes hardly ever delinquent in New Berlin.
While the Old Settlers' Club was in existence, some effort was made to preserve the history
of this town, which was very fortunate, from the fact that nearly all of its present residents are
comparatively new comers, and cannot, consequently, know the early history of the locality.
This effort resulted in the following, which is the report of the committee appointed to prepare
a sketch of New Berlin for the records of the Old Settlers' Club :
In May, 1836, Sidney Evans and P. G. Harrington and wife left White Pigeon, in the State of Michigan, for
Milwaukee, Mr. Evans on 'horseback by the way of Chicago, and Mr. Harrington and wife crossing the lake, meet-
ing in Milwaukee on the 28th day of the mouth, and on the 31st, pushed out into the wilderness in search of homes.
Mr. Harrington, having found a temporary home for his wife in the family of Dr. Chase — now of the town of Lake,
Milwaukee County, Evans and Harrington followed an old Indian t rail leading in a southwesterly direction from
Milwaukee, reaching what was at first called Mentor, afterward changed to New Berlin, the same day, and made their
claims ; Mr. Evans on the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 12, and Mr. Harrington on the east half of the
northeast quarter of Section 13.
Mrs. Harrington being anxious and determined to accompany her husband into the woods, and share with him
the hardships and privations of pioneer life, Mr. Harrington, the next morning, the 1st day of June, started for
Milwaukee to bring her. Mr. Evans, in the mean time, went to work with a will, and in a very short time had a
rude claim shanty constructed of logs about six feet in length, built up on three sides, and open to the fire in front,
the roof and floor made of elm bark. Mr. Harrington returned with his wife the same day, June 1, 1836, she being
the first white woman that ever stepped upon the soil of New Berlin. The three — Mr. Evans and Mr. Harrington
and wife, occupied said shanty two weeks, and until Mr. Evans had biiilt a log cabin about twelve feet square, which
was the first house built and occupied in the town of New Berlin.
Mr. Evans, after occupying his farm several years, sold out to his brother John (who still occupies it), to engage
in the hotel business, which he followed for several years with varied success, and which he ultimately quitted to
re-engage in farming, purchasing for that purpose a farm in the town of Greenfield, Milwaukee County, only a half-
mile from his previous farm, where he now resides in easy circumstances, hale and hearty, and good, apparently, for
at least another quarter of a century. Mr. Harrington, also, after a year's residence in New Berlin, sold his claim,
and removed to Sugar Creek Prairie, Walworth County, where he now resides, a wealthy and influential citizen.
In the month of June of the same year, John H. White, a young man from the State of Michigan, came to New
Berlin, and located on the north west quarter of Section 32, where he has ever since resided, and is the earliest settler
now living in the town.
Soon after Mr. White made his claim, Almon Osboru, accompanied by one Smith, made a claim of the water
power on the southeast quarter of Section 32, for Hugh Wedge and Isaac Dewitt. Wedge and Dewitt came on soon
after, and commenced building a saw-mill, which was completed the following spring. It was a poor-paying cou-
cern in those days — little or no sale for lumber, and they disposed of it in 1840. Hiram E. Hale is the present
owner.
Late in the season. Waterman Field, lya Stewart, Curtis Davis and a Mr. Ellison settled in the town. The fol-
lowing year [1837] Kanaom Bruce, William Wedge, William S. Parsons, the late George McWhorter, with his sous,
Ray and Andrew L., Hiram Hollister, Peter J. Smith, A. W. Morris, John and H. J. G. Palmer, S. R. Hunkins and
John Lloyd came into the town and settled. In 1838, Benjamin Hunkins, Edwin and Edward Rogers, and a few
others settled in the town. The year 1839, owing to the approaching land sale in the autumn of that year, witnessed
a large influx of immigrants into the town, prominent among whom were P. V. Monroe, Daniel Gilbert, William
A. Cone, Whipple Newell, Robert H. Hunkins with his sons, James and Hazen H., George Gamboll, and the late Rev.
R. Cheney, the pioneer clergyman of the Free-Will Baptist denomination in Wisconsin, and the organizer of the first
HISTORY OF WArivESHA COUNTY. 7t)9
Teligious society in the town [in 1840], and who died in August, 1869, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and
some months.
Jacob Korn, Caleb Barber, Rufus Cheney, Mark Murray, Richard Hennesy, Peter Goff, Moses Cleveland and
many others became residents of the town in 1840.
The first school taught in the town, was during the winter of 1840-41, by a Miss Elvira Hunkins, in the dwell-
ing house of Hiram HoUister. The first sohoolhouse was built of logs in 1841, ia School District No. 1, on a site
generously donated for the purpose, by the late P. V. Monroe, one-quarter of a mile east of his residence. The
lirst marriaze was that of Alfred Orendorf to Miss Livonia Rathbun, in October, 1837, by a Rev. Mr. Turk, at the
house of Waterman Field. The first .Justice of the Peace was Waterman Field, in 1837. The first postoflSce was
•established in the same year. Waterman Field being appointed P. M. The first blacksmith-shop was that built by Cur-
tis Davis, in 1837, who employed a Mr. Kline as blacksmith and who died soon after, his being the first death in the
town. He was buried on a rise of ground a little east of Prospect Hill, on a farm now owned by Andrew Snyder.
The first tavern kept in the town was that of Curtis Davis, in 1837, one-half mile east of Prospect Hill, on the prem-
ises now owned by John Superno. Mr. Davis remained in the town only a year or two, hi? "tavern" successively
passing into the hands of a Mr. Childs from Milwaukee, William Hare, Colonel Andrews, F. M. Putney, the well
tnown and popular proprietor of the Exchange of Waukesha, and W. W. Chaplin. Other '* taverns'' were soon after
built. In 1839, Waterman Field, having sold his claim to P. V. Monroe, built a " tavern, " for the accommodation of
travelers, on the site of the saloon now kept by George Klaberger. Mr. Field's health failing him, he, at the end of a
year,- in pursuance of the advice of physicians, left his wife (now Jlrs. E. F. Bennett) in charge of the tavern, went
to New York, and sailed for the West India Islands for the benefit of his health. He died within a year in Illinois,
of consumption, on his way home. After a year or two, the above mentioned '* tavern " passed into the hands of Mr.
William S. Parsons, who named it the "Farmer's Inn," and who for so many years, made it the most popular tavern
ever kept between Milwaukee and Rock River — travelers" frequently driving till late in the night for the purpose of
" putting up " with " Bill Parsons." The first team driven through the town was ayoke of oxen attached to a wagon,
by MajorAlfred Orendorf, in 1836, from Milwaukee to Mukwonago. Wheat was first raised in the town by Hiram
Hollister, Peter J. Smith, William S. Parsons and George JlcWhorter, in 1838. The first election held in the town
was that for town officers, on the 5th of April, 1842.
The town now contains four churches. The first built was that of the German Lutherans, in 1847. The sec-
ond, that of the Catholics, in 1856. The third, that of the Free Will-Baptists, in 1858. The fourth that of the
Methodists in 1861. The number of schoolhouses in the town is nine.
The industries of the town are almost wholly agricultural. The population about two thousand.
A. E. Gilbert,
John Evans,
New Beelin, February 22, 1871. Andbew Snyder.
This town has the honor of containing the first saw-mill in Waukesha County, as well as
Laving the first regularly organized Free-Will Baptist Church in Wisconsin.
It will be noticed that in the history preceding this, the old Wedge (now called Hale's) Mill,
is credited to Muskego. It -was so recorded upon the written and oral testimony of many old
settlers who were supposed to know the facts ; that they were mistaken, however, is not in the
least a matter of wonder. In an early day, the town boundaries were not so well known as now ;
and as the present mill, which took the place of Wedge's mill, is in Muskego, and as the first
mill was only a few feet north of the line between New Berlin and Muskego, the mistake was
easily made. The dam was built in 1836, by Hugh Wedge, and the mill begun the same sea-
son. It was ready to saw early in 1837, and was the first mill in the county. In 1868, Hiram
E. Hale built a flouring-mill on or near the site. A saw-mill, built by A. W. Cole in 1855,
preceded Hale's flouring mill.
In 1841, William P. Hale built a dam across Muskego Creek, first using the power to run
a turning-lathe, building a saw-mill two years later, the whole being remodeled into a grist-
mill in 1846, when Hiram E. Hale bought an interest in the property. An engine was put in,
in 1848, and the mill operated until 1860 by steam. It fell into disuse in 1868, and now stands
in a ruinous condition as one of the landmarks of the section.
New Berlin Mvtual Fire Insurance Oompany. — This insurance company was organized
June 20, 1874, with twenty-five members, who pledged from §1,000 to $2,000 each, in capital
stock. The first ofiBcers were John Evans, President ; J. R. Wheeler, Secretary, and Andrew
Snyder, Jr., Treasurer. At the next election, Mr. Evans was again made President; A. Snyder,
Jr., Secretary and Abraham Kern, Treasurer. These ofiicers have been respectively re-elected
since that time. The company numbers 250 members, with 800 policies in force.
Nearly every farmer in the town is a member. The capital is now $275,000 ; loss paid to 1880,
$1,200. The first Directors were J. R. Wheeler, J. Primrose, John Evans, Andrew Snyder, A.
Kern. The three latter are still serving with George Small and George Calhoun.
770 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
The old Muskego Mills postoffice was established about 1840 or 1841, and was kept by
Cynthia Reynolds in a log house on Section 32, near the line between New Berlin and Mus-
kego. It took its name from Wedge's mill, and received mail from Racine and Milwaukee oncfr
a week. It was discontinued in 1849.
The little cluster of houses on the highest point of land in the town, took its name from the
name of the postoffice, which was established in 1850. This name was suggested by Elihu
Enos, then Postmaster of Waukesha, or by Dr. J. L. Ingersoll, on account of the " beautiful
prospect to be seen from its summit." The first Postmaster was Daniel Church; the next P. L.
McLean; the third, Daniel Church, and the fourth and present incumbent, T. S Winton.
The first settlers at or near Prospect Hill were John H. White, Hugh Wedge, Daniel
Gilbert and Rev. Rufus Cheney. The place contains one church, two stores, two blacksmith
shops, schoolhouse, a public hall and a score of dwellings.
The Free Baptist Church was organized July 11, 1840, by Rev. Rufus Cheney (born at
Antrim, N. H., in 1780), and in his house. The first members were Mr. Cheney, Aretas Whit-
comb and wife, Daniel Gilbert and wife, and Mrs. Rufus Cheney. Mrs. Gilbert is the only one
of these now living in New Berlin. The Elders who succeeded Mr. Cheney were P. W. Bel-
knapp, Enoch Jenkins, E. J. Keevill, E. Berry, H. N. Plumb, .0. D. Augir, F. B. Moulton,
Roswell Cheney and M. G. Pett, the present pastor. The church was built in 1858-59. Rufua
Cheney died in New Berlin aged ninety.
St. Valerius Roman Catholic Church was organized and the edifice built in 1856-57.
The first priest was Rev. Tahler. The other priests have been Revs. Mohle, Mellman, Geinsen,
Bohnenkam, Seibold, Weining, Felker, Nutzger and Eidelman. The church, which cost
$1,100, was built under the charge of A. Snyder and B. Casper. The parochial schoolhouse
was built and school begun in 1864. The congregation now numbers sixty families. The first
Catholic mass said in New Berlin was at the log house of Andrew Snyder, about 1844, by
Father Kundig, of Milwaukee.
The Methodist organization at first comprised two congregations. One met in the Bennett
Schoolhouse, and the other in the New Berlin Central Schoolhouse. In 1859, they united, and
formed th& organization now known as the Methodist Episcopal Church of New Berlin. W. A.
Cone was the first local preacher.
The first services of the German Reformed Church were held in 1842, at the house of
Christian Dann. The first preacher was Rev. Smith. The first, a frame church, was built in
1849, and used until the present brick edifice was erected in 1865, at a cost of $800, with the labor
of members. The present pastor is August Becker. The first formal organization was in 1846,
as a Lutheran Church ; but the majority soon organized the Reform Church.
Prospect Lodge, No. 402, I. 0. G. T., was organized April 27, 1866, with forty-eight
charter members. The first officers were as follows : W. C. T., H. E. Hale ; W. V. T., Mrs.
H. H. Hunkins ; W. I., J. W. Church ; W. T., Mrs. Kate Speirs ; W. F. S., J. L. Ingersoll ;
W. M., 0. H. Perry; W. L G., Rocalthe Peck; W. 0. G., D. A. Church; W. Chap., Rev.
E. Perry ; P. W. C. T., H. H. Hunkins. This lodge was discontinued in November, 1867.
Happy Home Lodge, No. 456, I. 0. G. T., was organized June 21, 1878. The first
Worthy Chief Templar was Emma Killips. The lodge now has forty-three members in good
standing. Meetings *are held every Saturday night at Killips' Hall. The present officers are-
as follows : George W. Stone, W. C. T. ; Emma Killips, W. V. T. ; Mrs. G. W. Stone, W. S. ;
John Killips, P. W. C. T. ; Arthur Long, W. F. S. ; C. Emperor, W. T. ; Mrs. C. Emperor,
W. C. ; George Fletcher, W. M. ; Benton Woodcock, L. D.
The first election held in New Berlin was at the schoolhouse in District No. 1, April 5,
1842. The election resulted in choosing Benjamin Hunkins for Chairman ; George Guile and
Ransom Bruce, Supervisors ; P. V. Monroe, Town Clerk ; Daniel Gilbert, Lucien Clark, Sidney
Evans, Assessors ; S. R. Hunkins, Collector. Daniel Gilbert, Whipple Newell and George Mc-
Whorter were the defeated candidates for Supervisors.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 771
Officers for 1880 are : Supervisors, A. E. Gilbert, Chairman ; George Calhoun, Abram
Kern ; Town Clerk, Will S. Parsons ; Assessor, William Hanna ; Treasurer, William Graser ;
Justices of the Peace, J. J. Punch, John Wright, J. L. Ingersoll, E. J. Loomis ; Constables,
Dan D. Church, Chris. Emperor, Alex. Heaton, George Wolf.
The first team of horses was brought into New Berlin by Sidney Evans. The first hotel
was built in 1837, by Alvah Hetherington, and was afterward managed by Waterman Field,
who purchased it in 1839.
Among the settlers in New Berlin in 1886 were John H. White, Almon Osborn, Mr.
Smith, John Potter, Mr. Mcintosh, Hugh Mclntyre, D. S. and L. Ellison, John Brown, Alvah
Hetherington, James King, Sidney Evans, Alvah Plumb, Mr. Thompson, Hugh Wedge, Alanson
Martin, Waterman Field, Mr. Nye, Ira Stewart, Thomas Copeley and William Wedge, a good
list for that early day.
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC.
The first settler, Charles B. Sheldon, who stuck his stake in the soil of this town, was
induced to come here by a glowing description of the country which he read in the Milwaukee
Advertiser, at that time printed and published by Daniel Richards. Mr. Sheldon was on the
point of going to California with a party from Platteville, in this State, when he happened, for
tunately for him in all probability, to come across that paper. He had no sooner read it than
he determined to come here. Very soon after Mr. Sheldon started, coming by way of Janes-
ville, through to Prairieville, where he met a party of surveyors, who informed him that he
would find good land in the Oconomowoc Lake district. In April, 1887, he located a tract
of land on the east bank of Fowler's Lake. La Belle Cemetery is now located on a portion of
this farm. The balance of it Mr. Sheldon lives upon as a homestead. His cabin was the first
white man's habitation in the town, John D. McDonald, of Summit, then a young man also,
helped him build it. After locating his claim, Mr. Sheldon went to Milwaukee and entered it
at the land office on the 21st of April, 1887. While Mr. Sheldon was in Milwaukee, he met
two gentlemen who had a plat of the town in the northwest part of what is now known as Wau-
kesha County. Mr. Sheldon looked over it and pointed out on the map the land he had that
day entered. They seemed surprised, and one of the gentlemen, H. W. Blanchard, asked him
when he was going back to his land. Mr. Sheldon said he intended to return the next day.
Mr. Blanchard at once made arrangements to accompany Mr. Sheldon, and the next day started
with him for Oconomowoc, and in a few days H. W. Blanchard had made a claim to the west
half of Section 83. On the 1st of May, 1887, Mr. Blanchard sold his claim to Philo Brewer.
In the month of June, 1837, Mr. Thomas Salter came to the town, and laid claim to the
northwest quarter of Section 84, and settled thereon. Mr. Salter was unmarried, but did not
long remain so, for his "sweetheart," whom he had left in England, his native land, came out
alone the following summer to cast her lot with his, and brave the dangers of his Western home.
Mr. Salter met her in Milwaukee, where they were at once married, after which they came out
to the farm, where they have since resided.
In June, 1837, Mathias Morris, since deceased, came here with his family, three sons and
four daughters, and son-in-law, Jacob Widderman. Together they made claim to the south half
of Sections 27 and 28, and built a cabin on section 28. In 1841, they sold half of this claim
to William Campbell and George W. Williams, and afterward sold the balance to Cotton k Ferry.
Mr. Morris was the first married man to settle in the town, and his wife, and daughters
Ann, Catharine, Sarah and Elizabeth, were the first white women. The family now resides in
Summit.
George W. Pugh, C. Ludden, Charles C. Wilson and perhaps a few others, came here in
1837. In 1888, a few came to the town, of whom may be mentioned T. L. Smith, A. Rowe
and Jesse Edsall and family. Mr. Edsall built the second cabin, which was long occupied by
Mr. Worthington, who bought out Mr. Edsall. This house stood quite close to the street, in
front of Mr. Vilas' present house.
772 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
In 1839, there came J. D. Dewey, John Heath, Andrew Wilson and family, John Ferry
and family, William Quigley and G. A. Foster. Mr. Foster was quite a prominent citizen,
and did considerable in his time to advance the interest of the agricultural part of the commu-
nity by bringing in fine stock.
In 1840, George Brooks and Jasper Dibble, and families, and perhaps a few others, came.
In 1841, William Barton and his son John, William Campbell, George W. Williams and
John Metcalf came into the town.
In 1842, a very large number came, as follows : Monroe Hatch and family, L. Osborne
and family, C. Eastman and family, John Brainard and family, J. S. Hastings, William
Chaffee, D. Hastings, Thomas Chandler, Horace and Hamilton Hastings, Samuel Blaine^
Nathan Chaffee, A. Lowe, George Sugden, F. Chase and perhaps a few others.
In 1843, a still greater number arrived. The country by this time had become very much
improved, and the first-comers were beginning to feel comfortable. During this year came A.
B. Hall and family, L. Washburn and family, I. C. Stratton, H. J. Baker, George W. Hinkley
and family, Willard Thompson, E. W. and John Daly, James Williams, R. W. Washburn, 0. C.
Olson (Merton), John Forra, Michael Mana, Alexander Coyle and brother, Carl Gasmann and
Daniel P. Simonson and others.
In 1844, the increase was still greater, people coming in with a rush. They were as fol-
lows, as nearly as can be learned : George W. Fay, Hiram Prosceus and family, William T.
Thompson, Silas Coleman, Mrs. Christie and son, James R. Wood, Charles J. Mann, Alexander
Madole, Moses demons, W. W. Collins, Ole Petersen, Ole Olson, Charles Throop, B. M-
Woodrufi"and E. C. Hartwell.
The first birth in the town was that of a son of Thomas Salter, which occurred in the spring
of 1839. The child died soon after birth, this being also the first death.
The marriage of Mr. Salter, although consummated ip Milwaukee, places himself and lady
at the head of the marriage list among the pioneers of Oconomowoc. v
J. D. Dewey was appointed the first Justice, and Charles Morris was the first Constable.
The second Justice was Jonathan Dougherty. He was elected at the first town meeting.
A schoolhouse was constructed in 1841, of logs, on the north side of the Oconomowoe
River, not far east of C. M. Bordoe'^ residence. This was the first temple of learning erected
in the town, and here Miss Dougherty and Isaac Woodruff taught the first schools.
The Rev. Lloyd Breck is said to have been the first minister to hold religious services in
this town, although the Rev. Mr. Frink began coming here at about the same time. These
first services were held in the schoolhouse very soon after it was built.
The first road was run through here from Milwaukee to Watertown and Madison, in the
winter of 1888-39. Garrett Vliet was the surveyor, and John Richards, of Watertown, and A.
Bird, of Madison, were the Commissioners. It was laid out and run through by Mr. Sheldon
Schuttler's farm, just north of the city of Oconomowoc.
For the first few years the settlers were obliged to go to Summit Corners for mail and
necessaries, such a place as Oconomowoc not being then thought of. But now everything is
reversed ; Summit Corners has passed away and Oconomowoc is a thriving city, and the center
of a large trade.
The first postofRce was established herein 1845, E. A. Saxe being appointed Postmaster.
There was no blacksmith's shop in the town until 1843 or 1 844, when A. Rowe came to
the relief of the people and started a shop.
The first town meeting was held for the town of Oconomowoc in April, 1844, in the
Village of Oconomowoc, at Rockwell & Cotton's Mill. Prior to this time the town had
been attached to the town of Summit. Out of this town meeting a strong local feeling was
engendered between the two towns, which lasted for a number of years. On the morning of
the town meeting day, Curtis Reed, who then lived at what is now known as Okauchee, had a
caucus on his own account. This caucus was held in the hollow under the hill, as yoa enter
the Brown street valley on the north Okauchee road, and was long after known as Caucus
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 773
Hollow. Mr. Reed had assembled, with his brother Orson's help, it is charged, all the recruits
he could get, and the story is that he had them from Summit, Merton and Ashippun. A
ticket was made out with himself as Chairman, and in a body they all went to the town meeting .
They were too many for the balance of Oconomowoc, and Reed's ticket was elected. It was
the first packed political caucus ever held in Oconomowoc.
Crasmann's Mill. — Hans Gasmann built a saw-mill on Section 2, and set it running in
March, 1844. It stood on the north side of the Ashippun River. It was owned and run by
Mr. Gasmann until 1855, when he disposed of the property to C. Hyer. Shortly after, Mr.
Hyer became possessor, he tore the mill down and rebuilt it on the opposite side, a little farther
down the stream. He continued it as a saw-mill until 1858, when Peter Gasmann, son of the
first owner, purchased it, and in the summer of 1859, built a grist-mill by the side of the saw-
mill, and put in two run of stone for custom work. Philip Zillis, the present proprietor,
bought the property in 1870.
Okauehee Mill is located on the southwest side of Okauchee Lake, on Section 35. The
first structure was a small saw-mill, built by Orson Reed, in 1839-40. It was known as Reed's
Mill, and was operated by him until 1847. A large portion of the lumber used in the construc-
tion of the Milwaukee & Watertown Plank Road was furnished by this mill. In 1869, the
mill passed into the possession of F. Schraudenbach. In 1877, twenty-five or thirty acres of
land, including the dam, was contracted to H. B. Shears & Co., who built a new frame mill,
putting in six runs of stone, and machinery for grinding flour by the new process. They con-
ducted the mill until the spring of 1879, when the property reverted back to Mr. F. Schrau-
denbach. The mill has a capacity of about a hundred barrels of flour per day.
There are several very fine farms and residences in the town and city. The two finest
residences are said to be Schuttler's and Schufeldt's. These places show how largely the county
can be improved.
Monterey. — Monterey is situated four and one-half miles north of Oconomowoc, on the banks
of Ashippun River, on Sections 8 and 9. It is surrounded by a good farming country, and
does a good business, there being three stores with mixed stocks of goods, two blacksmith-shops,
wagon-shop, shoe-shop, large flouring-mill, hotel, two churches, a cemetery and a good, common
school. The name of the village is said to have been given by Mr. Hackly, about the close of
the Mexican war, in commemoration of the events then transpiring at Monterey, Mexico. The
land where the village stands was entered by C. L. Annis, in 1844. Among the early settlers
in the village may be mentioned H. Carter, A. W. Hackly, Rev. Abram Nye, Justin Noble and
John W. Dopp and family.
A school was taught here as early as 1844, by Mr. H. Carter, in a private house which
stood a few rods west of where Dopp's barn now stands. The first schoolhouse was built of logs,
and stood on Section 8, a few rods west of the site of the present school building, and was put
up about 1849 or 1850. As the population increased, the demand for more room for the urchins
resulted in the erection of the present brick house.
The first local preacher was Abram Nye, who held religious services as early as 1845.
The first frame house was built by Justin Noble, on the lot where Charles Vroman now lives.
Sanford Cotton built a saw-mill on the south bank -of the Ashippun River, where the dam
now stands, in 1844. Cotton ran the mill two years ; then traded it to Justin Noble, who
enlarged the usefulness of the mill by adding two runs of stone to do grinding for the neigh-
bors. In 1850, Mr. Noble disposed of the mill to Mr. Beman, who operated the old mill until
1856. During that year he, in company with Mr. Moreland, erected the present mill. Twelve
and one-half feet head of water is furnished by the dam. The present proprietors are Dainton
& Roth.
D. McDonald came here in 1846, and built a tavern nearly opposite where the present
hotel stands. About 1857, Mr. Place, a new-comer, built the present hotel. Its dimensions
are 38x44 feet, two stories high, and divided into thirteen rooms. Ezra Vroman is propri-
etor.
774 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
A. W. Hackley was Monterey's first merchant and Postmaster.
Stephen Vroman and son, Ezra, had the first contract for carrying the mail over the old
mail route between Summit and Fond du Lac.
John Upton began blacksmithing here as early as 1845. Hiram Marsh came two years after.
The churches here are the Methodist and what is known as the Union. The last-named
church was built by a combination of Congregational, Presbyterian, Universalist and Methodist
elements, in 1864. Ten years later, the Methodists withdrew, and built the present church.
After that, the difTerent denominations that yet remained, continued to hold services in it until
1878, since which time it has been used by the Congregationalists principally.
The Methodist Episcopal Church edifice was built in 1874, on Section 9, at a cost of about
$1,200. Charles Vroman, Joseph Miller, John Coville and Wesley Davy were the first
Trustees. It has twenty members. Services are held by the minister from Oconomowoc.
Mapleton. — In this vicinity the first settlements were made in the fall of 1843 and spring
of 1844, by Smith Jones, H. J. Baker, James Sampson, Hans Gasmann and family of thirteen
children, Daniel Simonsen, James 0. Riley, H. H. Wooledge, H. Baldwin, D. Henevey, Mr.
Plumly, Mr. Lenhart, Martin Ryan, Alexander, James and Michael Coyle, Alvah Austin,
Harry Lester, and Thomas Riley -with a large family, and perhaps others. Smith Jones built
the first house in what is now Mapleton, but sold to Samiiel Breck in 1848, and returned to his
home in Massachusetts. Mr. Breck was, really, the founder of Mapleton. Most of the build-
ings now here are on land formerly owned by him, but were sold cheap to encourage settlement.
He built the first grist-mill at Mapleton, in the year 1849, and he also started a store the same
year. The mill is now owned by Peter Theobald and Mr. Wehrmuth.
The first blacksmith shop was started by Messrs. Whitehall & Jerenson, who used Mr.
Breck's storeroom for the purpose, but during the year a fire destroyed the building and con-
tents. The next shop was started by Mr. Jewison.
Hans Larsen kept the first shoe-shop in Mapleton.
The only hotel is kept by Mr. Borneman.
The first schoolhouse was built in 1849, on a lot donated by Mr. Breck. It was frame,
and was considered quite " nobby " at that time, as most of the schoolhouses in the country were
built of logs. But, in the course of time, it became too small for the rising generation, and a
new one was built which is a credit to the community. It is 28x56, brick, well finished inside
and outside. It is furnished with ventilators, plenty of light, high ceilings, and is also supplied
with good furniture.
In early days, the postoffice was at Delafield, and the neighbors would club together and
get it by turns about once in two or three weeks. In 1851, Samuel Breck became the first
Postmaster, and, in 1855, George Sterzbach succeeded him. In 1859, Anthony Houser suc-
ceeded Mr. Sterzbach, and has been Postmaster ever since.
A Catholic Church is a short distance from here, on land donated by Alexander Coyle.
Adjoining it is also a cemetery belonging to the church. The resident priest is Rev. M.
Monaghan. There is a congregation of about seventy families belonging to the parish.
Of those who still reside in the town, who came before 1850, are George W. Williams,
Charles B. Sheldon, Thomas Salter, John Daily, Ethan Daily, John Ferry, George Ferry,
Curtis B. Brown, John Whittaker, Jens Forra, John Forra,X'harles J. Strohn, Francis Nugent,
Alexander Madole, Joseph Counsell, John Counsell, Henry Baker, Michael Manny, Thomas
Burns, John Burns, Henry Burns, John Kinnie, Alexander Coyle, Peter Coyle, Peter Brierton,
Moses Clemens, Gilbert Dopp, Benjamin Dopp, Hiram Proseus, Charles Tremain, Joseph Tre-
main, William Radcliif, Thomas Whalen, Edward Whalin, George Hatch, Thomas Ireland,
Daniel Hatch, John Truesdell, William Travis, Frederick Blake, Amos Townsend, David
Hastings, James K. Wood, Charles Thompson, John Gaghan, William Chafi"ee, George Fulmer,
William Olson, James Doran, John Meyers, Smith Hastings, Horace Hastings, and perhaps a
few others.
^"^ .j^^M^^ a.^€^
L I .S R n N
HISTORY or WAUKESHA COUNTY. • 775
TOWN OF OTTAWA.
Township 6, Range 17 east, was set off and organized into a town separate from Genesee
in 1843, in accordance with an act of the Council and House of Representatives of Wisconsin,
approved March 21, 1843, and the first election in said town was held at the house of Newman
Chub. Before 1839, Ottawa was a part of Mukwonago.
Ottawa was named by Hans Crocker, of Milwaukee, while making a visit at Mr. Dousman's
in 1841. At the next session of the Legislature, the name was proposed, and indorsed by special
act of that body.
Ottawa is splendidly watered, the country being thickly dotted by small lakes and springs,
the latter, many of them, being the heads of several small streams which traverse the town in
the north, central and southern parts, and which furnish excellent facilities for stock-raising,
cheese manufacturing and milling.
The inhabitants are mostly of foreign extraction, consisting of Welch, Catholic Germans,
Protestant Irish, Americans, English, and a few other nationalities.
The first settler in this town was Talbot C. Dousman, who came to this locality in 1836,,
in company with three young bachelors like himself, looking for land. Mr. Dousman at that
time selected the land, where he now lives, on Section 2, and his companions, George Hosmer,
Delos Taft and E. W. Edgerton, the latter now of Milwaukee, fixed upon sites near him, but
in towns adjacent to Ottawa, as now laid out. At that time, the whole surrounding country was.
called Genesee, after the land of their nativity.
In 1837, Mr. Dousman erected a cabin, a part of which yet remains, and the first perma-
nent resident then established himself. Being a bachelor yet, he was obliged to get a family to
occupy his house, or keep house for him. The coming of this family heralds the advent of the
first white woman in Ottawa.
In June, 1839, Mr. Dousman married Miss Paddock, one of the few young ladies to be
found here in those days. This was probably the first marriage that took place in this town.
Mrs. Dousman's father, George Paddock, came from Ohio in 1838. He passed around the
lake via Chicago, and, at last, at Poplar Creek, Milwaukee County, came to the end of the road ;
beyond was an unbroken wilderness, apparently, but not certainly. Human nature is the same
the world over, for they were no sooner settled than certain stalwart young pioneers put in an
appearance, and it may be recorded, that the most delightful labors of their new life then began
— together with the knowledge that they were not alone.
The first Germans in this town were the brothers Boniface — Loring, Link and David — who
came from Bavaria and settled here in the fall of 1842, building a log house, 14x16 feet, on the
corners of Sections 4 and 8, thus holding a claim on each. In June, 1843, they were joined by
the Werner brothers and N. Mundchan, and the six families lived for some time in the house of
the Boniface brothers.
Wolves and bears were quite plentiful, and kept the pigs of the new-comers close to the
house. Occasionally, a pig would bolt into the house, helter-skelter, knocking pots, pa ns, and
what-not, every way; but, of course, this had to be put up with, or piggy must become a victim
to the ravenous appetites of the surrounding beasts.
Up to 1839, there was no road through Ottawa, but in the spring of this year Mr. Dous-
man,, Mr. Paddock and Mr. Edgerton opened a road from Waterville to Prairieville, now Wau-
kesha, where the settlers had to go to get Mr. Hine to do their blacksmithing, which certainly
could not have been a little when we consider that breaking up the land was with them " the chief
end of man." One old settler said : " Between hunting up their oxen and getting their plows
mended, they had but little time for breaking." Prairieville was also at that time the one
place where they could get mail or provisions, short of Milwaukee.
On Sti Peter's Day of this year, all the people, men, women and children, turned out for
a jollification, going to one of the lakes adjacent, riding side by side in a row, on buck-boards,
the women taking provisions and the men carrying firearms. Afterward, for many years, the
776 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
anniversary of this occasion was kept in a similar manner. It may be added that this was one
of the first gatherings of the kind in the county.
In 1841, the people of Ottawa were horrified at the death of Patsy Finnegan, who was
burned to death while attempting to stay the progress of a prairie-fire. This was the first death
in the town, and occurred on Section 12.
Of the first town ofiicers but little is known, except that Mr. Dousman ofiBciated as Chair-
man for seven successive years, John Meiggs being Clerk.
Kate Hosmer, born in Waterville, in April, 1839, was the first " to the manor born " in
this section of the county.
The first sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Hall, during 1841, at the house of T. C.
Dousman.
In 1842, Miss Mary Thayer opened the first school, in a log schoolhouse, on Section 14,
directly opposite to where now stands the town hall.
The first post office was kept by Peter D. Giff'ord, now living at North Prairie. Afterward
J. Grifieth was Postmaster for several years, and had the office in the old Ottawa House, on Sec-
tion 34. Then Josiah Elding was appointed and held the office for some time, in the old place.
From the keeping of Mr. Elding it passed into the hands of George Davey, who now keeps his
office in a rather retired place on Section 28.
Ottawa has at present but one grist-mill, and at one time there was a small saw-mill at
what is now Dousman's fish-pond. The present mill was built by B. V. Knight, in 1859, on
the Checoopenaw, on the land of T. C. Dousman. The mill has a single run of stone, with a
feed-mill. The water head is small, not exceeding seven feet. The general machinery, water-
whee4 and all. are rather original in construction, being the work of a man not trained, apparently,
as a millwright, but yet a very capable mechanic.
There are two cheese factories in the town. The Ottawa factory was built in 1877, on
Section 17, and has one 5,000-pound vat and curing rooms to match. The proprietor of this
factory, Henry Weiner, has also a store on Section 8, built in 1868. The Waterville factory,
T. C. Dousman, proprietor, is a fine, well-fitted, three-vat factory, each vat having a capacity
of 5,000 pounds of milk. Nothing but the best cream cheese is made here. Mr. Dousman
also built a factory in 1871, at the pond before mentioned, but the building has long since
ceased to be used for that purpose.
■ William Reid & Son have a fine nursery, one which is a credit to the town and which can
be regarded as a success.
The town gives a fair support to several churches and schools, lyhich is certainly an indi-
cation that the people are quite as prosperous as in many other more highly-favored localities.
Ottawa Mutual Fire Insurance Company. — The Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany in this town, is a very prosperous organization. Early in the year 1873, a petition was
circulated by the most enterprising of the citizens until the requisite number of signers were
secured to obtain a charter. Then a meeting was held at the house of Jacob Gaul, and the
following gentlemen were elected Directors : Helger Helgerson, Samuel Stewart, James Ker-
nan, William Reid, Sr., T. J. Powell, Frederic Dryer and J. J. Lervey. June 28, 1873, the
first regular society meeting was held, when Kernan and Stewart resigned, and C. C. Harris
and D. Maule were elected in their places. Thomas J. Powell was elected President, and J. J.
Lervey, Secretary. Lervey was also appointed to canvass the town for insurance capital. At
the canvass that soon followed, $29,000 was subscribed, and 29 policies were issued as shown
at the first annual meeting, January 1, 1874. At the last annual meeting, January 1, 1880, there
were 114 members, and a showing of 193 policies issued up to that date, amounting to $168,786
capital stock. One assessment only has been made thus far to cover a loss of $225, the tax
being a little more than IJ mills per $1,000.
Ottawa Presbyterian Church. — During the month of September, 1860, Rev. R. W.
Monteith, preacher at Genesee, began holding meetings, by request of several of the people, in
the schoolhouse of District No.l. At that time, there was a Sabbath school which had
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 777
been under operation for some time, with James M. Forbes as Superintendent. On the 19th of
March following, a meeting was called at the house of Mr. Forbes, and after preliminary reso-
lutions a church was organized, to be called the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa, " Old-
School " discipline. James Stewart, Daniel Don, Elvira Boon, D. D. Robertson, Catharine
Robertson, Jane Don, Elvira Stewart, James M. Forbes, Lucinda Forbes, Samuel Stewart,
Jannet McKinley, Nancy Stewart, David Stewart and Jane Reid became members at that
time. They immediately went to work and as a result had the present house of worship ready for
use bv the 13th day of October, 1861, when it was dedicated. At the dedication, two sermons
were preached — one by Rev. Monteith — Genesis, xxviii-22, " And this stone which I have
set for a pillar shall be God's House, " and one by Rev. 0. Park. Text, Genesis xxviii-17 —
" And he was afraid, and said how dreadful is this place." The first pastor was Rev. J.
W. J. Monteith ; second, J. H. Potter ; third, J. Martin ; Elders, Samuel and John Stewart ;
present number of members, thirty.
Dousman's Fish-Pond. — One of the many beautiful places peculiar to Waukesha County,
of which the people are justly proud, is the trout pond of Dousman. To see this spot is to see
one of the superlatively fine sights of the county. Here, in primitive retirement, surrounded
by gently undulating forest-covered hills and dales, twenty or more splendid springs burst forth
and pour their crystal streams into a basin or dam, covering an area of several acres. This dam
constitutes at once the head of a fine stream, called the Scuppernong, an'd the present trout
pond, and here, or in immediate connection with the dam, are the flumes, races, hatching-house,
feed-mill, storage-rooms, hotel and various appliances required to propagate the fish and to
entertain visitors. On either side, bright springs are bubbling up, and speckled beauties speed
by in swarms of thousands, darting hither in sportive abandon and thither with the reckless free-
dom that well-fed fish so well display.
The head of the pond, the monster spring, is the grandest sight of all.
A brief description of the system of propagation followed here may not be inappropriate,
as this is the representative trout-pond of the country and the largest in the United States.
There are several flumes with spawning races attached. These flumes are about a rod wide and vary
in length from twelve to fifteen rods. The spawning races are about four feet wide, varying in
length. These flumes are made by setting posts in the ground and fastening them across the top
by timbers and planking them, as is usually done. They are graveled in the bottom and so
arranged that a current of clear cold water is constantly passing through them ; these are the
homes of the flsh, as prepared for them, although there are myriads of lusty fellows running at
large in the waters of the pond, or in the stream below the pond, where there are large numbers,
many having been allowed to escape years ago on account of there being too many in the pond.
The fish go to the spawning races in October, this being the season for spawning.. Then
the males and the females are separated. There is no difiiculty in detecting the sexes at this
season, the female having quite a rotund form that the male does not possess.
After the hatching apparatus and the filtering tanks and boxes have been put in order, and
the gravel to be used has been sifted to a proper size, and washed, boiled, and re-washed to destroy
insect life, then begins the work of capturing the fish. This is done with nets made of coarse
bagging, with appropriate frames and grooves, which are in proximity to the spawning beds.
The party who superintends the work takes the fish by hand from their place of captivity,
and by means of a gentle pressure with the thumb and middle finger, the eggs, which average
about one-sixth of an inch in diameter, emerge from the fish. The male fish is similarly handled.
The eggs from the female are immediately placed in dry pans, this being the Russian method,
and considered preferable to any other. In the pans about half an inch of water is placed ; the
male fish is held over these, and the milt being gently pressed from him, and evenly distributed
over the eggs, and thoroughly mixed therewith, the process of impregnation begins. All this
preliminary work occupies less than a half-hour, and in this condition the material is transferred
to the "nets" in the hatching troughs, which are simply little board brooks, ten or twelve feet
long and one foot wide and which are divided into twelve compartments one foot square. These
778 HISTOKY or WAUKESHA COUNTY.
troughs are properly graveled and supplied with fresh cold water from a large spring but a few
feet away. Each trough will hold about 30,000 eggs, about three-fourths of which hatch.
Within ninety days from the time the eggs are deposited in the troughs, the little fish about
an inch in length, begin to appear. Up to this time all that is requisite is to keep the gravel
where the eggs are deposited free from foreign substances and to remove any eggs that may from
any cause lose life, as, if they are not removed within forty-eight hours, they will cause the death
of many more. They are detected by the color, a dead egg being white, and a live one being
of a pinkish shade. They must be supplied with pure water constantly, at an average temper-
ature of 50°, and the light must be excluded while the hatching process is going on. Very soon
after they hatch out, the troughs begin to become too contracted for the little finny tribes, and
their food being chopped up fine for them two or three times a day, they develop rapidly, and at
the end of a few weeks they are transferred to the rearing-boxes in finely woven nets or wire
scoops, where they find more scope for disporting themselves.
From the rearing-boxes, the fish are transferred to the ponds, when great care must be exer-
cised to keep the larger fish separate from the smaller ones, as they have naturally voracious
tendencies, and destroy their younger brethren to an alarming extent when unchecked. To
prevent this, the ponds are graded, so as to contain fish of pretty nearly the same size.
The food of the trout is pork, and beef liver, the beef liver being the best. The chopping
or grinding apparatus is run by water-power. Here the liver is ground into an impalpable
mass, then strained through cloth, the coarse part being fed to the large fish, the fine to the
small ones. There are about 1,500,000 fish here now, according to estimate, varying in size
from a third of the length of the little finger to two pounds or more in weight.
The Roman Catholic Church was the first in the town, and was originally a log structure,
but has been rebuilt these many years. The Priest who presides here also attends to another
church in Jefferson County. There are two Welsh churches on Section 30, one of which is
called Bark River Church. A new church was recently erected and dedicated by the Bible
Christian Society at Pond Island.
The first claims were made by T. C. Dousman, Mr. Orchard and George Hoskins. Orchard
sold soon afterward to Justin Noble.
The present town officers are Henry Weiner, Chairman ; F. G. Tytherleigh and W. D.
Owens, Side Supervisors ; E. M. Deck, Town Clerk ; Thomas E. Jones, Assessor ; Thomas J.
Davies, Treasurer ; D. E,. Davies, John Martin and William Blett, Justices of the Peace ;
Walter Stewart and T. M. Edwards, Constables.
In 1845 or 1846, Messrs. Smith & Williams built a saw-mill here, the power being fur-
nished by the springs. The mill was called the "Buttermilk Mill." As there was no pondin
sight, it was said that the mill would be as apt to be run by that fluid as any other.
About sixty rods from the hotel is the only artificial cranberry marsh in this section. It
was never flooded until the winter of 1879-80, and promises to become a success.
TOWN OF PEWAUKEE.
The town of Pewaukee, named after the lake within its borders, of the same name, called
by the Indians Pewauk-ee-we-nink, is, historically speaking, the oldest town in the county, next
to Waukesha. The Cutler brothers and Henry Luther passed the summer of 1834 in the town
of Waukesha, but notthe winter of 1834-35. In the spring of 1835, people began settling in
Pewaukee within a few weeks of the time when the Cutlers and others returned permanently to
Waukesha.
The town is in a rich and thrifty agricultural district, which is neither hills, swamps, nor
prairie. It is composed largely of glacial drift, and therefore has a more thoroughly diversified
soil than any other in Waukesha County. One farm may be excellent for fruit, the adjoining
one for wheat, the next for grazing, and the next for meadows. This is a valuable characteristic
in any town. Timber was originally found in goodly quantities, though Pewaukee never was as
heavily timbered as some of the other towns. With good timber, a diversity of soil, excellent
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 779
Stone-quarries and plenty of water, Pewaukee is certainly a desirable town in which to own a
farm and a home.
Pewaukee was set off and organized as a separate town by an act of the Territorial Legisla-
ture, approved January 13, 1840. As will be seen by the following act, the town has no legal
right to the name under which it now exists, holds elections, and transacts business :
Be it enacted by the Council and House of EepTesentatives of the Territory of Wisconsin:
Section 1. That all that part of the Town of Brookfield, in the County of Milwaukee, eompriaing Township
seven, north, of Range nineteen, east, be, and the same is hereby set off into a separate town, by the name of Peraukee.
It will thus be seen tjiat the town was named "Peraukee," and in subsequent acts of the
Legislature — except those in regard to preserving fish in the lake, passed in 1866, and one
relative to' school moneys — the town is referred to as "Peraukee." This may be safely set
down as an error, though the historian has no means of knowing how the error, if such it was,
occurred.
The first recorded town meeting or election was held at the house of E. P. Maynard, April
6, 1842. Asa Clark was chosen Moderator, and D. W. Reed, Secretary. A committee of five
was appointed to report on the various sums necessary to defray the town expenses. The com-
mittee decided that the Assessors, Highway Commissioners and Supervisors should receive each
$1 per day for services; that the School Commissioners should receive 75 cents per day, and
that the Town Clerk and Treasurer should receive such compensation as the Supervisors saw fit
to allow. They also reported in favor of raising $200 for incidental expenses, and for levying
a tax of one-half of one per cent on the taxable property of the town, for the support of schools.
These resolutions were all adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :
Morris S. Barnett, Chairman of Board of Supervisors; Asa Clark and Allen Clinton, Side
Supervisors; David W. Reed, Town Clerk; Hamilton Nelson, Treasurer; Charles Bell and
Seth Riford, Assessors ; Israel W. Porter, Setli Riford and Waldo Rosebrook, Commissioners
of Highways; David W. Reed, Thomas H. Olin and Timothy W. Lyman, Commissioners of
Common Schools; John Nelson, Constable and Collector; Harvey Church, Sealer of Weights
and Measures; Cromwell Hills, Overseer of Highways, District No. 1; James N. Heath, Over-
seer in District No. 2; Seth Riford in District No. 3; D. W. Reed in District No. 4; Leland
Crocker in District No. 5 ; Samuel Bissell, Hiram Wheeler and Spencer Allen, Fence Viewers.
The first road surveys recorded, occurred in June, 1842, Rollin Blount being the surveyor.
There were six roads surveyed this year, and opened by the Commissioners. In 1843, the road
districts were increased from five to nine, and in 1844, increased to thirteen. The total
expenses for services of town officers and surveyor's fees and incidentals during 1842, amounted
to $82.03.
The first election of Justices of the Peace was recorded in 1844, when Charles Bell, M. S.
Barnett and C. L. Rockwood were elected.
In 1843, there were 130 school children, with a school fund of $150. There are now 806
pupils. In 1880, there was $3,720.62 appropriated for school purposes in five whole districts
and nine joint district's. There were in 1843 four whole and two joint districts.
In 1843, there were 100 resident taxpayers in the town, with property assessed at $1,461.50,
as follows: Isaac B. Judson, F. Jewett, Elon Fuller, Hosea Fuller, Hosea Fuller, Jr., John
Seeley, John L. Bidwell, Allen Clinton, James Begg, Seth Riford, Marvin Reed, Frederick
Forrest, G. Moulton, Daniel Moulton, James Tipple, Stephen Moulton, John Williams, James
O'Hara, Thomas Johnson, J. W. Friend, John Nelson, Hamilton Nelson, William Love, David
Root, Henry Reed, Charles Bell, T. Lyman Clark, Joseph Ga-uthie, B. Love, Isaac Smith, Henry
Smith, John Austin, Daniel Aret, Samuel Bissell, M. S. Barnett, Abel Brown, James Buckner, Asa
Clark, Leland Crocker, D. G. Deissner, R. K. Dye, Ansel McCall, Thomas Gr. Eggleston, J. F.
Eggleston, W. C. Gates, S. F. Smith, Michael Graff, Abram R. Gale, Cromwell Hill, D. J. Heath,
James N. Heath, Philetus Hurlbut, E. P. Maynard, Caleb Nanscawen, John H. Nanscawen, Joshua
Nanscawen, Warham Nobles, Thomas H. Olin, C. C. Olin, Adam S. Putney, Israel W. Porter,
G. W. Sturtevant, David Miller, Waldo Rosebrook, D. W. Reed, Cephas L. Rockwood, Isaac Sears,
780 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Eleazer Scripture, Alexander Stewart, William Stewart, John M. Woodworth, Hiram Wheeler,
Hiram H. Wheelock, Zebulon Bidwell, Nathan Graves, John Hodgson, Solomon Horn, H.
Rupell, Robert Stewart, Elisha Lyman & Sons, Jesse Williams, Daniel McCall, Jackson Swift,
Abraham Mead, Dieman, J. H. & H. C. Waterman, J. Kaye, Edmund Miles, John
Wigginton, Lyman Goodnow, Clark E. Turner, Absalom Miner, Samuel S. Breese,
Breese & Higginbotham, Milo Heath, Joseph Webb, Bloor, Samuel H. Dougherty,
Charles Bartlett. Among these, D. G. Deissner, owner of the saw-mill, was the heaviest
tax-payer, being assessed $32.66, and Asa Clark, owner of the sa«v-mill at Pewaukee, with a tax
of $21.49, was the next heaviest.
In 1844, a novel vote was taken, it being decided by ballot to appropriate $75 for the sup-
port of the poor, if any be found in the town during the year.
The first settlement was made in the southwest quarter of Section 34, which is opposite
Waukesha Village, by Elon Fuller, a single man, and Isaac B. Judson and his family. They
made their camp, in June, 1835, on a gravel knoll near a sulphur spring, on the farm now owned
by Henry B. Bidwell, quarter and section above named. This camp was their home until a log
house was erected near where John Russell now lives, a short distance from the original stopping-
place. Elon Fuller's present residence is only a few rods from the knoll on which he first
lighted his camp-fire in Waukesha County.
In 1836, Zebulon Bidwell and his family settled on the farm now owned by the son, Henry
B. Bidwell, Section 34. The next settler was probably Israel W. Porter, who built a dam near
where Deissner's Mill now is, in 1836, and a mill in 1837.
At about the same time, John M. Woodworth settled in the south part of the town. Mr.
Woodworth was a small man, and Cephas L. Rockwood, a Prairieville lawyer, was a very large
one. The latter settled on one of the former's claims, and was ordered off, without success.
Mr. Woodworth went out one day, and finding Mr. Rockwood preparing to build a log house,
again ordered him to leave. He was still unsuccessful, and then began a series of strange and
astonishing maoneuvers, jumping and squatting on all sides of Mr. Rockwood, standing on his
head, making frightful grimaces and falling prone on his face with astonishing rapidity, the
while keeping up an uninterrupted flow of gibberish which no one could understand. Mr.
Rockwood thought Mr. Woodworth, who was always known as " Crazy Woodworth " on
account of his strange actions, was possessed of a devil, and dropping his ax, took to the deeper
woods, leaving the claim to the quasi juggler. Afterward, Mr. Rockwood had many a laugh
over the novel manner in which he was frightened out of a claim.
In the vicinity of Pewaukee Village, T. Lyman Clark was the first settler, building or
commencing a log house on the shore of the lake, a short distance above the present village.
This was in June, 1837. A few weeks later Asa Clark, his father, A. M. Clark, his brother,
and the balance of the family, arrived and occupied the house. The claim, including the water-
power at the outlet of Pewaukee Lake, had been examined and secured by Asa Clark in 1836,
who began the present dam, which is the road bed of the street, in 1837, and erected a saw-mill
during the following year. This was the second saw-mill in the town', Israel W. Porter having
begun one the year before, which was the second in the county.
The first death was Edgar T., a son of Ethan Owen, who was killed accidentally, in the
winter of 1836, while at work in the woods. The accident was an exceedingly sad one, young
Owen's head being split open by the blow of an ax in the hands of his brother.
The first Pewaukee couple who committed matrimony were probably Hamilton Nelson and
Mrs. Caroline Eggleston, but they were obliged to go over into the town of Waukesha to find a
person competent to tie the knot, which was done August 12, 1838.
The first house in Pewaukee was built for Isaac B. Judson, in 1835, Section 34.
The first chimney in Waukesha County was built by I. B. Judson in 1835, in Pewaukee.
The first thrashing machine in the county was built in this town, by Hamilton Nelson,
now of Beloit, Wisconsin.
Mrs. I. B. Judson was the first woman in Pewaukee.
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 781
The first birth was Uriel P., son of Nelson Owen.
The first schoolhouse was probably built where Pewaukee Village is, in 1842. The first
school-teacher was a young woman, who taught in Asa Clark's house. The first one to teach
in the schoolhouse was probably Mr. Waterman, who was paid $12 per month.
Asa Clark erected the first flouring-mill at Pewaukee Village, which began grinding
in 1845.
The first store in Pewaukee was kept by David Miller, at the village. He also distrib-
uted mail gratis, the residents clubbing together to pay for fetching it from Waukesha, or
some of them volunteering to fetch it free.
In 1839, Henry Bowers stabbed James O'Hara with a pitchfork.
Gardner Brown, of Summit, was killed by the fall of a tree, ^t Porter's saw-mill.
The dam for Deissner's flouring-mill was built in 1836, by Israel W. Porter. The saw-mill
was built in 1837, and began sawing early in 1838. The saw-mill ceased to pay in a few years,
and the Deissners erected a flouring-mill on the site. The mill is still managed by a member
of the family and has a good business. It is a water-mill, that is, has water for its motor power,
and is well equipped with modern milling machinery.
The first steamer on Pewaukee Lake was a rude affair, built by L. Ferris. It made only
a few trips in 1866.
In 1873, N. P. Iglehart and J. M. Heath launched a screw propeller, but the engine was
worthless, and the boat was made into a sailing yacht.
In the summer of 1873, N. P. Iglehart went to Oconomowoc and purchased the "Surprise,"
and chartered a special train of cars, on which he transported the boat to Pewaukee. Her owner
now is Capt. Davy, and her name " Lady of the Lake." She is a side-wheel steamer with
fifteen-horse-power engine, registered to safely carry 150 passengers.
The " Oriole " is another side-wheel steamer, owned also by Capt. Davy. The steamer
" Lady of the Lake " was the making of Pewaukee as a summer resort.
The first hotel was opened at what is now Pewaukee Village, in 1844,by Theodore Sheldon.
The building was erected by A. M. Clark, still a resident of the place, and was called the Pe-
waukee House.
Asa Clark probably built the first frame dwelling house, at Pewaukee Village, in 1839.
Chauncey H. Heath was the first Postmaster, receiving his appointment from James K.
Polk, in 1846 or 1847. The office was called Pewaukee, and was located at what is now Pewau-
kee Village.
Matthias Schock built the first brewery in Pewaukee in 1876, not far from the village of
Waukesha. It is of stone, 55x25 feet, and is called " Fountain Brewery." It is fitted with patent
coolers, a fine cellar, large ice-house and all modern improvements. In connection with the
brewery is a summer garden and beer-bottling works.
The town officers for 1880 are as follows : Supervisors — John Ross, Chairman ; August
Jessie, J. W. Wilkins ; Town Clerk, Alexander Caldwell ; Assessor, J. A. Gauthie ; Treas-
urer, Casper Linder ; Justices of the Peace, John W. Gentz, J. A. Griswold ; Constables,
Alexander Parsons, F. W. Dick.
Pewaukee Village. — The first settler within the limits of the village was Asa Clark, a
Vermonter known everywhere as Deacon Clark. The village is comprised of Section 9, and the
east half of Section 8. It was originally claimed by the following : Asa Clark, southwest quar-
ter of northwest quarter, and the south half of Section 9 ; S. T. Bolles, east half of Section 8, and
east half of northwest quarter of Section 9 ; Lyman Griswold, northeast quarter of Section 9,
and the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 9, by Lyman Morley.
The first house was one built by Asa Clark. The first frame house was built in 1839, by
the same person for Abel Brown.
The first store after David Miller's pin and needle stand, was erected in 1844, by L.
Swift. J. F. Morse remedied the structure, and C. McVean opened a large stock of goods in it.
Asa Clark was the pioneer in the lime business, building a kiln near the present depot in
782 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
1840 or 1841. The stone quarry, whence stone for the kiln was hauled, was opened on D. G.
Ormsby's present farm. The credit of making Pewaukee a lime and stone-producing point to
a large degree, is due to W. J. Bolles, who began to push the business about twenty-eight years
ago. It is still a very important branch of business.
The first brick dwelling was erected in 1862, by R. Walker, and is now the residence of
D. G. Ormsby.
The first Postmaster was David Miller, who had no commission, but simply allowed the
mail of the " Pioneer Club Postoffice," to be kept in his store. The mail was brought to him
from Waukesha by some member of the club. The first commissioned Postmaster was Chauncey
G. Heath, appointed in 1846 or 1847, by President Polk. When the Whigs came into power,
in March, 1849, President Taylor appointed S. T. Bolles to succeed Mr. Heath as Postmaster.
B. F. Goss is the present Postmaster.
Israel Wheeler began wagon-making in 1841. The first real wagon-shop was started by
Steele & Son. George W. Steele has since built a shop and continues in the business.
Village Incorporated. — The village of Pewaukee was incorporated by fin order from David
W. Small, Judge of the First Circuit, April 3, 1876. The first charter election was held May
2, 1876. At that and subsequent elections, the following officers have been elected : Presidents,
S. T. Bolles, 1876-77 ; B. F. Goss, 1878 ; A. M. Clark, 1879 ; Joseph Bull, 1880. Trustees,
A. M. Clark, J. H. Rhodes, B. Boorftian, M. R. Hewitt, A. G. Alton, Thomas Quinlan, 1876 ;
B. Boorman, B. Garrets, A. M. Clark, Thomas Shields, William Jones, 1877 ; T. Shields,
William Jones, A. Labair, G. W. Steele, Jens Larsen, D. F. Cogswell, 1878 ; B. Garrets,
A. Labair, M. C. Wilson, Thomas Shields, Joseph Bull, William Jones, 1879 ; Thomas Quinlan,
Thomas Shields, M. C. Wilson, Robert Lowerie, G. H. Parks, Jens Larsen, 1880. Village
Clerk, F. A. Heath, 1876; George Barker, 1877; R. R. Griffing, 1878; George Barker,
1879 ; J. B. Weaver, 1880. Treasurer, J. M. Heath, 1876-77 ; John Ross, 1878 ; A. L.
Palmer, 1879-80. Police Justice, George H. Parks, 1876-77 ; George Barker, 1878-79 ;
Frank McBeiin, 1880-81. Street Commissioner, J. H. Rhodes, 1876; J. Wildish, 1877;
Stephen Weaver, 1878 ; John M. Heath, 1879 ; John Ross, 1880. Marshal, John C. Pope,
1876 ; Louis Passolt, 1877-78 ; S. B. Griffing, 1879 ; Louis Passolt, 1880.
In 1842, the first schoolhouse was built, where the Baptist Church now stands. It did
good service, and accommodated a large number of scholars, until the present stone schoolhouse
was erected. An exceedingly good village school is maintained here. The chapter on " Gen-
eral Educational Interests" will furnish further statistics as to the number of students and
kindred matters.
In 1876, B. F. Goss commenced on a cabinet of the eggs of North American birds. It
now numbers about 260 varieties, and more than two thousand specimens. It is, doubtless, the
largest collection of eggs in Wisconsin, and, in some respects, cannot be equaled anywhere.
It is excelled by ho private collection. Mr. Goss has also, while making a specialty of Wiscon-
sin birds and eggs, made large collections from other States, for himself and various scientific
societies.
Pewaukee Lake Mills. — This is one of the landmarks of Waukesha County. In 1837, the
the dam was built across the outlet of Pewaukee Lake, by Asa Clark, and the following year,
on account of trouble made by persons making claims near the lake, he secured an enactment of
the Legislature, allowing him to maintain this dam, with six leet of water above the natural level
of the lake. Mr. Clark built a saw-mill during that year, 1837, and got it to running. It stood
where the Oakton Springs House bowling alley now stands. In 1845, after the stone quarry
had been opened, Mr. Clark erected a stone grist-mill, three stories in height. The original
building, with two additions erected by B. Boorman, still does service. After Asa Clark, this
mill was owned by Cogswell & Davidson; then again by Mr. Clark, who sold to Benjamin
Boorman, in 1854. Mr. Boorman ran the mill until 1878, when he rented it to his sons, A.
and F. Boorman. The water head is six feet, which runs a forty-inch Brooks wheel and three
runs of stone. The mill has a steam engine, but it has not been required in five years. High
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 788
and low water come in cycles of about seven years each In 1857, the dam was swept away,
resulting in a damaging flood to the country below. In 1879, Joseph Johnson, backed by sev-
eral of his neighbors, began suit against the Boormans for damages to lands overflowed by the
dam. Several similar suits have been begun, and always decided in favor of the mill owners.
Best Brewing Company's Ice House. — By far the largest building in Pewaukee is the ice
house built by the Best Brewing Company, of Milwaukee, in 1878. It is 450x50 feet. From
it, eight car-loads of ice per day are shipped, during the summer, to the breweries in Milwaukee.
This, with the business of filling them, gives employment to a large number of men.
Pewaukee Lodge, No. 186, I. 0. 0. i?'.^-This lodge was instituted December 12, 1869,
with S. T. BoUes, James Ormsby, John M. Heath, D. F. Cogswell and John Dieman as charter
members and first officers. The growth of the lodge was rapid, and its condition exceedingly
prosperous. From this lodge have branched off the Bark River, No. 204, and Sussex, No. 205,
lodges, which weakened it materially. In 1876, the lodge erected a fine two-story building, the
upper portion being used as a lodge-room, and the ground floor for a public hall. The present
officers are S. T. BoUes, N. G. ; R. Kensley, Secretary ; and the number of members about
forty. There is a debt of $800 on the building, but the lodge has money to pay a portion of
this. It is one of the finest lodge buildings in the county.
Congregational Church. — This church society was organized in 1840, by Asa Clark, Charles
Bell, William C. Gates, Lyman Clark, and others from Lisbon. The church people of Pewau-
kee and Lisbon met together and formed a church in 1840, and continued to so meet during
four or five years. The Pewaukee people then took the records and perpetuated this old
church, the Lisbonites forming a church in that town. Mr. Bell is the only one who is
now living in Pewaukee of the original organizers. The first pastor who was settled at Pewau-
kee was Mr. Bridgeman ; but the first preacher was Mr. S. Baker, who resided in Lisbon. He
preached for this people even before a church was formed. The church edifice was erected in
1856 and cost about $1,500. The same building, repainted and repaired, is still in use. It is
of wood. There are thirty-one members and a good Sabbath school. The present pastor is
Rev. J. H. Cameron, who has been in charge during the past four years. He was preceded
by Rev. George W. Sargeant, who preached here two years, although residing in Milwaukee.
First Baptist Church. — Before the formal organization of the present church, there was
a church society of some kind which went out of existence, as it had no church edifice. The
present society was organized June, 1855, with the following members : Elder Timothy Palmer,
pastor ; Abel Brown, Henry Smith, Daniel German, Elizabeth Hartwell, Fanny Boorman,
Eliza Davis and Maria J. Smith. Mrs. Boorman, now of Waukesha, is the only one of the
original members now living. The second pastor was Elder R. Griffin, who came in January,
1861, and continued in charge until 1871. He was succeeded by Elder D. H. Drake, who, on
going as missionary to foreign countries, was succeeded in 1872 by H. B. Davis. Mr. Davis
was in charge but a brief period, and was followed by Rev. Henry Clark. A young man named
Evans acted as supply after the pulpit was vacated by Rev. Clark. The next pastor was Rev.
William Parker, who came in February, 1876, and who was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Fuhrman,
in September, 1878. Mr. Fuhrman is the present pastor. The church at its most prosperous
time had sixty-one members. The edifice, of wood, and a neat building, was built in 1859, and
was opened for worship December 21 of that year. The parsonage, an unusually good building,
was erected in 1876. Both are in excellent repair, and the church society is free from debt.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — At the first quarterly conference for the Pewaukee charge,
held in April, 1870, there were reported twenty-four members and $1,850 in hand with which
to erect a house of worship. J. C. Wheeler and Stephen Smith were chosen leaders ; D. G.
Ormsby, J. C. Wheeler, William Chester, John Pope and Stephen Smith, Stewards; James
Ormsby, J. C. Wheeler, J. Parker, J. Wildish, J. H. Rhodes, W. H. Steel, Stephen Smith,
William Chester and A. A. Akin, Trustees. The edifice was erected in 1870 at a cost of about
$4,000. It is of brick, nicely finished and furnished. The parsonage was erected in 1876 at
a cost of $1,200. All the church property is free from debt. The difi"erent pastors have been
784 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Revs. S. Halsey, W. W. Painter, Mechesney, E. T. Eaton, W. L. Walker, W. B. Robinson,
R. J. Judd and George W. Burtch, who is now in charge. The present oflScers are as follows :
Mrs. D. G. Ormsby, John Parker, John Hodgson, Sarah Bolles, Emily Hodgson, H. Ander-
son, D. Roberts and S. Smith, Stewards ; S. Weaver, John Parker, D. G. Ormsby, W. C.
Window, G. H. Parks, William Haskins, Joseph Cooper, Trustees. The church, which has
about fifty-five members, maintains a flourishing Sunday school. Merton. belongs to the
Pewaukee charge.
OathoUc Church. — See history of Catholic Church of Waukesha Village.
Heath's Hotel. — This hotel building was erected by Lucius Swift, and was first used by J.
F. Morse as a store. John M. Heath, after whom the hotel was nam,ed, converted it into a
public house, which he kept open until his death, in 1879. Since that time it has been
managed by Mrs. John M. Heath. The building is a good one and conveniently located.
The rooms are well furnished and large. Its principal business is during the summer, when
the influx of pleasui-e-seekers is very great.
Oakton Springs House. — This large, flne and popular summer-resort hotel was built in
1873 by N. P. Iglehart, who also purchased the lands on which are located the Oakton
Springs, adjoining the northern boundary of the village. He had an analysis made of their
waters, which resulted in discovering them to be of such medicinal value, that he at once began
to advertise them and the hotel. Col. Iglehart spent a large sum of money in making known
abroad the advantages of Pewaukee as a summer resort, and was the principal person in estab-
lishing its present reputation. The present proprietor of the Oakton Springs House, B. Boor-
man, took the property in 1877. He rents it to J. P. Vedder, who has made a success of the
business. The hotel has a bath, barber shop, bowling alley, 100 fine rooms and all other first-
class hotel accompaniments. The guests are largely from the South.
Parsons' Hotel. — This is a regular hotel, kept by A. M. Parsons, and is open all the year
through. The property is owned by Mr. King, who formerly managed the hotel. It has a
good share of the traveling patronage.
TOVPN OF SUMMIT.
The town of Summit, by an act of the Legislature,, passed January 2, 1838, was set
apart and named, and comprised the present towns of Summit, Delafield, Oconomowoc and Mer-
ton. Then by an act approved March 9, 1839, it was shorn of what is now Merton and Dela-
field, and January 23, 1844, Oconomowoc was cut off', leaving the town as it now is.
Summit received its name from the fact that Summit Prairie was supposed to be the high-
est elevation between the Fox and Rock Rivers. Here are found, combined in great complete-
ness, the chief requisites to success in farming — a most excellent soil, high, dry and well watered.
The roads in this town are very good, and it is really a pleasure to ride over them. The
people evidently take pride in keeping them in good condition. B. R. Hinkley has been for
many years Roadmaster in this section.
The population consists principally of Americans and English, with a sprinkling of other
elements. The first claimant and settler in the town was Andrew Baxter. He settled near
Summit Center, coming here from Michigan, about the middle of March, 1837. Summit Prairie
was then, and for several years subsequently, called Baxter's Prairie. His wife and family came
with him, and were the first woman and children in this section of country, which then included
Oconomowoc, Merton and Delafield. The next that came into Summit was John D. McDonald.
He came into the county about the 20th of March, 1837, and, on the 7th of April following
made the claim where he now lives, in the center of the town. He then boarded with Mr. Baxter,
and helped him finish his cabin and dig a well, and did such other work as there was to be done.
About the 1st of June, 1837, Delos Taft, E. W. Edgerton and Richard Hardell and family came,
to be followed soon after by C. B. Brown and family. Orson and Curtis Reed came about the
same time, their father and mother coming later in the season. They settled on the farm now
owned by William Robinson. During the fall of this year, the families of Mr. Leavitt, Mr.
HISTOKY OF WAUKESHA COUXTY. 785
Hildreth, Gardner Brown and Mr. Fultz came in. Jacob Regular also came in 1838, bring-
ing a large family with him, to endure. privations and dangers, being at that time in very desti-
tute circumstances. Mr. Fairservice came this fall, bringing with him some young ladies, a
scarcity in a new country and very much in demand. He settled on the banks of the beautiful
Nemahbin Lake. Some young men, according to the town chronicles, made claims here at this
time, but could not stand the pressure of going without food, and left.
In 1838, the families of Messrs. Merrill, Denney and Schuyler (who was the first claimant
at Delafield), and Sanborn, Metcalf, Paine and Newnham, came.
Henry Baxter, who was born in 1838, was the first child of white extraction born in the
town.
The first death was a child of B. C. Hildreth, in the fall of 1887, and the second was
Gardner Brown, father of Mrs. McDonald. He was killed on Pox River while at work drawing
logs to Porter's saw-mill, on the 1st of February, 1838. He was buried on the farm now owned
by E. W. Barnard.
Another heart-rending accident was the drowning of three boys of Russell Frisby, in 1839,
while crossing Oconomowoc Lake to an island for the purpose of making maple sugar. Their
remains were interred on the bank of the lake, on the farm now owned by Charles Hartwell.
Andrew Baxter, the first settler, died December 7, 1849, after a short but eventful career upon
the frontier. Charles Keeler built the Congregational Church in 1844, and owned it until
1870. Its first pastor was a man by the name of Parker. It now belongs to the Nashotah
Mission.
The Rev. H. W. Frink held the first Methodist Episcopal services in the first schoolhouse on
Section 15, and which was built in 1839, by Messrs. Baxter, Reed, Leavitt, McDonald and
Brown.
The first teacher was a Miss Smith, who taught in the summer of 1839.
The first marriage was the Rev. H. W. Frink, to Miss W. Paine.
The year following, the devoirs of Orson Reed were crowned with success, in the per-
son of one of the Misses Fairservice. These were the early examples, and well have they been
followed since.
Nashotah Mission is in this town on the Upper Twin Nashotah Lake.
The first store in Summit was opened at Summit Corners, in 1839, by William Plumley,
and, as is always the case in a new country, it was an event of no small importance in the estima-
tion of the early settlers.
The election polls were first opened in what is now called Delafield, at a house kept by a
man named Piermain, who afterward became tired of living and blew his brains out with a
pistol. At this election, J. D. McDonald was elected Pathmaster of Road District No. 1, which
then comprised the four towns mentioned above.
Dr. Goodnow, who came in 1839, was the first physician, and established himself on the
farm now known as Danforth's ; but, alas for physicians in those days, as a gentleman remarked
recently, "folks seemed not to get sick — health was the prevailing epidemic in Summit."
The first blacksmith-shop — an institution of unusual importance in a new country — was
started by Jacob Johnson, in 1843, at Summit Corners. Previous to that, for some time, the
settlers were compelled to tramp over the trails to Waukesha, to get their plows and chains
mended.
The first Justice who sat in judgment upon the short goings or comings of his fellows in
Summit was Mr. Payne.
According to town records, one of the first, if not the first, town meetings was held in Sum-
mit in 1842, when there were in all only seventy-four voters in the town. Curtis Reed, who
figured quite conspicuously in local politics at that time, and who subsequently organized the
town of Oconomowoc in rather a novel manner, was elected Chairman; the Side Supervisors
were Jesse Hildreth and G. A. Foster; Clerk, Russell Frisby; Treasurer, E. Willie; Collector,
S. M. Wells; Assessor, S. C. Leavitt; Commissioners of Common Schools, Jonathan Dougherty,
786 HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
William Wentworth and E. W. Edgerton; Commissioners of Highways, C. B. Sheldon, Richard
Hardell, and Orson Reed; Fence Viewers, Chauncy Ludder, William Wentworth and Phil.
Schuyler; Constables, Charles Morris, L. B. Sanborn and Samuel M. Wells; Sealer of Weights
and Measures, Curtis B. Brown; Overseers of Highways, B. W. Edgerton and George Williams.
It is said that at this election Mr. Reed was elected by a majority of one only, and this
one he gained by sending a friend post-haste down the Territorial road to meet a man who had
agreed to be on hand to vote for him. The fellow jumped on to the horse and came on, getting
to the polls just in time.
The town meetings were held in various schoolhouses and dwelling-houses until John D.
McDonald erected a hall opposite to his residence, this being the center of the town. The
hall is in the very best spot that it could be placed, away from any village and attendant
bummers.
A Good Templar's lodge was started in Summit as early as 1856, and the meetings were
held in Mr. Westover's barn first, then in Cobb Schoolhouse, and then in Mr. Bailey's shop at
Summit Corners. After this lodge went up another was started, but failed some time previous to the
establishment of the present lodge. This organization is now in a thriving condition, although
at first there was some difficulty experienced by the projectors in getting a large enough number
of signers to secure a charter. After overcoming this difficulty, the lodge has been growing
steadily stronger and more influential. Summit Center Lodge, No. 68, 1. 0. G. T.", was granted
a charter in 1876, from the Grand Lodge, in response to the petition of A. I. Story, Mrs. J.
M. Putney, S. A. Kidder, J. D. McDonald, D. McDonald, J. D. McDonald, Jr., Misses
Mellie and Maggie McDonald, Kittie Story, Minnie Hale, Susan Hale, E. Hale, Charles Van
Brunt, J. M. Crummey, J. C. Otes, David Hill, Libby Debnam, Ettie Williams, Lena Ericksen,
Harry Story, William Moore, Jacob Hill, L. A. Hill, Mary Story, George Newgent, E. W.
Barnard and P. F. Hall. There are now sixty-nine members, in good standing. Weekly
sessions are held at the town hall.
There are now in Summit two or three Episcopal chapels where the students of Nashotah
hold services at different times, besides a general association, without any very pronounced
denominational head, which holds Sunday school, and services occasionally, at the town hall.
Manufacturing and commercial enterprises are not largely represented in this town at the
present time, although all of the old inhabitants remember when Summit Corners was the com-
mercial and stage center of this district. But now agriculture and agricultural interests are the
chief objects, and consequently the butter and cheese factories take the place of other enterprises.
Summit Cheese Factory, on Section 16, was built about 1870, by B. R. Hinkley, Curtis
Mann, Capt. Stone and James Leavitt. It is 30x70, two stories high, and cost to erect about
$3,000. There are two 600-gallon vats and eighteen presses. B. R. Hinkley rented the fac-
tory at first, and subsequently bought out the other stockholders. In 1873, during the panic,
he had 1,275 cheeses on his hands, which he shipped to St. Louis, and, after holding for a few
months, he sold all at a handsome profit, while many other manufacturers lost tremendously.
The butter factory company of Summit was organized in the spring of 1877. There are
seven members. A. J. W. Pierce, of Milwaukee, A. J. Kidder, Jacob Hill, William Cumro,
R. C. Hildreth, Daniel Williams and J. D. McDonald, A. J. W. Pierce being the largest stock-
holder. The factory is very thoroughly fitted up, having all the machinery that is necessary to
care for the milk from four hundred cows.
Wheat was first raised by Mr. Fultz on the Baxter farm in 1838. From this time until
1850, the farmers had to cut their grain with the cradle, and nearly all of them for a long time
after; but that season Phillip Haune brought in a reaper, and very many of the farmers availed
themselves of the opportunity and hired their grain cut by it.
The traveler, in passing over Summit Prairie, either on the old Territorial road, east or west,
or on the turnpike running north and south, will come to four corners on as beautiful a part of
the prairie as can be found, and centrally located between Sections 10 and 15. There is
nothing to attract particular observation here except the magnificent landscape, and here and
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 787
there a farm-house labbrer's cottage; consequently one might pass on unconscious of the fact that
from 1840 to 1850 this spot was the commercial metropolis and stage center for the surrounding
country — the Summit Corners of other days. Here in 1837, on the northwest corner, C. B.
Brown built a tavern, and this was the nucleus of the "Villa."
In 1838, the first postoiBce was established here, with Curtis Reed as Postmaster, there
having been a mail carrier through from Milwaukee to Mineral Point as early as 1837. The
store already mentioned was there, and within a short time the blacksmith-shop, and, accordiag
to B. R. Hinkley, who lives at the Corners now, and who lived there in its palmy days, there
was, as early as 1846, three hotels, two frame and one of logs, three thriving stores, two' black-
smith shops, a wagon shop, a tailor and shoe shop, with inhabitants to correspond. This point
was then a sort of headquarters for news, political meetings, frontier horse-racing and circuses.
Very many of the young men had fast horses, horse-racing being the standard amusement of the
times. A number of the Lush family lived here, heirs of Lush, of Albany, said to have been the
largest landholder in the State of New York in his day. These were said to be the chief money
spenders of the town. One of the hotels was a fine edifice for those days, and in connection had
a large stage barn. The other hotels were also well supplied with stable room, for there was an
enormous amount of travel, as many as four hundred teams a day having passed over the Terri-
torial road. The village held its own until about the time the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railway passed through the county. At that time a terrible tornado swept through this section
and struck Summit Center, destroying houses, barns, etc., and also causing the big hotel to catch
on fire. From this disaster and the efiect of the railroad, it was impossible for Summit to re-
cover, and within a short time the place was no more. The little place called Utica had at one
time a store, kept at first by R. St. Helen, and a tavern kept by Phil Holland.
Waterville, in 1845, was quite a little burg, and had its store, postoffice, public house,
shops and comcomitants; but a change has come over the scene, and what was, is no more.
Notwithstanding the cost of everything, hotel charges were very much more reasonable
then than they now are. This was owing in part, in all probability, to the general hotel com-
petition, for almost every one wanted to turn a penny by keeping travelers. To illustrate :
When the taverns at the Corners were charging five shillings per night for supper, lodging and
breakfast, with horse feed thrown in, J. D. McDonald, who kept a competition inn near where
he now lives, charged 50 cents for the same. How this could be done and the parties make
anything, remains a mystery.
The cemetery in Summit, near the center on Section 15, is well located, and is kept in
very good order, there being shade trees, shrubbery and flowers about or above nearly all of the
graves. One of the first buried here, the grave with its age-browned stone standing in a con-
spicuous spot, was Miss R. B. Cross, in 1844. The cemetery is maintained by the town, and
a hearse and horses and driver are employed.
For several years prior to 1866, the farmers had been greatly bothered by having sheep
killed by what they supposed were wildcats and lynxes. Accordingly, at the town meeting of
1866, it was voted to pay $10 per head for each of these animals killed. But this did not abate
the nuisance, for the losses of sheep kept growing continually greater, until, about 1868, it was
discovered that wolves were the perpetrators of the mischief, and their " stamping " grounds and
runways were on the school section and about Genesee and Silver Lakes. No sooner was this
discovered, than a subscription was taken, and a bounty of $100 per wolf ofiered for every wolf
killed in the town ; and very soon after a permanent bounty of- $50 was voted by the town, and
an additional bounty of $25 was offered by the county.
No sooner had this bounty become a settled thing, than hunting wolves became a good
business, and, forthwith, several men went at the work of extermination. One party was formed,
consisting of Charles Smith, Lewis Rowell, Mr. Griswold, of Pewaukee, and another man. This
party hunted together, as did Messrs. Hill and Bartlett, and, also, Mr. Andrews went into the
business. Very soon after this, the wolves in Summit were non est; but the hunters were equal
to the emergency. Therefore, wolves were hunted from adjoining localities, and chased into
788 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Summit to be killed. One in particular was worried and hunted, for several hours, back and
forth between Summit and Ottawa, on Sections 5 and 32, until, finally, he was shot in Ottawa,
and dragged over into Summit to die.
A document which was handed in at the town meeting in 1859, and which is known as
"James Ashbv's Fox Bounty Bill," created so much amusement at the time, and is so novel in
character, that a summary of the contents is given, as presented at the meeting, and as placed
on file by the Town Clerk : "Whoever kills one old fox, and brings his head to the Town Clerk,
for him to inspect it, the same is to have $1 for each old one, and 50 cents each youijg one, if
he can' see; if not, be paid 25 cents each by the Town Clerk. The Town Clerk is to see that
it is defraid, but just and right, the only way to get rid of these troublesome fellows. Any
one letting them breed is to be fined $5."
The following is an extract, taken from a paper presented by J. D. McDonald, the oldest
settler now in Summit, and published as written by him :
" I will relate some incidents which transpired the first year of our settlement. In the
summer of 1837, there were several young men boarding at Curtis Brown's. One Sunday
morning we went down to the lake, now known as Genesee Lake, about two miles from Summit
Corners, and when we got ready to return there was one by the name of Lonsbury, who said he
would stay and wash his shirt, and so we left him ' to do his washing.' When he had dried and
ironed his shirt, he started for home, but, instead of going home, he got lost and wandered down
into a tamarack swamp. Night set in, and he, was obliged to 'lay out' all night. It was a
dark, rainy night, and the wolves howled, and the owls screeched, and I think he has never
recovered from his fright. It was about four miles from our boarding-house, and he arrived
there about noon the next day. In the month of April, 1837, a man by the name of Milenda
came out from Milwaukee and stopped at Hayopolis, and persuaded me to go with him to make
a claim for some parties in Milwaukee. The claim he was to make was on the Upper Rapids of
Rock River, on Section 10, Town 10, Range 16, now known as Hustisford. There were no
settlers between Hayopolis and Fort Winnebago.
" We followed an Indian trail running between the Twin Lakes, thence between La Belle
and Fowler Lakes, and then forded the Oconomowoc River below where the dam now is, and
then followed section lines through the woods to that point. We dared not leave the section
lines for fear of being lost, and we therefore were obliged to wade marshes and streams some-
times in water up to our waists, as the water was very high at that season of the year. We
struck the rapids the second night, and met an old squaw, who told us by signs that the Indians
would kill us when they came home that night ' squiby ' (that is, drunk), and we found that they
did return ' squiby.' They had been to Fort Winnebago to receive their payment. There were
about 200 of them, and they held a ' war dance ' that night.
" We lay on our side of the stream, now called the Wildcat, and they on the other. They
had fires, so we dared not have any. We could see them, but they could not see us. They
yelled and danced all night while we lay and watched them. They left the next day, and we
made the claim and returned to Hayopolis in six days.
" In the winter of 1837, C. B. Sheldon, a man by the name of Green and myself, started
from Summit, about the 20th of December, for Mineral Point. We stopped the first night at
Aztalan, with a man by the name of Atwood. We started the next morning for Madison, the
distance being forty miles. The snow was about six or eight inches deep, and there had been
but one horse* through. There'were no settlers between Aztalan and Madison at that time.
About sundown, Sheldon ' tired out,' and Green and myself supported him, one on each side.
Whenever we stopped to rest, he would fall asleep, and whenever we would wake him up, he
would beg of us to let him lie. It was a bitter cold night, and, having no means to make a fire,
we knew that we must keep him on the move, and so dragged him along until we reached
Madison, about 11 o'clock at night. There were but two shanties at Madison at that time. The
next day we proceeded on our journey, and arrived at Mineral Point about the 25th of December.
We procured work, chopping and splitting rails, until about the 20th of February, 1838, when
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 789
we started to return. The third day after leaving Mineral Point, expecting to reach Madison,
we got lost, and were obliged to lie under an oak tree. We had no means to build a fire, and
soon fell asleep. We were awakened by the excessive cold. Before leaving Mineral Point, we
had secured a flask of good brandy. Although our temperance people do not think brandy of
any benefit, we thought it was a benefit to us on that occasion. The next morning, we found
our way into Madison, started for Summit, and arrived there about the last of February. We
dctiended on the money we earned to buy provisions with, but were paid off in Michigan wild-
cat money, which, when we got home, was not worth one cent on the dollar.
" Go into our cemetery, and there you will see where the most of our old settlers are at
rest, and our gray hairs admonish us that in a few years we will be deposited there with the rest.
" In writing this communication, I have confined myself to the first settlement of the town of
Summit, and, not having time for consideration, it could not be expected but that I should make
some errors. Wishing to be excused for imperfections, I submit this paper, not for its merit or
perfection, but as something to keep alive recollections of other days."
Summit Mutual Fire Insurance Company. — The citizens of Summit, in conformity with
previous preparatory meetings, met at the town hall, Tuesday, March 24, 1874, and effected a
permanent organization. The subscribed capital was $-39,000, and the following gentlemen were
elected Directors: Daniel Williams, J. D. McDonald, C. M. Neff, Abram Hardell, J. S.
Nichols, B. C. Hildreth, P. K. Tucker, Jacob Hill and Azro Hamlin. J. D. McDonald was
elected President, and Daniel Williams, Secretary and Treasurer. The company began business
March 31, 1874. Up to the present time, two losses have been sustained, amounting to $69.02.
Number of policies issued up to January 1, 1875, 42 ; amount of insurance at that time,
$57,577. Number of policies January ,1, 1876, 74 ; amount insured, $102,576.
Number of policies January 1, 1877, 104 ; amount insured, $158,021. Number of policies
January 1, 1878, 130 ; amount insured, $187,400. Number of policies January 1, 1879, 148 ;
amount insured, $215,360. Number of policies January 1, 1880, 164; amount insured,
$242,174. The officers remain the same, with a few slight changes in Directors.
There are a large number of splendid farms, estates and country residences in Summit.
Among the finest of these, especially in residence? atid fittings, are Capt. Parker's, Mr. Mc-
Dowell's, Mr. Hill's, Mr. Hardell's and Capt. Stone's.
The town officers for 1880 are as follows : Supervisors — Daniel Williams, Chairman ; W.
H. Kummrow, William Griffith ; Town Clerk, D. McDonald ; Assessor, B. R. Hinkley ;
Treasurer, A. I. Story ; Justices of the Peace, Daniel Williams, A. G. Hardell, Thomas Break-
field, J. A. Oestrich ; Constables, Charles Denny, James GriflBth, E. W. Barnard.
TOWN OF VERNON.
Township 5 north, of Range 19 east, was set apart and organized into the town of Vernon
by an act of the Legislature, passed March 8, 1839. Before that time, it had formed a part of
Muskego.
Vernon is justly noted for its fine timber, fertile soil, large supply of water-courses, and
many curious mounds and embankments.
The growth of maple timber, especially on or near the banks of the Fox River, is very
heavy and valuable, both for firewood and for sugar making. The growth becomes lighter in
the south, until it finally almost disappears as we approach Caldwell's Prairie.
The large number of streams afibrd good water-power for milling, and excellent facilities
for stock-raising.
The soil here is lighter, warmer and more arable, being of rather a sandy loam quality, and
highly productive where properly cultivated.
The population is about equally divided between the Americans, Scotch and Germans, with
a few Irish, English and Norwegians.
The first actual settlers in the town were John Dodge, Prucius Putnam and the brothers
Curtis B. and Orien Haseltine. These men came from Andover, Vt., in 1835, and went
790 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
into the then undisturbed wilderness of Vernon, in November of that year, and made claims on
Sections 27 and 34. They also built a cabin at this time, 15x16 feet, a few rods west of the
present schoolhouse at Dodge's Corners. Besides these four, Ira Blood, Gaius Munger, Asa A.
Flint, N. K. Smith, Leonard Martin and others came in this fall, and selected claims, and some
of them built, but did not winter here.
In the spring of 1837, Jesse Smith, John Thomas, Aaron and Amos Putnam, Col. Orien
Haseltine, father of the Haseltine family, Isaac Flint, Almon Welch, Lazarus Whipple, Capt.
Pierce, Joel Day, J. H. Stickney, the Plumb family, and perhaps a few more came.
Ira Blood, Joel Day, N. K. Smith and Gaius Munger were the first who brought families
here, although they were not long the first.
It is related of Gaius Munger (now deceased), that, after he had been here with his family a
few months, they fell short of provisions, and, while he was gone to get more, they had to live on
potatoes and salt.
N. K. Smith, who came in May, 1837, with wife and two children, brought the first family
into Vernon, Mrs. Smith having been the first white woinan here for six weeks.
The town received its name from the first four settlers, who were all Vermonters, as were
very many of those who came in subsequently, the first syllable of their native State being
incorporated in the new name.
The first political meeting was a caucus, held at the house of Orien B. Haseltine, in the
spring of 1838.
The first election was at the house of Col. Haseltine, where Nelson K. Smith was elected
Chairman and Town Clerk.
For the first few years, the town meetings were held at the old log schoolhouse erected at
Vernon Center in 1841 or 1842, but after awhile the north part of the town, through the
influence of A. Welch, gave up permitting the town meetings to be held at L. Martin's, in the
southern portion, near Muskego ; but, after they had been held there awhile, the north part of the
town concluded that they would have the meetings at the "burg" again, and, in spite of the
resistance of the southern element, succeeded in their wish.
Mr. Munson put up a tavern finally, on the old Mukwonago plank road, near the center of
town, and the rival factions compromised their diiferences and held the town meeting there for
several years. Subsequently, when L. Martin put up his new hotel, the voters agreed to meet
there, where they could have a good time. The town meetings are now held there.
According to record, the following ofiicers were elected in 1842 ; N. K. Smith, Chairman
and Town Clerk, with Jesse Smith and Joseph M. Stilwell as Side Supervisors ; Commissioners
of Common Schools, J. A. Plumb, J. H. Stickney and Henry Moon ; Commissioners High-
ways, Alva Plumb, Ira Blood and John S. Moon ; Assessors, Anson Morgan, Roswell Hill and
Asa Hollister ; Collector, James B. Stilwell ; Sealer of Weights and Measures, Adam Putna m ;
Treasurer, Isaac Burley. J. M. Stilwell removed from town this year, and Bailey Webster was
elected in his place as Supervisor.
Jonathan Putnam, father of Prucius, Nathaniel, Amos and Amos Putnam, came in with
his sons in 1837. He was taken sick on the road, with diarrhoea, and died in a few days after
his arrival in the town. Almon Welch went into the town of Prairieville and got a clergyman
by the name of Ordway, who lived where Capt. Lawrence now lives, to go and preach the fun-
eral sermon. The services were held at the house of John Thomas, and he was buried in the
cemetery on the old farm now owned by Samuel Smith. This was the first death in the town.
The first child born in the town was Allen, youngest son of the large family of Col. Has-
eltine., born in April, 1838.
The first wedding service was pronounced at the joint marriage of Prucius Putnam and Eme-
line K. Haseltine and Curtis W. Haseltine and Miss Thomas.
A school was taught in town by Ira S. Haseltine in the winter of 1839 or 1840, first in the
house of J. Thomas, then in the house of his father. Col. Haseltine.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY 791
A schoolhouse was built on the old farm of A. H. Pierce, in 1840, which was provided
with a fire-place, and a stone and mud chimney, and was, in all likelihood, the first schoolhouse
built in town, although there was one other built at about the same time at Vernon Center.
The first frame schoolhouse was erected on the present farm of J. W. Parks, and is now
used by Mrs. Parks for a kitchen.
A postoflSce was established as early as 1839 or 1840, in Vernon Center. The first Post-
master was Asa A. Flint, who had the office in his log house, which was long ago demolished,
and which stood on the spot where Mr. Sharp now lives. Joseph Stilwell succeeded Mr. Flint,
and he was followed by Mr. R. C. Robinson. Then came E. H. Daniels, and, after him, the
present incumbent, his brother, Henry Daniels.
A few years after the establishment of the Vernon postoffice, the increase of population
required another office, which was located at Big Bend, Aaron Putnam being installed Post-
master. Afterward, Prucius Putnam was Postmaster for a time ; then Mr. Clark, the present
Postmaster and storekeeper, took charge of the office.
During Buchanan's administration, Mr. L. Martin kept the postoffice, at his hotel, then
called " Orchard Grove. " Subsequently it became expedient to start still another office, and Dodge's
Corners was selected as the best place for it. Mr. Dodge held the office of Postmaster until
1855, when R. L. Bailey, the present Postmaster, was appointed.
Big Bend. — A saw-mill was built at Big Bend by Amos and Aaron Putnam, as early as
April, 1841, which they operated until 1868, then sold the property to Mr. Hudson.
Mr. Robert Wier subsequently built a saw-mill at Big Bend, which ran by steam. At this
mill, most of the plank used in constructing the Muk. & Mil. road was sawed. This mill soon
passed from the hands of Mr. Wier into the possession of Findlay McNaughton. The mill was
demolished after Mr. Mc N. sold it.
The old hotel, now used as a dwelling-house, at Big Bend, was first kept by A. Putnam.
The store started there in 1846, by Prucius Putnam, was the first in the town. Mr. Put-
nam is still living in the town.
A, terrible epidemic swept through Vernon and adjoining towns about thirty years ago,
and caused a great amount of suffering in some localities, the Norwegians being especial sufferers.
The Milwaukee and Janesville plank road was run through the town about 1849, L.
Reynolds, the first settler in Rochester, being the contractor and builder. The road proved a
great benefit to the settlers, as .everything had to be hauled to Milwaukee to be sold, there being
no other market available at that time.
Vernon Center, called the " Burg," received the name in commemoration of the German,
Fritz, who kept the hotel there years ago. At present, there are several houses here, two small
stores, and a blacksmith and wagon shop. The first settlers here were Asa A. Flint and Joseph
Stilwell. R. C. Robinson opened the first store here, keeping groceries. Among the old
settlers in this vicinity are AlJnon and Eli Welch, James and Asher Stilwell, Porter Daniels,
Peter Van Buren, P. Freyer, William A. Vanderpool, Amos Goff, Aaron Clifton, Joel Day,
Roswell Hill, Charles Crownhart, Henry Moon, Bailey Webster and Anson Morgan.
The first bridge over the Fox River was put up one-half mile above the present bridge, by
the Stockman Bros. This bridge stood there until it rotted down, a few years ago. Two or
three wooden bridges crossed the river where the iron bridge is, each having been torn down
aud rebuilt when it became worthless, until the present fine structure was put up. At one
time, a small part of the bridge was in the town of Vernon, but it is believed that at the present
time, owing to the filling, and slight changes that have been made in the river course, the
bridge is entirely in Mukwonago. At this point the settlers had a ferry previous to the bridges.
At first canoes were used to cross the stream to get to Mukwonago, and bad luck to the wight
who came to the crossing when all the canoes were on the other side, for then he must needs
strip, fasten his clothes on his back, and swim over, perhaps on his return to find the canoes on
the other side.
792 HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Vernon has a good war record, and did excellent service at that time under the manage-
ment of its patriotic and hard-working Chairman, Asa Wilkins.
The first thrashing machine used here was an old tub power, brought in by Jesse Stetson,
and his sons, Allen and Clinton, who helped him run it.
The early builders here had recourse to what were commonly called shake shingles for
roofs. They were rived from straight blocks of hard wood, and were gotten only with a good
deal of hard labor. Owing to this generally experienced difficulty, Mr. Gaius Munger early
started a shingle-cutting machine, with which he did a thriving business, cutting shingles from
blocks of wood softened by boiling in a big kettle which he kept for that purpose.
The Vernon Mutual Insurance Company, which includes Muskego, was organized in 1873,
by the leading farmers of both towns. Leonard Martin has been President from the first,
with Royal L. Bailey as Secretary during the entire time. The first policy was issued to the
United Brethren Church ; the second to Leonard Martin. The company has assumed liabili-
ties to the extent of $370,000. Losses up to April, 1880, amount to $157. The company is
in excellent condition.
The Vernon Reformed Presbyterian Ohurch Covenanters. — This is the only one in the
State. The first meeting was held for social worship, June, 1847, at the house of James Wright.
The Rev. James Love preached the first sermon in March, 1848, at the same house. The con-
gregation was organized in October of this year by Rev. James Milligan, assisted by Rev.
Thomas Cox. James Wright, William Turner, John McNeil, A. McKenney and wives, William
Wright, Mrs. A. McLeod and daughter Mary, James Wright, Jr., James McConnell and daughter
were the original members. Rev. Robert Johnson was the first regular pastor, being called in
1859. The present church was built in 1854. In May, 1854, the name of the society was
changed from Waukesha to Vernon. Rev. Johnson was succeeded after eight years by Rev. R.
B. Cannon. He was followed after serving six years by Isiah Toris, the present pastor, who
came in the fall of 1878. The present Elders are James Mann and William L. Wright.
The Vernon United Presbyterian Church was first called the Associate Reformed Church.
Meetings were held as early as 1840, at the house of Deacon Jean, afterward in the barn of
Robert Wier, for several years prior to the building of the schoolhouse of District No. 4, which
was then used until the building of the church in 1859. The first minister was James Barnett,
the next the Rev. John Wallace, of Illinois. The society was regularly organized, about 1845,
at the house of Thomas Howie. Among the founders were Robert Wier, F. Frazer, James Begg,
Charles Stewart, Thomas and John Howie, with their wives, and Duncan McNaughton and
daughter, with several others. John Howie, John Stewart and F. Frazer were elected Elders.
Mary A., wife of John Howie, founded the Sunday school in 1844, with tije assistance of Mrs.
Thomas Howie and Mrs. Guthrie. The Rev. Mr. Goudy was the first settled pastor connected
with this church. The first Trustees were John Stewart, Findlay Travier, Archibald Stewart,
Charles Vanderpool and Findlay McNaughton, who superintended the building of the church.
These gentlemen and McNaughton subscribed $100 each toward building the church.
The Vernon Mills were built about 1852 by E. H. Kellogg. Before building this mill,
Mr. Kellogg built a saw-mill on the same stream. The present mill property was sold by
Kellogg to Boorman & Howitt, who sold to William A. Vanderpool, he in turn selling to John
Matheson. He was followed by Edward Wilarr, who proved a rascal and absconded. The
mill then fell into the hands of Peter Van Buren, the present owner, who removed the old engine
and much other cumbersome machinery, replacing it by improved machinery and milling fixtures.
The mill has now two runs of stone, and is in every way well equipped for business.
About 1845, Almon Welch had a big raising for the purpose of putting up the timbers of a
new barn. The work was going on vei-y well, when, suddenly, one of the bents, which the
hands were lifting, slipped, and fell on a young man by the name of Anson Austin, killing him
instantly. Several others narrowly escaped. This accident so frightened many that Mr. "Welch
did not know but that he would fail in getting it raised. Another day was appointed ; but few
came, among whom were the Wright boys. These insisted, contrary to the protestations of Mr.
Welch, in putting the timbers up, which they successfully did.
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY. 793
It is related of Curtis Hazeltine, that when he first began breaking he had a little child
which had to be cared for. Therefore, to get along and lose no more time than necessary, Mr.
Hazeltine prepared a sack, Indian fashion, and, putting the baby into it, strapped it to his back,
and went on with the plowing undismayed and unhindered by the little squaller.
John Dodge, one of the first comers, related in conversation, that, one time, while enter-
taining some recent arrivals from Vermont, he had only a few dishes, not enough to go around,
so to supply the deficiency he went out and cut and smoothed off some large chips, and took
them in, to be used for plates. The novelty of this thing served as very good spice for the
otherwise plain dinner.
Of the four original comers in the town and who built the first house, three are yet alive
Orien and Curtis Haseltine, residing in Mazo Mania, while Prucius Putnam lives on a farm in
Vernon. John Dodge passed the dark river August 29, 1859. N. K. Smith is at Boulder, Colo.
The town officers for 1880 are as follows: Supervisors — L. Martin, Chairman; John V^n
Buren, Asa H. Craig ; Town Clerk, A. L. Jackson ; Assessor, John S. Hudson ; Treasurer, James
Mair ; Justices of the Peace, D. Cameron, F. McNaughton ; Constables, Lyman Morse, James
Vase, James Hurley.
The "Vernon Protective Union Society" was organized July 15, 1854, at the house of
Prucius Putnam, by electing Jesse Smith, President; Leonard Martin, Secretary, and Prucius
Putnam, Treasurer. The by-laws were written by H. B. Burrett and Jesse Smith. The per-
manent organization was completed as follows : Jesse Smith, President ; H. B. Burritt and
George W. Shepherd, Vice Presidents; L. Martin, Secretary; P. Putnam, Treasurer; Lorenzo
Ward, Collector ; H. B. Burritt, F. McNaughton, Q. W. Shepard, Robert Wier and L. Mar-
tin, Vigilance Committee. The territory covered by this organization is twelve miles in all direc-
tions from the bridge at Big BencJ. No member has ever lost a horse or mule by theft since the
society was formed. In 1855, the society numbered 11 members and had 17 horses registered,
valued at $2,585. Now it has 213 members and 743 horses, valued at $90,761. The society
has $522.08 in the treasury. Asa Wilkins is President, and S. Vandewalker, Secretary.
TOWN "of WAUKESHA.
Township 6, Range 19 east, now called Waukesha, was by act of the Legislature, approved
January 2, 1838, included in the town of Muskego, and as a part of such town the first election
was appointed by that act to be at Nathaniel Walton's house. By a subsequent act, approved
March 8, 1839, the town, as at present bounded, was established as Prairie Village. To call a
town a village did no^ sound well, so by act approved December 20, 1839, the name was changed
to Prairieville. This was again legally changed in 1847, after the erection and organization of
the county, to Waukesha. Its early history has already been told in the history of the village
and county of Waukesha, as here the first settlement of each was made. The Wisconsin State
Industrial School, Fountain House, village of Waukesha, and all other things of importance
in the town have been treated of elsewhere.
Early in 1842, the town of Prairieville was organized for purposes of self-government and
on the 5th of April the first recorded town meeting was held, Joseph Turner officiating as Chair-
man, and E. S. Purple as Clerk of the election. The following-named town officers were chosen
for the ensuing year : Supervisors, James Y. Watson, J. H. Kimball, J. J. Wright ; Clerk,
Vernon Tichenor; Treasurer, James W. Rossman ; Collector, George W. Thustan ; Commis-
sioners of Highways, John Manderville, E. S. Purple, Joseph McNeil ; Overseers of Highways,
Norman Clinton, Almon H. White, J. B. Winton, William A. Barstow,-{ Governor of the State) ;
Constables, Plutarch Taylor, Eleazer Rowley, George W. Thustan ; Commissioners of Schools,
Dr. G. Wright, Charles S. Bristol, Truman Wheeler ; Assessors, Henry Bowen, George A.
Hine, Edward Manning ; Fence Viewers, J. E. Bidwell, A. C. Nickell, Joel Marsh ; Sealer,
Allen Root.
794
HISTOEY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Tlje following is the poll-list of the election, and probably contains the name of nearly
every adult citizen of the town at that time :
Jacob H. Kimball,
John J. Wright,
Benjamin Babcock,
Joel Marsh,
James Y. Watson,
Jacob E. Young,
Samuel H. Barstow,
Lyman Goodnow,
James W. Kossman,
George W. Thustan,
J. W. Close,
P. H. Frame,
C. B. Donaldson,
E. W. Smith,
George W. Babcock,
Henry Bowron,
William S. Barnard,
James Clark,
James Lampman,
George Sanford,
Benjamin F. Chamberlin,
Barzillai Douglass,
Luther Ayer,
Charles C. Bristol,
Nathan Brown,
Winthrop Chandler,
Henry Whitcher,
John Gale, Jr.,
Francis Londre,
Calvin Otis,
Almon H. White,
William Morse,
F. K. Lyon,
Charles R. Dakin,
Isaac C. Owen,
John Wilson,
Timothy Mahan
T. B. Phippin,
William Wright,
C. L. Bobinson,
John Gaspar,
Peter Kirkman,
George A. Hine,
James Holton,
M. R. Tillson,
Daniel Fitz Simmons,
Vernon Tichenor,
E. S. Purple,
E. D. Powell,
C. B. Freeman,
Moses Tichenor,
Moses Barrett,
John M. Wells,
Orson Tichenor,
D. M. Hubbard,
H. N. Davis,
William A. Barstow,
Samuel R. Manning,
Asa S. Watson,
Edward Manning,
Caleb Nanscawen,
A. W. Cole,
Albert Marsh
Daniel Thompson,
Norman Clinton,
Plutarch Taylor,
A. W. Randall,
Thaddeus Thompson,
G. H. Bradley, .
E. W. Goodnow,
, Joseph McNeil,
Henry Davis,
Michael Thompson,
Abram Stark,
Joel E. Bidwell,
James Williams,
Daniel H. Rue,
James A. Rossman,
George G. Shaw,
William T. Bidwell,
E. Rowley,
John B. Dousman,
Truman Wheeler,
John Manderville,
Sebina Barney,
Albert White,
William E. Sanford,
Oliver H. Higley,
Justin Fordham,
Henry Ellmaker,
Timothy Pierce,
Patrick Venus,
N. Winters,
N. Latimer,
Edw. Mahan,
E. D. Clinton,
Daniel Chandler,
Orlando Brown,
William Graham,
Nathauel Walton,
A. C. Nickell,
Henry P. Clason,
Joseph Turner,
Joshua Nanscawen,
0. M. Hubbard,
L. A. Donaldson,
Thomas H. Drury,
Silas Chapman,
Thaddeus Wait,
Stephen F. Smith,
Morris D. Cutler,
Allen Root.
It will be seen that the above list comprises the names of two future Governors of the
State (W. A. Barstow and A. W. Randall), of H. N. Davis, afterward State Senator and
father of C. K. Davis, Governor of Minnesota, in 1875, and of several gentlemen who are still
respected citizens of Waukesha.
The officers for 1880 are as follows : Supervisors — Alexander McWhorter, Chairman ;
William Langer, Isaac Gale ; Town Clerk, John E. Jewett ; Assessor, C. S. Hawley ;
Treasurer, C. A. Haertel ; Justices of the Peace, C. S. Hawley, A. Cook ; Constables,
John Downs, David Johnson and George Lindtner.
The first settler in the town outside of the village of Waukesha was Isaac Smart, who still
resides on his original claim.
Almon Osboru, now a resident of Ripon, came into the town March §0, 1835, but where
he camped is not known. The Smart family did not settle here until the middle of May of that
year.
Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company. — The Farmers'. Mutual Fire Insurance Company
of the town of Waukesha, was organized under an act of the Legislature of the State of Wis-
consin, approved March 23, 1872, and issued their first policy, April 2, 1874 ; the amount of
property insured by the company at this date is $1,120,000. During the six years since the
company was organized, losses have been paid amounting to $2,273.50. The expense of insur-
ing for the first five years was a trifle over three-eights of one per cent, aside from the cost of
policy and survey.
The company does not insure city or village property, stores, schoolhouses, churches, mills
or hotels. The charges for insuring are $2 for survey and policy, and one-tenth of one per
cent on the amount insured. The company's territory comprises the towns of Waukesha,
Pewaukee, Delafield and Brookfield. A. V. B. Dey is Secretary, and the following have always
been Directors : George Lawrence and William Blair, Waukesha ; A. V. B. Dey and 0. P. Clin-
ton, Pewaukee; J. C. Robertson and Duncan Anderson, Delafield; 0. J. Patterson and W.
R. Blodgett, Brookfield ; Henry Swallow, Merton. The company issues policies, also, in
Merton, Genesee and Lisbon.
-ts^"- yf>
MENOMONEE
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
...Company or county I W. V. I
n Volunteer Artillery P. 0
W. v. C Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry j st ..street
Oo , Company or county I W.V.I WisconBiil Volunteer Infantry
W. V. A Wisconsin Volunteer Artillery P. 0 Post Office
WAUKESHA.
JAMES K. ANDERSON, firm of Anderson & Haslage, proprietors of Silurian Springs;
was born in Canada, in 1850 ; is son of John and Mary Brown Anderson. The father was a merchant
in Brookville ; is now a resident of Waukesha. Subject of this sketch left home at the age of I'S, and
has relied on his own resources since that time ; began business life and continued seven years as clerk in
a dry-goods store ; was afterward in wholesale house; was several years ''on the road," first as a salesman,
and afterward as a general agent ; his success is evinced from the fact that he was gradually promoted from
small remuneration to a salary of 15,000 per annum, prior to engaging in the Silurian enterprise, in which
he has a half-interest. He was married in 1877, to Miss Rose W. Shipman, daughter of the well-known
architect, Col. S. V. Shipman, of Chicago. They have two children — James K., born 1878, and Alice
M., born in 1879. He has a good public school education, and the discipline and culture which all strong
characters acquire by extended and practical dealings with men ; he was successful as a wholesale and gen-
eral agent, and these abilities as a business man mark him as pre-eminently fitted for the management of
the Silurian Springs, which, with their improvements, represent an investment of nearly $40,000.
MRS. SOPHRONIA ST. CLAIR AYER, daughter of Nathaniel St. Clair, of Ver-
mont, was born March 17, 1805 ; was married to Mr. Ayer, on Feb. 7, 1836. He was born Feb. 18, 1801,
in St. Johnsbury, Vt. ; he was a stone-cutter ; worked on State Capitol, at Montpelier; came West, June,
1839, and settled in township of Waukesha, where they lived twenty-nine years. Mr. Ayer died May 13,
1867, at home, on the farm. She soon after sold the farm, and moved into the village of Waukesha,
which is now her home ; her residence is on Maple avenue ; she often tells of her first ride in this country,
which was on a board across the crotch of a big tree, drawn by two yoke of oxen. Wolves were frequent
visitors in the countj-y, and " panthers " (catamounts) called occasionally. People then had enough to eat,
hut their dress did not conform to full fashion style ; gingham sun-bonnets and checkered aprons were
prominent " Sunday fixens." They had five children — Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, William W., Stephen St.
Clair, Hannah Mellissa ; these all died at ages ranging from 10 years to 22 years. Mr. Ayer was a tem-
perance man. She is a member of the Baptist Church. " Auntie Ayer " is well known for her social
qualities and quaint good-nature.
DR. JOSHUA EDG^AR BACON was born in Waukesha Aug. 2, 1848; was educated
at the seminary, Carroll College. He graduated from the Jledical Department of Harvard College, Boston,
June, 1873 ; engaged in hospital practice in Boston about one year, then attended lectures at Rush Jled-
ioal College and Hahnemann jMedioal College, of Chicago, and commenced practicing in Waukesha in
1875. Dr. Bacon is physician to the Industrial School, and is also "Health" physician. He was
married in Waukesha, June 3, 1875, to Miss Ida Savage. She was born in Rochester. N. Y.
WINCHEL D. BACON was born Aug. 21, 1816, at Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N. Y. ; son
of Samuel and Lydia Barber (Dailey) Bacon ; he clerked two years in Troy, N. Y., and in 1837 went to
the town of Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y., with his parents. He was married July 4, 1838, to Miss
Delia Blackwell. She was born Feb. 25, 1817, in the town of Butternuts. Mr. Bacon continued on his
farm for four years, teaching school winters. On the 2d of September, 1841, he gathered together his small
accumulations, and, with his wife, started for the West ; they came from Utica to Buffalo by canal, hence
by steamer to Milwaukee, and by team from there to Prairieville (now Waukesha), where he has lived ever
•since, engaged in farming on Sec. 8 ; he was there one year, then removed to the village, still continuing
farming. Mr. Bacon has been engaged in banking, and has been principal owner of mercantile houses ; he
796 , BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
taught school in Waukesha Co. the winters of 1841, 1842 and 1843, and one summer ;. in 1843, he carried
on the business of wagon-making with his brother-in-law, Charles Blackwell. He continued to teach until
the spring of 1844, when, at the request of Edmund Clinton, he formed a partnership with him to carry-
on blacksmithing, continuing wagon-making. In the fall of 1844, he dissolved partnership with Mr. Clinton,
and purchased the lot where the Exchange Hotel now stands, and built a shop there, continuing wagon-
making and blacksmithing with Mr. Blackwell. He was six years in this business, then he traded his shop
for a steam saw-mill at Brookfield. In 1863, he was appointed Paymaster in the army by President
Lincoln, stationed at St. Louis. In 1865, he organized the Farmers' National Bank, and conducted it
about four years. Mr. Bacon was for several years general agent for the N. W. National Fire & Marine
Insurance Co., of Milwaukee, and retired from that business in 1875 ; was Member of the Assembly in
1 853. Through his influence, the Reform School was located at Waukesha ; he was made Acting Commis-
sioner to locate the school, and had charge of accounts and disbursed the money until its completion. He
was for several years a Trustee of the State Insane Hospital ; also Trustee of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum ;
he was President of the Waukesha Agricultural Society several years, and member of the Board of
Trustees of the Chicago University for several years. Mr. Bacon has been connected with Carroll College
as a Trustee many years ; not at present, however. He is Clerk at the present time of his school district,
and is prominently identified with the tenlperanee organizations ; also of A., F. & A. M. Mr. Bacon has
three children — Joshua Edgar, now a physician of Waukesha; Lydia Delia, now Mrs. George F. H. Bar-
ber, of Waukesha ; and Ida Julia, at home. Lost two children — Samuel Dailey, who died July 14, 1849;
he was born Nov. 20, 1844, in Waukesha ; Winchel D., was born May 11, 1854, and died Sept. 9, 1859.
Mrs. Baotn died Feb. 12, 1880, in Waukesha. Throughout Mr. Bacon's varied experience, he has never
discontinued farming.
SAMUEIj W. baker, carpentet, at Wisconsin Industrial School; native of Pennsylvania;
came to Wisconsin in 1858. Enlisted in 1862, and served until 1866 ; the last year was in the Regular
Army; has been with the Industrial School since 1875; works in all departments as repairer, and is
head carpenter in erection of new buildings; is in charge of a "family," as the home subdivisions of the
school are styled ; is reported as a good mechanic and a reliable man.
€}EOR(;}E F. H. BARBER was bom in the town of Delafield, Waukesha County, Sept.
1, 1850; son of Silas and Amelia Barber; educated in Wauk'esha Union School, Carroll College, and
graduated from Princeton College, N. J., Class of 1873. He returned to Waukesha, and has been associ-
ated with his father in business until the present time. He is also owner of a farm in Waukesha County.
Mr. Barber was married in Waukesha, Oct. 21, 1875, to Lydia D. Bacon; she was born in this village;
they have one child, Winchell F., born July 30, 1877. Member of Royal Arcanum, and of the Presby-
terian Church.
SILiAS BARBER was born in the town of Berkshire, Franklin Co., Vt., June 30, .1824 ;
came from Vermont to Wisconsin in 1841 ; remained a week in town of New Berlin ; went from there to
Pewaukee, where he worked six years ; lived three years in Delafield, then came to Waukesha, and engaged
in the hotel and livery business, until 1864. He was proprietor of the American House, which he sold in
1864; since then he has engaged in the livery business and farming. Mr. Barber was married, April,
1847, to Amelia Hasbrook ; she was born in New York State; they have two children — George Fay
Hunt Barber, who is with his father in Exchange Block Stable ; and Rhoda Maria, now Mrs. Josiah Mc-
Lain. Mr. McLain has been Town Treasurer several terms ; member of Assembly in 1867, and has held
various village ofBces. They have lost one son, who died at the age of 14 months.
MRS. NANCY S. BARNARD, nee Hokins, widow of William S. Barnard. He was born
in Deerfield, Mass., October 15, 1805. She was born in Bennington Co. Vt., Dec. 18, 1809;
was married in Vermont in 1829, came to Waukeshain 1839, and settled where they now live, on Madison
St., in a house which they erected forty years ago. Mr. Barnard was a blacksmith — made many edge tools
and farming implements — was a natural mechanic ; he ran a grist-mill for twenty years. They had seven
children, six of whom died in infancy ; the only surviving son, is William H., born in Salem, Washington
Co.,N.Y.,inl834 ; he married Sophia A. Carpenter on the 25th of September, 1861, and lives at the old home-
stead ; he made two trips and spent six years in the mines of Colorado. Mr. Barnard was an active Anti-
slavery man, and a temperance Republican; he delighted in the growth of Waukesha and triumph of Re-
publicanism ; near the old homestead he first erected a slab building — one-half for residence and half for
blacksmith-shop ; they never suffered for necessaries of life. Family are Congregationalists. Mr. Barnard
died Feb., 15, 1879.
SAMUEL; HALIi BARSTOW was bom at Plainfield, Conn., Jan. 3, 1807 ; attended
district school until 16 years of age ; then entered Deacon Douglass' store as clerk — quite an event for a
WAUKESHA. 797
farmer boy in those days. At 20 years of age, Mr. Barstow began the mercantile business at Norwich,
Conn., where he built one of the finest business blocks in that city. The building is still standing, and in
use as a place of business. In 1833, he moved to Cleveland, and immediately began the mercantile business
at Brighton, Ohio ; in May, 1839, he came to Prairieville, to take charge of the first flouring-mill, then
partly finished, and he has since resided in Waukesha. Mr. Barstow was a member of the Territorial
Legislature, in 1846, and helped erect Waukesha County; was Register of Deeds, from 1848 to 1852, and
again in 1861 and 1862 ; was elected Clerk of the Court, and was Coroner several terms. He was manied
April 27, 1830, to Susan R. Babcock, born in Norwich, Conn., daughter of Nathan Babcock ; they
have had eight children, and only three of whom are living — Helen A., now Mrs. W. F. Whitney ; Susan
B., now Mrs. George C. Waller, whose husband died in San Fi-aneisco ; and Sarah R., now Mrs. George
Harding. Their son, William A., enlisted in the 28th W. V. I., as musician ; was the Captain's clerk for
a time ; Hospital Steward for some time ; learned surgery, becoming an expert in that business, and died in
California, aged 29 years, leaving a wife and one child. The other four children died in infancy. On the
23d of April, 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Barstow celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, by a golden
wedding party, which was largely attended, and at which the presents were numerous. It is the lot of but
few couples to enjoy such a rare occasion and such a gathering as characterized this golden-wedding party.
Mr. and Mrs. B. are both in good physical and mental health, enjoying a beautifiiUy located home on the
hill overlooking Waukesha Village.
JACOB BEEBE, retired farmer; he was born in 1811, at Gelderland, Albany Co., N. Y. ;,
learned trade of carpenter and joiner, and worked at the business several years; he was married in 1832,
to Miss Anna Ham, of York State; came West in spring of 1854, and stopped two years in township of
Yorkville, Racine Co. ; in 1856, he bought a farm in township of Vernon, Waukesha Co., which he
carried on until he sold it in 1874. They visited for a year after quitting the farm, mainly in the Bast,,
with a view of spending their last years in their old Eastern home, bat the conditions were changed — the
place and people seemed to be different from their remembrance — and, therefore, they returned, and
chose a home in the village of WaukeshS, ; they have a pleasant home on East avenue ; they had but one
child — a daughter, Almira, who married Dwight Rector, and lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; they have had two
children, one of whom, Anna M., lives with her grandparents. Mr. Beebe is the Treasurer and one of
the elders of the Presbyterian Church ; he never in his life had a law-suit, and " was never dunned for a
dollar ; " he was successful as a farmer — raised good crops during the period of high prices ; he is still
in comfortable health, but Mrs. Beebe has been in delicate health for many years. They do not want
for this world's goods ; are blessed with many friends, and are cheerfully passing on to the Sunset
Land.
C G. BERGEIiER was born in Prussia Dec. 29, 1832; came to America in 1857 ; settled
at Milwaukee in the spring of that year. In October, he came to Waukesha, where he was engaged in
the business of shoemaking fifteen years, when he became the proprietor of the Bethesda Livery Stables,
which are first-class in every respect. He was married in Waukesha Sept. 8th, 1858, to Amelia Goattel ;
she was born in Prussia; they have six children — Louisa, Carl, Emma, Clara, Lillie and Laura. They
have lost one son, who died in infancy.
WM. BLAIB came to Waukesha in December, 1S45, where he has made his home ever since.
He established a thrashing manufactory, and was in partnership with Archibald McLaohlen for five years ;
they carried on the business in a building which they rented from Wm. S. Barnard, now known as Barnard's
shop ; Mr. McLachlen was a partner with Mr. Blair for ten years ; Mr. McLachlen sold his interest to
Amos Smith eighteen or twenty years ago. Mr. Blair purchased Mr. .Smith's interest. J[r. Blair has been
President of the Waukesha County Manufacturing Company .since its organization ; President of the Wau-
kesha County National Bank since 1865, he has also been a stockholder and director of the State Bank
and Waukesha County National Bank, since their organization. Mr. Blair discontinued the manufacture
of thrashing machines about eight years ago ; general repair and jobbing business is the principal work done
now. Mr. Blair carries on a farm in the town of Waukesha, on Sections 4 and 5. Jlr. Blair was Chairman
of the Board of Supervisors for some years, and President of the Village Board many years; has also been
State Senator for six years. Mr. Blair was a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, born -July 31, 1820, and came to
America, with a brother, in 1836, located in Wheatland, village of Mumford, Monroe Co., N. Y., and
learned the machinist's trade, with his brother James, and remained here until 1845. He was married in ,
LeRoy, Genesee Co., N. Y., in June, 1847, to Nancy M. Emmons; she died May 20, 1859, leaving three
children, having lost two; Frank C. resides in Waukesha, George B. lives on a farm, and Willie G. is a
druggist's clerk at Council Blufis. Mr. Blair was married the second time in Waukesha, Wis., Juno
798 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
23, 1860, to Henrietta A. Emmons, a native of Otsego Co. N. Y; they have lost one daughter, who died
in 1863, and have two children living — Henry E. and Arthur J.
Note. — Since the above was placed in type, the following extract from a newspaper has been sent us :
About three months ago our community was shocked to learn that Hon. William Blair was afflicted with a mortal
disease. He had been sick for months before, but only those who knew him most intimately had been
aware of the extent of his sufferings, and none had any knowledge of the nature of his malady. So fixed
were his business habits, that he kept on his accustomed way, and so reticent was he in merely personal
matters, that what concerning himself he must have suspected, he never divulged to others, not even his
best friends. But the time came when he must succumb ; and then it was that the community first learned
from his. physician that the strong man was rapidly sinking with a cancer in his stomach. * * * ]y[j._
Blair died at his residence in this village, at 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening, July 13, aged 60 years. He
was buried by the Masons, on Thursday afternoon, at 3 o'clock.
Resolutions of Respect. — At a special meeting of the Village Board, held at the Council rooms, on
Wednesday evening, July 14, 1880, the following resolutions, on the death of the Hon. William Blair,
were adofited ;
Resolo'd, That the Board has learned with regret of the death of Hon. William Blair, for many years a member
and President thereof, a member of ihe Board of Public Charities, and a member of the State Senate.
Resolved, That the loss sustained by the community in the demise of so useful and public-spirited a citizen as
Mr. Blair, is one to be lamented by every one, and that, in order to pay fitting respect to his memory, it is recom-
mended ihat all usual business in the village be suspended during the funeral of the deceased, from 3 to 5 o'clock
P. M. of Thursday, July 15.
Resolued, That the Village Clerk be instructed to procure the publication of these resolutions in the public news-
papers 01 Waukesha, and ileliver a copy to the family of the deceased.
Resoloed, That the Board attend the funeral of ex-President Blair in a body.
Resolved, That as a further mark of respect, this Board do now adjourn.
H. M. YonMANS, President.
F M. .Slaw^on, Clerk.
BEXJAMIK BOORMASf was born in the county of Kent, town of Headcorn, England
April 12, 1829. Came to America 20th of April, 1848. (Visited Wisconsin in May of the same year.)
Came to Wisconsin in May, 1849, and settled at Waterloo and carried on the milling business with his
brother, William Boorman, for four years. He then sold out to William and removed to Pewaukee, in
January, 1854, and carried on milling at that point until May, 1878 ; since then, the mill there has been
rented to Benjamin F. Boorman and Adam Boorman. Mr. Boorman purchased the Saratoga Mills
in Waukesha, in February, 1876 (then the Forest City Mills) ; was a member of the Board of Village
Trustees while at Pewaukee, and one of the first members of the Board there ; he is a member of the
Waukesha Village Board at present time. He was engaged about seven years, at Pewaukee, in the mer-
cantile business, and conducted and owned the cracker bakery at that place for five years. Mr. Boorman
was married at Darien, in Walworth Co., Wis., Dee. 6, 1852, to Fannie Boorman; she was born
in Framfield, County Sussex, England, May 10, 1829. They have two children living — Benjamin Franklin
and Edna Bailey. They have lost four children. One died at the age of 4 years, another at 15 months,
the other two in infancy.
DR. J. R. BOYl> was born in Portland, Me., Aug. 13, 1846 ; reared in Mississippi until he
was 14 years of age. In 1860, he went to Europe ; returned to Mississippi in September, 1861. The fol-
lowing month, he again left for Europe ; he entered school at " The Gymnasium," at Aberdeen, Scotland;
in September, 1864, he left for India as assistant manager of a coffee-plantation ; from October, 1864,
to May, of 1870, Mr. Boyd remained in India, being manager at the time he left there, bringing with
him fiattering testimonials from his employers. He came to Wisconsin in April, 1871, located in Water-
town, where he remained but a month, and then went to Bloomington, 111. ; was there until November
of the same year, when he returned to Watertown and studied dentistry with Dr. Albert Soliiday ; was
with him until the last of February, 1875, then went to the N. Y. College of Dentistry, and continued
there two full years, and graduated Feb. 27, 1877, receiving the faculty prize of $100, that being the
only prize given for best examinations in all the departments. May 15, 1877, he formed a partnership
with Horace Enos, of Milwaukee ; was with him eighteen months, then went South for a short time, and
July If 1.879, commenced business here. Dr. Boyd is the son of Rev. Fred W. Boyd, D. D., and Mary
E. (Bailey) Boyd — both living, and at present residents of Waukesha. There are four children in the
family living — James R., Walter S., Lloyd T. and Charles Mayo.
MOSES BRYAIVT, the veteran pioneer; born in Cornish, N. H., May 21, 1786. He lived
in New Hampshire till 1844, when he came to Wisconsin, and lived five years in Oak Grove, Dodge Co.
In 1849, he settled in the village of Waukesha, where he continues to reside. Most of his life he has
WAUKESHA. 799
been a farmer, and wholly so since coming to Wisconsin. Was some years in mercantile business in New
Hampshire ; also used to speculate in cattle, horses and produce. He was married Jan. 31, 1810, to Miss
Tirzah Kingston, of Plainfield, N. H. ; she died in his present home on 13th of October, 1854, leaving
five children, three of whom are now living : two sons in Chicago, and one in Boston. He has lived in his
present house since 1849. In 1812, he was sutler at Burlington, Vt. He served eight years as Justice of
the Peace, including the term in the East and in Wisconsin ; contestants seldom appealed from his decision.
He has always sought to do right, without fear or favor. He is a Kepublican, and hoped to vote for
James G. Blaine, but James A. Garfield is acceptable to him, and. Providence permitting, will receive the
vote of this man — the oldest in Waukesha County. He has unwonted vigor, both in word and act. He
tills a large garden, and would assist his youthful neighbors, if they needed. He enjoys relating the
memories of Old Lang Syne. He tells, with gusto, of the days when he did "a-courting go," and he is an
agreeable companion for young or aged. He has been a Christian for more than half a century ; was a
Congregationalist in New Hampshire, but is a Baptist in Wisconsin. His residence is on East avenue.
For ninety-fonr years, he has borne life's burdens, and is now cheerfully waiting to enter into his rest.
JOHN P. BIJCKNER, farmer; P. 0., Waukesha; born in Bavaria, Germany, on 3d of Jan-
uary, 1833. Parents came to United States when he was 5 years of age, remained two years in Buffalo,
N. Y., then ia 1840 located on Government land. Sec. 18, in township of New Berlin, where his parents
remained till their death. He remembers the " close times " when he was a youngster ; lived one entire
winter on meal and water — a crude johnny-cake. Remembers vividly, when 7 years of age, walking bare-
foot from Milwaukee and bringing a live cat, those animals being then scarce in the settlement, and one
neighbor, who was overrun with the animals to which cats are mortal enemies, gave $2.50 for a young cat.
He went to California, and arrived in San Francisco in February, 1853, with only 2(1 shillings in his
pocket ; secured a loan of S2("l from a fellow passenger, and immediately went co Sacramento, where he
found acquaintances, one of whom was making his tortune by raising pigs in his cabin where he was
"baching." The little ones were fed from a spoon, and when six weeks old were worth 850. The prac-
tical work of mining was successful on the Center Fork of the Sacramento, twenty -five' miles north of the
city, and he worked there till May, 1857, when he returned to Waukesha, having been absent five and a
half years. He then bought his father's farm of 165 acres, in New Berlin, and he still owns the old
homestead. He was married in November, 1857, to Miss Delia Snyder, a native of Wisconsin ; she died
in March, 1867, leaving three children — Alice A., born 1858 ; George A., bom 1862, and Fred W., born
1867. -He is a reliable Republican, but was several terms Supervisor in New Berlin, a Democratic town.
On 20th of November, 1867, he was married to Miss Isabelle Hoagg, of Waukesha, by whom he has one
child. May Isabella, born in 1876. In fall of 1877, he moved to village of Waukesha, where he has con-
siderable real estate. In 1879, he built a large brick house on Broadway, adjoining village limits. This
residence is on a commanding eminence and is one of the finest homes in the village. During the season
for watering-place tourists, some insist on making his house their home.
. DEXTER BUIiJLARD, retired farmer; he was born in May, 1828, in Tolland Co., Conn.
Was married June 18, 1854, to Miss Mary L. Bullard, daughter of Dr. C. BuUard, of Pulaski, Va. ;
she died April 9, 1855. His present wife is a native of Virginia, and most of his relatives also are
residents of Virginia, Was married in ilay, 1858, to Miss Mary Stone, daughter of Capt. William A.
Stone, of Lunenburg Co., Va. ; came West in 1860, and settled in Genesee Town.ship, on a large farm,
which they still own. In 1873, they moved into the village of Waukesha, and purchased the fine resi-
dence known as " Maple Grove," situated on the corner of Maple avenue and Hurlburt street. They
have two children — both now at home — Earnest L., a junior in Wisconsin State University, and Eva May.
Their home is one of the pleasantest, on one of the pleasantest streets in. this pleasant village. It is
annually the summer home of many tourists, most of whom are from the " Sunny South."
<;}EOROE X. BIJRROIK^HS, born in Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Sept._ 26, 1834;
came to Wisconsin in May, 1847, and has lived to the present date. He was with his father in the hard-
ware business from his youth, to 1878. He was married in the fall of 1855, to Miss Sarah E. Howell,
from York State. They have had five children — one died while young. The names of living are Minnie,
who is married, and living in La Crosse; Nelson H., living in Kansas City, Kan. (not Missouri) ; Anna
and WilHe are at home. Mrs. Burroughs is a Baptist ; he is a Royal Arch Mason ; he owns a large resi-
dence on the corner of Main and Bridge Sts. They annually accommodate tourists who spend the season
at this favorite summer resort.
NELSON BURROUGHS (retired), born on the 4th of July, 1808, in Saratoga Co ,_N. Y.,
is the son of Dr. George Burroughs, who was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y. Jlr. B.'s early life was
spent in the township of Fishkill, Dutchess Co. He is a tinner, and carried on that business in connec-
800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
tion with a hardware store in that town for twenty years. In November, 1828, he was married to Miss
Amanda Marsh, of Orange Co., who was born in 1810, and died on Jan. 3, 1861 ; she had five children,
three of whom survived her — George, now married and living in Waukesha ; Oscar, since deceased, was
First Cashier, Waukesha County Bank ; Mary, deceased ; Theadmore, married, and since deceased ; Wal-
ter, deceased, student. Mr. Burroughs came West and settled in Waukesha in June, 1847, when
" Prairieville " was the name of the place ; he established himself as a hardware-merchant, and continued
in the same business thirty years, and most of the time in one building, which he still owns ; in 1878, he
sold out to Caspar & LeClare. He was married to his present wife in 1865 — her maiden was Bennett —
her first husband was a prominent banker in New York City, named Filley. Mrs. B. and her daughters
are Episcopalians. He owns 27 acres of land east of the Silurian Spring, and a large stone residence on
Main St. He was one of the eight founders of the Waukesha County Bank, and was at one time Cashier
of the same ; he was the first President of the village of Waukesha, and has held various village and town-
ship ofilces, and in 1862 was elected from this district as Representative to the State Legislature. Prom
boyhood he has " paddled his own canoe," but is now " resting on his oars."
CARL BUSJAEGfjR, retired; born in Carlsruhe, Baden, Germany, in October, 1827 ;
was engaged as a manufacturer in the old country. Was married in 1851 to Miss Amelia Kollofrat; came to
United States in 1855, and after stoppings a year in Milwaukee, ■ he bought a farm of 200 acres in
Pewaukee, which he carried on for six years; since 1861, his home has been the village of Waukesha.
Was a War Democrat. Enlisted in 1865 in Co. D, 48th W. V. I. ; went on to Plains to fight Indians ;
was honorably discharged Feb. 19, 1866, with rank of Sergeant. _ In 1867, he built the " Waukesha
House," on Madison St. ; it is used for boarding-house and saloon. ' Has five children — Carl, Anna, Max,
Matilda and August. Owns a large residence on Center St., and has real estate elsewhere in the State.
Is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Is an Independent Democrat.
REV. CHARLES W. CAMP, Pastor Congregational Church; born Oct. 7, 1821, in
Litchfield Co., Conn. He graduated from Yale College in 1844, and then graduated at the Union
Theological Seminary of New York City in 1847 ; came to Wisconsin in the fall of same year and
located at Genesee, where he remained five years, preaching one year at Palmyra, where he organized a
church; in 1853,he was called to the pastorate of the church at Sheboygan, where he remained eleven years;
in 1864, he took charge of the church at Fond du Lac 'City, and he left that pastorate to assume his
present relations at Waukesha, in January, 1868. He was married Oct. 28, 1847, to Miss Ehzabeth
Whittlesey, daughter of Deacon David Whittlesey, of New Britain, Conn.; is grand-daughter of Dr.
John Smalley, a noted divine of the last century. They have had six children, two died in childhood ;
the names of the living are Lillie C, Charles E., Edgar W. and William H. The parsonage is on Carroll
street. He is now the Senior Pastor in Waukesha. The Congregational Church is a neat edifice, and is
very centrally located. The society is harmonious and prosperous.
PATRICK H. CARNEY came to Waukesha, in October, 1847, and engaged in farming
until 1852 ; then attended Carroll College until the spring of 1856, and was publisher and editor of the
Waukesha County Democrat until 1865 ; then he engaged in farming, and continued that business until
the spring of 1868, when he was elected County Judge, which position he held four years ; after leaving
that office, he engaged in the practice of law, which he has continued ever since. . From April, 1877, to
April, 1879, he again conducted the Waukesha County Democrat, at the same time carrying on his law
business ; prior to his election as County Judge, he was Clerk of the Circuit Court in 1863 and 1864 ;
he was elected Mayor in 1879. Mr. Carney was born in Lincoln Co., Me., March 17, 1836 ; he lived
there until he came to Waukesha, with his parents, and located in the town of Mukwonago. O'Brien
Carney, his father, died six years ago ; Mary Ann Carnev, his mother, is still living.
BENJAMIN CARPENTER, retired farmer; born Sept. 30, 1794, in Orange Co., N. Y.
Married, May 10,. 1815, to Miss Jane Keen, daughter of Capt. Keen, a prominent merchant of Orange
Co. Although but 20 years of age at time of his marriage, he had previously served one year in the war
with England; his regiment was stationed at Harlem Heights. They came West in 1845 and settled on
farm in township of Brookfield, Waukesha Co. Mrs. Carpenter died in 1866 ; she was the mother of
eleven children, only four of whom now survive ; the four are married and live in four different States.
He wa"? married in March, 1868, to Mrs. Naomi Barnes, who died in October, 1873, without issue. He
sold the main farm in 1868, and lived on a small place near the Junction till 1876, when he removed to
village of Waukesha, where he now resides. In Brookfield, he served several terms as Justice of the
Peace. For the last twelve years he has not taken an active part in business. He married his last wife
in September, 1874 ; her maiden name was M. G. McCourdy ; she died in 1875. He owns a comfortable
corner residence on West Side, near the stone schoolhouse. He now lives with a family who rent his
house. Although 86 years of age, he is still smart and cheerful.
WAUKESHA. 801
EDWIBT CHESTER, father of Mrs. Col. White, was born in 1797,, in New London Co.,
Conn. Married in 1823 to Miss Henrietta Barber, daughter of Hon. Noyes Barber, many years member
of Congress from Connecticut ; came West in 1850 and settled in Waukesha ; has been a merchant all his
active life. Had four children — Mary Henrietta, Julius, Ehzabeth and George Barber. His home is with
his daughters, Mrs. Park and Mrs. White He is a genial Christian gentleman.
EUfrEME W. CHAFIN, was born in Mukwonago, this county, Nov. 1, 1852; graduated
from the Wisconsin State University, at Madison, Wis., June. 17, 1875. In the fall of 1875, he came to
Waukesha, and engaged in the practice of law. He was first elected Justice of the Peace in the spring
of 1877, and has been elected to serve a second term. He is the son of Samuel E. and Betsey A. Chaiin,
who settled in Wisconsin in 1837 ; his father died Oct. 14, 1865 ; his mother now resides on part of the
old homestead, in the town of East Troy, Wis. Mr. Chafin is author of " The Voter's Hand-Book." He
was admitted to the bar at the time he graduated from the State University. Mr. Chafin is District Chief
Templar, I. 0. G. T., for Waukesha Co.
WALTER S. CUAIVDLER was born at Batavia, Genesee Co., N. Y., Jan 18, 1836 ;
came from thereto Milwaukee, Aug. 29, 1848, where he resided until July 18, 1877, then moved to the
village of Waukesha, and carried on the lumber trade until 1878, when he disposed of that business.
Since June 25, 1878, he has been proprietor of the Eocene Mineral Spring, since then giving his whole
attention to the development of the business arising therefrom. 3Ir. Chandler's father was Judge Daniel
H. Chandler, for many years a prominent citizen of Milwaukee, and engaged in the practice of law there.
His mother, Mary Stark Chandler, was a descendant of Gen. Stark, of Revolutionary fame. A^'^alter S.
Chandler was married May 16, 1859, to Sarah 0. Kneeland ; she was born in Le Roy, Genesee Co.,
N. Y., March 18, 1838; they have had four children, two living — Ralph, born July IG, 1861; and
Burr Kneeland, born Oct 22, 1872 ; two children died in infancy. Mr. Chand'er is a member of the
Episcopal Church. He served as School Commissioner of Milwaukee, Fourth Ward, in 1869-70.
liEOlVARD COIiElIAX, proprietor American House; born 2d of January, 1824, in Ft.
Ann, Washington Co., N. Y. ; came to Milwaukee in fall of 1845 on a prospecting tour, and in 1846, he
became a permanent resident of the State. Married, to Miss Marcena Barlow, on the 25th of June,
1848 ; he farmed twenty-five years in the township of Summit, which is so called from its elevation of
three hundred and twenty-five feet above Lake Michigan ; they have had four children — buried three sons ;
the daughter is married to H. G. Morgan, and lives in Waukesha. Mr. C. lived five years in Pensaukee,
Wis., as proprietor of Gardner House; this place was seriously injured by a cyclone, in July, 1877 —
several killed, and many wounded ; his hotel was destroyed and much of the village was prostrated. * In
the fall of same year he took charge of the American House, and is still the acceptable host ; he enjoyed
pioneer experiences, but never suffered any wonderful privations. The family are Congregationalists ; he
is a quiet, reliable Republican.
ALEX^ANDER COOK came to Wisconsin in August, 1845 ; located in the village of Wau-
kesha, and has remained here ever since, where he has engaged in the practice of law to the present time. He
was District Attorney eight terms and Justice of the Peace eight terms, holding one or the other of these
offices nearly all the time since he came here ; was also Town Clerk for two or three years. He was born
at Sharon Springs, Schoharie Co., N. Y., March 1, 1820; lived there only one or two years, then his
father and mother, John R. and Maria Coon Cook, moved to Cauajoharie, Montgomery Co., N. Y. ; they
remained there until 1831, then they moved to the town of Clay, Onondaga Co., N. Y. Mr. Cook was
educated at Clinton, N. Y., at Hamilton College and " The Liberal Institute " of that place ; read law in
the city of Syracuse; admitted to the bar in 1843; commenced practice at Waukesha. Was married at
Cooperstown, Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 1, 1843, to Nancy Stevens; she was born in the town of
Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., N. Y. ; they had one son, who enlisted in Co. B, 28th W. X. I., in August,
1862 ; change of climate resulted in his death from typhoid fever, Jan. 23, 1863.
SAMUEL COOK, retired; born 1810 in England; mSirried in 1832 to Miss Mary Smith, of
England; came to United States in 1836, and for four years carried on shoemaking in York State; in
1840, he located on a farm of 126 acres, which he now owns, in Genesee Township, Waukesha County ; also
owns a small place of 13 acres in township of'-'Waukesha, besides his home on Carroll St. He quit farm-
ing in 1873; has seven children — George, Sarah J., William S., Charles N., James 0. and the twins,
'Charlotte A. and Elizabeth A. All are married except the youngest. He buried one child in York State ;
family are Methodists ; he is a Republican. He brought a stock' of leather and materials for shoemaking
with him when he settled in Genesee Township ; the stock was very valuable in this new country, and shoe-
makers were quite scarce ; his trade for some years was very lucrative. He has been a continuous resident
of Waukesha Co. for fully forty years ; when he came into the county there were only about half a dozen
802 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
dwellings where village of Waukesha now stands. In 1840, four men walked from Milwaukee with him,
designing to stop at Prairieville ; after wandering through the brush some time, on the site of present vil-
lage of Waukesha, they happened to meet a boy, of whom they inquired, " Where is Prairieville?" The
boy answered, " Here." '' Well," said they, " where are the houses ? " " Oh," said the boy, " the houses
are to be built as soon as the folks come here." But one of the four has helped to " build the houses "
where the prophetic lad located the village. Mr. Cook, in common with other early settlers, suffered some
privations, but, as a whole, he enjoyed the friendly pioneer life. He is still hale and hearty.
CHARIjES cork, was born in Headcorn, County of Kent, England, Oct. 25, 1832, came to
America, May, 1848 ; located in Rochester, N. Y., one year, then moved to South Lima, N. Y., where he
lived until 1856 ; then came to the town of Ontario, Knox Co., 111. ; remained there two seasons, and, in
the spring of 1858, he went to Page Co., Iowa, for one year (now owns 300 acres of land in Page and
Fremont Co.), started for Pike's Peak, in the spring of 1859, but returned, and came to Waukesha,
in June, 1859, and engaged in the flour, feed, and grocery business, for two years ; discontinued then the
feed business, and added crockery to his line. Mr. Cork discontinued the flour business, in 1870, and has
since carried on the business of dealer in groceries, crockery, cutlery, notions, etc. Mr. Cork has been a
member of the Village Board several terms ; Fire Warden, and Chief of Fire Department ; he has been
a member of the Fire Department twelve years ; he contracted for furnishing most of the shade and orna-
mental trees in Waukesha, for the last eight or ten years. Mr. Cork is a member of A., F. & A. M.
Lodge (Master Mason). He was married in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., May 1, 1864, to M.
Gertrude Farner, daughter of Dr. William H. Parner, one of the oldest settlers of Waukesha. Dr. Par-
ner came in the spring of 1847, to Waukesha, and engaged in the practice of medicine for a number of
years ; afterward lived in Kenosha two years ; he resided in Iowa ten years, at Des Moine.s and Keokuk;
afterward went to Galveston, Tex., then to Illinois, and lived in Loraine, Adams Co., seven years; died
Dec. 14, 1878. Mrs. Cork was born in Hinesburg, Chittenden Co., Vt., Sept. 4, 1844; they have two
children — Gertrude Pearl, born Jan. 7, 1870, and Charles Alfred Hayes, born Sept. 9, 1875.
WILilvIAM CREICKSHANK, retired. Born March 2, 1810, in Aberdeenshire, Scot-
land; learned trade of stonecutter, in his native country; came to United States in 1836, and spent seven
years in York State, engaged either at his trade or as contractor on public works ; came West in 1843,
and settled in New BerUn, Waukesha Co. ; was married, in 1844, to Miss Jane Mathewson, who died in
1852, leaving two children, John and Jeanette. Went to California, after death of his wife, and remained
till 1^58 ; then, till 1873, he carried on general farming; since that date his home has been Waukesha;
owns a cozy home on Main St.; "never drinks any liquor and attends the Episcopal Church every Sunday
morning." He was educated at his parish school, in Scotland, but soon, by private study, advanced
beyond its curriculum ; early developed special ability as a mathematician ; he has been known for years as
maker of "Sun Dials," one of which is in the Waukesha Cemetery. An intslligent person can spend an
hour very profitably in the company bf Mr. Cruickshank, for he has pursued an extended course of read-
ing and study, and may, with propriety, be styled a self-educated man.
ORLiAXDO CUEiVER, harness-maker and carriage trimmer; born 1839 in New York ;
came West with his parents in 1853. He has been a resident of Waukesha Co. since 1854. Was married
in 1860, to Miss Ann Wells, daughter of Rev. William Wells, a superannuated Methodist preacher, now
living in Portage, Wis. On the 6th day of May, 1861, he enhsted in Co. P., 5th W. V. I. He served
in three different regiments an aggregate of two years and four months. He entered as a private and was
honorably discharged as 2d Lieutenant. He learned his trade before the war, and bought out the old
proprietor during the war, and since the war he has carried on the business to present date. His is one
of the leading estabhshments of the kind in Waukesha. He owns the shop on Main street, and also a
house on River street, but resides on Grand Avenue. Has three children, Alice E., Ann Etta and Grace
M., all now at home. He has served several times as one of the " City Fathers," was one term Township
Treasurer, two terms Village Treasurer, three terms Village Marshal. Is a Republican. He is a member
of the Royal Arcanum, is a Master Mason, and member I. 0. 0. F. The family are Methodists, and he
is Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School. He is a skilled mechanic, and a valuable citizen.
SAMIJEL. G. CURTIS was born in Jamestowfa, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., July 20, 1836 ; his
father was born in the State of New York in 1802, and was one of the first settlers of the now thriving city
of Jamestown, and died on the 22d of July, 1871. His mother was born in Vermont in 1804, and emi-*
grated, with her parents, to Western New York, where she lived until the fall of 1877, and then went with
her son. Dr. D. G. Curtis, to Chattanooga, Tenn., where she still resides. Mr. Curtis has two brothers and
one sister living in Chattanooga, and one sister living in Jamestown, N. Y. He attended school, receiving
a fair academic education, under the tuition of Prof E. A Dickinson. At the age of 14, he entered the
WAUKFSHA. 803
Jamestown Journal office to learn the printing business under the instruction of Frank W. Palmer, now
Postmaster at Chicago, who was editor of the Journal, where he continued for nearly two years, and then
started for the then "Far West," making his first stop in Chicago, and finding employment at the case, in
the Journal office, where he remained until the breaking-out of the cholera in 1853 ; he then took a tour
through the southern portion of Illinois, but soon returned to Chicago, and remained there for a brief
period, going from there to Milwaukee ; here he readily found employment on the Daily _Xews, then edited
by Col. Dan Shaw, where he remained until the change of proprietors, when he left the office to accept the
position as foreman of the Evening Wixconsin; here he remained for several months, to the perfect satisfac-
tion of his employer, Hon. Wm. B. Cramer; the duties and labors of a daily paper becoming too burden-
some, he accompanied Mr. Dominie Casey, who had often been in the office for men to go to Waukesha to
assist on a new paper being published there, called the Waukesha Count?/ Democrat; at Waukesha he
remained most of the time closely connected with the office, taking an active part in all its departments, until the
fall of 1856, when he went to Detroit, and took a position on the Detroit Free Press, then under the con-
trol of Wilbur F. Storey, now of the Chicago Times ; he remained in Detroit until after the close of the Fre-
mont and Buchanan campaign, and then went to Sandusky, Ohio, where he met his brother, and the two
made a visit to their old home in York State, arriving there about the last of November, 1856; here he
remained through the winter, when he went to Westfield, N. Y., took a position on the Transcript, a weekly
paper then published by G. P. Buck & Co. ; after being in the Transcript office a brief time, he was taken
violently ill, and returned home; recovering from his illness, he started for the West in June, 1857, and
came direct to Waukesha, and resumed his former position in the Democrat office, where he remained
most of the time until 1859; during the five years' residence in Waukesha he was a great favorite among
his associates, and was the means of organizing the first Good Templar Lodge in Waukesha County, of
which he was a charter member ; he also took quite an active part in all political campaigns, often traveling
over the county for weeks, assisting his friends. In November, 1859, he was married by the Rev. Mr.
Latan, to Miss Sarah Francis Slawson, oldest daughter of Frederick Slawson, an old resident of Waukesha,
and formerly of Orange Co., N. Y. A day or two after his marriage, he returned to Jamestown, N. Y. In
the spring of 1860, he entered into partnership with his father, in the grocery trade, which he continued
for some time, and finally purchased and controlled the entire interest ; in 1861 he purchased a building lot,
in the center of Main street and built a handsome three-story brick store, to better meet the demands of his
constantly increasing trade ; no man ip Jamestown kept a larger or finer stock of goods, or had a larger
trade than he. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, when the Government called on the Empire State for
its State Guards, of which he was a member, he was one of the first to respond, and cheerfiilly shouldered
his musket, to do what lay in his power to defend the honor and rights of his country ; returning home, he,
with renewed vigor, continued the gTOcery trade until the summer of 1866, when he sold his stock to his
youngest brother, Horace, and rented his store for a term of years ; he next purchased a half-interest in
the Chautauqua Press, a large nine-column, Democratic paper, published in Jamestown under the name of
Saxton & Curtis ; after a season he sold his interest in the office, and went into the oil business, which was
anything but profitable ; his next adventure was selling goods through Pennsylvania and the " Western
Reserve" of Ohio, until 1871, when his father died ; returning to Jamestown he sold his property, and,
with his wife and family, again started for Wisconsin, and arrived in Waukesha June 5, 1872, and imme-
diately took the position of editor of the Waukesha Plaindealer, making it one of the liveliest sheets
published during the Greeley campaign ; from the newspaper business he filled various positions which
caused him to travel extensively through the Northern States and Canadas, and, for nearly three years,
through Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri ; during that time, eighteen months were spent on the plains
of the Far West, among many of the wild and savage tribes of Indians. His correspondence to the Chicago
Inter Ocean, Waukesha Democrat, Waukesha Freeman and Jamestown Journal, during his Western trip,
was highly interesting and eagerly sought for, giving, as he did, a true picture of the country through
which he traveled, the ways and customs of the Indians, their modes of living, worship, etc. Since his
return from the Far West, he has been connected in various capacities with the Freeman and Democrat
offices at Waukesha; he is now the regular correspondent for the Milwaukee Evening Wisconsin and occa-
sionally furnishes matter for the Milwaukee News. Mr. Curtis has a wife and two children — the eldest, a
girl of 13, and a son 11 years of age, who were born in Jamestown N. Y ; he is an active member of several
organizations, prominent among which are Mt. Jloriah Lodge, 145, Jamestown, N. Y ; Western Sun Chapter
67, Jamestown N. Y ; Chautauqua Council No. 26, Jamestown N. Y., and St. John's Commandery No. 24,
Olean, N. Y ; he is an ardent Democrat and a great admirer of Gov. Seymour, Gen. McClellan, and the
present Democratic nominees for President, Gen. Hancock and Gov. English. He is not a member of any
church, and has no particular religious belief, but is a free thinker, and believes in every man enjoying his
804 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
own private political or religious opinions. He is a great reader, k-^eps generally posted, and is always ready
to assist a. person when in trouble, be it friend or foe.
IiOUIS N. DESOTEL was bom at Roxton Falls, Canada East, March 8, 1847 ; he moved
to Massachusetts when he was 14 years of age, and engaged in the shoemaker's trade until 1872, when he
located at Danbury, Conn. ; he remained there two years, and removed to Scranton, Penn.; was there eight
months ; then came to Chicago, where he was in the employ of Doggett, Bassett & Hills, in the bottoming
department of their boot and shoe manufactory, until he came to Waukesha, December 14, 1879 ; since
that time he has been superintendent of the bottoming department of the boot and shoe manufactory of
the "Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys.
SAMlJEIi EAIiES, stonemason; born 1826, in the County of Northampton, England; came
to the United States in 1844, and settled in Waukesha ; learned the trade of mason in this country, and
now works at the same. Was married, in 1856, to Eliza J. Megaw, of Ottawa, who died in 1858, leaving
one child, Josephine. Their residence is " just over the line," in Pewaukee, on Vermont street ; has 4 acres of
land. He married his present wife in 1859 ; her maiden name was Elizabeth Bird ; they have eight children,
all living — Irving J., Ann E., WiUiam J., Mary, Samuel H., John B., Kate E. and Flora Belle. His
two eldest children are employed in the insane asylum, at Madison. He was a teacher for many years in
the public schools ; he started in 1875, and is now developing the business of floriculture — having estab-
lished the " Waukesha Greenhouse and Garden." This is the first of the kind in this vicinity. He is an
active member of the Episcopal Church. The family are highly respected, and some have literary talent.
His floral enterprise is appreciated by the citizens and general visitors.
COLi. FRAIVCIS A. EASTMAN, journalist; was born at Littleton, N. H., April 3, 1834;
his father, Stephen A., was a Congregational clergyman, who sent him to Haverhill and St. Johnsbury, in
pursuit of an education ; in 1850, he entered the office of the Caledonian, at St. Johnsbury, where an
apprenticeship of two years was spent ; at the expiration of this time, he conducted, at Littleton, a cam-
paign papef in the interest of Franklin Pierce, called the Ammonoosuo Reporter. After the election in
1852, Mr. E. sold his printing office, and spent another year at the Newbury Seminary; then he filled an
additional editorial position on the Patriot, printed at Concord, N. H. ; thence he went to Montpelier, Vt.,
and became associated with a relative, Charles I., Eastman, the poet, in the publication of the Vermont
Patriot, a famous paper in those days. In 1858, Mr. E. left Montpelier, and became associate editor of
the Milwaukee Daily News, with Samuel L. Sharpsteiij, and the next year took the position of associate
editor of the Chicago Times. In 1862, that paper, having been sold to W. F. Storey, its three editors,
among them Col. E., left the concern, and started a new paper, called the Post, a war (Democratic) paper,
which subsequently became the Republican, and is now the Inter- Ocean ; he was active during the war in
organizing the founders and supporters of the Government, in Chicago, making numerous speeches, and
performing an almost unlimited amount of committee work. In 1863, Mr. E. was elected to the Legisla-
ture, serving two years, in which he was the appointed leader of the Republican minority ; afterward he
was elected State Senator, from the First District of Cook County, for four years, carrying a Democratic
district, by a fair majority. While Senator, he was one of the Commissioners who built the Illinois
Penitentiary, at Joliet. Upon Col. E.'s election to the Legislature, he severed his connection with the
Post, and became a partner of S. L. Barrett & Co., wholesale grocers. Upon the nomination of Gen.
Grant for the Presidency, he again took an active part in "politics, canvassing a large portion of Illinois,
and was, after the Cabinet was organized, made Postmaster of Chicago — the first appointee made
by the new administration ; he served four years as Postmaster, taking the concerns of the office through
the " Great Fire" with such ability, energy and freedom from entanglements, as secured for him the for-
mal compliments of the President and Post Office Department. At the end of Grant's first term, Mr. E.
resigned, and, with his family, went to Europe, where he remained fourteen months. On returning, he
spent considerable time in travel in this country, finally purchasing the WauJeesha County Democrat, and
settling at Waukesha in 1879. Col. Eastman was married, Sept. 3, 1861, to Miss Gertrude Barrett, of
Chicago ; they have one child — Barrett Eastman, born in January, 1869.
WARNER P. E|jL/IOT, marble-dealer, born in Addison Co., Vt., in 1814, began working
in marble at the age of 16, has worked in all departments of the business, and is probably the oldest mar-
ble-worker in the United States, having been fifty-one years in continuous service. Was married, in 1832,
to Miss Maria D. Carr, of Dorset, Bennington Co., Vt. ; they have two children — Robert C, married and
living in Chicago, and Jane M., married and living in Chicago ; they have buried six children. Came
to Wisconsin in 1855, and settled where he now lives, in Waukesha. He was, for a year. Deputy Grand
Lecturer for lUinois, of the I. 0. G. T., and has also held the same position in Wisconsin ; has been Master
of Lodge, No. 37, of A., F. & A. M., in Waukesha — he is a Royal Arch Mason. The family affiliate with
WAUKESHA. 805
the Methodist Church. Residence and shop are on Dodge St., in the suburbs of Waukesha. They are
very pleasantly located — are not in need of this world's goods — are respected pioneers.
JAMES EMSIilFi, grocery and crockery store on Madison St. Proprietor was bornin 1844, in
township of Pewaukee, and has since continuously resided in Waukesha Co. Educated in the public
schools of this county ; lived on farm till 1870, when he started his present business, and has carried it on
in the same block to present date. Was married, in 1875, to Miss Anna Blair, a native of Waukesha ;
they have two children — Mabel and Brice. Both parents and both children were born in Waukesha Co.
He is of Scotch parentage ; family are Presbjrterians. He is a Republican. Residence also on Madison
St. Has a large trade from country, also a good village patronage.
ELilHU EXOS is a native of Johnstown, then Montgomery Co., now Fulton Co., N. Y.; he
was born Jan. 29, 1824 ; graduated from the State Normal School, at Albany, in 1847 ; he came West
with the intention of locating in Milwaukee, and arrived there in October, 1847, intending to establish a
school there, bringing letters to many of the leading citizens of that city. Through the personal efforts,
however, of Jacob L. Bean, and B. Root he was induced to go to Waukesha, which he did in the early
part of November, 1842, and became connected with Prof. Sterling (now of the State University) in a
copartnership, under the style .of the " Waukesha Classical and Normal School," Prof Sterling having
charge of the Department of Lang-aage, and Mr. Enos had charge of the school, which he conducted for
one year, when Mr. Enos was appointed Postmaster, in 1849, and served four years. In the fall of 1853,
he exchanged his village property for a farm, on Sec. 27, in the town of Pewaukee ; continued farming
until July, 1873. During his residence in the town of Pewaukee, he was elected, in 1854, Town Super-
intendent of Schools, and held the same position until 1857. He was elected, in 1856, to represent his district
in the Assembly. When the County Superintendent school system was inaugurated, in 1861, he was elected
to fill that position, in the fall of 1861. In August. 18(>2, an out-door county war mass meeting was held in
Waukesha, to secure volunteers. It was on Sunday, all the ministers of every denomination being present,
as no services were held that day in any of the churches of the county. The result was, Mr. Enos enlisted and
raised a company. The outgrowth of that mass meeting was the organization of the 28th W. V. I., which
was soon filled. Mr. Enos was immediately elected Captain of Co. G, as soon as the company was organ-
ized. Mr. Enos resigned the position of School Superintendent, the resignation to take effect as soon as
the fall examinations should be completed. The regiment was ordered to the field in December, 1802.
Jan. 10, 1863, Capt. Enos left Milwaukee with the sick and other men left behind, when the regiment
left camp. He was on detached duty as Quartermaster of brigade, afterward as Division Quartermaster,
until he lefl the service, on account of disability caused by sickness. He came home in January, 1864,
and resigned in the spring of the same year. Mr. Enos has been Chairman of the Town Board of
Supervisors,- and was appointed Postmaster in April, 1872 ; he was re-appointed, and has held the position
ever since. He was Chairman County Republican Committee before he entered the service, and several
years afterward. Is a member of the National Republican Committee, and acted as temporary chairman
for a short time. He was married in Waukesha, June 11, 1851, to Frances Helen Blake, daughter of
Commodore Chesley Blake, whose family came to Waukesha in an early day, he having died in 1849.
No children living. Is a member of the A., F. & A. M. Has been Master of the lodge and First High
Priest of the lodge for six years ; also member of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge.
COL. HERBERT M. ENOS, retired from the regular army; born in 1833 in
Johnstown, Fulton Co., N. Y. ; graduated from West Point U. S. ^Military Academy in 1856 ; was
assigned to duty in New Mexico, and served there from 1857 to 1867 ; was on staff duty in various cities
of the " States," until 1876, when, his health for years having been impaired, he was placed on the retired
list, with the rank of Major. In 1878, he erected his elegant residence on " Oak Hill," overlooking the
village of Waukesha. The Colonel was never married. His neice, Miss Amelia Enos, is the presiding
genius of his home, which is also shared by Mrs. Enos, widow of,his brother; and also by his sister, Mrs.
John Hudson, whose deceased husband was a prominent pioneer of Waukesha. The Colonel has several
relatives, and many friends, in this vicinity ; and is a representative of the old-school gentleman — courteous,
dignified and with a high share of honor.
CLAES A. ESTBER<;} was bom in Carlskrona, Sweden, Feb. 23, 1825. Came to America
in 1850, landed in New York July 11, of that year, worked at watchmaking and jewelry business in New
York until the spring of 1851, then went to Augusta, Ga. ; was there one year, then went to Savannah,
Ga., where he remained until 1854; in May of that year he left, there and came to Milwaukee, and worked
there for A. B. Van Cott until he came to Waukesha in 1858. He has been engaged in the jewelry busi-
ness ever since his location in Waukesha. Mr. Estberg has held the position of Village Trustee three or
four years — is Clerk of the School District now, and has been for the last ten years, and has been, also,
«06 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Junior Warden of the Episcopal Church for five years. He was married in G-rafton, Ozaukee Co., Wis.,
Dec. 25, 1855, to Sophia Schletz ; she was born in Bavaria ; they have four sons — Adolph F., Emil W.,
C. Albert and Edward E.
EDWARD EiVRARD, owner and landlord of the Cambrian House; born in Paris, France,
in 1832 ; learned trade of engraver in France ; came to United States in 1852, and located farm in Pewaukee ;
was married, 1857, to Miss Eulalie Duvigneaad, of Pewaukee; his eyes did not allow him to work at his trade ;
his main business has been farming; in 1879, he erected a beautiful, brick hotel, 42x78, and three stories
high, on Madison St., West Side, Waukesha; also has a barn accommodating one hundred horses ; build-
ings all new and in first-class condition ; has also a cattle-yard which will accommodate fully one hundred
cattle. His hotel wa.s built to accommodate the farming community and stockmen — has no reference to
the " Spring " and summer tourists. It is conveniently located and liberally patronized. He has five
children — Clementine, Desiree, Tirzah, Alexander and Clotilda ; all are at home, and his mother, aged
79, lives with him. In 1854, he made an overland trip to California; afterward worked three years
in the South ; and, in 1870, went again to California ; afterward worked a claim in Utah three years.
He is a Republican, and an A., F. & A. M.
EDWARD FLANNERY, proprietor of the Hygiea Spring ; was born in 1834, in Sheffield,
Yorkshire, England. His father was a mechanic. In 1843, the family emigrated to the Province of
Quebec, where they remained six years. In 1849, they came West, and located in Princeton, Bureau Co.,
111. In 1851, the subject of this sketch began work for the Chicago & Rock Island Railway Company, as
engineer of a construction train; and he continued in their service for four years. In 1855, he entered
service as engineer on the old Milwaukee & La Crosse Railway, which was then only partially built, and he
ran on that road till 1866. He was married, in 1857, to Miss Julia E. Bauer, of Milwaukee. Since
1866, he has been engineer on the Prairie Du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
way. Has had thirteen children, ten of whom are living — Nellie J., Maria H., George J., Agatha A., Her-
bert F., Julia E. — the twins, Huldah E. and Ida E., Edna F. apd Isabella V. Their residence is near
the spring, at the foot of Wisconsin avenue. In 1872, he purchased the inclosure, and began developing
the spring, now well-known by the name of " Hygiea," the Goddess of Health. This was developed next
after Bethesda, and was the second improved in the village. In 1879, he built a spacious structure of
beautiful masonry, inclosing the spring, and grading the approach thereto. The masonry surrounding
this spring is the most massive and costly of any of the Waukesha Springs. It is said to have the most
copious flow of any spring in the village. Its properties are similar to other well-known springs. Mr.
Flannery is expending his means and energies to please an appreciative public.
A. J. FRAME was born in Waukesha Feb. 19, 1844. He was connected with the Wauke-
sha County Bank in 1862, first as office-boy, afterward as book-keeper, then elected May 22, 1865,
Assistant Cashier of the Waukesha County National Bank, Cashier in 1866, and President July 20,
1880. He was married in Waukesha, Aug. 25, 1869, to Emma, only daughter of Silas Richardson, who
is now a resident of Waukesha. She was born in Chester, Windsor Co., Vt.; they have four children :
Walter R., William S., Harvey J. and Esther Mabel. Mr. Frame is a member of the School Board,
and has been for several years ; also of the A., F. and A. M.
HEBTRY ai. FRAME was born in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co., Wis., June 22,
1842, and was married in Waukesha, March 3, 1870, to Adelia Pettibone ; she was born in Farmersville,
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y.; she died Oct. 16, 1878, leaving two children — Irving P. and Charles H. Mr.
Frame is a member of the A., F. & A. J\I.; he is Cashier of the Waukesha County National Bank.
JOISEPH S. WALIiOWAY, M. D., physician in charge of the Silurian Bathing EstaWish-
ment, was born in 1821, in Ohio. His youth and early manhood was passed in Paris, Ky. His prepara-
tory education was mainly in the private schools of Kentucky. He taught several years in the public
schools of Ohio. His health was delicate from boyhood to mature manhood ; asthma, dyspepsia, inflamma-
tion of the eyes and other aiflictions, caused him to study his own condition, and after the improvement
of his own health, he devoted his life to curing the ills to which flesh is heir. He graduated at the
Eclectic Medical College, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1852 ; he was then four years Lecturer on Chemistry
in the American Medical College, an institution which afterward consolidated with his alma marer.
During the war he was engaged in agriculture, and attended to chronic cases at his home. He was
married in 1867 to Miss Maria S. Coombs, daughter of a prominent citizen of Clermont Co., Ohio. They
have two children— Edna, born in 1869, and Joseph, born in 1873. The Doctor has had fifteen years of
medical practice ; most of the time since the war he has been connected with hygienic institutions ;. he
was for some time the Associate Physician in charge of' Our Home, a water-cure or hygienic institution,
at Danville, N. Y. The writer of this sketch has examined written testimonials presented Dr. Galloway
WAUKESHA. 807
by patients, representing tliirteen States ; tiiese all testify to his skill as a physician, his ability as a lecturer,
and his character as a Christian gentleman. He is now located at Waukesha, Wis., and is Superintendent
of the Bathing Department of the Silurian Springs — an institution which bids fair to become the leading
hygienic agency in this "Saratoga of the West."
JOHIV OIBBS, retired farmer, born in Hampden Co., ^Ias.s., in February. 1815 ; greater part
of his life was spent in York State ; he was married, in 1838, to Miss Amanda Nye, daughter of Sylvauus
Nye, a prominent farmer of Tompkins Co., X. Y.; immediately after his marriage, he took charge of the
" Corning House," at Corning, N. Y., and continued in charge for seventeen years. This hotel had eighty-
seven sleeping-rooms, and was the leading hotel of that section of country. He came to Wisconsin in July,
1855, and settled in the village of Waukesha; they have, two sons — the oldest, S. Nye Gibbs, a lawyer,
was Assistant Adjutant G-eneral of Wisconsin during the war; he died in lS(.i7; the other son, J. J.
Gribbs, lives with his parents ; Ls now local manager of the Clysmic Spring. .Mr. Gr. held local offices both
in his Eastern and in his Western homes; the family are Episcopalians; he is a reliable Republican ; (iwns
a residence on Maple Ave., which is conceded to be the pleasante.st residence street in Waukesha; for
exactly one-fourth of a century has he been a continuous resident of Waukesha, and is a well-known and
respected citizen.
•MICHAEL tr LB ASOW, contractor and builder; born in Ireland in 1846; son of Edward
F. and Ellen Ryan Grleason, prominent farmers in Rensselaer Co., N. Y. : learned the trade of masonry in
York State, and soon became a general builder and contractor. Was engaged largely in church building
in the East. Was married in fall of 1857 to Miss Ann'Tighe, of York State; came the same season,
and has been resident of Waukesha since that time. Has five children — Edward F., Jlary J., Eliza A.,
John J. and Myra E. His oldest son, Edward F., graduates this season (IS.SO) from the Wisconsin .State
University, ranking second in a large class ; the oldest daughter, Mary J., graduates this year from Carroll
College ; his other children are at home. He has erected several public buildings, court houses, colleges,
etc., and also nearly all the stone buildings in Wauke.sha. He is contractor for the masonry in the
improvements, now being made at Bethesda and Silurian Springs. He is a conservative Republican, but
shuns official position, as his business demands all his time and energies. He has considerable improved
real estate in the village, beside his fine brick residence on Main St. He is respei-ted as an able mochauia
and an honorable citizen.
JOSEPH A. GLEISSXER, Sr. and Jr., proprietors of Mansion House Lively. The
father was born in Bavaria. Uermany, in 182.-;; came to United States in 1S4-1- ; farmed awhile, then kept
hotel for twenty-four years in Monroe, (Irecn Co., Wis.; he was married in 184-t, at Hamburg, GeriiKniy,
on the eve of his departure for America; has had eight children, of whom five are living — Anna ]^I.,
Joseph .\.., Henry P., James B, and J^Imma ; the three sons are married ; the t\vo daughters are at home ;
family are all Catholics. He owns an improved f:\rm of l'>- acres in A'ernon Township, Waukesha Co.
The son in partnership, Joseph A., came West, of course, with his pai'entsin 1853; and nearly all the time
he has been associated with his father in business ; he married in 1872, and lives on Park Ave. Himself
and father have one of the leading livery establishments in the city ; it is on Grand Ave., near the ^Mansion
House ; they keep eighteen hor.ses ; their establishment is popular.
EDWARD C. CrOVE was born in Whitefield, Coos Co., N. H., May 1, 1847 ; son of Elijah
and Mary Gove; Edward came West in lS(i3 ; located in Chicago, and. until 1870 engaged in wholesale
boot am] shoe establishment, first with Gore, Wilson & Co., and afterwards with C. P. Gore & Co. In
lS71, he went to Green Bay, and carried on the boot and shoe business there one year; then came to
Waukesha, and engaged in farming, which he carried on until JIarch, 1880, when he sold out, and
engaged in the grocery business. Mr. Gove was married in Pewaukee, Sept. 24, 1870, to Hattie L. White ;
she was born in Waukesh^,; they have two children — JMary Josephine, born 'Dec. 24, 1873, and Edward
William, born x\.ugust 8, 1877. Mr. Gove is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
ELIJAH (irOVE, retired farmer; born July 6, 1801, near Augu,sta, Me.; his father died
when he was 3 months old, and he was raised by his grandfather in New Hampshire till he was l(j
years of age ; after that time he was in school or on farm till his marriage. On the 27th of November,
182s, in Ludlow, Windsor Co., A't., he was married to iMiss Emiline B. Wright ; they have five chil-
dren— Prances E., wife of E. S. Turner, the leading attorney of Port Washington; Londus Vj., married
Millie Noble, of Oconomowoc, and lives in Storm Lake, Iowa ; Richard L., a prominent merchant of
Waukesha; lone, wife of Col. Daniels, Colonel 1st W. V. I., now resident of Washington, D. C; Jefl^er-
son M., married Nettie S. Mead, of Rochelle, III, now resident of ^Vaukesha. Mr. Gove came to Wau-
kesha in July, 1843, and bought 80 acres for 81',000 in gold, and this farm he carried on for a quarter
century to a day, and then sold it for 89,000 to Col. Dunbar, who exchanged it for Bethesda Springs.
808 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Since 1868, he has hved on Broadway in village of Waukesha ; has other real estate in Waukesha ; has
held local offices in the East and in the West ; has been in business ; enjoys commercial life ; also as
early as 1850 had contracts for mail routes from Waukesha to Madison, and from Waukesha to Mo Henry ;
he has thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren ; he is a well-known and successful pioneer.
On the 27th of November, 1878, was held their " golden wedding," which was a choice gathering, with
rich gifts and a rare good time. They have a large circle of influential friends.
RICHARD li. (jrOVE catne to Waukesha in June, 1843; he is a son of Elijah Gove, a
farmer, and Emeline E. Wright, and was born at Ludlow, Vt., June 18, 1833. At the age of 10, he
became a' clerk in a store, attending school part of the time, and attended Prairieville Academy (now
Carroll College) a few terms. In 1852, he spent a short time as clerk in Peoria, 111., going thence to
Detroit, Mich. ; graduated from Gregory's Commercial College ; and at the close of that year, went to Port
W^ashington, Wis., and started the Ozaukee County Advertiser, a paper which is stiirpublished. This he
edited and published about eight years, and at the same time acted as Postmaster, having received his appoint
ment from President Pierce, before he was 21 years old. He was holding that oifice in July, 1861,
when, with a lieutenant's commission, he recruited men for the First Wisconsin Cavalry — joined the regi-
ment at Ripon — and was made Adjutant of the same. On leaving the service in 1864, Mr. Gove returned
to his Wisconsin home, and there made a permanent' settlement. Opening a boot and shoe and general
furnishing store, he has since continued to conduct it with good success. He has also dealt considerably
in real estate — put up the Gove Block, and some twenty dwelling-houses — during the last few years. Mr.
Gove was elected President of the village in 1865, 1867 and 1877 ; Mr. Gove beloijgs to the fraternity
of Odd Fellows. He was married. May 1, 1859, to Miss Jennie A. Stone, a niece of the late H. 0. Stone,
of Chicago. They have five children — lone, born Oct. 17, 1860 ; Richard L., Dec. 22, 1865 ; Jennie May,
April 26, 1868 ; Fra Belle, March 13, 1870, and Jay, March 23, 1877.
HON. MILTON S. (S-RISWOIiD was born in Fulton Co., near Johnstown, N. Y., March
23, 1839 ; came to the town of Pewaukee in the spring of 1844, with his parents, Amos W. and Eliza-
beth Griswold, who settled on Sec. 12, in Pewaukee ; both now residents in, that town. Graduated from
Wisconsin State University in 1863 ; read law in the city of Madison, with Gregory & Pinney ; admitted
to the bar of the Supreme Court, June, 1864 ; practiced law in Madison, in 1865 and 1866, in partner-
ship with R. J. Chase ; he resided at Menomonee Falls, for three years, prior to coming to Waukesha in De-
cember, 1870, where he was for three years Deputy Register of Deeds, when he was elected County Judge,
which office he held four years. Mr. Griswold was married in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., May
25, 1866, to Harriet Weldish ; she died June 15, 1879, leaving one son — Everett E., born May 27, 1869.
Judge G. is a member of the Congregational Church ; also a member of A., F. & A. M. Lodge and
Chapter.
ABRAM H. HADFIEIjD, general stone and lime business ; born in village of Waukesha,
on the 23d of January, 1849 ; has never resided outside of the county. Was married, Oct. 14, 1868, to
Miss Annie E. Cook, of Waukesha. In the spring of 1871, he bought the interest of his father-in-law in
the old Waukesha quarries, and also secured an interest in the Pewaukee quarry, the stone of which is of
a better quality. In 1872, his father and brother, George A., secured a working interest in all these
quarries, and also in the limekilns, farther up the river, and said partnership continues to date. This
season (1880), they will ship 3,000 to 3,500 car loads of stone and lime, this firm being the largest
shippers in Waukesha Co. Mr. Hadfield has three children — Charles C., Amy B. and Esther L. He is
a Royal Arch Mason ; family are Methodists. They have a beautiful stone residence on East avenue. He
is a prominent and prosperous business man, of more than local reputation.
JOSEPH HADFIEIiD, general stone and lime business; born in 1816, in England. Was
married in 1842 to Miss Harriet Jackson, of Derbyshire, England, who died in. September, 1844, leaving
one son, Joseph J., now of Waukesha. Came to United States in 1842, and settled in Waukesha, which
has been his home continually to date. He married his present wife in 1845 ; her maiden name was
Sarah Harrison, who was born in the same house as his first wife, although the two are not blood relatives.
They had ten children — John G., dead; George A., Abram H., Sarah J., Isaac R., Albert W., Oscar
Wesley, Edwin H., Charles IT., Laura B. Six of the children are married. They have eleven grand-
children. Himself and two sons are in partnership in the Waukesha quarries and lime-kilns, situated one
and a half miles north of the village of Waukesha. It is claimed that this firm do the largest business in
their line of any in the State. They ship more than 3,000 car loads in 1880. He owns a fine residence,
on the corner of East avenue and South St. Has other real estate in the village. He has had no time
or desire to hold office. He is a Trustee of the M. E. Church, and the family are Methodists. They are
prosperous and respected pioneers.
WAUKESHA. 809
HON. T. W. HAIG-HT. Among the first settlers of Charlestown, Mass , is recorded the name
of Simon Hoyte, who, with eleven other persons, " first settled this place, and brought it into the denomi-
nation of An English Towne in Anno 1628." Where Simon came from is not stated, but genealogists
have followed his subsequent movements with a good deal of interest, for the reason that investigation has
shown him to have been the ancestor of the American family bearing the name of Haight or Hayt (with
many other variations in spelling), as well as of Hoyte, or Hoyt, with whatever orthographical changes
may have been adopted by its different members. It was evidently a matter of pure indifference to Simon
himself, as well as to his immediate descendants, how the name was spelled, although it was probably pro-
nounced as if written Hite. He died at Stamford, Conn., Sept. 1, 1657, leaving ten children, whose sur-
names are found recorded in about as many different ways, orthographically, as are used by their posterity
to-day. The eldest of these children, Walter Hoyt, or Hayt, was the ancestor of Rev. Dr. Benjamin I.
Haight, of New York, and (through their mother) of Gen. W. T. Sherman, and his brother, the Secre-
tary of the Treasury. The fourth son, Moses, removed to Westchester Co., N. Y., and Caleb, the son of
Moses, bought land in Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1739, and lived there afterward, as did his children for
several generations. Morris Haight, a greaf>grandson of Caleb, married, in 1821, Miss Louis Myrick, and,
directly afterward, removed with his wife to Jefferson Co., N. Y. — then a new country — and went to
farming, upon his own land, consisting of about 100 acres. On this farm, on the 14th of September,
1840, was born the youngest child of the family — Thomas Wilson Haight, the subject of the present
sketch. As a boy, Thomas was chiefly remarkable for a love of literature ; learning to read almost in his
babyhood, he quickly became omnivorous in regard to books, devouring the contents of all that came in
his way ; he was especially a close student of the Bible, and, before reaching his lOth year, was more
familiar with that volume than is the case with most adults. At 13, his teachers in the " district schools "
confessed that his knowledge of the routine studies was fully equal to their own, and he was sent to a
neighboring village, for two winters, to take a course in higher mathematics. At this juncture, the Rev.
William Pare (now a Doctor of Divinity, and Rector of Trinity Church, Washington, D. C), estab-
lished a classical school at the little village of PieiTcpont Manor, and the boy was allowed, to his great
delight, to spend a portion of his 16th and 17th years in the study of the Latin, Greek, and
French languages, under this admirable instructor. At 17, he taught one term in a pubHc school, at the
end of which Mr. Paret engaged him as assistant in his own school ; at 19, he was prepared for admission
to the junior class in college, in everything except funds, and, in order to try to obtain that requisite, in
the summer of 1860, came to Waukesha Co , where he had been partially promised a position as teacher.
On arriving, he found that he had been forestalled in the school, but concluded to wait for another open-
ing, as his brother, Mr. M. P. Haight, of Summit, and his sister, Mrs. Walter Kerr, of Delafield, were
both permanent residents of the county. In the mean time, he went on with his classical studies, and also
undertook the German language, of which he obtained a fair mastery before winter. In the autumn, he
was offered a school in the southern part of Delafield, of which he took charge, giving good satisfaction
to the end of his term, in the spring of 1861 ; he now thought of matriculating at the University of Mich-
igan, but, before his arrangements were completed, the first gun of the rebellion was fired, and he hurried
home to New York, to bid his parents good-bye before shouldering his musket for the sake of his ccjun-
try. On arriving at his native place, he found a company of his fellow-townsmen just organized for the war,
and immediately joined it a.s a private. Within a week of the time of greeting his friends, he had started for
the rendezvous of volunteer companies, at Elmira, N. Y., where his company was recorded, a few days after-
ward, as Co. K, 24tli N. Y. V. I., enlisted for two years' service. On the 17th of May, the regiment
was mustered in by a United States officer, but it was not until the following month that it was ordered on
to Washington, where it was a part of the garrison of the capital, until the night of the first battle of
Bull Bun, July 21, 1861. As the advance of our retreating forces came into Washington on that night,
the 24th was sent out past them to Bailey's Cross Roads, and held the outpost in that vicinity against the
rebel skirmishers for three or four weeks, by which time both sides had settled into camp again. For the next
six months, the monotony of camp life was only varied by drills, reviews, and occasional picket skirmishes,
but in the spring of 1862, after some terribly exhausting marches, the 24th, then in the 1st Brigade, of
the 1st Division, of the 1st Army Corps, under the immediate command of Gen. McDowell, found
itself at Fredericksburg, while the main body of the army was under McClellan, on the Peninsula. From
this time on, the regiment had a lively time. Arriving at Cedar Mountain, just after Banks' battle, then,
in August, it marched back with the army of Northern Virginia to the old battle-field of Bull Run, partic-
ipating in the fight along the Upper Rappahannock, and in the three days' fight about Groveton, generally
known as "the second Bull Run," being at that place almost annihilated, for the time being. The 29th
and 30th of August were particularly fatal to Company " K," which could muster but five men at parade,
810 « BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
on August 31. All the rest, of nearly fifty, who went into the fight, were killed, wounded and taken
prisoners. Up to August 30, Mr. Haiglit had never been absent from his company on a march or in a
fight ; but the charge on the railroad embankment, where Stonewall Jackson was fortified, that afternoon,
had brought him into a place from which he could not reasonably hope to get back alive, and so he reluc-
tantly concluded to stay. It was a desperate, foolhardy charge of our line against that embankment. The
air was full of bullets and fragments of shell, and not fifty men of the regiment were able to reach the
rebel works at all ; and in ten minutes after reaching them not a dozen soldiers remained there unwounded.
The second Union line of battle was delivering a galling fire upon the embankment, from the edge of the
woods in the rear, which took eifect, chiefly upon their own comrades of the first line, who were unable to
find shelter anywhere. At this point, and at the earnest entreaty of his disabled comrades on the embank-
ment, Mr. Haight ran over the work, and jumped 'down among the rebels, seeking permission to bring bis
comrades out of range of the Union bullets. Failing, for the moment, he finally obtained leave to take care of
eleven men of his company, who were disabled by wounds, and stayed with them until the last man who survived
was forwarded to Washington by ambulance a week later. He had himself been paroled a day or two after his
capture, but declined to go away until he had provided for his companions. When he arrived within the
Union lines, at the rear of a lonu train of ambulances, he had neither shirt nor hat, both those articles of
clothing having been given to his wounded friends, and he was half famished from an almost total absti-
nence from food for seven days. He was not exchanged until three months later, and when he returned
to the regiment, in December, he was immediately promoted from Corporal to Orderly Sergeant, and a
recommendation forwarded, by his commanding officer, for a commission for him. A few weeks later, he
was commissioned as Second Lieutenant of his company, and received another commission, as First Lieu-
tenant, just before the muster-out of the regiment at the end of their two years' term of service ; in May
following, Lieut. Haight was with his company in the fighting at the ford below Fredericksburg and at
the battle of Chancellorsville, but none of the regiment sufiered much at either of these engagements.
One of his superior officers in the regiment paid the young soldier the compliment of say-
ing that he was the only man that he ever saw in a battle who seemed really to enjoy it ;
on returning home friend Haight was offered a captaincy in a cavalry regiment, then being raised, and was
tempted to go back ; but he had already lost both his brothers in the army — one in the 94th N. Y. V. I. , and
the other in the 28th Wis.V. I. — and his parents were in feeble health, and protested against his venturing
again ; he therefore reluctantly gave up the idea of military life, and settled down to his studies for the
remainder of the season, teaching a village school near home during the winter of 1863-64, and returning to
Waukesha Co. the following spring. For a year and a half immediately following, he was Principal of the
Mukwonago public school, and, in 1865, entered the office of Gren. James H. Paine & Son, in Milwaukee,
as a law student. With this firm he prosecuted his studies, until the junior member, Hon. Byron Paine,
was elected a Justice of the Supreme Court, the father soon after retiring from business, on account of the
infirmities of age. While in the law office, ]\Ir. Haight amused himself occasionally with newspaper work,
both prose and poetry, which attracted considerable attention from critical readers, but brought him in very
little money. To replenish his purse, he taught commercial law and arithmetic in the Spencerian Business
College, at Milwaukee, for some months, and afterward, in the winter of 1867, he taught the Delafield vil-
lage school ; at the close of this school term he received word from Chicago, that the Post, of that city
wanted the services of an extra man for a few weeks, and that he might try his hand at the work, if he
wished ; before the close of his temporary engagement with the Post, he was offered the position of city
editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel, and served in that capacity for several mouths, but he differed with the
proprietors, all along, as to the manner of conducting that department of the paper, and finally retired from
it in the fall of 1868, when he was again offered, and accepted, the management of the Mukwonago public
school, and continued there as Principal until the spring of 1870, when he bought a half-interest in the
Waukesha Freeimxn and a little later was united in marriage to Miss Annie, daughter of Dr. H. A. You-
mans, of Mukwonago, a young lady who had been his pupil during all the time spent by him as Principal
of the public school at that place. An opportunity soon occurring to purchase the remaining half-interest
in the Freeman, Mr. Haight prevailed upon his brother-in-law, the present proprietor of the paper — then a
young man of less than 20 — to enter the office as a partner. The Freeman was immediately made the
advocate of the business interests of Waukesha, and especially of the merits of the Bethesda Spring, which
the new editor was quick to recognize as the fulcrum, by means of which the village was to be lifted out of
the torpid state in which it was then buried ; as correspondent of several journals abroad at the same time,
and especially of the Chicago Times, he labored, in and out of season, to bring Waukesha to the notice of
seekers after health and pleasure, and its rapid rise in public estimation, as a summer resort, was probably
owing as much to his efforts, as to those of any other one man, except Col. Richard Dunbar ; in the fall of
^^m^^% 't'ff^^l
/^
M U KW AN AGO
WAUKESHA. 813
1874, Mr. Haight sold his half-interest in the Freeman to his brother-in-law, Mr. H. JI. Youmans, although
he has all along continued his connection with the paper, as a writer of leading articles. In the winter of
1875-76 he was the Madison correspondent of the Milwaukee &nii?ie?, and for two years from April, 1876, was
Secretary of the State Board of Charities and Beforms, in which capacity he visits all the penal and
eleemosynary institutions in the State, many of them several times, and prepared the elaborate volumes
of reports for the Board for 1876 and 1877. In 1878, he returned to Waukesha, to the practice of
the law in which he has since been engaged. His copartnership with Mr. F. W. Monteith began
in June of 1879, the law firm of Monteith & Haight is now considered one of the ablest and most
reliable in this part of the State. In the Order of Odd Fellows, Mr! Haight is an earnest and effective
worker, and he now holds the position of Grand Patriarch of the Bight Worthy Grand Encampment of
Wisconsin — the highest position in the State, of the highest branch of Odd Fellowship. His residence
is a charming place, on the gently sloping hillside across the river from the Bethesda, and overlooking the
stream and the beautiful grounds belonging to the spring. Here his three children are growing up and
rejoicing the hearts of their parents by their intelligence and health, and here, surrounded by trees and
flowers, by music and the books that he is still not ashamed to love, he finds the happiness and content
which are often sought for in vain by far wealthier men. He is now serving the second year as Chaiir-
man of the County Bepublican Committee, and during this time the county has changed from Democratic
to Bepublican, as the votes will show.
CrEOROE HARDINO came to Waukesha in May, 1859 ; lived here two years, and was
journeyman tinner for Mr. Burroughs for that time; then went to Chippewa Falls, Wis., and engaged in
the hardware and milling business for himself; in 1868, he purchased the farm where he now resides ;
he carried on his business at Chippewa Falls, however, until 1877, spending his time six months of the
year in Waukesha, and the balance at Chippewa Falls, his family most of the time being on the farm ;
since 1877, Mr. Harding and family have resided in Waukesha permanently ; he is still owner of pine lands
in Northern Wisconsin, principally in the Chippewa Valley region. Mr. Harding was born in Aurora,
Erie Co., N. Y., March 20, 1840 ; his parents removed to Painesville, Ohio, when he was about 11
years of age, and came from there to Waukesha. He was married in Waukesha, July 14, 1863J to Sarah
Hall Barstow, daughter of Samuel H. and Susan B. (Babcock) Barstow; she was born in Waukesha,
Wis., February-is, 1841; they have four children — Samuel Barstow, Frank Waller, Josephine Baldwin
and George Winans, all of whom were born in Waukesha. While at Chippewa Falls Mr. Harding was,
for eight years. Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners.
CLARK S. HARTWBLL, contractor and builder; born July, 1829, in Ticonderoga,
Essex Co., N. Y. His early life was spent in Washington Co. ; he learned his trade of his father, Moses
S., in York State. They came West together, in 1851, and were in partnership nearly twenty-five years
in Waukesha. They are considered to be the leading contractors and builders in Waukesha Co. The
father retired from active labors in 1875 ; and the subject of this sketch is now sole manager of the busi-
ness. He was married, in 1852, to Miss Isabel K. Dobbin, who died in 1855, without issue. He has
built several churches and hotels, and many of the finest residences in the village of Waukesha. He owns
a steam-mill, for doing all kinds of woodwork — resawing, scroll-sawing, turning, etc. He was two years
Deputy Sheriff of this county. He married his present wife in May, 1860 — her maiden name was Mary
J. Calhoun — widow of 0. F. Baker, merchant, of Milwaukee. They have had two children — one died in
childhood — his only son, WOlard S., was born in 1869. His residence and spacious grounds are on th<i
corner of High street and College avenue. He is a temperance man and a reliable Republican. The
family are Presbyterians. For twenty-five years he was leader, and the family were the mainstay, of the Presby-
terian Church Choir. A visitor, and a former member of that church, upon his return, finding this
faithful family still pursuing their unrequited labors of love, despite storm, weariness and discouragement,
thus descourses in the local newspaper : " We always expected them. We knew they would be there.
The length of the way was nothing. Dampness, clouds, rain, snow, hail, thunder, lightning and pitch-
darkness were nothing. There they were — the father, a man whose meiit was only equaled by his modesty,
and if ever this trite remark was true, it was so in his case — a man who has the habit of hiding his talents
under a bushel ; but who is known, by his associates, to excel equally as a mechanic, a musician and most
of all as a warm true-hearted friend. The mother, a' whole host in herself, with a stock of goaheadactive-
ness to supply a half dozen ordinary women. The families of both generations were singers. Their
memory is enshrined in many hearts. Nor soon will be forgotten the singers or their songs." The article
closed with a defense of the too-often-much-abused choirs in our churches, and an exhortation to appreci-
ative gratitude for these " ministers in the song-service."
814 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
MOSES S. HARTWELL, retired, bom Aug. 24, 1806, in HiUsboro, N. H. ; by the
time he was of age, he had learned the trade of carpenter and joiner ; in 1827, he removed to Essex Co.,
N. Y.; he was married in September, 1828, to Miss Mary Orcut, who died in March, 1836, leaving five
children — Clark S., Adelbert, Henry M., Electa B. and George; in 1830, he removed to Washington
Co., N. Y., which was his home for twenty-one years ; in both counties he carried on the business of car-
penter and joiner ; married his present wife in February, 1838 ; her maiden name was Harriet Stout, born
in Washington Co. Nov. 28, 1812 ; in 1851, he came West, and, on the night of April 10, 1851, he
stopped on the land where he now lives, which is in a thickly settled portion of the village of Waukesha ;
he has a comfortable home on an acre of charmingly ornamented and beautifully situated land ; he owns
other real estate in the village ; for thirty-five years himself and wife have been members of the Presby-
terian Church, and for the last quarter of a century himself and son have been the leading contractors and
builders in Waukesha Co. ; in cheerful competency, himself and his worthy wife are now nearing the land
" whence no traveler returneth."
WIIililAM HASLiA^jtE, firm of Anderson & Haslage, proprietors of the Silurian Springs,
was born in Germany in 1827; when but a lad, he sought the broader, brighter business fields of the
Western World ; 1845 found him at the age of 18 in Pittsburgh, Penn., engaged as a groceryman's clerk,
with the princely (?) income of $3 per month and board. Several seasons of faithful labor followed, quite
profitable to his employer, but yielding little improvement to his own condition. About 1850, he saw a
desirable opening to start a grocery store, but his entire capital of aggregated savings amounted to just
$29. His industry, courtesy and integrity had secured him friends and credit. Business prospered, and
his energy and frugality enabled him soon to seek a wider field, and he established himself at No. 15 Dia-
mond, where he carried on busioess eleven years. Careful forethought and rare business qualifications have
enabled him to pursue an uninterrupted course of prosperity, notwithstandiog panics, fires and the vary-
ing tides of commercial life. Since April, 1871, he has occupied his own palatial store, No. 18 Diamond
Square, Pittsburgh, Penn. It is the largest grocery store in the city, and does an immense retail trade,
besides an increasing wholesale business. For elegance and convenience, the " Palace Store " is described
as unsurpassed in the West. As a specimen of the sales, their tea trade alone exceeds fifty thousand
pounds, mainly at retail. The pay-roll of employes of this store exceeds $1,000 per month. The trade of
the firm of William Haslage & Co. includes every department of the grocery business. His home is on
Spring Hill, Allegheny, where he has a grapery of 12,000 vines. His business qualifications hive made
him a valued director in several corporations ; his protracted devotion to business affected his health as
early as 1870. Serious disease, mainly diabetes, totally unfitted him for business, and for nearly three
years his sufferings were so intense that death would have been welcome relief; eminent physicians declared
the uselessness of ordinary medicines, and advised the use of mineral waters. His attention was called to a
widely advertised spring in Waukesha, and as a forlorn hope he was induced to test its efficacy. Not ex-
pecting to return alive, he made his will before leaving Pittsburgh ; on arriving at Waukesha, June, 1879,
he drank the water of the spring referred to for two weeks without receiving any marked benefit. Then,
on advice of a resident physician, he began drinking the water of the Silurian Spring, and was immediately
blessed with a change for the better. The quenchless thirst of the previous years speedily vanished, and
in two months there was a complete restoration to a healthy condition. The relief being so immediate,
and the cure so perfect and permanent, he determined to own the curative spring. Having secured
it by a large investment, and having expended many thousands of dollars in establishing a hygienic institu-
tion, and in rendering the spacious grounds more attractive, he nevertheless invites all humanity to come
and partake of the water of Silurian, without limitation, and "without money and without price," at the
spring. With the co-operation of his partner, Mr. Anderson, he intends to make its merits known
throughout the land. His family are at Waukesha. The sales of Silurian water are rapidly increasing,
and already extend throughout both hemispheres.
W. S. HAWKINS was bom in the town of Fairfax, Franklin Co. (now Lamoille Co.), Vt.,
Jan. 5, 1808 ; Uved in Vermont, and a little while in Plattsburg, N. Y. (perhaps two or three years in the
latter place before he was 8 years of age) ; balance of the time in Vermont, until he came to Wisconsin,
July 15, 1846. Mr. Hawkins came to Waukesha on that day with his family ; he commenced the practice
of law immediately, and has continued practice ever since ; he has been Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
three years. County Treasurer afterward for two years, and Justice of the Peace several terms. Mr.
Hawkins was married in the town of Kichmond, Chittenden Co., Vt., Jan. 5, 1830, to Mary M. Jackson.
She was born in the town of Richmond Dec. 20, 1797. They have had two children — Mary Ehzabeth,
married B. L. Lyman, and died in Montana ; Juliette Amelia, died in Richmond, Vt., before Mr. H. came
WAUKESHA. 815
West — ^hqr age was 5 years. Mr. Hawkins is a member of the A., F. & A. M. ; had the honor of starting
the lodge and chapter ; Secretary of Blue Lodge a great many years ; he is now Chapter Secretary, an''
has been since its organization.'
HON. CHARLES S. HAWL-EY was bom in Amherst, Mass., Dec. 25. 1813. Moved
to the town of Floyd, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; lived there until 1835, then moved to the town of Berlin,
Chenango Co., N. Y. Remained there and engaged in the mercantile business until the spring of 1845,
when he came to Waukesha and engaged in farming and building for about three years then engaged in
mercantile business, which he continued mpst of the time until July, 1865, when he finally sold out.
After .closing up his mercantile affairs two or three years, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and has
been re-elected and served every year since ; has been Assessor of the village and town since the spring of
1872 ; Town Clerk one term, as early as 1848-49. At the time of the organization of the village, he was
one of the Trustees and was afterward President; he was also Street Commissioner. In 1856-57-58, he
was a member of the General Assembly of the State. In 1848, he was candidate for SheriiF, hut was-
defeated. In 1851, he was again candidate and defeated, but ran both times far ahead of his ticket. Mr.
Hawley was married in the town of Rome, N. Y, in February, 1832, to Chloe Hibbard. She was born iu
Rome ; died in Waukesha Oct. 6, 1875, leaving two children — Susan E., now Mrs. J. B. Taft, of Racine,
Wis.; Arba B., now a resident of the town of Bloomer, Chippewa Co., Wis. They lost one son, who died
in Waukesha in April, 1864. Mr. Hawley was married the second time in Waukesha, Oct. 29, 1877, to
Mrs. Kate M. Parcell, who was born near Newark, N. J. Mr. Hawley is a member of the Congregational
Church, and one of the charter members of the Sons of Temperance.
THOMAS HAITNES was born in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, England, Nov. 9, 1^17; came
to Milwaukee from England, May 18, 1863 ; remained there one year, and removed to Waukesha, dealing^
in general farm produce, feed etc., since coming here. He was married in England, May 3, 1848, to
Hannah Kendrick Lester. Three children by this marriage — Thomas Lester, born March 29, 1849 ;.
William Henry, born Dec. 2, 1851, Hannah Lester, born Jan. 17, 1855 ; all born in England. Mr.
Haynes present wife was Henrietta Gordon Harper — married at Dudley, Staffordshire, England, June 18,
1862. They have six children, all of whom were born in America, and as follows — Frederick Robert,
Sept. 21, 1864; Alexander Gordon, March 29, 1866; Henrietta, Sept. 16, 1867 ; Charles Lester, Sept.
14, 1868; Jennie Meredith, Sept. 4, 1870, and George Albert, Nov. 21, 1877. Mr. Haynes has been a
member of the Waukesha Village Board of Trustees.
DR. A. HAWLEY HEATH, of New York City, Medical Director of the Asahel Mineral
Spring of Waukesha (see description of the spring in the general history of Waukesha). Dr. Heath
is a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is a descendant of eminent Revolutionary patriots. His grand-
mother was first cousin of the brave old Gen. Herkimer, who lost his life at the battle of Oriskany.
■ His mother is own cousin of ex-United States Treasurer Spinner. His first cousin, the late Maj. Gen.
Herman H. Heath, was Buchanan Postmaster at Dubuque, Iowa, when the South seceded, and he immedi-
ately raised a company of cavalry, and entered the Union army. He was wounded in a number of* battles,
and steadily promoted to be Major General of volunteers. Oue of his sons was killed by his side in battle.
His brother, Dr. Allen S. Heath, joined Col. Corcoran's regiment as Surgeon, and was subsequently made
Gen. King's Brigade Burgeon. Dr. A. Hawley Heath has made chronic diseases his specialty in New
York City since 1849, and is the only physician in that city who has thoroughly established the Waukesha
Spring water in their practice as a special branch. He purchased and introduced the Asahel. Mineral
Spring, as such, in April, 1875, and has a large number of letters of most wonderful cures.
A. D. HENDRICKSOX was born near Rome, N. Y., Nov. 24, 1817. When not more than 2
years of age, his parents removed to Oswego Co., town of Richland, near Pulaski ; lived there until his
mother's death, December, 1826 ; soon after she died, he went to live with a farmer in Jefferson Co.,
N. Y. ; remained there two years ; then returned to the town of Richland and worked for a brother-in-law
until he was 21 years of age ; he then entered Rensselaer Academy, at Mexicoville, Oswego Co., N. Y. ;
he was there nearly four years, and then went to Fulton, Oswego Co., as teacher, in what is now known
as Palley Seminary ; was two years there, and then became Principal of Red Creek Union Academy, at
Red Creek, Cayuga Co., N. Y. ; he was there three years in that position, and was for six years Principal
of the public schools in Weedsport, N. Y. ;. he then spent two years in a chemical laboratory in New York
City ; one and a half years at Harlem, N. Y., as teacher in No. 1 of the public schools of that place. After
another year, spent as Principal of the Weedsport school, he came West to Whitewater, Walworth Co.,
Wis., arrivingk in April, 1855 ; he engaged in farming there for four years, superintended his farm, and
taught in the Whitewater pubHc schools, as Principal, three years of this time. Mr. Hendrickson then
816 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
moved to Eagle, this county, and taught the, Eagle Summit school two and a half years; he was then
appointed County Superintendent of Schools ; he filled the unexpired term of Capt. Enos, and was re-
elected, and served in all over three years; he resigned that' position in October, 1865, to accept the
position of Superintendent of the Reform School, at Waukesha ; he continued in that capacity for eleven
years and three months, his wife was matron of the institution for the same period, and his two daughters
taught in the school connected with the institutioD. Mr. Hendrickson resided in Janesville, Wis., from
April, 1877, to October, 1879 ; and at that time he took charge of the Industrial School at Waukesha,
until the recovery ot Mr. Steep, a few months later ; since which time he has been Assistant Superintedant
of the institution. Mr. Hendrickson's father and mother were William and Keziah Drake Hendrickson.
He was married in Mexiooville, Oswego, N. Y., Nov. 30, 1841, to Olive Densmore ; she was born in
Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y. ; she died Aug. 8, 1878, leaving three children — Clesson A., a resident of
Harvard, Clay Co., Neb. ; M. Louisa, now Mrs. Herbert Lawrence, of Janesville, and Jennie K. Clesson.
A. Hendrickson served three years in Co. C, 24th W. V. I., and participated in all the battles his regi-
ment was engaged in. Mr. Hendrickson, Sr., has been a member of the M. E. Church since he was 14 '
years of age. During the three years that he was teaching, and conducting his farm at Whitewater, he
filled the pulpit of ihe M. E. Church of that place ; and while there received deacon's orders, which he
still holds. He also conducted the religious • services of the Sabbath, in the reform school, for several
years. Before entering Falley Seminary, at Pulton, N. Y., he, and his wife, started a select school, and
afterward, in about six months, he consolidated his school with the young ladies' seminary, which resulted
in the formation and organization of Falley Seminary, in about one year, Mr. Hendrickson, being prac-
tically the founder of that institution. Mr. H. represented Wisconsin as delegate to the Prison and Re-
form Coi%ress, which met at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870 ; he also represented Wisconsin in the International
Penitentiary Congress, held in the city of London, England, July 3, 1872.
HEPP & BKEiHIIf , general store on Broadway. The senior partner, William Hepp, was
born Jan. 29, 1848, in New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis.; early life was on farm ; learned mercantile busi-
ness in Milwaukee ; was married, Dec. 15, 1875, to Miss Myrta Moore, daughter of Josiah Moore, a prom-
inent farmer in the township of Waukesha ; has one child, William Charles, born in September, 1876 ;
residence is on East St.; he belongs to no society. Mr. Brehm — the junior partner, is of German par-
entage— is unmarried ; was several years book-keeper for a large firm in Milwaukee ; he is a Catholic.
The firm established their present business in February, 1880, and are popular and prosperous.
MRS. KATE B. HULL, proprietor of Clysmic Spring ; native of Natchez, Miss., is of Italian
parentage, both parents having been born in Grenoa, Italy ; her brother Paul A. Botto, recently deceased,
was for fifteen years editor and proprietor of the Natchez democrat and Courier ; although born in classic
Italy, he was a representative son of the Southland, genial, chivalric, high-toned, talented, unselfish and of
heroic bravery. The only other member of the family is a brother, Lewis Botto, who is a merchant in
Natchez. The father, also, at his death, was a leading merchant of that city. She was married in Septemb.er,
1871, to John Hill, a native of Alsace, Germany ; he fell a victim to yellow fever during the next month,
October, 1871. Through the influence of a friend, who was coming to Waukesha, from Natchez, to spend
the summer of 1877, she was induced to visit this village ; she remained two seasons, her health was im-
proved and she purchased the Clysmic Spring in January, 1879. The waters of the spring are popular
throughout the South ; she spends the winter in the South, and the summer at the Spring.
WILLIAM C. HOLBROOK was born in Surry, Cheshire Co., N. H., Aug 13, 1851 ;
son of Elijah and Elizabeth Holbrook. His mother died when William was about six years old; he
came with his father to Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1865 ; his father was proprietor of the Railroad
House, now called the Williams House. They went from there to Milwaukee, and his father was propri-
etor of the '' Juneau House " there for one year ; then went to Waukesha in 1868, and took charge of the
Exchange Hotel, most of the time conducted by his father, for eight years. William C. became proprietor
in May, 1879. He was Deputy Sheriff for several months, and Village Marshal one year. Mr. Holbrook
was married at Pewaukee, April 24, 1879, to Ella E. Hall, daughter of WilUam Hall, now a resident of
Pewaukee.
WILLIAM B. HOLBROOK, retired ; born July, 1812, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ;
came to Green Bay, Wis., in 1837 ; was in Milwaukee July 4, 1839, at a celebration, and the breaking'
of ground for Rock River Canal ; the spade broke and prostrated the hero of the day ; the canal project
proved a failure. He farmed five years, and manufactured grain cradles some years, and in 1851 settled
in Waukeslia, where, for twenty-five years, he practiced dentistry ; he studied with his brother in York
State. The Doctor was married in 1840 to Miss Lydia Bangs, of Illinois; they have no issue. He was
WAUKESHA. 817
the second dentist in the county, and this village increased tenfold during his practice. He retired in
1879, because of impaired eyesight, although he was enjoying liberal patronage. He patented, in 1879, a
new method of retaining artificial lower dentures. This is new to the profession, and is being rapidly
introduced, finding approval even in Europe. He owns some real estate in the village, besides his residence
on South St., opposite the M. E. Church. Has declined all ofiice ; is a Conservative Independent, with
Kepublican proclivities. Ever since Spiritualism became prominent in the West, he has been a firm
believer and pronounced advocate of its doctrines.
CHARIiES HORNING, contractor and builder ; born in 1824, in Pennsylvania ; learned
his trade before he w%s of age, and has carried on the business ever since, except the five years that he
was in the lumber business at Whitewater ; came to Wisconsin in 1847. He was married, in 1849, to
Miss Elizabeth Wambold, of Milwaukee Co. Was in business in Milwaukee about sixteen years; removed
to Waukesha in 1875, and erected his beautiful residence on High St., just east of the Silurian Spring.
Has two children — Adeline C. and David W. ; both are unmarried. David is a practicing physician at
Brothertown, Calumet Co., near Fond du Lac. The family are Congregationalists. He is a good mechanic,
and a quiet, respected citizen.
CAPT. DANIEL. HOWEL,Ii, retired ; born in October, 1808, in Delaware Co., N. Y ;
until 1835, was on farm. Married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, formerly of New York State; they
have had no issue. In 1832, he founded a town and established a post office in Chautauqua Co., N. Y. ; the
post office was known as the " Salem X Roads." His commission was from William T. Barry. In 1835, he
moved to White Pigeon, Mich., and kept hotel till 1839, then moved to Illinois, and kept hotel till 1849
in Belvidere and Rockford ; then was proprietor for five years of the Jefierson House at the county seat
of Jefferson Co., Wis.; afterward five years in business at Milwaukee, and, in 1859, removed to Urand
Rapids, Wis., and was engaged in the mercantile business when the rebellion broke out in 1861. The
Governor sent him a commission to raise a company, which he secured in that vicinity, and left Grand
Rapids with his company on the 29th of October, 1861. He left Camp Randall for service on the 11th
of January, 1862, in command of Co. G, known as the "Evergreens, in 12th W. V. I. He
served till April, 1863, when, on account of sickness, he resigned. Since 1866, he has resided at Wauke-
sha ; was in the Exchange Hotel awhile with his brother-in-law, F. JI. Putney, the owner of the hotel ;
since then he has done some work as a commission man, and as a dealer in agTicultural implements. In
Michigan, he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors ; was County Treasurer one term, and,
afterward — 1854 and 1855 — in the State Senate. He has made and lost several fortunes ; he has
been a Democrat all his life ; he was one of ex-Gov. Barstow's supporters, who were styled, " The Forty
Thieves." For several years, he has not taken an active part in politics. He is a genial and respected
gentleman. Residence is on Bast avenue.
JOHN HO WITT, County Superintendent of Schools, was horn in the town of Avon, N. ¥.,
April 30, 1841 ; lived there until he came to Wisconsin in 1859 ; he located on Section 28, in the town
of Lisbon ; engaged in farming and teaching since that time ; was elected School Superintendent in 1875 ;
re-elected in 1877 and 1879. Mr. H owitt has been identified with the school interests ever since he came here.
H. S. HUGHES, ticket and freight agenfC, M. & St.- P. R. R. ; born in Oneida Co., N. Y.,
in March, 1 842 ; he has been agent about ten years ; is capable and popular ; the family are highly respected ;
he is Master of a Masonic Lodge.
HAZEN H. HUNKINS, deceased, was born in Danville, Vt., May 19, 1820 ; came West
1839, and settled in New Berlin, Waukesha Co. He was married Nov. 2(j, 1847, to Miss Aurelia S.
Seagel, formerly of Waterbury, Vt. His early life was passed on a farm ; he was a few years proprietor
of a marble establishment; in 1867, he moved into the village of Waukesha, and built a large and
attractive home, on corner of Grand avenue and Carroll St. He held various local offices ; In 1864, he
was elected County Treasurer ; he was Chief Engineer Fire Department, and was an appreciated officer ;
at the time of his death, he was Under Sheriff of the county. He died on the 29th of March, 1879,
leaving three children — M. Emma, who married William S. Parsons, and lives in New Berlin ; Carrie A.,
at home ; Wilbur F., married A. D. Jackman, and lives in Waukesha. He was a Master Mason, and
exemplified the virtues of the order in his daily life; he was buried with Masonic honors. Since 1857, he
had been a consistent member of the M. E. Church. He was quiet, unassuming and highly respected ;
he was a wise counselor, reliable citizen, and ably acted his part in all the varied relations of life. Mrs.
Hunkins still lives in the beautiful homestead, and is well known as a genial and competent lady ; her
home is the favorite resort of many summer " spring visitors." It is a " tourists' home," and is acknowl-
edged as the leading establishment of the kind in Waukesha.
818 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ROBEiRT H. HUNKINS, cooper ; was born in Danville, Vt., in 1830; came to Wisconsin in
1840, and settled at New Berlin, where he carried on farming till 1866, when he moved into the village of
Waukesha and engaged in building railroad bridges. Was married in 1 852 to Miss Frances Scagel, of
Vermont; they have one daughter — Eva, now at home. For the last six years, he has employed six or
eight men in the shop, manufacturing mainly the packages used by the Bethesda Spring. His shop is on
Park St., and his residence on East Ave. He is a member of the fire department. Is a Republican.
JO HIV F. ICKE, dealer in leather and findings; born in Germany," January, 1838 ; came to
United States in 1852, and settled first in Milwaukee,- and then, in 1856, came to the county of Wau-
kesha, and since 1865, has lived in the village of Waukesha. Has been clerk, shoeftiaker and merchant;
owns his store on Main St. ; it is the only establishment of the kind in the county. He was married in
1863 to Miss Fredericka Prior, of Muskego ; has five children, three sons and two daughters, all at
home. Residence is on Main St. Is member of Board of Trustees of the M. E. Church in Waukesha.
Takes but little interest in politics ; is a reliable citizen..
SAMUEIi D. JAMES was born near Cardigan, in South Wales, Nov. 22, 1823; came to
New York State in 1 P47 ; located in Utiea, remained there three years, and then- moved to Sandusky,
Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. ; was selling goods there until he came to Waukesha, Wis., Sept. 30, 1864 ;
he engaged in mercantile business here in 1865 — firm of Jameson & James ; they continued together until
1871, when Mr. Jameson retired from business. Mr. James has carried on the business alone since that
time — first general dry goods and groceries, now dry goods and clothing exclusively — and has engaged in no
other business except merchandising during his residence in Waukesha. Mr. James was married in San-
dusky, N. Y., to Elizabeth Williams; she was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales; they have three children
— David C, Arthur W. and Annie. ^
REUBEN m. JAMESON was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1816 ; he lived
there until he was 18 years of age, then went to Bufialo as clerk in a wholesale grocery house ; he remained
six years with one firm, and then engaged in general merchandising, with a man by the name of Swift,
at Arcade, N. Y. In two years, Mr. Jameson moved to Sandusky, N. Y., where he engaged in business
alone, seven and a half years ; then for five years he was not in active business, then for two and a half years
he engaged in mercantile business, in partnership with 8. D. James, at Sandusky. In May, 1865, he
came to Waukesha, and in September commenced business again with S. D. James, under the firm name
of " Jameson & James." They continued together until March, 1872. Mr. Jameson has not been in
active business since that time, being engaged in looking after his investments principally. Mr. Jameson
has been Village President one term. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors two years, Village Trustee two
years. Mr. Jameson is also agent of the Etna Fire Insurance Co., and is one of the Executive Committee
of the Waukesha rBoard of Underwriters. He was married in Caneadea, Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 17,
1857, to Emily Wilson ; she was born at Caneadea, Allegany Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1834 ; they have
two daughters — Grace Estelle, now Mrs. Charles A. Williams of Milwaukee, and Eva May. Mr. Jame-
son's father and mother were Thomas and Rebecca Taggart Jameson. His father was born in Antrim,
N. H., May 13, 1778 ; died at Boston, Erie Co., N. Y., March 29, 1859 ; mother was born in Vermont,
Jan. 21, 1774 ; she died at Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 3, 1848.
J. ERNEST JEWETT, was born in the town of Menomonee, Waukesha Co., Aug. 17,
1854; he came to Waukesha in 1858; he is the son of John E. and Mary C. Jewett; they came to
Wisconsin and located in Waukesha (probably in 1848). He was educated in the Union School and
Carroll College. Mr. Jewett engaged in the photograph business three years ; one year afterward, he was
connected with the nursery business, and is now employed in the freight and shipping department of the
Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys.
M. M. KEIililHER was born in County of Cork, Ireland, Sept. 6, 1837 ;,came to America in
1854 ; he lived in Canada about six months, then located in New Hampshire and resided there until he
removed to Rhode Island about two years afl(er the close of the war ; he was six months in Providence,
R. I.; he then went to Baraboo, Sauk Co., remained there two years, then went to Newark, Ohio, for one
year, when he removed to Peru, Ind.; there he remained but a year. He commenced working in the
woolen mills at Newport, N. H., when he was 17 years of age, and continued in that business until 1875 ;
then he started the business of a dealer in clothing, hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods, etc. Mr. Kelliher
served in the army over three years during the late rebellion ; enlisted in Co. B, 2d N. H. V. I. May 18,
1861 ; he was wounded at first Bull Run and discharged on that account. Soon afterward, he raised Co.
C, 7th N, H. V. I.; the winter following he was commissioned First Lieutenant and served until he resigned.
He has been School District Clerk two years since he came to Waukesha in March, 1871 ; was married at
WAUKESHA. 819
Concord, N. H., May 2, 1863, to Catharine Cronin ; she was born in County Cork, Ireland. They have
four children living — Annie B., Kate, Mary and Mortimer M., having lost one son, Robert E., who died
in June, 1879, aged 15 years. Mr. Kelliher and family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
DfK. A. KENDRICKS, located in the town of Waukesha in' the spring of 1853, settled on
what is now known as the Barney farm or Wm. White place, was there about five or six years, when he
moved to the village, ; he has engaged in the practice of medicine ever since his residence in Waukesha ;
he was born in Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., Aug. 1, 1813, received a classical education at the Classical School
and Academy at Hamilton, Madison Co., X. Y.; in June, 1832, he graduated from Woodstock Medical
School, which was connected with Middlebury College, commenced practice in Salisbury, Vt„ there one
year, then engaged in practice four years at Ticonderoga, N. Y., afterward in West Granville, N. Y. fifteen
years, until he came to Wisconsin. Dr. K. was married at Ticonderoga^to Orpha A. Smith Dec. 31, 1834;
she died Feb. 1-4, 1840, leaving two children. Rev. Adin A., now President of ShurtlefF College, and Lucy
0., now Mrs. J. J. Watson, of Burlingame, Kan. ; married his second wife at Ticonderoga ; her name
was Martha P. Smith, who died Oct. 3, 1865, leaving two children, Albert S., now a resident of St. Louis,
Justin S., also a resident of St. Louis, and cashier and book-keeper of Equitable Insurance Company. Dr.
Kendrick's present wife was Mary A. Tyler, a native of the town of New Berlin N. Y.; she has a
daughter Jlaud, by a former marriage. The Doctor's son, Albert S. served in the 28th W. V. I ; served
until the regiment was finally mustered out, and was Adjutant of his regiment for some time after he
entered the service, was appointed Q. M. S. before leaving feamp at Milwaukee.
D. W. KENT, real-estate.and insurance agency; born in 1818, in Oswego Co., N. Y.; went to
Illinois, with his parents, in 1836, who settled on a farm near Palatine; he was married in 1839, to Miss
Persis Bailey, daughter of Amos Bailey, a prominent farmer of that town ; Mrs. Kent died in the spring
of 18(68, leaving seven children, of whom six are now living — Albert, married, and living in Waukesha ;
Mary B., married, and living in jMichigan; Liberty M. W., married, and living in Milwaukee ; Hiram T.,
married, and living in Pewaukee ; Persis A. at home, and Nellie A. at home. Most of the time in Illi-
nois ; was a farmer ; gave up farming in 1870 ; lived in Waukesha since 1857, save two years in Rock Co.;
married his second wife in the fall of 1858 ; she was Miss Treadway, sister of W. W. Treadway, of Jlad-
ison ; she died in 1862, leaving one son, Henry W., now at home ; he married his present wife in 1863 ;
her maiden name was Elizabeth Hillyer ; he was two terms Justice of the Peace — never asked for an ofiice
or a vote ; he is well known as a temperance worker ; is a leading " Good Templar ;" the family are Congre-
gationalists ; all the children also being members of that church, and none of them use tobacco or intoxi-
cating liquors ; owns a residence on Carroll street ; accommodates a few summer boarders.
IRA KIMBALili, Deputy United States Internal Revenue Collector, was born at Bath, N.
H., July 28, 1829 ; received a common-school education, and learned the trade of wool-carding .and cloth
manufacturing, in his native town ; came from New Hampshire to Wisconsin, and settled in Waukesha
in August, 1854; engaged in milling, buying gi-ain, keeping books for his brother, R. N. Kimball, for
about ten years. He was two years in mercantile business — taught school two years — then was engaged in
the wool-carding business for two years ; then sold out that business to the Waukesha County Manufact-
uring Company ; and was connected with that company for four years — part of the time superintendent
and purchaser of wool. After leaving that company, he was engaged in the purchase of wool, and doing
insurance business, until September, 1878, when he was appointed Deputy United States Internal Revenue
Collector, for the third division of the first district, embracing the counties of Waukesha and Walworth.
Mr. K. has been marshal of the village two years, Village Treasurer two years ; and for the last two years
Clerk of the Village Board ; he has also served as A^illage Trustee. Mr. Kimball was maiTied at Bath,
N. H., July 3, 1855, to Miss Ruth Ann Southard. She was born in Bath. They have one son — -Frank
S., born May 2, 1856. Mr. K. and son are members of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge, of this city.
JACOB H. KlfflBAIili was born in Bridgton, Cumberland Co., Me., on the 3d of Aprib
1800 ; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and lived in his native State until after his marriage.
On the 14th of January, 1834, he was married to Miss Harriet Gage, of his native town. On the 17th
,of June, 1837, he landed with his family in Milwaukee, and for forty-three years he has resided in Wis-
consin. Sabina Barney's family and some other pioneer veterans came on the same boat. After a two-
years sojourn in Sheboygan, he reached Prairie ville (Waukesha) at midnight, the 24th of December,
1839, half dead with cold, and wearing the frozen clothing which was wet in the Menomonee River. , He
immediately bought 200 acres of land adjoining the present village of Waukesha, and including the land
where he now lives. Mrs. Kimball died in 1868 ; they had two children who died in itifancy. When he
came in 1837 there was, at Prairieville, a%rist-mill and a saw-mill, Buckner's log tavern, and two frame
820 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
houses owned by John Gale and Henry Bowron. He built the third frame house in the township. He
was actively instrumental in dividing old ^Milwaukee Co., and so establishing the boundaries of this county
that the county seat might and should be at Waukesha ; this he did mainly under the leadership of
William H. Barstow. He was« member of the Territorial Council in 1845-46 ; was several terms Super-
visor ; was afterward engaged in the lumber business ; several years Register of the Land Office at Mil-
waukee. He sold most of his land in 1847 ; his health for many years was not good ; he claims to be the
second old settler who was cured of the kidney disease by use of the Bethesda Spring water. Although
past fourscore, he assures the writer that his general health was never better than for the past fifteen years ;
his eyesight forbids reading, but his memory is unimpaired, and he is a straight, vigorous man. His home
is with Erastus Scott, nearly a mile from the post officej on land which he bought in 1839. He was never
intemperate ; has not drank any intoxicating liquor for the last ten years, and he never tasted tobacco but
once. He has been a Freemason, but not a church-member. Financially, he expects to "come out about
even with this world ;" religiously, he trusts it will be " all right in the next world."
NANCY H. KOIBAJLLi, nee Keene, widow of E. N. Kimball; she was born in Pompey,
Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 28, 1822 ; he was born Oct. 1, 1817, in Bath, G-rafton Co., N. H.; they were
married May 31, 1865, in Lafayette, N. Y. He had previously married Miss Fanny Hibbard, who died
Aug. 24, 1864, leaving three children — Edward K., who is married and living in Waukesha; Greorge I.,
who is married and living in Kansas City, Mo., and Hobert I., living in Colorado. Mr. Kimball came
West in 1842 ; he was several years a farmer ; he bought 90 acres of land northwest part of Waukesha,
charmingly located on a blulF overlooking the city. He was for tweij^ty-five years proprietor of the " For-
est City Flouring Mills," at Waukesha; he was always too busy to accept official. position ; was an active,
reliable Republican; was member of I. 0. 0. F.; the family are Episcopalians. He died the 13th of
September, 1879, leaving one son by last marriage, Albert K., born July 13,1 866. The farm is well known
as " Oak Hill," and lies partly in Waukesha and in Pewaukee, but the residence is only a quarter-mile
from the court house. The farm has substantial improvements and a rare location. The home is shared
by Mrs. Kimball and her sister. Miss Mary A. Keene.
RUSSEIili X. KIlflBAJLIi, born in Bath, N. H., Oct. 1, 1817 ; his parents were of that
class of hard working people, who gained a livelihood by farming, rearing a large family ; he received
only a limited education, in the common schools of the county, which at that time were not of as high
order as at the present day ; but being of an active mind, and endowed with energy, he excelled largely his
associates ; as, he advanced in years, his genius partook of a mechanical turn, and he turned his attention
to the business of mill building, and operating the same; after following this business for a few years,
and hearing of the glowing prospects offered by the then " Par West," in the year 1841, he started for Wis-
consin, trfiveling by rail to Buffalo, and from there by stage and boat, reaching Milwaukee in the spring of
the same year, being four weeks in making the journey ; having little or no capital to engage in business,
he hired himself to Hon. E. D. Holton, for whom he worked faithttilly, until 1843 and then commenced
for himself; in the grocery business, on West Water street, near Spring street, which business he prosecuted
with success, until 1847, when he purchased a farm at the west extremity of Spring street, on the outskirts
of the city, on which there was a water power, which he improved by erecting a saw-mill, and operating the
same until the year 1854 ; he then sold the saw-mill, and purchased the grist and saw-mill at Waukesha,
and engaged in the business of flouring, and sawing lumber, until 1876, when he died. Mr. Kimball was
an indefatigable worker, and handled an immense amount of money, during his lifetime. In 1874, he listed
property to the value of $67,802.87, above all liabilities. It consisted of the mill property and water-
power, a farm of 87 acres, the old railroad shops, warehouse, and various personal property. He was an
enterprising citizen, and an obliging neighbor.
ROBERT KIlViBIE, superintendent of the tailoring department. Industrial School, was born
in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1823, lived in that county until he came to Wisconsin; he
came to Waukesha in August, 1846, engaged in tailoring business, which he continued on his own account,
until he took charge of the tailoring department of the Industrial school, October, 1859 ; he has continued in
charge all of the time except for a period of about one year, when he was absent on account of illneSs, and
on a visit to the East.
ISAAC JLAIIV. The father of Isaac Lain was living in Minisink, Orange Co., N. Y., when the
son was born, Dec. 18, 1820. The maiden name of his mother was Deborah Alger. Lsaac, the youngest
of a family of nine children, aided his father on a farm, until 1833, when the father died ; he continued to
work at farming until 17 years old, usually attending a district school during the winter months ; at that
age he went to Chemung Co., and worked five years, with two older brothers, at the carpenter's trade; in
WAUKESHA. 821
June, 1842, he settled in Waukesha, and there continued to operate as a house-builder and contractor for
about ten years; in 1852, he engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, adding manufacturing a few
years later ; in 1877 he became a stockholder in the Waukesha Manufacturing Company, and is Secretary
of the same. Mr. Lain was a member of the General .Assembly in 1861, at the opening of the rebellion ;
during the rebellion he was very active in encouraging enlistments, and in various ways helping on the
cause. He has held various local offices ; has been President of the village several times, and for a time
was one of the managers of the Industrial School at Waukesha. He was Chairman of the County Board
of Supervisors from 1866 to 1870. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a member and Clerk of the Baptist
Church of Waukesha ; is a warm friend of temperance. His first wife. Miss Sarah C. Van. Vechten, a
native of Princetown, N. Y., died in 1852, after being married a year and a half. In August, 1858, he
was married to her sister, Rebecca J. Yau Vechten, also a native of Princetown ; they have three children,
two daughters and a son, Mary C, Wm. H. and Keziah Belle. Mrs. Lain's father, Hubertus Van Vechten
(now deceased), settled in Waukesha November, 1841.
PETER LiAU, blacksmith ; bom in 1834 in Germany ; came to the United States in 1854)
learned his trade in the old country ; worked two years in Cedarburg and vicinity, and then settled at
Brookfield, this county. Was married in 1857 to Miss Brachen Wagen, formerly of Germany. She died
in 1867, leaving two children — Bernhardt and Alfred. In 1863, he moved to the village of Waukesha,
where he has since resided. He carried on blacksmithing in his own shop, on Madison street, and lives in
his own house on Anno street. He was married in the fall of 1867 to Miss Heidel, of Theinville. They
have four children — Clara, Maggie, ^i-rthur and Amanda. He is an industrious and successful mechanic,
a reading man, and a Republican.
REV. ROBERT LESIilE, Pastor of the Baptist Church, Waukesha, was born January
7, 1838, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He came to this country in 1851 ; graduated after a four years' college
course, from the University of Chicago, in Illinois, in 1869, and from the Baptist Union Theological Sem-
inary, in Chicago, in 1870. Soon after, he settled in Anamosa, Iowa, where he was ordained to the min-
istry. He married in Clinton, Iowa, in 1870. He was Pastor of the Baptist Church in Joliet, 111., three
years, and in Waverly, Iowa, five years. He settled in his present pastorate, Aug. 1, 1879.
JOHN F. C LiEGLER was born in Naples, Italy, Dec. 23, 1854 ; came to America in Octo-
ber, 1869, located in Augusta, Ga. ; he was one year there, and from 1870 to 1877, in Memphis, Tenn. ;
he then came to Bangor, La Crosse Co., Wis., where his father, Henry Legler, located in 1874.
While in Memphis, he was employed as book-keeper for a hide and leather firm. In March, 1878, he
went from Bangor, Wis., to New Orleans, La., and remained until November, 1879, as book-keeper in a
milling establishment ; March, 1880, he was appointed book-keeper of the Industrial School. Mr. Legler
lived in Naples and vicinity, until he was 7 years of age, when he was sent to college at Lake Zurich,
in Switzerland ; remained there until he was 14 years of age, and then' came to America.
REV. SAMUEL liUGG, the present Pastor of the First M. E. Church of Waukesha,
was born in the parish of St. Martin, in the county of Cornwall, England, on the 11th day of February,
1837 ; he attended school while young, under the patronage of the Church of England, was baptized
in that church, and was confirmed by Bishop Philpots, Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Exeter ; attended
select school under the patronage of iSir Richard R. Vyvyan, Bart.; served an apprenticeship to the car-
penter and joiner's trade for five years, and left England when 21 years of age for the United States ;
came to Wisconsin in 1858; declared his intention to become a citizen in 1860, and voted for Abraham
Lincoln ; attended school at the Garrett Biblical Institute in 1861 and 1863; went south in 1864, in the
service of the U. S. Christian Commission for four months without pay, and was stationed at the post of
Vicksburg, Miss., during that time ; was enrolled in the 1st regiment of militia for the State of Mississippi,
under command of Col. Holbrook for the defense of Vicksburg, without pay ; lost his health in this
service, and came home and worked at his trade for two years in the city of Racine, Wis.; joined the Wis-
consin Conference in the year 1866, and was stationed at Utters Corners and Richmond, in Walnut Co.;
in 1867, at Arfordville, in Rock Co.; in 1869, at Chnton, Junction, Rock Co.; 1870, at Edgerton in Rock Co.,
and Albion in Dane Co.; 1872, at Elkhorn, Walworth Co.; 1 873, First M . E. Church in the city of JanesvilJe ;
1875, atthecity of Oconomowoc; in 1876, at Bay View, Milwaukee ; in 1879, appointed to Waukesha. In
the year 1874 he took out papers of full citizenship, when Daniel Mowe, Esq., and Hon. Henry Palmer, M. D.,
now Surgeon General of the State of Wisconsin, swore that they had known him to be a man of good moral
character for upward of five years. He is a man of strong convictions, and hence has warm friends and lively
enemies ; he is candid and fearless in utterance ; his congregations complain of his loud speaking when he
gets excited on his subject ; he is earnest in his delivery, and never asks any one how they liked his
822 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
sermons ; this spirit of independence makes him unpopular in Waukesha ; perhaps he is lied about
some, but is, without doubt, the most unpopular minister in the village of Waukesha, and he expects to
move away in October next. He cares less for himself than his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, and be-
lieves he will go to heaven when he dies.
THOMAS McGEElV, painter; born Aug. 12, 1842, in Syracuse, N. Y. His parents came
to Waukesha, in 1846, and this village has been his home to the present date. Enlisted on the 10th of
May, 1861, in Co. F, 5th W. V. I. (the 1st regiment from the county), and he served until after the
surrender of Lee, in 1865 ; was a prisoner six weeks in Kichmond, Va. ; was fifteen months on detached
duty, as headquarters' guard ; came home without a scratch ; was married in 1873, to Miss Katie Haley,
who died in 1878, leaving one child, Thomas, Jr. ; owns the house on Eiver street, the shop is on Clinton
street ; has been painter ever since the war ; has carried on the business for five years. He is a member
of the Eoyal Arcanum.
THOMAS C. MARTIX, attorney at law, was born in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha,
Co., Wis., June 10, 1844 ; son of Patrick and Bridget Martin, who settled in Brookfield, in 1842, on
Sec. 26, ; his father died in 1846 ; his mother now lives in Brown Co., Wis. Thomas C. was reared on a
farm ; attended Carroll College two terms ; gTaduated from LariQ;o's Commercial College, at Milwaukee, in
1864 ; he taught school twelve terms in Waukesha Co., and two terms in Brown Co.; was County Clerk
of Waukesha Co., six years, and during that time studied law ; he was also Town Clerk in G-enesee six
years. Mr. Martin was married in the town of Genesee, Waukesha Co., April 28, 1868, to Mary E.
Cassidy ; she was born in the town of Cranston, R. I.; they have three children — Mary Frances, Daniel
Joseph and Thomas James. Members of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Mr. Martin was admitted to the
bar in 1878.
FRED W. MONTEITH came to Wisconsin in the summer of 1856, and located at Wau-
kesha. His father. Rev. William J. Monteith, came the same summer, and was Vice President and instructor
in Carroll College, and continued there until 1859. Fred W. was Principal of the preparatory department
in 1856 and 1857, and engaged in business enterprises of various kinds until 1863, when he settled down
to the practice of law. In 1860-61, was General Manager of the Esterly Reaper Works, at Whitewater.
He was admitted to the bar in 1863 ; he has been Justice of the Peace. Mr. Monteith was born in
Broadalbin, Fulton Co., N. Y., Nov. 17, 1837 ; he was married in Waukesha, Oct. 18, 1865, to Ellen
Dunbar White ; she was born in Windsor, Vt., March 2,1839. They have two children — Willie W.,
born Aug. 13, 1868, and Maggie Ellen, born March 6, 1870. Mrs. Monteith's father, William White
(son of Daniel and Martha C. White), was born at Mt. Holly, Vt., July 5, 1806 ; he was married at
Windsor, Vt, in December, 1835, to Jane C. Dunbar; came to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1845 ; to Waukesha
in 1849 ; he died in Waukesha Jan. 9, 1879.
DR. V. L. MOORE came to Watertown in the fall of 1849 ; is the son of Alexander R.
Moore, who settled there in the fall of 1849 ; he was educated in the Old Homoeopathic College of Phila-
delphia now the Hahnemann Medical College. Dr. Moore engaged in hospital practice a little over
a year in Philadelphia, then came to Sparta, Wis., where he remained nearly a year, then went to Water-
town ; continued in practice there until he entered the United States service in 1862. He was in service
about> three years, and went out as one of the lay surgeons. June J.6, 1865, he came to Waukesha and
has been engaged in practice here ever since. Dr. Moore was married at Sparta, Wis., to Eliza Jane
Phillips, daughter of Enos M. Phillips, one of the pioneers- of Wisconsin ; she was born in Pennsylvania.
They have one child — Alice Mary. *
L.EVERETT N. MO WRY, proprietor of Mansion House; born in Connecticut in 1854-
His father was a cotton merchant for many years. Subject of this sketch is a graduate of High School ^^
Hartford Conn.; was there three years with the old firm of Griswold, Whitman & Welch, commissio'i
dry-goods, a leading and well-known firm ; he was two years engaged in manufacturing Spring Balance Scalesi
under firm name of L. M. Mowry & Co., with sales room located at No. 25 Murray street. New York-
He was married in Saybrook, Conn., in 1877, to Miss Agnes A. Redfield, of that historic town. Came ■
West in 1878, and has been connected with the Mansion House since that date, the last year as sole pro-
prietor. This house is centrally located and convenient to the springs ; it provides accommodations for
one hundred guests ; it is modern in all its appointments, and is situated on corner of Grand and Wiscon-
sin avenues.
DENNIS D. MIJIiIjIGAIIII' was bom in St. Catharines, Canada, Nov. 1, 1853 ; came to
Waukesha with his parents March 17, 1856 ; he is the son of James and Ann Mulligan ; his father died
in Waukesha, aged 91 years ; his mother is still a resident of Waukesha. Dennis engaged in harness
WAUKESHA. 823
making when hie was about 13 years of age ; worked at tliat trade two years and eight months, afterward
engaged in railroading for four years ; four years ago, he commenced work for Russell Brothers, boot and shoe
manufacturers ; was with them two years ; for the last three years he has been connected with the Wiscon-
sin Industrial School for Boys, as Superintendent of the siding, crimping, welting, whipping and rubbing
department of the boot and shoe manufactory connected with that institution. Mr. Mulligan is a member
of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society.
JOHN^. J. NELSOBf, retired farmer; P. 0. Waukesha.; born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Oct-
16, 1827 ; learned the trade of machinist and saw-maker in New York City ; came to Waukesha County
in 1847, and settled on land in Pewaukee, where he remained thirty years. He was married March 1,
1852, to Miss Calista Porter, who was born in Ohio. Sept. 25, 1834, and came to Waukesha County with
her parents, in 1838 ; her father, Israel W. Porter, was the first settler in that part of the township of
Pewaukee, and on his land was started the second saw-mill in the county.' Mr Nelson has held various
local offices in his township, including Justice of the Peace and Supervisor. They had seven children ;
the oldest, Cordelia P., is dead ; Flora E. is married and living in this county ; Aurilla J., mamed and
living in Milwaukee; John H., a druggist in Black River Falls; Mary 0. and Calista M., at home
attending school, and Greorge W., at home. He has been a Republican " from the very start." For ten
years he was dealer in agricultural implements, with headquarters in Waukesha; he was an extensive
apple grower and fruit raiser; he still owns a farm of 75 acres in Brookfield Township, but in 1877, he
removed to Waukesha village. He is now (1880) preparing a home on Main street, opposite the Court
House. Though retired from the farm, he still carries on business as dealer in agricultural implements.
ADDISON C NICKELLi was bom in town of Waukesha, Jan. 11, 1851 ; son of Addison
Q. Nickell, who came to Waukesha in fall of 1836 ; he died Feb. 15, 1877 ; engaged in farming during
his lifetime ; Supervisor several terms. The subject of this sketch has been engaged in the jewelry and
watchmaking business for thirteen years ; six years in business for himself, and three years of this time
with his old employer, William Langer ; for the last three years, he has been alone in the business. His
mother, Eliza Cornwall Nickell, now resides in the village of Waukesha ; she came to Waukesha in 1837,
and came most of the way from the East on horseback. Mr. Nickell is n member of the A. P. & A. M.
Lodge and Chapter.
CHAtWCY C. OLIN was born in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., May 12, 1817 ; lived
there until he was almost 19 years of age, then he came, with his brothers, to Prairieville, and engaged in
farming the first year, and has been for twenty-five years in the insurance, real-estate and brokerage busi-
ness, and is proprietor of the Mineral Rock Spring (a history of this spring appears elsewhere in this work).
He was married in Waukesha, March 9, 1843, to Miss Mary A. Church ; she was born in Pair Haven,
Rutland Co., Vt., Aug. 28, 1824 ; they have four children— Frank W., Charlotte A., Adehne B. and Stella
M. ; they have lost two children, Mary A., and an infant son, Chauncey C. Mr. Olin is President of the
Mineral Rock Spring Co., Treasurer of the Paragon Manufacturing Co., manufacturer of washing machines,
and was also publisher of the American Freeman three years, the first paper published in Waukesha ; he
afterward published the same paper, under the name of the Free Democrat, at Milwaukee.
DR. PHIJLIP PEARDON, dentist ; son of Richard and Harriet Peardon, who settled in the
town of Eagle about thirty-four years ago. Philip was born in the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis.,
Nov. 23, 1847, reared on the farm until he was 16 years of age ; has been engaged in dentistry business
for the last nine years ; in business for himself, with a brother, Richard, at Palmyra Wis., until May 1,
1879, when he located at Waukesha. His mother died when he was about 10 years of age. His father
still resides in the town of Eagle.
URS. ELIZABETH A. PERRY, nee Arnold, was born in 1801, in Dorchester Mass. ;
was educated mostly in the public schools of Massachusetts ; was married in Roxbury, Mass., in 1831, to
Martin Perry, of Leominster, Mass. They lived in Ludlow, Vt., from their marriage to 1854, when they
came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm near Waukesha. He died in 1858, leaving four children —
Henry K., Alice P., George R., and Charles W. ; two other children had died previously. Mr. Perry^
held offices of trust in his New England home ; he wac a substantial and reliable citizen. Her daughter,
Alice, is a teacher ; has taught both in public schools and in Carroll College ; she lives with her mother,
and both are Congregationalists. Henry is married, and lives in Mason City, Iowa ; George is a merchant
m New York City, and Charles is married, and lives in Pierport, Mich., where he owns much woodland, a
saw-mill and a grist-mill, keeps store, and is Postmaster. Mrs. Perry owns a rented house in the village,
and lives in her new and pleasant home on Carroll street. She is a genial, philanthropic soul, and is patiently
working, waiting, and occupying till Christ shall call her home.
82-t BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
DR. HUGrO PHILIjBR, physician and surgeon ; was born in Patschkau, Province of
Silesia, Kingdom of Prussia, Jan. 4, 1838 ; educated at the Gymnasium, located at Neisse, Prussia, and
at University of Breslau, remaining there two years, and then two years at the University of Grreifs-
walde, graduated on his birthday from that institution in 1861 ; came to America Aug. 25, 1861 ; entered
the United States service as private, Aug. 27, 1861 ; after serving about six months as private, he passed
examination, and was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of 45th N, Y. V. I., and served until July 1,
1865, when he was mustered out. November, 1865, he came to Waukesha and located, where he has
remained since. He is teacher of G-erman and French in Carroll College, and has been most of the time
since ; his residence in Waukesha ; he is United States Examining Surgeon, and has held the appointment
since 1872. Dr. Miller was married in Waukesha, June 3, 1868, to Miss Helen Lorleberg ; she was
born in Saxony. They have two children — Francis, born July 4, 1859, and Otto Fritz, born Feb. 27,
1871. The doctor is connected with the Royal Arcanum and Knights of Honor; medical examiner for
both ; also reporter and collector for both societies. His wife died Feb. 20, 1877, in Waukesha.
EDWARD PORTER came to Waukesha in December, 1850 ; he helped build the railroad
to this place ; his family was in Milwaukee until the spring of 1851 ; he has been connected with the
railroad eighteen years ; employed by the company, and was contractor during that time ; he was, during
this time nine years on the La Crosse road. Mr. Porter has been engaged in farming (and railroading
some) since ; he has also dealt in grain, more or less, ever since he came here, and has been quite exten-
sively engaged in wool-buying for the last twelve years ; he has lived in present location. Sec. 2, for last
twenty-eight years. Mr. Porter was born in Cowden, County of York, England, Sept. 9, 1818 ; came to
America in 1845, lived in Canada until he came to Wisconsin; while in Canada, he practised veterinary
surgery. Mr. Porter was married at Toronto, Canada, Dec. 24, 1846, to Elizabeth Hetherington ; she
was born in Cumberlandshire, England ; they have two children — Mary Ellen, now Mrs. E Foster, and
Elizabeth A. Mr. Porter has held various town offices ; has been Chairman of the Town Board of Super-
visors, and President of the Agricultural Society for many years.
JOHN PORTER was born near Hull, in Yorkshire, England, July 23, 1832; came to
America in 1852; located in town of- Waukesha, on what is called the old Burchard Farm, Section 2;
remained there one year, and in 1853 went to California; he remained there mining until 1861, when he
returned to Waukesha and engaged in farming; purchased the farm which he rented when he first came
to Wisconsin, on Sec. 2 ; he soon after sold out, and moved to Sec. 36, in town of Pewaukee, which
has been his home ever since. He was. Under Sheriff for two years, and in 1878 he was elected Sheriff.
Mr. Porter was married in Waukesha, November 8, 1861, to Mary Jane Skelton; she was born in Nor-
thumberlandshire, England. They have seven children — Edward S., Frank W., Harry B., Mary E.,
Florence J., Robert S. and John A. Mr. Porter has held all the offices connected with the Agricultural
Society (except Secretary and Treasurer), President, Vice President, Marshal, Superintendent, member of
Executive Committee, etc.
CAPT. WILL.IAM PORTER, retired lake captain; born in 1817, in the north of Ire-
land. His parents went to New Brunswick in 1821, and remained till 1835, when they removed to
Oneida Co., N. Y. He came to Milwaukee in 1837, and from that date to 1876 he was a seafaring man,
or, rather, was connected with lake navigation, during the last ten years of which he was in the tug busi-
ness. He was married, in 1856, 'o Miss Susie Steele, of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; they have four children —
Lillie F., Kate L., William H. and Edith George; all at home. In 1876, he bought his spacious resi-
dence on East avenue, village of Waukesha, and he has not since engaged in any active business, but he
retains his vessel stock ; be is well known as a veteran pioneer of Milwaukee, and as holding financial
interests in that city. His early life was passed on or near the water, and his tastes are strongly to mari-
time pursuits ; his earliest investments were in lake vessels, and for many years he was captain of a vessel,
of which be was owner, in whole or in pari. The family affiliate with the Congregationalists. He is not
disturbed by poHtical excitement, but in State and national elections he votes Republican. He has " paddled
his canoe " through many a storm and calm, but is now " resting on his oars " in the tunshine of family,
friends and competency.
GEORGE C. PRATT, ex-State Senator, born in November, 1811, in Cheshire Co., N. H.
His father, John, was a prominent farmer and cattle- dealer in New Hampshire; the father died when
George was 10 years of age, and since that time he has " out his own feed." He learned the trade of
saddler and harness maker in Vermont, before attaining his majority ; was journeyman two years in Boston,
and then carried on the business in Woodstock, Vt., till 1840 ; the summer of 1838 he spent in this
county, and bought land ; he was present at the first election ever held in the present limits of this county,
WAUKESHA. 825
which was in August, 1838 ; several towns were in that precinct, and a full vote was cast, numbering a
total of twenty-seven. He returned and prepared to come West ; was married New Year's Day, 1839, to
Miss Mary A. Smith, only daughter of H. A. Smith, of New Haven, Vt. ; she was born June 24, 1818.
The season of his marriage, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, and was thus detained three years in Ver-
mont; in 184S, he came to this county with his family; he bought a large tract of land in the south part
of the township, and farming was his business for twenty-six years ; has lived twenty-five years in his pres-
ent residence on Main street; has held various village, township and county offices, and in the fall of 1861,
was elected to the State Senate. He was one of the incorporators and Secretary of the Waukesha Man-
ufacturing Co.; was three years in charge of the county farm ; has been, the last two years, purchasing
iigent of railroad contractors in Iowa and Dakota ; has been an active worker in the County Agricultural
Society ; has been prominently identified with the Episcopal Church from its organization in this city ; has
been Vestryman since 1847, and Clerk sirce 1858 ; has four children — Mary S., born in 1839, M. Louisa,
born in 1845 ; Susannah S., born in 1848, and G-eorgo R., born, in 1852 ; all have been married ; three
live in Illinois, and one is at home. It is forty-two years since Mr. Prate first invested in Wauke.-ha real
estate ; he was one of the pioneers in the business of sheep-culture in Wisconsin. Though nearly three-
score and ten, he is straight-bodied and clear-headed, and still engaged in the daily duties of active busi-
ness life.
MRS. NABTCY N. PRICE, nee Scripture, widow of Humphrey R. Price. She is a native
of New Hampshire. Came to Wisconsin at the age of 17 ; was married in 1843 to Presley N.
Ray, who died in 1853. He was a resident of this county from 1837 until his death. She has lived in
the village of Waukesha since 1864. She was married October 20, 1864, to H. R. Price, of Waukesha.
He was a machinist, and worked twenty-eight years for Mr. Blair. He died March 31, 1875, leaving five
children, all by his first wife. He was a reliable Republican. He was buried with Masonic honors.
Mrs. Price owns a pleasant residence on Madison street, in West Waukesha.
COJL. FRANK HOWELLi PUTNEY, only son of Capt. Poskett M. and Clarissa Put-
ney, of Waukesha, was bom at the Rockford House, Rockford, 111., Oct. 13, 1841 ; his father was
one of the pioneers of Wisconsin ; a man of decided character and honorable influence, active and promi-
nent in affairs, and at all times possessing the confidence of his townsmen ; emigrated from Rushville, N.
Y., to White Pigeon, Mich., in 1834, where he was commissioned a captain, by Gov. Stephen T.- Mason,
in 1836, and took part in the border troubles of that year; then moved to Milwaukee, Wis., in 18S9,
engaging in a mercantile business there, and at Rockford, 111., which he carried on until 1845, when he
retired to his farm at Prospecc Hill, Waukesha Co., where, in the mean time, having been appointed Post-
master in 1846, he remained until 1850, at which time he removed to Waukesha, where he now resides
in the full enjoyment of a hale and prosperous old age. His mother was an accomplished woman of most
estimable character, whose teachings and example early imbued her son with that love of right for right's
sake, which has characterized his whole life. He was educated at the High School, Milwaukee, and
Carroll College, Waukesha, afterward reading law and being admitted to practice at the bar of the courts
of the State. In the war for the Union he enlisted as a private in the 12th regiment of W. V. I., Sept.
2, 1861 ; was 2d Sergeant from Nov. 5, 1861, to July 1, 1862, then 1st Sergean' to Sept. 8, 1864 ; re-
enlisted as a veteran, January 5, 1864 ; was commissioned Lieutenint, Aug. 17, 1864 ; was Regimental
Adjutant from Oct. 23, 1864, to April 12, 1865 ; was Assistant Adjutant General, 1st Brigade, 3d Division
17th Army Corps, to May 22, 1865 ; was Inspector General of sauje brigade to July 18, 1865, and then In-
spector General 3d Division, 17th Army Corps, to muster out Aug. 10, 1865. During service he took
an active part in the following battles of his command : Lamar, Hernando. Cold Water, Siege of Vicks-
burg, Jackson, Bolton Station, Canton, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Chattahooohie River,
Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy's Station, Savannah, Pocataligo and Orangeburg, and he had the honor of
serving in all the memorable campaigns of the Army of the Tennessee, including the Meridian expedi-
tion, the march to the sea, and the march tiirough the Carolinas and Virginia to Washington. He has
held various village, town and county offices ; was Private Secretary to Gov. Ludington, in 1876 and 1877 ;
also Military Secretary and Aide-de Camp to the Governor, with rank of Colonel, during the same years;
was Assistant Secretary of State in 1878 and 1879, and was re-appointed Assistant Secretary in January,
1880, for two years, which office he now holds. His ancestors, on both sides, were lineal descendants of
the first colonists of Massachusetts, as is shown by the following extracts from town, church and family
records : John Putney, of Salem, Mass., married Nov. 18, 1662, to Judith, daughter of Henry Cooke, of
same place. Joseph, of Salem, third son of preceding, born Aug. 25, 1673 ; married May 18, 1697, to Sarah
Mclntyre. Elisha, of Salem, eldest son of preceding, born at Reading, Mass., Nov. 21, 1713 ; married
«26 BIOOEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
June 2, 1737, to Margaret Hamblen. Elisha, Jr., of Fenner. N. Y., eldest son of preceding, born at
Salem (or Reading), May 23, 1738 ; married at Charlton, Mass., May 18, 1762, to Martha Foskett, of
Charlton ; moved from Salem to Charlton in 1752, from Charlton to Goshen, Mass., in 1767, and from
Goshen to Fenner, N. Y., about 1800. Aaron, of Middlesex, N. Y., third son of preceding, born at
Goshen, May 24, 1771. and died at Middlesex, Sept. 28, 1845; married at Goshen, May 27, 1795, to
Deborah, daughter of Joseph Maynard, of Framinghaip. Mass.; born at Framingham, Dec. 19, 1777, and
died at Middlesex, July 7, 1819 ; moved from Goshen to Fenner about 1800, and from Fenner to Midd'le-
sex about 1813. Capt. Foskett Maynard, of Waukesha, Wis., second son of preceding, born at Fenner,
May 11, 1805; married at Belvidere, 111.. Nov. 3, 1839, to Clarissa, daughter of Simeon Howell, of
Southampton, L. I.; born at Franklin, N. Y., April 5, 1814, and died at Waukesha, March 12, 1855.
Simeon Howell was descended, in direct line, from Edward Howell of Southampton, who was made a free-
man at Boston, March 14, 1639.
CAPT. FOSKETT MAYNARD PUTNEY was bom in the part of the town of
Smithfield now called Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., May 11, 1805. When he was 9 years of age
his parents, Aaron and Deborah (Maynard) Putney, moved to Middlesex, Ontario Co., N. Y., where he
lived until 1834, when he came to White Pigeon, Mich. There he entered actively into mercantile and
land business, and also took honorable part in the '' Patriot War," and the border contests, under a cap-
tain's commission, conferred by his Excellency Gov. Mason. In May, 1839, Capt. Putney visited Prairie-
ville on a tour of observation, and later, the same year, settled in Milwaukee, remaining there until the
fall of 1845, when he retired to his farm at Prospect Hill, New Berlin ; was engaged in the shoe and
leather business at Milwaukee, and at Rockford, 111., from 1839 to 1845, and in farming and stas^e hotel-
keeping at Prospect Hill from the latter year to 1848. In 1850, he removed to Waukesha, having bought
property here prior to that time, and commenced business as proprietor of the Railroad Hotel, now Amer-
ican House. In the spring of 1852, having previously sold his hotel interest to Silas Barb.er, he bought a
farm situated on Sec. 31, in the town of Brookfield, and there lived until 1855. He then became gianager
of the Exchange Hotel, and continued so until 1863, when its owner, Peter N. Cushman, died. The
following year he purchased this hotel property, and conducted it until 1868, when he rented it to Elijah
Holbrook for a term of years, temporarily resuming its management in 1873, and again from 1877 to
May, 18.79, when, having decided to retire from all active business, he leased the hotel to William C. Hol-
brook. Capt. Putney was mirried at Belvidere, III., Nov, 3, 1839, to Clarissa Howell, who was born at
Franklin, N. Y., April 5, 1814, and died at Waukesha, March 12, 1855. He has only one child, Col.
Frank Howell.
PROF. GEORGE H. REED, in charge of Carroll CoUege ; born in Mineville, Essex Co.,
N. Y., in 1853. His preparatory education was at Sherman Acadmy, New York, and his collegiate at
Amherst, Mass. After leaving college in 1876, he engaged in teaching in New York, was principal of high
schools ; came West in January, 1880, to take charge of Carroll College, which is now operated as an academy.
The attendance averages fifty per term, and is mainly local ; the last graduatina; class in full collegiate
course, was in I860. Prof. Reed has two assistants, and the institution affords facilities for college
preparatory course and for three regular academic courses. The college is charmingly located, and merits
surrounding and sustaining patronage.
JOHN D. ROBERTS was born in town of Remsen, Oneida Co., N. Y., January 10 '
1834. Came to Wisconsin May 15, 1844 with his parents, David W. and Miriam Roberts; remained in
Milwaukee two weeks, then came to what is now the town of Delafleld, Waukesha Co., and located on
Sec. 27. In 1853, John D. Roberts began the businefSs of farming on his own account, and has con-
tinued in the same business ever since. He was Justice of the Peace in the town of Delafield in 1857
and 1858; Supervisor in 1858; in 1866, he was again elected Justice of the Peace for two years; in
April, 1867, he was elected Town Clerk, and continued in that office until April, 1879 ; he was elected
Coflnty Clerk in November, 1878. Mr. Roberts owns a farm on Sec. 22, and is a member of the Dela-
field Presbyterian Church.
THOMAS RYAljIi, merchant — groceries and crockery ; was born in the township of Wau-
kesha, November, 1851 ; son of John and Emily Crichell Ryall. He began clerking in a grocery store at
the age of 14. He was married in 1877, to Miss Elizabeth Randle, daughter of Thomas A. Randle,
a farmer of Genesee Township. Mr. Ryall has carried on his present business seven years in this village.
His store is on the corner of Main and Clinton streets, and his residence on East avenue ; is an official mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Waukesha ; is not active in politics ; enjoys a continuous first-
class patronage.
WAUKESHA. 827
CONRAD SEHRT, boot and shoe maker ; born Feb. 6, 1839, in the village of Hattroth,
Hesse-Darmstadt; in 1853, his parents, Henry and Margaret Sehrt, came with their children to
America, locating in Milwaukee; Conrad learned his trade, and three years later the family settled in
Waukesha, where the old couple still reside ; Conrad Sehrt worked as a "jour ' about eight years, then, in
company with his brother Henry, opened a shop on Clinton street (at present Syal's grocery) ; four years
later, they removed to the present location, Conrad selling out to Henry at the end of a year, losing two
years on account of ill-health, and nearly losing his life as well ; having regained his health, he has
worked for nearly three years past in his brother's shop. He married Louisa Bsslinger, of Waukesha, on
the ilth of February, 1861 ; they have five children — Nellie, Lillie, Cora, WilKam and Minnie ; Mr.
Sehrt is liberal in politics ; he is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a leading member
of Bismarck Lodge, No. 193, 1. 0. 0. F., having held and filled with credit all its offices ; he has also been
Village Trustee and Marshal.
AUGUST SCHIiBY, general merchandise store on Madison street; was born 1849 in
Prussia ; came to the United States in 1856 ; lived in Milwaukee till 1864. He enlisted in Co. H, 45th
W. V. I., in 1864, and was honorably discharged in July, 1865 ; settled in Waukesha in 1869 — clerked
for ten years, and then opened his present store. Was married in December, 1877, to Miss Lucetta
Korn, daughter of Jacob Korn, a prominent farmer and early settler of New Berlin Township, of this
county ; they have one child — Katie, born in January, 1879. Their residence also is on Madison street ;
has a good patronage, both German and English.
JAMES WATSON SHERMAN was born in Waukesha, Jan. 26, 1849. and is the son of
Henry W. and Martha A. Sherman ; he was employed most of his time as a clerk until 1876 ; he then com-
menced business for himself, and has since has been dealing in boots and shoes, hats, caps and furnishing
goods. Mr.Sherman is a memberof the First Baptist Church. Hisgrandfather, James Y.Watson (his mother's
father), came to Prairieville, now Waukesha, in July, 1837, and made his claim three miles we.st of
the village ; after making his claim, he returned to Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and in November of the
same year he brought his family, consisting of a wife, four daughters and two sons, to South Prairieville,
which was their home for about thirty years ; then came to the village of Waukesha.
Mr. Watson was born at Brookfield, Mass., July 9, 1782, and died at Waukesha, June
24,1871. His wife was Eunice Stone; she was born in Salem, Mass., Feb. 14, 1793; she died at Waukesha
December 29, 1862. Mr. Watson was well known throughout Waukesha County, having held various
offices which brought him in communication with the people in general. He was one of the oldest members
of the Masonic order in Wisconsin, having been a Mason for sixty-eight years. His children were as
follows : Asa S., bora July 29, 1812, died in Waukesha February 1, 1865; Thankful B., born May 23,
1815, married Benjamin A. Jenkins of La Crnsse (a former resident of Waukesha County, and recently
deceased), she died at La Crosse March 3, 1876, and her remains were brought to Waukesha for interment ;
Martha A., now Mrs. Sherman of Waukesha, was born Nov. 9, 1823; Mary E., now Mrs. George W.
Babcock, of Pattersonville, Iowa, was born Oct. 28, 1828 : James Q., a resident of Waukesha, was born
April 8, 1826, and Sarah M., now Mrs. A. T. Clinton, of La Crosse, was born Oct. 22, 1833. Martha
A., the second daughter above mentioned, was married to Henry W. Sherman by Rev. Calvin Warner at
South Prairieville, Oct. 24, 1843; her children are: Charles H., born April 20, 1847, now married and a
resident of Indianapolis, Ind.; James Watson, born Jan. 26, 1849, merchant, now of Waukesha; Hattie
E., born March 20, 1856, now Mrs. George W. Carleton of Waukesha, and Edmund Kingsland. born Au-
gust I860, now residing in Kansas City.
CONRAD P. SIIjVERNALiB, retired farmer; born in the township of Livingston,
Columbia Co., N. Y., April 8, 1810 ; his father, Peter C, was a prosperous farmer in that county ; he was
married Feb. 27, 1831, to Miss Elizabeth Avery ; he is of German parentage. He spent several years
farming in New York State, raised large crops, sold for good prices, and made money, but in an evil hour
he took a partner and went into the milling business, and the result was the loss of all his property ;
then he came west, atd landed in Milwaukee on the 15th of May, 1846 ; he bought 80 acres of land in
Mukwonago ; brought his family there; carried on farming three years; sold, bought again, and sold
once more at an advance. He now owns 40 acres of land in Pewaukee Tp., and also a pleasant Village
home in Waukesha. Has four children — ^Lucinda, who married T. D. Cook, of Milwaukee ; Catherine,
who married Richard Smith, of Minnesota ; Mary, who married Solon Dedrick, of Waukesha ; Harvey
married Miss Rankin, and lives on a farm in Pewaukee. He has been a Methodist nearly half a century.
On the 27th of February, 1881, will be held the " golden wedding " of this honored couple.
828 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
WHjIjIAM H. SliEEP, Superintendent of Wisconsin Industrial School. Born near Lan-
ceston, CornwiiU County, England, July 18, 1848; came to America with his parents in 1857; son of
John and Ann Sleep, who settled in Waukesha in the summer of 1857. When he was a little over
twenty-one years of age, he became connected with the Industrial School ; January 17, 1870, he accepted
the pi.isition of outside overseer ; he continued in that position for a year or two, then took charge of the
store; was appointed Assistant Superintendent in January 1878 ; was made Superintendent December
15, 1879. Mr. Sleep was married in Waukesha May 7. 1873, to Harriet A. Bennett; she was born in
Rutland, Rutland Co., Vt., November 10, 1852; they have one daughter, Alice Mabel; she was born
May 2, 1876. Mr. Sleep is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge and Chapter ; also of the Royal
Arcanum.
ISAAC SMART, veteran pioneer and farmer. Sec. 10. Township of Waukesha ; was born
September 15, 1809, in Newburgh, Yorkshire, England. Was married in England, in 1832, to Miss
Elizabeth Clegg, of his native place. He came to America in 1834, and to Waukesha in May, 1835,
with the "old man Cutler." In 1836, they took up Government land, including the farm of 160 acres
where they now live. His brother, Richard, came a few months later, and took up a farm adjoining his,
upon which now stands the Fountain House. Mr. Smart claims to be the earliest settler now living in the
township of Waukesha, and his daughter Jennie, born September 21, 1836, was the first girl born in Wau-
kesha Township. He thinks Morris Cutler came in the fall after his arrival in May ; although Mr. Cutler
is generally regarded as the earliest living resident of the county. Their old home, built in 1840, was the
first frame house on the prairie. They have buried two children, four are living — Jennie, born in 1836 ;
Benjamin, born in 1838 ; Mary, in 1840, and Maria A., in 1856. Two children are married and live in this
county, and the youngest daughter, Maria, is at home. Mr. Smart owns 396 acres of land in the town-
ship of Waukesha. He has emphatically " grown up with the country " from nothing to a competency.
He is a good citizen and an honored pioneer.
DR. JEHIEIi SMITH was bom in town of Bath, N. H., Aug. 25, 1803 ; he^ went to
Concord, N. H., spent one year there, then he went to Boston ; when he was 19 years of age, commenced
the study of medicine in Concord, N. H., and completed it in Boston. Dr. Smith was educated in the
Eclectic Medical School ; he studied with a physician at Cambridge, and graduated from Eclectic Medical
College of Cincinnati, and has practiced for about fifty years. Dr. Smith is one of the pioneers of the new
practice of eclectic medicine. He has ohe daughter, Mary, now a resident of Murray, Iowa. The present
wife of Dr. Smith was Julia Louisa Willard, married June 15, 1868; she came to Waukesha as a first
assistant of Carroll College, remained there two years. Mrs. Smith was born at Williamsport, Lycoming
Co., Penn., May 27, 1827 ; she has been connected -with educational institutions as an instructor, for many
years, from 1841 to 1863, and for the last three years more or less, lately conducting a select school ; came
to Waukesha in September, 1861. Dr. Smith came to Waukesha in October, 18t7, and has engaged in the
practice of medicine ever since. He is pr6prietor of one of the leading mineral springs of this place, an
account of which will be found elsewhere in this work.
HO»f. JOHN C. SIVO VER was bom in Chester, Orange Co., N. Y., April 1, 1813 ; remained
there three years, then his father, Charles P. Snover, removed to Bucks County, Penn ; lived
there until John C. was 17 years of age, then the family removed to Blairstown, Warren Co., N. J.,
where they remained until the spring of 1834; then they went to Michigan for three years and
came to Milwaukee, Wis., September 12, 1837. That city was his home for three years with the
exception of some time that he was engaged on a contract with the construction of Illinois canal. He
returned to Milwaukee in January, 1840. In the same winter he purchased a farm in the town of Vernon,
on See. 12 (the farm now owned by Finlay McNaughten). He remained here one year, then removed
to the town of Eagle, and purchased a farm of 200 acres from John Evarts, on Sec. 27. He remained
there until 1859, then sold out and went to the village of Eagle and engaged in the hotel business
which he continued for three years. In 1850, he was elected to the Assembly. In 1844-45, he was
chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Milwaukee County, and was a member of county board a great
many years, representing Milwaukee two years, and for a long tim« member of the board since the organi-
zation %f Waukesha County. After leaving the hotel business at Eagle, he worked at carpenter and joiner's
trade in the northern portion of the State part of the time, and in Iowa, Michigan, and in difi"erent parts of
Wisconsin, jobbing work principally. In 1870, he was managing agent of Pritchard's Brewery, at Port
Atkinson, Wis. He was one year there and engaged again in building until the spring of 1877, when he
was elected County Judge of Waukesha County. Mr. Snover was married in the town of Washington,
Macomo Co., Mich., Sept. 12, 183t), to Lucinda Phelps, a native of the town of Delaware, Canada West.
^■l,-'"t
WAUKESHA. 831
They have had six children, four of whom are living — Miranda, now Mrs. J. P. Weston, of Delmar,
Iowa; Sarah E., now Mrs. Samuel Kinder, of Sabula, Iowa; Prank, now of Sabula, Iowa; Charles
Frederick, now in Neshkoro, Marquette County, Wis.
HATHIAS Ii. SIVYDBR was born in Prussia Sept. 15, 1842 ; came to America with his
parents, Adam and Barbara Snyder, when he was 3 years of age ; located in New York City ; re-
mained there ten years, then came to the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have ever since
resided. His father died Feb. 14, ISTf) ; his mother is still a resident of Eagle. Mathias was employed
in farming and clerking in an Eagle mercantile establishment until he was elected Clerk of the Court in
the fall of 1877 ; re-elected in 1879. He enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in Co. A, 24th Wis. V. I.; served
until June, 1865, when he, with his regiment, was mustered out. He participated"in the following general
engagements ; Stone River, Chickamauga, Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, Gra., Resaca, before Atlanta, Frank-
lin and Nashville. He was married at Eagle, Feb. 12, 1872, to Amelia Gose ; she was born at Eagle,
was the daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth Grose, early settlers of Eagle ; there are four children —
Frank H., Mathias J., Henry M. and Mary Amelia. Mr. Snyder is a member ef the St. Joseph's Catho-
lic Church, and St. Joseph's Benevolent Society.
THOMAS SPEXCE came to Waukesha in November, 1848, and has lived here ever since he was
engaged in teaching school for two winters, and kept a store for a few years ; has also been surveying more
or less since he came to Waukesha ; has been in the insurance business about fifteen years, with surveying
in connection therewith. Mr. Spence is owner of the Horeb Mineral and Medicinal Springs,which were dis-
covered next afDor the Bethesda Springs ; is also owner of Lawndale Addition to Waukesha. The Horeb
Mineral and Medicinal Spring water is sent to New Orleans, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Memphis, St. Louis,
Cleveland, Buffalo, Montreal, Hamilton, Toronto, Quebec, Belleville, Detroit, Mich., St. Paul, Burling-
ton, Iowa, and many other points. Mr. Spence was born Nov. 14, 1823, near Belfast, Ireland, of Scotch
parentage, his parents being from Grlasgow he came to America in 1846, taught school in the city of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., two years ; was County Surveyor of Waukesha County one term ; Town Clerk five years ;
Assessor two years ; and is Surveyor at the present time. Mr. Spence has also been conveyancer and notary
for twenty-five years ; is a member of the Episcopal Church, and was married in Ireland in 1844, to Jane
Leslie ; she was born near Belfast, Ireland; they have five children ; Edward L., born in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
is now proprietor and editor of the Nunoie Democrat, in Indiana. Thomas H. was born in Waukesha, now
proprietor of a wholesale and retail drug store at La Crosse, Wis.; Richard L., at present clerking for
Thomas H. at La Crosse ; Janette E., now Mrs. V. H. Bugbee, of this place ; Emma M., residing with
her parents. Mr. Spence had only $400 when he started out for himself; he taught school and boarded
around, and has since then accumulated a handsome fortune ; he has built thirteen dwelling houses, one
store, and a large two-story brick oflSce.
JOHIV SPERBEK, proprietor of National Hotel; born 1832, in Germany ; came to Amer-
ica,in 1847 and settled in Waukesha in fall of same year ; he was seven years in the brewing business,
with Heisslentner, who died during the rebellion. He was married in 1859, to Miss Barbara Conrad, of
Waukesha. From 1856 to 1867, he kept a billiard saloon, then after three years of mercantile experi-
<'nce. he purchased the lot on corner of Main and West streets, and in 1870, he erected the fine stone
National Hotel, of which he is now owner and manager ; this is a neat hotel, with eighteen sleeping rooms ;
house has good patronage, both German and American. He has two children — Oscar and Emma. He
is liberal in politics and religion, but usually with the Democracy.
GEORGE SPERL.E, merchant tailor ; born in the village of Floss, Bavaria, in 1833 ; after
his schooling he learned his trade, and spent some time traveling in Austria, Prussia and Italy ; came to
America in 1860 ; he spent a year in Brooklyn, and then came to Waukesha, opening a shop on Main
street ; after a year, he removed to Atkins' Block, and in 1870, to his present store, where he does a gen-
eral merchant tailoring business. He married, in 1864, Miss Margeret Dorhorst, of Pewaukee, by whom
he has five children living — Kate, George. Addie, Esther and Mabel; Eddie died at 6 years, and Annie at
2 ; all were born in Waukesha. The family are members of the Congregational Church ; politics,
Kepublican.
JOHN STEPHENS was bom in Prussia, February 25, 1827 ; came to New Berlin, Wis., in
summer of 1843, with his father, Mathias Stephens, who died in the fall of 1877. Mr. Stephens was
reared on a farm ; he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, also Town Treasurer, Assessor, was elected
Register of Deeds in the fall of 1876, re-elected in 1878. He was married in Watertown, Wis.,
Dec, 31, 1848, to Mary Mann ; she was born in Prussia ; they have had ten children, nine now living ;
832 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Henry J., now a resident of Dickinson Co., Kan.; Celestia, Charles Albert, Elizabeth, William H.,
Clara, John L., Henrietta, Mathias ; lost one daughter, Mary. Mr. Stephens is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.
JOHN P. STORY, deceased, son of William and Eliza Patton Story, was born in Marblehead,
Mass., on the 28th of May, 1806. Both his grandfather and his father were many years in fisheries and
foreign commerce, and owned large maritime interests. His father was a merchant, and sea captain in
the East India merchant service. Judge Joseph Story, Associate Justice of Supreme Court ■ of the
United States, was an uncle of the subject of this sketch. He, at the sge of 15, ventured his fortunes on
the deep, and was rapidly promoted, and at the age of 21, he was made Captain of an Bast India
merchantman. He followed the sea for 17 years, and three times sailed around the world. Salem,
Mass., to which his parents removed, was his nominal home. His kindly, unselfish nature won
him the love of his subordinates and the esteem of all ; in 1838, he removed West and spent a
winter in Milwaukee ; in the spring of 1839, he settled in Waukesha County, which was his residence
until his death. He was married November 19, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Quarles, daughter of a promi-
nent citizen of Kenosha. Her sister married ex-Gov. Barstow. Her brother, Augustus Quarles, com-
manded a company in the Mexican war, from Kenosha, Wis., and was killed in battle at Cherubusco.
They settled ia the township of Brookfield in 1840, where he had bought 640 acres, and on which he
lived till 1849, when he removed to the village of Waukesha, and did not thereafter engage in active
business. He died March 30, 1875, leaving five children and his worthy companion. Their oldest son,
Lieut. John P., graduated from West Point, and is now in the United States signal service ; William is
Ex-U. S. District Judge, and now lawyer in Colorado ; Frank Q. now in commercial busines.s in San
Francisco ; Lizzie is the wife of Lieut. H. A. Reed, a graduate of West Point, and now stationed there as
assistant profe^^sor of drawing ; Anna remains with her mother in their pleasant home on Main street.
Capt. Story was a gentleman of the old school, courteous, generous and unswerving in his integrity.
Being of a reserved nature and not in business, he preferred the society of his family and a few chosen
friends, to whom he was greatly endeared by his qualities of head and heart. He acted well his part in
all the varied relation, of life, and left to family and the world the heritage of a spotless name and an
unsullied life.
RICHARD STREET (,Supt. Waukesha County Mfg. Co. ) was bom at Bannockburn,
Scotland, Sept. 5, 1825; came to Wisconsin in 1855, and located in Grant Co., near Lancaster, engaged
in farming for five years; learned the business of cloth manufacture at Wilson & Bros', celebrated mills,
Bannockburn, commencing at the age of 11 years ; continued in the same business all the time,
except the five years he wag farming; in 1861, he returned to Utica, N. Y., where he remained until
spring of 1868, when he came to Racine and introduced the manufacture of the " Badger State Shawl,"
in the factory of Blake & Co., that being the first shawl manufactured at that place ; continued with
Blake & Co., until 1871, when he came to Waukesha, and has been connected with the Waukesha County
Manufacturing Company ever since. Mr. Street was also overseer at the Globe Mills, at Utica, N. Y.
He was married near Bannockburn, Scotland, May 26, 1847, to Elizabeth Robertson ; she was born
about 6 miles from Bannockburn ; they have nine children — William, Robert R., Helen D., were born
in Sterling, Scotland; John A., Lucy A., Belle J., Richard W. were born in Grant County, Wis.; George
W., Charles A., were born in Utica, N. Y. Mr. Street is a member of the Village Board, and is also a
member of the Good Templar Lodge, the A. F. & A. M., I. 0. 0. F. Lodges, the Royal Arcanum and
of the Baptist Church.
DAlVIEIi H. SUMIVER came to Wisconsin in August, 1868, located in Waukesha County
at Oconomowoc; remained there two years; since then he has been at Waukesha; he was born at Malone,
Franklin Co., N. Y., Sept. 15,1837, and lived there six years; then came with his parents, John and
Philena Sumner, who located in Richland, Kalmazoo Go., Mich., and was educated at Prairie Seminary in
Richland, of which J. H. Burrows was then Principal. He was admitted to the bar June, 1868, at
Hart, Oceana Co., Mich., and commenced practice at Waukesha in January, 1870. Being in feeble health,
he was unable to practice when he first came to Wisconsin ; most of the time he was at Oconomowoc, he
was one. of the proprietors of the La Belle Mirror, in that place. Mr. Sherman was married at Beloit,
Wis., July 2, 1877, to Mrs. Terrie M. Nelson, a native of Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis. Mr. Sherman,
was District Attorney from 1875 to 1877, and member of the County Board three years ; and is also a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church and I. 0. 0. F. Lodge.
REV. FATHER DOMINIC F. THIL,!., Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, was born
in Luxemburg, Europe, in 1844, the same year that the Catholic Church was built in Waukesha. He
came to the United States in 1847, and located at Belgium, Ozaukee Co., Wis. Commenced his studies in
WAUKESHA. 833
1858, at St. Prances of Sales, near Milwaukee, and studied under the Right Rev. M.- Heiss, now
Coadjutor Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Was ordained Priest by Archbishop John M.
Henni, on the 29th of January, 1868. He was, awhile, assistant Pastor at Madison, and was then, in May,
1868, appointed Pastor of St. Mathews, at Neosha, Dodge Co. He was their first resident Pastor, and
remained three years and three months, and during the time he built a parochial school, and made an
addition to the parsonage, and other improvements, at a total cost of 81,500. He also had charge of two
missions, St. Mary's, at Woodland, and St. John's, in township of Herman. Finding these two churches
were very close together, St. John's was abaifdoned, and a church built at Rubicon, costing $4,000, which
was dedicated on the Feast of St. John, 27th of December, 1870. At Woodland, he laid the corner stone,
and partly erected a new church, which was completed in 1871, by his successor. In August, 1871, he was
assigned to St. Bran's, in Ottawa, Dodge Co., with which, also, he had a mission at Golden Lake. He
collected $3,000 for erecting a new church, and laid the foundation thereof, at Grolden Lake. In February,
1873, he was assigned to the pastorate of St. Joseph's Church, at Waukesha, where he has remained till
present date, 1880. His people are five-sixths English-speaking, and the remainder are German. All
preaching is in English, except one sermon per montK, which is in German. The church is thoroughly
furnished, and finely adorned ; the grounds are spacious and beautifully ornamented with shrubbery.
The bell, costing $300, was donated by Mrs. Christina Schwartz. The parochial school has an average
attendance of one hundred. There is a library society, and, also, a benevolent society, both of which
are doing good work. The relations of Pastor and people are harmonious, and the congregation is large
and prosperous.
VERNOW TICHEIVOR, attorney ; came to Prairieville last of August, 1839, being the first
lawyer to locate here ; remained here and engaged in practice ever since, except for a year or two when he
first came, when, in consequence of ill health, he endeavored to recuperate his strength ; he was the first
lawyer in the county, and first Town Clerk when this town was organized ; held that position for a number
of years. Justice of the Peace many years, is now, and has been for nearly twenty-five years Court Com-
missioner for Waukesha County ; Member of Assembly one term ; Draft Commissioner in 1862, under
appointment of War Department of United States Government.and held various other positions several years ;
and is now President of the Board of Trustees of Carroll College, and three times President of Waukesha
village, and has held the offices of Clerk, Treasurer, Trustee, member of the School Board and Clerk. Mr.
Tichenor was born in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co. (now Fulton Co.), N. Y., Aug. 28, 1815 ; he grad-
uated from Union College at Schenectady, N. Y., in 1835 ; after leaving college he studied law at Amster-
dam, admitted to the bar at Albany, October, 1838 ; commenced practice in Wisconsin'. He was married at
New Scotland, Albany Co., N. Y., Aug. 19., 1838, to Charlotte Sears ; she was born at Balston Spa
Saratoga Co., N. Y. They have two children, Willis V. a resident of Mason City, Iowa, and Mary C.
Willis V.' enlisted in Company G, 28th W. V. I., Aug. 21, 1862, and was mustered in as 2d Lieut, in
September, 1862, promoted to captaincy of same company, March 30, 1864, and was mustered out ;
Aug. 23, 1865 ; formally disbanded Sept. 23, 1865 ; battles and principal expeditions he participated in
were Helena, Yazoo Pass Bxpedition,White River, Mount Elba, Arkansas, siege of Mobile and its capture.
TYIiER & BUOBEE, photographic artists; have been in partnership ten years in this
village; the senior partner began photography in 1865 in Waukesha; Tyler was born in Chenango Co.,
N. Y.; Bugbee was born in Washington Co., Vt.: Tyler came to Waukesha in 1863; Bugbee came to
Wisconsin in 1865, and Waukesha in 1867. Tyler was married in 1873 to Miss Mary A. Bancroft,
daughter of D. L. Bancroft of Waupun and have one child named Bernice ; Bugbee married Jennie
Spence in 1873, who is daughter of Thomas Spence, of Waukesha; they have two children — Tyler
resides on Main St., and Bugbee on Maple avenue ; their studio is on Main St. ; this is the earliesr.,
largest and leading establishment of the kind in Waukesha, and among the first started in the county ;
they have a liberal local and extended patronage.
W. UJLRICH, physician and surgeon ; office in his block, on corner of Madison and River streets ;
born in Stralsund, Prussia, in 1820 ; studied in Greifswald and graduated in 1845 ; came to the United
States in 1850 and settled in Ozaukee Co. in 1851, and remained till 1870 in practice of his profession ;
came then to Waukesha, where he has practiced medicine, and most of the time has had a drug store.
Married in 1846 to Miss Charlotte Engel, who died in 1857 ; then he married his present wife, in
1 858 ; her name was Frederika Schlenvogt, formerly of Germany ; they have had five children — Louis,
Hannah, married and living in Ozaukee Co. ; Emma, Ida and Louisa ; the three youngest live with their
parents. The family are Lutherans. Owns a business block and a residence in Waukesha, also a farm in
New Berlin ; it is his design to establish on the farm a hospital for treatment of chronic diseases ; his
834 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
farm is favorably located for such a purpose ; is on high ground with beautiful surroundings ; has two
springs, one of which is a choice chalybeate ; this establishment, when fully fitted up, is expected to supply
a felt want in this section of the country.
RIOIIARD WAIiKER, retired contractor and stone mason ; born 1809 in England ; mar-
ried in England in 1829, to Miss Mary Morgan, of his native town. He learned his trade in the old coun-
try ; came to America in August, 1844, and Waukesha has been his home continuously for thirty-six
years. They buried one child in England ;• have no living ofi' spring. He was of the firm of Cook &
Walker, the owners of both the Waukesha and Pewaukee quarries. He rebuik the court house, which
was the second stone building in Waukesha ; he also, about two years afterward, 1850, built the present
stone depot, and in 1852, built Carroll College. He sold his interest in the quarries, and retired from active
business in 1869. He has a pleasant residence on William street, and owns other real estate in the
village and State. Is a Republicao, but has always declined office. Mrs. Walker is a Congregationalist.
When he arrived in Waukesha, he had suitable clothing, some household furniture, and three English
shillings in cash. He immediately began laying stone during the day time, and worked by candle-light
nights at brick-laying, for extra wages ; would sleep about four hours out of twenty-four. He soon " got
a start," and made some judicious investments. From his quarries came the many miles of stone side walks
which are not the delight of the many pilgrims and strangers who wend their weary way over the rough
broken surfaces. Until date of his retirement, he was always a hard working man, but now his worthy
helpmate and himself are quietly enjoying the fruits of their labors. Though they are not blessed with
the affectionate companionship of their own children, yet they have many kind friends and valued relatives
both in this county and elsewhere.
NATHAJflEli WAIiTOBT, farmer, northwest quarter of Sec. 10 ; a veteran pioneer; was
born in Brookfield, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 15, 1805 ; when a child, his parents removed to Genesee
Co., where they resided till their death. He was married at Knowlesville, Orleans Co., N. Y., Aug.
25, 1830, to Miss Laura W. Jones, and then settled in Genesee Co., where they lived till spring of
1836 ; Mrs. Walton was born Jan. 12, 1811, in Florida, Montgomery Co., N. Y. ' Came West in 1836
with teams from York State, and settled that fall on land which he now owns. The Wisconsin Industral
School is on his old farm, and the village cemetery is on the other corner. Their children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren are as follows : Children — Louisa Walton Todd, Laura Etta Walton Sherman, Mary Wal-
tonAdams, James Walton, Maria M. Walton, Martha C. Walton, Nate E. Walton ; grandchildren^Mary
Todd Hackley, Hattie B. Todd, Charlie Todd, Walton S. Shernian, Wm. H. Sherman, James A.
Sherman, Martha Adams Marshall, Libbie Adams De Witt, Zaida Maud Adams, Walton Payne,
Laura Payne, Jessie Walton, Nettie Walton and Laura Walton; great-grandchildren — Georgie Todd
Hackley, Belle Todd Hackley, Horace Adams Marshall, Clyde Adams De Witt, Baby Sherman. The
present residence, built in 1844, there have been in it five births, six marriages and no deaths. He is
I>eacon of the Baptist Church and all his children were baptized and received into the church at Waukesha
before leaving the parental homestead. Some of the pioneer reminiscences of this venerable couple are
recorded elsewhere in this volumne. On the 25th of August, 1880, will occur the golden wedding of
these veteran pilgrims ; they are in good health, and are cheerfully bearing life's burdens ; they do not
want for this world's goods, and possess the love of hosts of friends, some of whom were their first pioneer
acquaintances.
Bl/IAS WAMBOliD, dealer in agricultural implements; born in Montgomery Co., Penn.,
May 21, 1821 ; his father was a tanner, and Eiias worked four years in the tannery, then was clerk in
store several years. Was married in.l847 to Miss Matilda Fertig, who died in 1857, leaving two sons and
one daughter — David, Emily L., Theodore ; all are now living in Wisconsin. He came wcst in April,
1847, and locited in West Granville, Milwaukee Co., where he remained twenty-six years engaged in
general merchandising. Married in 1861 to Miss Sarah A. Smith, daughter of Andrew S. Smith, one of
the earliest settlers of that place ; has one daughter, Nettie. He came to Waukesha in the spring of
1875, and has continued in business as dealer in agricultural implements. He was Postmaster in Penn-
sylvania and for twenty-five years was Postmaster at West Granville. His office and warehouse are on
Main street. Speaks both German and English ; has a good patronage. Has been a loyal Methodist
"since long ago." Owns a brick residence on West avenue, near Bethesda Spring. Boards a few
summer tourists each season.
DR. JAY T. WARDROBE was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, May 10, 1848 ;
came to America with his parents, Charles and Anno Ellis Wai-drobe, Miy, 1849 ; settled in Waukesha
the same year, both living in Waukesha; their stn, Jiy T , received his early eiucation in the Union
WAUKESHA. 835
School of this pkoe. He graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College with the class of 1875-76;
took hospital practice in medicine, onneeted with the Peansylvaoia Medical University. Dr. Wardrobe
practiced dentistry here for a few years; then entered the Hahnemann Medical College, of Chicago, and
graduated from that instimtion in the class of 1877-78 ; afterward engaged in the practice of dentistry,
but not of medicine to any extent. He is also a partner with his brother in the drug business in Wauke-
sha, having one of the finest drug establishments in the county.
REV. THOMAS G. WATSOIV, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, born in Geneva,
Ontario Co., N. Y., August 11, 1836; was educated in his native town at "Hobart College," and grad-
uated in 1857, and in 1861 graduated at New Brunswick, N. J., from the 'Theological Seminary of the
Reformed Church in America." Settled at Cato, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1861, as a home missionary ;
spent eight years in that work, having charge also of a church at Fair Haven two years, and of the
church at Victory three years. He was married Deo. 18, 1861, to Miss Fannie C. Seelye, of Lan-
singburg,- N. Y; she died in August, 1869, leaving one daughter, Fannie S. In May, 1869, he took
charge of the Reformed Church at New Brighton, Staten Island. His health failing, became West in
the fall of 1871 , and intended to rest a season, but after a few months he accepted a call from the First
Presbyterian Church at Waukesha, which he still serves. Be was several years Secretary of the Board of
Trustees of Carroll College, and was some time Professor of Elocution .in addition to the duties of an
active pastorate. He married "his present wife June 19, 1873; her maiden name was Elizabeth White,
daughter of William White, of Waukesha, and was the widow of Walter L. Bean ; she had one son, Walter
L. Bean, Jr., who is living in the Township of Waukesha. Mrs. Watson is a lady of artistic talent and
general culture; they have one son, Thomas S. Watson. For the last five years, Rev. Watson has been
the '• Stated Clerk and Treasurer of the Presbytery, of Milwaukee." His duties are clerical, correspond-
ing, statistical and general, as the permanent officer of the Presbytery. His residence is a beautiful
brick on MeCall St. The church is a neit stone edifice on cjrner of South and Center Sts. The church
membership has grown from ninety-five to one hundred and forty during his pastorate. He has a vital
interest in all which afiects the well-being of society. He is highly esteemed in all the relations of
life, and is particularly beloved by his people.
STEPHEN WEBER, brewer; born May 11, 1822, in Bavaria; he learned brewing in
Bavaria, and in 1848, came to America with John Beck, a brother-in-law ; he bought the present brewery
of William Kellogg; Mr. Weber sold out to Mr. Beck in 1862, and bought his present brewery of Peter
Pefi«r and Christopher Nolh ; he has torn away the small stone and wooden building of that day, and,
after making a larger cellar, he, in 1873, built the present 52x56 stone building, which, with the large
three-story ice house, makes the largest brewery in Waukesha Co. ; Mr. Weber manufactures about 2,200
barrels of beer per annum, paying revenue on 1,700 barrels, and bottling for the local trade about 500
barrels during the summer. He married Rosina Stroebel, a native of Germany, who died in 18 9,
leaving four children — John (died in 1877), William A., Barbara A. and Louis; the youngest was born
in Waukesha, and the others in Milwaukee; Mr. Weber is a good citizen, and a live business man, liberal
in politics, and an unstinted giver to the local churches.
BiflCHOIjAS WEITEN, manufacturer and dealer in willow ware ; born in 1841 in Germany,
worked at his business ever since he was 10 years of age, his father in the old country being a leading manu-
facturer of willow ware. He came to the United States in December, 1865 ; spent a year in Chicago,
also a year in Milwaukee, and then was five years superintendent of a department in Wisconsin Industrial
School, devoted to manufacture of willow ware. Last seven years has carried on business in his own shop
near foot of Main street. Mairied June 1 1869, to Miss Margaret Diener, of New Berlin. The family
are Catholics. Has one assistant, Fred A. Scheeley, who took his first lessons in the business at the
Industrial Scho )1. The largest patronage comes from visitors who live in the South.
JOHX WHITIXG, Proprietor of Aldine Place; born in GuiflFord, Mass., in 1815 ; his
parents settled in Western New York about 1830. He was married in 1838 to Miss Caroline M. Wing, of
Vermont ; they have one daughter. Prances A., who is married and lives in Chicago. They came West
in 1840, and settled in Walwarth Co. where they remained six years, and then lived twenty-five years in
Sheboygan Co. whence he came to Waukesha in 1878, and purchased an attractive site on Maple avenue,
and erected the summer resort known as Aldine Place, This is located on the east side of Maple
avenue, which is the finest residence street in this beautiful village; it is conveniently accessible from all
the springs, is new, contains fourteen rooms elegantly furnished, and combines many of the advantages of
the city, with all the attractions of the country, and is deservedly popular. Mr. Whiting has been a
Republican since formation of the party. His worthy wife and himself are Congregationalists.
836 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
EDWIN WOOD, retired farmer ; born in 1822 in Genesee County, N. Y. ; came west in 1839,
and settled in township of Waterford, Racine Co., Wis. He lived on Caldwell's Prairie, on the old
homestead, until 1874, when he sold the farm and moved to the village of Waukesha. He was married
in 1844 to Miss Lorraine S. Winchell, daughter of Harvey H. Winchell, of Rutland, Vt. He spent the
year 1860 in California, engaged in conducting a nursery ranche at San Jose; his experience was satis-
factory, but the profits were not immense. He was contented to carry on a large farm, pay war
taxes and get war prices. Had two children; one died in infancy, and one died at age of 19. He
is a temperance Republican, but never held office ; votes as he is a mind to, and lets others do the same.
He was Superintendent of Sunday school at Caldwell's Prairie for twenty years ; is now Deacon of the
Congregational Church at Waukesha. He is a genial gentleman, and enjoys a social game of croquet. He
owns a pleasant home on Maple avenue. His house is one of the favorite resorts of summer tourists, who
visit the " Springs " from all sections of the United States.
H. JII. YOUMAIVS was born in Mukwonago, Waukesha Co., Wis., Jan. 6, 1851 ; son of Dr.
Henry A. and Lucy S. Youmans ; both are now living on Sec. 26, Mukwonago ; settled in Mukwonago
in 1843 ; Henry M. engaged in clerking when he was 14 years of age, continued in that business until
1870 (except a few months spent at Commercial College in Milwaukee). In 1870, he came to Wauk,esha
and commenced learning the printer's trade in the office of the Freeman, worked at the case for three years,
then purchased an interest doing more or less of the mechanical work ; for tlfe last five years sole proprietor.
Town Clerk in 1876. He was married in the village of Mukwonago Sept. 14, 1870, to Frankie G. Kel-
logg, daughter of Erastus H. Kellogg, an early settler of Vernon, a prominent miller of Mukwonago now;
Mrs. Youmans died Dec. 7, 1876, at Mukwonago, leaving two children — Augustus H., born Sept. 8.
1871, and Solomon K., born Fob. 8, 1873. Mr. Youmans is a member of I. 0. 0. F., K. of H.. Royal Ar-
canum. He is the present President of the village of Waukesha, elected May 4, 1880, over P. H. Carney
by 209 to 352. This was the largest Republican majority (143) ever given for a President of Waukesha
TOWN OF WAUKESHA.
HENRY AIJSTERMANN, farmer; Sec. 32; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Lippe-Det-
mold, Germany, Jan. 31, 1823. His father, Conrad A., was a soldier of Lippe-Detmold ; the son was
educated in the seminary there, and began teaching in his 20th year, teaching six years. Married, 1875,
Amelia Meyer; she was born in Westphalia Feb. 22, 1822. They came to America, in 1848, locating on
their present farm. This he bought of his father-in-law, Adolph Meyer ; about twenty acres were cleared,
on which was a small house and barn. It was new work for this German teacher to swing the ax ; but
that he did it and did it well is proven by his present surroundings, he owning 300 acres, with good
buildings. In 1851, he removed to Waukesha, and during the next two years kept the Exchange Hotel.
Mr. and Mrs. A. have six children — Alvin, Laura, Hulda, Frank, Amanda and Max ; the two eldest were
born in Lippe-Detmold, and the others in Waukesha Co. ; a daughter, Matilda, is deceased. Mr. Auster-
mann is a Democrat, and is devoting his large farm to grain and stock-growing.
GEORGE M. BARNEY, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. O. Waukesha ; born in the town of Adams, Jef-
ferson Co., N. Y., June 22, 1825 ; son of Sebina and Polly (Manderville) Barney. In 1836, his father, a
Vermonter by birth, made an extended trip through the West, buying land in Ohio and at Mineral Point,
Wis. During the spring of 1837, the family came by way of the lakes to Milwaukee, having a rough
and tempestuous trip, the ice breaking the paddles from the wheels of the steamer. Landing at Milwaukee
in June, they reached Prairieville on the 4th of July. The first summer was spent with Mr. Pettibone,
on what was afterward called the Cushman place. Here, George took his first lessons at driving, break-
ing team, earning $12 per month. Sebina Barney bought a claim on Sec. 14, at this time, and through
his labor and care it was made one of the best farms in the county, and many a dollar was earned by him
at the forge, as he was the pioneer blacksmith of the locality. After about twenty years, he sold here
and located on the farm now owned by George Harding. At the organization of the Waukesha County
Bank, Mr. B. was made Vice President, which office he held at his death, on May 29, 1880 — a public-
spirited, honorable and truly good man ; our feeble pen cannot do his memory justice. His home, for a
number of years, was in the village, where a street now bears his name. His son, our subject, sold the
TOWN OF WAUKESHA. 837
second location spoken of to Mr. Harding, and has resided on his present farm of 186i acres since 1868.
Bulk his large and tasteful farmhouse of Cream City brick in 1878, and has done good work as a farmer
during his forty-three years' residence in Waukesha. He married, March 13, 1854, Miss Julia Washburn,
of Industry, Me.; they have nine children; Sabina D., De Newton, George H., Carrie B., Milton W.,
Harlow P., Nellie M., Charles A. and Lottie E. ; May, born May 1, 1867, died a few weeks after. The
children are all natives of this county, and all residents of it, except George H., who is in Dakota. The
Barney family are Democrats, and refusers of all office.
A. BLACKWEIili, farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in the town of Stillwater, Sara-
toga Co., N. Y., Nov. 18, 1807 ; his parents, Joshua and Delia (Bowles) Blackwell, were Massachusetts
people, and removed, when our subject was a mere lad, to Otsego Co., N. Y. He married Miss Anna,
daughter of John and Anna (Parnsworth) Wagner ; she was born in Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y, in
May, 1845, when they settled on their present homestead in Waukesha ; Mr. B. had bought part of it the
preceding fall, and had a small house built ; the farm was crossed by an Indian trail and was a favorite
resort for the redskins in trapping muskrats ; he was also on the route of the teamsters between the lead
mines and Milwaukee, and the rifle-like crack of their long whips often warned him of the approach of a
score of these unwashed, unkempt, but good-hearted fellows ; " to fill out our quota of neighbors," says Mr.
Blackwell, " we had the Hoosier bogs, built like a sunfish or pumpkin see i, capable of jumping a six-rail
fence, or jumping through the cracks between the barn siding ; hail stones would split on their backs, and
nothing but a stroke of lightning would kill them ;" yet they were good old times, and when we look at
Mr. B.'s 160-acre farm with its substantial buildings, we can see that he prospered. Mr. and Mrs. Black-
well belong to the Baptist Church, of which he was for many years a Deacon ; in politics, he ia a Repub-
lican, he having served a number of years as Supervisor and Assessor; Mr. and Mrs. B. have three children
living, — Jennie A., George E. and Charles A.; the eldest was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., and the sons
on the Waukesha homestead.
ASA A. DAVIS, See. 30; P. 0. Waukesha; was born April 16, 1819, in Westminster, Wind-
ham Co., Vt. ; his father was Josiah Davis, and his mother an Averill ; both well-known old New En-
gland families. In 1839, Mr. Davis, then 20, settled in Waukesha Co., a carpenter and joiner by trade;
he worked in early times in repairing the Waukesha, and building the old Deisner Mills In 1840, he
bought a part of his present farm of 420 acres, on which he settled ten years later, building part of his
present house. This excellent stock-farm was formerly prairie and light openings, with a tract of valuable
marsh. On this farm, Mr. Davis has 300 fine-wool sheep, and sixty head of cattle ; his sheep are from
the flocks of Perkins and Paul. He married Miss Martha Williams (sister of J. W.), who was born in
Chester, Vt. ; they have a daughter, Martha, now Mrs. Frank Shultis. Mr. Davis is a Republican, and
a live and prosperous farmer.
Wllili ABD M. FABR, farmer. Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; was born in the town of Scroon
Lake, Kssex Co., N. Y., Sept. 10, 1843; he is a son of George W. and Esther (Day) Farr, who removed
to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1856 ; Willard M. was educated at Shaw Academy, and made Cleveland his home
until July, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Co. G, 42d 0. V. I. ; his Colonel was James A.
Garfield — the present Republican nominee for President, whose election will verify Capt. Farr's pre-
diction, made while in the service ; his regiment was engaged at Mill Creek, Pond Gap, Cumberland Gap,
etc., and took part in Sherman's first abortive attack nn Vicksburg, helped capture Arkansas Post,
engaged in the battles preceding the investment of Vicksburg, its siege, and on its surrender, our subject
was commissioned Lieutenant ; after Herron's Red River raid, Lieut. Farr was transferred to. the Virginia
army, and, in the fall of 1863, was commissioned Captain of Co. I, U. S. Artillery; he also served
as Brigade Quartermaster and as Ordnance Officer ; after a most honorable military career of over four
years, having engaged in fourteen battles, he was honorably discharged in July, 1865 ; soon after, hg
located on and for three years owned the farm of Mr. N. Shultis, Genesee. He married, in October, 1866,
Miss Susie E., daughter of A. C. Nickell. From 1868 to 1878, the Captain was in the lumber business
in Michigan ; his farm of 115 acres is part of the old Nickell estate, and on this he has built a new and
tasteful residence ; the Captain and wife have a daughter, Alice N., born in 1868, in Waukesha Village ;
he is an ardent Republican, and was once Postmaster of Onekama, Michigan.
SAMUEL FOX, farmer. Sec. 27 ; P. O. Waukesha ; born in Wroxton, Oxfordshire, England,
April 7, 1814 ; he is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Hays) Fox ; his mother died when he was a child ;
he was a farmer in England; he was married in Wroxton to Miss Jane, daughter of William and Mary
(Gardner) Carpenter ; they had four children, all born in Wroxton — Mary A., S. Albert, Sarah and
Cymbreanne. The family came to America, and lo the Waukesha homestead in 1854; the 95 acres
838 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
were then almost in a state of nature ; living in a log house, Mr. Pox did good work, and is rewarded
with a good home. Mrs. Fox died in December, 1878 ; Mary A. (Mrs. William Stillwell) died in July,
1868, leaving five children ; Sarah (Mrs. John Sleep) died March 31, 1880, leaving eight children;
S. Albert married Miss Eliza, daughter of Richard Smart, and is a substantial farmer in Pewaukee ;
Cymbreanne (Mrs. William Pratt) is a resident of Detroit. Mr. Fox is carrying on the homestead,
assisted by his grandchildren; he is an attendant of the M. E. Church; a Republican, and has held
minor offices.
ISAAC <jr AliE, farmer and stock-breeder. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in the town of Ben-
ningfon, Bennington Co., Vt., June 2, 1832 ; son of Isaac and Lydia (Gardner) Gale, born near the historic old
battle-ground at Bennington ; he was educated at Bennington, and married there, March 1 , 1 854, to Miss Julia,
daughter of Elihu and Sarah (Ploss)Dutcher; she was also of Bennington. In thefallof 1855,Mr. G. and wife,
with Mr. Dutcher, came to Waukesha, Mr. Dutcher buying the Gale homestead of Jabez Burchard, to own it
but a few hours, however, as he fell a victim of cholera on the third day of his residence in Wisconsin. Mr.
Gale bought the 146-aere farm of the heirs, has brought all but 25 acres under cultivation, and erected a
tasteful farm house for his home; originally a timbered farm, his care and management have brought it
to a state of improvement excelled by but few farms in the county. A Republican, he is now serving his
third term on the Town Board of Waukesha ; is also President, of the Waukesha County Agricultural
Society. Is a member of the Baptist Church, and has for ten years superintended the Union Sabbath
School, at South Genesee. Mr. and Mrs. Gale have two living children — Alfred J., and Mary P., who
is now attending school at Waukesha. The eldest, Martha D., was educated at the Whitewater Normal
School, married J. K. Randle, and died in July 1876, aged 19. In regard to Mr. Gale's record as a stock-
breeder, we are authorized to state that about fifteen years ago he bought of J. C. Clark, New Yorkj ten
pure-bred Spanish Merino sheep, and has since dealt with other noted New York and Vermont breeders ;
his ram, AUright, a pure Atwood, sheared just thirty pounds in 1880 ; he was bred by De Long, of Ver-
mont, and is registered as De Long's 100 ; Mr. G. regards him as the best animal in ihe State for wool
and stock, and keeps him at the head of his flock of 190 as good sheep as need be seen; his dealings
with Western sheep men extend through Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, and all parts of
Wisconsin ; he selling in 1879, thirty-five rams from his flock. His first Jersey cattle, bought in 1876, of
J. M. Cobb, have likewise proven a successful adventure, he now owning three thoroughbred and four
grades ; his last sale, that of a yearling bull, was to E. Enos, the popular Postmaster of Waukesha. Mr.
Gale is also a most successful breeder of Poland China hogs, his first purchase, eight or ten years ago,
being made of 0. P. Clinton, Pewaukee.
OEORGE A. HIJVE, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. Waukesha; born July 22, 1811, in Canfield,
Trumbull Co., Ohio ; his father, born in Connecticut, was a carpenter and joiner, and married Preelove
Bunnell, also of Connecticut. G. A. Hine spent his early life in Portage Co., Ohio, and at 21 bought a
small furnace and plow factory at Shalerville, Ohio. Dissatisfied with this, he left for Wisconsin, and
reached Prairieville in June, 1837, in company with E. D. Clinton ; together they claimed over 400
acres on Sees. 4, 5, 6 and 7 ; both worked at blacksmithing and plow-making, and are well-reiaembered
pioneers. In 1839 or 1840, they built a grist and saw-mill' on Sec. 7, selling the mill and about 300
acres of land two years later. Mr. Hine then settled on his present farm, which, containiui; 161 acres, is
now among the best in the town ; it was, forty years ago, openings and low prairie ; Mr. Hine with his
own hands breaking and fencing it, building two good houses, and several substantial barns upon it ; a
spring of running water supplies the stock in the yard, and none of the settlers of 1837 have a better
home. Mrs. Hine, formerly Maria Clinton, was born in Vermont, and died October 18, 1874, leaving two
sons — Morton 0., who married Miss H. S. Taylor, and lived in Waukesha, and Clifton A., who married
Miss Addie Smith, and now manages the homestead. He devotes much attention to the culture of berries
for the local market; fifty bushels of the different kinds raised in 1880. Father and sons are Republicans,
the father having been Assessor, etc.
JOHN HILLE, farmer. Sec. 31; P. 0. Waukesha ; born Feb. 20, 1811, in Bremka, near Got-
tingen, Hanover ; his parents both died when he was a lad ; he was educated in his native town, and
learned cabinet: making in Gottingen ; followed this until 1837, when he emigrated to America, locating
in New York City, where he did business on his own account until he came to Wisconsin in 1848. He
married, 1842, in New York, Miss Magdalena Jaquiltard ; she was born in the department of Strasbourg
France, and reached New York in June, 1837 ; this was the only family of that name in France during ihe
Huguenot persecutions. Mr. Ilille bought 146 acres of his present farm of 215 ; began in a log house,
and did good work among the timber, as is attested to-day by the cultivated farm, farm buildings and the
TOWN OF WAUKESHA. 839
spacious stooe farmhouse, built two stories high, and built to stay. Mr. and Mrs. Hille have eight chil-
dren— Charles, Elizabeth, Edwin, Anna, Huldah, William, Lillie and Oscar ; all except the eldest were
born on the homestead ; Michael Hille died in childhood, and John when he was about 30. Mr. Hille is
Independent in politics.
EDWARD W. KING, Sec. 19; P. 0. Waukesha; born in Devonshire, England, Aug. 18,
1811 ; he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner iu England, and in 1838, emigrated to the United
States, coming at once to Waukesha Co. ; he spent a few months, with Mr. A. F. Pratt, and then bought
a claim — which is a good farm and home to-day — then a part of the timbered openings coverini; the
country around it; for three years his home was with his brother, James King, and, during the summer
of 1843, he built part of his present house; on Christmas Day, 1843, he married Elizabeth Hurst, who
died three years later, leaving him one son — Richard. In July, 1847, Mr. King married Miss Esther
Horel; she was born May 12, 1822, in Somersetshire, England; her parents, with seven children, came
to America in 1837 ; her 15th birthday being spent in mid-ocean ; after seven years spent near Auburn,
N. Y., the family settled in Erin, Washington Co., Wis. Mr. and Mrs. King have five children — John
H., Edward, George W., William Gr. and Martha A., all born on the homestead. Richard King served
in the 39th W. V. I., in war times, and now lives in California ; their son, Samuel, accidentally shot him-
self, when about 19 years of age, and they also lose an infant. Mr. King is in unison with the Church of
England, and his wife with the M. E. Church ; he is a progressive farmer, and has erected most of his
buildings himself; has 144 acres at home, and 81 in Genesee. Politics, Republican.
JAllES KING, farmer. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Waukesha; born Sept. 1, 1816 or 1817, in Devon-
shire, England ; he is a son of James and Mary A. (Lowery) King, who died in England ; bent upon
improving his lot, Mr. King, in 1844, came to the New World; he reached Milwaukee via the Erie
Canal and the lakes ; he settled in Genesee, and worked a few months at his trade (wagon making) ; gave
it up, and for a number of years worked on farms, earning enough to buy his present farm of 120 acres ;
it was timbered, and a log house was all the shelter the bachelor-settler had ; the first manful blows struck
there with his ax have been pluckily followed up, and a good farm and home secured. He married,
Jan. 2, 1858, Miss Catherine, daughter of Paul and Vianna (King) Wheeler ; Mrs. King was born in
Salem, Washington Co., N. Y., and her people came to Wauke.sha in the fall of 1844. Mr. Wheeler
bought a farm, and spent the winter with Mr. William McWhorter; to use her words, " they lived
in the trackless woods, in a log house; Mr. and Mrs. King lived a year with Mrs. Wheeler, then a
widow; she died in 1860. Mr. King's record here is one of which no man who begins as a fjrm laborer
need be ashamed. He is a Democrat.
CAPT. GEORGE L.AWRENCE, one of the historic men of the county, was born Oct.
31, 1812, on Martha's Vineyard, or Dukes Co., Mass ; his father, George Lawrence, a native of Norway emi-
grated to the United States, when he was 19, and, with Martha s Vineyard for his home, followed the sea
over fifty years, as master of a ship for thirty years. His son, our subject, began as a lad by sailing on
the small coasters; at 16 he shipped with his father on a whaling voyage, harpooning two whales before
he was 17; on this voyage he visited Japan, the Sandwich Isles, etc., and was promoted to boat steerer ;
his second voyage was made as third mate, under Capt. Marchant ; after a most successful cruise of forty-
five months, during which time, young Lawrence killed half the whales taken, ho returned as second mute.
Again sailing as mate, his ship was cast away oif Cape St. Lucas ; reshipping at Mazatlan, Mexico, he went
to Valparaiso, where he was made master of a merchantman (the Crawford), and sailed her to Swansea,
Wales, thence to New York, where he took his discharge. His early dream was to marry a farmer's
daughter ^nd to die a farmer, and just prior to his third voyage, August 16, 1835, he married Miss Mary
Clarke, who was born on a farm in Washington Co., R. I. Capt. L. has made in all six voyages, and
passed thirty years on the sea, sailed round the globe in command of the Champion, of Edgartown, has
seen all the islands of the Pacific, cruised in the Japanese and Chinese seas, and visited both those strange
countries, bringing with him as relics a houseful of quaint cabinets, fans, workboxes, shells, &c., besides
the weapons of the Islanders In the fall of 1846, he made his settlement in Milwaukee ; in 1847, he built
the schooner Lawrence, at a cost of $12,000; the following year, he exchanged one-third of her for his
present homestead, and sold the other share to Daniel Newhall. Capt. Lawrence settled here in Septem-
ber, 1848, began to work as farmer, became disgusted with the raising and selling of the splendid wheat
of those days at 30 cents per bushel, and resolved to try his fortunes again at sea. In May, 1851, he
started on a four years' voyage, which was his last and most successful, netting him a small fortune, which, as
he says, " came easy and went easy, as is the way with ail sailors." Capt. and Mrs. Lawrence have had
six children, of whom George, Jr., is the only one living. He was born Nov. 16, 1839, in Washington
840 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Co., R. I., married March 5, 1 857, Miss Virginia Hall, a native of Bast Wareham, Mass. They have two
sons — Greorge Jr. and Harry H., both born on the homestead. A picture, priceless in the possession of
the Captain, gives an excellent likeness of the four G-eorges in a group. It was taken before the death of
the great-grandfather, in his 88th year. The early dream of the Captain is in a fair way of realization, as
he, with his son, owns this splendid homestead farm of 330 acres, upon which each has a pleasant and.
even elegant home. To sustain the reputation of Rose G-len Factory, a herd of seventy cows is kept
These gentlemen for many years were among the most noted of Wisconsin sheep-breeders, but, since the
founding of the butter and cheese factory in 1877, have given their entire attention to it. They were
awarded a pair of nickel-plated scales as a special premium, at the Industrial Dairy Fair, held in New
York City, 1878; these scales, worth $100, were awarded for the best tub of butter. The factory was the
first established in the county, and is a most gratifying success.
GEORGJG A. L.OVE, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. O.Waukesha ; born Sept. 20, 1828, in Oneida Co., N.
Y. ; his grandfather, Robt. Love, was the father of eleven children, of whom Levi Love was the eldest son-;
he and a younger brother, Robert, made their first visit to Prairieville in 1836, Robert claiming and
settling upon the present Bethesda farm, which he sold to the Tichenors. Levi returned to New York
State, and removed his faniily to Long Point, Can., where he engaged in farming until 1843 ; that year he
settled on Sec. 19, Pewaukee, with a wife (formerly Emma Waldo) and eightchildren ; a residence of twelve
years here gave him an improved farm, thouijh he began pioneer fashion, in a log house among the timber ;
he next settled on Sec. I, in Genesee, and, after seven or eight years, removed to Sec. 6, in Waukesha,
where he died, in November, 1876, at theadvanced age of 85. His son, our subject, settled in 1858, on a
farm on Sec. 36, in Delafield, and, in 1874, on his present farm of 283 acres; the first owner was
Norman Clinton ; C6l. Marshall and James Davis were also previous owners, the latter calling this beautiful
and fruitful farm Pleasant Valley. In 1852, Mr. Love married Miss Mary, daughter of Samuel and
Eleanor Breese ; she was Welsh by birth, her parents settling on Sec. 1, in Genesee, in 1847 ; his younger
brother, Julius C, who was born Jan 26, 1835, in Hartland, Niagara Co., N. Y., married a sister, Hannah
Breese, and resides on an adjoining farm of 373 acres, the two considered by good judges to be the best
stock farms in Waukesha County. This fact, however, is but little consolation to the heart-sore brothers,
as their faithful and loving helpmeets are hidden from their sight forever, both falling victims to that
dread disease, typhoid fever, in the fall of 1879, as did S. Lorenzo and Harriet E., children of G. A.
Love, all dying within a few weeks of each other at his house, he being the only one of his family to
escape the siukness. He has now eight living children —Mary E. (Mrs. H. Putney), Hannah J., Chas.
D., J. R., Fannie M., Sophia L., A. G. and Addison N. The family belong to the Waukesha Congrega-
tionaj Church. Mr. Love is a Republican ; served as Justice of the Peace and Supervisor in Delafield,
and Supervisor in Waukesha.
WIljliXA.M liO WRY, farmer and carpenter, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in County Antrim,
Ireland, May 1, 1813 ; is of Scotch descent ; learned his trade in boyhood ; his father, grandfather and
sons, with him, represent four generations of carpenters. He married, in 1838, Miss Molly Smith, of his
native county ; their five children were all born in Ireland ; of these, John, Mathew H. and Eliza (now Mrs.
James Knowles) are dead ; William is with his father, and Anna (now Mrs. Mathew Young,) resides in
Iowa. The family came to America in 1854 or 1855, and resided four years in West Chester, Penn., and
four in Sandusky, Ohio ; they then settled in Chicago, where Mr. L. earned $3.50 per day at his trade ;
for, a long time, his sons William and John earned $3, at the same trade; Mathew being employed in
a stor^. In the fall of 1867, when Mr. Lowry settled on his present farm of 160 acres, only a part was
cleared, on which was a log house, which still stands beside the substantial frame one built in its stead.
The main barn, 34x46x16, with the horse-barn, stables, etc., were all erected by Mr. L., who has done good
work in clearing the land of timber, stumps and stones. Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the R. P.
Church. Mr. L. is a Trustee.
FREDERICK R. LiYOlVS, farmer. Sec. 28; P. 0. Waukesha ; was bron May 19, 1798,
in Colerain, Franklin Co., Mass. ; his father, Jesse Lyons, was born in Dedham, Mass., was a cabinet
maker, and married Miss Nabby Ransom, who was a native of Colerain. P. R. Lyons lived
on his father's farm until he was 22 or 23, then engaged in farming in Greenfield, Mass. He
was married, March 15, 1821, to Miss Martha B. Stebbins, of Greenfield. In 1840, Mr. L.
and family settled on 40 acres of the present homestead; he had $300 and the land in a state
of nature. None of Waukesha's honored pioneers have done better or more successful work than this
sturdy son of New England. His Srst crops of winter wheat were sown on a neighbor's farm, he, mean while,
chopping out a farm of his own ; many a moonlight evening has he spent felling the giant trees, which
TOWN OF WAUKESHA. 841
were cut up the next day. Such men should and did succeed, as may be seen by the splendid 220-acre
farm, with its roomy frame house, replacing the log house of pioneer times, and the substantial barns.
Mrs. Lyons died November 12, 1873, leaving seven children. Frederick R. (of Riceville, Ga.) ; Marthi
A. (Mrs. Eli Welch) ; Asenath B., Lucius, Seth, Sophronia J. (now Mrs. John Gaspar) ; and Eli W.
The homestead is now divided between Lucius and Eli W., the latter having the home proper, where his
aged father is passing the last days of a well-spent life. The Lyons family are Democrats ; Mr. Lyons,
Sr., was in old times one of the town board ; he is in unison with the Baptist faith.
JOHN McXAUGHTON, Sec. 36; P. 0. Prospect Hill; born in the town of Alabama,
Genesee Co., N. Y., December 29, 1829. His parents, Duncan and Margaret (Dewar) McNaughton, moved
soon after to Pendleton, Niagara Co., and eight years later to the town of York, where the father died.
His mother, himself and grandmother left Caledonia, Livingston Co., for Wisconsin, in the fall of 1842 ;
spent the winter with Duncan Cameron, in Vernon, and the next spring bought, with their little means, 80
acres of the present farm ; three acres were then broken, and on this they raised enough to supply their
frugal wants. They lived in a log house surrounded with a dense forest, but as John grew up a sturdy,
healthy boy, he began to chop and clear; kept at it, and to-day his 200-acre farm, of which 1.50 are
cleared, tell of good work well done. Mr. McNaughton also owns 20 acres on Sec. 7, Vernon ; has built
a large farmhouse, with good barns, etc. His pioneer mother, now 74, is still with him. On the 24th
of February, 1859, he married Miss Margaret Miller, a native of Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland; they have
six children — Christie E., Alexander, Janet, Susan, Margaret and Ellen ; they lost three children —
Margaret, John and Mary May ; all the children were born on the homestead, which was a wilderness
thirty-eight years ago. Mr. MoN. and family belong to the U. P. Church of Vernon. Politics, Republican ;
he is not only a farmer but a thrasher, having owned an interest in a machine for a number of years.
GEORGrE McVIOAR, farmer, Sec. 31; P. 0. Waukesha; born near Inverary, Argylshire,
Scotland, in 1794; he married Miss Christina iVloVioar; she was six months his junior, and was born in
Inverary; they came to America in 1822, and lived until 1843 near St. John, N. B., engaged jn farming,
lumbering, etc.; in 1843 they removed to Waukesha, Mr. McVicar buying the claim of John Wilson, who
had built a shanty ; several of the family were stricken with ague, which compelled them to pass a winter of
discomfort in the shanty; then a log house was built, and, with Indians for their neighbors, the work of
reclaiming the land was begun, and that it was well done we may now see by the well-improved 243-acre
farm, of which 55 are woodland, and by the substantial farmhouse built in 1858, the roomy barns, etc.;
there were six children born in New Brunswick, viz.: Angus, Catherine, Janet, Peter, John and Margaret ;
Angus is a leading farmer of Dane Co., Wis.; Catherine, now Mrs. A. Sutherland, lives in Eau Claire,
Wis.; Janet died as the wife of Thomas McGill, and left four children — Peter, a Congregational minister,
is now President of Washburn College, Topeka. Kan.; Margaret is Mrs. Andrew Watson, now a missionary
in Egypt; John McVicar married Miss Jane Horn, of Genesee ; they have four children — Mary, Catherine,
Agnes and Margaret. The homestead of 243 acres is well improved, with the exception of 55 acres of
woodland ; the log house of early times was replaced about 1858 with a roomy frame one, which makes a
good home for the old couple in their declining years, and for the youngest son and his family ; all needed
barns, etc., are here, to shelter the flock of fine-wool sheep and oth'3r stock. The entire family are mem-
bers of the Congregational Church ; politics Republican.
JAMES MABTN, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Waukesha; born in Craig, County of Antrim, Ireland,
Feb. 4, 1813, son of Mathew and Elizabeth (Anderson) Mann; Mr. Mann spent his early life on a farm
in Ireland; married Margeret Lynn, who died in 1853, leaving five children — Eliza J., Mary, Mathew,
Joseph and James. In 1854, he married Jane Lockhart, by whom he has three children — Margaret,
Samuel L. and William J., all born in Ireland ; Thomas, born in America, is dead. The family came to
America in 1863, spent a year in Ohio, and in 1864 settled on the farm of 126 acres, which has been
very much improved by them since this time ; over 40 acres have been cleared, a barn built, house enlarged,
etc.; there are 80 acres under plow, 46 of wood and pasture and 10 of marsh, the latter in Vernon. Mr.
M. and wife are members of the K. P. Church, Mr. M. having been Elder of the Vernon Church for
several years; his five elder children are in Kansas, where he also has several grandchildren; the three
younger are on the farm ; S. L. and W. J. are twins. The mother of Mr. Mann died here, aged 86.
DANIEJL NEWHAIjIj, one of Wisconsin's best-known business men, is a native of the
manufacturing village of Conway, Franklin Co., Mass. ; this was his home from his birth. May 24, 1821,
until he was 17 ; at this time, he settled near Lockport, N. Y., where he worked two seasons on a farm,
and taught school for awhile; 1838 found him in business for himself, in Lockport, where he remained
until 1844, when he settled in the bustling and '-smart" frontier town of Milwaukee, then containing
842 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
perhaps 7,000 people; beginning with a capital of $30, he opened a grocery and provision business on East
Water street, and, with the energy and business ability always necessary factors, built up the largest busi-
ness of the kind in the place ; his trade with the German emigrants was very large, it being no unusual
thing for him to take in a peck of Prussian thalers and French coins per day, or to agree to furnish more
goods during a day's business than were in the store in the morning. During 1844, he made his first
visit to Prairieville (Waukesha) ; teams then forded the river, and people crossed on large stones arranged
for the purpose. In 1850, Mr. Newhali retired from the provision business, bought the Phillips ware-
house, and began dealing in wheat ; the rapid growth of his business necessitated the building of the
well-known Badger warehouse in 1854; it was then the largest in the Northwest; the same year, he
built the D. 0. Dickinson, Milwaukee IBelle, Gr. D. Norris, L, J. Farwell and the M. S. Scott; these,
with the Lawrence, Speed and Robert Burns, gave him the largest line of sailing vessels on the lakes,
known as the Badger line ; his ambition at this time was to start a vessel-load of wheat for Buffalo every
day; 1855-56 witnessed the building by him of the Newhali House, costing, with its site, $252,000 ; it
was then the largest hotel between Albany and the Pacific, and was for years the architectural pride of
the city, where its only rival to-day is the Plankington. Up to 1867, Mr. Newhali was the leading grain-
shipper of the entire Northwest, his operations in wheat in Milwaukee and Chicago, and in gold and
stocks in New York, involving the use of millions of dollars. " Show me a man who has made no mis-
takes, and I'll show you one who has never done anything." Mr. Newhall's mistakes.cost him his fortune,
but not his honor. He married, in 1843, in her native town (Orwell, Vt.), Miss Melissa M. Tenny, who
died in 1855, leaving six children — Minerva M., Daniel E., Harriet E., Ella M., Flora R. and Arthur T. ;
the eldest, born in Orwell, Vt., is now Mrs. Dr. A. M. Helmer; the Doctor served as a volunteer in the
218th N. Y. V. I. (his native State); the five younger children are natives of Milwaukee; D. E. is in
Buffalo, N. Y. ; Harriet E. (now Mrs. Charles L. Pierce) is in Milwaukee, as is Arthur T. ; Ella (now
Mrs. J. M. Whaling) resides in Chicago, and Flora (now Mrs. W. B. Douglas) in Lockport, N. Y.
Since 1874, Mr. Newhali has resided upon the old Hanford place; this and Woodside make a most pleas-
ant resting-place for him, he having wholly retired from active business ; his sales of milk from the most
popular Woodside Dairy are 1,200 quarts per day during the fashionable season in Waukesha. Such is
an imperfect sketch of the life of this man, who has held a central place in the world's great life battle
for over forty years. His present wife was Miss Roxena B. Tenny, a sister of the deceased wife
WM. A. IVICKEL/Ii, farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; eldest son of A. C. and Eliza (Corn-
wall) Nickell, both of whom were born and educated in Monroe Co., W. Va. In June, 1835, A. C.
Nickell and Dr. Madison W. Cornwall made their first visit to Prairie Village, the two claiming the entire
Sec. 9, and 200 acres adjoining. They spent the first summer in their wagon; then built a small log
shanty near the present Industrial School, Mr. Nickell building a shanty nearly opposite the Sanborn
residence soon after. His final settlement was made in a log house built near the present residence of
Capt. W. M. Farr. Returning in the fall of 1837, he married, the young couple making their wedding
trip to Wisconsin in an old boat-like Pennsylvania wagon; it being, on the whol'e, with visiting done on
the way, a most pleasant trip, occupying seven or eight weeks, at the end of which they began life as genuine
pioneers in the log house. Here six of the children were born — Mary J., (Mrs. W. L. Rankin), Chas. C.
(deceased), Wm. A., Susan E. (Mrs. W. M. Parr), Carrie M. and James M.; the youngest, A. C, was
born in the stone house built by his honored father in or about 1850. At the death of A. C. Nickell,
Feb. 16, 1877, it was felt on all sides that one of the first settlers of the county was gone, nut only
among the first to locate here, but first in all energetic, progressive and kindly deeds. His widow, a fresh,
vigorous, matronly looking pioneer woman, now enjoys the comforts of an elegant home in the village.
Wm. A. Nickell attended one of the very first private schools, taught by Mrs. G-oodwell, afterward taking
a course under Dr. Savage, at Carroll College. He has been a life-long farmer, now owning the home-
stead of 240 acres, living in the stone house built thirty-five years ago, and still a most pleasant home; he
married, in December, 1876, Miss Susie E., daughter of L. F. and Mary (Willey) Baker; she was born in
Delaware Co., Ohio, and spent her younger life in South Bend, Ind. ; their little daughter, Marie B., was
born on the home farm. Mr. N., like his pionper sire, is a Republican and a member, with his family, of
the Waukesha Presbyterian Church; he has been ofiScially identified with the County Agricultural Society
since its organi2ation,and was its President in 1875 and 1876; he has also been a member of the Board of
Supervisors.
M. li. SAXBORX, farmer. Sec. 16; P. 0. Waukesha; born in New Chester (now Bristol),
Grafton Co., N. H., on New Year's Day, 1803 ; his mother, formerly Sally Worthen, had two children
by Mr. Sanborn — Martin L. and Laura W. ; Mr. S. died when M. L. was 4 years old, the widow marry-
TOWX OF WAUKESHA. 843
ing Moses Merrill, by whom she had five children — Sherburn S. (now Supt. of the C, M. & St. P. R. R.),
Marian (deceased), Narci^sa, Chastina, and Moses. Deo. 17, 1829, Mr. S. married Miss Emeline, daughter
of John and Ruth (Wicks) Smith; she was born Oct. 2.3, 1811, in Bath, N. H. ; after the wedding, they
settled on a farm two miles north of Bath, where they lived nine'een years ; their five sons were born here^
Geo.W., Sept. 25, 1832; Sherburn, Sept. 15, 1834 ; James S.; Nov. 14, 1837 ; Frank L. Aug. 27, 1848, and
Fred A., April 12, 1852. The eldest, now Assisant Superintendent of Iowa and Dakota Division of C, M. &
St. P. R R., resides at Mason City, Iowa ; Sherburn, Superintendent of the W. & St. Peter R. R., resides at
Winona, Minn. ; James S. is in the ice business in Milwaukee, also owning a large brick-yard in Portage, Wis.,
of which Frank L. has charge ; the five brothers own an equal interest in an extensive herd of cattle in Kansas,
overseen by the youngest brother, who is at Madison Lodge, Kan. In 1868, the old couple settled on
their present farm of 180 acres, living for the first seven years in a small house, minus cellar or closet;
their present home, built of Cream City Brick, in 1875, is doubtless the finest farmhouse in Waukesha
County ; in this, the golden wedding was celebrated, Dec. 17, 1879 ; the sons met here together; a special
train brought S. S. Merrill and twenty-eight guests from Milwaukee, and it was made an occasion never to be
forgotten by those enjoying it. A poem, elegantly written by a neioe, Miss H. M. Blanchard, was read,
and contained a feeling and most >£tting allusion to the kindly care of the old couple over several foster-
daughters. Mr. Sanborn is a Democrat and a lifelong member of the M. E. Church ; his wife, respecting
her mother's wishes, has remained with the Congregationalists.
ORSOJV TICHEIVOR, farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Waukesha; born May 8, 1820, in Galway, Sara-
toga Co., N. Y., son of Moses and Abby (Paul) Tiohenor ; bis father, a scythe maker, resided thiry-six years
in Amsterdam, N. Y. Moses T. spent most of 1838 looking for a location in Ohio and Illinois ; resolved
upon joining relatives of his wife in the latter State, he boxed up his worldly goods for Chicago; a letter
from a Wisconsin friend gave so good an account of Badgerdom as to leave Mr. T. in an undecided
frame of mind, which resulted finally in his landing July 7, 1839, in Milwaukee; leaving his family here, he
made his second trip to Iliinoi.s; on his return, he bought of Robert Love the farm on which is the now
famous Bethesda Spring, then overgrown with willows; a spring a few yards distant (now filled) was
environed by noble trees, under which the young people of old times used to gather for many a social frolic
and song; kind and friendly interest in each other then took the place of the modern broadcloth, kid gloves
and spring hats; selling the Bethesda farm after eighteen months, Mr. T. made a third trip to Illinois, and
on his return sent Orson to "spy out the land" of his mother's relatives; neither were able to buy to suit
them, and the settlement of the family on the present homestead, in 1841, is the result; it was a timbered
farm, and Mr. Tichenor has spent forty long years of honorable toil in making of it a most pleasant home ;
part of his tasteful residence was built by H. N. Davis, the former owner, and is over 40 years old; curious
Indian relics have been found in reclaimiug the 240 acres comprising the farm. Mrs. Tichenor was Miss
Cynthia Owen, of Sullivan, Madison Co., N. Y.; they have three children — Maria E., Lottie B. and
Martha K., all born on the homestead. The family belon'j; to the Waukesha Congregational Church, Mr.
T. with two others, now being the only members who united in 1840. He is a stanch old-time Aboli-
tionist Republican, advocating temperance and opposing secret societies. His father proposed " Bethesda"
as the fit name for the world-famous spring which he once owned, saying the pool and surroundings sug-
gested the name to him ; he died April 12, 1872, aged 84 years, his wife following him to the grave Oct.
12, 1872. Both were full of years and honors, kindly remembered by all who knew them.
WILLIAM S. TURNER, Sees. 25 and 26; P. 0. Waukesha; born in Orange Co., N. Y.,
Sept 30, 1845, son of William and Margaret (Porter) Turner. The parents and seven children settled on
80 acres of the homestead, in 1848; it was bought of one Manderville, and was timbered; about 20 acres
were cleared on which were no buildings of value ; William Turner did good work here, clearing and
adding to the farm and erecting a house and barn; he was born in Belfast, Ireland, and died May 16,
1862, one of the honored old residents of his town; was a prominent member of the R. P. Church of
Vernon, and one of its original Trustees. His son has proven himself worthy of his heritage, having added 25
acres, which gives him an improved farm of 140 acres ; he has also built a 30x40 foot barn on the modern
plan, and erected other needful buildings. Married Miss Margaret Loughridge, a native and resident of New
Berlin, by whom he has a son, Ira Wallace Turner, born Aug. 31, 1876, and a daughter, Sarah May Turner,
burn May 20, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. T. are members of the R. P. Church. A brother, Samuel R. Turner,
now a resident of Minnesota, enlisted in Co. G, 28th W. V. I., serving with the Western army for three
years.
JOHX WA«NER, farmer. Sees. 9, 16 and 17 ; P. 0. Waukesha; born in New Berlin, Che-
nango Co., N. Y., 1817; his father, John Wagner, was born in Worcester, Mass., and married Anna
844 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Farnswortli, a native of Halifax, Vt. The parents, John, Jr., and two sisters came to Wisconsin in
1844, the fether buying the homestead, then in its natural state, of A. C. Nickell ; a 16x20 balloon-
framed house, with a log addition, was the family home for about nine years ; to-day, the splendid 300-
acre farm, with the capacious barns and roomy and substantial farmhouse oiFer a striking contrast to the
surroundings of thirty-six years ago, and is mainly the result of the management of the present owners ;
his father died in February, 1858, his mother in March, 1864 ; his wife was formerly Miranda Johnson,
born in Preston, Chenango Co., N. Y. ; her parents removed to Steele Co., Minn., where her father died
in 1857, her mother ending her life at her daughter's home in April, 1867 ; a sister of Mr. Wagner,
Relief, married Delos Vail, of Jefferson Co., Wis., and their daughter, Leoline, is as a daughter to Mr.
and Mrs. Wagner. Mr. W. votes for men and principles, in.stead of political parties, though voting with
the Republicans up to the nomination of Tilden ; is an energetic and successful breeder of fiae-wool sheep
and fine horses ; in 1844 he bought a Kentucky mare, which he kept until she was 30 ; he has bred con-
stantly from her stock since, and made only one purchase, that of " Briggie Lee," a noble Kentucky mare,
bred by Gen. Gano, of Bourbon Co.
J. MARCBLL.US WHITE, Sec. 8; P. 0. Waukesha; born in the town of New Berlin,
Chenango Co., N. Y., April 8, 1836 ; his father, Ira A., was born in Rhode Island ; married Miranda,
daughter of John and Anna (Parnsworth) Wajner; she was born in Chenango Co., and they have two
sons, Ira M. and J. M. ; the family settled in a log house, on the Waukesha homestead, in May, 1845 ; a
few acres were cleared and a peach orchard set out by former owaers ; the 137 acres has been reclaimed
and made valuable, a good home built, also a 35x45-foot basemeot barn. The old couple have resided in
Waukesha Village since 1864, the son owning the farm. He married Miss Mary, daughter of Erastus and
Almira (Oxford) Churchhill ; her parents settled in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co., six weeks prior to her
birth, in 1843. Mr. and Mrs. White have one daughter, Ida M. ; the family belong to the Waukesha
Baptist Church. Mr. White is alive to the stock interests, owning 100 fine-wool sheep, with other stock;
politics Republican.
J. W. WILIilAMS, Sees. 30 and 19 ; P. 0. Waukesha; born April 12, 1822, in Chester,
Rutland Co., Vt. ; son of James and Martha (Taylor) Williams; his father was born in Cranston, R. 1.,
and his mother in Hillsboro, N. H. ; th^ family settled on the Waukesha homestead in 1840, buying the
claim of one Thompson, and the land, on its coming iuto market; it was then part timber (openings),
marsh and prairie ; 'more land of a similar character has been added, and the whole well improved, the
290 acres, with the capacious barns, making it a valuable stock farm ; a substantial frame house supplants
the log one in which the family spent the first few years; the father of Mr. W. died here in 1872, and
his mother in 1874. He married Betsy M. Warner Nov. 8, 1852 ; she was a native of Hillsboro, N. H.,
and at her death, in 1874, left three children — William C, Pannie M. and Harry T., all born on the
homestead ; the eldest is now a resident of Wauwatosa. Mr. Williams is now an Elder in ths Waukesha
Presbyterian Church, of which his wife was also a member ; polities, like most " Green Mountain Boys,"
Republican. Mr. Williams in former years devoted much attention to the breeding of superi)r fine-wool
sheep ; he now has 200 of these and a herd of thirty milch cows, with other stock and the usual crops.
JOHIV WRIGHT, farmer, Sec. 33; P. O.Waukesha; born Aug. 26, 1820, in County
Antrim, Ireland; son of James and Jane (Logan) Wright; he came with them to Geneseo, N. Y., in
1839, and to Waukesha in 1845 ; in 1854, Mr. Wright bought a farm in Vernon ; he sold this, and, in
1858, bought his farm of 226 acres, then covered with timber and grubs ; he has cleared the farm, fenced
it, and erected all the buildings except the house; few farmers have more or better barns, one being
78x34x16, one 26x80x16, besides barns, granary, etc., about 140 acres are cultivated. Mr. Wright has
four children — Lemuel A., Isabella Alice, Sarah Jane and Herman W. ; the two eldest were born in
Vernon, and the two youngest on the homestead. Mr. Wright is a member of the Reformed Presby-
terian Church. He has sixteen head of Ayrshire cattle, twenty-two milch cows, and a herd of nearly
fifty in all ; he formerly kept sheep instead.
WILIilAM L. WRIGHT, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Watikesha ; born Aug. 27, 1817, in
County Antrim, Ireland; his parents, James and Jane (Logan) Wright, were of Scotch descent; the
family came to America in 1839, and resided in (xeneseo, N. Y., until 1845, when they came to the town of
Waukesha: the father'bought 160 acres (afterward the town and county poor-farm), and built the 26x36-
foot house where the first Covenanters' meeting was held, and where he died July 22, 1850 ; he left a
wife and seven children — James, Edward, William L., John, Matthew, Sarah J. and Alexander ; the
mother died in 1855. William L., in 1849, bought his present farm of 240 acres; on this he has built
a large and pleasant two-story house, 23x37, wing 20x40, a main barn 34x55, and other farm buildings;
OCONOMOWOC. 845
on a small creek crossing his farm, he, in 1852, built a dam and saw-mill, which is still in active opera-
tion ; has since built a feed-mill. In 1875, Mr. Wright married Miss Martha B., daughter of William
and Margaret (Porter) Turner ; Mr. Turner was a native of Belfast, Ireland ; his wife and all but one
(Mary E.) of the children were born in Orange Co., N. Y. ; these were Robert C., Samuel R., Martha
B., Drusella, Anna L., William S. and Margaret ; the family settled on the homestead in Waukesha in
1848 ; here Mrs. T. and William S. reside, Mr. Turner dying May 16, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are
members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which he was one of the first Trustees, and is now
an Elder. Believing that the Constitution of the United States indorsed slavery up to 1866, and that it
contains no recognition of God or Christianity, Mr. Wright has never sworn to support it, and is in con-
sequence an alien. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have two children — Margaret J. L. and William James.
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC.
HENRY 11. ACKIiE Y was born in Bllisburgh JeflFerson Co., N. Y., in 1828 ; his father. Gen.
Gad Ackley, was a commander of a New York State militia brigade ; he was also a captain in the war of
1812 ; he died in March, 1865 ; his mother, Mary Pond, was a daughter of Maj. Pond, of Clinton, N.
Y. ; she died in the spring of 1856. Mr. Ackley came to Wisconsin in January, 1857, and located on a
farm at Ooonomowoe ; in 1860, he removed to Nashotah Mission, where he was connected with the man-
agement of the " Mission " for five years; coming thence, in 1865, to Oconomowoo, he engaged in the
drug business, and in 1874 he engaged also in the lumber trade, which he has since continued in connec-
tion with his drug trade. He was married Dec. 29, 1856, in PjUisburg, N. Y., to Miss Permelia Reynolds ;
she died in 1864, leaving two daughters — Annie and Evangeline. His second marriage was in 1865, to
Miss Josephine, daughter of Saoauel and Jane (Edwards) Breck; their children are — Samuel B., Gabriella
J. D., Mary B. and Charles B. Mr. Ackley and family are members of the Episcopal Church.
REV. DONALD R. ANDERSON, Pastor of the Congregational Church, was born at
Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in September, 1839 ; his parents, Austin and Rachel Reed Ander-
son, were natives of Vermont ; they removed from St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Allegan Co., Mich., in
1848, and located on a farm, which his father afterward improved, and made his home till his death,
which occurred in March, 1877, his mother having died there in December previous. The Rev. Mr.
Anderson received an academic education at Otsego, Mich. ; in 1860, he went to Illinois City, where
he engaged in teaching for one term, then returned to the Academy at Otsego, and completed his studies
there in 1861. He enlisted in Co. B, 19th M. V. I., Aug. 9, 1862, and was with the Army of the Cum-
berland till the spring of 1863, when he was taken prisoner at Thompson's Station, near Franklin, Tenn.,
and was taken via Columbia and TuUahoma to Richmond, and was held as a prisoner for a month ; then
paroled in April, 1863, when he returned to his home, and was exchanged about the 1st of June ; return-
ing then with his regiment to Nashville; they went thence to Murphysboro, where he had a fever,
and after lying there in Post Hospital, No. 2, till February, 1864, he came to Kalamazoo, Mich., where
he stopped six weeks; April 1, 1864, he reported to Gen. Smith, and was placed in St. Mary's Hospital
at Detroit, where he remained till discharged, when he returned to his home broken down in health. He
engaged in teaching, during the winters, till his marriage in November, 1867, to Miss Mary L., daughter
of Robert and Roxey Averill, a native of Genesee, 111. In 1868, he engaged at photography at Dowagiac,
Mich., and later at Paw Paw, Mich. ; thence he came to East Troy, Walworth Co., Wis., in the spring of
1872, where he began the study of theology, and in the autumn of that year began preaching at Rochester
and Waterford, Racine Co. In September, 1873, he entered the Chicago Theological Seminary, and
graduated from that institution in May, 1876. During his studies in 1874-75, he preached at Oak
Creek, Milwaukee Co., Wis., and after his graduation he was called to that charge, where he remained till
December, 1878, when he came to Oconomowoc. Their children are Leora and Burdis ; they lost a son Rob-
ert, in August, 1874, aged 6 months, and a little daughter Ethel, Dec. 15, 1879, aged 21 years. They are
buried at East Troy, Walworth Co.
MIliTON ANDREWS, of the firm of Young & Andrews, manufacturers of wagons and bug-
gies, was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y. in 1835; when he was about 4 years old, his parents, Lyman
H. and Mary J. Andrews, removed with him to Plymouth, Ind., where he began his trade in 1850,
846 _ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
I
and afterward continued it in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan till 1859, when he went to Colorado and
engaged in mining for a year, returning to Plymouth in the autumn of 1860, where, in the following year,
he enlisted in Co. D, 9th Ind. V. I., for ninety days; he came to Oconomowoc in the fall of 1861, and
rc-enlisted in Co. I, 29th W. V. I., in which he was color bearer, and was with his regiment in all its
principal movements till the close of the war ; was mustered out at Shreveport, La., in 1865 ; he returned
then to Oconomowoc, and worked at his trade for George A. Ludington for ten years ; he then engaged
in various kinds of business till the spring of 1880, when he formed a copartnership with Mr. Young.
He was married in September, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Jenkins, a native of Waukesha Co., Wis; their
children are Mary J. and Prank.
CHAUIVCY li. AXSflS, farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Tompkins Co.,
N. Y., 1819; when 11 years old, he removed with his parents to Cattaraugus Co. Here he remained
on the farm until 24 years of age. In September, 1843, he came to Wisconsin, stopped a short time,
and then went to Rockford, 111., where he spent the winter; in the spring of 1844, he returned to Wau-
kesha Co., and entered 123 acres on Sees. 5 and 8, in town of Oconomowoc; a year later, he disposed
of this land, and entered 170 acres on Sec. 6, and lived there till the spring of 1847. He then traded
his farm for hotel property, at Summit Corners. Here he was engaged in hotel-keeping for eight years.
In 1855, he returned to town of Oconomowoc and purchased a farm of 115 acres on Sec. 8; he now
owns a farm of 195 acres on Sees. 8 and 9. He was a member of the Town Board for two terms, and has
held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. In 1840, he married Lydia, daughter of Cheney and
Sally A. Allen, a native of Erie Co., N. Y. ; their children are Elizabeth, now the wife of M. Comstock,
at Alzona, Iowa ; George M., now a farmer at AlzouE^ Iowa; William W., now a farmer in Kossuth
Co., Iowa; Myron A., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Annis are members of the Congregational Church.
HENRY J. BAKER, farmer ; was born in Somersetshire, England, March 2, 1822, and is the
son of John and Elizabeth Baker. He emigrated to America in 1842, and located in Oneida Co., N. Y..
where he engaged in farming and attending school till the spring of 1843 ; he then came to Wisconsin and
located on Sec. 1, town of Oconomowoc, where he made his home as one of the pioneers till 1875 ; he
then removed to the city of Oconomowoc, where he has since lived, though he still retains his farm of 244
acres on Sees. 1 and 2 of the town. He was a voter at the first town elections of Oconomowoc, and was
a member of the Town Board in 1863-64. He was married Feb. 14, 1846, to Miss Ann, daughter of
Jamea and Ellen Lawson, a native of the Isle of Man, born Aug. 9, 1823, and came to Wisconsin in the
spring of 1845 ; their children are George J., born Dec. 21, 1847, now a farmer in Kossuth Co., Iowa ;
Ella J., born l^y 3, 1849, now wife of William Goodyear, lives at Kerwin, Kan.; William H., born April
8, 1851, now on the farm in this town; Eunice A., born Nov. 17,1852, also on the farm in Oconomowoc;
Elizabeth C., born Sept. 25, 1854, now the wife of John D. Carlott, and lives at Chicago, 111. Mr. and Mrs.
Baker and family are connected with the M. E. Church.
ALEXANDER BARTIiETT, house and sign painter; was born in the town of Mendon,
Monroe Co., N. Y., in 1837 ; his father, John Bartlett, was a native of Vermont, and came to Italy,
Yates Co., N. Y., when 16 years old, and later to Monroe Co.; his mother, Mary Price, was a native of
New York. In ] 848, they came to Wisconsin and located at Milwaukee ; three months later, they
removed to Waukesha, Wis., hence, in the spring of 1849, to the town of Concord, Jefferson Co.; in 1862,
they came to Oconomowoc, and, in 1864, removed to the town of St. Frances, Waukesha Co., Wis., where
his father died in 1871 ; his mother still livls in that county. Alexander began the painter's trade with
his father when 14 years old, and has followed it since that time at Oconomowoc, Wis., St. Paul, Minn.,
and Chicago. He was married Aug. 26, 1863, to Mnry, a daughter of John and Ellen Truesdell, a native
of Vermont, and came with her parents to Wisconsin, in 1841 or 1842 ; their children are John Wes-
ley; James, deceased ; Alexander, Frank, deceased ; Ella; Mabel, deceased ; George, William, Mary and
Lester.
E. B. BIRCHARD, dry goods merchant; was born at Utica, N. Y., in 1814; his parents,
Andrew and Elizabeth (Frasier) Birchard, were natives of Connecticut, and both died when he was young.
At the age of 16 years, he began clerking in a store at Saugerties, Ulster Co., but afterward removed to
Catskill, Green Co., N. Y., where he continued the same line of business till 1845 ; emigrating then to
Waukesha, Waukesha Co., Wis., he engaged in the dry goods trade, which he carried on there till 1860,
when he removed to Oconomowoc, opened a store, and has since continued that line of merchandising.
He was married at Troy, N. Y., in 1842, to Miss Sophia, daughter of James and Sophia Beem, a native
of Catskill, N. Y.; she died at Waukesha, Wis., in 1848, leaving one daughter — Caroline F., now the
wife of E. K. Holton, and lives at St. Louis, Mo.
'^ /J^^T^'^r?/-^
NEW BERLIN.
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC. 849
HENRY BIRDiSELLi, carpenter and joiner; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., Deo. 15,
1822; his father, Morris Birdsell, was a native of Orknge Co. N. Y., but his mother, Jane Blauvelt,
■of New Jersey. When 16 yaars old, he removed with his parents, to Jefferson Co., N. Y., where in the
following year he became apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he has followed most of
the time since. He was married in JeiFerson Co., N. Y., Aug. 19, 1845, to Miss Sarah A., daughter of
Phineas and Phebe Langworthy, a native of that county, born June 20, 1827. October 24, 1849, they
arrived as emigrants at Oconomowoo, Wis., where he at once took up his trade. He enlisted at Neosha,
Dodge Co., Wis., in October 1863, in the 7th W. B. L. A., under Capt. Lee, of Milwaukee, and was with
his battery in the Army of the Cumberland, till mustered out at Milwaukee, Wis., in the spring of 1865 ; he
was wounded at Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 22, 1864, receiving two balls, one through his left lung and pass-
ing through his body, the other in the right side and coming out under the collar-bone. Mr. and Mrs.
Birdsell have four children — Henry, born in New York, June 14, 1848, now lives in Janesville, Wis ;
Mary, born March 20, 1852, now the wife of Alonzon H. Wells, and lives at Neosha, Dodge Co., Wis ;
George M., born in the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co., Jan. 21, 1860 ; Nettie, born Jan. 19, 1862. Mr.
Birdsell has been a member of the 1. O. O. F. for twenty-eight years. He was one of the charter mem-
bers of Lodge No. 48, Ooonomowoc.
FREDERICK BliAKE, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Ooonomowoc; was born in the town of
Camden, Oneida Co., N. Y., 1811; when quite young, he began the tanner and shoemaker's trade, with his
father, Jesse Blake; after following that trade for some time, he took the carpenter and joiner's trade, which
he then followed until 1847, emigrating then to Wisconsin he located in the town of Lagrange, Walworth
Co. ; in February, 1848, he removed to the town of Ooonomowoc and bought eigthy acres of land, where he
has since resided. He was married in Oneida Co., N. Y., in March, 1837, to Emily, daughter of Ephraim
andTemperance (Dunbar) Sanford, a native of that county, born April 19,1813; they have three children
— Mary M., the late wife of Jonas Stabe, of Watertown, Wis., left one son Frederick (also dead) ; Aurelia
T., the late wife of Dr. S. S. Smith, of Eagle, Waukesha, Co., who died, leaving one daughter, Mary E., now
with her grandfather, William L., now in Monroe Co., Wis, Mrs. Blake died Aug. 30, 1871. Mr. Blake
married the second time Dec. 17, 1873, Zipporah, daughter of Athol and Anna (Avery) Spoor, a native
of Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., born 1822, removed at the age of 4 years to Cattaraugus Co., where she
was afterward married. Mr. Blake and wife are members of the M. E. Church.
FREDERICK A. BOVER, carriage painter; was born in Newtown, Fairfield Co. Conn.,
in October, 1835 ; he is theson of James and Betsey Boyer, the latter of whom died when he was about a jear
old. He began the carriage painter's trade at New Haven in 1850, and continued there thirteen years;
removing to Troy, N. Y., in 1863, he worked at his trade there till 1865, when he came to Ooonomowoc,
Wis., and after a visit with his brother here went to Chicago and there continued his trade till 1872,
when he returned to Ooonomowoc ; he worked in the employ of G. A. Ludington four years ; in July,
1876, he opened a shop over Mr. Young's carriage shop, on Milwaukee St., and, has since carried on
the business there. He was married in 1863, at Madison, Conn., to Ellen M., daughter of Samuel K.
Dowd, a native of that place ; they have had three children, as follows — Frank A., born in Chicago,
March 4, 1868, died there at the age of 7 months; Charles, born July 19, 1871; Carrie, born
August 16, 1874. Mr Boyer is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
PETER BRIERTOIV, farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. Ijilapleton; is a native of County Kildare, Ire-
land; he is the son of James and Ann Brierton, born July 1, 1816 ; emigrating to America in 1850, he
settled "on Sec. 16, township of Ooonomowoc, Waukesha Co., Wis., in October of the same year; continu-
ing the vocation of a farmer there till 1865, he then removed to his present farm on Sec. 16, where he
now owns 110 acres. He was married in 1841 to Miss Bridget, daughter of B. and Maria (Ennas)
Connor, a native of County Kildare, born in 1815 ; they have two sons — James, born Dec. 3, 1844, and
Brinay, born June 2, 1846. Mr. Brierton's family is connected with St. Catherine's Catholic Church.
CURTIS B. BROWN, Sees. 22 and 23; P. 0. Ooonomowoc ; was born in the town of Hanover,
Grafton Co., N. H., in March, 1806 ; when he was about 12 years old, his parents, Edward B. and
Lucy Brown, removed with him to Washington Co., Vt., where they settled on a farm. He was married
in the town of Berlin, Washington Co., Vt., in 1828, to Miss Betsey M., daughter of David and Betsey
Johnson, a native of that town, born Sept. 15, 1808, they emigrating the spring of 1834 to Kalamazoo, Mich.,
and kept tavern there till the spring of 1837, when in April they arrived as the second settlers in the town of
Summit,Waukesha Co., Wis. Mrs. Brown is now the only woman living of those who arrived that year; they
made that their home till the spring of 1844, when they came to the town of Ooonomowoc and located on
Sec. 26, where they lived a year, then removed to his present farm on Sees. 22 and 23, where he now
850 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
owns 280 acres. Mr. Brown has been Chairman of the Town Board two terms, also Assessor two or three
years. They had nine children, as follows : Martha Gr., now the wife of Jacob Miller, and lives in the town
of New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis. ; Gustavus L., who died in 1878, leaving a wife and three children,
Martha, Clara and Fred; Swain, now living in Russell Co., Kan. ; Charles, who died in 1875; Nelson,
now living at Leavenworth, Kan. ; Mary, now the wife of John Richardson, and lives at Green Bay-j
Lyman, now in Leavenworth, Kan. ; Frank, who is now married and lives with his father ; Clement, now
at Medford, Taylor Co., Wis. ; Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the M. E. Church.
JOSEPH M. BROWN", produce dealer ; was born in the town of Nelson, Madison Co.,
N. Y., Jan. 7, 1816, and is the son of Jabez and Eunice Brown. When 16 years old, he began the car-
penter's and joiner's trade, and worked at it there till IB-tO, when he came to Oeonomowoc in September of
that year and continued his trade for nine years ; he began the butcher trade in 1860, and was inter-
ested in that business till 1877, when he went into the commission and produce business. Mr. Brown
has been a member of the City Council for two years. He was married in 1840 to Miss Sevilla, a daughter
of Edwin Edgerton, a native of Madison Co., N. Y.; they have two daughters — DorleskieW., the widow of
the late David Wilsey, deceased ; she has two children, Joseph and Jessie Wilsey ; Florence, -now a teacher
of this county.
THOMAS BURIVS was bom in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1823, and came to America in
184:8; he located in the town of Bristol, Hartford Co., Conn., where he was employed by a railroad com-
pany and placed in charge of the storehouse, freight, etc. He was married in 1850 to Mary Kennedy, a
native of County Leitrim, Ireland ; they emigrated to Wisconsin in 1854, and located at Oeonomowoc,
where he has since been employed by the C, M. &, St. P. R. R. Company to take charge of freight,
etc., etc.; they have had seven children ; Charles now in Iowa ; John in Kansas ; Ellen deceased ; Mary A. ;
Patrick deceased ; Thomas ; Francis. They are members of St. Jerome's Catholic Church.
MICHAEIj M. bush, of the firm of Ira Rowell & Sons, is a son of German and Huldah
Bush, natives of Vermont, but removed to York State about 1815 or 1816 ; Mr. Bush was born in
Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1832, and spent his earlier life with his parents, on a farm in his native county,
till 1854, when he came to Waukesha Co., Wis., and located in the town of Merton, where he followed
farming, clerking and teaching for six years ; returning, in 1860, to Niagara Co., N, Y., he lived with
his father, on the farm, till 1873, when he came again to Waukesha Co., and became a partner in the
firm of Ira Rowell & Sons, in the manufacture of farming implements, etc., etc. He was married in Jan-
nary, 1866, to Miss Matilda, a daughter of Ira and Maria Rowell, now of the town of Lisbon, Waukesha
Co., Wis., formerly of Livingston Co., N. Y. ; their children are Gertrude and Ira. Mrs. Bush and chil-
dren are members of the Episcopal Church.
JOEIi R. CARPEIVTER, attorney at law; was born in the town of Homer, Cortland Co.,
N. Y., April 3, 1819, and is the second of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters, seven
of whom are now living. His father. Dr. Joel R. Carpenter, was born at Orford, Grafton Co., N. H.,
Dec. 4, 1788, and settled in the practice of his" profession at Cortland village in 1814, and died there
Sept. 16, 1852 ; his mother, Beulah Butterfield, was born at Canterbury, Conn., May 5, 1799, and died in
Chicago, Oct. 14, 1878. Mr. Carpenter received an academic education at Homer, and at the age of 17
began teaching, which he continued for three winters, and attended school during the summers. He
began the study law in his native town in the winter of 1839-40, and was admitted to the bar in Mil-
waukee, Wis'., in the summer of 1842, shortly after his arrival there in June of that year; he located at
Racine in July, 1842, and engaged in the practice of law there till the winter of 1844-45 ; removing from
there in the spring of 1846 to the town of Franklin, Milwaukee Co., he engaged in farming till the autumn
of 1848 ; he then removed to the village of Oeonomowoc, where he has since engaged in the practice of
his profession. Mr. Carpenter was elected to the ofl&ce of Justice of the Peace in Oeonomowoc in 1850,
and was re-elected to that office for several years ; he was also City Clerk for a number of years, and in
1863-64 was at one time a member of the Wisco»"sin Assembly from the Second Assembly District, of
Waukesha Co. He was married June 8, 1846, at Toledo, Ohio, to Miss Paulina M. Gibbs, a native
of Blandford, Mass., born Dec. 25, 1819; she died at Oeonomowoc, 'Wis., Feb. 20, 1849, leaving two
daughters — Paulina, now wife of Dr. A. L. Corey, of Chicago, and Mary A., now Mrs. J. H. Williams,
of Chicago. His second marriage was Dec. 25, 1849, to Miss Hannah B., daughter of Levi Stearns, of
Oak Creek, Milwaukee Co., Wis., though a native of Goshen, Mass., born July 10, 1830; she died Dec.
2, 1865, leaving six children — Abbie A., now Mrs, James H. Starr, of Chicago; Delford E., now
married and lives at Chicago ; Marshall W., a printer in Chicago ; Irving, clerk in a railroad ofiice of
Chicago ; Esther R. and George G., at home. He was married again in 1868 to Miss Sarah M., daughter
TOWN OF OCOXOMOAVOC. 851
of Alfred Harden, of Oconomowoc, though a native of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Mr. Carpenter is a mem-
ber of the Episcopal Church ; his wife of the M. E. Church.
WiLL-IAM CHAFFEE, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Oconomwoc ; was born in the town of
Attica, Wyoming Co., Nov. 16, 1817; his parents, William and Rachael ChafiFeo, were natives of
Massachusetts. Mr. Chaffee followed farming in Wyoming Co., N. Y., till 1842, when he emigrated to
Wisconsin and located on a farm in the town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co.. near Okanche Lake, mak-
ing that his home one and one-half years, he then removed to his present farm of about fifty acres on Sec.
32, where he has since lived. He was married at Attica, N. Y.,in 1842, to Miss Caroline Grenett, a daughter
of Nelson and Oril Beaman, a native of that place ; their children are as follows : William H., deceased ;
Wallace W., now in Chicago; Charles L., now in Lincoln Co., Minn. ; Elbert D., now a conductor on the
West Wisconsin Railroad; Rosa, now the wife of M. Tuttle, of Oconomowoc; George B., at home.
They are members of the M. E. Church.
ti-lLiBERT CJLAFL.IN (deceased) was born in the town of Sandesfield, Berkshire Co.,
Mass., Sept. 19, 1822; his father, Joshua Claflin, died when he was quite young ; his mother, Maria
Kibbie, moved with her infant son to a farm belonging to his uncle, where they made their home till the
spring of 1844, whence in June of that year he, with his widowed mother, emigrated to Waukesha Co.,
Wis.; they located on Sec. 4, town of Summit, where his mother died October, 1878. Mr. Claflin
devoted hia time to farming, from the time he was old emough, in his native State, and bore his proportion
of the hardships in the improvement of Waukesha Co., Wis. He was a member of the Congregational
Church for thirty years, and deacon in the same for many years. He was married in 1845 to Miss Esther,
daughter of James and Abigail (Metcalf) Colby, a native of Geauga Co., Ohio, born in 1830 and moved
with her parents to Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., when quite young, and to Oconomowoc, Wis. in 1843,
where her father died in 1869 ; her mother now lives in Wesley, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Claflin had three
children — Elton A., born 1847^ at home ; Pierce C, born October, 1 849, and married to Miss Libbie Mon-
tague Oct. 18,1872; their children are Gilbert M., Harry E. and Mabel; Alice M., born March,
1866.
WASHUVGTOX W. COLLINS, agent of the C, M. & St. P. R.R. Co., came to Milwaukee,
in October, 1843; he engaged in the mercantile business as a clerk, until he came to Oconomowoc in Sep-
tember, 1844; he then commenced business as a general merchant continued in that business until 1852;
since then he has been agent of the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co.; at this point he was School Commissioner
and Town Clerk under the old system ; he was Postmaster five years, Supervisor one year, and Mayor two
terms. Mr. Collins was born in the town of Craftsbury, Orleans Co., Vt. ; he was employed as a clerk
in Boston for severafyears, and also resided in Lowell, Mass., before coming to Wisconsin. He was mar-
ried March 17, 1847, to Julia A. Campbell, daughter of William Campbell, who came to Oconomowoc in
May 1841 ; .she was born in Machias, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., April, 28, 1824 ; hiy people moved to Frank-
lin Co., Ohio, when she was 9 years of age, and came from there to Oconomowoc; they have six children —
Sumner J., now of Milwaukee Train Dispatcher of the Prairie du Chien Division of the C, M. & St. P. R.
R. Co ; Wallace G., of Milwaukee, Train Dispatcher, La Crosse Division of the same road ; William W .
of Milwaukee, Assistant Train Dispatcher of the Chicago Division of the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co. ; Julia,
Kate and Nellie M., reside with their parents ; Charles H., is a brakeman on the C, M. & St. P. R. R.
Mr. Collins is a member of Blue Lodge A. F. & A. M., he being a charter member of the first Masonic
Lodge instituted at Oconomowoc, and has been a member of the JIasonio order ever since.
FRED. W. COON, the founder, present editor and publisher of the Oconomowoc Local, was
born in the town of Christiana, Dane Co., Wis., June 14, 1850 ; his parents removed from Madison Co.,
N. Y., while this State was yet a Territory, in 1846, and settled upon the best section of farming lands
that could at that early date be found. At that time the wildeness of the county was unbroken save but
by the well-worn Indian trails which led from the four lakes at Madison to Lake Koshkonong, which, a
few years previous, had been the camping-ground of the famous Indian chief Black Hawk. His earlier
days were employed in attending the district school and work upon the farm, until he had attained the age
of 13, when he entered Albion Academy for a three years' course. In the winter after attaining his
16th year, he taught a district school, and two years later the winter term of the same school. In
the summer of 1871, he attended the State University, at Madison, and in the following fall was duly
admitted to the Junior class of that institution ; he graduated with his class in 1873, receiving the degree
of B. S. While a student at the University, he was an active member of the Hesperian Society, represent-
ing it at two of its public exhibitions, both as poet and orator. The year following his graduation was
spent in teaching and upon the farm. In September, 1874, he removed to Oconomowoc and established
852 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the Local, being both editor and publisher. May 3, 1875, he was married to Miss Clara McDougal, a
daughter of Geo. W. McDougal, of Madison, Wis.
ALEXANDER COYIiE, farmer, Sees. 10 and 11, was born in the city of Glasgow,
Scotland, June 3, 1819 ; his father, William Coyle, was a native of Ireland, his mother, of Scotland.
At the age of 20 years, he, with his parents, came to America, and located in County Bathursr, Canada
West, where he made his home till 1843, when he and his brother James came, to Waukesha Co., Wis.,
and, cutting their way through the woods from Okauchee to Mapleton, made a claim to his present farm of
320 acres, and also to the 200 acres in Sec. 2. They had considerable trouble with one Richardson about
jumping their claim and getting others to claim that in Sec. 2, but in the (spring of 1844 Mr. Coyle
returned to his father's, in Canada, and got money, with which to enter the land, which after much annoy-
ance, settled the case in court. Mr. Coyle has since lived on his farm in Sees. 10 and 11, and now has
210 acres. He was married Sept. 6, 1847, to Catharine, daughter of James and Mary Eutler, a native
of Canada, but her parents of County Wexford, Ireland; their children are Helen, born July 2, 1848,
now the wife of John Quissee, and lives in Concord, Jefferson Co., Wis.; Mary, born Feb. 7, 1850, now
lives in Minneapolis, Minn. ; William, born May 6, 1852, now in Oconomowoc; Anna, born May 24,
1854, now the wife of John Fay, and lives in Vernon Co., Wis.; Alexander, born April 10, 1856, now
in Leadville; Charlotte, born May 7, 1858, still at home; Peter, born Aug. 2, 1860; Mrs. Coyle
died Dec. 10, 1865. His second marriage was Dec. 26, 1866, to Miss Jane, daughter of Bernard and
Jane Dugan, a na'ive of County Antrim, Ireland, bora Feb. 1, 1838 ; she came to Philadelphia in
1859, and to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1861 ; their children are Josephine, born Dec. 6, 1869 ; Elizabeth,
born July 6, 1871, died March 13, 1872 ; Joseph, born. Dec. 22, 1872 ; Catharine, born Dec. 11, 1874,
died April 6, 1878; Elizabeth, born July 20, 1878 ; Catharine, born Dec. 7, 1879. Mr. Coyle's family
are members of the Catholic Church.
WILililAM COYIiE, of the firm of Nash & Coyle, manufacturers and dealers in boots and
shoes, was born in Mapleton, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1854, and in 1875 he began the shoemaker's trade,
with his partner, Mr. Nash, and in August, 1879, formed a copartnership with him in the business. He was
married, August, 1876, to Miss Ella Fogarty, of Oconomowoc ; they have two children, Clara and Alex-
ander. They are members of St. Jerome's Catholic Church.
R. S. DAIiE, m. D., homeopathic physician; was born in Seneca Co., N. Y., in 1844; his
parents removed with him to Sonora, Steuben Co., when he was only 5 years old, where he afterward
received an academic education ; he came to Wisconsin in 1861, and located at Oshkosh, where he began
the study of medicine with his brother, then a practicing physician of that city ; returning to New York
after a fourteen months' stay at Oshkosh ; he came again to Wisconsin and settled in the practice of his
profession at Omro, Winnebago Co.; he joined the State Medical Society, passed his examination and
received his diploma froln society in 1868 ; he removed to Eau Claire, Wis., in 1869, and practiced med-
icine there till 1874, when he came to Oconomowoc, and has since continued the practice of his profession.
He was married at Eau Claire, in 1873, to Miss Ella, daughter of William P. Butterfield, a native of Alle-
gany Co., N. Y.; they have one daughter, Edna B. Mr. and Mrs. Dale are members of the Congrega-
tional Church. The Doctor is a member of the I. 0. 0. P.
MARTIIV Z. DIRRIiE, carpenter and joiner ; was born in Jefferson' Co., N. Y., in 1830,
and came with his parents, Jasper and Harriet Dibble, to Mackinaw Island, whence, in December, 1840,
they came to Oconomowoc, Wis., and located in the village opposite the Draper Hall. His father
became employed by J. S. Rockwell & Co., and remained in their employ, more or less of the time, till his
death, which occurred in 1857 ; his mother now lives at Columbus, Wis. Mr. Z. began the butcher's
trade in 1845, and followed that till 1854 or '55, after which he was engaged in various kinds of business
till 1864, when he enlisted in Co. C. 43d W. V. I., under Col. Cobb, was with the Army of the Ten
neesee and. Mississippi, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and discharged at Milwaukee in 1865.
He then returned to Oconomowoc and has since followed the carpenter and joiner's trade. He was mar-
ried in 1859, to Eliza Knox, a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Wisconsin in 1854 ; their children are :
Adelaide, Minnie, George, Harry, Fred and Blanche. They are members of the M. E. Church.
JIARTIIV T. DRAPER was bom in Uxbridge, Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 22d, 1814, and
lived in Massachusetts until became to Milwaukee in November 1843 ; lived there eight years, and in Portage
nine years, he came to Oconomowoc fourteen years ago. Mr. Draper has been proprietor of Draper Hall,
Oconomowoc, for the last ten years. County Commissioner for four years. Mayor three terms, and is now
serving as Mayor. He was married in 1835 to Caroline Watson, in Massachusetts, who was born in Lei-
cester, Mass.; she died in 1841, leaving two children — Edward F., now a merchant of Delaware City,
TOWif OF OCONOMO'WOC. 853
Cornelia M., now of Worcester, Mass. His present wife was Caroline Calkins, of Blilwaukee ; they were
married in July, 1844 ; they have one son and a daughter, Mary, and Charles B., son of Frost and Mary
Thayer Draper. Before entering into the hotel business, he was agent for capitalists in entering lands and
selling the same, and looking after investments for other parties ; while in Milwaukee, this was his princi-
pal business. At Portage he sold goods, acted as trustee and assignee for various estates. He is one of
the most enterprising and public spirited citizens of Ooonomowoo. His graudfather, David Draper, was
one of the first patriots to enlist in defense of the rights of the colonies, and fought at Bunker Hill and in
subsequent battles. In running for office, Mr. Draper has always polled a large vote ; living in a Republican
city, he has been elected by a large majority to serve as Mayor for three terms, showing the appreciation of
his ability and integrity as a representative of the people in the important position to which he has so often
been elected. In politics, he has always been Democratic. Mr. Draper is as popular as a landlord, as he
is a citizen. Oconomowoc has become pupular as a summer resort, and Draper Hall, open during the
whole year, is usually crowded during the summer months. The natural attractions of Oconomowoc are
unsurpassed, and Mr. Draper has done more than any other man to make it a favorite resort during the
summer months ; his house is situated between Fowler and La Belle lakes, his grounds extending to both.
Before coming west, Mr. Draper was engaged in trading, sometimes in West India goods, dry goods, and
at other times in lumber and coal in different parts of Massachusetts. He received only a common school
education, but he had a taste for mercantile pursuits, and consequently engaged quite extensively in the
trading mentioned, before coming West.
H. R. EliDERKIN, M. D., was born at New Albany, Ind., in 1833, and is the son o
Lathrup (a lawyer) and Martha E. Elderkin. The doctor began the study of medicine with Dr. William
Cooper, of New Albany, in 1853, and after pursuing h;s studies there for three years he entered, in 1856,
the medical department of the University of Louisville, Ky., from which he graduated in 1858 ; he came,
shortly after completing his studies, to Oconomowoc, Wis. Having been a student at Nashotah Mission
when a boy, he was favorably impressed with this country. He formed a co-partnership with Dr. H. H.
Warner, in the practice of medicine, and in the drug business — Dr. Warner having opened the first drug
store in the village some years before that time. After practicing in this vicinity for a few years, the
doctor removed to Waterville, where he continued practice till the winter of 1866-67, except a part of
the years of 1864-65, when he offered his services to the United States Government, and was placed in
charge of Hospital No. 11, at New Albany, Ind. He spent the winter of 1866-67 as a student at Belle-
vue Hospital, of New York, and in June, 1868, he settled in the practice of his profession at Fort How-
ard, Brown Co., Wis. Ten years later, he removed to Milwaukee, whence, in February, 1880, he returned
to Oconomowoc, where he has been engaged in the general practice of his profession. He was married
Oct. 21, 1862, to Miss Ann E., daughter of Samuel and Martha J. Breck, of Oconomowoc ; their chil-
dren are Laura P., born Jan. 8, 1865 ; Anna R., born Sept. 17, 1868 ; Philazamia H., born Jan. 25,
1876. The doctor and his family are members of the Episcopal Church.
E. B. EliY, retired ; son of Joseph and Annie Nicholson Ely, was born in Bucks Co., Penn.,
in 1837. He came to Oconomowoc in 1856, and began clerking for J. S. Rockwell in a general store,
and continued with him as clerk till his death, after which he remained with the stock, of goods then on
hand for a time; -he began the hardware trade in 1863, and continued that business till the spring of
1879. Mr. Ely was City Treasurer of Oconomowoc in 1879. He was married in 1869, to Miss Eleanor,
daughter of B. B. Frances Babcock, a native of Pennsylvania, who died Sept. 22, 1879, leaving one son,
Edward E., born Jan. 4, 1871; they had a daughter, Mabel — she was born and died in 1873. Mrs.
Ely was a member of the Episcopal Church.
HENRY ERREDGE, proprietor of blacksmith shop; was born in the city of London, July
10, 1828 ; son of George and Sophia (Reed) Erredge. He sailed for America in 1845, and landed in New
York City, May 22, that year ; in June following, reached Waukesha, Wis. ; thence, after a short stay, he
went to Lake Five, where he stopped with an uncle on the farm till fall ; returning then to Waukesha,
he was employed a few weeks, by Bacon & Block, wagon manufacturers, after which he worked at the
baker's trade, with George Head, of that place, for about a year ; going again to Lake Five, for a short
time, he then went to Milwaukee, where, in the spring of 1847, he joined the 15th U. S. R. A., under Col.
Morgan. They were soon ordered to Newport, Ky. ; thence, via New Orleans and Vera Cruz, to the
City of Mexico ; was discharged at Covington, Ky., Aug. 4, 1848. Returning then via Milwaukee
and Lake Five to Waukesha, in the fall of 1848, he became apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, with
Clinton & Poole, and remained with them till the spring of 1851), when he came to Oconomowoc, and, with
Henry Merwin, rented a shop and carried on the blacksmith trade here, till November, 1850 ; he then
854 BIOaRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
went again to Waukesha, but failed to find employment at his trade, so went to grading on the M. &
M. R. R., and in Februi^ry, 1831, got a position in the railroad shops at Waukesha, where he remained till
the shjps were removed to Milwaukee ; going to Chicago in 1853, he found work for three or four months,
with Grates & MeKnight, after which he returned to Waukesha, and worked for Case & Pulling, at
building and ironing cars for the M. & M. R. R. Co. ; in the winter of 1853-54, he went to Lake Five,
and started a shop for himself, which he continued till the spring of 1859 ; ha then started for Pike's
Peak, and got as far as Plattsmouth, when he became discouraged, and returned to Genesee, Wis., where
he bought a blacksmith and wagon shop, and carried on the business, under the firm of Erredge & West,
till 1862, when he joined the Quartermaster's Department, Army of the Potomac, and remained in the
South till the battle of the Wilderness ; were then ordered back to Alexandria, Va. ; then, two weeks later,
to White House Landing ; was discharged at City Poin^t, Va., in 1864. He then returned to Genesee,
Wis., but soon re-engaged with the government, and was sent to Nashville, Tenn., in 1865, but on account
of sickness, was soon forced home again. He engaged in merchandising, till the spring of 1866, when.
May 15, he started for Montana Territory ; he joined Capt. Pisk at St. Paul, went thence with a team of
six cows and one yoke of oxen, via Fort Benton to Helena City, Mmtana, where they arrived in October,
making the trip in 100 days. He, with two others, bought a claim at " Dry Gulch," and engaged in
mining, but met with no success till the winter of 1867, when, with Mr. Foroute, he bought a claim at
" Tucker Gulch," where they realized $100 per day, for a time. Refusing $10,000 for their claim, they
worked it about a year, and left it without a penny. He then worked at his trade at Helena City, till
1869, when he came again to Waukesha, Wis. In October, 1869, he went to Omaha, Neb., bought a
third interest in a railroad hotel, which burned in May, 1870, leaving him again penniless. After a visit
to Waukesha, he then went to Sun River, Montana, where he worked at his trade till July, 1873, when
he received an injury from a kick of a horse, and returned to Ft. Benton ; there he, with six others, bought
a small steamer, and sailed down the Missouri River to Biamark, Neb., then the terminus of the Northern
Pacific Railroad ; there he took the train for St. Paul ; thence down the river to St. Louis, Mo. ; thence to
Oconomowoc, and engaged with I. Rowell & Sons in the foundry, till June, 1876, when he became pro-
prietor of his present shop. He was mariied, Nov. 3, 1875, to Hannah M., daughter of H. G. Jones, of
this city ; they have one daughter, Eliza; he has one son, George H., by a former marriage. Mr. Erredge
has been a member of the masonic fraternity for 20 years ; he is now Master of the Ellsworth Lodge, No. 133.
JOHIV EVENSON, molder for I. Rowell & Sons, was born in Norway, July 27, 1833 ; he
begin the trade of a molder when 18 years old, and continued it there till 1862, when he came to
America and located at Oconomowoc, and has worked at his trade here since ; he began work for I.
Rowell & Sons in 1868. He was married in Norway in 1862, to Miss Anna Sunderson, who died at Ocon-
omowoc, Wis., May 7, 1876, leaving four children — Inger, Sophia, Eliza and Eddie. Mr. Evenson is a
member of the Scandinavian Norwegian Church.
JOHIV FAIiliOW, blacksmith; was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, May 8, 1820; when
17 years old, he began the blacksmith trade with his father, Edmund Fallon, and continued "it there for
about five years ; he emigrated to America in 1843, and followed his trade at Boston, Mass., till 1850,
whence he came to Waukesha, Wis., and carried on his trade there twenty years ; in November, 1870, he
removed to Oconomowoc, and has since continued his trade here. Mr. Fallon has held the office of County
Treasurer one term ; was President of the Village Board one term, and several terms a member of that
body ; has also been a member of the City Council, and is now a member of the County Board of Super-
visors, from the First Ward of the city of Oconomowoc ; he has held other miaor offices in the city. He
was married at Waukesha, Wis., in 1853, to Miss Catherine Coyle, a native of Cranston, R. I.; their chil-
dren are — Winifred, now Mrs. John Williams, and lives at Piperville, Wis. ; Mary J. and Nellie A., now
teachers in the Oconomowoc public schools ; Elizabeth, Edmund, Esther, Gerald, Malachi and Peter J.
Mr. Fallon and family are members of the Catholic Church.
HORACE H. FAY, baggage master ; son of Watermin B. and Ruth M. Fay ; was born in
the town of Conway, Berkshire Co., Mass., Dec. 6, 1835 ; when a mere babe, his parents removed with
him to Dexter, Livingston Co., Mich., whence, in 1849, they came to Oconomowoc, locating in the village ;
he began clerking for his uncle, G. W. Fay, in dry goods store, and remained with him three or four years,
after which he was employed as toll-gate keeper at Hartland till 1854. At the grading of the railroad
from Milwaukee to Oconomowoc, he was employed by Fay & Collins on the work for one summer ; then
worked at farming for his uncle soma time. In 1839, he began farming in the town of Ixonia, Jef-
ferson Co., which he continued till 1868, wh3n he rem)ved to the village of Ojonomowoo, where, in 1872,
he became employed as baggage master for the C, M. &. St. P. R. R. Co. He was married Nov. 6,
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC. 855
1859, to Mrs. Eunice A., widow of V. B. Campbell and daughter of Moses and Eleanor Kittle, a native
of Wyoming Co., N. Y. Born in 1838 and came to Wisconsin with parents in 1849. Their children are
George O., born Aug. 28, 1860, now married and lives in city of Ooonomowo'S ; Charles, born Dec. 9,
1862 ; Lizzie A., born Aug. 4, 1868, Katie, born April 21, 1871 ; Harry, born Feb. 8, 1878. Mr. Fay
is. a member of the Masonic fraternity.
WATERMAN B. FAY (deceased) was the son of Putnam and Elizabeth Pay, and was born
at Brighton, Mass., Sept. 4, 1809, and died June 4, 1879, making his ago 69 years and 9 months; his
early years were spent in the quiet but laborious duties of farm life; his early training was such as devel-
oped those manly traits of character for which he was so dearly beloved by those who deeply mourn his
loss, and which won for him the high regard of all who knew him ; he was one of the earliest settlers of
this western clime, having left his eastern home in 1835 to seek his fortune, with his faithful companion,
in this then wilderness world ; he first located in Michigan, at Dexter, Livingston Co.; there he remained
until the fall of 1849, when he moved to this place ; he resided in the village until the following June,
when he moved on to the farm now occupied by Mr. Gribbs, southwest of this city ; there he remained for
a term of years, and then moved into and took charge of the toll house connected with the plank road;
after residing there a number of years, he went to the Campbell farm at the foot of the lake ; next he
removed into the village, where he was mail messenger for thirteen years and never missed but one trip to the
train till disease confined hirn to his bed. He was married Aug. 28, 1833, to Ruth M., daughter of Levi and
Phylinda (Warren) Parsons, of Brighton, Mass.; by whom he had four children — Horace H.,now in Oconomo-
woc, George now in Nevada ; Martha W., born May 4, 1840, died May 16, 1840, Mary E., born January 4,
1844, died January 8, 1844. His family aonsisted of a devoted wife, who was faithful in the highest degree to
the very last, and two sons, one of whom fills the position of freight agent at our depot, while the other has
sought his fortune in Nevada. Mr. Fay united with the Congregational Church of this city May 1, 1864;
in the. last month of his life, he was led to feel and acknowledge his shortcomings and remissness in duty,
and to rejoice that he was brought " back to his Father's house, " there to receive anew the righteous garb,
to receive the ring of the Father's approval, and to partake of the rich repast prepared for every returning
prodigal; he was a great, yet ever-patient sufferer, and all who saw him in his last days will witness to the
fact that he exemplified the spirit of the religion he possessed in a wonderful manner. Not a murmur
escaped his lips, but his common expression was, " All is well." The last expression his Pastor heard him
make was, " Bless the Lord." We laid his emaciated form on yonder hillside, but long hours before the
angels had borne his weary spirit to the beautiful land beyond. " Let me die the death of the righteous,
and let my last end be like his."
GEORGE W. FAY was born in Brighton, Middlesex Co., Mass., July 9, 1811 ; came from
Boston to Milwaukee, where he was employed in the mercantile business from 1842 to 1844 ; then went
to Oconomowoo in July, 1844, and engaged in general merchandising and farming ; he was with W. W.
Collins six years ; then Mr. Fay went on a farm for one and one-half years ; then he returned to Ocono-
monoo ; twenty-three years ago,- he purchased the LaBelle House : conducted the house nine years ; he has
not been engaged in active business for several years ; at the present time he is one of the Aldermen
representing the Second Ward in the City Council ; has held the position at other times ; Mr. Fay broke
the first ground in the place; the first brick building, where Draper Hall is now located, was erected and
owned by Mr. Fay. He was married in Woburn, Mass., June 17, 1834, to Abby P. Tufts, a native of
Medford, Mass. She died Sept. 22, 1841, leaving two children— George P., born July 19, 1836, now
proprietor of a hotel at Bushnell, 111.; Abby L. P., born Aug. 29, 1841, now Mrs.B. B. Parsons, of Mil-
waukee. Mr. Fay was married a second time to Abby S. Collins, Aug. 10, 1843 ; she died June 4, 1846.
and left no children. The present wife of Mr. Fay was Rebecca A. Parsons ; they were married Sept.
30, 1847, at Monroe, Wis; Mrs. Parsons was born in Bangor, Me; they have two children —William
B., born Sept. 19, 1849 (proprietor of a livery establishment in Oconomonoo), and Mary E., born Sept,
14, 1854 ; both were born opposite the place where Draper Hall now stands.
JOHN FERRY, farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc, was a native of the town of Amherst,
Hampshire Co., Mass. He is the son of Aaron and Elizabeth Ferry, born in 1815 ; when he was 17
years old his parents removed to Portage Co., Ohio, where he lived on a farm for six years. He was
married there in June, 1837 to Miss Betsey, a daughter of Henry and Susan Convers, a native of Vermont,
but removed to Ohio in 1832 ; in October, 1839, they started for Wisconsin, and landed in Milwaukee
the 20th of that month, and reached the village of Oconomowoc in December, where they settled ; five
years later they removed to a farm on the southeast quarter of Sec. 28, where they made their home till
March, 1872. He was then appointed Superintendent of the State experimental farm at Madison, for four
856 BIOCiEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
years ; after wbicli they lived at Watertown, Wis., till the fall of 1879, when they returned to the town of
Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., and located on Sec. 23 ; they have six children : Harriet, born in Ohio in
April. 1839, now the wife of S. E. Whitney, and lives in California ; Charles H., born in the village of
Oconomowoc Jan. 16, 1841, the first white child born in the village ; he now lives in Watertown, Wis. ;
Ann, born at Oconomowoc Oct. 31, 1842; William D., born at Oconomowoc December 3, 1844, now
lives in the village; Edgar J., born July 11, 1846, now a jeweler at Postville, Iowa ; John Gr., born in
April, 1854, now a jeweler at Columbus, Wis. Mr. Ferry's family is connected with the Congregational
Church.
JAMES FKRGUSOJf, dealer in ladies' furnishing goods, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1850 ; his parents, James and Esther Ferguson, both died when he was quite young, his father when he
was 2 years old, and his mother when he was 6. Mr. Ferguson came to Oconomowoc in 1865, and
in 1871 he began the jewelry trade in Milwaukee, which he followed for two years ; returning to Ocono-
mowoc in 1873, he followed farming for seven years, and in February 1880, sold his farm and began dealing
in ladies' furnishing goods. He was married in 1871 to Miss Elizabeth Goetz, anative of Germany ; their
children are Daisie, James, Gussie and Lulu. '
JO HIV FORK A, farmer. Sees. 25 and 26 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Norway in 1823 ;
his mother died when he was quite young; his father, having saved a wealthy gentleman from drown-
ing, afterward, as a reward, received a pension from him for life. Our subject made his home with his
father at Brasper, till 1843, when he sailed for America and located in the town of Merton, Waukesha
Co., Wis., working for the farmers for seven years ; he then bought a farm of thirty acres in Sec. 26, in
the town of Oconomowoc, and now owns, in addition to the above, 150 acres in Sec. 25 and 35 of the same
town. He was married in 1851 to Eliza Martina Hanstatter, a native of Norway. He came to Wiscon-
sin in 1849. They have one daughter, Josephine, now the wife of William Peterson, who lives with her
parents.
PETER FORSYTH was bom in Norway in 1821, and lived with his father, Nelson Forsyth,
on a farm till 1843, when he came to America ; landing in New York city, July, 1843 ; he came in the
following August to Oconomowoc, and lived on farm in the town of Summit near the village of Ocono-
mowoc, a short time ; then removed to the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., and lived on a farm of 112
acres on Sec. 1, till the autumn of 1876, when he removed again to Oconomowoc, where he has since
resided. He was married in 1847 to Miss Olive Lee, a native of Norway, but came to New York in
1839, and to Waukesha Co., Wis., in spring of 1844; their children are Nicholas, now on the farm in
Ixonia; Olaf, now a resident of Pierce Co., Wis., Anton, in Pierce Co. John, deceased ; Melia and Herman
at home. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
GEORGE W. FlIIiMER, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Oswego Co., N.
Y., 1823; at the age of 20 years, he began the cooper's trade in his native county, which he continued
until 1845 ; he then emigrated to Wisconsin and entered 40 acres of land on Sec. 19, Oconomowoc Town.
He built a cooper shop on his farm and worked at his trade for the next twenty years ; since that time he has
been engaged in farming and brick-making. He was married in 1843, to Betsey, the daughter of William
and Caroline Martin, a native of Canada ; the children of this union are Richard, now at home ; Mary^
now the wife of Edward Morgan, lives in the town of Oconomowoc ; Adelia, the wife of M. Thompson,
lives in Oconomowoc ; Washing'on, resides in town of Oconomowoc ; Thomas, in the town of Merton, and
Charles, at home. When Mr. Fulmer came in, he had to open the road from his house to Oconomowoc.
THOMAS C. FULMER, carpenter and joiner, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1826 ;
when 16 years old, he began the carpenter and joiner's trade, and followed it in his native county till
1854, when he removed his parents to Waukesha Co., Wis., and located them at the foot of La Belle
Lake, in the town of Oconomowoc ; in the following year, he moved his own family from Cayuga Co., N.
Y., to Wisconsin, and settled in the village of Oconomowoc, where he has since continued his trade, and
has been connected with the erection of some of the most prominent buildings of the city, among them two
stores for John Metcalf, one for B. D. Parsons, a residence for Dr. Miller, Lardner and others. He was
iparried in 1848, to Miss Cynthia W. daughter of R. and Almira Dutcher, a native of Oswego Co., N. Y. ;
their children are George G., now a resident of the town of Oconomowoc ;• Ralph V., now in Walnut,
Crawford Co., Kan. ; Grave G., now at Sheboygan, Wis., Wyman F., at Oshkosh; Grant S., at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Fulmer attend the Congregational Chuoch.
CARIi S. GASMAIVW, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Mapleton ; was born in Norway in 1819,
and emigrated to America in 1843 with his parents, Hans and Christina (Peterson) Gasman ; they
located at Pine Lake, Waukesha Co., though they purchased land in the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co.>
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC. 857
■where his father died in 1857 ; his mother at his home in the town of Oeonomowoc in 1876. Carl S.
made his home with his father a year after the settlement in Dodge Co., then began working for farmers
and others, teaming, etc., etc., till 1849, when he crossed the plains to California and there spent eight
Wis., to which they cut their way through the woods from Stove Bank, removed in the spring of 1844,
months at mining ; returning then to Wisconsin, he located on a farm in Sec. 1, town of Oeonomo-
woc, Waukesha Co., part of which his father had entered in 1844 or '45. This he has since made his
home, and now has 140 acres on Sec. 1 and 2. Mr. Gasmann has been a member of the Town Board
several terms. He was married May 4, 1855, to Mary C., daughter of Abraham and Inger Martinson, a
native of Norway, horn in October, 1833, and came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1845 ; their children
are, Henry, now in Dakota Co., Minn. ; Alfred, now a shoemaker at Stone Bank, Waukesha Co. ; Charles,
John and Annie at home. Mr. Gasmann's family is connected with the Episcopal Church.
HERIIAX GrRUIiKE, farmer, Sees. 1 6 and 17 ; P. 0. Oeonomowoc ; was born in Prussia,
Jan. 19, 1815; came to America in 1862, and settled in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., Wis.; the
following year, he moved to the town of Oeonomowoc. He now owns where he is living, 118 acres. He
was married jn 1845, to Wilhelmina Grasch, a native of Prussia. Their children are Eliza, Albert,
Amelia, Bernhard and Mena. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
JOHN GRIJETT, farmer, Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Oeonomowoc ; was born in Prussia in 1839 ; was
occupied in farming in his native land until 1864, when he emigrated to America, going to Waterloo,
Jefferson County, where he stayed until the spring of 1866. He then returned to Prussia, and after a,
14-months' stay, came back to Wisconsin, and in the fall of 1869 bought the, farm of 70 acres where he
now lives. He was married, Nov. 3, 1869, to Albertina Buske, a native of Prussia, who came to Wiscon-
sin in 1856. They have two sons, Robert and Charles.
ABNER B. HAIili was bom in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1810 ; at the age of 15 years, he began
the tailor's trade, which he followed in Oneida County till 1833 ; removing then to Wyoming Co., N. Y.,
he continued it there for ten years. He emigrated to Wisconsin in 1843, and located at Oeonomowoc,
where he worked at his trade for three years. In 1846, he settled on a farm in the Town of Summit,
where he followed agriculture and stock raising till 1863 ; when he returned to the village of Oeonomo-
woc and has been engaged in various kinds of business. Mr. Hall was Street Commissioner for eight years ;
a member of City Council from Second Ward one term. He wasmarried April 7, 1831, to Miss Emily, a
daughter ofHezekiah B. Round, of Newport, Herkimer Co., N. Y., but a native of Massachusetts, born in
1809. Their children are Hayden H.,who served three years as a soldier during the rebellion ; waa killed by
the bursting of a steam boiler at Burnet, Burnet Co., Texas, Jan. 1, 1880; James J., who enlisted in
Company C, 28th W. V. I., in 1862, and served with his regiment in all its principal battles and move^
ments till the close of the war ; he is now a resident of this city.
WILLIAM HAMLERwas bom near Tallahassee, Fla., Nov. 11,1846; lived thereuntil
he was 6 years of age ; was then sent to New York; here he attended school until his 14th year, when
his mother died ; then his father sent him to the military school on Governor's Is'and for three years ;
in January, 1861, he left school and went to Augusta, Me., then to his old home, and from there to New
Orleans, getting there a short time before the first proclamation of President Lincoln ; then, on account of the
danger surrounding him, he went to Washington, and for a time, worked in the Government Printing Office,
having begun that trade while at Governor's Island; during the next four years, he traveled far and near,
working through the Eastern States ; came to Chicago in 1876, and engaged on the Inter Ocean ; from
.there he went to Milwaukee in 1877, and after working on various papers in the State, finally anchored
where he now is — foreman of the Oeonomowoc Free Press.
CHARLEIS M. HART WELL, farmer, was bom in New Hampshire, in 1820. His
parents, Simon and Thusta (Williams) Hartwell, were natives of New York ; they removed in the spring
of 1825, in a wagon, to Cleveland, Ohio, it then being a small village of log horses. Located on a farm
near there, he devoted his time to agriculture and dairying till 1844. He then spent five months in traveling
with Judge Hayward, over the Alleghany Mountains, after which he returned to his home at Cleveland,
and remained on the faim for-awhile. He-then began clerking in a paper-hanging store, where he
remained till 1846, when he went to Cincinnati and was engaged in bottling and selling mineral water
for two years. Coming to Oeonomowoc to visit a sister in 1848, he spent five months in this county,
being favorably impressed with the advantages of the new country. Returning to Cincinnati in January,
1849, he engaged extensively in the mineral water trade till 1856, when he came to Milwaukee, and there
followed painting and paper-hanging till 1858 ; he then came to Oeonomowoc and began dealing in boots
and shoes, which he continued till May, 1872, and in the following autumn was elected Sheriff ot
858 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Waukesha County. His term expiriug in January, 1875, he returned to Oconomowoc, and has since
engaged in farming. He was elected Chairman of the Town Board in April, 1880, and has held several
minor offices in the town and city. He was married November 3, 1850, to Miss Henrietta J., a daughter
of Andrew and Jane (Tucker) Anderson, a native of Lawrenceburg, Ind., her father, of New Jersey, and
died at Lawrenceburg, Jan. 1, 1848 ; her mother of New York City, and after the death of her father
married Mr. Robert Hobbens, and lives in Pennsylvania. Their children are Charles A., now of Rock
Island, 111. Ida J., now the wife of E. H. Berry, and lives at Rock Island, 111. Naomi Emma,
deceased; May, deceased; Ella B. ; Jennie, deceased; Mabel. Mr. Hartwell's family attend the^
Methodist Church.
DAVID HASTINGS was bom in Hampshire Co., Mass., Sept. 18, 1812; and is the son of
Lucius and Olive (Smith) Hastings. He began the cabinet-maker's trade at the age of 15 years, and, after
Working at that for two years, he took the shoemaker's trade, which he continued most of the time till
1842. He was married Brattleboro, Vt., July 24, 1833, to Miss Mary Smith Sprague, daughter of
Oliver and -Martha Sprague nee Rogers, a native of Easthampton, Hampshire Co., Mass., born in 1808.
Mr. Hastings came with his brother to Wisconsin in Nov., 1842, and located on a farm on Sec. 32, where
his wife and family joined him in June following; he built his present home in 1851, for a tavern and
kept it as a public house for seven years ; after which he devoted his attention wholly to farming till 1868.
He has since lived a more retired life. They have had eight children, as follows : Olive, who died in Deer-
field, Mass.; Lucius, now at Plymouth, Iowa; Martha, now the widow of the late Thomas A. Jones, deceased,
she lives at Greenville, Mich.; William, who enlisted in Company E, 16th W. V. I , died at Shiloh, April
8, 1862 ; Henry C, enlisted in Company E, 16th W. V. I., died at Shiloh April 29, 1862 ; Sarah E., now
the wife of F. W. Weber of this city ; Eliza, deceased ; Horace, now in Plymouth Co., Iowa.
HORACE HASTINGS, retired, was born in Amherst, Hampshire Co., Mass., in 1814 ; his
father dying when he was young, he removed with his grandfather at the age of 14 years to Franklin
Co., Mass.. where he spent most of his time at farming till 1843, when he came to Oconomowoc, but
soon located on a farm on Sec. 25, in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., Wis., which was his home till
1869, when he removed to the village of Oconomowoc, but continued to manage his farm till 1877, when
he disposed of it. Having lost his sight in 1852, he has amused himself much of the time by making puzzles
and carving various kinds of implements out of wood that are truly curiosities. He was married in 1839
to Miss Sarah B., daughter of Medad and Ruth Squires, a native of Franklin Co., Mass.; born 1816
Mr. and Mrs. Hastings are members of the Congregational (yhurch.
J. SHITH HASTINGS. The name Hastings is of an illustrious family in history. The
race to which it applies is of Danish origin. In the early days of the British Kingdom the Danes made
frequent incursions upon that part of England and Scotland bordering upon the North Sea. It was in one
of these incursions that Hastings, a Danish chief, made' himself formidable to Alfred the Great, by leading
a large body of men upon the coast. He took possession of a portion of Sussex, and the castle and seaport
Were held by his family when William the Conqueror " landed in England, and they held the crown for
many generations." The grandfather of our subject was born in England May 20, 1746, and came to
America prior to, and was married in, 1769, to Hannah Billings, of Amherst, Mass. He was a soldier in
the Revolution, and afterward located at Amherst. This is the origin of the Hastings family in America.
His parents, Lucius and Olive Smith Hastings, located in the town of Amherst, Hampshire Co., Mass., and
raised a family of six children — four sons and two daughters. The daughters now live in Massachusetts —
Sarah S., in South Deerfield, and Sybil W., in Hadley, Mass. Our subject was born in Amherst, Hamp-
shire Co., Mass., Sept. 18, 1818, and came with his brother David to Wisconsin in November, 1842. His
brothers Horace and Hamilton came in the following June. He located on a farm on Sec. 30, town of
Oconomowoc, Waukesha County, where he made his home for two years; then removed to the town of
Ixonia, Jefferson County, and engaged in cutting heavy timber for awhile. He was Assessor of the towns
of Concord and Ixonia before their separation, and was one of the Board at the time of their divisions.
He, with his brother Hamilton, who lived on an adjoining farm, built the Maple Grove House on the
plank road from Milwaukee to Watertown in 1850, and two years later he bought his brother's interest
and ran the house alone for awhile. Trading the hotel at Maple Grove for property in Watertown to Mr.
John Gibbs, he returned to Massachusetts for the winter, but came again to Wisconsin in the following
spring. He began merchandising at Rook River, Rock County, and Pipersville, Jefferson County, which
he continued for six years. He then engaged in the manufacture of saleratus till 1863, when he sold out
and engaged in agriculture in Rock County till 1867, when he returned to Oconomowoc, and has since
lived a more retired life. He was married at Ashfield, Franklin County, Mass., June 26, 1839, to Miss
TOAVK OF OCONOMOWOC. 859
Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis and Susannah (Hooper) Chamberlin, a native of Stoolcbridge, Mass., bora
Aug. 11, 1820. Their children are Ellen M., born at Ashfield, Ma?s., Dec. 1, 1841; married to Calviu
W. Burns, of Watertown, Wis., Sept. 26, 1860; lives now at Lime Springs, Howard Co., Iowa; Olive
A., born at Ooonomowoc, Wis., June 26, 1844; mirried at Watertown, Wis., Jan. 1, 1861, to William
E. Buerdin, and now lives at Ripon, Wis. ; Lewis J., born in Ixonia, Jeiferson Co., Wis., May 29, 1846 ;
married Miss Josie, daughter of David Smith, of Rook County, Wis., in August 1866, and now resides
in York County, Neb.
Al^TTHOlVY HOUSEB, merchant and Postmaster at Mapleton ; was born in Baden in
1839. He emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Milwaukee and engaged in clerking until February
1855 ; from Milwaukee, he came to Mapleton, and continued clerking until 1857, after which he spent
a year in the same business in Oconomowoc. In 1858, he returned to Mapleton, and has been since engaged
in merchandising. He was married in 1861, to Miss Kate Riggs, a native of Canada, who died in 1869,
leaving five children, as follows ; John F., now a clerk in Milwaukee ; Anna S., now a student in Mil-
waukee ; Mary A., deceased ; Ambrose E., a student at Watertown ; Joseph, deceased. His second mar-
riage was in 1876, to Kate Snyder, a native of Pennsylvania ; they have two children — Herbert A. and
Walter. The family is connected with the Catholic Church.
OKVILLiE HATHAWAY was born in Homer, N. Y., April 13, 1819; he lived there
until September 1846, when he came to Milwaukee and engaged in millwrighting there until April, 1847,
when he returned to Homer, there remained until the fall of 1847, and then went to Groveland, near Mt.
Morris, N. Y., and built a mill for the society of Shakers, and continued there until 1849. In July of
the same year, he came to Oconomowoc and engaged in millwrighting and carpenter and joiner's work,
until 1863, then purchased an interest in a mill here, which he sold out in October 1879, and since then
has retired from business. Mr. Hathaway was married in Homer, N. Y., in 1844, to Maria A. Core ; she
was born in Homer ; they have two children — Orville H., born in Homer, and Thomas Wilber, born in
Oiionomowoc ; they have lost one daughter, Mercy P., died at the age of 11 years. Mr. Hathaway
has been Assessor, Justice of the Peace and President of the Council.
RIJFUS C. HATHAWAY was bom May 24, 1816, in Homer, Cortland Co., N. Y.
Cdme to Wisconsin in August, 1842, and located at Beloit, Rock Co., where he remained one year, and
then returned to his native town, where he remained until June 1, 1848 ; he commenced the study of law
in Beloit, and afterward continued it in New York State. He was educated at Cortland Academy. He
engaged in clarriage-making in Milwaukee, having commenced to learn carriage-making when 17 years of
age ; he was one year in Milwaukee. May 25, 1849, he came to Oconomowoc, bought a farm in Ashippun,
Dodge Co., but did not run it, being in ill health for the first five and a half years, having ague all the
time ; he taught music, and played for parties, etc. Mr. Hathaway educated himself as an engineer and
surveyor ; laid out the old stone mill, in 1857. In Decembes, 1857, he returned to New YorkState, and
engaged in settling up his father's estate, and returned, March, 1859, to Oconomowoc; has since been
engaged in the practice of law ; has been Town Clerk, Chairman Town Board of Supervisors, Assessor and
Justice of the Peace, at present holding the latter ofiBce ; he has been District Attorney and County
Surveyor. Mr. Hathaway was married in Homer, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1845, to Flavilla J. Hobart; she
was born in Homer; they have four children — Emma J., born June 23, 1850; Lizzie M., born Dec.
15, 1851 ; Edward Clark, born March 8, 1856, and Arthur C, born June 14, 1869 ; they have lost
three children— Polk H., born June 7, 1846, died May 17, 1850 ; Helen, born Nov. 8, 1848, died
Oct. 9, 1849, and Hobart M., born Feb. 13, 1859, died Oct. 7, 1865.
J. F. HOPKINS, M. D., physician and surgeon; was bom in Erie Co., N. Y., in 1827 ; he
began the study of medicine in his native State, but graduated from the Chicago Medical College, in the
winter of 1859-60 ; he at once entered upon the practice of his profes.sion in Chicago, and in 1862 removed
from there to Oconomowoc, where he has since practiced his profession. He was married in 1865 to Miss
Elizabeth M. Woodcock, a native of Maine ; their children are. Forest, Mary L., Elizabeth (deceased)
and Glen A. The doctor and his family are connected with the Congregational Church.
JAMES C HITCHCOCK, hardware merchant, is a native of the town of Augusta, Oneida
Co., N. Y. ; born in the year 1828 ; his father, Eben Hitchcock, was a native of Hartford Co., Conn. ;
his mother, Nancy Baker, was bom in the town of Augusta, Oneida Co., N. Y. At the age of 18 years,
he began the tinner's trade, at Clinton, Oneida Co., which he continued there and at Utica, for nearly five
years, and from 1851 to 1856, he carried on the trade at Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y. ; going thence to
Davenport, Iowa, he stopped a short time and returned via the Mississippi River and St. Louis, Mo., to
Albion, N. Y., where he was married Aug. 27, 1856, to Miss Leonora E., daughter of Gilbert and Nancy
860 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Close, a native of that town. Soon after marriage, they removed to St. Louis, where he engaged as sales-
man in a wholesale house-furnishing hardware store, for John J. Lock & Co. ; it being a branch of
their New York house; coming to Oconomowoc in 1861, he opened a hardware store, and has since con-
tinued that trade. Mr. Hitchcock is the proprietor of the La Belle Spring, the oldest in the city, and
known in an early day as the Cold Water Spring. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Episcopal
Church. He has been a member of the I. 0. 0. P. for more than twenty-five years, and of the Masonic
fraternity for twelve years ; he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.
I>. O. HIBOARD, Principal of Oconomowoc public schools, was born at Brookfield, Madison, .
Co., N. Y., Feb. 17, 1851 ; he received the earlier part of his education in the public schools and the
DeRuyter Institute of Madison Co. He came to Wisconsin in 1868, and located at Milton, Rotk
Co., where he followed teaching during the winters, and attended school during the spring and fall terms,
at Milton College, from which institution he graduated in 1875; in the fall, after his graduation, he was
elected Principal of the Oconomowoc public schools, remaining one year, and in the fall of 1876 was
elected Principal of the Lodi school of Columbia Co. Returning to Oconomowoc in 1877, has been
re-elected to the position of Principal each year since that time. He was married July 13, 1876, to Miss
Ida F., daughter of Addison and Clarissa Brightman, of Milton Junction, Rock Co., Wis.; they have
one son, Carlisle V. They are members of the Seventh-day Advent Church. He is also a member of the
T. of H. and Council of Select Templars.
MAtirlVUS HIIjI) AHIi, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Norway, in
1835 ; he began the life of a sailor at the age of 15 years, and in 1851, with his parents, T. and Caro-
line Hildahl, came to Wisconsin, and located on a farm at Pine Lake, Waukesha Co. In the spring of
1852, he resumed his sailor life, at Milwaukee, on board the " Industry," then plying between Michigan
City and Milwaukee ; this he followed, during the summers, till 1864, when he enlisted in Co. D,47th
W. V. I., and was with his regiment in the Army of the Tennessee; was stationed at Nashville and TuUa-
homa, Tenn., and was mustered out at Madison, Wis., in September, 1865. Returning then to Wiscon-
sin, he continued sailing, as mate on a Chicago vessel, till 1870, when he located on his present farm of
105 acres, on Sec. 35, town of Oconomowoc, which he had purchased in 1862. He was married in ihe
spring of 1871 'to Miss Maria, daughter of Ole Nelson, of this town, born in 1849 ; their children are
Josephine C. and Oielia T. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
CHARLXiS^ M. HUBBARD, cooper ; was born at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1827 ; he
began the cooper's trade with his father, Stephen Hubbard, when quite young. When 4 years old, his
parents removed with him to Waterford, Saratoga Co., N. Y., where they spent seven years, then lived a
year at Kingston, and afterward removed to Troy, for three years, and later still to Saratoga, where he lived
till 1855, when he removed to Oconomowoc, Wis., built a cooper shop on the south side of La Belle
lake, and began coopering here for Rockwell & Luck, then proprietors of the mill ; he ran a force of twenty -
five men and shipped his barrels to Milwaukee and other points for several years. He was a member of
the Village Board one term, and was a member of the Street Committee during that time ; he has been
Street Commissioner one term. He was married in Saratoga, N. Y., in 1846, to Mary M., daughter of
Harmon and Mahitable (Scofield) Craw, a native of Ulster Co., N. Y., born 1827 ; their children are ;
Stephen ; Charles H., who served 100 days during the war, is now a printer of Milwaukee; Mary M., now
the wife of B. J. Ferry, and lives at Postville, Iowa ; Ida, now the wife of H. M. Jay, and lives at St. Paul -^
Hattie, now Mrs. Frank Boyce, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. Hubbard was the first man initiated in the
Blsworth Lodge of Oconomowoc. Mrs. Hubbard is a member of the M. B. Church.
ORRIN HUNGERFORD was born in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1822, and spent his time
at farming in his native county till 1854, whence he emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Kewaunee,
Kewaunee Co. ; a year later, they removed to the town of Holland, Sheboygan Co., and there followed
farming for sixteen years, af er which they went to the town of Parmington, Jefferson Co., and made that
their home till 1877, whence they remoued to this city ; he now owns a farm of 60 acres in the town of
Parmington. He was married in Jefferson Co., N. Y., June 1, 1853, to Miss Julia A., daughter of
Salma D. and Belinda Blanchard, a native of that county ; their children are, A. Elizabeth, now the wife-
of Benton Woodman, and lives in Parmington, Jefferson Co, Wis.; Benjamin P., at home; Mary J.,
now Mrs. H. Lyman, and lives in Baraboo, Wis. ; Abbie B., born May 11, 1867, and died Aug. 15, 1879.
Mr. and Mrs. Hungerford are members of the M. E. Church. \
FERDXABfD HUBNER, Street Commissioner ; was born in Prussia in 1838, and emigrated
with his parents to America in 1846 ; they located in the town of Ixonia. Jefferson Co., Wis., which was-
his home till 23 years of age. He enlisted in August, 1861, at Oconomowoc, in the 28th W. V. I., and
TOWN OF OCOSTOMOWOC. 861
was assigned at Milwaukee to Co. B, 26lili W. V. I., with which he served ia the Army of Virginia and
Tennessee till the battle of Burnt Hickory, Ga., May 25, 1863; he came home in August, 1863, from
Nashville, Tenn., on a furlough, and was transferred to the hospital at Milwaukee, where he was dis-
charged in July,. 1865, returning to his farm in Jefferson County in 1866 ; in the spring of 1869, he
removed to Milwaukee, and in December following came to Ooonomowoc ; he engaged in the commission
business for two years, and in 1871 he began teaming and sprinkling the streets, which he has since fol-
lowed ; he began the foundry and machine shop in 1879, under the firm of Hartmann, Hubner & Co. ; he
was elected Street Commissioner in 1873, re-elected in 1874 and 1880. He was married in November,
1865, to Miss Lesetta, daughter of P. and Dorothea (Raash) Hartmann, a native of Jefferson Co., Wis.,
born in the town of Ixonia in 1845 ; their children are Otto, Amanda, Eddie, Ernst, Minnie, John.
They are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
EDWIW HURLBUT, journalist and attorney; was born at Newtown, Conn., Oct. 10, 1817,
at the age of 7, he moved with his parents to Bradford Co., Penn., from where, after attending school
about seven years, he struck out for himself, going on f jot to Newark, N. J. ; after residing there one
year, he emigrated to Michigan, but soon after returned East and began the study of law ; at the age of 24
he had saved $1,400 and paid $1,200 for a home, and the balance for books, only to be bitterly disap-
pointed by finding a mortgage on the house. He was now living at Lodi, N. Y., having married Catherine
Chandler on Oct. 10, 1840 — his 23d birthday. After losing his home by the unknown mortgage,
Mr. H. moved to Towanda, Penn., and commenced the study and practice of law, and after finishing his
sixth year, in 1847, he was admitted to the bar; in the same year he returned to Michigan, was admitted
to practice at the bar, and received the appointment of Postmaster ; was also appointed District Attorney ; also
received from Gov. Ransom the appointment of Judge Advocate in the State militia, with the rank of
Colonel; in 1850, he came to Wisconsin and settled in Oconomowoo, where he has since resided, and was
admitted in the Circuit Court, also in the Supreme Court and United States Court. In the first year of
his residence in this State, he was appointed the attorney of the Milwaukee, Waterloo & Madison Plank
Road; and, at another time. Chairman of the Democratic County Committee; in 1854, he was Chairman
of the Senatorial and Assembly Committee, from which time he has figured conspicuously in the political
affairs of the State. In Madison, at the People's Convention, where the Republican party of this State,
was organized, he opposed the further extension of slavery ; in 1856 he was elected District Attorney.
and in 1858, he was appointed attorney for the M., B. D. & B. R. R., now C, M. & St. P. R.,
R., holding the position several years ; in 1860 and 1864, he supported Lincoln for the Presidency ;
in 1861, he was appointed Colonel on Gov. Randall's staff; took an active part in getting recruits
for the army, contributing largely in bounties to the families of those who enlisted and pledged
his services gratuitously for procuring their pensions and bounties — a pledge which he has faithfully
kept. He was sent to Washington with the 4th Wisconsin Regiment, receiving an appointment
in the State Commissary Department ; was appointed to the duty of inspecting troops and study
ing the qualifications of officers for promotion ; in the same year, he was appointed aide to the
Commander-in-Chief, with the rank of Colonel, by Gov. Randall ; in 1862, he was appointed
Deputy United States Marshal, with Provost-Marshal power, to issue passes and superintend military
affairs in his district ; was also tendered a position, by the Governor, of Colonel of one of the regiments,
but declined, because the army was being officered by politicians, rather than soldiers ; in 1868, he gained
an election to the Legislature by the Republicans ; while there he introduced a bill for the repeal of the
law which deprived deserters of the right of franchise; in 1869, was appointed one of the managers of
the State Industrial School at Waukesha ; in 1870, was appointed by Gov. Fairchild, to represent him at
the International Congress, on penitentiary and reformatory discipline; was elected one of the Vice Pres-
idents ; in 1872, was appointed a delegate to the International Penitentiary Congress in London, England ;
in the same year, he indorsed the nomination of Horace Gre'eley for the Presidency, and has been identi-
fied with the reform movement since then; in 1873, was elected District Attorney for Waukesha Co., on
the Reform ticket. In May, 1874, he was a member of the National Prison Congress, held at St. Louis,
and elected one of its Trustees, and appointed on the Committee on Criminal Law Reform ; in 1875, was
appointed a member of the Board of Managers of the State Industrial School for three years; the same
year, he was elected a Trustee of the National Prison Association at New York, and also one of the
Committee on Discharged Convicts ; he has held the positions of Trustee and President of the village of
Oconomowoc, and has zealously devoted himself to its prosperity. In religious belief he is a Baptist ; is
strictly temperate in his habits; is a member of Waukesha Chapter No. 37, A., F. & A. M. He has
children — daughters now living. The death of his first wife occurred April 6, 1864 ; was married.
862 BieGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
December following, to Mrs. M. H. Farner, of Waukesha, Wis. • Mr. Hurlbut is a man of positive char-
acter ; is a self-made man ; has worked his own way through life ; is self-reliant ; as a lawyer, ranks among
the best talent in the State ; has an extensive practice in the several courts of this State, and in the United
States Courts ; he has attended every session of the Circuit Court for Waukesha Co. for the past twenty-
five years. Mr. H. is owner and publisher of the Wisconsin Free Press.
(^IliBBEjIV JEl^SElV, grain dealer; was born in Norway January 11, 1823, and emigrated
to America in 1853 ; arriving in Oconomowoc August 14 of that year, he was employed on the railroad
then being built through here, and on April 18, 1854, he was employed as miller in the Oconomowoc
flouring-mill by Lieck & Rockwell, which position he held till September 8, 1862 ; he then rented the
flouring-mill at Stone Bank, of which he was proprietor for nearly two years ; returning then to Oconomowoc,
he purchased the warehouse of C. M. Birdoe, and has since been dealing in grain. He was married in
Norway in January, 1849, to Maria H, Kuudstatter, who died in August, 1861 (the first burial in the
new cemetery) ; she left one daughter, Maria, now the wife of William Henning and lives in this city.
His second marriage was January 21, 1862, to Martha M. Nilsdatter, a native of Norway, and came to
Oconomowoc in 1856 ; they have two daughters, Margaretta and Nellie M. Mr. Jensen's family are
connected with the Lutheran Church.
H. G. JOIVES, tailor ; was born in EUifordshire, England, in 1819, but came to America when
quite young; he began the tailor's trade in Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1833, and three years later (fall of
1837) he came to Wisconsin, and spent the winter in Brownstown, Jackson Co., and in the spring of
1838 he went to West Virginia, and located in Wheeling for a short time. He then visited Lexington,
Ky., and many other places in 1844; he settled again in Wheeling, and made that his home till 3 850,
when he came to Oconomowoc ; locating on a farm, he devoted his attention to agriculture for one and
a half years ; then removed to the village, and resumed his trade, which he has since continued. Mr.
Jones has been City Treasurer for nine years. He was married in 1844, to Miss E. S. Acton — a native
of Virginia; her grandfather, Acton, was a soldier in the. Revolutionary War;' their children are
Hannah, now the wife of H. Erredge, of this city ; William E., who was killed at Memphis in 1864 ;
James P., at home ; Lizzie H. ; Edith, now the wife of Frank Densmore, and lives at Granville, Mich. ;
Melvin A. ; Mrs. Jones is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Mr. Jones is a member of the
Masonic fraternity.
WIIiL/lAM M. JONES, proprietor of the Jones House ; was born in Monmouthshire, En-
gland, in 1849 ; his father, Thomas Jones, was a native of Monmouthshire ; his mether, Esther Morgan, was
born in Devonshire. In 1854, they emigrated to America, and located at Skaneateles, Onondaga Co., N. Y.,
whence, a year later, they came to Waukesha, Wis. ; living in the city of Waukesha three years, they then
removed to Genesee, where his father died about 1859 or 1860; in September, 1861, he with his mother,
came to Oconomowoc, where he soon became employed by Mr. G. W. Fay, then proprietor of the La Belle
House, and remained with him in that till it burned, then spent some time with him in a hotel at Sarnia,
Canada West ; spending five years with Mr. Fay, he next was employed by Mr. Bruce, in the La Belle
House, after it was rebuilt, and in 1870 he was employed to work on the Townsend House in its building
and after its completion ; remained with the house for eight seasons, spending three winters during that
time as conductor on the North Chicago City Railway Company. He spent the winter, of 1872
at Riverside, 111., in charge of W. T. Allen's summer residence, and during the autumns of 1876,
'77 and '78, he had charge of the " Caw-caw shooting club," at Marquette, Green Lake Co., Wis. In 1872,
he built the Jones house, for a private residence, which was afterwards opened for a hotel, as given in the
history of the house. He was married Nov. 13, 1872, to Miss Katie, daughter of Ralph Habernicht, a
native of Washington Co., Wis. ; they have one daughter, Edna M. Mr. Jones is a member of the
Masonic fraternity.
EYJUAN KELJLOGtr, son of Horace and Almira (Smith) Kellogg, of the old Puritan New
England stock ; was born in the town of Amherst, Hampshire Co., Mass., Dec. 1, 1814; he came to
Wisconsin in 1845, and located on a farm two and a half miles from the village of Oconomowoc, Wauke-
sha Co., where he built his pioneer shanty, and made his home till 1854. He next began dealing in
grain ; at this place followed that line of business for twelve years, when, in 1866, he began dealing in
dry goods, and fpllowed merchandising till 1879. At the completion of the C, M. & St. P. R. R., he
was appointed express agent at Oconomowoc, and held that position till 1879, when he resigned. Mr.
Kellogg was President of the Village Board two terms, and has been a member of the City Council for a
number of terms. He was married in 1847 to Miss Emaline, daughter of Seth Leonard, a native of
Mass., but came to the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis., about 1846 ; it, being one of the first mar-
TOWX OF OCOXOMOWOC. 863
riages here, was quite an interesting event; a " democrat horse and buggy" was procured, the beat in
the village, by the groom, which was to convey him to the home of the bride, and the two to their new
home, but, after the ceremony, it was concluded to leave Mrs. Kellogg with her parents till the log house
was completed ; a few days more prepared the rustic cottage for its mistress, and the happy husband
returned, not in the " democrat wagon," but with the ox cart for his bride ; loading up with crockery,
chickens, cats, etc., they wended their way to their new home ; their children are Harriet, now the wife
of N. H. Humiston of this city ; Sarah ; Charles, now married, business in this city ; Frank, now in Plym-
outh Co., Iowa; Emma. Mrs.. Kellogg died in Feb. 1865. His second marriage was in August 1871,
to Mrs. Maria Wright, of Oconomowoc. Mr. Kellogg and his family are members of the Congregational
Church. Mrs. Kellogg is a member of St. Jerome's Church.
CirEORtirE It. KERN, grocer ; was born in Madison Co. N. Y., in 1831, and came to Wisconsin
in 1844 and located on a farm in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., which was his home till 1853 or '54,
when he removed to the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co., and engaged in farming there till 1874, when he
came to Oconomowoc, and in the fall of 1878 began the grocery trade, and January, 1879, put in a
stock of drugs, and took Mr. Young in as a partner. Mr. Kern enlisted in Co. I, 48th W. V. I., in March,
1865, and served till 1866. He was married in 1867 to Miss Phebe A., daughter of Edward Groodell, of
thetowri of Lebanon, Dodge Co., but a native of Fulton, Oswego Co. N. Y., and emigrated to Wisconsin
in 1845. Mr. Kern was Assessor of Ashippun three years ; also Assessor of this city for three years;
he has also been a member of the City Council. He has bsen a member of the Masonic fraternity for
twenty years.
REV. FRANK F. KLEUISiKE, Pastor of the German Methodist Episcopal Church ; was
born in Prussia in 1844, and, in the spring of 1852, his parents emigrated with him to America, and located in
Milwaukee, where his mother died in June following ; removing, in 1856, to Ahnapee, Kewaunee Co., Wis.,
where hefollowed farming till 1867, when he spent a year at the ship carpenter's trade at Sturgeon Bay ; in
1868, he entered Wallace College, of Berea, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1872, after which he spent
another year at the ship carpenter's trade at Cleveland; returning to Wisconsin in 1873, he entered the
work of the ministry at Forest, Fond du Lac Co., under the Presiding Elder of the Fond du Lac District;
he joined the Conference at Chicago, in 1873, and Sept. 27, 1874, was ordained Deacon at that city by
Bishop Simpson, and assigned to the charge at Clayton, Winnebago Co., Wis., where he remained three
years ; at the Conference of La Porte, Ind.,Sept. 23, 1876, he was ordained Elder by Bishop Merrill, and
sent to the church at Brillion, Calumet Co., whence, after a two years' pastorate, he came to Oconomowoc,
where he has since been in charge of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married Aug. 4,
1871, to Mrs. Amanda, widow of William Schmidt, and daughter of Charles and Mary A. Wuestenburg,
a native of Pittsburgh, Penn. Mrs. Kleuske has two daughters, Mary A. and Ida P. Schmidt.
GEORGE KINNE was born Aug. 1, 1824, Vienna, Oneida Co., N. Y.; at the age of 14
years, he began the boot and shoe maker's trade in his native place, which he followed there two and a half
years ; then clerked in a grocery store at Fish Creek Landing for five years; resuming his trade in 1847,
at Vienna, he followed it there for six years. He was married at Vienna, August 3, 1848, to Miss Caro-
line, daughter of Orra and Delaney (Bendy) Wetherbee, a native of Glens Falls, Warren Co., N. Y. In
August, 1853, they started for Wisconsin, and arrived at Oconomowoc in September following. Here he
continued his trade till October, 1861, when he formed a copartnership with John Metcalf, and dealt in
boots and shoes till 1863, when he sold out to Mr. Jletcalf. and in 1866 began the business of a dealer
again with Mr. Wetherbee, and continued the business till 1870 ; since which time he has been engaged
in various kinds of business. Mrs. Kinne brought the first dress model to Oconomowoc, and was the only
dressmaker here for three years ; she has devoted much of her time to that business since. Their chil-
dren are as follows: Cleera A., born Aug. 2, 1849, at Vienna, N. Y., died Aug. 11, 1850 ; Cynthia M.,
born Aug. 4, 1851, died there June 3, 1853 ; Frank W., born Jan. 25, 1855, now lives at LaCrosse, Wis.;
George H., born June 2(1, 1858, died June 21, 1858 ; Charles, born June 28, 1864, now at home. Mr.
and Mrs. Kince are members of the M. E. Church.
JOHN KIJIBAIilj, dealer in flour and feed ; was born in Orange Co., Vt., in 1813, and
when 12 years old removed with his parents, Caleb and Betsey Kimball, to Franklin Co., Vt., and lived
there on a farm till 1852 ; he went thence to Worcester, Mass., where he worked in a chair factory and at
gardening for three years ; emigrating to Wisconsin in 1855, he located on a farm in the town of Sum-
mit, Waukesha Co., and followed farming and carpentering there till 1870, when he removed to Oconomo-
woc, and became employed as a traveling salesman for a New York glove and mitten house, in whose
interest he traveled for five years ; he next traveled fijur years for a glove and mitten house at Hartford,
864 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Wis., and one year for a Beloit house ; Jan. 12, 1880, he became interested in the flour and feed trade
with Mr. R. C. Coryl. He was married at Dover, N. H., Nov. 16, 1834, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of
Benjamin and Betsey Dore, a native of Straiford Co,, N. H., born Feb. 11, 1812 ; their children were;
Chase B., who enlisted at Ripon in Co. P. First W. V. C, in 1862, and was with his regiment in most
of its principal movements till taken sick at Iron Mountain, Mo., and died there in the hospital in 1863;
Charles W., who enlisted in Co. C 28th W. V. I., in 1863, and was with his regiment till they reached
Mobile, where he was discharged on account of his disability for service ; he how lives in Washington Co.,
Wis. ; Jennette, now the wife of Henry Hildreth, and lives in the town of Summit ; Marchia S., now the
wife of Marion Heron, and lives at Longmont, Col ; Chauncy C, who enlisted in Co. F 1st W. V. C,
at Ripon in 1862, and died at' Helena with typhoid fever in 1863. Mrs. Kimball died at her home in
Summit, March 16, 1862. His second marriage was Oct. 13, 1863, to Miss Mary A. daughter of Levi
and Betsey Caryl, a native of Bennington Co., Vt., born July 31, 1824, and moved when young to
Watertown, N. Y., and to Jefferson Co., Wis., when 18 years old. They are members of the M. E.
Church.
THOUIIAIjD KIEB, tinner ; was born in Norway, in 1833; he began his trade when 13
years old, and, after working at it six years, he then spent three years trave ling through Denmark, Ger-
'many and other parts of Europe, after which he returned to Norway and carried on the tinner's trade four
or five years; he came to America in 1866, locating in Milwaukee, Wis. ; he continued his trade there
for two years, and in 1868 he came to Ooonomowoc, where he has since followed the same vocation. He
was married in 1870, to Miss C. Gerhardene Christianson, a native of Norway; their children are Mary,
deceased ; Martin, Annie, Gerhard. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
NEIiS Li A-ftSON, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Mapleton ; is a native of Norway, where he was born in
1825, and spent his time with his father at farming till 1849 ; he then emigrated to America and stopped
a short time at Palmyra, Wis.; then came to the town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., where he bought
40 acres of timber land on Sec. 1 ; he improved gradually «b his limited means would allow, and after-
ward bought 20 acres more joining it ; he built his house in 1858, and kept bachelor'? hall till 1859,
when he was married to Miss Ellen M, Anderson, a native of Norway, born in December, 1835, and came
to Wisconsin in 1858; iheir children are Lewis A., Edward, deceased, Charles M., Adolph S., Christian,
Anton G., Edward, Emma K., N. Matilda. Mr. Larson's family is connected with the Lutheran Church.
CHRISTIAIV lilNGER, dentist; was born in the Rhine Province, in 1838, and in 1844,
came with his parents to Milwaukee, Wis. ; his father being sickly and poor, the support of the family
depended upon the children, which required all their efforts. When 16 or 17 years old, he began working
and studying in the office of Dr. Jennings, a dentist of Milwaukee, and continued with him for three
winters, working at farming during summers ; he next worked at the carpenter and joiner's' trade for a
short time, then was engaged in the mercantile trade for some time. November 5, 1871, he was married
at Fussville Waukesha Co., to Miss Eva Michaels, a native of Washington Co., Wis., born Sept. 9, 1847.
They removed to Jefferson, Jefferson Co., Wis.; engaged in farming for a year, then settled in the village
of Jefferson, and kept a confectionery store for about a year, after which he traveled for a year or two, sell-
ing medicines ; he then resumed the study of dentistry with Dr. Townsend, at Jefferson, and remained
with him two and a half years, then pursued his studies and practice with Dr. Crandall, at Port Atkinson,
for six months ; returning then to Jefferson, he disposed of his effects and came to Oconomowoc, where
he has since practiced his profession since Aug., 1870. Their children are as follows — George, born Sept.
19, 1863, died Sept. 19, 1863; George, Jr., born Nov. 18, 1864, died Feb. 20, 1870 ; Mathias, born Nov.
8, 1867, died March 13, 1870; Lizzie, born Oct. 9, 1869; Joseph, born Nov. 10, 1871 ; Henry, born
Oct. 20, 1873 ; Anna C, born Feb. 5, 1875, died March 5, 1878 ; Christiana G., born June 13, 1876,
died Sept. 3, 1877 ; Michael J., born Aug. 22, 1878, died Sept. 8, 1878; Maggie M., born Feb. 1, 1880.
Members of the Catholic Church.
HlKirO IjORLEBER<jr, hardware merchant and dealer in agricultural implements ; was born
in Halverstadt, Prussia, in 1848, and' in 1851 his mother, Louisa Lorleberg, emigra;ted with him to
America, and located in the town of Pewaukee, his father having come in 1850 ; they removed to Wau-
kesha not long after their location in Pewaukee, where his father died in 1852 ; his mother afterward
married Mr. Mauver, and now lives in this city (Oconomowoc) ; Mr. Lorleberg began the tinner's trade
at Waukesha in 1862, and after working at it two years he enlisted in 1864 in Co. B, 39th W. Y. I. ;
was sent with his regiment to Memphis, Tenn, where they were on picket duty most of the time for six
months ; was mustered out at jMilwaukee in the autumn of 1864 ; returning then to his home, he spent
six months on the farm, after which he worked at his trade in Milwaukee for two years ; he then returned
TOWN OF OCOXOMOWOC. 867
to Waukesha for two years ; forming a copartnership with John Hartwell, of Waukesha, they began the
hardware business at Mukwonago, and a year later he paid his partner $800 for the SlOO interest when
first invested ; he continued the business alone there till the fall of 1870, when he removed his business to
Oconomowoc, and began in a small one-story building which he afterwards enlarged and used till April,
1879, when it burned ; he built, in the spring of 1880, a large two-story brick, which he now occupies and
carries on an extensive trade. Mr. L. is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.
JOHN riORE]V35, carpenter and joiner was born in the city of Bostock, Mecklenburg, Schwe-
rin, in 1829; he began the cabinet maker's trade when 15 years old, and followed it iu his native city
until 1854, when he came to America and located at Oconomowoc, Wis., in December of that year, after
spending six weeks in Milwaukee ; he continued the cabinet-maker's trade here for about ten years, then
took up the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he has followed since. He was married, iu 1856, to
Miss Sophia Grazer, a native of Hovensal, Prussia, and came to America in 1855 their ; children are
Louisa, Emma, Bertha, Anna, John, Sophia, Rosa. Mrs. L. is a member of the Catholic Church.
JAMES LUCK, retired, was born in the County of Suffolk, England, in 1818. At the age of
14 years he was apprenticed to the miller's trade in England, and served an apprenticeship of
seven years. He came to America in 1839, and located in the town of Constableville, Lewis Co.,
N. Y., where he engaged at milling till 1842 ; going thence to Oneida Co. ho worked at his
trade in the towns of Lee and Taberg till 1847. Coming then to Oconomowoc, he engaged
in farming a year ; in 1855, he, in company with others, began the flouring mill now in
this city, and, completing it in 1857, began operations, and he was connected with its manage-
ment till 1879, when they disposed of it. Mr. Luck was married in 1844 to Miss Mary C, a daughter
of Abram W. and Abigail Nye, a native of the town of Sandwich, Barnstable Co. Mass., and removed to
the town of Lee, Oneida Co. N. Y., a few years before their marriage; they have had two daughters —
Elizabeth A., deceased; Ellen M. Mr. Luck and family are members of the Episcopal Church.
♦irEORtrE A. liUDJBTCirTOX, proprietor of carriage and wagon shop ; was born in Broome
Co., N. Y., in 1834, and came with his parents, Henry and Mary Ludington, to St. Joseph Co., Mich.,
when 2 or 3 years old, and thence, in 1848, with them to Racine Co., Wis. Locating at Waterford, he
soon entered upon his apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade with his father; he removed to Racine in
1857, and continued his trade there till 1860, when he came to Oconomowoc, and has since carried on
the business of a blacksmith, and carriage and wagon manufacturer. Mr. Ludington was appointed under-
Sheriff of Waukesha Co., by C. M. Hartwell, during his term of office ; he was elected member of the
City Council in 1877. He was married in 1855 to Miss Wealthy, daughter of James Berry, of Racine,
Wis. Though a native of Michigan, his parents were of England. Their children are Edgar, Elmer
and Ellsworth (twins), Franklin, William, Gertrude and Charles. Mr. L. has been a membsr of the Ma-
sonic fraternity for twenty-two years.
HEIVRY I.UDINGTOIV, son of James Ludington, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1809,
and began the blacksmith trade in his native county in 1828, which he afterward followed there, and at
Troy, N. Y., till 1834; he then removed to London, Upper Canada, where he continued his trade till
18o8 ; removing thence to St. Joseph Co., Mich., he there worked at his trade till 1846, when he came
to Racine Co., Wis. ; locating at Waterford, he carried on the carriage and wagon manufacture and
blacksmithing till 1855, and then removed to Racine, where he continued till 1858; coming then to
Oconomowoc, he opened a shop here, and carried on the business for three years ; then sold out to his son,
who now carries on the business. He enlisted in the fall of 1868, in Co. A, 42d W. V. I., under Col.
Sprague ; was on detached service at Cairo, 111., most of the time ; ivas mustered out in 1865, and returned
to Waupaca Co., whither he had moved a short time before enlisting. He came again to Oconomowoc
in the autumn of 1867, and in the spring of 1869 was elected City Marsha!, and was re-elected each year
till 1877, since which time he has been running an express wagon. He was married in Broome Co.,
N. Y., in 1831, to Mary A., daughter of David Dresser, a native of Vermont; their children are George
A., now in this city ; Esther, now the wife of Sherman E. ; Anthony, who lives at Stillwater, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y. ; Charlotte, now the wife of J. G. Beamus, who lives in Waupaca Co., Wis. ; P. D. and Helen are at
home. Mr. L. is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
HI111A9E E. liYKE, dealer in furniture and undertaker ; is a son of David and Elizabeth
Lyke, nee Snyder, natives of Columbia Co., N. Y. Mr. Lyke was born in Columbia Co., N. Y. in 1831,
and came with his parents to Waukesha Co. Wis. in 1845. They located in the town of Vernon,
where his father followed the carpenter trade for a few years ; then removed his family, to the town of
Mukwonago, where Hiram F. spent most of his tians on the farm till 1832. Going in the spring of that
868 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
year to California, he engaged in mining for eight years, and in the winter of 1859 and '60, returned via the
Isthmus and Mexico, to his home in Mukwonago. In the following spring, he went to Texas and spent
the summer traveling through Kansas and the Southwest, and returned in the winter of 1861-62. He
enlisted as a private in 1862 in Co. F. 28th W. V. I. and was promoted to the position of 1st Lieutenant,
and a portion of the time filled the oflBce of Captain ; he served with his regiment in all its principal
movements till June, 1865, when, on account of ill health, he resigned at Little Rock, Ark. After an
illness of six weeks there, he returned to his home. He spent the winter of 1865 and '66 at Detroit and
in New York. He was mirried- December, 25 1866, to the daughter of John 0. Leroy, of the town of
Brookfield, Waukesha Co. Wis., and immediately located at Ooonomowoc, where, in the fall of 1867,
he began dealing in furuiture ; his wife died July 11, 1870, leaving one son. Prank L. His second
marriage was April 8, 1871. to Miss Lottie, daughter of Moses Mead, a native of Putnam Co., N. Y.,
but an emigrant to Oconomowoc, Wis., in 1869; their children are Arthur D., John D., and Alice M.
Mr. L. was a member of the City Council for two years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
REV. FATHER HUGH McMAHOlV, Priest of St. Jerome's Catholic Church; was born
in County Tyrone, Ireland, Nov. 2, 1824 ; his pareuts, Hugh and Bridget (Connelley) McMahon, were both
natives of that county, and died there when he was 17 years of age ; he began the study of Latin and
Greek in 1836, in the school of his native parish, and in 1839 he entered St. Patrick's College, Armagh,
where he pursued his studies till the vacation of 1842, and in September of that year he entered AH
Hallows, Dublin, and continued there till the spring of 1844; coming then to America, he entered St.
Charles Borromeo's Theological Seminary of Philadelphia, where he completed his studies and was ordained
priest in 1848 ; his first mission was that of Christ's Church, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. ; his
second was St. Mary's, Beaver Meadows, Coburn Co., Penn, for two years ; in 1851, he went to Philadel-
phia, built St. Bridget's, Philadelphia, and was its Pastor till July, 1855 ; he then came to Milwaukee ;
and in September following was appointed to build St. Mary's, Fitchburg, Dane Co., Wis., of which he was
afterward Pastor for two years; in 1857, he went to Chilton, Calumet Co., built St. Augustine's and was
built Pastor there till 1865, when he went as priest to St. Mary's, Cascade, where he remained till 1868, then
St. Francis Borgia's, Cedarburg, and from there in September, 1876, he came to St. Jerome's, Oconomowoc.
GCSTAV IIACHUS, of the firm of Hartmann, Hubner & Co., proprietors of foundry and
machine shop ; was born in Prussia in 1852, and came to America, with his parents, in 1866, and located
on a farm at Oconomowoc for one year, then removed to Horieon, Dodge Co., where he followed farming
one year; returning then to Oconomowoc, he began work in the machine shop, for J. Rowell & Sons,
and has continued the machinist trade, here and at various other places, since that time. He became a
member of the present firm at the establishment of the shops and foundry in May, 1879. He was mar-
ried Nov. 26, 1879, to Miss Mary Bartels, of the town of Ixonia, Dodge Co., Wis. They are members
of the Lutheran Church.
AliEXANDER MADOLE, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Ooonomowoc; is a native of Down
County, Ireland, born Aug. 16, 1826, and emigrated to America in the fall of 1840 ; he came as far west
at that time as Richland Co., Ohio, where he was employed by a Mr. I. Clark ; traveled with Mr. Clark
as a rider of race-horses, and in that business traveled with Mr. Clark over many of the States. In Feb-
ruary, 1844, he landed in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis., and in May following, began work
for Mr. George Ferry in the town of Oconomowoc at $8 per month. He soon after made a claim to forty
acres of canal land on Sec. 17, town of Oconomowoc, which he partially improved, built a log house thereon,
and, with a Mr. Whitney, made that his home for nearly a year ; he was employed as miller for Cotton &
Rockwell, from the fall of 1844, till the autumn of 1847, and during a part of 1848-49, he was employed
by them to haul flour from Oconomowoc to Milwaukee, after which he was in the employ of Mr. Rock-
well only, till 1850, and then worked during the summer in a brickyard, at the village; he crossed the
Plains in 1852 to California, and there engaged in mining till 1858, whence he returned to Oconomowoc,
and bought eighty acres on Sec. 14, where he has since lived and followed farming ; henow owns 100 acres on
that section. He was married in March, 1868, to Mrs. Catherine, widow of Samuel Walker, who was a
soldier in the 6th Ohio, and was killed at Nashville, Tenn., in 1865, leaving her with one daughter,
Hattie, born July 4,1861. Mr. and Mrs. Madole have five children — Susan, born March 16,1869;
Hesther, born Dec. 9, 1871 ; Alexander, born Jan. 2, 1873 ; William, born April 11, 1875 ; Nellie, born
Sept. 15, 1879. Mrs. M. is a member of St. Catharine's Catholic Church.
D. McL. MILLER, M. J>., physician and surgeon; was born in New York City in 1836'
His earlier and literary education was in the public schools of his native city ; he entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons in 1852, and graduated from that institutioin 1856. Removing to Wisconsin in
TOWN or OCONOMOWOC. 869
1858, he located at Oeonomowoc, where he practiced his profession till 1862. He then joined the 28th W.
V. I., as Assistant Surgeon, but was soon put on detached services and placed in charge of the hospital at
Little Rock, Helena, where he remained most of the time during his term of service ; Rejoining his
regiment soon after the surrender of Gen. Lee, he was mustered out of service at Madison, Wis., in Octo-
ber 1865, when he returned to Oeonomowoc, resumed and has since successfully practiced his profession
He was married in April 1859 to Mary G., daughter of the Rev. Dr. Remington, D. D., a Baptist minis-
ter of New York City. Their children are, Nathaniel W., Jennie born October 1861, now the wife of
Fred Parsons of this city; Charles born Jan. 1^ 1868 ; Thomas born Nov. 26, 1870. The doctor and
family attend the Episcopal Church.
REV. FATHER MICHAEL MOIVACJHAIV, Pastor of St. Catharine's Catholic
Church, Mapleton; was born in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1810; is the son of Henry and
Ann Quinn Monaghan ; his father died when he was about 7 years old ; was then taken to live with
his grandfather. At the age of 15 years, he began teaching English and arithmetic in the Chapel of
Dunnamore, and took up the study of Latin during that time, unknown to his relatives ; when the
knowledge of these facts reached them, strong objections were at once raised to his studying for the min-
istry ; but after much parleying an uncle gave him four lambs, which would aid him in his desired project ;
he next attended a private school, and in 1819 entered the Seminary of Bodony, under the Very Rev.
Francis McHugh ; here he studied the classics, and with three others passed his examination for May-
nooth College, before the Most Rev. Dr. Kelly, then Primate of all Ireland. Returning home for want
of means to continiie his studies, he sailed, in 1835, for America, and was sent by the V^ry Rev. John
Powers, of New York, to Chambly, Lower Canada, where he pursued the study of theology till 1837.
At the breaking out of the rebellion in Canada, he changed to St. Mary's, Baltimore, Md., and there con-
tinued his studies nearly a year. He returned to his uncle's in Ireland in 1838, and was ordained at
Drogheda by Primate Crolly, then Primate of all Ireland, and in a fortnight after was sent as Assistant
Priest to his native parish. At the Easter Conference of 1839, he was assigned to Moy, County Tyrone,
for six months, and in November following was sent as regular curate to Porta Down, where he remained
till 1843, wlien he came again to America. He was assigned, by Archbishop Henni, of Milwaukee, to
the Archbishop of New York, having studied for that bishopric. He was then sent to the Canada mis-
sions, where he continued his work till 1852, when he returned to New York, and was Pastor at Ver-
planoks, CoUoback and Peekskill. In 1864, he returned to Europe on a visit; in January, 1865, he
came again to Wisconsin, and was then sent by Bishop Henni to Montello, where he was given charge of
the missions of the State, especially of Marquette, Adams, Green Lake and part of Columbia and Wau-
shara Counties, holding that position till 1871. He was assigned to the parish at Mazomanie, and
remained there till 1874, when he came as Pastor of St. Catharine's, of Mapleton.
CYRENCS MORRISON, farmer. Sec. 8; P. 0. Monterey ; was born in Warren Co., N. Y.,
in 1822, and is son of James and Minerva Morrison; at the age of 21 years, he began the cooper's
trade, which he followed at Oswego, Oswego Co., N. Y., till 1853; he then emigrated to Waukesha Co.,
Wis., and located on his present farm, 40 acres on Sec. 8, town of Ooonomowoo, where hs followed the
cooper's trade for two years, and since followed farming. He was married in 1844, to Eva, daughter of
Thomas and Laney Fulmer, a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., born in 1823, and died at her home in the
town of Oeonomowoc in January, 1878, leaving five children — Nancy A. ; William H., now in Iowa ; Sarah
A., now the wife of R. S. Owen and lives in Adair Co., Iowa; George W., in Adair Co , Iowa; Benjamin
D., in Michigan. Mr. Morrison and family are connected with the M. E. Church.
RICHARD IVASH, of the firm of Nash & Coyle, manufacturers and dealers in boots and
shoes was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1844. He came to Saratoga, N. Y., when 2 years old;
into Waukesha County, Wis., in 1857, and located at Pewaukee. Two years later, he became apprenticed
to the shoemaker's trade, at Hartland, whore and at othen places he continued his trade till 1867 ;
coming then to Oeonomowoc, he worked six years for Small & McKee ; then in 1873, with Mr. Bender,
formed a firm under the name of Bender & Nash, which existed till 1878, when Mr. Bender sold out to
A. Ostrich, who, after three months, sold to H. N. Humiston, in July 1879; Mr. Nash and Mr Humis-
ton divided their stock, and in August following Mr. Coyle became a partner with Mr. Nash, as the firm
of Nash & Coyle; they now carry out the business. Mr. Nash was mirried, in 1878, to Miss Phebe
Lain, of Pewaukee ; their children are Arthur R. ; Carrie, deceased ; Francis R., Cora Belle. They are
membersof St. Jerome's Catholic Church.
(SEORGE W. OIjSOIV, of the firm of Olson & Simons, house and sign painters; was born
at Oeonomowoc, Wis., in 1850 ; his parents, Nels and Mary 0 son, emigrated from Norway to Wisconsin,
870 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and located at this place in 1848. His father followed the shoemaker's trade here till 1861, when he
enlisted in Co. C, 15th W. V. I., and was with his regiment till it reached Louisville, Ky., where he died
in the hospiul in 1862. George W. began the painter's trade with Barry & Nelly, at this place, in 1862,
and continued work here as a journeyman till 1873, when he went to Milwaukee, and clerked a year for
H. Bosworth & Sons ; in 1874, he returned to Oconomowoc, and formed a copartnership with J. L. Hast-
ings, at the painter's trade, and continued with him till 1877, when Mr. A. Simons became a member of
the firm instead of Mr. Hastings. He was married Nov. 17, 1875, to Miss Ida Forbes, a native of Canada,
and an adopted daughter of Pearson Gibson, of Pine Lake, Wis.; they have one son, Albert N. Mrs.
Olson is a member of the Episcopal Church.
OLfi OliSO^if, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in Norway in 1821, and began
the tailor's trade in bis native country, at the age of 16 years. He served a three years' apprenticeship,
after which he continued the trade there as a journeyman for two years. He cams to Wisconsin in 1843,
and located in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where he followed farm laboring for two years; in
1848, he entered a farm of sixty acres, on Sec. 14, town of Oconomowoc, and has since made it his home
and now owns 150 acres on the same section. He was married Aug. 27, 1848, to Miss Ingeberg John-
son, a native of Norway, who came to Wisconsin in 1844 ; their children are Ole, now at home ; Carrie,
in Colorado ; Cornelia, in Chicago, and Lizzie, at home. Mr. Olson's family is connected with the Luth-
eran Church.
OliE OIjSOIV, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Mapleton ; is a native of Norway, born in 1826 ; his father
dying when he was 5 and his mother when he was 6 years old. The homestead was then leased to,
parties who were to care for him and an older sister till they reached theirl5th year. At the age of 13, he
began as a herder-boy, and followed that for four years, after which he worked at farm labor till 1845, when
he went to live with a priest for eighteen months, and where he found employ in the city till May 1, 1847.
He then sailed for America, and landed in Boston in June ; August following, he reached Oconomowoc,
Wis. He found a week's work at haying in the town of Ashippun, Dodge Co. ; then went to the town
of Merton, Waukesha Co. where he worked for Mr. Finch and various others till 1852 ; he then settled
in the town of Aaron, Washington Co., and made that his home for five years, after which he bought
his presentfarm of eighty acres on Sec. 1, town of Oconomowoc. He was married June 12, 1852 to Ingebor
Nelson, a native of Norway, born 1817 and came to Wisconsin in 1851 ; she died April, 1857, leaving
three children ; Annie K., who died in June, 1857 ; Ole, now at Fargo, Minn. ; Nellie L., now the wife of
David Davidson, of Milwaukee. His second marriage was in 1859, to Sarah A. Halverson, a native of
Norway, and came to Wisconsin in 1849; their children are Isabella A., now in Evanston, 111.
Nicholas H. ; Paulina F. ; Nelson I. and Betsey A. Two of his sons are members of the Lutheran
Church, the rest attend the Methodist.
E. 1>. PARSONS, dry goods merchant was born at Bangor, Me., in 1826 ; his father, Budd
Parsons, was born at Belchertown Mass., in 1784 ; he was a sailor, and followed the seas for twenty-five or
twenty-six years and afterward settled at Bangor ; they started from Bangor in the fall of 1840, in a sail vessel,
via^the Hudson River, Buffalo and Lakes, to Chicago, where they took teams for Galena, 111., and reached their
destination in six weeks after their departure from Maine; they engaged in farming there till 1847, when
they came to Oconomowoc, and engaged in merchandising, which he has since followed ; his mother
(Mary Hinkley) died here in 1852; his father in 1862. Mr. Parsons is a member of the City Council.
He was married Deo. 25, 1856, to Miss. Julia A., daughter of Harvey Bond, of Milwaukee, though a
native of the State of New York; their children are Fred, now a clothing merchant of this city ; Edgar
William H. Mrs. Parsons is a member of the Episcopal Church, Mr. Parsons of the I. 0. 0. F.
HALVER PETERSON, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Monterey ; was born in Norway 1825. When
about 15 years old, he began as a sailor, and continued on the Baltic Sea and Atlantic until 1854, immi-
grating at that time to America; he located on a farm, in the town of Ashippun, in Dodge Co., Wis.,
where he followed farming until 1866 ; selling his farm at that time, he crossed the road and settled on Sec. 6,
town of Oconomowoc, where he now owns 133 acres. He was married in Norway, in 1850, to Anna
Larson ; their children are Maria, now Mrs. Olian Hansen, of the city of Oconomowoc ; Peter, John,
\ndrew and Christian. All live at home and are members of the Lutheran Church.
HENRY M. PETERS, merchant tailor, was born at Demmin, Prussia in 1820 ; when 15
years old, he began the tailor's trade, which he followed there till September, 1839, after which he coo
tinned it at Hildesheim, Hanover, Hamberg, Berlin and other places till March, 1851 ; he then sailed for
America, and landed in New York April 19 following, and remained in the city till September, 1852,
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC. 971
when he went to Savannah, Gra., for three months ; returning then to New York City, he continued his
trade fifteen months, after which he went to Hartford, Conn., for a year ; he came to Wisconsin in 1855,
and located at Mapleton, Waukesha Co., where he followed his trade till September, 1857, when he
removed to Oconomowoc, and has since carried on the merchant tailoring business. He was married Nov.
13, 1864, to Miss Augusta Rabe, a native of Sassenhagen, Prussia, born Sept. 12, 1845, and came with
her parents to Milwaukee, Wis., in June, 1856 ; their children are Mena, Henrietta, Augusta, Amanda,
Henry, Frank, Otto and Edward. They are members of the Lutheran Church.
HIRAII PROSUS, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Monterey: a native of Columbia Co., N. Y.,born
in 1815 ; his parents, John and Ella (Carman) Prosus, were natives of New York, and both died when he
was about 6 years old ; he was then taken to live with his grandparents, and in 1830 with them moved
to Wayne Co., N. Y., where he spent his time at farming until 1844. He emigrated to Wisconsin the
same year, and located on Sec. 27, town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., where he bought a claim of 160
acres, and made that his home till 1853 ; disposing of that farm at that time, he bought his present one of
160 acres on Sees. 6 and 7, where he his since resided. He was married in 1844, to Catharine, a daugh-
ter of Samuel and Ann (Longstreet) Harney, a native of Monmouth Co., N. J.; she removed to New York,
with her parents, when young, where she was married ; their children are Ella, now the wife of Wesley
Rhoda, at.Gloversville, N. Y. ; Anna also lives at Gloversville with her sister, Abbie at home; Martha,
now Mrs. George Wilsey, of Oconomowoc ; Mary at home. Mr. Prosus' family is connected with the M.
B. Church. Mr. Prosus has been a member of the Town Board for several terms, also Assessor for several
terms.
EDWARD A. RADCLIFFE, teacher; was bom in Oconomowoc Oct. 10, 1848, and now
the oldest native resident of the city. His father, William RadcliflFe, was born on the Isle of Man, and
his mother, Betsey Tremain, was a native of New York. They emigrated to Wisconsin in 1846, and
located in the village of Oconomowoc, where his father followed the blacksmith trade for a few years, then
removed to his present farm on Sec. 17, where he now follows farming. Edward A., subject of this
sketch, received his early education in the district schools, and in 1869 he entered Ripon College, where
he pursued his studies for two terms, changing then in 1870 to the Whitewater State Normal where he
afterward completed his studies. He taught his first school at Ixonia Center, JeflFerson Co., in the
winter of 1869 and 1870; and in 1872 taught a term in Hamilton Co.. Iowa. Returning to Wiscon-
sin in 1873, he has spent much of the time in this county. He taught the first grammar department of
the Oconomowoc public school in 1877, and in 1878 and 1879 at Summit Center, and in 1879 and 1880
at the Brown Street School, spending his summers on the farm. He was correspondent for the Milwaukee
Sentinel in 1878 and 1879. He was married Nov. 3, 1875, to Miss Mary, daughter of H. C. and Laura
Carpenter, a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., and came with her parents to Wisconsin in 1866 ; their
children are Laura and Freddie.
J. IV. REtir AN, M. D., physician and surgeon ; was born in County Cork, Ireland, in February
1847 ; he came with his parents to America in 1852, and located in the town of East Troy, Walworth
Co., Wis. Five years later, he removed to Madison, Wis., where he was a student at the State University
during the term of 1861 and part of 1863. He next began clerking in a drug store in that city, and
later in that year, he enlisted in the 40th W. V. I., 100-day service ; he was detailed Steward of the regi-
mental hospital, and served as such till the expiration of his term of enlistment. Returning then to
Madison, he began the study of medicine in 1864 with Dr. Carpenter, and attended lectures at Miami
Medical College of Cincinnati, in 1865 and 1866, and in 1868 he went from there to Long Island Hospi-
tal, ftom which institution he graduated in June 1868, passing his examination under the following Pro-
fessors : Frank H. Hamilton, nf Surgery ; Austin Flint, M. D., Clinics and Medicines ; Austin Flint, Jr.,
Physiology and Microscopic Anatomy ; C. L. Ford, Anatomy ; Samuel G. Armor, on Materia Medica,
Therapeutics ; Practice of Medicine and Pathology ; Luther Swift, Obsterics and diseases of Women and
Children ; D. G. Eaton, on Chemistry and Toxicology ; William Gill Fillon, Surgical Anatomy ; Dewitt
C. Enos, Operative Surgery. He began the practice of medicine at Madison, Wis., in 1868, but, after a
short time, went into the drug business there, which he continued till 1874, when he removed to Ocono-
mowoc, and has since practiced his profession. The doctor has been a member of the State Medical
Society since 1876. He was married Sept. 21, 1869, to Miss Marda N., daughter of Daniel Himeback,
of East Troy, Walworth Co., Wis ; their children are Annie M. and Eugene D. The doctor and his fam-
ily are members of the Catholic Church.
THOMAS SALTER, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc. This pioneer of Oconomowoc
was born at Ashburton, Devonshire, England, November 30, 1808. He spent the first twenty years of
ST2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
his life with his parents, William and Jennie (Davey) Salter, at Ashburton ; then removed to Devonshire,
where he spent six years as a quarryman. Sailing thence to America in April, 1836, he landed at Quebec
about the 1st of June. He camethen to Buifalo, N. Y., and, after a few day's stay there, went to Toledo,
Ohio, where he found employ for six weeks ; then with an English friend came via Adrian, Mich., to
Milwaukee, Wis., and spent a month in looking at this country ; then returned to Toledo for the winter.
In June, 1837, he came again to Wisconsin and located on the northwest quarter of Sec. 34, being
the second settler in the town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co. ; he made his claim, built his pioneer
shanty, then a log house, which sufficed till 1846, when he built the first frame house in the town, where
his present house now stands. He was married at Milwaukee, June 20, 1838, to Miss Mary, daughter
of Samuel Nack, a native of Torquay, Devonshire, England; she having come from England and landed
in Milwaukee a day or two before their marriage ; their children are Eliza, born May 25, 1840 ; the first
child born in the town; William H., born Nov; 4, 1841; Susan S., born Aug. 26, 1843; Mary M.,
born in the first frame house in the town Jan. 9, 1847. Mr. Salter and family are members of the
Episcopal Church.
HENRY SCHrXTIiER, farmer. Sec. 33 ; is a native of the city of Chicago, born in 1851,
and was for a number of years a member of the Sohuttler Wagon Company. In 1877, he bought his
present farm of 158 acres on Sec. 33, town of Oconomowoc, all of which lies within the city limits; he
has devoted his time to stock-breeding and agriculture, making a specialty of Durham cattle and barley.
He was married in 1875 to Mary Kenkel, a native of Chicago ; they have one child.
AUGUST F. SCHIMMELPFEXiyiG, farmer, Sees. 19 and 20; P. 0. Oconomowoc ;
was born in Prussia in 1843 ; he came to America with his parents, John and Louisa A. Schimmelpfennigi
in the spring of 1855, and located in the town of Ixonia, Jefierson Co., Wis., where his mother died in
the following fall ; he made his home with his father, in Ixonia, till the spring of 1863, when be went to
Rockford, 111. ; worked at farming till 1864, and then enlisted in Co. M, 8th 111. C, and served eleven
months with his regiment in the Army of the^Potomac ; he was mustered out at Washington, D. C, in
1865, when he returned to Rockford, and continued work a few months ; then went to Ogle and Mason
Counties, where he continued till the spring of 1867, when he returned to Jefferson Co., Wis., where he
spent the summer. He was married in the fall of 1867 to Johannah Huebner, a native of Prussia;
They have now five children — Annie, Edward (deceased), William, Huldah, Lydia and Ida. He located
on Sec. 17, town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., soon after marriage, and made that his home till 1875,
when he removed to a farm on Sees. 19 and 20, where they now live.
JOSEPH SCOTT, foreman for Vilas & Co., in lumber-yard, was born in the town of Janes-
ville. Rock Co., Wis., in 1849 ; his parents, Samuel and Maria Scott, emigrated from Scotland and located ona
farm in his native town, where they died whenhewasonly3yearsold; he made that his home till 1863, when
he removed to Janesville and began the carpenter and joiner's trade, and followed that line of business
there till the spring of 1871 ; coming to Oconomowoc, he continued his trade for two years ; he was em-
ployed by G. Vilas & Co. in the spring of 1873, and has since been retained in his present position. Mr.
Scott has been engineer of the fire company since its organization ; he was elected a member of the City
Council from the Third Ward in the spring of 1880. He was married in November, 1871, to Miss Phebe
L., daughter of Alexander and Laura Murrey, a native of Green Co., Wis., born in September, 1847 ;
her parents were natives of Scotland, and emigrated to that county in 1845 ; their children are — George
A. and Walter J. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Congregational Church; he is a member of the
Temple of Honor.
CHARIiES B. SHELDON, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 0. Oconomowoc; the first pioneer of
Oconomowoc; was born in the town of Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in 1812; his father, a
pioneer of that country, was born at Providence, R. I. ; he died about 1876 ; his mother, Nancy Bowen,
was also a native of Providence, and died about 1860. Mr. Sheldon spent his life at farming in his
native town till 1834, when he emigrated to Iowa, and there spent the winter of 1834-35; coming to
Mineral Point, Wis., in the spring of 1835, he engaged in mining for two years, and, while there, learned
something of the lands about Milwaukee and this region, which induced him to seek a location in these
parts, coming via Janesville, Prairieville (now Waukesha), thence up the Indian trail to Oconomowoc,
where he arrived as the first*settler April 27, 1837; he made his claim to 160 acres on the east half of
Sec. 33, and built his rude pioneer shanty on the creek bank, which sufficed for a dwelling for about ten
years ; he then built his present house on the north end of his farm, and Jias made that his home since.
He was married in 1845 to Miss Luoinda, daughter of Augustus and Clarinda (Hedges) Cotton, a native
of Attica, N. Y., who came with her parents to Oconomowoc in 1844; she died in 1857, leaving three
TOWN OF OCONOMOWOC. 873
children — Nancy C. (now at home), Albert (married, and now lives on the farm) and Anna M. (who
died in 1879). His second marriage was in 1861, to Sarah Brown, nee Kix, a native of Canada, who
came to Washington Co., Wis., with her parents, when a child; she had two children — Allie and Samuel
Brown — by her former marriage ; they have two children — Lizzie and Charles B.
AMUND SIMONS, of the firm of Olson & Simons, house and sign painters, was born in
Norway in 1833. At the age of 20 years, he began the life of a seaman, and in 1857 sailed for America,
after which he sailed round Cape Horn to San Francisco and continued on the Atlantic, Pacific and the
Great Lakes till 1866 ; he then located at Ooonomowoc, Wis., where he followed various kinds of business
till 1873, when he began the painter's trade with J. L. Hastings ; a year later, he began work for Olson &
Hasting, and in 1877 he formed a copartnership with Mr. Olson, in the present firm of which he is a
member. He was married in 1866 to Mrs. Mary Olson, a native of Norway, but then a resident of Ocon-
omowoo ; they are members of the Lutheran Church.
HOX. DAVID W. SMAlili, was born at Frankfort, Philadelphia County, Penn., December
18, 1827 ; his father was a farmer, and both parents were members of the Society of Friends; he was
reared on his father's farm ; prior to his 16th year, he had received only a common-school education ; he
then spent two years at the Moravian College, at Nazareth, and at the age of 18, he began to teach and
read law ; in April, 1850, he was admitted to the bar at Doylestown, in his native State, and immediately
started for Wisconsin, arriving at Oconomowoc in May of che same year ; part of the following two years
he spent in surveying, as legal business was quite limited at that time. Mr. Small held some offices of
minor importance soon after coming to Oconomowoc, and, after the first two years of his residence here,
his law practice became sufficiently large to require his entire attention. In 1862, he was elected District
Attorney for Waukesha County, and subsequently re-elected. He was chosen Judge of the Second Judicial
Circuit in 1869, re-elected in 1875, and still holds the office. His wife was Miss Susannah Ely; they
have three children, one son and two daughters.
CHESTER M. SMITH, was bom in the town of Champlain, Jefi'erson Co., N. Y., in 1819.
He began the carpenter and joiner's trade with his father, when 14 or 15 years old, and continued there
till 1845. Emigrating then to Wisconsin, he landed in Milwaukee on the 1st day of June, going thence to
Eagle Prairie, Waukesha (then Milwaukee) County, where he built a house for Mr. W. W. Tredway,
and in the following year he built a mill at what is now known as the Trout Pond, and located there.
Removing to the village of Oconomowoc in 1850 with his effects, which consisted of a kit of carpenter
tools, and $3, he continued his trade here till 1852. He was then appointed Deputy Sherifi' by Patrick
Casey, and, after serving two years under him, was re-appointed by Charles Ellis to hold that position dur-
ing another term. Having lost all he had in a steam-mill in 1854, in 1860 he gathered together the little
he had accumulated during that time, a wagon, three horses and $100, and went to Colorado, where he
engaged in the butcher trade ; was interested in a salt spring and various other kinds of business till July
1863 ; disposing then of his interest there, he returned to Ooonomowoc and engaged in the grain, stock
and produce trade till 1869. Mr. Smith, like many other enterprising men, has fully realized the "ups
and downs " of a business life, but has now retired with a reasonable reward for his energy. He has held
the office of Justice of the Peace for fourteen years. School Clerk for six years. School Director for two terms,
and Assessor for three terms. He was married in 1851 to Margaret J. White, a native of Ohio, who died at
Oconomowoc Nov. 21, 1861, leaving one daughter, Jennie, now the wife of Wm. Collins, of Milwaukee ;
she has one daughter, Maggie. He was married in January, 1873, to Mary Whipple, of Concord, Jefferson
Co., Wis., a native of New York. Their chil)}ren are Charles M., Minnie and Kittie. Mrs. Whipple
now lives with Mr. Smith, and is in her 80tb year.
D. B. SMITH, teacher; was born in the town of Waloott, Wavne Co., N. Y., March 3, 1836 ;
he removed with his parents, in 1845, to Rochester, N. Y., whence, in the following year, they came to
Milwaukee, Wis. ; locating in the city for a year, they then removed to Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co.,where
he attended common school, and made that his home most of the time till 1860 ; he began teaching at
Grranville, Milwaukee Co., in 1855, and continued there five years ; removing to the town of Porter, Rock
Co., in 1860, he followed farming during the summers and teaching during the winters, at Brookfield
Junction, Waukesha Co., till 1863, when he returned to Wauwatosa, and taught there till the summer of
1864; he enlisted in August, 1864, in Co. A, 43d, W. V. I., under Col. Cobb, was elected Sergeant,
Was with the Army of the Cumberland, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 1865 ;
returning then to his father's home, in the town of Porter, Rook Co,, Wis., he spent the autumn
of 1865 at the 5Iilton Academy, and the following winter in teaching at Dunkirk, Dane
Co., and re-entered the Academy in the spring of 1866 for that term ; he spent eight months
874 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of the summer and autumn of 1866 teaching in the Town of Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co., and
the following winter teaching in the village of Wauwatosa ; hs removed to Oconomowoc in the
spring of 1867, and spent the summer at farming, and in the fall of that year was elected
first assistant in the Oconomowoc Public Schools ; in 1868, he conducted the Oconomowoc
Academy; in 1869, was elected Principal of the Public School of the city, and held that
position till 1875 (except three months spent at Pewaukee); he next taught three terms at Merton,
Waukesha Co., and was Superintendent of the city schools of Oconomowoc during that time.
He taught during the winter of 1878-79 at Menomonee Falls, and in the spring of 1880, was elected
to a position in the 12th District School, of Milwaukee, which position he now holds. He was married, in
1868, to Miss Eliza, daughter of W. B. and Emily Bradley, a native of the town of Menomonee, Waukesha
Co., Wis., born in 1846; they have one daughter, Lizzie. Mr. Smith is a Royal Arch Mason. His
father died March 24, 1873 ; his mother now lives with him. His family is connected with the Congre-
gational Church.
()}EOR4]rE SIVYDDR, farmer. Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Saxony, in July,
1827. His parents, Casper and Margaret Snyder, emigrated with their family to America, in 1840, and
settled in the town of Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis., his father dying there in about two months after their
arrival, and left their mother with a family of eight children, of whom our subject was third. George, with an
older brother, Anson, ran an extensive breaking team in the town of Merton, from 1845 to 1847, by which
they earned money enough to build a barn on the homestead for their mother. In 1844 or 1845, they
delivered the first saw-log at Monches. Mr. Snyder bought a claim to 120 acres of land in the Town of
Hartford, Washington Co., Wis., and madesome improvements, but, in 1850, he, with a company of others,
crossed the plains to California, and, after a perilous trip of four months and eleven days, they arrived at
the mining district. He engaged in mining successfully for nearly two years, and then returned via the
Nicaragua Kiver and New York City, to his home in Wisconsin, after an absence of twenty-six months. He
was married, Jan. 6, 1853, to Miss Mary, daughter of Edward and Rose Coyle, a native of the town of
Cranston, Providence Co., R. I., born 1830, and she came with her parents to the town of Genesee,
Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1847. Her father afterward died in the town of Pewaukee; her mother in
Waukesha. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder settled on his farm in Washington Co.,Wis., and made that their home
for twenty-one years ; Feb. 28, 1874, moved to their present farm of 240 acres, on Sec. 27, town of Ocono-
mowoc, for which, he paid $15,000 cash in January previous. They have had ten children — Frances B.
(deceased), Alexander, Mary A., George A., Adelia J. (deceased), Edward (deceased), Carlos A., Lewis
J., John A. and Ernest C. The family is connected with St. Jerome's Catholic Church.
WARBEX SPAUIiDING (deceased) ; was a native of Putnam Co., N.Y. ; born in 1811. His
mother dying when he was quite young at the age of 7, he was bound out to learn the tanner and courier's
trade, which he afterwards continued at Patterson, N. Y., for a number of years. He was married, Jan.
4, 1835, to Mary V., daughter of Stephen and Phebe Field, a native of Putnam Co., N. Y., born Dec.
2, 1813. In 1836, the young couple settled at Bethel, Conn., and, in 1838, removed to Danbury, Conn.,
where he continued his trade a number of years, after which he engaged in various kinds of business till
1857; he then emigrated to Waukesha Co., Wis., and located on a farm of 149 acres, on Sec. 29, where he
followed farming till his death, which occurred Dec. 16, 1870, leaving five children — Edward T., Frances 0.
(now the wife of George Spence, and lives in Missouri), Willis H. (now in this town), Ferris A., who
was married, in 1873, to Julia, daughter of Theophalus and Amelia Baldwin, a native of Ohio ; they have
three children— Dollie, Arthur and Lillie, Mary E., now the wife of Charles Spence, and lives in town
of Concord, Jefierson Co., Wis. Mr. Spaulding was a member of the Union Church, formerly a Presby-
terian.
FAYETTE M. SPEAR, farmer, Sec. 5; P. 0. Town of Summit, within city limits of
Oconomowoc; was born in Somerset Co., Maine, Feb. 22, 1828. His mother, Susan Merrill, died when
he was about 2 years old; his father, James Spear, afterward married again, and in the autumn of
1847, came to Wisconsin, locating at Hustisford, Dodge Co., where he made his home till 1852 or 1853;
then removed to Waushara Co., where he afterward died. F. M. made his home with his father in
Maine till 1847, when they came to Wisconsin and left him there to attend school ; he came to Hustis-
ford, Wis., and joined his father's family and remained there three or four months, and then went into
the pineries on the Wisconsin River, and spent about eight years; returning to Hustisford in 1854, he
clerked a year for a brother-in-law ; then engaged in the hardware trade, which he continued there for
eight years. In December, 1863, he bought his present farm of 130 acres on Sec. 5, town of Summit, 85
acres of whichlies within the city limits of Oconomowoc. He was a member of the City Council from Second
TOAVN or OCOXOilOWOC. 875
Ward. He was married at Hustisford, Wis., Oct. 17, 1855, to Lucy A., daughter of Norman and Anna
(Brown) SutlifiF, a native of Allegany Co., N. Y., born Feb. 22, 1829, and came to Wisconsin in 1853;
their children are Frank M., born Feb. 21, 1857; William D., born March 21, 1860 (now in Dakota);
Mary A., born Jan. 3, 18t)3; Mabel M., born May 29, 1864; James R., born June 2, 1866; Milo and
Susan (twins), born Jan. 3, 1869 (Milo died Aug. 15, 1869, Susan, Aug. 22, 1869_) ; Harry, born
Sept. 29, 1873.
WHiliETT SPJRAGrUE, carpenter and joiner; was born in Rensselaerville, Albany Co.,
N. Y., Aug. 27, 1817. He is the son of Stephen Sprague, a native of Long Island, and Jane Winnee,
of the town of Rensselaer, Albany Co., N. Y., and of Holland Dutch descent. Mr. Sprague began the
carpenter's trade when 16 years old, at Oak Hill, Greene Co., N. Y., and, after serving his apprentice-
ship of three years with his father-in-law, he continued the trade there till 1842. Nov. 19 of that year,
he landed in Milwaukee as an emigrant to Wisconsin, in company with Mr. Howard ; they took teams
for Menomonee Falls ; when they had gone as far as Wauwatosa, he concluded to return to Milwaukee
and send his wife on to Menomonee with Mr. H. and his family. He found employ at building the first
grist-mill in Milwaukee, and continued his trade there till 1850 ; coming then to Nashotah, he took charge
of the building of the college (Mr. Douglass, the architect). He came to Oconomowoc in 1854, where
he has since continued his trade ; he worked one year on the grist-mill here; in 1856, was appointed fore-
man by Martin & Rugee in building the Newhall House of Milwaukee, and continued with them two
years after its completion ; returning to Oconomowoc, he was employed by the C, M. & St. Paul R. R.
Co. for eight months, after which he returned to Milwaukee, and was employed as foreman for Wait &
Greene for four years, and since that time has worked at his trade in Oconomowoc and vicinity. He was
married, Oct. 23, 1837, to Elizabeth, a step-daughter of George and Mary (Brown) Bartlett. Mrs. B.
now lives with them, and is 86 years old. Their children are Gravenor, deceased ; Mary, now the
wife of A. Burr, and \i<rea at Holland, Wis. ; Harriet, now the wife of Bldred Pierce, and lives in Brown
Co., 111.; Frances, now Mrs. John Hogarth, and lives at Toland's Prairie, Washington Co., Wis.; Eliza-
beth, now Mrs. John Gibbs, of Oconomowoc ; Ann A., deceased; George W., now in York, Neb.; Sarah
M., deceased; Charles, of York, Neb.; Albert, at home; Edna, at home; James, at home. They attend
the M. E. Church. Mr. S. is an Odd Fellow; also a Mason.
ISAAC C STRATTON, carpenter and joiner; was born in Washington Co., N. Y., in
1824, but when very young, his parents removed with him to Bennington Co., Vt., where his mother,
Lydia Andrews, a native of Merrimack Co., N. H., died when he was 7 years old. His father,
Samuel Stratton, kept him with him in New Hampshire for about two years after his mother's death,
then sent him to live with a married sister in Erie Co., N. Y., which was afterward his home for t«n
years. In 1843, with his brother Samuel Stratton, Jr., he came to Oconomowoc, Wis., where he worked
at his trade with Mr. Charles Wilson for about two years; returning, in the spring of 1848, to Vermont,
he came again, in the following year, to Oconomowoc, where he spent a year at his trade; he started, in
the spring of 1850, on a trip through the East and South, visiting South Adams, Mass., New York City,
Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Moretta, Ohio, and Williamstown, Wood Co., West Virginia; thence he went
to Brighton, Macoupin Co., 111., where he built two stores, and returned, in the fall of 1852, via St. Paul,
to Oconomowoc, where he has since lived and followed his trade most of the time ; he worked on the first
store built in Oconomowoc during his first stay here. He was married Jan. 1, 1856, to Miss Lydia A.
Bingham, a native of Michigan, born in 1835 ; she was an orphan, and came to Oconomowoc with her aunt,
Mrs. Reed; she died Jan. 28, 1868. Their children are Eugene B., born Nov. 1, 1856, and now lives
in Minneapolis; Helen M., born Jan. 5, 1858, died Sept. 14, 1858; Emma J., born July 23, 1859, died
Oct. 14, 1860; Nellie A., born May 5, 1861; Mary L, born Jan. 3, 1864; George I., born July
26, 1866.
CHARLES J. STROHIV, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in Prince Ed'
ward District, Hastings Co., Canada West, in 1830, and is the son of Daniel and Martha Strohn. In
1846, a boy of 16 summers, he left his father's home to try his fortune in the wilds of the Territory of
Wisconsin. Coming alone to Waukesha County, he made a claim to 80 acres on Sec. 22, town of
Oconomowoc; he at once b^gan to improve it, and, as he earned means, he enlarged his farm, and made
that his home for about ten years, removing then to Sec. 20, he followed farming there for about eight years,
and in 1865 bought his present farm of 220 acres on Sees. 26 and 35, where he has since lived. He was
married in 1854 to Miss Mary, a daughter of James and Barbara Ray, of the town of Merton, but a
native of Scotland; she died in February, 1856. His second marriage was Feb. 11, 1857, to Miss Maria,
daughter of David and Elizabeth Lasher, a native of Columbia Co., N. Y., and came to Oconomowoc, Wis.,
876 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
with her parents in 1845, where her parents afterward died. Their children are David D., born July 29,
1858; Jennie E., born July 29, 1860; Mary E., born June 29, 1863, died March 18, 1869 ; William
N., bqrn Oct. 28, 1865, died Feb. 19, 1874; George, born June 18, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Strohn are
members of the Congregational Church.
THOMAS M. STUART was bom in Lincoln Co., Maine, Oct. 10, 1810 ; his father, Tim-
othy Stuart, was born at Martha's Vineyard Aug. 27, 1770 ; his mother, Jedediah Pease, was also a native
of Martha's Vineyard, born June 3, 1768. Soon after their marriage, which occurred about January 26,
1792, they removed to Lincoln Co., Me., where they located on a farm, and made that their home for
many years; his mother died May 19, 1815; his father about 1836. Thomas M., our present subject,
spent his time on the farm with parents till 8 years old, and then went to live with his grandfather at
Martha's Vineyard, Mass., where he remained till 1845. He was married there in February, 1833, to
Miss Mary N., daughter of Daniel and Mary Norton Butler, a native of that place, born April 27, 1815.
They came to 'Wisconsin in 1845, and located on a farm in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., and in
1850 removed to the town of Fountain Prairie, Columbia Co., Wis. ; lived there four or five years ; thence
they went to Beaver Dam, and kept a boarding house two years,but made that their home three and a half
years ; then returned to Fountain Prairie, Columbia Co., and lived on the farm till 1870, when they came to
Oconomowoc, where they have since resided; they have had five children — Permelia, born March 21, 1834,
now Mrs. Babcock, and lives in the city of Oconomowoc ; Martha A., now the wife of Jacob Vanhorn, and
lives in this city; Hannah H., born May 31, 1838, died Oct. 27, 1839 ; Sarah M., born July 26, 1846,
died Oct. 9, 1847 ; Frank L., born May 5, 1850, now lives at Burlington, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart
attend the M. B. Church.
CEPHAS Jj. STURTEVANT was born in the town of Verona, Oneida Co., N. Y., in
1822, and son of Cephas Sturtevant, a native of Vermont, and Elizabeth, daughter of James Lawrence, a lin-
eal descendant of the Lawrence family in England, whose heirs have been advertised for. They removed,
as early settlers, to Oneida Co., N. Y., and made that their home till they died ; his father April 1 1864;
his mother about two years later. Mr. Sturtevant received an academic education at Verona Springs, N. Y.,
after which he followed teaching in Oneida Co. till 1853, when he removed to Rockford, 111., and con-
tinued that profession in Winnebago County till 1861 ; he then enlisted in the 4th Wis. Battery at Be-
loit, Wis., under Capt. John S. Vallee, and served with McClellan's army through the South till the close
of the war, and was mustered out at Madison, Wis., in February, 1865 ; he then removed to Oconomowoc,
Wis., where he has since lived. He began the furniture trade in 1867, and continued that till 1869,
when he was appointed Deputy P. M. at Oconomowoc, under Gen. Starkweather, and held that position'
till 1871; he was next ticket agent at this place for the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co. from June, 1873,
till Sept. 1878, since which time he has been engaged at painting and paper hanging. He was married
July, 1845, to Miss Rachel A., daughter of John and Anna Allen Yorke, a native of Otsego Co., N. Y. ;
their children are : Melora R., the late wife of William Spear, of Liscomb, Marshall Co., Iowa, now de-
ceased ; Detta C, now the wife of L. L. Disbro, and lives in Milwaukee ; L. Luella at home. Mr. S. and
family attend the Congregational Church. He is a member of the L 0. 0. F. and T. of H.
STEPHEN TAYLOR was bom in the town of Lisbon, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in March,
1828 ; his mother dying when he was quite young, at the age of 9 years he began the life of a sailor as
cabin boy, and went as such on difi'erent vessels on the lakes, till 14 years old ; he then worked at farm-
ing in the town of Herman, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., for five years ; after which he followed the molder's
trade at Gouverneur, St. Lawrence Co., for four years ; then removed to Bufi'alo, and there continued one
summer; he next -began farming and teaming, and in 1851 emigrated to McHenry Co., 111., where he
farmed till 1853, whence he came to the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis., and continued farming a
year; removing to Oconomowoc in 1854, he followed various vocations till 1860, when he purchased an
ox team and began teaming. The oxen served him faithfully till he bought a span of horses and began
a regular draying business. He was married in August, 1852, to Miss Almira, daughter of Job and
Henrietta Brown Warner, a native of Erie Co., Penn., born in 1828; her mother died when she was
quite young; in 1837 she removed to Chautauqua Co., N. Y., whence, in 1841, she came to Kenosha
Co., Wis. They had six children, one son and five daughters, all of whom died when young. Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor are members of the M. E. Church.
DEIVJJIS R. THOMPSON, Deputy Postmaster; was born in the town of Hampton,
Washington Co., N. Y., in 1820 ; his father, Bela Thompson, was born at Brookfield, Mass. ; his mother,
Deadamia Kellogg, a daughter of Judge Jason Kellog, was born in the town of Hampden, Washington
Co. N. Y. ; Dennis R. with his parents moved to Genesee Co. N. Y., in 1835, and a few years later to
TOWN OF OCO^'OMOWOC. 877
Wyoming County, where they afterward died ; he came to Wisconsin in 1846, and located in the town
of Lagrange, Walworth Co., where he followed farming during the summers and teaching in the winters
for several years ; he was also School Commissioner and Town Superintendent while there, except the first
year; removing in 1852 to Waterville, Waukesha Co., he engaged in teaching there till 1854, when he
came to Oconomowoc and became interested in the commission business for a few years ; he was appointed
deputy sheriff in 1858 by C. W. Bennett, and was reappointed in 1860 by James Clark; in 1862, he
received the appointment of Deputy Provost Marshal, from. J. H. Tillapaugh, and held that during Mr.
Tillapaugh's term of office, and also for two years under Capt. J. M. Beam ; in September, 1864 he was
appointed to fill vacancy in the offide of the County Superintendent of Schools of Waukesha Co., caused by
the resignation of A. D. Hendrickson, and in December, 1865, he was appointed Postmaster at Oconomo-
woc by the Postmaster General, A. W. Kandall, and remained in that position till March, 1869; he
next engaged in the grocery trade till 1876, when he was appointed Deputy Postmaster, by Col. W. Parks,
which position he now holds ; -he has also held several local offices, among them Town Treasurer ; Town Clerk
Justice of the Peace ; and Assessor. He was married in 1844 to Miss Maria H., daughter of the Rev.
Charles Knight, a Methodist minister of Newstead, N. Y ; her parents came to Wisconsin about 1844 ; their
children are as follows : Arthur Dewitt, who died at Oconomowoc in 1858, aged 15 years; Albert B., who
died at Oconomowoc in December, 1874, at the age of 28 years ; he was a soldier in the 28th W. V. I.,
for three years ; Ernest D. R., now a practicing attorney in Oconomowoc ; Carrie L. Mr. Thompson and
family are members of the Congregational church ; he has been a Mason for 25 years.
WIJLIilAM THOMPSON, grain dealer; was born in the town of Attica, Wyoming Co.>
N. Y., in 1826. His parents, William and Eunice (Nelson) Thompson, were natives of Massachusetts ,
but removed to Wyoming County, and bought a farm on what was then known as the Holland purchase,
where his father made his home for more than sixty years, and afterward came to Oconomowdo ; he died
in Jackson Co., Wis., Dec. 15, 1879, at the age of 91 years and 10 days ; his mother died in
Wyoming (3o. N. Y., in 1841, leaving four sons and two daughters, all of whom came to Wisconsin. Mr.
Thompson, our present subject, made his home with his father on the farm till 18 years old ; then in 1844
emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Oconomowoc, where he engaged at saw-milling, farming, coopering,
etc., for a year, and from 1845 to 1860 he followed carpentering and building, being connected with
the erection of many of the older buildings of this city ; he began dealing in grain in 1860, and has
since followed that business, except two years spent at farming in Winnebago County. Mr. Thompson
was the first Chairman of the village Board of Oconomowoc, and was afterward a member of the Board ;
he was Chairman of the Town and Village Board and by virtue of his office a member of the County
Board; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly from his district of Waukesha County in 1868.
He was mirried in 1848, to Miss Martha, daughter of Caleb and Ann Scovil, a native of Connecticut, and
came with her parents to Oconomowoc in 1845; her father died in Winnebago Co., Wis., in Nov.
1871 ; her mother now lives with them. Their children are: Franklin, now in York, York Co. Neb.;
Ada, now the wife of Charles Wadsworth, and lives in Washington Co. Neb. ; Hellen, at home ; Lina, at
home ; Edward, at home. Mrs. Thompson is a member of the M. E. Church.
CHARLES THOMPSON, farmer. Sec. 30 and 31 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in the
town of Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 18, 1824 ; was the son of Willard and Eunice Thompson, with
whom he lived, and worked at farming till 1844 ; in May of that year came to Oconomowoc, Wis., and
made a claim, and some improvements on it, in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., but settled in the
village of Oconomowoc, where he was the first butcher, and followed the business from the spring of 1846
till 1855, when he went into the produce and general traffic business; in December, 1856, he removed to
his present farm of 130 acres, he also has 44 acres in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co. He was married
in October, 1856, to Elizabeth E., daughter of Budd and Mary Parsons, a native of Maine, who came to
Oconomowoc in 1849 with her parents; she died Oct. 3, 1877, leaving two children, Charles H., and
Mary E. Thompson.
. COPELAND TOWNSEND, deceased, Oconomowoc. The subject of this sketch was born
at Attica, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1825 ; he was one of a large family of ten children, receiving as liberal an edu-
cation as the time of his early days offered ; his father, Isaac Townsend, a lineal descendant of the three
brothers by that name, who came over in the Mayflower, was a native of Norridgewock, Me., and was
a man of great energy, enterprise and business ability ; he later removed to Attica, N. Y., where he made
extensive purchases at the " Holland land sale," and afterward made that his home, till his death, at the
age of 53 years; his mother, Clarissa Copeland, was also a native of Norridgewock, but died in Wyoming
Co., N. Y. In 1849 Mr. Townsend was joined in marriage to Miss S. Eliza Alvord, and the young
878 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
couple ioimediately removed to Wisconsin in search of a home and fortune in the then Far West ; he came
to Beloit and engaged in the mercantile business for one year; they then went to Neenah, at that time a
small settlement ; he built and commanded as captain the first steamboat that ever parted the placid waters
of Lake Winnebago, called the "Van Ness Barlow;" this enterprise proved too far in advance of the
necessities of the day, and he lost all his investment, the earnings of a number of years' hard labor ; shar-
ing in the excitement of the gold discoveries of California, he then went across the plains to the Golden
State, and engaged in the lumber trade, which proved largely remunerative, but afterward invested in
numerous unfortunate speculations and lost all ; next he established in Denver, Colo., in the mercantile
business, and later again in San Francisco, and in a great measure regained his lost fortune ; during these
and the two or three succeeding years he traveled largely through the British Possessions, Southern and
Central America, returning to make his home with his family in Oconomowoc, afterward removing to
Fond du Lac. In 1861 he applied to President Lincpln, with strong recommendations, and received the
appointment as U. S. Marshal for Colorado Territory ; while there he built the first prison erected in the
Territory ; the issues of the war brought on difiioulty to the Federal offices, and Mr. Townsend shared with
others in having charges preferred against him at the department in Washington ; he went at once to
Washington aud demanded an investigation,, and the final outcome was that President Lincoln, who
became so strongly attached to him that he tendered him the choice of commission for a number of vacan-
cies in the civil service, among them, paymaster of the Navy, position of Auditor in the Treasury Depart-
ment, or as Indian Agent of Idaho Territory; the latter appointment he accepted in 1863, serving two
years ; after resigning this Federal position he engaged in business in San Francisco for the third time, in
which venture he was very successful; in 1868 he again took up his residence in Oconomowoc, but soon
after engaged as a traveling salesman for a New York firm, at a liberal salary. Mr. Townsend's extensive
travels and varied experience, led him to believe that Oconomowoc, with her great picturesque beauty and
natural advantages, was destined to become a resort for tourists ; so thoroughly was he impressed with this idea,
that he resolved to invest his accumulated means in a hotel for this purpose solely ; the venture was a risky one,
but with his characteristic enterprise he staked his all upon his well-grounded opinion that success would
crown his efforts; in February, 1870. he began building the Townsend House, the first hotel in the State
exclusively for tourists ; by the following June the hotel was complete, furnished and opened to the recep-
tion of guests. Mr. Townsend is surely the originator of the summer resort business of the West ; to him
more than to any other individual is due the credit of making Oconomowoc her reputation as a resort ;
four successful seasons followed, and the Townsend House was found too limited in accommodation ; in 1874
the hotel was doubled in size, and the two disastrous seasons which followed; found the proprietor
almost hopelessly involved in debt. As a writer Mr. Townsend was clear and concise, and his descriptions
of some of his travels through the West are almost " word paintiners ; " his articles appeared in the Badger,
to which he was quite a regular contributor, over the signature of " Tragic ; " his close observation, extensive
travels and great descriptive ability gave him much power as a lecturer, and in his travels as a business
man he was often called upon to give public lectures on his travels and adventures among the Mormons in
tBe great Salt Lake Valley, which were " very spicy, entertaining and instructive." Copeland Townsend was
a man of strong mind and had decided opinions upon all social and political questions ; he possessed indomi-
table will power, and had the courage to carry it out ; his travels and profession as a hotel keeper made
him a large acquaintance, and his eccentricities doubtless made him some enemies — rare indeed are the
men who have none. He was an enterprising and public-spirited citizen ; he was a leader rather than a
follower of opinion ; as a conversationalist few men could be more entertaining or agreeable as a compan-
ion ; in his death Oconomowoc loses a good citizen, and his family a beloved and respected father. Mr.
Townsend leaves a widow and three children — two sons, Eldridge G. and Copeland, and a daughter,
Clara, now Mrs. Dr. Dorion, of St. Paul ; they had lost a daughter. Love, who died Sept. 6, 1874, at the
age of 8 years. Mr. Townsend was a Swendenborgien in his religious opinions, and was of strictly relig-
ious inclinations.
GEORGE VIIiAS, lumber merchant; was born at Oswego, Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1830, and
when 2 or 3 years old, his parents removed with him to Cayuga Co.; his mother, Betsey Dickerson, a
native of Vermont,'died when he was quite young; his father, Nathaniel Vilas, was a native of New Hamp-
shire, and removed to York State in an early day ; he was a tanner by trade and followed that line of busi-
ness in Oswego and Cayuga Counties till ] 850 ; emigrating then to Wisconsin, they located in the town of
Caladonia, Racine Co. Our present subject worked at the tanner's trade with his father, in Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., and emigrated with him to Wisconsin in 1850 ; he engaged in saw-milling and lumbering for five years,
in the town of Caledonia, Racine Co.; removing to Fulton, Rock Co., in 1855, he engaged in the grocery
TOWN or •OCONOMOWOC. 879
trade for two years, then removed to DiJavan, Walworth Co., and engaged in a general mercantile trade
till 1863; he then removed to Pardeeville, Columbia Co., and engaged in milling and grain dealing till
1869, when he came to Oconomowoc, and has since been dealing in lumber. He was married at Pardee-
ville, in 1860 to Miss Jane L., daughter of John and Eunice Pardee, a sister of John S. Pardee, the
founder of the village; she was born in Ohio, but came with her parents as early settlers at Pardeeville.
Mr. and Mrs. Vilas have two daughters — Mary V. and Helen M., now students at the Normal school of
White Water. The family are members of the Episcopal Church.
CHARLES VRQMAW, farmer, Sec. 9; P. O. Monterey; son of Josiah and Susan Vroman;
was born in Bradford Co., Penn., in 1826, and came to,Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1849, and located at Mon-
terey, town of Oconomowoc, where he has since resided on Sec. 9 ; his parents came in the following year;
he now owns a farm of 90 acres on that section. He was married in Pennsylvania, in 1845, to Hannah
M., daughter of George and Eliza Decker, a native of Walton, Delaware Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs.
Vroman are members of the M. E. Church.
STEPHEN VROMAIV, farmer. Sect. 9 ; P. 0. Monterey; was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., in
Nov, 1801; when 19 years old he removed to Bradford Co., Penn., where he joined his parents, Josiah
B. and Susan Vroman, who had removed to that county a few years before that time ; here he spent his
time at farming till 1850, when, with the family, he emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Monterey,
Waukesha Co. He engaged in hotel-keeping and followed that line of business most of the time till 1875,
since which time he has devoted his attention to agriculture. He was married in Pennsylvania May 20, 1830,
to Miss Polly, daughter of Ezra and Ruthy , a native of Bradford Go., Penn. ; their children are
Jacob, now in Adams Co., Wis ; Ezra, now proprietor of the Exchange Hotel of Monterey; Patience,
now the wife of L. F. Eowell and lives in Lyon Co., Minn.
WILIilAlI K. WASHBIJRIV, was bom in the town of Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Feb.
18, 1825 ; his father, Lewis Washburn, was a native of Taunton, Mass., and served as a soldier in the war
of 1812, and afterward located in Genesee, now Wyoming Co., N. Y., where he married Betsey Kerne,
a native of New York ; they raised a family of nine children, with whom they arrived as emigrants at
Oconomowoc, Wis., May 12, 1843, and located on a farm in section 31 of this town, where Mr. Wash-
burn died in 1857, and his wife in the fall of 1868. William K. spent two years on the farm with his
father, and in 1845, with his brother C. D. M. Washburn and C. Wood, built a small boat, and left Ocon-
omowoc, sailing down the Oconomowoc, Rock and Mississippi Rivers to St. Louis ; they were, perhaps
the first to navigate the Oconomowoc River ; they returned via Indiana, where they spent one year, and
reached their home again in October 1846. He was employed in the spring of 1850, to assist in the
engineering and laying of the Plank Road from Milwaukee to Watertown, and in 1852, at its completion,
he was placed in charge of the men and repairs of the road, and remained in that position till 1855, when
he resigned, having gone into the grain trade in 1854, which he continued more or less of the time till
1868 ; since that time he has been engaged in laying out and grading streets, making lawns etc. ; he
was Street Commissioner uf the city in 1875, '77 and '78. He was married in September, 1855, to Miss
Mary G., daughter of William J. Brown, a native of New Hampshire, but came to the town of Pewaukee,
Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1853 ; their children are Nellie, William K. Jr., and Harry. Mr. Washburn's
family are connected with the Episcopal Church.
J. A. WEIiCH. proprietor of livery stable; was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in January, 1843,
and in 1850 came with his parents to Wisconsin; he located on a farm in the town of Sugar Creek,
Walworth Co., and made that his home till 1868, when he removed to Johnson, Mo., and followed farm-
ing till 1877 ; he then returned to Walworth County, and in January, 1878, formed a copartnership
with A. Kinney in the livery business in this city; the, firm was disso.ved Sept. 4, 1879, Mr. Welch
buying out Mr. Kinney at that time, and has since continued the business alone. He was married in 1861
to Miss Lucy A., daughter of Robert Bentley, of the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., Wis. ; their
children are Halbert B. and Royston. They attend the Congregational Church.
JACOB WELTIVER, carpenter and joiner; was born in Charles City Co., Va., in January,
1839. He began the carpenter and joiner's trade when 17 years of age, and after following that a short
time, became a contractor and builder, which he continued for some time along the line from the
Rappahannock to Richmond; in 1859 he went to Lexington, Mo., whence in 1861 he came to Ocono-
mowoc, where he has since followed his trade has been connected with the erection of some of the most
prominent buildings, among them the Townsend House, Captain Parker's, Dr. Henchal's, Shufeldt's
residences, besides many others. He was appointed Deputy Sheriff by John Porter in 1878, and has held
880 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
that position for two years. He was married at Lexington, Mo., in Oct. 1859, to Mi9s Emily, daughter
of Mr. Meyer; they have one dauojhter, Emily; they lost a son (Herman) at Oshkosh in Nov. 1879, aged
18 years and 4 days. Mr. Weltner's family are connected with the M. E. Church. He has been
connected with the I. 0. 0. P. for sixteen years, and is now Deputy Grand Master of that order in Wau-
kesha Co. He is also Master of the A. 0. U. W. for this county.
WILLIAM WENT WORTH, retired; was born in the town of Peru, Berkshire Co.
Mass., in 1815, and at the age of 4 years, with his parents, Sylvanus and Sally Wentworth, he removed,
to the town of Lee, Oneida Co., N. Y., and locited on a farm, where his father died, at the age of
92 years; his mother the year before his father. Mr. Wentworth came to Milwaukee, 1836j
and in the spring of 1837, located on a farm in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., where he lived till
1857 ; he then moved to Winnebago County for a short time, and then returned to the town of Summit,
which was his home till 1865, when he removed to the village of Oconomowoc. He was married in
Summit, Jan. 23, 1842, to Miss Olive, a daughter of William and Abagail Merickle, a native of the town
of Lobo, Can., West ; born in 1824.
EDWARD WH ALEN, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Monterey ; was born in County of Wexford,
Ireland, March 18, 1818; he followed farming there until 1850, when he emigrated to America and
located in Herkimer County, N. Y., whence, in October, 1853, he came to Oconomowoc and located where he
now is, and owns 160 acres of land. He was married in Herkimer County, N. Y., in 1852, to Elizabeth,
• daughter of James and Ann Sullivan, a native of County Lowth, who came to America, 1849. Their
children are Ann, born October, 1853; Edward, born April 25, 1855; Thomas, born July 13, 1857;
William, born Dec. 5, 1859, died Sept. 29, 1865. Mr. Whalen is a member of St. James' Catholic
Church, Oconomowoc.
O. H. WILBUR, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in the town of Kingsbury,
Washington Co., N. Y., in 1811 ; when 18 years old he began the tanner and currier's trade, at Ft. Ann,
Washington Co., and after working two and a half years at his trade there, he went to Troy, N. Y., where
he finished his apprenticeship and continued his trade a year longer ; he went then to New Brunswick,
N. J., and to Albany, N. Y., continuing his trade at the latter place two y^ars, and afterward returned to
Ft. Ann, and later still he went to Granville, N. Y., where he run a tannery ayear ; he next moved to Hebron,
N. Y., where he carried on the business fourteen years; he came to Oconomowoc, Waukesha Co., Wis.,
in 1854, and located at Okauchee, where he made his home till 1865, when he removed to his present
home of 80 acres, on Sec. 34, town of Oconomowoc, having bought it the previous year. He was
married at Albany, N. Y., in 1836, to Miss Abagail L., daughter of Loami Carter, a native of Lynn,
Essex Co., Mass. ; she died at her home in Oconomowoc, in 1873 ; they had eight children, as follows :
Clarrinda, deceased, Albert, Orrin , David, at home, two infant daughters (twins), deceased, Mary, deceased,
Melvin, deceased. Mr. Wilbur was a mepiber of the Town Board one term ; Assessor of the town eight
years.
OLE WILHELMSEN, Pastor of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Ocono-
mowoc; was born in Norway, in 1844; he received his early education in the schools of his native
parish; in 1862, he entered the Seminary of Stovd, Norway, where he continued his studies till 1864;
he then began teaching there, and, in the spring of 1865, emigrated to America ; locating in Worth
County, Iowa, he taught in the parish' schools of his church there, and in Winnebago County, till 1869 ;
he then entered upon the study of language at Lutheran College, at Decorah, where he pursued his
studies a year, then entered the 'Theological Seminary, and continued his studies for two years ; he came
then to La Crosse, Wis., in the summer of 1872, and in June passed his examination before the Synod,
and was ordained to the Holy Ministry ; he went then to Eureka, Greenwood Co., Kan., where he was
Pastor of a church till 1875 ; returning then to Wisconsin, he located in the Town of Ixonia, Jefferson
Co., and has been Pastor of the Norwegian Lutheran Churches at B-ocl^ Rivqr, Ashippun, Stone Bank,
and Oconomowoc. He was married in Winnebago Co., Iowa, in 1868, to Rachel, daughter of H. Hal-
verson ; their children are Stina, Hartwick, Anna Valburg, Mary A.
VWILLIAM WILKE, mason; was born in Prussia in 1^23; he began the stone and brick
mason trade in his native country in 1847, and followed it there till 1855, when he emigrated to America;
stopping a short time at Milwaukee ; he went thence to Watertown, Wis., where he continued his trade
till the autumn of 1856 ; he then came to Oconomowoc, where he has since resided and devoted his time
to his trade. He was married in Berlin, Prussia, in 1852, to Augusta Flade, a native of that country;
they have one daughter — Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Wilke are members of the Lutheran Church.
TOWN OF OCOXOMOWOC. 881
GEORGE W. WIIiLIAMS, farmer, Sec. 28; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in the town
of Russell, Hampden Co., Mass., in 1810 ; at the age of ten years, he, with his parents, Dudley and
Mary Williams, removed to Portage County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a few years, and after-
ward began dealing in " mora multa oaulis," or silkworm-food, by which he lost all he had ; in May, 1841,
he, with his wife and daughter, emigrated to Wisconsin, and, the 19th day of that month, landed at
Oconomowoc, where he traded his horse and wagon for a claim of 160 acres in Sec. 28 ; he built hia
shanty on the old Indian trail from Milwaukee to Pond du Lac, and has since made his home on that
quarter-section ; his shanty has, however, long since been exchanged for a more comfortable residence. He
was married in 1833, to Nancy M. Ferry, a native of Ohio ; they have one daughters-Mary E. (now Mrs,
Hadley), whu has two sons — one, George W. Munger, by her first marriage, and Dudley A, Hadley by
her second marriage ; Mrs. Hadley and her sons live with Mr. Williams.
L.OUISE C. WILLIAMS, Notary Public; was born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., in
1837 ; her father. Deacon F. H. Westover, was a native of Massachusetts; h-er mother, Phebe Miller, was
born in Oswego County, N. Y. ; Mrs. Williams came with her parents to Milwaukee in 1846, where she
received her earlier education in private schools, and completed her studies at the Female College of that
city in 1855. She was married January 14, 1862, to Mr. James Willliams, then First Lieutenant of
Company A, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry; the regiment being encamped, at that time, at Baltimore, Miss
Westover met Mr. Williams there, and the marriage ceremony was performed by Chaplain A. C. Bory,
at the Major's tent; she remained there with her husband three weeks, when orders came for the regi-
ment to march, when she returned to her father's, in Summit, Wis. ; Mr. Williams was killed at the battle
of Baton Rouge, La., March 4, 1864 ; Mrs. Williams came with her parents to Oconomowoc in Septem-
ber, 1866, and, in 1871, became a student and book-keeper in the law-office of her brothers, George F.
and J. Henry Westover, and, in 1874, she was appointed, by Gov. Taylor, Notary Public — the first lady
Notary Public in Wisconsin, if not the first in the United States ; she remained in the office with her
brothers till 1877, and, since that time, she has been collecting claims, loaning money and making trans-
fers of real estate ; her father died at Oconomowoc in 1874; her mother, now 77 years old, lives with her.
A. W. WILLIS, telegraph operator; was born in the town of Canaan, Grafton Co., N. H., in
1850 ; his parents, Nathan and Edna Willis, were also natives of New Hampshire; his father was a car-
penter and joiner by trade ; he began the study of telegraphy at Enfield, N. H., in 1869, and, in 1871,
came to Wisconsin and engaged as operator for the C, M. & St. P. R. R. Co. at Prairie du Chien, Wis. ;
he was stationed there two years, then at Dekorra one year, thence called to Milwaukee, whence, in 1875,
he was sent to Oconomowoc, where he has since remained. He was married in 1877 to Miss A. May,
daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Calkins) Streeter, a native of Gasport, Niagara Co., N. Y. ; their children
are Edna L. and Annie; they attend the Congregational Church; Mr. Willis is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
THEODORE WORTHLVGTOBJ, deceased; was born in Northfield, Washington Co.,
Vt., in 1817, and is the son of Daniel and Polly (Fisk) Worthington ; he, with three brothers,
Elijah, David and Daniel, came to Wisconsin in 1836; Elijah settled on a farm in Walworth County, and
was also a local preacher there for a number of years before his death ; Theodore settled there with his
parents, who came two years later ; David went to St. Louis, Mo., for several years; then removed to Chi-
cago and made a purchase near Union Park, where he now resides ; David lived in Milwaukee for a few
years, and became in later years a prominent M. E. minister; was stationed at Rock Island, 111.,
Dubuque, Iowa, and afterward at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he died ; Theodore made his home on the
farm with his parents in the town of La Grange, Walworth Co., till 1844, when he came to Oconomowoc,
Waukesha Co., and bought a claim to 160 acres now within the city limits, where he followed farming
for many years, but later dealt in real estate; he' died April 15, 1875. He was married in 1845 to Miss
Orilla, daughter of Zaddoc and Polly (Muzzy) Williams, a native of Genesee, now Wayne Co., N. Y.,
but came to Oconomowoc in 1845. Their children are : James, deceased; -George, deceased ; Henry, de-
ceased; Frank, who married Rosa Martin in June, 1876; they have had two daughters, Edith, de-
ceased ; Ora Belle ; and Mrs. Worthington is a member of the M. E. Church.
CHARLES W. WOOD, farmer. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born at Attica, N. Y.,
in 1840 ; his father, James K. Wood, was born in Massachusetts, and removed to Attica, N. Y., when
about 8 years old, and afterwards made his home in New York, till 1842 ; his mother was a native of York
State. They emigrated to Wisconsin in 1842, and located in the town of White Water, W,alworth Co.,
where his father followed the blacksmith's trade till 1844, when they removed to their present home on
Sec. 31, town of Oconomowoc, where he now owns 66J acres. Charles W. began the painter's
882 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
trade when ten years old, with his father, who was also a painter, as well as blacksmith, and has followed
it more or less of the time since, in connection with farming. He was married in 1872 to Miss Caroline,
daughter of John and Younker, a native of Germany. They have one daughter, Caroline C.
WILililAM H. YOUWGr, manufacturer of wagons and buggies ; was born in Onondaga Co.,
N. Y., in 1826, and when 7 years old, with his parents, Jacob and Euth Young, he removed to the
town of Litchfield, Hillsdale Co., Mich., where he worked on a farm till nearly 21 years old ; he began his
apprenticeship at the wagon and carriage maker's trade in Jonesville, Mich., and finished at Ashtabula,
Ohio, in 1850 ; after which he continued his trade there a short time; he came to Oconomowoc in 1854,
and established a manufacturing and repairing shop, where he has since carried on that business. He was
married Nov. 1, 1849, to Miss Hannah M., a daughter of Luther and Hannah Hatch, a native of Penn-
sylvania, but her parents of Vermont ; they afterward removed to Ohio. Their children are : Alice, now
the wife of D. Hatch, and lives in Oshkosh, Wis.; Lewis M., now of the firm of Kern & Young, of this
city ; Eva I., deceased ; Charles M., at home. Mrs. Young is a member of the Congregational Church.
HENRY ZIIflllERMAlVJV, tailor; was born in Prussia, March 31, 1823, and at the age of
18 years began the tailor's trade, which he has since followed; he emigrated to America in 1856, and
located at Oconomowoc, where he has since continued his trade ; he has been with Mr. Peters for the past
nineteen years. He was married in 1851 to Miss Ernestina, daughter of John and Sophia Wolfgram, a
native of Prussia, born May 4, 1827. Their children are Matilda, now the wife of A. Krause, and lives
in Algona, Iowa ; Ernestina, who died at the age of 1 year and 10 months ; Albertina, the late wife of
Adolph Genrich, now deceased ; Henry, deoeaased ; Martha, now Mrs. Joseph Dusse, and lives in Kansas ;
Henry, and Laura, at home. Mr. Zimmerman and family are members of the Lutheran Church.
TOWN OF SUMMIT.
JOSEPH ADAMS, farmer, Sec. 17; P. 0. Summit Center; was born in Cambridgeshire,
England, in 1840 ; emigrated with his parents, Kobert and Ann Adams, to Wisconsin in 1855 ; they
located in Eacine County, where his father died in 1866, and where he spent his time at farming tOl 18
years old ; he then went to Milwaukee, where he was engaged in various kinds of business till 1870,
when he came to the town of Summit, and located on the Putney farm, which he managed for three years ;
then removed to the " Jimmy Stewart " farm, in the town of Ottawa, for a year ; whence he went to the
town of Oconomowoc, and in 1875, bought his presei»t farm of 140 acres. He was married, in 1858, to
Sarah E., daughter of James and Lucinda Ash, a native of Green Co., Wis.; their children are Silas E.,
Thomas W., Eobert L., Lucinda A. and Sarah R. Mr. Adams' mother now lives with him, and is in her
83d year.
REV. WIIiLIAHH ADAMS, D. D., graduate of Trinity College, Dublin; born in
1813; arrived in the United States in 1838, immediately after his graduation; he is a graduate of the
General Theological Seminary of New York City ; author of " Elements of Christian Science," " Mercy
to Babes," " A Treatise on Infant Baptism," and othpr works. He has been a resident of Wisconsin since
1841, and professor of Systematic Divinity at the Nashotah House since 1842.
JAMES M. BAIIiEY, farmer. Sec. 8; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in Addison Co., Vt.,
in 1808 ; removed with his parents, Belah and Betsey Bailey, to Ticonderoga, Sussex Co., N. Y., when
young; here he made his home on a farm until the age of 30, Working a portion of the time at the wagon-
maker's trade; he then went to Plattsburg, Clinton Co., where he followed the carpenter and joiner's
trade till 1855 ; he then emigrated to Wisconsin and located at Summit Corners, and worked at his trade
until 1857 ; he was then appointed Postmaster, which position he held for six months ; after which he
continued at his trade till 1863, when he was re-appointed Postmaster for a time; after the expiration of
this time as Postmaster, he resumed his vocation of carpenter and continued it until 1868, when he moved
onto his farm of 80 acres, where he now resides. He was married in Worcester Co., Mass., Jan. 15, 1837,
to Miss Alice Dwinnel, a native of Oxford; she died in Ticonderoga in 1839, having had two children,
one dying April 7, the other the 18th, and she the last day of the same month ; his second marriage was
Feb. 23, 1842, to Mary Hammond, a native of Ticonderoga; she died in the town of Summit Jan. 21,
1858 ; his third marriage occurred Sept. 22, 1858, to Julia Burt, of Montgomery Co., Vt. ; their children
are Mary I., Wm. J., and Charles I. They are members of the M. E. Church.
J^^"^
)>^U
TOWN OF SUMMIT. 885
EDWIN W. BARNARD, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Summit ; he was born at Hartford, Conn.,
in 1838 ; when 4 or 5 years old, he removed with his parents to Albany, N. Y. ; whence, in 1845, then
came to Waukesha Co., Wis., and located at Waterville, where his father was engaged in merchandising
till his death, which occurred April 1, 1857. Edwin, the subject of this sketch, made his home with his
mother, at Waterville, till 1862, when, on Dec. 31 of that year, he was married to Emma, a daughter of
John D. and Sophia (Brown) McDonald, a native of the town of Summit ; they settled, soon after marriage,
on Sec. 27, which was their home till 1866, and in the year following he bought his present farm of 160
acres, where he has since resided ; they have two daughters — Emma M. and Henrietta R.
HENRY BOWRON, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Waterville ; was born at Champlain, Clinton Co.,
N. Y., Sept. 1, 1807 ; his parents, Joseph and Mary (Pox) Bowron, were also natives of Clinton Co. ; at
the age of 21 years, he began clerking in a dry-goods store at Champlain, working for two different mer-
chants two years each ; he next clerked for a lumber merchant at that place until the fall of 1836, when he
landed in Milwaukee as a pioneer of Wisconsin ; he spent the winter clearing 15 acres of land at Kilbourn Hill,
near Milwaukee ; and in the spring of 1837j with his goods in a bandana handkerchief, he started on foot
for Waukesha, where he stopped with Cutler, by whose fire he baked his bread for the winter ; here he
followed the carpenter and joiner's trade and other kinds of business till 1861, when he moved to his
present farm of 148 acres, in the town of Summit ; he was Assessor of Waukesha for twenty years, and of
Summit one year. He was married in Waukesha to Helen Campbell, a native of Vernon, Oneida Co.,
N. Y., who died Jan. 8, 1879, leaving three children — Henry C, Niles and Frank W. — at home.
THOMAS BRAKEFIELD, farmer. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; son of Thomas and
Mary Brakefield ; was born in County Kent, England, in 1817 ; in 1830, he emigrated to this country
with his parents and settled at Schenectady, N. Y., where they followed farming fgr awhile, and afterward
removed to Utica, N. Y., where his father died ; in 1850, he, with his mother, came to Wisconsin and
located at Delavan, Walworth Co., where she died in 1854 ; in 1856, he removed to his present farm, of
1 60 acres, in the town of Summit. Mr. B. has been a member of the Town Board for six years. He
was married in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1840, to Mary, daughter of Ebenezer and Abbie (Sheldon) Ward, a
native of Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; their children are Maria, now the wife of Ezra Feller, and lives at
Plainview, Minn. ; Edward, now at Rising City, Butler Co., Neb. ; Louisa, at home.
ROBERT BRIGHT, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Herefordshire, Eng-
land, in 1816 ; he is the son of William and Catharine Bright, by whom he was brought to America
when 2 years old, settling in Madison Co., N. Y. ; he subsequently lived in Onondaga, Jefferson, Oswego
and St. Lawrence Counties, till the age of 20, with his parents ; he followed clerking in hotels in Syra-
cuse, Oswego and other places until 1841, when he was married to Miss Louisa, daughter of Thomas and
Netty Allard, a native of Sussex Co., N. Y. ; in 1843, they came to Milwaukee", Wis., where he engaged
in hotel keeping for a time ; he afterward followed lumbering and milling in that place for twenty-seven
years; in 1875, he came to the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., and settled on 160 acres, where he now
lives; which had been in his possession since 1852; he had three children — Georgiana, died September,
1869, aged 26 years, the wife of George H.Williams, Milwaukee; Louisa, wife of Albert Ward, of New
York City, deceased; Adin, a son, now in Milwaukee.
OSGOOD P. CHUBB, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Oconomowoc; is a native of Windsor Co., Vt.,
born in February, 1827. At the age of 10 years, he emigrated with his parents, Newman and Cynthia
( Fair) Chubb, to Wisconsin, and located, in December, 1837, on Sec. 36, in the town of Waukesha ; six
years later, his father sold his farm in Waukesha and removed with his family to the town of Ottawa, where
he and his wife afterward died. Osgood P., our present subject, made his home with his father, in the
town of Ottawa, till 1851, when he removed to the town of Lomira, Dodge Co., and followed farming there
till 1854 ; he then went to California, where he engaged in mining for two and a half years, after which,
he returned to his family, in the town of Lomira, and continued farming there till October, 18£fe, when he
bought his present farm of 1581 acres, on Sec. 10, town of Summit, Waukesha Co. He was married, in
February. 1851, to Lucy, daughter of George M. and Lorena Cobb, a native of Vermont ; she came with
her parents to Wisconsin in 1836, and located at Oak Creek, Milwaukee Co. Mr. and Mrs. Chubb have
had five children — -Theodore, deceased ; Clarence, now in Clark Co., Wis. ; Ernest, deceased, and Lilla and
Ernest, at home.
REV. A. S. COLiE, D. D., President of the Nashotah House, and Professor of Pastoral
Theology ; born in Windham Co., Conn., in 1818 ; his earlier education was in the Plainfield Academy,
under the tutorship of John R. Witter, LL. D., a famous teacher of his time ; in 1835, he entered
Brown Conservatory, of Providence, R. I., and graduated from that institution in 1838, under the care of
886 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
the Rev. Francis Wayland, D. D. ; he graduated from the General Theological Seminary of the Protest-
ant Episcopal Church, New York City, in 1841, in the fall of the same year he became Rector of St.
James' Church, Woonsocket, R. I., and, in 1845, Rector of St. Luke's, Kalamazoo, Mich. In December,
1849, he became Rector of St. Luke's, Racine, Wis.; in May, 1850, was elected President of Nashotah
House, and Sept. 1 following, he entered upon the duties of that office ; in 1851, he was made Professor
of Pastoral Theology, in addition to his work as President.
GEORGE COMSTOCK, farmer. Sees. 18 and 19; P. 0., Oconomowoc; was born in the
town of Woodstock, Windom Co., Conn., in 1812 ; his father, John Comstock, was a native of Rhode
Island, and came to Connecticut, where he died, when his son George was about six years old ; his
mother, Ruth Sayles, was also a native of Rhode Island, and came, after her marriage, to Connecticut;
when George reached his ninth year, he was bound out to a farmer, and made his home with him till he
was 15 years old ; then was bound out to another, with whom he remained till 22 ; the following year
he spent in Massachusetts, after which he returned to Connecticut, whence, in October, 1825, he went to
Buffalo, N. Y., but soon returned again to Connecticut, where, in the spring of 1826, he was married to
Eliza, daughter of Daniel Paine, a native of Windham Co ; they removed, immediately after marriage,
to Oneida Co., N. Y., where he followed farming till 1846, and June 10, of that year, settled in the town
of Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis., among its early settlers, locating at that time on his present farm, on
Sees. 18 and 19, where he now owns 160 acres. Mr. Comstock has been a member of the Town Board
for a number of years. His wife died July 26, 1860, leaving eight children — Mary, now the wife of W.
D. Bradford, lives in Minnesota; Emily, now Mrs. L. M. B. Smith, lives in Algona, Iowa; Margaret, now
the wife of Samuel Smith, lives in Minnesota ; John D., deceased ; James, now in Algona, Iowa ; Nancy,
in Milwaukee ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Don C. Westover, lives in Kansas, and George E., in Milwaukee ; his
second marriage was May 27, 1869. to Esther A., daughter of Reuben Smith.
JAIIES M. CRCMMEY, Sec. 35; P. 0. Waterville; was born in New York City in 1824;
his father, an extensive butcher of that city, kept his son, James M., employed in buying stock for the
market. In 1840, the subject of this sketch emigrated to Wisconsin, and located at Milwaukee, where
he was employed as ticket agent for a line from Buffalo, via Milwaukee, to Chicago, holding that position
for about ten years ; he next engaged in the butcher business, but was subsequently employed as ticket
agent for the railroads then centering in Milwaukee ; the latter part of 1864, he went to Mississippi, and,
for two years, was proprietor of a large cotton plantation, near Natchez ; returning to Wisconsin, at the
end of this time, he settled, with his family, on a farm of 320 acres in the town of Summit, which he had
purchased in 1850 ; here he spent most of his time in farming till 1876, and since that time has been
engaged in mining, at Lake City, Colo. He was married in 1850, to Amelia Sexton, of Darien N. Y., who
came with her parents to Wisconsin when she was 10 years old ; their children are George P., James M.
and Bernard A., now residing at home.
ISAAC DENTON, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0., Oconomowoc ;. was born in Erie Co., Ohio, in 1833 ;
he emigrated, with his parents, Jonas M. and Maria (Furman) Denton, to Wisconsin in 1850, spending
the winter in Elkhorn, Walworth Co. ; in the spring of 1851, they settled on a farm in the town of Con-
cord, Jefferson Co., Wis.; he made that his home most of the time till 1862, when, in the fall of that
year, he enlisted in Co. E, 28th Wis. V. t. , and was with his regiment in the army of the West, till mus-
tered out at Brownsville, Texas, in September, 1865 ; he then returned to his father's home, in Concord,
and spent five years, at which time he purchased the homestead, his .father then removing to Jefferson.
In 1877, he disposed of the above farm and bought his present property, in Sec. 10, in the town of Sum-
mit, Waukesha Co. He was married in 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Clarissa Neff, of
Waterville, Wis. ; their children are Charles and Gertrude.
lIIIiES N. DODGE, farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; is a native of Delaware Co.,
N. Y. ; bofn in 1813; his father, William Dodge, in Hudson ; his mother, Abigail Burgin, was of the
old New England stock, born in Connecticut. At the age of 19, Miles N. left his father's home, in Dela-
ware, and went to Genesee Co., where he followed farming till 1846 ; April 30 of that year, he arrived
in he town of Summit, Waukesha Co., as an emigrant to Wisconsin ; he with his brother then bought a
claim of 220 acres on Sees. 2 and 11 of that town, which they afterward divided, he taking 80 acres
on Sec. 11 and 40 acres on Sec. 2, which has since been his home. Mr. Dodge has been a member of
the Town Board for three terms. He was married in Genesee Co., N. Y., in 1840, to Emily K.,
daughter of Elisha and Phila (Billings) Holdridge, a native of Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; their children are
Marshall, now at Canby, Minn.; Eugene H., now in La-qui-parle Co., Minn.; Helen P., at home, and
George A., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. I 'odge are connected with the Congregational Church.
TOAVN OF SUMMIT. 887
KEV. ,IIOIl]V H. EG-AR, D. D., professor of Ecclesiastical History, Nashotah House, was
born in Cambridgeshire, Eng., in 1832 ; came with his parents to America in 1846, and to Milwaukee in
the spring of 1847 ; he was there employed in the Sentinel and Wisconsin offices till 1852, when he
entered the Nashotah H onse as a student of theology, and graduated from the same in 1 856 ; he was subse-
quently rector of the church at Prairie du Chien, Waukesha and Beloit, Wis., (jalena. 111., Leavenworth,
Kan., and St. Peter's, Pittsburg ; while rector of St. I'eter's he published a book entitled "The Three
Graces of the Holy Trinity," and has also written several small pamphlets, among them, " The Doctrine
of the Trinity Defended ;" in January, 1872, he returned to Nashotah to accept the professorship of
ecclesiastical history, in which position he has since been retained.
lIABSHALIi FAIRS ERVICE, deceased; born in Boston; removed early in life to the
State of New York, and settled near Rome, in Oneida Co., where he followed farming till 1837 ; he then
emigrated to Wisconsin, and settled in the town of Summit, near the lower Nehmabin Lake, where he
devoted his time to agricultural pursuits till the time of his death ; he was married to Mariba Fisk, a
native of Massachusetts, and the fruits of this marriage were five daughters, namely : Frances, now Mrs.
Leavett, and Harriet E., now Mrs. Parks, both of the town of Summit ; Agnes, now Mrs. Orson Reed,
formerly of the same town ; Caroline, now Mrs. Albert Allen, of Delafield ; and Mary, now Mrs. Richard
Lush, formerly of Summit.
CHARIiES H. ELINTON, farmer. Sees. 4 and 5 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Lin-
colnshire, Eng., in 1830, and came to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1854, locating in the town of Summit ;
he began working for farmers in this locality soon after his arrival, and made this town his home till
1863, when he removed to Colorado, and there followed farming till 1876, when he returned to Summit.
He was married in 1860 to Harriet E., daughter of Richard and Jane Hardelj, a native of Lincolnshire,
Eng., but came with her parents to Summit in 1837.
MICHAEL OEL^iiHER, farmer. Sees. 5 and 6 ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in County
Meath, Ireland, in 1820. When 21 years of age, he emigrated to America, and stopped in Sussex Co.,
N. J., where he worked in an iron blast-furnace for N. Brooks for eleven years; in the spring of 1851, he
moved to the' town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., Wis., having been out there the year before and bought
a farm of 40 acres ; he made his home there till 1 873, when he sold his farm, which he had increased to
120 acres, and removed to the city of Oconomowoc ; three years later he purchased his present farm of
132 acres, situated on Sees. 5 and 6, in the town of Summit. He was married in 1846, to Mary Greene,
the ceremony being performed on board the vessel during their voyage to America ; they adopted a daugh-
ter, Catharine, who is now the wife of Henry Dougherty, who lives at Dubuque, Iowa.
REV. JOHIV F. GIBBS, is a native of Otsego Co., N. Y. ; his father, Daniel Gibbs, was
born in the town of Litchfield, Conn., ahDut 1767, and at the age of 16 (his family being broken up
during the Revolutionary war) he went into Vermont; some years after, with others, he went thence to
the Genesee country in New York, where he, with them, cleared up a farm near what was known as
Waskey Flats, for one Seth Price, who afterward offered him 80 acres of land where the city of Roch-
ester now stands, as payment for his services, but which he declined to accept ; he then went into Herki-
mer Co., N. Y., where he afterward married Magdalena Lighthall, a lady of German descent; they
had a family often children, three of whom died when young; John F., the youngest, was born in Otsego
Co., N. Y., May 10, 1820 ; he spent the first years of his life in Otsego, Genesee, and St. Lawrence
Cos., and then located in the village of Theresa, Jefferson Co. ; hete he engaged in farming for a time;
also owned and run a boat on the Erie canal from Bufialo to Albany, which he continued to do until
1848, when he engaged in merchandising there till 1852; closing out his business, he then removed to
Wisconsin, and located on a farm in the town of Le Roy, Dodge Co., which was afterward his home till
1874, when he removed to his present farm on Sec. 5, town of Summit, part of which lies within
the city limits of Oconomowoc. He united with the M. E Church in 1860; began '\.t once the
study and work of the ministry as an exhorter at Iron Ridge, Dodge Co.; was licensed ia April,
1861, and continued the work, under the regular pastor, as local preacher; was ordained Deacon, October
1868; was ordained Elder at Whitewater, Wis., in October, 1873; continued his work in Dodge County
till 1874, when he reiSoved to Oconomowoc; he has since continued the work of holding services on
alternate Sundays at Cobb Schoolhouse, Summit, Waukesha Co., Concord, Jefferson Co., and occasionally
holding service, as supply, in Oconomowoc, having traveled over 18,000 miles, preaching a free gospel.
He was married in Jefferson County, N. Y., to Mary Hawkins, a native of that county, who died in
Dodge Co., Wis., Jan. 5, 1866, leaving four children — William F., at Hustisford, Dodge Co.; Mary A.,
now the wife of Alanson Bacon, and lives at Middleburgh, Neb.; Ellen M., now Mrs. Geo. W. Cowls,
888 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
lives in Richardson Co., Neb.; Chloe E., now the wife of Allen A. Billings, now of Oconomowoc. The
second marriage was on July 5, 1866, to Adelia M. Grossman, a native of JeflFerson, N. Y. , their chil-
dren are George L., Jennie I. and John W., who are now at home.
A. GIFFORD GURIVEY, farmer. See. 14: P. 0. Delafield; was born in Duchess Co.,
N. Y., in 1809; his father, DaVid Gurney, was also a native of that county, and followed farming for a
livelihood. Our subject, A. G., spent his time at the same vocation till 1836, when he began business
for himself, and followed teaching and farming till 1 846 ; he then emigrated to Wisconsin and located on
his present farm, where he now owns 80 acres. He was married in January, 1846, to Susan, a daughter
of Judge Henry Livingston, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; they have had two children — Edwin L., deceased,
and Jennie L , at home
ABRAII G. HARDELIi, farmer and stock -raiser ; Sees 33 and 34; P. O. Golden Lake;
was born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1826; his parents, Richard and Jane Hardell, were natives of Lincoln-
shire, Eng., and when their son, Abram G., was about 2 years old, they sailed for America; in the follow-
ing year they removed to Utica, N. Y., and later still to Clinton of the same State; in 1836 they arrived
at Milwaukee, and in 1,837 settled in rhe town of Summit. Our subject made his home with his parents
till his marriage, which occurred July 3, 1854, to Mary, a daughter of Robert and Mary "Wilkinson, of
the town of Mukwonago, Waukesha Co.; he has ever since continued to reside on the homestead, and he
now owns a farm of about 500 acres in the same town Mr. H devotes much of his time to breeding
short-horn cattle and Spanish Merino sheep. He has been member and Chairman of the Town Board,
and has held other and minor offices in his town
W. 3. HARDELiIi, farmer. Sees. 26 and 27; P. 0. Summit; was born in Lincolnshire,
Eng., and emigrated to America with his parents, Richard and Jane Hardell, when he wan but 4 or 5
years old ; landing in New York, they stopped there nearly a year, where his father followed the busi-
ness of a contractor and builder; later they removed to Clinton, N Y., whence, in 1836, they came to
Wisconsin and landed in Milwaukee ; here they remained till May, 1 837, when the subject of this sketch,
with a team, came by the way of Waukesha, then Prairieville, to the town of Summit, being the first
wagon that came from Waukesha to Summit ; his father having preceded him and made a claim to a
section of land in sections numbered 28, 33 and 34, he joined hioi at the above-mentioned place, where
they at ooce began to make preparation for the family, which arrived some weeks after ; during the first
year they realized tnany of the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but, with that perseverance which
characterizes the first settlers of this country, they managed to provide themselves with food enough till
the soil could supply them with a crop. After making his home in this town for 11 years, Mr. H.
removed, in 1848, to LaSalle Co., 111., where he contiuued farming most of the time till 1863, excepting
that in each of the years 1849 and 1853 he made a trip to California; in the first of these he remained
five months, and the second, three years; id 1863 he returned' to the town of Summit and settled on his
present farm of 160 acres He was married in 1848 to Permelia Tyler, a native of Madison County, and
an emigrant to Wisconsin in 1847; they have four children — George B., who is now in O'Brien County,
Iowa ; Frank, in Nebraska ; Richard H., at home ; Addie, now the wife of F. Alger, lives in Oconomowoc.
JOHX CHRISTIAlf FREDERICK HARTMANIV, farmer. Sec 6; P O. Ocono
mowoo ; was born in Prussia in 1836, and came with his parents to Wisconsin in 1844; they settled on
a farm of 160 acres, in the town of Ixonia, Jefferson Co., which his father entered from the Government,
and afterward bought more, till he had quite an extensive farm at the time of his death, which occurred
in 1874. John C. F. made his home in Ixonia a year after the death of his father; then removed to the
city of Oconomowoc, where he engaged in selling farm machinery for two years ; he removed to his present
farm of 103 acres in 1878; in May, 1879, he formed a, copartnership in the Oconomowoc foundry and
machine shop, under the firm of Hartmann, Hubner & Co., of which firm he is now a member. He was
married, Sept. 8, 1864, to Miss Louisa, daughter of William and Sophia Waltmann, a native of the town
of Lebanon, Dodge Co., Wis., who died Aug. 7, 1874, leaving six children, as follows: William F. L.,
Louis A., Alexander E., Agnes A., Louisa A., A. Edward. His second marriage was, Dec. 13, 1874, to
Miss Mary Waltmann, a sister to his first wife, by whom he has had three children — Fredereck B., Celia
M., John F., deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hartmann are members of the Lutheran Church.
B. €. HILiDRETH, farmer. Sees. 17 and 20; P. 0. Summit; was born in New Hampshire
in 1811, and at the age of 6 or 7 years, he removed with his parents, Jesse and Betsey (Cobb)
Hildreth, to Oneida Co., N. Y., where he followed farming until 1837. He was married there, in 1835,
to Priscilla Preston, with whom and his father's family, in the fall of 1837, he emigrated to Wisconsin
and settled in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., his father and brother having preceded them some
TOWN OF SUMMIT. 889
months and made claims on Sees. 17 and 20 of this town; the house for the family was not yet completed
when they arrived, but they found shelter in a shanty on Mr. Baxter's farm till December, when they
removed to their new home ; he and his father found work at chopping logs near Waukesha during the
winter months, by which they provided their families with bread, and in the spring of 1838, he sowed the
first wheat in this town ; his father died on the homestead in 1852, his mother died in Adams Co., Wis., in
1842. B. C, soon after their permanent settlement, put up a log house on the homestead, which sufficed
for a home till 1857, when his present edifice was erected; his wife died June 12, 1841, leaving three
children, having had four — Jane, the late wife of Edward Henry, now deceased, Hamilton, who died
Nov. 9, 1 837 (the first death in the town), Helen, now the wife of William Potter, and lives in Bates
Co., Mo.; his second marriage was June 9, 1842, to Prisoilla Labar, a native of Tompkins Co., N. Y. ;
they have two sons — Charles 0., now io Saline Co., Neb.; Henry H., who married Jeannette Kimball and
has five children — Edna M., Ida M., Nellie, Bertram C. and Maria M. Mr. Hildreth has been a member
of the Town Board three or four terms. Assessor four years, Town Treasurer two years.
B. R. HINKJLEY, retired, Summit Corners ; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in the town of
Weston, Oneida Co., N. Y., Jan. 13, 1809. His father," Amasa Hinkley, was born in Connecticut, and
went to Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1795. The subject of this sketch spent his early life at farming, working
by the month at that occupation for three years; in 1831, he began peddling Yankee notions through
Northern New York and Canada, at which he continued three years ; he then returned to Oneida Co.,
purchased a team and began trading between Utica and Canada, buying dried-apples at one place and dis-
posing of them at the other, returning with his wagon loaded with grass seed, etc., from' the sale of which
he realized handsome profits ; after spending a winter in this way, he was employed by a Quaker to buy
cattle in Oneida and other counties ; after continuing in this employment for a year, he was then made
a partner in the business, and at the death of the old man, formed a co-partnership with his son, and in
the panic of 1837, lost all he had: he never, however, failed to keep his credit good, and his friends
again supplied him with capital to continue his business, which he did with meager success ; in Decem-
ber, 1843, with Dr. Edwards, a buggy and two horses, he left Rome to try his fortune in the West, and
and arrived in March, 1844, in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis. ; here he rented of A. Sweet,
of Milwaukee, a farm of 800 acres on Sees. 34 and 35, of this town, at S400 a year, the rent to be paid in
improveinents on the farm ; he then returned to New York and borrowed $500 to carry on the business
of farming, which he did successfully for three years, when he bought a farm of 160 acres on Sec. 14, of
Summit, and after farming there for a number of years, he sold that and bought a half of Sec. 10, of the
same town; here he followed farming, trading and dealing in real estate for several years; afterward he
disposed of his farm, and has since been engaged in loaning money; in 1860, he, with others, chartered
the Bank of Oconomowoc, of which he was elected Vice-President and afterward President, holding the
latter position until the bank changed hands ; Mr. Hinkley has been Overseer of Public Highways thirty-
four out of his thirty-six years' residence in the town of Summit, and has done much in shaping and
improving the drives of the same ; he was appointed by Gov. Fairchild a member of the Board of Regents
of the State University, and was a member of that body for a number of years ; he was a member of the
Committee on Location of the State Experimental Farm ; he was instrumental in the re-organization of the
State University ; was re-appointed to the Board of Regents by Gov. Washburne ; he was President of
the State Agricultural Society for nine successive year.-, and declined further nomination ; he was one of
the first Directors of the Madison Mutual Fnsuraricf Co., and remained a member of that Board for ten
or fifteen years. He was married in March, 1838, to Harriet Hovey, of Oneida Co., X. Y., who died in
the town of Summit, in November, 1852, leaving three children — Mary, now the wife nf Richard Humphrey,
and lives at Nashotah ; Helen, now Mrs. Lloyd Breok, ot'Barrytown, N. Y. ; and Henry R., who died in
Chicago in 1876. His second marriage was in 1853, to Jeannette Townscnd, a native of Attica, N. Y.,
who died in February, 1871 ; his third marriage was to Mrs. Bessie Norcott Blinn, of Indianapolis,
Aug. 2, 1871.
REV. LEWIS A. KEMPER, D. D., Professor of Exegesis, Biblical Literature and
Hebrew ; was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1829 ; he graduated from Columbia College, New York City,
in 1849, and came to Wisconsin the same summer as a theoioi;ical student of the Nashotah House, where
he has since remained as student, tutor and professor; he has been Rector of St. Paul's Church, Ash-
ippun. Wis., since 1853.
A. J. KIDDER, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Summit; was born in Windsor Co., Vt., Jan. 1,
1826; he emigrated to Wisconsin in 1845, landing in Kenosha, then Southport, with only 35 cents ; he
at once began work for farmers at $10 per month, which he continued in that vicinity till 1847, when he
890 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
went to Dodge County and made his home with his father's family, spendinc; the winter, however, in -the
pioeries ; in December, 1849, he with his brother started by water, crossing the isthmus, and sailing up
the Pacific to California, where he engaged in mining till the spring of 1853 ; returning then to ihe town
of Lomira, Dodge Co., Wis., he traded for a farm of 200 acres in that town, by giving in exchange 160
acres in Brown County. In February, 1854, he returned to California and spent thirteen years there in
mining and teaming, and in the spring of 1863 he went to Idaho, followed mining and gardening till 1867,
when he came again to Dodge County, and there he followed farming till 1874 ; he then purchased his
pre sent farm of 60 acres, in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co. He was married in June, 1870, to Sarah
A. Vangilder, a native of New York ; their children are Burr, Albert, Alice, Joseph and Warren.
SAMUEL. C. liEAVITT (deceased), was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in 1800 ; his parents,
Roger and Lydia Leavitt, were natives of Connecticut, and removed as early settlers to Oneida Co.,
N. Y ; our present subject spent most of his early lite at farming in his native county. He was married
there in 1834 to Prances, a daughter of Marshall H. and Mariba (Fiske) Fairservice, a native of the town '
of Weston, Oneida Co., N. Y., and was born in 1810. In November, 1837, they arrived at Milwaukee,
as emigrants to Wisconsin, and about two weeks later they reached the town of Summit, Waukesha Co.,
spent the winter on the Edgerton farm, and in the spring of 1838 settled on Sec. 22, where he made his
claim to 200 acres ; he at once built his log house, which sufficed for a home for several years, and which
gave place to the present comfortable residence. Mr. Leavitt devoted his time wholly to agricultural
pursuits, never seeking an office, but, nevertheless, was called upon, and complied in filling some of the
minor ones of his town. He died in January, 1872, leaving six children, having had seven, as follows:
Charles H. and Marshall H., children by his first wife, Mary A. Kilbourn, of Oneida Co., N. Y., whom
he married in 1826, and who died in 1831 ; Charles is now in Cahfornia, and Marshall H.-died at Wash-
ington, April 6, 1865, from the efi^eots of a wound received at the battle of Petersburg in March previous ;
from the second marriage the children are as follows : James M., now at Sioux Falls, Dak.; Adelia, at
home ; Samuel F., at Sioux Falls ; Theodore F., Ella F., now the wife of J. F. Redfield, also
at Sioux Falls,
JOHIV D. JJlcDOlVALD, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Summit Center. This pioneer of Summit
was born in Fulton Co., N. Y., in 1816; his father, Daniel McDonald, was a native of Edinburgh, Scot-
land and died when his son was 12 years old; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Port, was born in Ireland,
and died, when he was about 5 years of age ; upon the death of his father, being left the oldest of three
orphan children, and with scarcely any means of support, save that earned by his own hands, he spent his
time at farm work till he arrived at the age of 16, when he was apprenticed to the glove and mitten
trade, at Gloversville, N. Y., where he remained till of age; in November, 1836, he emigrated to the
Territory of Wisconsin, spent the winter in Milwaukee, and in March, 1837, westward still he bent his
course, till he arrived at the town of Summit, Waukesha (then Milwaukee) County, where he selected his
site, and on the 7th day of April following, he entered his claim to 40 acres in Sec. 21 ; he at once began
to improve his farm, as rapidly as limited means would permit, and built his pioneer shanty, which has
since been exchanged for his present commodious farm-residence ; his farm of 40 acres has grown into one
of several hundred acres, which yields its annual rich harvests. Mr. McDonald has held the office of
Chairman of the Town Board for eight or nine years, Chairman of the County Board for three or four
years, was elected a member of the Wisconsin Logislatyre from his Assembly District of Waukesha County,
in 1869, and served with such satisfaction to his constituency, that he was re-elected as a member of that
body in 1870 ; he has also served in minor offices, and taken an active part in the aifairs of the town. He
was married in 1840 to Miss Sophia, daughter of Gardner and Ruey (Plumley) Brown, a native of St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; she came with her parents to Summit in 1837, where they afterward died. Mr.
and Mrs. McDonald have reared a family of six children — Mary, now the wife of C. M. Story, and lives
at Red Cloud, Neb. ; Emma E;, now Mrs. E. W. Barnard, and now lives in Summit ; Daniel, John,
Maggie, and Nellie at home.
HE9IRY C. McDowell, proprietor of the Summit Stock Farm, Sees. 10 and 11; P. 0.
Oconolnowoc ; was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., in 1826 ; he removed with his parents, David and Har-
riet McDowell, to Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, when quite young; there his father entered and improved a farm,
and carried on farming, merchandizing, distilling, milling, etc., for many years. Our present subject made
his home with his father until 1849, when he began the lake transportation business, which he followed
for twenty-five years, conducting also a farm during the time ; in 1873, he purchased what was then
known as the J. J. Tallmadge farm, where he now owns 310 acres and where he has since followed
farming and stock-raising. He was married, in 1854, to Jennie E., daughter of I^aac and Jane Sherman,
TOWN OF SUMMIT. 891
of Bridgeport, Conn., who died in 1870, leaving two children — Wenonah S., now the wife of Charles
Hacker, and lives in Cleveland, Ohio, and William S., who lives with his father ; his second marriage was
to Viola S., daughter of Dr. Turner, of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1873.
CURTIS SIAIVBT, farmer. Sec. 3; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Washington Co., N. Y., in
1815; he engaged in canal transportation in his native county for a number of years, and in 1846, removed
to Buffalo, where he engaged in grain trade and lake transportation till 1858 ; he then came to Wisconsin,
to the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., having removed his family here in 1856, he himself remaining at
Buffalo two years, to close up his business. He was a member of the Board of Trade in Milwaukee from
1858 till 1875, since which time he has been engaged chiefly in lumbering in Marathon Co ; he was
elected a member of the State Senate of Wisconsin, from Waukesha Co., in 1868. He was married in
Washington Co., N. Y., in 1852, to Nancy Comstock, a native of that county; their children are Fanny,
Frank, William E. and Orville K.
• LEVI P. MERICKIiB, farmer, Sees. 27 and 28; P. 0. Summit Center; was born in the
town of Lobo, Canada West, in 1816 ; he spent much of his early life on a farm in Canada till 1836,
when he came to the State of Michigan, and spent the winter; in June, 1836, he came to the town of
Summit, Waukesha Co., Wis., and worked for Mr. Doubman one and a half years, then made a squatter's
claim to the farm on which he now lives ; his mother dying Oct. 8, 1835, his father and other members
of the family joined him in Summit, in 1839, and made that their home till 1846, whence they removed
to Dodge Co., where he died in 1870. Mr. L. P. Merickle was married in Summit, May 10, 1840, to
Miss Phebe J., daughter of Richard and Jane Hardell, a native of Lincolnshire, Eng., born in 1819 ;
they made their home on the farm in Summit till 1861, then removed to Dodge Co., whence, in 1863,
they went to Blue Earth Co., Minn., where he continued farming till 1880 ; in January of that year, he
returned to the old farm in Summit ; their children are Elen A., now the wife of B. T. Ellis, and lives
in McHenry Co., 111.; Josephine E., now Mrs. George Webster, and lives in Lac-qui-Parle Co., Minn;
William W., who married Sarah Youngs, and lives in Blue Earth Co., Minn. ; Abbie J., now the wife of
William Youngs, of Blue Earth Co., Minn. ; Anna J. and Emma W., at home. Mr. and Mrs. M. are
members of the Seventh Day Advent Church.
ELISHA MORRIS, farmer, Sec. 7; P. 0. Oconomowoc ; was born in Madison Co., N. Y.,
June 6, 1817 ; his father, Mathias Morris, was a native of New York, and his mother, Sarah Lathrop, was a
native of Connecticut ; in June, 1837, the family emigrated to Wisconsin, and were the first, as a family,
to locate in the town of Oconomowoc, his mother and sisters being the first women in that town. His father
making his home here for about fifteen years, removed to Winnebago Co., where he afterward died. Elisha,
our subject, removed four years later to Sec. 4, town of Summit, where he lived nearly two years, and then
removed to his present home, on Sec. 7, where he now owns 50 acres ; he enlisted, in 1861, in Co. H,
1st W. V. C., under Col. Daniels, and was with his regiment in the Army of the Tennessee and South until
February, 1865, when he was mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn ; he then returned to his home in
Summit, and has since followed farming. He was married in 1842, to Martha, daughter of Eleazer and
Susan Scripture, a native of New York, who died about 1847, leaving two children — Eugene, now in
Harper Co., Kan. ; Imogene, now the wife of James Chapin, of Chicago ; his second marriage was to
Mary Harmon, widow of Benjamin Harmon, and daughter of Hiram and Sarah Howard, a native of Ver-
mont ; they have two children — Byron, now in Chicago, and Alice, at home.
AlVBIIS NELSON, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. Golden Lake; was born in Norway in 1835, and
came with his parents, Nels and TuUena Nelson, to Waukesha Co., Wis. ; they were the second settlers in
that part of the town of Summit ; arriving in July, 1843, they slept out doors till a pen of ironwood
poles was substituted for a house, in December ; their first house was logs, and built on the Norwegian
plan, which was their home for a year or two, when their present home was erected; his father died
here in 1871 ; his mother in April, 1879, leaving four sons — Annis, our subject, who now owns 100
acres in this town and in Jefferson Co. ; Marshall and Louis, in Oconomowoc, and Morten in California.
CAPT. THOMAS L. PARKER was bom in the county of Kent, England, 1814; at the
- age of 13 years, he began spending his vacations at sea, and by the time he reached his 16th year, he had vis-
ited the Azores and other Western Islands; when 16, he sailed up the Mediterranean on a two-year's
voyage, visiting Greece, Turkey and other European countries; leaving his native country in the autumn of
1832, he sailed for America, and in the spring of 1834 went to Oswego, N. Y., where he was master of a
vessel till 1841 ; removing then to Chicago, where he actively engaged in grain, warehouse and lake marine
for many years; coming to this city in August, 1874, on a visit, and finding the property which he now
B92 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
owns, about three miles east from the city, on Oconomowoe Lake, for sale, he purchased it about three
months later, and now has one of the finest estates, if not the first, in Wisconsin.
JACOB JRJEtJUIiA, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Summit ; was born in the Rhine Province, in
Bavaria, in 1806 ; he began the wagon-maker's trade at the age of 15, and continued at this till 1832.
He was married in 1831, to Philippine Voos, with whom, July, 1832, he sailed for America, landing at
New York in August following, and soon after settled at Rome, Oneida Co. ; here he continued his trade
till 1838, when, September 1, of that year, he arrived in Milwaukee ; leaving his wife at the last-mentioned
place he proceeded to Summit, Waukesha Co., to find some friends who had gone before ; while here he
purchased a claim, being the southwest quarter of Sec. 14, and made improvements for his future home ;
here he plied his trade for several years in connection with that of farming ; he made the cradle that cut
the first wheat in the town of Summit ; he made the first well-buckets that were made in the town, and
the coffin for the second burial that took place in Summit. Of later years he has devoted his time to
farming. They have had children as follows, namely, Nicholas, Lovina and Lena deceased ; Elizabeth,
now the wife of Charles Churchill ; Harriet, the late wife of Martin Coon, of Monroe Co., now deceased ;
Lovina, wife of Theodore Hines, and lives in Nebraska ; Eliza, wife of Frank Standard, and lives in
Nebraska ; Jennie, now Mrs. Joseph Severling, and lives in Iowa ; Jacob, now married and at home ;
Charles at home.
BENJAMIX RISING, farmer, Sees. 23 and 24 ; P. 0. Delafield ; was born in Hampshire
Co., Mass., in 1840 ; came to Milwaukee in 1860, and there engaged in the wholesale drug business till
18Y5, when he disposed of that, and bought his present farm of 145 acres, in the town of Summit. He
was married at Berlin, Wis., to Lucy L. Ward, a native of Ohio ; their children are Benjamin, Grace,
Arthur and Jessie.
ERIVEST SCHWARGER, farmer. Sec, 31 ; P. 0. Golden Lake ; was born in Prussia in
1820 ; he emigrated to America in 1853, and located in Milwaukee, Wis., whence, in April, 1854, he
settled on his present farm of 101 acres, in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co. Mr. S. was appointed
Postmaster by President Johnson, in November, 1865, and has been retained in that office at Golden Lake
since that time. He was married in Prussia, in 1843, to' Amelia Engelmann ; their children are Frank,
who married Bagena Hauson, a native of Wisconsin — they now live on Sec. 31, Amelia ; Mina, the late
Mrs. Michael Andrews, is dead.
FREDERICK SHEARSMITH, farmer, Sec. 24; P. 0. Delafield; was born in Prussia
in 1823, came to America in 1853, and stopped a short time in Milwaukee, when he came to the town of
Summit, where he worked one and a half years for Mrs. Wieman ; he then went to the town of Sullivan,
Jefferson Co., where he made his home till 1867, and after this returned to Summit, and located on his
present farm of 87 acres. He was married in February, 1856, to Elizabeth Poller, a native of Prussia ;
their children are John, Frank, Annie, William, Louisa, Emma, Eddie and Mary Jane, who at this time
reside with their parents.
SIDNEY F. SHEPARD, farmer. Sec. 29 ; P. O. Golden Lake ; is a native of Rensselaer
Co., N. Y. ; born in 1821 ; he spent his time with his parents, Charles and Mercy Shepard, till 1842,
when, in the autumn of that year, he emigrated to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Lagrange, Wal-
worth Co. ; there he spent five years at the carpenter and joiner's trade. He was married in the town of
Vernon, Waukesha Co., Feb. 1, 1849, to Hannah, daughter of Asher and Jane Stillwell, who was a native
of New Jersey, and came with her parents to Waukesha, Wis., in 1839, where her father afterward died ;
her mother now lives in Kilbourn City. Soon after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Shepard settled in the town
of Vernon, where he followed farming till the spring of 1872, when he removed to his present farm of 200
acres in the town of Summit. Mr.«. Shepard died Dec. 15, 1865, leaving five children, having had six —
Elliot W., who died at the age of 10 years ; Isadora J., now Mrs. William Boundy, and lives in Oconomowoe ;
Theron, now in Iowa; Elmore, Sidney L. and Florence M. are at home. His second marriage was June
15, 1866, to Armatha, daughter of William and Catharine Stillwell, a cousin to his first wife ; their children
are Ada H., Myra M., Eva A., Catharine F. and Charles.
HENRY STOHM ANN, proprietor of the Golden Lake House ; was born in Hanover in 1813 ;
he emigrated to America in 1840, and spent two years as coachman in New York City ; he then came to
Waukesha Co., Wis., and located on Sec. 28, town of Summit, where he engaged in farming till 1874; he
then became proprietor of the Golden Lake House, which he has since managed. He was married in New
York City, in 1842, to Mary Berns, a native of England, who died in 1870 ; his second marriage was to
Miss Catharine Meyer, a native of Germany, she having one son, Henry Meyer, now in Nebraska.
TOWN OF SUMMIT. 893
CA PT. E. S. STONE, Sees. 9 and 1 6 ; P.O. Oconomowoo ; is a native of Wayne Co., N. Y.,
born in 1825 ; his parents, ITinman and Mary (Stevens) Stone, were natives of Connecticut, and removed
soon after their marriage as early settlers to Wayne Co.. N. Y. Our subject spent the first fourteen years
of his life with his father on the farm, and then began sailing on Lake Ontario, which he continued dur-
ing two summers ; in Sept., 1842, he landed in Milwaukee, then a lad of 17 years, to seek his fortune in
the wilds of Wisconsin ; with his wardrobe carefully done up in a bandanna handkerchief, he came on foot
to the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co., where he found employment with Jacob Suttin at rail-making ;
during his stay at this place he made a claim, but by reason of his minority he wa" unable to hold it. In
the spring of 1843 he returned to Milwaukee and besan sailing with Capt. Calvin Ripley, whose vessel was
engaged in the lumber trade between Milwaukee and Manistee, Mich., which he followed for two seasons ;
with the first fifty dollars he earned he bought 40 acres of land in the town of Brookfield and built a house
on it ; he aflerward sold the above and bought the farm of Capt. Ripley in the town of Grreenfield, Mil-
waukee Co., though at this period he spent most of his time on the lakes ; in 1853 he removed to Milwau-
kee, where, still being interested in sailing, he was one of the first members of the Board of Trade, and has
ever since been connected with that body ; in 1857 he bought his present farm, " Cedar Beach," of 160
acres, on Sees. 9 and 16 on the east bank of Silver Lake, town of Summit, which has been the home of
his family. Capt. Stone has been a member of the Town Board for three terms ; a member of the Wis-
consin Assembly in 1873 from his district in Waukesha Co. He was married in 1852 to Nancy, daughter
of Deacon George McWhorter, a native of Salem, N. Y., who emigrated to Wisconsin with her parents in
1836; their children are Percy F., a commission merchant in Milwaukee; Ella, now the wife of Theo-
dore P. Leavitt, lives at Sioux Falls, D. T. ; Jennie L., at home ; F. Paul, in railroad business in Milwau-
kee ; Louis J. and Alice, now at home.
Cr. W^. VANBRUXT, farmer. Sec. 34 ; stock-raiser and proprietor of the Springdale Summer
Resort; P. 0. Waterville ; was born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., in July, 1830, and with his parents
immigrated to Wisconsin in May, 1846. They located on a farm in the town of Burnett, Dodge Co.,
where our subject followed farming till 1861 ; he then removed to Horicon, where he was engaged in
the manufacture of the Van Brunt Seeder, of which he was the inventor and patentee; in 1870, he sold
out his interest in the Seeder works, and in 1873 bought his present farm of 320 acres. He was married
in Jefferson Co., N. Y., in 1853, to Miss Jane Head ; they have two children, Elvie, now Mrs. E. V.
Beals, of Milwaukee, and Charles B., who is now married and lives on the farm with his father.
GEO. H. W ATKINS, farmer, Sees. 8 and 9; P. 0. Oconomowoc; is a native of Philadel-
phia; was born in 1840; he came with his father, William Watkins, to Milwaukee in 1855, and was
there engaged in the manufacture of brick from 1869 till August 1878, when he purchased the Highland
farm of 80 acres, on Sees. 8 and 9, town of Summit, Waukesha Co., and has since engaged in farming.
He was married in Milwaukee, in 1876, to Miss Jessie, daughter of John Roberts, of that city.
DR. Ij. W. weeks, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Oconomowoc; was born in Caledonia Co., Vt.,
in 1805 ; his father, Lemuel Weeks, was a native of Massachusetts, and removed to Hardwick, Caledonia
Co., Vt., in 1802, and followed farming till his death; his mother, Fannie Wheeler, was also a native of
Massachusetts, and was connected with a family that was prominent in the Revolutionary war ; the Dr.
received an academic education, after which he took up the study of medicine and graduated from the
Medical Academy of Castleton, Rutland Co., Vt., in 1828; he immediately entered upon the practice of
his profession at Ticonderoga, N. Y. ; a year later he removed to Keysville, N. Y., and continued the
practice of medicine till 1836 ; in June of that year he arrived in Milwaukee, then a small hamlet, and
where he afterward made his home till 1875. In 1838 or 1839, he was appointed deputy U. S. Marshal
at that place, in which position he was retained for several years ; he was one of the Rock River Canal
Commissioners in 1838-39 ; was a member of the City Council of Milwaukee for many years, serving
several terms as President of the same body. In July, 1836, he, in company with a party, came on foot
through this part of the country, going to Hustisford, Dodge Co., looking for a fall in Rock River. Thence
they went to Madison, and while there he entered 1,000 acres of land in Dane Co; he returned then to
Milwaukee, and afterward became one of the most extensive dealers in real estate in that city ; in 1875,
he bought his present farm of 50 acres in Sec. 10, town of Summit, Waukesha Co., where he has since
engaged in breeding the Jersey stock. He was married in Montpelier, Vt., in 1829, to Mary, daughter
of Bphraim and Mary (Bradbury) Sands, a native of Maine ; their children are Horace S., now mer-
chant in New York City, and Mary, now the wife of George Jones, of Pine Lake, Waukesha Co.
DANIEL WILLIAMS, farmer. Sec. 27; P. 0. Summit; born in the town of Exeter,
Otsego Co., N. Y., June 22, 1829. His father, Sherman Wjlliams, was a native of that town and
894 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
county, and followed farming there till his death, which occurred in Novemher, 1857. Our present
subject spent his summers at fdrmiog and winters at teaching, till he was 28 years old ; in 1857, he came
to Wisconsin, purchased a farm of 16H acres on Sec. 27, in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co., to which
he, with his father, expected to remove at once, but the death of the latter prevented his return to Wis-
consin for two years. He was married iu 1857, to Lucy C. Beach, with whom he came to Wisconsin in
1859 ; in August, 1869, his wife died, leavin<; three children, Esther, Amanda and Mary. Mr.
Williams was town Superintendent of schools in 1862 ; he has been a member of the Town Board for
three years ; Chairman of the same for two years ; Town Clerk eleven years ; Assessor one year ; Census
enumerator for three terms, 1865, 1875 and 1880 ; Justice of the Peace in his town for twelve years, and
Secretary and Treasurer of the town Insurance Company since its organization in 1874. His second
marriage was June 11, 1879, to Lovina, daughter of 0. W. Thornton, town of Medina, Dane Co., Wis.
JOHIV WIIiLIAMS, farmer. Sec. 23, 148 acres; P. 0. Summit; was born in Cardigan-
shire, South Wales, in 1815 ; he is the son of John and Blizibeth Williams, with whom he spent his
time at farming till 1841, when he was married to Catharine Jones; May 31, 1847, they sailed for
America; landed at Quebec July 29 following; August 11, they reached Milwaukee, and the 15th day
of the same month, they came to the town of Genesee, Waukesha County, and on the 7th day of October
of that year settled on Sec. 29, town of Ottawa, where he made his home till 1859, when he removed to
the town of Sullivan, Jefferson Co., and ten years later, came to his present home in the town of Summit;
Mrs. Williams died in 1866 ; his second marriage was in 1867, to Martha, daughter of John and Elizabeth
Williams, a native of Wales, and emigrated to Wisconsin with her parents in 1854 ; her first marriage was
to John R. Williams, who died in Milwaukee in 1861, leaving her with two children — John R. and
Margaret.
ROBERT WIIililAlIS, farmer, Sec. 36; P. 0. Waterville ; was born in Caernarvonshire,
North Wales, October 1816 ; he emigrated to America in 1846, and located in the town of Genesee, Waukesha
Co., Wis., where he followed farming till 1873; he then bought his present farm of 220 acres in the town
of Summit. He was married in Caernarvonshire, Wales, in 1840, to Sidney Jones; their children are
Sydney, now the wife of Robert Edwards, of the town of Delafield, Waukesha Co. ; Catharine and Jane at
home ; the above three were born in Wales ; John, Ann and Owen born in Wisconsin and now at home.
TOWN OF EAGLE.
C B. BANSTISTJER, homoeopathic physician, Eagle; born in Pownal, Bennington Co., Vt.,
April 6, 1817; after graduating at Union Academy, Bennington, he managed his mother's farm a few
years, and in 1839, went to Madison Co., N. Y. ; beg^n the study of medicine with Dr. Samuel Fuller,
but, owing to impaired health, gave it up and bought grain for a short time in Fayetteville, N. Y. ; returning
to his native State, he farmed it there two or three years, and, in April, 1845, settled in Mukwonago on a
farm ; resumed his medical studies with Dr. L. Nash and practiced while owning the farm, which he sold
in 1866 and, at the request of several residents, settled in Eagle, where he has since resided in active and
successful practice. Married, 1841, Miss Maria W. Lawrence, of Saratoga Co., N. Y., who died June 20,
1878, leaving two children — Charles, who enlisted in February 1865, in the 46th W. V. I., serving until the
close of hostilities ; he married Miss Esther Morrow, of West Troy, Wis., and has three sons — Harvey,
Byron C. and Charles, Jr. ; is now a railroad man in Troy Center, Wis.; his only sister, Venora, died
Aug. 23, 1878. The Doctor married Miss Mary P. Rowland, of Chester County, Penn., July 9, 1879. In
politics Democratic, he was Superintendent of Schools and Town Commissioner under the old system,
besides serving on school boards,, juries, etc. Dr. Bannister well represents the energetic type of the
pioneers from New England.
JONATHAN BETTS, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 0. Eagle; born in Elsen, Norfolk, England,
September 1813; came to America in 1830, and, after four years spent in Rome, N. Y., removed to La Salle
Co., 111. ; engaged in stage-driving in Illinois and Indiana about three years; settled in Eagle July 12,
1838, in company with F. Draper, they buying and farming 240 acres together till 1841, when Mr. Belts,
took eighty acres on the east side of the road; he has since bought eighty acres of Government land.
These were about the first men to locate in these parts, and, as they had six yoke of cattle, soon became
known throughout the town, Mr. B. driving breaking team about five years and turning over thousands
of acres of Wisconsin virgin soil; his first furrow turned on Sec. 28, and his first twenty acres of wheat
TOWN 0F_ EAGLE. 895
sown among the burr oaks which sparsely covered their claim. Feb. 17, 184-1:, he married Miss Lucina
Ewer, a native of Marcellus, Wayne Co., N. Y., he having previously lived with the Draper family in
their log house. When Mr. Belts built his barn, he bought the lumber from the first large consignment,
ever sent over the M. & P. du C. R. R. Mr. and Mrs. B. have seven living children — Mary J., Susan A.,
Alice M., Melissa A., Charles M., Fremont A. and Daisy L. ; the elder son, a carpenter by trade, married;
Dec. 30, 1879, Miss Jennie Coulter, a native of the State of New York and a resident of Troy Center ;
the younger son is also on the old homestead, and all are Republicans in politics.
E. Id. BOVEE, merchant, P]agle ; born in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., N. Y., in 1833 ; son of
M. J. and EUzabeth M. Bovee, who settled in Mukwonago, June 8, 1843, locating on a farm now owned
by Joseph Sprague, in 1844; there were nine children — Sarah J., Emily M., Benedict A., William -R.,
Marvin H., Ehzabeth, Holsey W., Edward L. and Hattie M. Mathias J. Bovee was one of the historic
pioneers of Waukesha Co. ; a staunch Democrat he had held many positions prior to his election to the
U. S. House of Representatives, during Jackson's administration ; selling his farm he finally settled in the
village of Eagle, where he died Sept. 12, 1872, aged 79 ; his wife still lives to furnish this sketch, in good
health, at 87. E. L. Bovee resided on the farm until Nov. 4, 1876, when he began business in Eagle,
dealing exclusively in groceries, and doing a good business at the manufacture of sausage during the winters.
Married in Eagle, Nov. 4, 1859, Miss Elizabeth B. Hellier, a native of Bradford, England ; they have five
children — Dewit C., Herbert and Halsey twins, Marvin and Emily L. Mr. Bovee is a Democrat.
M. F. BRADY, farmer, Sees. 9 and 10; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Leahary, County Cavan, Ireland
Nov. 1, 1818 ; came to America in 1842, locating in Kirkland, Oneida Co., N. Y. ; during his first harve.st
hiere he worked for |8 per month, taking " store pay ;" from this time until 1855, he worked for three
■dfierent men, but on the same section, a slow and hard but sure way to get his start in life ; reaching
Eagle in the fall of 1855, Mr. Brady bought 160 acres, which is still his; on this was a 12x12 log house,
where he and wife lived several years, doing the honors of a new country to the many " Down Bast " friends
who called upon them in looking out homes for themselves, often keeping ten or a dozen over night in this
narrow house with its leaky ronf of warped oak shakes ; as a result of this lowly beginning, Mr. B. has his
J'arm well improved, several good barns, one costing $600, and a large and well-built farm house ; not a
bad showing for the young man who reached America penniless. Married in Kirkland, in 1852, Miss
Catherine McCabe, of his native town ; they have six children — Thomas J., John J., Peter, Mary A.,
Katie and Maggie J. The family are Roman Catholics, Mr. Brady having served as Supervisor twelve
or fifteen years, also serving on Grand and Petit Juries, and as Justice of the Peace ; in politics votes
independently.
HENRY BURNELL, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Jforth Prairie; born in 1832, in Yorkshire,
England; son of John and Ann (Walgate) Burnell, who came to America in 1834, and to Waukesha Co.
in 1837, his father having bought Government land in Mukwonago, in 1836, where the subject of this
sketch resided until 1859, when he began with 70 acres of his present farm of 305 ; be.sides enlarging his
farm, Mr. Burnell has built the largest basement barn in Eagle, 30x96, beiides a spacious and elegant resi-
dence ; has brought this land to a high state of cultivation, S3t out shade and ornamental trees and made
a most successful record as one of Waukesha County's progressive farmers; is an attendant of the M. E.
Church, and a Democrat in politics.
JOHN BURDEIV, farmer ; Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Cornwall, England, Aug. 25, 1816 ;
son of John and Sorda (Roe) Burden; spent his early life in England, and married Miss Mary Ann,
daughter of Thomas Mathers, in 1841 ; they came to America in 1857, with a family of seven children —
John, Samuel, Mary A., Grace, Edward, William and Susanna (a twin born with William deceased) ; Celia,
tbe youngest, was born in Palmyra, where the family lived for the first two years. Removing to the town of
Waukesha, he paid $50 down for 80 acres of land, this leaving him 25 cents ; at the end of nine well-
spent years, he exchanged farms with Hy Kipp, and by giving him a $7,000 mortgage, obtained his valu-
able farm of 232 acres ; Mr. Burden paid 100 cents on every dollar of this debt, and has just bought 128
acres more of W. B. Sprague ; Mr. B. had to borrow $12.50 in order to remove his family from Milwaukee
to Palmyra, 23 years ago ; his flock of over 200 merino sheep is second to none in the town, their average
clip per head in 1879 being seven pounds. Mr. B. is a Democrat, his family attending the M. E. Church,
Eagle.
WLLIilAM CRANK, butcher and saloon, Eagle; born in Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis.,
Dec. 22, 1852; is a son of Anton and Agatha Crank, who settled here in 1845 or 1846; having
lost both parents at 14, Mr. Crank learned the trade of butcher, and followed it one year in Eagle ; he
then spent a year in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and, on his return, was in the employ of W. A. Vanderpool
896 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
one year, and, in 1874, opened a saloon of his own, where he is now located, thoup;h he occupied part of
the Eagle Hotel about four years; in March, 1879, he built his large two-story saloon; he also owns a
house and lot near it. He married, Oct. 22. 1872, Miss Alsina Marcley, of Eagle, whose parents were
also early settlers here.
liAMBERT COLYER, farmer; P. 0. Eagle; born in Sullivan, Madison Co., N. Y., 1819.
When of school-boy age, Mr. Colyer was at work in the pineries of his native State, living and working
there in Onondaga and Oswego Counties till 1840, when he made his first visit to Wisconsin, buyiog 120
acres of Grovernment land in Sees. 10 and 15, Mukwonago ; returning to New York State that fall, he
stayed there until 1843, when he came with his wife to Milwaukee ; his first business in the West was in
teaming through Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, with a horse team ; it often required ten hours to drive
fourteen miles in the Milwaukee woods, he carrying many a load of supplies to the Indians in the region
of Winnebago Lake, and many a family into the wilds to begin pioneer life ; a favorite feeding-place with
him used to be the open prairie, now the site of Juneau, carrying his own provisions and horse-feed, and
using an open wagon; this was the way in which he earned enough to make a beginning on his land,
which he did in the fall of 1845 ; the hardships endured by a man who left home and began life's battle
at 19, nerved him for his work here, and, as a result of this, he has the old Mukwonago farm, every acre
of which has been cultivated, with a large house and two good barns, 10 acres of timber in Vernon, and
the old Sherman estate, 144 acres; the family residence here is a large twostory hip-roofed house, with
wings, fitted up in modern style, besides all needed barns, carriage-house, etc. ; his Pierce County farm
was recently sold for $6,01)0. Pew have done better than this man who reached Wisconsin thirty-seven
years ago, with just $15. He married, in 1840, Miss Martha Cunningham, who died in 1879, leaving
eigbt children — Frincis A., Williim Lee, Mary J., Charles H., Blgathe. Martha, De Witt C. and Delia
E. ; on the 15th of March, 1880, Mr. Colyer married Mrs. Sarah Holmes, a resident of East Troy, and a
native of Oswego Co., N. Y.
FREDERICK GOI«iE, farmer, Sees. 21 and 17; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Westphalia, Prus-
sia, 1820; spent three years in the army, and on the 25th of March, 1848, left the Fatherland for
America, reaching Milwaukee July 3, 1848; a tailor by trade, he worked four and a-half years there ;
then settled on 80 acres of his present farm of 220 acres ; it was then wild land, destitute of
buildings; he, having erected a tasteful house, good barn, etc., married, 1845, Miss Elizabeth
WhifFen, of his native province ; they have nine children — Millie, Frederick, John, Carrie, Theresa,
Martin, Libbie, Bttie, and Katie, having lost four children. The family are Roman Catholics. Politics,
Democratic ; Mr. Gose has been Supervisor and Treasurer of Eagle several years ; has about sixty good
sheep, besides horses and other stock.
MARTIN HELGEI^EN, farmer. Sec. 1; P. 0. North Prairie; born in the town of
Ottawa, Waukesha Co., Wis., Oct. 15, 1844; son of Helge Helgesen, who settled in Ottawa in an early
day and bought his farm of the Government, being one of the sturdy pioneers who were not afraid to eat
bread frozen so hard as to require breaking with a hammer. His son was educated in his native town,
and, in 1874, went into business at North Prairie Station, after a year settling on his present farm of 1 26
acres, 40 of which are in Ottawa ; this live young farmer has added to the house, remodeled and enlarged
his barn, put up a wind-mill and generally improved his farm. He married, Oct. 21, 1873, Miss Sarah^
only daughter of Seymour Frayer, Esq., of Ottawa; they have three children — Alice M., Henrietta and
Mary E. Mr. Helgesen supports men and principles, not political parties, and has the usual stock and
crops.
CHARLEN Hllili, farmer. Sec. 1; P. 0. Eagle; born in Upwell, Cambridgeshire, Eng.,
Dee. 31, 1836 ; at 18 he left for America, and was for eighteen months in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y.;
located in Eagle, 1855, and, gradually working his way up, bought a farm of the Government, in Dunn
Co., Wis. ; exchanged this in 1865 for 73 acres of his present farm ; has added 200 acres on Sees. 1, 2,
and 12 ; remodeled, enlarged and painted his house; re-sided and placed on a basement wall his 28x60-
foot barn, and made a most pleasant home. The record of this man is one of steady and honorable prog-
ress; married, Dec. 18, 1861, Miss Henrietta Trow, of Eagle, by whom he has two children — Ells-
worth and Lutie. Mrs. Hill is a member of the M. E. Church. As a farmer, Mr. Hill has 150 fine-
wool sheep, with other stock, and returns his wheat crop of 1879 at 700 bushels.
EDWARD P. HINKLEY, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. O. Eagle ; born, Dec. 29, 1839, in China,
St. Clair Co., Mich. ; his parents, Oramel and Phebe (Earle) Hinkley, were Vermonters; in June, 1840,
they came to Eagle ; lived that summer with A. R. Hinkley, building that fall a log house on land which
Mr. H. had not entered at the Land Office ; a certain man on learning this, started for Milwaukee on
TOWN" OF EAGLE. 897
horseback, but was distanced by Mr. H. on foot ; this sturdy old pioneer reached the town, entered his
land, and footed it home, stopping only for a meal in town. At his death, Aug. 18, 1855, he left seven
children — Edward P., Emily E., Urania E., Albert A., Urzelia, William H.,and Charles 0. Mr. Hinkley
lived on the homestead until Aug. 21, 1862, when he enlisted in Co. G, 28th W. V. I. ; was with his
regiment in the Yazoo Pass and White River expeditions, in the fight at Helena and the capture of Little
Rock ; was then, for thirteen months, at Pine Pluff, Ark., participating in the Saline River Expedition
and the battle at Mt. Elba ; the regiment was then sent to Mobile via New Orleans, investing Spanish
forts, and being thirteen days under fire ; after the capture of Mobile and the forts, the regiment made
a 200-mile raid north in Alabama, and took the rebel navy yard at Ray's Landing ; the next move was
to Texas ; Mr. Hinkley, being sick at Brazos, was honorably discharged in August, 1865 ; he says that
his regiment did more steamboat riding than any in the service. On his return, he bought 80 acres of
his present farm, where he settled in 1872 ; has added 40 acres ; also owning his share of the old home-
stead. Married, July 4, 1872, Miss Salena, daughter of William and Ann Ardiss, of Lincolnshire, Eng. ;
they have three children — Hubert A., Percival E., and Myrtle G. The mother of Mr. H. died Feb. 27,
1879. He is a Republican, and, with his wife, a member of the M. E. Church. Is devoting much
attention to growing and manufacturing sorghum, his mill turning out from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per
annum.
A. R. HINKLEY, farmer. Sees. 11, 12 and 14; P. 0. Eagle; born in Lebanon, Grafton
Co., N. H., Oct. 23, 1810 ; was educated in his native town, and liv«d on his father's farm till he was 21,
when he spent a year in Massachusetts. In August, 1836, he landed at Milwaukee. Wisconsin
comprised nearly all of Iowa, then ; and Milwaukee consisted of the two-story house of Juneau, near the
present Mitchell block, a small jail built on "stilts," and a new houses on Wisconsin street ; the heart
of the city was a marsh, where the Indian boys used to shoot blackbirds with bow and arrow. About the
18th of August, Mr. H., his brother, Hy. A., Mr. Charles Rayness, and Andrew Schofield, left the village
with ox teams, and spent the second night in a log shanty on the present site of Waukesha, and the next
night at the cabin of David Orrendorf, who had built near Judge Field's race course, Mukwonago ; a
terrible rainstorm arose that night, and the travelers passed a miserable night, on bedding laid on poles
placed across the corners of the roofless shanty ; next morning, Mr. H., with his brother and Mr. S.,
started on an Indian trail for Eagle Prairie ; their first view of it was from a hill, now in sight from the
residence of Mr. Hinkley ; reaching a large spring on his farm, they were so struck with the beauty of
the locality that each started for a tree, knife in hand ; Mr. Hinkley cut his" name first, at which Mr. S.,
a Quaker, exclaimed, " Ahira, thee is quick with thy knife I" on condition that Mr. H. lend him $100
he agreed to look further ; thus was made the first claim by an actual settler ; Mr. Hinkley that fall
built a log house, which still stands, near the spring, and which was the first built in Eagle. In 1838,
Mr. Hinkley returned to Plainfield, N. H., and married Miss Mary Daniels, who left a mansion for her
husband's 12x12 log cabin, which had to shelter all their furniture, bedding, etc. Mr. H. now has 400
acres, having sold 240 ; the old log house is supplanted by a handsome stone farmhouse, built in 1848,
which for years was the only roomy and complete one in town; is frame barn, built in 1842, was the
second one built here. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkley have seven living children — Leonard D., Anna E., Frank
D., Mary L., Emmeline J., Laura W., and Grace L. Death has never yetvisited the house of this hardy
pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. H. are almost life-long Methodists; he being a staunch Whig Republican, who
has held various town offices.
FRANKLIN HUNT, farmer. Sec. 34; P. O. Eagle; born May 2, 1808, in Brandon, Rutland
Co., Vt. ; his early life was spent in his native State, where he had poor facilities for education ; at 27
he went to Milton, a few miles south of Boston, remaining there two years ; he then went to Warren, Penn.;
going, in 1838, down the Ohio and Mississippi, via the Gulf, to Texas ; not a building stood then on the
site of Galveston ; engaging in speculation, he, after two years, came north to Fredonia, N. Y., where he
farmed it eight years. Resided in Erie, Penn., from 1848 to 1854, when he spent a few months in the
towns of Lake and Eagle, then owning the Ray farm, in East Troy, for a year ; the next eight years
were spent on a farm in Mukwanago ; settled on his present farm, of 70 acres, in 1865 ; it is well
improved, and has excellent buildings. Mr. Hunt married Miss Cordelia M. Biggars, a native of Water-
ford, Erie Co., Penn., she living in that historic town until the marriage, in 1852. Their adopted son,
Peter W. Sykes, was born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Feb. 14, 1838 ; came to Wisconsin when 8
years of age, and has been with Mr. Hunt since he was 21. Married, Oct. 24, 1877, Miss Amelia J.
Williams, of Rome, Jefferson Co., Wis., by whom he has a daughter, Katie L. Messrs. Hunt and Sykes
are liberal in their political and religious views.
898 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
WILLIAM LE FEVRE, farmer; P. 0. Eagle; born in Sherbrooke, Canada; son of C.
P. and Mary Le Pevre, who located in New York City when he was an infant, he being educated here
and in Clinton, N. Y.; the family reached Milwaukee in 1843, his father buying a farm two miles from
the then village ; this he still owns, it now being within the limits of a city of 100,000 inhabitants. In
1858, William Le Pevre came to Eagle and bought 160 acres of Joseph Sprague; has since bought and
sold various tracts, buying his present homestead of William Kliue, who had built the handsome residence
overlooking the village, and other buildings which Mr. Le Pevre has enlarged and improved ; he began breed-
ing pure-blooded Spanish Merino sheep at the time of his settlement in the county, and has constantly
improved the stock, dealing with the best-known Vermont breeders, also with the Loomis Bros., N. Prairie,
and T. Tratt, of Whitewater; he now owns seventy, but has had flocks of over 200; about 1875, he
bought Ris thoroughbred Jersey stock, of H. Durand, Racine, Wis., and has since bred grades, having
eighteen head. In politics, Mr. Le Pevre is a Republican, and has ever been an outspoken temperance
man ; a few years ago, Mr. Theodore Underbill, the Democratic Chairman of the Town Board, resigned,
when Mr. Le Pevre was appointed to fill the vacancy, and to enforce the license laws ; a certain class of
the Democratic element questioned the legality of his appointment, which question was settled by the
Supreme Court of the State, which decided that Mr. Le Pevre was the de-facto Chairman.
J. A. LINS, merchant. Eagle ; born in Prussia, Oct. 3, 1840. Spent his early life and was
educated in his native land, and came to America in 1857, locating in Milwaukee, where he remained until
April, 1861, when he enlisted in the 6th W. V. I.; was with the grand old Army of the Potomac, partic-
ipitating in the battles of Williamsburg, the siege of Yorktown, the Peninsular campaign, Antietam,
Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna River, and the deadly assault on Cold
Harbor, where Mr. Lins was shot through the right side and badly wounded ; was confined in hospital in
Alexandria, Va., from June 1 until Aug. 15, when he returned to Wisconsin, his time having expired
July 13 previously. In company with his brother he began the butcher's business in Eagle, fall of
1864. After three years entered into mercantile business, where the postoffice is now kept, with S. E.
Neustatter. In 1869, Mr. L. built his present large store, where he carries a very complete stock of
general merchandise ; also having another store for clothing and gents' furnishing goods ; is also the
builder and owner of the large store occupied by Lins & Schmitz. Married Miss Mary Witte, of Eagle, 1873.
EDMUND LISTS, proprietor of meat market and saloon. Eagle ; was born in Prussia, Aug. 10,
1827 ; was educated in the Fatherland, and did three years good service in her army ; coming to America
in 1856, he was in business in Milwaukee until 1861, when he spent one year on a farm near Eagleville;
in 1862, he and J. Boie, began the present business in Eagle; a farm having been bought by them, Mr.
B. retired to it in 1871 ; Mr. Lins has the only meat market in the village; he built his handsome brick
residence in 1876; owns a 60-acre farm in Sec. 16, and is prospering. He was married in 1863, to Miss
Henrietta Macholdt, by whom he has five children — Edward, Lena, Lizzie, Christopher and Mary. Mr.
Lins is a Roman Catholic, and a Democrat.
WOLFGANG LOIBL, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Eagle ; he was born Oct. 31, 1823, in Bavaria,
where he was educated and where he lived until August, 1847, when he came to America ; spent over
two years in Utica, N. Y.; and nearly a year in Milwaukee ; settled on Eagle Prairie in 1851, and began
life here as day laborer ; worked his way up, and now has 136 J acres of land, which he has cleared, broken
and improved himself. His wife was Miss Catherine Waas : born in Bavaria, Aug. 31, 1825 ; they have
eight children — John, Catharine, Mary, Anton, Theresa, Anna, Henry and Magdalen. The family
are Roman Catholics ; in politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Loibl has been Supervisor, Constable and Town
Treasurer.
ANDREW McC A BE, farmer. Sec. 11: P. 0. Eagle; born in the County of Monahan,
Ireland, in 1826; came to America at 19, and lived as a laborer for seven years in Oneida Co., N. Y. ;
in 1852, he settled on 80 acres of his present farm in Eagle, on which was a log house ; to get his start
here he worked two months for $10, $8 of which bought his first plow ; he gave mortgage of $400 on
the land, and begun with nothing but health and pluck. He was married in 1854, to Miss Amorett Cole,
a resident of Eagle, and a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; they began life in the log house, which still stands
as a monument of their past life of laborious privations ; for ten years Mr. McCabe, having no well, used to
draw all the water used in the family from a spring brook, a mile distant ; his next step was to buy 49
acres, going $800 in debt ; this gentleman was at one time paying 12 per cent on a debt of $1,500 ; he
now o^ns 249 acres, has built a roomy frame farm-house, with stables, etc., and a wind-mill how raising well-
water at his door ; Mr. and Mrs. McCabe have four children — George E., Alice, Eva and Willie ; he is a
Roman Catholic, and a Democrat.
TOWN OF EAGLE. 899
FRANCIS G. PARKS, Postmaster, Eagle ; born in Addison Co., Vt., June 1, 1824; after
receiving a common-school and a partial academic course of instruction at Brandon, Vt., he taught several
terms of school, and in 1846, removed to St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he was in charge of a branch of the
famous Pairbank Scale Works for eight years ; Mr. Parks represented the town in the Legislature of his
native State in 1854 and in 1855 ; he settled in Mukwonago, removing to Eagle in 1863 ; is in the real
estate and insurance business, acting for the Phoenix, Hartford of Conn. Home, New York, the ^tna Fire
and Life, and the Northwestern of Milwaukee. A staunch Kepublican in politics ; he was first elected Justice
of the Peace in 1863 or 1864, and has served ten or more years ; has been Chairman, etc., of Eagle, and
was a member of the Legislature of Wisconsin in 1873 ; Mr. Parks has devoted much time to the study
of law, and is nearly always retained on one side or the other in local lawsuits, but says he is credited
with possessing mure legal knowledge than belongs to him ; he succeeded J. L. Perry as Postmaster of Eagle
in July, 1874. He was mrrried in Mukwonago in 1855, to Miss Susan E. Webb ; they have three chil-
dren — Frederick W., Mattie E. and Luella M. The son is in a Palmyra, Wis., drug store ; the daughters
acting as their father's deputies.
JONATHAN PARSONS, deceased; born, April 26, 1811, in Coos Co, N. H. ; his
parents, Jonathan and Lovisa P., had nine children, Jonathan and several of his brothers migrating Wes'i
to Cattaraugus Co. N. Y. In 1836, Lamas, Jonathan and Jerry Parsons, accompanied by their sire, settled
in Waukesha Co. ; the father settled on the Barber farm ; Lamas on the present farm of Joseph Sprague ;
Jerry on that of J. H. Pitcher, and Jonathan entered a half-section on 25, in Eagle ; William Sherman,
a brother-in-law, settled about the same time on the Burden farm ; Jonathan Parsons built, 1840, the first
frame house in the town of Eagle, and one of the first in the county; married, 1841, Miss Jane Cross,
then of Southport, Wis. ; they had six children born in this historic old house — Henry, Edwin, George
(deceased), Horace, Gertrude and Mary. None of the pioneers of this town made a better record than
Jonathan Parsons; in 1842, he was in the Territorial Legislature, and any and every year might be found
working for the best interests of his fellow-men ; in 1859, he built a handsome brick residence, where he
quietly spent the remainder of a useful and honorable life, dying in June, 1876 ; he had for years been a
consistent Methodist, and the use of $500 of his property was willed to the M. E. Sabbath School, Eagle.
Henry Parsons was born Jan. 6, 1842 and, after a course in the old Jericho schoolhouse, was sent to
Lawrence University for a year; after trying farming and canvassing, he enlisted, January, 1864, in the
9th 111. V. C. ; this regiment was badly cut to pieces, in the sadly remembered Sturgis raid, and was in the
Tupelo raid, also in fights at Oxford, Holly Springs, etc ; engaged with Hood's pickets at Florence Ala.,
and fought at Lawrenceberg, Columbus and Franklin ; after two days' terrific fighting at Nashville, the
boys drove Hood to the river, and, after a raid into Alabama, were mustered out. During the next thirteen
years Mr. P. was in business in Chicago, eight jears in the employ of Hart, Asten & Co. ; married in
Chicago, Novembr 25, 1867, Miss Chloe, daughter of James and Adeline Coe, of Warren Co., 111. ; their
only son, Jonathan, was born October 1, 1878, or 110th year to a day from the day of his grandsire's
birth. Since leaving Chicago, Mr. Parsons has resided on the homestead; politics Republican.
T. W. PITTMAN, farmer, Sees. 21 and 22 ; P. 0. Eagle ; born in New York City, Dec. 2,
1798 ; was educated in his native city, and early became a speculator ; resided about eight years in New-
bern, N. C. ; came to Waukesha Co. May, 1844, and at once settled where he is now. But little of the
land was then entered, and the old Janesville and Milwaukee was about the only road ; Waukesha was
Sol. Junease's trading post, with a few houses ; Mr. P. soon built a part of his present house, which was
the first frame structure in the vicinity, and is the oldest in the village — sowed wheat that fall, and his
yield from 65 acres was 1,600 bushels. Dr. Bigelow had a mill at Bagleville, but on a small scale ; begin-
ing with 480 acres ; Mr. P. has bought and sold over 2,000 acres of school and other lands. Eagle was
platted by him about 1852, and at the time it was proposed to call it Pittman, but he insisted upon the
present name ; was Station Agi nt here ten years, and also Postmaster, besides Town Treasurer, Assessor
and Supervisor ; politics, a stalwart Democrat ; owns 600 acres and a beautifully situated home on the out-
skirts of the village ; married in Amsterdam, N. Y., 1836, Miss Sarah J., daughter of M. J. Bovee, she
being a native of Amsterdam; they have had four children — Matthias B., now a druggist at Boscobel,
Wis. ; Emma (deceased), Noria (Mrs. Harvey demons), and Sarah (Mrs. Willianj McWilliams). In
transferring land and village lots, this old couple have probably signed more deeds than any in Waukesha
County.
JAMES V. SHARP, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Halcott, Greene Co., N. Y., Feb.
25, 1840 ; his parents, John and Betsey fVanderburg) Sharp, were farmers ; he received his schooling and
lived in his native town until he was 22, when he settled in LaSalle Co. Ill ; was for six years a farmer,
900 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
and two years in a meat market ; is also a carpenter, and worked at his trade both in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Married in his native town of Vermillion, LaSalle Co. 111., Sept .2, 1868, Miss Hannah J., daughter
of Henry and Almira (Hall) Angell. The first few months of their wedded life was spent in Muskegon
Co., Mich. ; they settling in Eagle, 1869, where Mr. S., owned a house and 5 acres ; selling this, he settled
on his present farm of 80 acres in 1876 ; on this he has built a barn, set out trees and made other improve-
ments. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have four children — -Durell B., Mabel, Leroy E. and John H., all born in
Eagle ; Mr. S., is a Democrat.
JERRY AlKfGELIi, farmer, Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Vermillion, LaSalle Co. 111., April
5, 1855 ; son of Henry and Almira Angell. Henry A., was a native of Khode Island, and his wife of
Massachusetts; they settled in LaSalle Co., as early 1832, and were the parents of nine children — Isaac,
Benjamin W., Albert, Hannah J., Everett, Ann, Welcome, James and Jerry ; the subject of this sketch was
educated in his native town, where he lived until January, 1878, when he settled on this'farm, having an
interest here, besides an interest in the Illinois homestead ; is a Republican in politics.
ENOCH SHERMAHir, farmer, Sec. 33; P. 0. Eagle; born in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vt.,
Feb. 24, 1826, son of Sterling and Jane (Nobles) Sherman. Attaining his majority in Vermont, he in
1847 located on a farm four miles sourh of Waukesha ; he and S. M. Murdock were then in partnership
on a 240-acre farm till 1856, though Mr. S. and wife spent 1851 on the Andrews farm in Mukwonago ;
at the time of his settlement on his present farm (1856) only 60 acres were under cultivation ; 100 acres
are now well improved, the remaining 60 being pasture and timber. Mr. Sherman is now completely re-
modeling his home. He married Miss Lauraette, daughter of Nathaniel and Laura (Jones) Walton, of
Batavia, N. Y. ; the family settled in Waukesha in 1836, where she married Mr. S., Dec. 12, 1849 ; they
have three sons — Walton S., Wm. H. and Jas. A-. ; the eldest is a farmer in Eagle, the second is travel-
ling for a Milwaukee firm, and the youngest is on the homestead. Mr. Sherman is a Republican, and a
progressive farmer who has devoted his land to grain and stock.
JOSEPH SPRAGUE, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Eagle ; born in Summit Co., Ohio, in 1825 ;
is a son of Dr. F. A. and Bridget Sprague, who settled on Sec. 25, in Eagle, in 1842 ; buying 200 acres of
John Parsons ; Dr. S. built a frame house, plastered outside and in, which was, doubtless, the first in the
township ; this is well remembered by the pioneers of that day. Joseph S. married, March 15, 1848, Miss
Ann E., daughter of Hon. M. J. Bovee, one of the first settlers here, buying a farm of Edward Skelton
the next year ; he resided upon it six years, then bought his present farm of 200 acres ; it was then
broken, and on it were two barns and a log house ; Mr. Sprague has rebuilt and enlarged the barns, and
replaced the log house in 1860 with a spacious and elegant farmhouse. Mrs. Sprague died Oct. 10, 1875,
leaving two children, Theodore J. and Ambrose F. ; on the 8th of May, 1878, he married Miss Mary,
daughter of Patrick Sheridan, of Mukwonago. As a breeder of thoroughbred Spanish merino sheep Mr.
S. has made his mark during the past thirty years, keeping from one hundred and fifty to two hundred
and fifty ; he has never competed for premiums, but, by dealing with the foremost breeders, has raised his
flock to a high standard. Mr. S. is a staunch Republican.
EBEXEZER THOMAS, farmer, Sec. 13; P. 0. Eagle; born May 11, 1806, in Wales,
where his younger life was spent ; came to America in 1829, being among the early settlers in Cass Co.,
Michigan. Married in 1838 Miss Elizabeth D, Wolf, a native of Canada, whoso parents settled in Cass
Co. when she was a babe. In the fall of 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas left for Wisconsin with teams and
wagons, accompanied by a young man who drove their stock ; they reached Eagle Prairie in October, 1836,
building on their claim the present homestead, the first house built by whites, and were the first family to
settle here; this was a shake-roofed log house, with a puncheon floor and a stick and mud chimney built
on the outside; this was a true pioneer family, as their flour, costing from $15 to $35 per barrel, was
drawn from Milwaukpe over roads cut through the woods by Mr. Thomas himself ; the roads of that day
wore Indian trails, Mr. T. having the only horse, teams in town for some time. Mr. and Mrs Thomas have
nine children — Daniel, Ransom, Fanny, Jacob, Mary, Ebenezer, Orilla, Isabella and Benj. F. Mr. T. has
prospered in the good things of this world, has sold half his land, and now owns 160 acres well improved
with excellent buildings ; in this pleasant home of to-day the old couple delight in recalling the memories
of pioneer life. For many years past both have been active and consistent members of the M. E. Church ;
father and sons being Republicans.
THOMAS TROW, farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Kagle ; born in Wales, son of Thomas and Eliza-
beth Trow ; in 1832 or 1833 he came to America, working in the woolen mills of New York State until 1843,
when, with his wife, he settled on Coon Island, so named by D. H. Melendy ; Mr. Trow bought a small
SUM MIT.
TOAVN OF MUSKEGO. 903
farm here, living in a " partnership " shanty with Mr. E. Miller ; his first crop of wheat was a failure and
the second grew in the field before it was threshed, this being done with flails ; his first cart-wheels were
made by sawing off the end of a huge oak log, and in this cart the wheat was hauled with oxen to Milwau-
kee, Mr. Trow sleeping in the open air when night overtook him ; having been eaten out of house and
home by land seekers, he and his devoted wife were obliged to subsist on crust coffee and bread made of
middlings for some time ; wintering in the old log house of Mr. Baldwin, the next spring Mr. T. built for
himself; while haying on the marsh he was so impressed with the luster of the sand on the shores of an
adjoining lake as to name it Silver Lake, the name it bears to-day ; a tavern built and kept near it by E.
Moody was also called the Silver Lake House ; in 1845 he made an exchange with Mr. Moody, and thus
obtained 40 acres of his present farm of 180 ; moving a small frame from Silver Lake, he split the shingles
for its roof from oak lo2;s, this shanty offering a striking cootrast to the present roomy and tasteful resi-
dence of the old couple. This large farm is also provided with all needed fencing, buildings, etc., placed
there by a man who had to borrow money to house his goods in a Milwaukee warehouse thirty-seven years
ago. Mrs. Trow was Miss Lucinda Vars, of Otsego Co., N. Y. They have two daughters — Henrietta
(Mrs. Chas. Hill) and Valeria (Mrs. W. S. Sherman). Mr. Trow is a Freemason, and, with his wife, a
true believer in redemption through Christ Jesus.
HARVEY WAMBOIiD, proprietor of the Bagleville Mills ; born in 1826, in Montgomery
Co., Penn. ; coming to Wisconsin in 1848, he at once began building mills, building and owning the
steam mill at Granville ; after helping to build the mill of Bertchey & Carr, Milwaukee, he was employed
about six years in keeping two large mills in repair; settling in Eagletille, December, 1871, he bought a
five years' lease in the mill and water-power; this is the oldest improved mill site in Waukesha Co., built
in 1839, by Dr. Bigelow, the present large mill replacing his about twenty-five years ago ; it is provided
with three run of stone, and the Kurth patent cockle separator for cleaning seed wheat, costing 1300 ; Mr.
W. has cleaned over 1,000 bushels most satisfactorily this spring for the surrounding farmers ; all foul seeds
and shrunken wheat are completely separated ; the machine was made to order, and is specially adapted to
the wheat grown in this section ; near the mill are the Eagleville mineral springs, four in number, the
medicinal properties of each being different and all highly spoken of by those using the water, which is
carried to all parts of the State. Mr. Wambold married Miss Mary Barndt, by whom he has had five
children — -Henry, Josephine (Mrs. S. Gale), Milton, Leander and Charles (died April, 1879). Mr. W.
and wife are Methodists, he supporting men and principles instead of political parties.
TOWN OF MUSKEGO.
CHARIjES BAASS, farmer. Sees. 15, 11 and 14 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in Pomerania,
Prussia, March 28, 1823 ; son of Ernest C. and Sophia (Rahs) Baass ; the father dealt in fish, and the
sons followed the sea ; the family emigrated in 1845, located in Milwaukee, where the father dealt in fish,
first on Spring street bridge, and later in the First Ward market ; he died in 1877. Charles Baass and wife
(nee Wilhelmina Schwhn) came to America and to Milwaukee a year or two later; Mr. B. sailed on the
lakes a number of years ; his father bought the land in Muskego in 1855, and in 1856, Charles, August
and Henry Baass spent a year here, became disgusted with their life in the wilderness, and returned ;
rather than see the land sold, however, Charles Baass returned for permanent settlement in 1858 ; ten
acres cleared and a log-house were all the improvements where he now has a valuable 100-acre farm, with
a tasteful brick house, with barns, etc. ; his location on the lake is one of the very best for a pleasure
resort, but is only open to intimate friends. Mr. and Mrs. Baass have eleven children — Ottilia, Sarah,
Rachel and Samuel, born in Milwaukee ; Leah, Hannah, Ernest, Martha, Martin, Lydia and Lena, all
born in Muskego. Mr. B. is a Democrat ; was Supervisor eight years, and Chairman in 1871 and 1872.
€. H. BABCOCK, farmer. Sec. 18; P. 0. Muskego Center; born Jan. 16, 1824, in Fort
Ann, Washington Co., N. Y. ; began life at 11, as a canal driver ; in 1843, he met his parents, Barnis and
Asenath Babcock, who persuaded him to go with them to Wisconsin ; his father made the claim on Sec.
19, where he died in March, 1869, after making a noble life-record as a pioneer; he is a member of the
first constitutional convention, and filled many other offices with honor. C. H. returned East in 1844,
and, as a puddler, began working at iron in Litchfield, Conn. ; five years later, he settled and continued
the same business in Napanock, Ulster Co., N. Y., where he resided until 1858, when he came aoain to
Muskego and settled on his farm of 140 acres ; this is a valuable farm, and he has made it more so by
erecting a large square two-story farm house, with barns, etc. ; he has also dug a well which is a curiosity,
904 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
as it is constantly full, a stream of water constantly flowing from it sufficient for thousands of cattle. He
married, in Napanock, N. Y., Miss Hephsie Tomlinson, a native of Manchester, Eng. ; they have an only
son, Frank R., born in Muskego Feb. 15, 1864; Mr. B. is a Mason and a Eepublican ; was Chairman
in 1861, and enrolling officer during the war, and did his duty, though threats against his life were made
by certain irate citizens.
PFiRDINAND BISCHOFF, proprietor of the park and hall, Muskego Lake ; born in
Prussia in 183Y ; the family came to America in 1851 ; spent two years at White Fish Bay, then came
to Waukesha Co. ; Ferdinand worked three years in Muskego ; in 1867, he with his brothers, Frederick
and William, bought a part of the present grounds, then overrun with brush, etc., and provided with only
a log house ; the brothers placed a few boats on the lake, built a good frame house, as a summer hotel, in
1874, and in 1877, built a hall, 36x40, arranged for dancing, picnic parties, etc. ; it is situated in a beauti-
ful grove on the banks of the Big Muskego Lake ; the brothers, Ferdinand and William, now own the
property, and propose building a larger hotel near the hall ; they own 90 acres, and have on the lake
fifteen large row boats, two sailing boats, and thirty or forty hunting boats.
FREDERICK BISCHOFF, farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in 1849 in
Saxony ; his parents, Christopher and Christiana B., emigrated in 1851 ; spent two years in Milwaukee
Co., then came to Waukesha Co. Frederick Bischoff^'settled on his present farm of 34 acres in 1873 ; is
a cooper by trade, manufacturing pork barrels for the Milwaukee houses. Married Miss Johanna Bravier,
of Franklin, Milwaukee Co. : they have three children — Frederick, Edward and William — all born on the
home farm. Mr. B. is a Democrat, and a Lutheran, with his family.
FREDERICK BliUHM, farmer. Sec. 24; P. 0. Durham Hill; born near Robell, Meck-
lenburg, Schwerein, Deo. 13, 1837 ; the family emigrated in 1851 ; spent three months in Milwaukee ;
then settled in Wauwatosa, where he worked , twelve years as teamster for Chase & Holson, stone
quarry. Married Christina Buddanhagen, who was born in 1837, near Tesein, Mecklenburg, Schwerein ;
they settled on the present farm Oct. 5, 1863; began with 76 acres and a log house ; Mr. B. cleared the
land of grubs and stone, added 27 acres, cleared 10 of timber, and made the whole smooth enough for
machinery; in 1871, he built a 32x45 barn, and in 1876, a house, the upright of which is two stories,
18x28 ; kitchen wing 18x26, and woodhouse 18x26 ; his barn is now 32x76, with basement. Mr. and
Mrs. Bluhm have five children — Meena (Mrs. P. Pellman), Lizzie, Frederick, Ernest and Bertha ; Mary
died June 8, 1879, aged 14. The family belong to the Lutheran Church ; Mr. B. is a Democrat.
JOHN BURXS, deceased; born in County Meath, Ireland; came to America in 1842, and
located on the present Burns homestead, in Muskego ; built a log house in the woods that covered it and
kept " bachelor's hall " for a number of years, striking the first blows that secured so good a home.
May 20, 1852, ho married Margaret Lannon; she was born in 1832, in County Louth, Ireland, and came
to America in 1847 ; Mr. Burns died June 26, 1866, leaving seven children — John, born in 1853 ;
James, born in 1854 ; William, born in 1856 ; Anne M., now Mrs. M. L. Goff, born in 1858 ; Maggie
M., born in 1860; P]lizabeth C., born in 1863, and Sarah J., born in 1865. Mr. Burns was a stirring
and thrifty pioneer settler, as may be seen by the well-improved homestead of 106 acres, on which he
built a large and pleasant frame house and substantial barns, which have since been enlarged ; the estate
also owns 20 acres near Muskego Lake ; the family are Roman Catholics, and the sons are all on the farm ;
are Democrats, and no office holders.
JOHN CARRICkAN, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Muskego Center ; born in Dublin, Ireland, in
1838 ; his parents, Edward and Anne (Reynolds) Carrigan, emigrated in 1839 ; spent a year in Canada
East; located in Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., where the father worked three years in a factory; in Octo-
ber, 1843, they settled on the present farm of John Carrigan ; were unable to pay for only 40 acres, on
which Mr. C. built a log house the same fall, having lived from October until -Dec. 24 in the house of J.
Reynolds, a brother-in-law ; the Carrigan's have made a record of success, John, now owning all the 80
his father tried to buy thirty-seven years ago, and 30 besides ; the log house, improved, of course, was the
family home sixteen years; in 1859, Edward Carrigan settled on his present farm of 109 acres. John
Carrigan married, in 1866, Miss Caroline, daughter of Richard and Ellen (Kelly) Hennessey; she was
born in New Berlin ; they have three children — Edward R., Ellen A. and Maurice F., all born in Mus-
kego : the youngest, J. Arthur, died at 2 years and 2 months old. Mr. C. lived until 1877 in a small
frame house, standing near the large and elegant one built in its stead ; F. Kolck and J. Maney were
its former owners. The mother of Mr. C. died Feb. 1, 1871; he is a Democrat; was Town
Supervisor two 3 ears. School District Clerk three years and Treasurer eight years. The family are Roman
Catholics.
TOWK OF MUSKEGO. 905
HIBAm CliAFIilN, farmer, Sees. 8 and 9; P. 0. Muskego Center; born Deo. 9, 1817, in
West Bloomfield, Ontario Co., N. Y.; his parents, John and Sally Claflin, removed to Ohio in his infancy;
his mother died there ; in 1843, he came with his wife to Muskego, and bought 80 acres on Sec. 8 ; built
a log house, drove pins into the logs for shelves to rest upon, and made some rude furniture ; his last dollar
went for the window lights and door fixtures ; by trading some cloth, he obtained a yoke of steers ; did
hard work among the grubs ; in 1858, he added 80 acres more, and continued the work, which has resulted
in an improved farm of 212 acres, a large and tasteful home, etc. He married Miss Sallie, daughter of
Romanta and Polly Peck; she was born in Starksboro, Vt., and died April 28, 1879, a good and kindly
remembered pioneer woman ; their adopted, son, Albert Claflin, was born in Orleans Co., Vt., June 9, 1849, his
parents locating in Vernon, Waukesha Co., soon after, and at the death of his mother, two months later,
his father, William Wood, consigned him to the care of the Claflin's. He married, Oct. 20, 1879, Miss
Eliza Kingston, daughter of William Kingston, and a native of New York ; they have two children — ■
Hawley W. and Nora, both born in Muskego. Messrs. Claflin are both Republicans, the younger now
serving as Justice of the Peace, by appointment, and are stirring, successful farmers.
THOMAS COXROY, farmer, Sees. 10 and 15; P. 0. Muskego Center; born in 1810, in
County Louth, Ireland, where his early life was spent as a farmer and shoemaker. He married Margaret
McCabe in 1836, and came to America ten years later, joining his brothers, Patrick and James, in Mus-
kego ; began very poor, and lived six or seven years near his brothers ; then bought 12 acres of his pres-
ent farm ; it was a wilderness of timber ; he lived in a log house many years, chopping and clearing, the
result of which is a good farm of 61 acres, on which he has built a neat brick house, a good barn, and a
most convenient carriage house, corn house and hog house combined ; as he began without a dollar, few
have done better. Mr. and Mrs. Conroy have three living children — Mary, now Mrs. McEneny ; William
and Anne ; they have lost four, one on the sea in crossing, and Catherine, who married John Ward, and
died in 1879. Mr. Conroy and family are Catholics and Democrats.
CHARLES DOUGHERTY, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in Orange Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 13, 1831 or 1832. His parents, Edward and Mary Douiiherty, came to Milwaukee in 1840,
where his father worked out, settling, four years later, on the Muskego homestead of 63 J acres, then
heavily timbered ; it was cleared by him and his sons Charles, Peter and Edward ; Charles D. went, by
■way of New York and the isthmus, to California, in 1863; farmed four years in Oakland Valley, and six
months in the mines of Idaho, returned to the valley, and, a year later, to Wisconsin ; he has since lived
on the homestead, where his father died in 1875; the daughters, Mary and Sarah, are in California;
Peter is farming in Racine Co., and Edward is a carpenter in Milwaukee. Charles Dougherty is a Demo-
crat, and was Town Treasurer in 1876 ; Roman Catholic in religion.
EDWARD DOYLE, farmer, See. 10 ; P. 0. Muskego Center; born in County Carlow, Ire-
land in 1823 ; his parents, Gerrett and Annie Doyle, came to America in 1825, located in Troy, N. Y.,
and lived there until June, 1837, when they came to Milwaukee, spent a few months, and went to Chi-
cago, where they remained until 1839, when they came to Muskego, and bought the Doyle homestead.
Mrs. Doyle was a daughter of James and Margaret Collins ; her father was employed by the English at
Palermo, Italy, where Ellen was born in 1815 ; seven years later, tliey came to America, located in Can-
ada, where she married John Vallier, a French Canadian, who died in 1846, leaving five children — Alex-
ander, James, Talbot D., John and Ellen (Mrs. Charles Finley). M^ Vallier settled in Ottawa, Waukesha
Co., in 1836 ; his wife joined him in 1837, being one of the first white women in the town, and who made
the first butter in that section, while in the employ of T. C. Dousman, the first settler of Ottawa. In 1848,
Mr. Doyle and Mrs. Vallier were married, and, in 1852, they, with Alexander, James and Ellen Vallier,
and their two children, went overland to California; they lacked only ten days of a six months' trip, and
saw many hardships ; after two years, they returned by water to New York City, and have since lived
on the Doyle homestead of 80 acres. Anna Doyle is now Mrs. Thomas Welch, of Muskego ; Ed-
ward, born in a tent at Diamond Springs, Cal., married Anne Newnan, of Manitowoc, Wis. ; Alexander
Vallier now lives in California, where James died ; T. D. resides in Iowa, while John is in the Rocky
Mountains.
JAMES ELLIOTT, farmer. Sec. 16; P. 0. Muskego Center; born June 1, 1802; in
province of Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland ; came to America in 1832, located in Rutland
County, Vt., where his wife and two children joined him in 1833 ; removed from Vermont to Wisconsin
in 1846 ; settled on a rented farm in Franklin, Milwaukee Co., for three years ; then settled on his present
farm of 83i acres ; over 50 of this has been cleared of very heavy timber, which was rolled up and
burned in log heaps. He married in Ireland, Miss Jane Maitland ; they have four living children —
906 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Matthew, Rosanna, William and Martha Jane. Four sons of Mr. Elliott enlisted to defend the old flag,
and two laid down their lives in the cause ; Matthew and Thomas enlisted early in 1862, in Co. E., 19th
W. V. I. ; Matthew was promoted to Corporal, served three years and three months, fighting at Chapin's
Farm, Blaokwater, Suffolk, and with Grant in many bloody battles in the Virginia campaign ; his was the
first regiment to hoist a flag over Richmond, and he has, like his brother William, an honorable discharge ;
he now resides with the old folks and owns 40 acres adjoining them; he was Chairman in 1858, and held his
present, office of Supervisor a number of years ; Thsmas was struck by a Cohorn shell in front of Peters-
burg, Va., June 30, 1864, died at McDougal Hospital, New York, a month and ten days after, and is
buried in Greenwood Cemetery ; Samuel Elliott was shot dead at Chickamauga, and was buried, if at
all, by the rebels on the battlefield; he enlisted August, 1861, in Co. D, 1st W. V. I. ; William Elliott
enlisted January, 1862, Co. C, 15th W. V. I., and was with Sherman on the famous "March to the
Sea," and through the Carolinas. He is married and carries on his father's farm ; has been Supervisor and
is now serving a second term as Town Treasurer.
CHARLES FINIiEY, farmer. Sec. 3; P. 0. Tes3 Corners; born Oct. 27, 1843, and was
one of the early births in the Town of Muskego ; his parents, John and Elizabeth Finley, came from New
York City to Muskego in 1842, buying the homestead of Esquire Cone, a pioneer settler. Mr. Finley
has spent his life in the county, with the exception of three years in the Union army, enlisting in
August, 1862, in Co. G, 28th W. V. I. ; he was engaged in the battles of Helena, Pine Bluff, Saline
River, and Little Rock, Ark., and in the fiery siege of the forts around Mobile ; the regiment was trans-
ferred to Texas ; Mr. Finley was c jnfined in the Marine Hospital, at New Orleans ; was honorably dis-
charged in July, 1865 ; returned, and has since resided on the homestead of 120 acres, where his father
died, in 1857, aged 55 ; the mother still lives, aged 67, and with her sons — John, Joseph and Charles —
owns the homestead. Joseph Finley married Miss Helen Vallier (see sketch of Edward Doyle). The
Finleys are Roman Catholics and Democrats. John has been Supervisor, and Charles was Town Treasurer
in 1869, and Town Assessor in 1880.
SAMUEL FOSTER, farmer, Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Prospect Hill ; born in North Kerry, near Taunton,
Somersetshire, Eng., May 12, 1822 ; he engaged in farming on his father's large estate until he came to
America and Wisconsin, in 1845, settling, and for ten years doing good work on a farm in Pewaukee; in
1855, he settled on his present farm of 165 acres ; on this he has built a 30x54 basement barn, and
built, in 1871, a tasteful farmhouse, of Milwaukee brick ; the upright part is 18x26, two stories high,
wing 16x26, and one and a half stories high, kitchen one story, 16x40 ; this makers a most pleasant home.
Was married, in 1844, to Miss Mary Bartlett, who was born in Stokes, St. Gregory, in Somersetshire ; they
have four children— MaryJ.jbornJan. 22,1847; William A., born July 31, 1849; Ellen W., born Sept. 3,
1857, and Franklin B., born Jan. 30, 1860 ; the two eldest were born in Pewaukee ; Mary J. is Mrs. H.
Hunkins, of Milwaukee ; William A. married Elnora Primrose, and lives in New Berlin ; Ellen, now Mrs.
Robert Cannon, resides in Cameron, Mo. ; Frank B. remaining with the parents. Mr. F. attends and
helps sustain the F. B. Church. Is a non-office seeking Republican, and has for years been agent of the
Continental Insurance Company of New York. He formerly dealt in wool, stock, etc,
CHARLES FREED Y, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Hales Corners, Milwaukee Co. ; born in
Hanover, Germany, ^1844 ; his parents located in Muskego soon afler, beginning poor, afflicted with ague,
and saw much hardship, running f 100 behind-hand the first year, but made a farm and home; the mother
died in Muskego, and the father in Racine County ; Charles Freedy learned the carpenter's trade, and in
1867 engaged as sawyer in Siegel's steam saw-mill, Hale's Corners ; worked here five years, and settled on
his present farm of 176 acres, in 1872 ; in 1873 he again sawed for his father-in-law, he having married
Miss Rosette, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Siegel, who came from Wurtemburg to America in 1850,
locating at Buffalo, N. Y., where Rosette was born in 1852 ; Mr. Siegler came to Wisconsin in 1853, spent
four months in Milwaukee, then settled and has since resided at Hale's Corners, where he built the steam
grist and saw mill ; he also built the steam mill at Muskego Center, which burned in 1876 ; Mr. and Mrs.
Freedy have three children : Frank, born Dec. 14, 1873 ; Otto, born Sept. 4, 1875, and William, born
Feb. 28, 1878 ; Mr. Freedy is a stirring farmer, has cleared about 16 acres, built a 30x42 barn, granary
20x30, corn house 18x20, etc. A Mr. Justin formerly owned the place, built the large house, and planted
an orchard of 400 or 500 trees.
WILLIAM HOLZ, farmer. Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in the village of Boell, Meok-
lenburg-Schwerin, Sept. 10, 1826 ; spent five years in the army, helping to fight Sweden in 1848, and the
revolutionists in 1849 ; came to America, in 1853, doing his first work in the woods, on the site of the
Soldiers' Home, burned lime a year, then worked four years as foreman in a stone quarry. He was married
TOWN OF MUSKEGO. 907
in Johannes Church, Milwaukee, in August, 1853, to Mary Damon-; she was born Feb. 11, 1833, in
Mentzow, Meoklenburg-Schwerin, and emigrated in the same ship with Mr. Holz ; in December, 1859,
Mr. Holz bought 102i acres, where he now lives ; has since sold 16 acres, and bought 30 ; here he did
the best of work, cleared 20 acres of brush, etc., fenced the farm, and improved it ; began in a log-house,
and in 1870 built a large brick residence, the main part two stories, 18x26, wing 18x28, and kitchen and
woodhouse 16x18 ; in 1862 he built a 30x40 barn, and in 1872 one 28x36 ; all except 18 acres (marsh)
is under cultivation and made what it is, by the labor of the entire family ; there are seven children :
Bertha (Mrs. Aug. Kuester), Rudolph, Caroline, Mary, Louisa, William and Edward, the two eldest were
born in Wauwatosa, and the others in Muskego ; three children died ; the family are members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Holz was nine years secretary. Mr. Holz is an independent
Democrat.
HJBB9IAX KURTZE, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Muskego Center ; born in Goze, Prussia,
September, 1839 ; his parents, David and Rosine Kurtze, emigrated 1852, and located in Milwaukee,
where Herman was engaged in Wertstein's Hotel for five months ; he then engaged under Dr. Fassel for
six years, and during the next six years worked the Doctor's farm in New Berlin ; was engineer a year in
Siegler's saw-mill, Hale's Corners, and in 1868 settled on his present farm of 110 acres, most pleasantly
situated on the shores of Muskego Lake. He married Miss Paulina Warder, she was born in Prussia, and
came to America in 1854 ; they have nine children : Emma, Bertha, Ida, Salina, Ella, Adda, Amanda.
Charles, and Frances, all born in Waukesha County, the three eldest in New Berlin, and the others on
the home farm, which is susceptible of being made a most beautiful .summer resort. Mr. Kurtze is a
Republican.
THOMAS liAlVlVOIif , farmer. See. 3 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in County Louth, Ireland ;
in 1818: emigrated to America 1836; worked- as a laborer in New York, Ohio, and Michigan ; carried on a
store with a brother-in-law in Monroe, Michigan, for a time, and in June, 1842, settled in the forest
covering his present farm ; the only roads in Muskego then were the Janesville, Waterford & Town Line
Road, which passed his log cabin ; he built this, and it still stands as a monument to old times, when its floor
was strewn with sleeping Indians, who came to trade with Mr. Lannon ; he had a small stock of goods
and a barrel of whisky, and was a favorite with the "Reds," who exchanged furs and skins for fire water ;
yir. Lannon is an old settler, who has an improved farm and good home, standing near the log-house.
He married Mary A. Carroll ; she was born in Java, Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1834 ; they have four
children : Mary, Thomas, Catherine, and Anne, the eldest is Mrs. Thomas Made, of Muskego ; Mr.
Lannon is a Democrat, and a Catholic. He was formerly Road Commissioner, Town Treasurer, Assessor,
Supervisor, etc. ; and has held his present office of Justice of the Peace for eighteen years, and is the
the veteran "Squire ' of Muskego.
AXTHOIVY LOUGHXEY, farmer. Sees. 2 and 10; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born 1832 in
County Mayo, Ireland ; his parents, Mathew and Winnifred Loughney, came to America 1839, remaining
in Montgomery Co., N. Y., until 1841, when they located on 80 acres of new wild land, in New Berlin ;
they paid $200 for it, covered with heavy timber and stones, built a log-house, and did the work of early
settlers, making the farm (now owned by Mr. L.) one of the best in New Berlin ; here Anthony attended
school, and in 1856 with brothers bought his farm of 120 acres; has since bought out the brothers, his
labor, management and money erecting all the buildings and removing the girdled trees, and hundreds of
stumps and stones, which then covered it ; his smooth and handsome meadow was then overgrown with
willows ; his 36x66 basement barn was built in 1879 ; Mr. Loughney has horses from the Atlantic Chief,
Swigert Jr., and Gen. McClellan stock ; a most excellent brood mare of the latter stock is his pride. He
married Catherine Carroll, of Wyoming Co., N. Y., in 1861 ; they have had six children : Winnie, Emma,
Katie, Mathew M., Lulu M., and lost a son, Louis G., aged six. Politics, Republican ; religion Roman
Catholic.
JAMES McDOWOUGH, farmer; Sees. 2 and 11; P. 0. Tess Corners; born in County
Mayo, Ireland, Feb. 22, 1834 ; his father, Terrence, died a year later, James being reared by his widowed
mother, who came with him and her bachelor brother, Morgan Sweeney, to America in 1837 ; located in
Summit Co., Ohio ; James attained an education here, living on his uncle's farm until 1856, when he
came to Muskego and bought his farm of 160 acres which he has since improved to some extent. Mar-
ried Feb. 2, 1860, Miss Mary, daughter of Patrick Conroy, the first Irish settler in Muskego; he married
Bridget Ward, who died in August, 1847 ; Mrs. McDonough was born in June, 1843, on her father's home-
stead in Muskego, and is the mother of six children^Terrence, Mary E., Anne, James, Teressa and
Agnes, all born in Muskego. Mr. McDonough is a Democratic Greenback er ; was first Town Clerk
^08 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
(appointed) then elected Justice of the Peace several years ; elected Chairman in 1865 and held that office
eight successive years ; in 187^ he was elected Register of Deeds and held that office two years. He has
the best of stock on his farm ; high-grade Durham cattle, Cotswold sheep and a Clyde stallion, Netherby
Jock, Jr., weighing 1700 pounds, and a young stallion sired by the famous Johnny Coope, the heaviest
horse in America, which weighs 2450 pounds, now owned by Col. Holloway of Monmouth, 111.
JAMES McElVENY, farmer. Sec. 10; P. 0. Muskego Center; born June 17, 1821, in
County Monahan, Ireland ; his parents, Bryan and Margeret, emigrated in 1823, located in New York
City, whore the son engaged in the coal business until 1859, when he settled on Sec. 23, Muskego, where
his wife (formerly Anne Dillon), and his mother, died early in 1860 ; he removed, in 1861, to his present
farm of 107 acres. Married, in 1862, Miss Mary Conroy, who was born in County Louth, Ireland ; they
have ten children — Margaret, Thomas, John, Hugh, William, Barney, Redwin, Patrick, Mary and Cath-
erine ; the first wife left two sons — James and Edward. The family are Catholics. Mr. McEneny is a
Democrat, and has been for fourteen years Treasurer of District No. 2 ; he has done good work as a
farmer, having cleared about 45 acres, and built a good frame house, in place of the log one of nineteen
years ago.
JOHIV McSHANE, farmer; Sec. 12; P. 0. St. Martin's, Milwaukee Co. ; was born in Sep-
tember, 1836, in New York City ; his parents, Michael and Rosanna, natives of Ireland ; came to New York
in 1828 and settled in Muskego in 1842 ; Mr. McShane bought out the heirs and has owned the 92-acre
homestead since 1861. Married Miss Catherine Haekett, who was born in Milwaukee; they have eight
children — Mary E., James, Maggie, John, Bernard, Katie, Edward and Ellen, all born in Muskego. Mr.
McShane is a Roman Catholic and a Democrat; was town Treasurer in 1865 and 1866. His father died
in 1843; his mother married Owen Carey, and lives near him ; Mr. McShane is a noted breeder of horses ;
his first horse. Young Plow Boy, sired by old Blackhawk ; was owned by him from 1862 to 1867; in
1866 he bought Young Robin Hood, sired by imported Old Robin Hood ; in September, 1878, he bought,
near Ottawa, Canada, the splendid imported horse, Honest Sandy ; this horse is a beautiful dapple brown,
seventeen hands high and weighs 1,800 pounds ; his stock, found among the best breeders of Washington
Milwaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha Counties, prove him to be the best horse in the State.
Honest Sandy took three prizes at the Centennial, viz. : the International, the United States and a special
award, and never fails to carry off the prize he competes for ; his owner now has a belt on which are
seventeen medals and cups, won by this noble horse, as prizes.
HENRY M. PECK, farmer; Sec. 16; P. 0. Muskego Center; born near Whitehall, New
York, May 5, 1827; his parents, Romanta and Polly (Durgin) Peck, both Vermonters, settled in 1835
in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y., where Henry M. lived until 1837 ; his brother, Rufus C, made claims for
himself and a brother, W. D., in Muskego during 1836; and in May 1837, R. C, and Henry M. Peck set-
tled on See. 8 ; here the pioneer brothers worked together nine years ; the first summer was spent in a
12x13 claim-shanty; in this, were R. C. Peck, wife and two children, besides Henry- M. Peck;
they lived under a bark roof on a puncheon floor ; cooked in a small tin " baker," and in kettles hung on
poles over a fire-place, backed up with mud and stones ; only blankets hung in the door and window-
openings to separate them from the wolves howling outside ; in 1846, Mr. Peek bought eighty acres of
the very heavy timber on Sec. 16; one tree cut by him here was eighteen feet in circumference; he now
owns 150 acres, of which 90 have been literally chopped out; the timber at first burned in " log heaps,"
was at a later day sold as cordwood and lumber ; the log-house of early days was replaced in 1873 by «
tasteful brick farmhouse, and a good barn, etc., built. He married Miss Harriet, daughter of John
and Lucy Post ; Mrs. Peck was born in England, her parents coming to America when she was three
years old, and were early settlers in Muskego, where they began with just five cents and made a good record.
Mr. and Mrs. Peck have nine children — Josephine, Oscar, Henry F., Eva, Michael, Nellie G., Hazen,
Dora and Ada, all born in Muskego ; Mr. Peck is an attendant of the local churches ; a Republican and
was town Treasurer once, and Supervisor twice.
HAZEN PECK, farmer. Sec. 19; P. 0. Big Bend; born April 21, 1817, in Starksboro,
Vt., in 1823, his parents, Romanta and Sarah Peck, settled in Washington Co., N. Y., where he
resided until he was seventeen, thence to Genesee Co., N. Y., where he remained until October, 1848,
when he came to Muskego ; a month later he bought his present farm of seventy-six acres ; forty were
broken ; the barn built, a good log house, and part of the house he has since enlarged and made so good a
home ; he has also cleared twenty acres of the original heavy timber ; improved the land, re-sided the barn,
etc. Married Eliza Allen, who was born March 26, 18^0, in Mendon, Monroe Co., N. Y. Their oldest
son, Allen, born in Mendon, came West with them, enlisted in Co. G. 28th W. V. I., served a year and
TOWN OF MUSKEGO. 909
died at Duvall's Bluff, Ark. The four living sons are all Badger born ; Harvey, born June 27, 1850,
Hiram, May 9, 1854, Edgar, June, 12, 1856, George, April 9, 1861. ' Mr. Peck, like all true Green
Mountain Boys, is an old Whig Republican ; was a supervisor one year and lacked only one vote of a
re-election at the advent of the Democratic power in Muskego, and has since refused all nominations.
C. L. PELiIiMAWN, farmer. Sees. 2 aud 11 ; P. 0. Teas Corners ; born Sept. 30, 1813,
in Prussia; came to America in June, 1846, and settled in the woods of Milwaukee Co., having made a
visit to Illinois, during the heated season, and become homesick ; he lived seven years in Milwaukee Co. with
Indians for neighbors ; a little daughter (since dead) was stolen by the Indians. Mrs. Pellmann,
warned by a white man, gave chase, overtook the Indians and rescued the child ; as young Pellmann says,
" The Indians had red babies enough, and wanted a white one." In early times Mr. Pellmann used to
travel by the aid of blazed trees ; he began in Muskego on 40 acres, in a small log house (still standing)
then shut in by the woods, through which were only tracks, no roads laid out near him ; his 40 acres,
with some stock and tools, cost him $700 ; the farm contains now 106 acres, well improved, a good brick
house, and a 30x86x24 basement barn has been built and great changes made since 1846. He mar-
ried ]\Iiss Jane Ludwig in 1838 ; they have six children — Preiderioka, Frederick, Minnie, born in Ger-
many, Richard, Paul and Louis, born in this country. Richard and Paul are on the homestead, Paul
having married Minnie Bluhm ; Louis is with the old folks at Tess Corners, where they have lived since
1877. and own 22 acres. ThePellmanns are liberal in Dolitics.
HEIVRY ROSENBERG, merchant and Postmaster, Tess Corners ; born in 1830 in Bavaria ;
his parents, Christian and Margaret, emigrated in 1835, and lived twenty years in New York City ;
here Mr. R. learned his trade of brass finisher; lived three years in Albany and two in Troy, N. Y.; came
to Tess Corners in 1861, bought his store, and did business until Sept. 13, 1864, when, as one of the 6th
W. V. I., he went South ; was with his regiment at Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, Gravel Run, etc., in the
fights on the Weldon Railroad, and with Sheridan when he overhauled Lee and held him at bay at
Appomattox ; since the close of the war, Mr. R. has done a mercantile and saloon business at Tess Corners,
having rebuilt and improved the old store ; has been Postmaster since January, 1867. Married April
6, 1856, Miss Caroline Seasongood ; she was born in Saxony, and came to America in 1854 ; they
have three children — George S., Henry and Augusta ; the eldest son has been Town Clerk two years,
and took the United States census in Muskego in 1880 ; he was born in 1858, in New York City; the
other children were born in Muskego ; Henry is now a bricklayer in Milwaukee. The family are
Lutherans and Democrats.
JOHX SCHMIDT, farmer, Sees. 1,4 and 33; P. 0. Tess Corners; born April 23, 1833,
in Wirschweiler, Prussia ; his parents, Peter and Katrina Schmidt, settled in Muskego in June, 1846,
the second German family in the town ; Mrs. S. died April 16, 1869, and her husband Oct. 6, 1874.
John Schmidt attended the schools of both Prussia and Muskego ; has been a lifelong farmer ; owns 260
acres and a good home; is a stanch Democrat ; was Town Treasurer in 1857 and 1858 ; Assessor from
1865 to 1878 ; has been Chairman since for three years, and was a member of the State Legislature in
1864 and 1880 ; his oflBoial record is most satisfactory to the people of Muskego, and one of which he
may be proud. He was married Sept. 25, 1857, to Mary Wollman ; she was born in German Bohemia,
and accompanied her parents, Franz and Barbara Wollman, to America, in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. S. have
eleven children — Emilie, Mary, John, Henry, Christian, Leda, William, Jacob, Ella, Peter and Frank,
all born in Muskego. The family are Lutherans. For the past twenty-eight years, Mr. S. has been a
breeder of excellent horses ; Netherby Jock, purchased by him in 1872, in Canada, was the best Clydes-
dale ever imported ; he died in Waukesha, in 1874 ; Mr. S. has owned many others of wide repute as
stock getters, but has been very unfortunate, having lost five by death ; he now owns Young Princeton,
a Norman weighing 1,600 pounds, and Netherby Jock, Jr., sired by the old horse, and weighing 1,300
pounds ; he also owns the pure bred Durham bull Nonesuch, bought of and bred by Gov. Ludington,
and a herd of grade cattle ; is also agent for J. I. Case and other leading manufacturers of first-class
machinery.
JOHN C. SCHIIET, merchant and Postmaster, Muskego ; born Jan. 5, 1840, in Mecklenburg,
Germany ; he attended school in youth as do all Germans, and was two years a student of the Dargun
high school ; his parents. Christian and Mary Schuet, emigrated in 1857, locating at Tess Corners,
where his father followed his trade of stonemason. John C. clerked two years in Milwaukee ; was a
year in charge of the store at Tess Corners, then went to St. Louis and remained eighteen months in busi-
ness ; he returned to Muskego in 1860, and the next spring opened the store, hotel and saloon, which
he has since enlarged to keep pace with his growing business ; he has the only hotel in the town, and
910 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
carries a very complete general stock of goods ; lias been Postmaster sinbe 1861. Enlisted in 1864 in the-
6tli W. V. I., and served through with Grant, fighting at Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, Gravel Run, on
the Weldon Railroad, and was with Sheridan when he grappled Lee at Appomattox. Mr. S. is a Repub-
lican ; was elected County Clerk in 1871 and 1872 ; Register of Deeds in 1873 and 1874, and Chairman
of Muskego in 1877. He married Carrie Horn, a native of Franklin, Milwaukee Co.; they have three
sons — Otto, George and Frank — all born in Muskego.
ARXOLiD STALIiMAlV, farmer. Sec. 7; P. 0. Muskego Center; born in Bassom,
Hanover, 1828 ; his father, Ernest S., was in public office in the hardware business, and an extensive
farmer ; his wife dying in 1847, he married again, and in 1849 brought his family to America, bought a
farm in GreeiifielJ, Milwaukee Co., Wis., where Arnold lived four years ; he is a tinsmith by trade, and
made a trip through Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Indiana ; returning, he worked at his trade two
years for the Nazro Bros., Milwaukee ; farmed it seven years in Waterloo, Jefferson Co., then settled on
his present farm of 80 acres ; the former owners were Gutherie, Garvin and Christie, and only 40 acres
were poorly cleared ; the buildings were a wreck ; land full of stones, etc. Mr. S. has worked here fifteen
years, has 66 aores'cleared of all obstructions, over which he can run a reaper ; has rebuilt the house, built
a 30x46 basement barn and made a good record. He was married Feb. 4, 1856, to Johanna Roemer, a
Prussian by birth, who came to Milwaukee Co. in 1847 ; of their eleven children, Arnold was born in
Milwaukee ; Eliza, Frances, Charles and Pauline were born in Waterloo ; Anna, Louis, Adolph, Emma,
Julia and Laura were born in Muskego. The Sfallmans are an historic old German family, as may be
seen by a record now in Mr. Stallman's house ; probably an older record cannot be . found in Waukesha
Co. Mr. S. is a Republican and a member of Bismarck Lodge, No. 193, I. 0. 0. F.
SOLOMOl^ VAlVDEWAIiKER, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Big Bend; born in Minden,
Montgomery Co., N. Y., Sept. 2, 1830 ; his parents soon after moved to Brownville, Jefferson Co., N.
Y., where he grew to manhood, attending the common and select schools; also taught six terms of school ;
in 1854, he came to Milwaukee, engaging in the mercantile and livery business until the fall of 1856 ;
then, with a few buggies, harness, etc., from his livery, and only $100 in cash, he came to Muskego and
bought 40 acres, but would have lost it had not his uncle, Daniel Vandewalker, generously mortgaged his
farm to raise means to make the payment; success has since attended him ; he now owns 157 acres as a
homestead, which is well improved with excellent buildings ; Mr. Vandewalker also owns 155 acres on
See. 8, and 10 acres of marsh on Sec. 20 ; he has taught in the districts around him eighteen terms of
school, and as he began in debt and in a log house twenty-four years ago, his record is certainly good.
He married, June 3, 1856, Miss Maria, daughter of D. Vandewalker ; she was born in Manlius, Onon-
daga Co., N. Y.; they have three children— Charley C, D. Edgar, and Orley S., all born on this farm.
Mr. V. is a Republican, and was Town Superintendent of Schools under the old system ; is also serving
his fourth term as Secretary of the Vernon Union Protective Society.
HEIVRY R. WEIiCH, farmer, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Muskego Center; born in Dexter, Mich.r
July 19, 1839 ; that fall his father, John Welch, made his first visit to Wisconsin, with an'ox team, by
way of Chicago, and spent the winter in Milwaukee ; his wife (formerly Anne Richmond), joined him
the next summer, and during the summer of 1840, John Welch, following a line of blazed trees, came
into Muskego and bought at Government price the present Welch homestead ; returned to Milwaukee and
spent the year in helping grade the first streets with Mat. Galligan, who, with a family, accompanied the
Welch family to Muskego for permanent settlement in 1841 ; they began in a log house, and did good
work among the giant timber ; hay was cut, cured, and hauled to Milwaukee, and traded for goods the
same day, and to reward the pioneer work, the farm of 50 acres is now under cultivation, a good two-
story frame house has replaced the log house. John Welch died Oct. 6, 1872, leaving his widow and
eight children — William and Stephen (twins), Charles, Samantha, Henry R. and Mary (twins), Thomas
and James. Henry R. Welch attended the early schools and lived in Muskego until the fall of 1864,
when he enlisted in Co. P, 44th W. V. I.; was engaged in the terrible and decisive battle of Nashville,
and served until his honorable discharge, July, 1865 ; his brothers, Thomas, James and William, were in
the employ of the Government, and Stephen was a volunteer in the 12th W. V. I. H. R. Welch
married, in St. Paul's Church, Milwaukee, Feb. 24, 1873, Miss Mary Eagan ; she was born in Muskego,
and is a daughter of M. and C. (Doyle) Eagan ; they have four children — Edward, William, John and
Mary ; the eldest was born at Bay View, Wis., where Mr. W. worked from 1873 to 1876 in the rolling-
mills. Mr. W. is a Republican and was one term a Supervisor,; a Roman Catholic in religion.
ADOIiPH WOIiLMER, farmer. Sec. U ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born Aug. 22, 1837, near
Otterndorf, Hanover ; his parents, Peter N. and Sophia W., emigrated in 1847, locating on a farm in
TOWN OF NEAV BERLIN. 911
Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., where Adolph remained until 1866; he then located on his farm of 94 acres;
has cleared it of the stumps of the original timber, and built, in 1873, a large and pleasant farmhouse ;
has also enlarged the original barn, it now being 30x80. and built one 26x30. Married Miss Meena,
daughter of C. L. Pellman ; she was born in Saxony ; they have five children — Tillie, Rudolph, Amanda,
Edward and Ella, all born on the home farm. Mr. W. is a live farmer ; formerly bred horses, but at
present is raising grain ; politics. Democrat.
CHARIiES WOLLMAN, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in Hannig, German
Bohemia, April 26,1839; his parents, Franz and Barbara WoUman, came to America fn 1852, and
located iu Muskego. Charles WoUman settled on 86 acres of his farm in 1864 ; it was covered with
stumps and stone-piles, and almost without buildings ; during these sixteen years, Mr. W. has built a
35x60 and a 30x36 barn, and a large and tasteful brick farmhouse, the main part of which is 28x30 and
two stories high ; the wing is 25x28, one and a half stories ; also built a stone and brick granary and
hog-house ; these, with the smaller buildings, make almost a village ; his farmyard is inclosed by a
solid stone wall five and a half feet high ; his land, in three locations, comprises 126 acres, and is well
improved. He married, June 10, 1864, Miss Charlotte Schmidt, daughter of Peter Sc'hmidt ; they have
seven children — Charles, Louisa, Emma, Prank, Eda, Tilda and Sarah, all born on the homestead made
so valuable by the labor and good management of the parents. No one in Waukesha County has done
better work in improvements, in the same time, than has Charley WoUman ; politics. Republican.
FRANCIS WOLL.MAX, farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Tess Corners ; born in Reignberg, German
Bohemia, in 1811 ; his father, Anton, was a doctor and a large farmer. Prandis attained a good educa-
tion, knows four languages, and learned the farrier's profession in Germany ; he fought on the patriot side
through the rebeUion of 1848, and can show scars of sword, bayonet and bullet wounds then received ; he
assessed three Bohemian towns in 1850, and collected the taxes in them ; and served three and a half
years as Supervisor, resigning a week before coming to America in 1852, with his wife, formerly Barbara
Ehrlich, born 1813, in Reignberg, locating the same year on his homestead of 110 acres; it was then a
wilderness of heavy timber, except 15 acres of stumps ; they began in a leaky log house ; were stricken
with ague, and we can hardly blame Mrs. W., who had left an elegant home, for being heartsick and
homesick ; they kept on, and the large and pleasant home, with a number of large and well-filled barns,
is the reward. Mr. W. has prospered well, and has given each of his children $1,000 in land or money ;
he has owned over 400 acres ; has also followed the practice of veterinary surgery with the best of
success, over a wide range in all adjoining towns, and even in Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. WoUman have
six children — Frank, Mary, Charles, Annie, Julia and William, all born in Bohemia; Anthony and
Emilie (born in Muskego), are dead ; Frank is in a store in Appleton, Wis.; William, only, remains with
the old folks ; he married Sarah Baass.
TOWN OF NEW BERLIN.
E. F. BENNETT, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., Wis. ; born in the
town of Onondaga, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Oct. 11, 1816 ; his father, Ezra Bennett, born in Rhode
Island, followed the sea for years prior to settling in New York in 1815 ; he was finally lost at sea ; his
mother, marrying again, settled and died in Canada. Mr. B. was reared by one J. C. Stanton, came to
Wisconsin in 1839^ and bought a farm in Greenfield, and spent two years chopping and clearing; then
settled on his present location ; thirty-nine years ago, this was a wilderness of heavy timber, the ax
wielded by him cleaijing over 100 of the 160 acres ; the large and tasteful residence of to-day stands in
sight of the humbl6.,home where he began in New Berlin. He married, in July, 1843, the widow of''
Waterman Field ; she was formerly Amanda M. Rathbone, born in Chenango Co., N. Y., and at her
death, Nov. 7, 1874, left four children — Fraok A., Blanche, Ida li. and Alice, all born on the home-
stead, as was the daughter Florence, who died July 19, 1866. Alice Bennett died Dec. 16, 1876 ; Frank
A. is in Troy, Walworth Co. ; Blanche (Mrs. J. A. Stapleton), lives in Milwaukee, and Ida E. (Mrs.
Frank Korn), is on the homestead, which her husband bought of her father in 1875 ; Mr. Korn has
built a large barn and otherwise improved the place ; his eldest, Alice, was born in Waukesha, and his
son Harry was born on the home farm, which Mr. B. still makes his home. Mr. Bennett is a Republi-
can, and no ofiice seeker.
BERNARD CASPER, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. New Berlin ; born June 29, 1824, in Al-
sace, Prance ; engaged in farming in early life, and in 1845 came to America ; learned coopering in
912 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Eoehester, N. Y., and in 1848 went to Canada ; married, in Preston, Canada, Aug. 14, 1848, Miss Cath-
erine Lehman, and the next day they left for Milwaukee, where Mr. Casper worked at his trade three
years; settled on 10 acres in New Berlin, March 25, 1851 ; began coopering; has since l)ought more
land, now owning 125 acres ; he finished his large brick house in 1858, and in it, on the 4th of July,
1858, opened the saloon which he has since kept ; he also continues his farming and coopering. Is a
Democrat ; was Town Supervisor twelve years, and School Clerk three years ; was also one of the leading
men in building St. Valerius Church, which, with the school house, were built on his land. Mr. and
Mrs. Casper have seven children — Bernard, Aloise, Katie, Lizzie, Andrew, Valentine and John.
BENIVETT CHEANJEY, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Elm Grove ; born, Nov. 18, 1819, in the
town of Big Sodus, Wayne Co., N. Y. ; his early life was spent on a farm ; coming to Wisconsin in 1839,
he hired out at $20 per month, and was set at chopping cordwood ; tiring of this, he " struck," and was
employed by the same, man at the same work at $1.25 per day ; in the fall, he joined a party of survey-
ors, and spent the winter among the swamps on the Wisconsin River ; returning in the spring of 1840,
he bought his present farm, and, two years later, built the old log house now standing as one of the old-
time relics ; during these thirty-eight years, Mr. C. has cleared his farm of timber, broken and cropped it,
built substantial barns, and, in 1871, a handsome brick house — a good home earned by the same spirit
which prompted him to cut cordwood in " dog days" forty years ago. He married, in 1844, Miss Sally
Harmon, born in Cazenovia, N. Y. ; they have four children — John, Joseph, Andrew J., and Amanda;
Nancy A. died when 12 years of age, and all were born on the homestead ; all are residents of New Ber-
lin except Joseph, who married Miss Helen Noble, and lives in Wauwatosa, Wis. ; Andrew J. served a
year in the .Union army, and was discharged at the close of the war ; his wife, formerly Cynthia Ottawa,
died in March, 1879, leaving two children — David and Jennie (since deceased) ; Amanda is Mrs. L.
Hines. Mr. Cheaney is an old pioneer, settler, surveyor and hunter. Politics, Republican.
HARKY B. CHEIVEY, farmer. Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Prospect Hill; born in the town of Alex-
ander, Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1815 ; son of the Rev. Rufus and Pruday (Piper) Cheney (see
sketch of John Cheney). Harry B. Cheney married, in Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y., June 20, 1835, Miss
Saloma F. Hamlin, who was born May 14, 1815, in the town of Ofcisfield, Maine ; during the next few
years they resided in New York and Pennsylvania ; Mr. C. made his first visit to Wisconsin in 1840, his
father then giving him 80 acres of his New Berlin farm ; returning to New York, he came up the lakes
in a sailing vessel in June, 1842, himself and family landing at Milwaukee, June 16 ; his means were
very limited, so that after his settlement on Sec. 32, New Berlin, he was obliged to pay half on a $14
cow by turning in a pair of boots ; his home for a number of years was in a board-roofed shanty, minus
chamber floors ; the ax swung by Harry B. Cheney in early times cleared many an acre of the dense
timber around him, though his family saw much of pioneering while living beside the Big Spring on the
farm which he cleared ; sixteen years later he sold out and settled in .Rochester, Racine Co., where he
made a good record and held town offices ; in 1869 he sold again, and went to Ottawa Co., Mich., resid
ing there four years ; then spent three years in the village of Rochester, settling on his present farm of
57 acres in 1877 ; on this he has built a most pleasant home, where he overlooks the scene of his pioneer
labors; Mr. C. also owns a 19-acre fruit farm in Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney have an only daugh-
ter, Pruday P., who married Allen Marten, a native of England and now a resident of Rochester ; Mr.
and Mrs. C. lost two children —Susan A., who died aged 36, and Henry B., died in infancy, from an ac-
cidental fall. The old couple are Free Baptists, and enjoy the fruits earned during well-spent lives. Mr.
Cheney is a sturdy and outspoken Republican.
JOHIV CHEXEY, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. O. Prospect Hill ; born April 9, 1807, in the town
of St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vt. ; his father, the Rev. Rufus Cheney, was born May 4, 1780, in An-
trim, N. H., where he grew to manhood, and married Pruday Piper, also of New Hampshire ; he was or-
dained as a Baptist minister in 1810, and made his residence in various Eastern States prior to his coming
to Franklin, Milwaukee Co., Wis., in 1838 ; his first visit here was in the spring of 1836, and he was the
first Free Baptist preacher to locate in Wisconsin ; settling on Sec. 32, New Berlin, in the fall of 1839,
the first Free Will Baptist church was organized in his log house on the 11th of July, 1840. then
called the New Berlin Free Will Baptist Church, now the Prospect Hill Church ; this pioneer preacher,
earning the love and reverence of all by his blameless life, died Aug. 30, 1869 ; his son, our subject,
removed from Genesee Co., N. Y., to New Berlin in June, 1842 ; his first trip was in 1841, and this
farm, bought then (partly of his father), has been his home for thirty-eight years ; he has cleared it,
fenced and cultivated it, and made a good home. He married, in Genesee Co., N. Y., Ann Eliza Gray, of
Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y., who died in 1842, leaving four children — Francis M., Teresa C. (Mrs. Dr.
TOWN OF NEW BERLIX. 913
Ingersoll), William H., and Cynthia M. Francis M. is in Alameda, Cal, and the two youngest in Kice
Co., Minn. ; all were born in Attica, N. Y. Mr. Cheney married again — Mary A. Parmenter, of Attica.
He is a sturdy old settler, and Republican (old-time Abolitionist), and has been for forty-two years a mem-
ber of the Free Will Baptist Church ; was also one of the first Assessors of New Berlin.
JOHN E VAXS, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Greenfield, Milwaukee Co , Wis, ; born in the town
of New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N. Y., July 6, 1819 ; th-' first nineteen years of his life were spent here, he
attending- the common schools, and learning the trade of shoemaker, which he followed about six years in
Alabama, Genesee Co., N. Y. Married in Alabama, Miss Lucy L. Peckham, a native of Norwich, Conn.,
born in 1822, and removed with her parents to Genesee Co., in 1824. In 1844, Mr. E. made his first
■visit to Wisconsin, stopping for a time with his brother Sidney, the first settler in New Berlin, visited
Racine and Walworth Counties, I'eturned, and in May, 1846, came again and bought out his brother
Sidney, who claimed and settled on it late in May, 1836; built the first log-house, by a " pale-face," within
the boundaries of what was then the town of Mentor, now New Berlin ; it was twelve feet square, and
stood about twenty -five feet east of Mr. Evans' brick residence ; his claim shanty, previously rolled up, was
on the site of George Long's house. Sidney Evans, was born in Pownell, Vt., and came to Waukesha
Co , from White Pigeon, Mich.; his first framed house was burned, and the one replacing it, and sold
to John Evans, was sided with lumber brought from Chatauqua Co., N. Y. The 80-aore farm of John
Evans, once a forest, was for many years, in early times, assessed higher than any other farm in the town, as
more clearing and better buildings were to be found upon it. Mr. E., a true Democrat, was first elected
Assessor in 1847, served six or eight years, and a number of years as Supervisor ; be was elected Chairman in
185 — ■ (see County Records in General History), served through the war, doing much to secure New
Berlin's splendid war record, and has been a member of the County Board longer than any other resident
of the county ; he was Chairman of the County Board in 1878-79, and his ofiicial record is above
reproach. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have four living cbOdren — Philena A., bom in Alabama, N. Y. ; Mrs. Alonzo
L., Alva E. and Elbert J., all born on the New Berlin homestead. During the past twenty years Mr. E.
has been a member of the M. E. Church, his wife, formerly a Baptist, joining him in 1868. Mr. E. takes
a lively interest in all relating to early times, and was the leading spirit, with A. E. Gilbert, in collecting
the data, for the township history, in 1871.
LiYMAN EVAjrS, farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., Wis.; born Jan. 24,
1824, in the town of New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he lived up to 1837 ; that year his parents,
John and Mary (Martin) Evans settled in Genesee Co., N. Y. ; he left there in 1844, coming on the
second boat from Buffalo to Milwaukee, and reaching New Berlin in May ; the first year was spent as a
laboring man, and the next year he bought his present farm of 80 acres, a few acres were cleared, and the
remainder was a wilderness; the labor of Mr. B. has cleared oif the farm, with the exception of 15 acres,
and also built a most pleasant farmhouse for a home, besides a substantial basement, barn, etc. He mar-
ried in 1846, Miss Maria, daughter of Capt. John Bell; Capt. B. was a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., and
married Sally Harrington (a sister of Perry G.); Mrs. Evans was born in New Lisbon, Otsego Co., N. Y.,
and accompanied her parents to Greenfield, Milwaukee Co., 1842 ; her well-known pioneer father, now
in his 89th year, still resides where he then settled, and where his wife died, Aug. 25, 1877 ; Mr. and
Mrs. Evans have three children — Mary, Orville and Hattie ; the second son, Albert, died Jan. 9, 1877,
aged 21 ; the children were all born on the farm the father bought thirty-six years ago, and now enjoy
the home he has earned for them. Mr. E. is a Democrat, and has been a Supervisor of New Berlin.
A. K. GILBERT, farmer. Sec. 27; P. 0. Prospeat Hill; is u son of Daniel Gilbert, who was
born in April, 1791, in New Hampshire; removed from there to Vermont and settled in New York in
1817 or 1818. Married Catharine Showerman, by whom he had ten children ; of these, A. E. was born
Aug. 17, 1824, in Alexander, Genesee Co., N. Y. ; the family came up the lakes in August, 1839, spent
a few weeks in Milwaukee, and drove their team into New Berlin late in September, 1839, joining Hiram
Hollister, whose family soon arrived from the East; the twenty-two persons in both families occupied this
single-roomed log house until Mr. Gilbert finished one on his claim, which he bought for |50 ; two or
three acres only were cleared, and the remainder a forest ; Mr. Gilbert, at one time, owned 480 acres, and
200 were cleared by himself and his sons, A. E., Sylvanus, Myron and Seymour; he died, full of years
and honors, in December, 1877, his widow still residing with Sylvanus, on his 195 acres of the homestead.
A. E. Gilbert first located, for two years, on Sec. 33; sold out in 1852, and went to Will Co., 111.; he
was in charge of a gang in the construction of the St. L., A. &. C. R. R., also others, and was engaged in
the quarries at Joliet for a time; returning in 1861, he bought his present farm of 190 acres; on this
the improvements were made by Mr. Hollister, who claimed it in 1837. Hiram Hollister was born in
914 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Massachusetts, April 4, 1798, and died Jan. 1, 1874; his widow, formerly Sophronia Barrow, was bora
Aug. 18, 1795, in Connecticut; their daughter, Harriet E., born in Oneida Co., N. Y., married A. E.
Gilbert in Oct. 1849, and they have four children — Minnie M., Willis L., Florence M. and Herbert M.,
all born on the homestead ; they lost two sons, Ernest and Willie, in Illinois. Mr. Gilbert is a Repub-
lican ; served several terms as Town Clerk and Treasurer, represented his District in the State Assembly in
1878-79, and is now Chairman of the Town, although it is strongly Democratic; as a Religionist,
Mr. Gilbert believes in doing right in this world, and leaves the rest to Him who doeth all things well.
PETER GOFF, farmer. Sec. 35; P. 0. Tess Corners; born in or about 1808, in the province
of Leinster, Co. of Louth, Ireland ; he came to America when 17 or 18 years of age, worked a short time in a
factory at Paterson, N. J., then engaged in farming on the Holland Purchase (Wyoming Co., N. Y.) ;
sold out his claim there in 1836 and went to Cook Co., 111., where he owned 380 acres; in 1840, Philip
Riley, Patrick Kerwin and himself came to Waukesha County, Mr. Goff settling where he is now, and
Messrs. Kerwin and Riley near him ; Mr. Goff began here in a claim shanty built among timber so dense
as to shut out the noonday sun ; felling trees to right and left, he planted a few Irish potatoes among the
stumps for his first crop ; these grew as large as quart cups, while white turnips were immensely large ;.
the seed potatoes were brought in by him, on his shoulders, from the Pox River Valley; from wheat
bought of N. K. Smith, he raised the first crop in this vicinity. Peter Goff is a genuine old settler,
whose salt pork was, in early times, brought from Milwaukee; his 240-aore farm, with the excellent
buildings, prove that his labor and management were rewarded. He married Mary Loughney, of Telara,
County of Mayo, Ireland ; they have four children — Matthew L., Eliza, Mary and Teresa, all born on
the New Berlin Homestead ; the family are Catholics and Democrats. Mr. Goff, in early times, assessed
the town, but would not qualify as Justice of the Peace; he is also a radical temperance man, who has
not allowed a drop of liquid damnation to be used upon his farm. M. L. Goff, born in 1845, was educated
in the district schools and Carroll College, spent 1877 and 1878 in Nebraska, visiting Missouri, Kansas
and Iowa. He married, in Feb. 1880, Miss Annie M., daughter of John Burns, deceased, one of th&
pioneers of Muskego.
WIJLHAM GRAISER, farmer. Sec. 21; P. 0. New Berlin; born June 10, 1848, on the
homestead in New Berlin ; his parents, Jacob and Wilhelmina (Wischan) Graser were born and married
in Bavaria; their settlement in New Berlin was in 1847, on forty acres of the present farm ; of the dense
wilderness not a stick had been cut; the first blows were towards a log house, which did for a time without
doors or windows; roads, bridges, schoolhouses, etc., were as rare as big oak and maple trees were plenty;
timber was rolled up, burned in " log-heaps," and the ashes exchanged for necessaries. Our subject first
saw the light among these primitive scenes, and has grown up to manhood on soil now valued at from $60
to $80 per acre. The father died in 1874, and the mother in 1879 ; William received his schooling, ia
early times, in District No. 1. Married Miss Johanna Schaetgel, of German town. Wis., by whom he has
four children — Elizabeth, Catharine, William and an infant son ; a daughter, Wilhelmina, died when 17
months old. Mr. Graser is a live young farmer, owns 73J acres in the homestead and 60 in Muskego ;
he has been a thrasher since he was 18 ; belongs to the German Reformed Church. Is a Democrat; has
been Constable twice, and is now Town Treasurer.
HIRAH E. HAIiE, farmer and miller, P. 0. Prospect Hill; born April 30, 1825, in Man-
chester, Hartford Co., Conn. ; his parents, William and Myra (Flint) Hale, were both of Connecticut, and
had six children, four sons, each of whom took their father's trade of millwright ; William P., the eldest,.
came to Waukesha Co. in July, 1839, locating in New Berlin, in the spring of 1840 ; he bought the water
power, on Sec. 32, in 1841 ; built a dam and started a turning lathe ; built a saw-mill in 1843 ; and was
joined by his brother, Hiram E., who bought a third interest ; they then put in flouring machinery, and, in
1848, an engine, which ran the mill about twelve years ; W. P. Hale sold, in 1855, to 0. G. Nevins, who
was bought out, three years later, by H. E. Hale ; the old mill is dismantled, and has been silent since 1 868 ;
Mr. Hale bought the water power on the town line, in 1861, and built the flouring mill in 1868. He has^
eighty-five acres of land, beside his grist and saw mill, the only one in New Berlin or Muskego. He mar-
ried, in 1849, Miss Juliette Clark, of Litchfield, Conn., who died in 1873 ; in November, 1873, he mar-
ried Miss Malinda A., daughter of Daniel Gilbert, who settled with a family in New Berlin, in 1839. Mr.
and Mrs. Hale have two children — Winnifred E. and Floy C. Mr. Hale was educated in his native State,
united with the F. B. Church in 1847, and has been deacon of the Prospect Hill Church for many years,
Politics, Republican.
DENNIS HANNA, deceased ; was born on Palm Sunday, 1812 ; in 1842, he married Eliza-
beth Dugdale, in her native town of Douglas, Isle of Man ; they emigrated two years later, and came,.
TOWN or NEW BEEHN. 915
via Albany, the Erie Canal and lakes, to Milwaukee ; they stopped for a short time with William Kil-
lips, Mr. H. then going to Illinois, where his wife afterward joined him, they residing, near Aurora, until
1845, when they returned, Mr. Hanna working two years for Mr. Killips, then settled on 40 acres of
the present farm, built a log house, and started for himself; adding 40 acres in 1859, and died April
6, 1872, leaving seven children — Margaret, Julia, Dennis, Christopher, William, Frank and James ; the
eldest was born on the Isle of Man, and the others in New Berlin. The family belong to the Catholic
Church, and are Democrats. Dennis Hanna was an honest, hardworking man, who served with credit as
Chairman and Treasurer of his town ; his third son, William, is now serving his second term as Assessor ;
the mother and three children are residing in a good brick house, built on the old place, in lieu of the log
cabin of yore.
JOHN L,. IIVGERSOLLi, Prospect Hill; born Oct. 20, 1823, in pittsford, Eutland Co.,
Vt. His father, the Rev. John Ingersoll, was born in Bennington Co., Vt., July 5, 1792 ; educated at
Middlebury College, studied theology under Rev. Di. Hopkins, and was ordained as a Congregationalist
minister; he married Mary, daughter of Judge Robert Livingston, a pioneer of St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
Elder Ingersoll was the father of five children; Ruth A., born in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. ; John L. and
Mary J., born in Pittsford, Vt. ; Ebon C, born Dec 12, 1831, in Marshall, Oneida Co., N. Y., and Robert
G., born Aug. 12, 1833, in West Dresden, Yates Co., N. Y. E. C. Ingersoll studied law, came to the
bar in 1854, settled in Illinois, and, at the death of Owen Lovejoy, succeded that anti-slavery hero, repre-
senting his district, the 5th, for seven years in Congress, dying in Washington, D. C, May 31, 1879.
Robert G. Ingersoll studied law with his brother, and, as is known around the world, has risen to the fore-
most ranks of America's orators, writers and thinkers ; his original, always fresh and eloquent, speeches have
commanded the attention of all civilization, and need no eulogy here; the mother of these three sons died
in 1835, they accompanying the father to Waukesha, in 1848 ; the two younger sons are attending Car-
roll College, under tuition of Prof Wenaeus ; John L. was for three years a student of Oberlin College,
studied medicine in Lee Co., 111., and attended the lectures in Rush Medical College from 1846 to 1848 ;
began practice upon his settlement at Prospect Hill, in 1849 ; married in 1851 Miss Teresa C, daughter of
John and Anneliza (Grey) Cheney ; she is a granddaughter of the Rev. Rufiis Cheney, and was born in
Attica, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Dr. Ingersoll named Prospect Hill at the establishment of the post ofBce
here, on account of its commanding one of the finest views in the State. He, like his distinguished
brother, is a Republican. In early times he was Town Superintendent of schools ; is a notary-public, and
has been for years. Dr. and Mrs. Ingersoll have four children — -Mary A., born 1853, in New Berlin ;
Burton C, born 1856, in Niles, Mich. ; John P., born 1859, in New Berlin ; and Ruth A., born 1861,
in New Berlin ; the youngest son is now agent of the mail route from Portage to Stevens Point. The Doctor
is large, well-built and seemingly in the full vigor of manhood, a staunch advocate of temperance ; his clear
and forcible ideas are always in demand at meetings of this kind.
ABRAHAM KERX, farmer. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in Sprendelingen, Province
of Rhine Hessen, Hesse Darmstadt, Jan. 2, 1819 ; he was educated in Germany, and, in 1843, his par-
ents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America, reaching Milwaukee, July 18, and New Berlin, Aug. 3,
1843; Lorenz Kern bought and improved a farm on Sec. 17, where he died, July 5, 1869, and where
his widow now lives, in her 91st year (the oldest person in New Berlin). Abraham Kern lived eight
years with his parents, then settled on his present farm of 40 acres ; it was then a forest, and has been
cleared by Mr. Kern, who has built a pleasant home, with barn, etc., his land and that around it being
worth fivefold its value thirty-seven years ago. In 1849, he married Matilde Wilde, who was born in
Barwalde, Province of Brandenburg, Prussia, in 1823, and came to America and Wisconsin, in 1848.
They are members of the Evangelical Reformed Church. Mr. Kern is a Democrat, was Collector in 1854-
55, and is now serving his fourth term as Supervisor.
JACOB KERX, farmer. Sees. 16 and 18; P. 0. Waukesha; born, Aug. 28, 1821, in Spren-
delingen, Hesse Darmstadt; his parents, Lorenz and Katrina Kern, came to America in 1847, settling
on Sec. 17 ; there were five children. Jacob, two years later, bought 40 acres of his present farm, built a
log house, 18x24, among the trees and began the chopping, clearing and burning, which has resulted in his
owning a good farm of 135 acres, on which is a large frame farmhouse, good barns, stables toolhouse, etc.;
he paid $2.50 per acre for land now worth S75. He married Miss Catherine Damm ; she was born, 1822,
in Kreigsfeldt, Bavaria, and came to the United States in 1844; they have seven children — Abraham,
born Dec. 20, 1846 ; William, born Nov. 9, 1848 ; Catherine, born Feb. 22, 1855 ; Simon, born May 1,
1853 ; Henry, born Jan. 11, 1858 ; Peter, born Nov. 11, 1860, and Mary, born March 25, 1863 ; Jacob
Kern died, when 23, in New York State ; all were born on the homestead, and are members of the
916 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
German Reformed Church. Mr. Kern was Town Treasurer, in 1873, and held school office for thirtj
years. Democrat.
WILLIAM KILLIPIS, farmer, Sees. 20, 21, 28 and 29 ; P. 0., Prospect Hill ; born Nov.
13, 1818, in County Down, Ireland; came to America in 1837, and began as a day laborer, in Onondaga
Co., N. Y. ; during three years and three months he saved $5, voted for Harrison, at Manlius, N. Y., and
at once left for Wisconsin, via the lakes ; Milwaukee wa^ a village, with only a few stores; for two weeks
ensuing, he made daily visits, on foot, in company with a Scotchman, to Waukesha Co., each night finding
them at Vale's tavern, in Milwaukee ; unable to get a $50 piece changed, they went supperless several
evenings, and finally applied to Col. Andrews, one of the early hotel-keepers of New Berlin, who supplied
them and said, " all right, pay when you can ; " and, says Mr. Killips, " I did pay, and did not forget the
kindness of the Colonel, whose tavern was near the site of my store." Mr. Killips had his money
changed by Alexander Mitchell, in his small bank, perhaps twelve feet square, and, that fall, bought his
first 120 acres of Government land, in New Berlin, adding 40 acres ; that winter, which he spent with that
kindly pioneer preacher, Rufus Cheney, he built a house, and was joined by his wife in the spring ; this
wild land was cleared and reclaimed, and the good work continued ; Mr. Killips settled in his present
home in 1868, he owns 400 acres in New Berlin, and has earned a competence ; several years ago he
built two large stores in Kewaskum, Wis., where his sons engaged in business; in 1877, he built a store
and hall in Pranksville, Racine Co., where his son, Joshua, is in business ; the next year, he built on
Sec. 28, New Berlin, the large store and hall where his son Daniel now does business ; the hall is in " L "
shape, 22x44 and 18x26 ; it is the only one in town furnished with an organ, and has been used by
Happy Home Lodge, I. 0. G. T., since the organization ; it is also used for lectures, parties, etc. He
married Miss Elizabeth Morgan, born, 1821, in, Haddam, Middleton Co., Conn., by whom he has six living
children — Joshua, Daniel, William, Lydia A., Esther and Emma, all born in New Berlin ; Robert, the
eldest, enlisted in Co. B, 28th W. V. I., served a year, and died at Helena, Ark. ; Joshua enlisted and
served out his term, 100 days. Mr. Killips is a member of the P. B. Church, a stanch Republican, and
a most earnest advocate of temperance ; to illustrate : While building a new house, his carpenters refused
to work without free whisky; oneiof them, George Hollister, stood by Mr. Killips, and urged him to hold
out, going to the trouble of procuring new workmen, who finished the house, without the aid of fire-water ;
Mr. Killips has ever and always acted on this principle.
W. J. KILPATRICK, farmer. Sec. 13; P. 0. Prospect Hill; born in the County of
Antrim, Ireland, in 1825; his parents, Francis and Agnes (Anderson) Kilpatrick, were of Scotch ances-
try. He married, in 1848, Jane Ann Fellows ; came to America, in 1852, locating in Guernsey Co., Ohio,
where he lived thirteen years, and owned two different farms ; his wife died in 1860, leaving three chil-
dren— Jeanette, now Mrs. C. R. Damon ; Margaret J., now Mrs. John Killips, and Mary E., now Mrs.
Albert Killips; the next year Mr. Kilpatrick returned to Ireland, and on Aug. 25, 1861, married Sarah
Owens; she was born in the County of Antrim in 1832, and is of Welsh descent; they returned to the
Ohio farm in December, and came to Wisconsin in 1864, settling on the farm now owned by Mr. Becker,
in New Berlin ; the next purchase was the Vanderpool farm in Vernon ; they then spent eighteen months
in Waukesha Township ; in November, 1872, Mr. Kilpatrick bought the old estate of J. H. White ; 84
acres of this, with 73 on the same section, formerly the Martin place, constitute his homestead ; Mr. Kil-
patrick also owns 160 acres on Sec. 2 in Genesee, 60 acres near Muskego Lake, and 800 acres of maple
timber in Michigan ; as he spent the first five years in Ohio as a renter, and has earned every dollar and
every acre himself, his record and example are well worthy of preservation. Mr. and Mrs. Kilpatrick
have four sons — James A. and Francis 0., twins, born in 1862, in Ohio ; Henry J., born 1864, in New
Berlin, and William R., born 1866, in New Berlin. In politics Mr. Kilpatrick is a Republican.
HEBTRY KORIV, farmer, Sees. 16, 19, 20 and 21 ; P. O. New Berlin ; born near Kerckheim-
bolanden, Rhenish Bavaria, May 11, 1822 ; his father, Peter Korn, died when the son was six months
old, and his mother, formerly Margaret Wagner, was married to Christopher Damm (see sketch of Jacob
Korn) ; Henry Korn reached New Berlin in company with his relatives, and remained uatil the fall of
1843; he wintered in Columbia Co., N. Y., with old friends of his brother Jacob ; in the spring of 1844,
he went to Europe and spent a year, returning to America and New Berlin. He was married in 1846, to
Miss Philippine Schwartz, of his native village ; she came to America in 1844 or 1845 ; they began on
120 acres of his present farm, on which a few acres were cleared, and only the ashes of a log house ; Mr.
Korn did the best of pioneer work here among the timber, and now owns 310 acres well improved, a
tasteful frame farm-house, in place of the log house of early times, with all needed barns, etc. ; he also has,
120 acres on Sec. 19, with fair buildings; Mr. and Mrs. Korn have six children — Philippine, Jacob
TOWN OF NEW BERLIN. &17
Peter, Mary, William and Katie ; the eldest is 3Irs. William Steele, of Pewaukee, and Peter is foreman
of the Reform Sohool Farm. The family belong to the German Reformed Church, and are independent in
politics.
JACOB KOBN, farmer. See. 20 ; P. 0. Prospect Hill ; born Feb. 19, 1812, near Kircheimbol-
anden, Rhenish Bavaria ; his father, Peter Korn, died in 1823 ; the son came in 1834 to America,
looacing in Columbia Co., N. Y. ; in 1837, he went to Florida, working on the railroads and as a carpen-
ter ; as he was in a dire predicament, seeing much sickness and hardship in both Florida and Georgia, he
returned to New York. He married Miss Katherine Eiler, of Bavaria, and in August, 1840, reached
Waukesha Co., with his mother and step-father, Christopher Damm, his wife and brother Henry made up
the party of five, and were the first Germans to locate in New Berlin ; Mr. Korn is not only one of the
first, but one of the most prosperous of New Berlin's pioneers, having a splendid 200-acre farm, with the
best of buildings, and a competence besides. Mrs. Korn died in March, 1877, leaving six children —
Jacob (the first German born in New Berlin), Adam, Frank, Katie, Lizzie and David ; they had lost
three — Theodore, Celesta and a babe ; the present Mrs. Korn was Mrs. Louisa Weinheimer (formerly
Beyer) ; Mr. W. left seven children — Adam, Jacob, Maggie, Caroline, Phillip, Louisa and John ; Jacob
and John are on the farm, and the others are in Buifalo, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Korn are members of the
German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Republican.
HEXRY A. lilJKE, farmer. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born Aug. 12, 1843, in New Berlin ;
is a son of Henry A. and Barbara (Damm) Luke, and was the third German child born in New Berlin ;
the family settled in September, 1841, on Sec. 20 of this town. Christian Damm, the father of Mrs.
Luke, settled here in August. 1840, and in 1846, gave 3Ir. Luke 80 acres of land; beginning on this
timbered farm in a log house, he worked mott faithfully, replacing the log house in 1860, with the
large and handsome residence now so good a home for his family. Mr. Luke died in June, 1862, leaving
two children — H. A. and Katrina C. Mrs. Luke married B. Prior, and shares the home with her son
who married Amelia Dexheimer Oct. 4, 1865 ; she was born in December, 1849, in Bavaria, her parents
coming to America soon after ; Mr. and Mrs. Luke have four children — Emily A., Tina C, Henrietta F.
and Alvina M., losing the eldest, a son, Louis H. The family belong t^the German Reformed Church.
In politics, he is a liberal and independent. The homestead contains 160_aeres, and Mrs. Prior has 66 ;
the home buildings and farm have been much improved by Mr. Luke since his honored father's death.
JAMES MURPHY, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Prospect Hill ; born June 27, 1842, in County
of West Meath, Ireland ; his parents, Daniel and Elizabeth Murphy ; came to America in 1851, located in
Westchester Co., N. Y ; came to Wisconsin 1856, residing in Beloit and Richland Cos. James Murphy
enlisted, November 1, 1861, in Co. P. 3d W. V. I. ; the regiment was first in Missouri and Kansas ; at
Montevello, the first fight, the officers became excited, gave contrary orders', the men got scared and
"skedaddled;" Mr. M., as gunner for a howitzer, was ordered to Ft. Gibson, I. T. ; participating in the
battle of Prairie Grove, after which he was one of a party of twenty sent to stampede a rebel force at Cane
Hill, Ark., and by a night attack, did stampede ; the boys next took Van Buren, Ark., repulsed an assault
by Hindman, and left the town, re-occupying it a year later, and using it as a base for raiding ; a raid on
Dallas, Texas, gave them 100 prisoners; pursuing Gen. Price from Jefferson City, Mo., the wily rebel
turned and thrashed them, driving them to Independence, where they were reinforced, which enabled them
to whip him in turn, and drive him over the Arkansas; at the end of three years and four months Mr. M.
received his honorable discharge, and rejoined the old folks in Richland Co., where he lived until Septem-
ber, 1870, when he settled on his present farm of 40 acres ; seven years later he built of Cream city brick,
a large and elegant house, and made other improvemtuts ; his wife was Harriet J., daughter of William
Vanderpool ; he was born in Albany Co., N. Y., and married Elbridge Dodge, a native of Ltidlow, Vt.,
who died, leaving her three children — Dike H., Bben V. and Gertrude L. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy, have two
children — Guy J. and Dan M. Mr. Murphy is a Republican ; Mr. Dodge enlisted August, 1862, in the
25th W. V. I., which regiment was sent to Minnesota, at the time of the Sioux outbreak ; he returned to
Cairo, 111., where Mr. Dodge died, and is buried.
E. O. RfEEDHAM, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Elm Grove; born in the town of Union, Tolland
Co., Conn., Feb. 1, 1817 ; his father, Elisha, married Chloe Strong, and died in 1822. E. G. Needham
farmed in Connecticut until June, 1840, when he came to Wisconsin, bought, and three years later sold, a
farm in Brookfield ; purchased his present farm in 1842, paid $400, $100 down; during the next six
years he boarded with a family in Brookfield, and chopped, logged iind burned on his own land, completed
a log house in 1849, which still stands as a monument in memory of times thirty years ago. He married,
Jan., 10, 1850, Miss Caroline Koch, a native of New Teirmgin, Prussia ; her parents died in her infancy.
918 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES:
she coming with an uncle to America in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. N., lived 19 years in the log house, he then
building the ^ubstantial stone house now so good a home for them and their six children ; Chloe, Mary,
Louisa, Esther, Julia and Anna ; a son Martin, died at 12, and they lost three others. Mr'. N. is a Con-
gregationalist, and a Republican. In 1840 there was no house on the line of the present Town Line Eoad
for two or three miles east or west of where he now lives ; $1.75 and $2 per cord was what his cord-wood
sold for in Milwaukee ; his 120' acres is now partly covered with timber, which is worth about as much
as the cleared land.
WIIjIjIAM. S. PARSOIVS, deceased; was a pioneer of New Berlin, as well as one of its
most favorably known residents; was born Jan. 25, 1810, in Boston, Mass.; orphaned at nine years; his
schooling was attained in his native city, where he learned blacksmithing in a carriage factory. Hannah
St. John was boril Nov. 5, 1814, in Norwalk, Conn., where she married Mr. Parsons, Jan. 2, 1831 ; soon
after, they started West to Coldwater Prairie, Mich., residing there until June 1837, when they came to
New Berlin. The present Parsons homestead was claimed by a person named Turk, who sold it to Mr.
Conover, who abandoned it; Mr Parsons and family settled in a log bouse here in June, and on Conover's
return bought the claim for $10; it was heavily timbered and slow progress was made, scarcely
enough being raised to supply the needs of the family during the first two years, so that when the claim
came into market, in 1839, Mr. Parsons was compelled to induce a Mr. Scott to buy the claim and hold it
for him ; Willam S. Parsons was not one to give up the ship, however, kept his ax swinging and finally saw
the dawn of better times, paid for his land in 1843, opened in a rented log house, the well-known " farmer's
inn;" it was a few rods southwest of the present family home, which was built on the site of the second
" farmer's inn," built in 1845, and burned after twelve years of prosperity. An incident is related by Mrs.
P. of a certain Whitewater man who was more than suspected of stealing the oats from his fellow teamsters :
A certain shoemaker returning from Milwaukee, placed a bag of shoepegs where the Whitewater man could
help himself, and all went well until, at breakfast the next morning, some one rushed in to tell Mr. E. that
his horses were sick, didn't eat their oats, etc. ; the crowd proceeded to the barn, where about six quarts
of shoepegs before each horse, revealed the true inwardness of aifairs, and caused endless fun among the
patrons of the old " tavern." liighty acres of the present farm is part of the old plaim of 1836, and the
remaining 23 were bought by Mr. Parsons in 1840, he living to clear and cultivate a good farm and build
up a most pleasant home. Mr. Parsons died Dec. 20, 1875, leaving two sons — William S.,born Aug. 11,
1851, and Charles 0., born June 14, 1854; W. S. Parsons attended • Jennings Seminary and the Ameri-
can Commercial College, at Aurora, 111., and with his pioneer mother now occupies the homestead ; he
married Nov. 25, 1872, Miss Emma M., daughter of Hazen H. and Aurelia Hurfkins, and has three
children — W. Hazen, born in Waukesha, May C. and Nellie A., born on the homestead where their father
was. Mr. P. is a stanch Republican, as was his honored father, and is now Town Clerk, also Deputy
Sheriff of Waukesha Co. Charles 0. Parsons learned the carpenter and joiner's trade in New Berlin,
which was his home until 1877, when he located in Albert Lea, Minn., where he now owns a half-interest
in a machine shop with Aleck McNeil ; his mother has resided in New Berlin longer than any resident
of it, unless it be A. L. MoWhorter.
JAMBS J. PUNCH, farmer. Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born July 3, 1817, in Cork, Ire-
land ; attended school in his native city, and came to America in 1837 ; settled at Highgate, Vt. ; after-
ward entered the service of Judge Aldis, of St. Albans ; removed to Boston and worked two years for 0.
Dalrymple, then nine years on the farm of Chas. Stetson, near Lynn, Mass. ; Daniel Webster was a fre-
quent visitor on this farm, and was often seen by Mr. Punch. With his wife he came to New Berlin in
1851, settling on 90 acres of his farm, for which he paid $18 per acre ; did good work clearing, breaking
and sowing ; his second crop of fall wheat burned with his new barn, one of the largest in that secuon ; that
fall he bought 65 acres more, and of the 155 acres once covered with huge trees nearly all are cleared, not
oven the stumps three and even four feet across being left to tell the story ; Mr. P. has built a large farm-
house and good barns, etc. ; his wife, formerly Hannah Fitzgerald, was born in the County of Cork, and
came to America when about 18 ; they have ten children — Phillip, Johnj Mary A., Edward, Eilen, James,
Jane, Hannah, Thomas Jefferson and George McClellan ; the eldest served through the war with Grant in the
17th W. V. I., is now a prosperous blacksmith in Chicago, is also a Captain in the Ind. S. M. ; John,
now in poor health, was for years a yard-master in Milwaukee ; Mary is Mrs. Capt. O'Connor, of Milwau-
kee, her husband being a commander of the Light Guard, also an engineer, and is now constructing water
works at St. Joseph, Mo. ; Edward is an engineer at Effingham, 111. ; Ellen is a most efficient teacher ;
James is the unfortunate one who lost a leg by the bite of a savage dog ; he was educated in Carroll Cql-
lege, and is with the three youngest on the homestead ; Jane is one of the trusted employes of Field &
-^ ^^ly-Tyi'^p-Tn^ cn-qyy
M ERTON.
TOWN OF NEW BEELIN. 921
Leiter, merchant princes of Chicago. Mr. P. is a Democrat, and, as Chairman for the town, did much to
secure for New Berlin the splendid war record of which she is so justly proud ; one trip at his own ex-
pense rectified a blunder by which the officials in Milwaukee had required a quota of thirty-three men from
New Berlin when twenty-eight was all she owed. Mr. P. has also been Supervisor and Town Clerk, and has
held his present office of Justice for twenty-two consecutive years. He is a Roman Catholic.
ANDREW SXYDER, Sr., farmer. Sec. 22; P. 0. New Berlin; born Jan. 1, 1813, in
Alsace, France; his parents, Andrew and Eve Snyder, came to America about 1825, located in Essex
Co., N. Y., where Andrew grew up to man's estate. In 1843 he came to New Berlin, bought his
present farm, and a yoke of cattle with it, for $8U0 ; left the oxen in Milwaukee, returned to New York
for his family, made the trip up the lakes, and drove his ox team to the farm, which he reached July 12,
1844; there were two log houses, 8 acres cleared, and the rest a wilderness; Mr. Snyder ha'j cleared
over a hundred acres, has 60 of timber; about 1860 built a large and substantial brick house; his sons
have stood by him well in this good work, and two of them own farms given them by him. He married,
1842, in Buffalo, N. Y., Miss Catherine Casper, by whom he has six children — Andrew and George,
born in New York State ; Anthony, Joseph, Catherine and Mary, all born in New Berlin. Mr. S. was
the leader in building St. Valerius' church, owning the best team and drawing nearly every load of lumber
used in it. The persecutions of the Republican party in Prance, upon his forefathers, cause him to be a
Democrat here.
ANDREW SNYDER, Jr., farmer. Sec. 29; was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Dec. 12,
1841; son of Andrew and Catherine Snyder, who settled in New Berlin in 1845, with two children,
Andrew and George ; they located on a heavily timbered farm on Sec. 22 ; two log houses and a log barn
were all the buildings; the 173 acres were cleared and a handsome brick house built; the son did his full
share at this; his farm was bought by his father in 1858, and it was almost in a state of nature at
Andrew's settlement upon it in 1867; this sturdy young New Yorker has cleared 50 acres himself, and
improved the remaining 25 acres by removing the stumps and stones; his large, well-painted and finished
barn, and a tasteful and roomy brick farm-house, are among the rewards of his labor. His wife was Miss
Susan, daugh er of Mathew Stephens, of New Berlin; they have four children — Andrew, Jr., Katie,
Susanna, and Mary, all natives of New Berlin. Mr. S. is an Independent Democrat; was Assessor one
year, and Town Clerk twelve years; is also Secretary of the New Berlin Town Insurance Company, and,
with his wife, belongs to the Roman Catholic Church.
NICHOLAS STEPHENS, farmer. Sees. 23 and 26; P. 0. New Berlin; born May 14,
1844, in the town of New Berlin; his parents, Mathias and Barbara Stephens, Prussians, emigrated in
1843, coming direct to New Berlin, and settling on the present farm of Aug. Wilde; the family lived
under a tree while building a log cabin, with Indians, deer, wolves, etc., for neighborsi Mr. S. was born
here, and five or six years later, his people settled on his present farm of 109 acres; of the first 80, Mr.
Stephens cleared all but 30, building a good frame house He died April 15, 1876, and his wife followed,
Dec. 15, 1878. Nicholas Stephens married, in 1870, Miss Mary Mann, a native of Prussia, whose
family emigrated 30 years ago; they have five children — Barbara, born March 14, 1871; Elizabeth,
born Nov. 29, 1872; Katie, born March 16, 1875; Joseph, born Aug. 15, 1877, and Andrew, born Oct.
21, 1879 Mr. S. has added to his farm, and in 1879 built one of the largest and best barns in his town,
40x70x18 feet, with 8-foot basement, and well finished, ventilated, etc. He is a Democrat, and was
Supervisor in 1878-79; is a Roman Catholic, and a live, stirring young farmer of his native town and
county, growing both grain and stock.
PETER M. SWARTZ, farmer and stock-breeder. Sec 19; P. 0. Waukesha; born Feb.
12, 1842, in Columbia Co., N. Y. ; his parents, William and Anna Swartz, emigrated from Germany,
married in New York, and came West in the spring of 1844, settling on 80 acres of the Swartz home-
stead ; all their means were expended in a log house and a cow, the use of Jacob Korn's team being
earned by the labor of Mr. S. ; his first team was a pair of steers, earned two years later; his first vehicle
was furnished with wheels sawed from oak logs, and he did good work, clearing slowly and well. He died
March 29, 1874, and the labor of himself and his only son was rewarded, as may be seen, by the splendid
farm of 160 acres, with its small village of buildings; the large two-story farm-house and two large barns,
one 36x60 and one 32x105 feet, with other substantial buildings, were erected by these men, who chopped
out the farm. Peter Swartz attended the early schools, walking two miles to the log house in the McWhor-
ter district, also attending in the Smith district, Waukesha Township, and later his own district. No. 8.
He married, Nov. 22, 1866, Catherine M. Phillips, who was born in New Berlin, July 18, 1850, her
parents settling here in 1847 or 1848; Mr. and Mrs. S have four living children — William, born Oct.
922 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
17, 1867; David, born June 15, 1870; Lydia, born Jan. 14, 1872, and Catharine, born Sept. 6, 1874.
Mr. Swartz is a Republican. As a breeder of stock, he has 200 fine-wool sheep, having bred for 15 years
past, from flocks of R. Richards, Racine, George Lawrence, and J. H. Paul; he also has grade Ayrshire
and Alderney cattle, with other stock.
T. S. WINTON, merchant and Postmaster, Prospect Hill; born Oct. 17, 1831, in Butternuts,
Otsego Co., N. Y., son of J. B. and Sarah (Tillson) Winton, both natives of Otsego County, N. Y. ;
in May, 1840, the parents and four children settled in Waukesha Township, the father building the third
log house in that part of the town, Mr. ClufF building the first and M. R. Tillson the second; W. B.
Sanford lived with Mr. T. in a bark-roofed shanty, floored and " doored " with puncheons ; the Wintons
also spent several months here, settling then on the farm where J. B. Winton lived, until 1875, at which
time he located near Waukesha; his wife died September, 1875, he now resides with a daughter in Iowa.
T. S. Winton attained the rudiments of his education, on a slab-seated bench, in the old log schoolhouse,
on his father's farm ; engaged in farming in Ashippun, Dodge Co., and in 1866, bought the stock and
store of Daniel Church, and was appointed Postmaster the same year; Mr. Winton does a good business
and owns two farms. He married, in 1855, Miss Emily A. Tillson, of his native town ; they have three
children — Louis S., Theodora E. and John S. ; Arthur M. died when 15 years of age; all the children
were born in Ashippun, except the youngest. T. S. Winton is a man who recalls with unusual interest,
the scenes and incidents of frontier life ; he is a Republican, and has been Town Clerk of New Berlin, and
Justice of the Peace in Ashippun.
TOWN OF GENESEE.
EDWIIN^ ALiLi^EX, farmer, Sec. 30; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Trimpton Broadwindsor,
Dorsetshire, England, Feb. 18, 1818; in March, 1845, in company with his wife, he left South Perrot,
England, for America; landing at New York, they came, via the Erie Canal and the lakes, to Wisconsin;
reaching Genesee on Saturday night, he bought 80 acres of his present farm the next Monday ; about 13
acres were broken ; the yoiing couple spent their first year in a " claim shanty," 10x12, which still stands
as a landmark; it had a shanty roof, and would hardly accommodate their scant furniture; Mr. Allen and
the Pauls had three oxen each, and, by combining them, made out a breaking-team; Mr. Allen did real
work here, added 64 acres the second year, built a good frame house and barn, etc. ; has steadily added to
his land, now owning 194 acres, with two good barns and other substantial improvements.- His wife was
born in Beaminster, Yorkshire, Oct. 8, 1815 ; married Nov. 3, 1842 ; they have four children — Susan J.,
William B., Mary II. and James A. ; the family are Episcopalians in belief. Mr. Allen is in politics a
Democrat, and has been many years Assessor and Supervisor ; he has 105 merino sheep, cattle, bogs, etc.,
and has been an extensive dealer and breeder in fine horses ; his eldest son is married and settled as a
Dakota farmer.
HEIVRY BOWMAN, merchant and Postmaster, Genesee; born in StaiFordshire, England,
Jan. 13, 1829; spent his early life as a farmer in his native land: left Liverpool, England, on the good
ship Waterloo, June the 28th, 1850, for the United States; the famous Italian patriots, Mazzini and
Garibaldi, were his fellow-voyagers ; the Waterloo reaching New York City after a thirty days' run, Mr.
Bowman came direct to Genesee, via Milwaukee ; began life here as a laborer, threshing grain on a barn
floor during the first winter, at $7 per month ; the next summer he worked at his trade of carpenter, at
$9 per month ; chopped cordwood the second winter, at 30 cents per cord, and thus worked his way up ; for
fourteen years this man worked at any and every thing which would earn an honest penny, splitting rails
like a second Lincoln, sheep-shearing, farm work, etc. ; the means thus earned enabled him, in 1864, to
open business in Genesee, buying the stock of P. Barker, and, in 1865, the store of James Hamilton ; did
business here until 1873, when he bought the old Treadway Hotel, and with it the adjoining storeroom,
built by W. D. Medbury ; Mr. Bowman began with a capital of $500, and the same dauntless spirit which
enabled him to earn it, has constantly increased his business, he carrying the only stock in the village,
embracing dry goods, groceries, drugs and medicines, boots and shoes, hardware, glassware, , crockery,
notions, etc. ; is also agent for the Continental Insurance Company, and is doing a good and satisfactory
business. His wife was Miss Harriet J. Paul, of Somersetshire, England, she coming to America with
her parents, John and Mary Paul, in 1841, they remaining in New York State until 1843, when they
located in Genesee, Mr. Bowman and Miss Paul uniting their destinies in the fall of 1854; they have two
TOWN OF GENESEE. 923
children — Mary (Mrs. Eugene Proctor) and Henry ; have also lost a son. Mr. B. is a supporter of the
local churches, and a steadfast Republican ; has been Chairman of Genesee, and Postmaster here sixteen
years ; has also held minor offices, and is regarded as one of Genesee's stanchest temperance men.
JOHN BRATL.AY, farmer, Sees. 29 and 28 ; P. 0. North Prairie ; born in Dunnington-on-
Bain, Lincolnshire, England, April 16, 1821; early life spent as a farm laborer; came to America in
1851, and at once to Mukwonago, where he worked in Galbraith's flax mill one year; he then engaged in
farming for fourteen years in Concord, Jefferson Co., Wis. Married, in 1851, in Jericho, Miss Sarah
Upton Howard, who died in Concord, 1856, leaving two children — John Snd Sarah E. ; John married
Miss Ellen Brown, of North Prairie, and is now in charge of the homestead ; the daughter is now Mrs.
Henry Paul, of Genesee; Mr. Bratlay married again, Mrs. Mary Paul, widow of John Paul, who, at his
death, left seven children — Mary (Mrs. McKinzie) ; John, now in Dunn Co., Wis. ; Sarah J. (Mrs.
McWalters) ; George, also in Dunn Co. ; Anne, now Mrs. Studley ; Mathew P. and Martha, who are also-
dead. John Bratlay reached Wisconsin almost penniless ; began as a laborer and a renter, went into debt
$1,600 on his first farm, was unable to hold it, but, by selling, saved himself; has owned several farms in
Concord ; the year 1865 was a notable one with him, as he owned and successfully worked his Concord
faim and his present homestead ; his only help was his 12-year-old son, they working by day, and driving
from one farm to the other by night, the profits of the farms and a splendid hop-yard that summer being
$4,000 ; has since sold the Concord farm, and now has a homestead of 178 acres, mostly cultivated, and
with excellent buildings; all that need be said is, that he has always paid 100 cents on the dollar. The
family are Methodists, he being Trustee and Steward. Mr. Bratlay is, politically, independent.
JOSEPH DODGE, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Genesee ; born in the town of Andover, Wind-
sor Co , Vt., Feb. 19, 1806 ; fifteen years of his life were spent as a shoemaker, in Mt. Holly, Vt., where
he married Miss Lucy White, who died, leaving him three children — Emily, Joseph E. and Elbridge. In
1833, he married again. Miss Rowena Bryant ; the family came to Genesee and settled on the present
homestead, in the fall of 1839, he buying 240 acres of the United States, a week after his arrival; for
several weeks, his family shared the one-story log cabin of Edward Cavanagh, three families living in the
one small room ; Mr. Dodge built a 12xl6-foot shanty, with rails laid for a chamber floor; the bedding
being laid on several sides of sole leather, which he afterward worked up ; an occasional roll out of bed by
one of the urchins above would reveal an arm or leg between the rails ; his table was a board fastened
against the side of the room, and bedstead made of poles, and chairs ditto ; and yet, under this shake roof,
he used to find bed and board for many a traveler; his family moved in here one December day and spent
the winter there, with Stephen Sayles and sons, John Rankin, James Williams, Edward Manning and the
father of Mr. Dodge for the only neighbors ; of these, seversl lived on puncheon floors, with bedsteads
made by driving a post at the right distance from the inside corners of their cabins, then inserting poles
from it either way to the log walls ; Mr. Cavanagh's roof was so leaky as to compel the inmates to " sleep
under tin pans," as Mr. Dodge puts it; ox teams were driven half way to Waukesha (Prairieville) to
church, and the milling for these rugged settlers done at " Jerusalem " (Eagleville), and the old Dakin
mill (demolished) ; the farm of 223 acres, well improved, with good buildings at this date, is the result
of these experiences. In thg spring of 1840, owiag to the ill-health of his wife, Mr. Dodge returned and
lived in New York State until 1842, since which time he has lived in Genesee. Joseph E. Dodge served
in the Union army until the close of the war, much of the time sick in the hospitals; his brother Elbridge,
in the same noble cause, died at Columbus, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Dodge have lost four children, their only
living son, Cushman, born, 1836, in Vermont, now owning the farm, or part of it ; he married Miss Avis
Parsons, of Columbia Co., N. Y., by whom he has four children — Hattie L., Clara E., Eben A. and Perry
J.; the family are leading members of the Genesee Congregational Church, of which Mr. Dodge has been,
for ten years, treasurer, and of which the son is clerk and deacon ; politics Republican. Mr. Joseph
Dodge united with the Baptists over fifty years ago, in his native State.
D. Li. EDWARDS, merchant, Genesee Depot; born in Aberystwith, Cardiganshire, S. Wales,
1822 ; when 14 years of age, he was apprenticed for three years at the mercantile business ; was for five
years a clerk in London, and, in 1847, came to America ; engaged in clerking in New York City until
1856, when he located in Milwaukee, as one of the head clerks in the large establishment of the Mack
Bros.; in December, 1862, he bought out Mr. Steller, at Genesee Depot, for $500, added $1,500 wortb
of goods, and has since done a large and most satisfactory business here, increasing his stock to about
$7,000 ; his line of dry goods, groceries, drugs, hats and caps, boots and shoes, clothing, hardware, tin-
ware, glassware, crockery, notions, etc., is most complete, and he proposes to sell any and everything needed
by a farming community ; married Miss Margaret James, who, at her death, left him an only daughter,
924 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Alice J.; married again, Miss Mary, daughter of Joha Jones (deceased), by whom he has four sons —
John A., Thomas D., Kichard C. and Arthur J.; Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Welsh Pres-
byterian Church, of Genesee ; politics Demooraiic. Probably no man in Waukesha Co., to-day, has had the
forty-three years' experience in mercantile pursuits that Mr. Edwards has, which experience enables him to
buy judiciously.
WILL.IAM H. HARDY, farmer, Genesee; born Oct. 16, 1832, in Ovid, Seneca Co., N.
Y. ; his father, George Hardy, born in Bath, England, learned the tailor's trade when but 8 or 9 years old ;
when quite young he emigrifted to America, made a trip through the South and East, and located as a
tailor in New York City, where he married Miss Mary Mcintosh, of Scotch ancestry; with his wife and
eight children he located in Genesee in 1846, and engaged in tailoring for many years. William H., at
18 began as a clerk in Waukesha; his education then being most meager, he resolved to improve it; the
first step was to learn daguerreotyping, which he did in three and a half days, of R. Radway ; some
unknown friend of Mr. Hardy had spoken a good word for him to J. J. Jones, of Lynd, Wis., who had a
picture car to dispose of, and who now trusted Mr. H. for every dollar of its value ; for the ensuing three
years he followed the picture business in Waukesha, Jefferson and Walworth Counties, earning a snug sum
of money, every dollar of which was spent by him in attaining his education in Carroll College and Law-
rence University, Appleton, meanwhile teaching five terms of school, thus earning enough to buy a stock
of goods, of which his father, then Postmaster here, had charge; the first term taught in the stone school-
house, Genesee, was by Mr. H. ; feeling more able to bufi«t with the world, he continued mercantile busi-
ness in Genesee until 1863 or 1864; while assisting to take the State census in 1865, he began buying
wool, which led to his engaging in the produce and lumber business in Genesee depot, where he built the
elevator in 1867, at the time Chicago was made an ash heap; he had $100,000 worth of lumber on hand,
which rapidly advanced ; after a most prosperous business career at this point, he sold out in 1873 to the
Stewart Brothers; that summer, he and partners bought 100,000 pound of wool, and he has bought ever
pinoe, also doing much legal business as Notary Public, which oflSce he has filled many years ; in 1877, he
bought his homestead place of 55 acres, and in 1878 the old Stewart farm in Mukwonago, of 200 acres,
his farming operations being carried on with the same energy and success which has characterized all his
life work; his 160-acre farmin Trempeleau Co., Wis., was bought with his earnings as a teacher; Mr. Hardy
has recently bought a flock of fine-wool sheep, of J. H. Paul, and will try the stock business; although no
man has led a busier life, Mr. H., as a stanch and loyal Democrat, was called to represent his district in
the Legislature, 1874 and 1876; was also Chairman of Genesee in 1873, Justice of the Peace, Town
Clerk, etc. ; one of the most pleasurable of the recollections of this gentleman, is his Southern trip in 1876,
at which time he was one of a large party invited to make the trip as representative men of the Northwest,
he also being one of the visitors at the exposition of that year. Married in Palmyra, Wis., Nov. 14, 1860,
Miss Asenath Hill, of Franklin Co., N. Y., by whom he has had five children — William H., Clarence F.,
Manning J., Freddie (died 1876) and Floyd M. None of the self-made men of this county have worked
h rder, and to more purpose than William H. Hardy; during his student life he often rose and began
s udy at 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning, and many an odd hour was spent over his books in the picture car;
h is father died at 64, his mother at 76, now living in the State of New York.
JOHN HOOD, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. North Prairie; born March 30, 1818, in Abernethy
Perthshire, Scotland-; has made farming his life-long occupation; in 1846, he removed to Durham,,
England, and resided there as a farmer fifteen years ; here he married Miss Catherine Reid, a native of
Auchtergaven, Perthshire; the family came to America in 1861, Mr. Hood buying his 160-acre farm of
Mr. Murray; the buildings were a poor frame house and poorer sheds; eighteen years of well-directed
toil and calculation on the part of this sturdy Scotch couple have wrought many changes ; the elegant
two-story farmhouse, with hip roof and modern fixtures, and substantial barns, tell the story better than
we can ; no more homelike place can be found in the county. There are four living children, all born
in the County of Durham, Pjngland — Francis, Peter S., Catherine, Jennie A. and Marjory W. (Mrs.
William Perry), died Dec. 27, 1877 ; Peter S., married Miss Sally Drew, of Milwaukee, and is a
practical engineer in that city ; Catherine is the wife of John Burnell, Jr., of Mukwonago ; the eldest
and youngest of the children are on the homestead ; the family belong to the Genesee Congregational
Church ; father and sons being steadfast Republicans ; the second reaper (an Esterly) used on North
Prairie was by Messrs. Hood & Shultis, 1862.
WILLIAM HORNE, blacksmith, Genesee; born Aug. 29, 1817, in Leslie, Fifeshire,
Scotland; at seventeen he began at his trade, working: in Scotland until 1842, when he came to America
and to Milwaukee, being the third or fourth blacksmith to locate there, doing much work for Byron Kilburn,
TOWN OF GEXESEE. 9^5
a personal friend. Married in Milwaukee Jan. 1844, Miss Mary, daughter of David Johnston (see biog-
raphy of William Johnston) ; her mother died in Scotland, leaving her in charge of several younger
brothers and sisters; her father, one of Wisconsin's best-known pioneers, died in Madison, Wis., about
1857. Mr. and Mrs. Home settled in Genesee, 1852, building the first large frame house in the village,
theii known as "the house with the green blinds," and which, with its recent improvements, is a most
pleasant home ; Messrs. Home and William Johnston built the large stone shop at this time, where the
sturdy old Scotch blacksmith has, by honest labor with his hammers, earned the means so usefully spent
in educating his children — M. Jennie, the oldest, is now Mrs. John McViekar ; M. Elizabeth is now in
Iowa, William H., one of Nebraska's live farmers, while John P., a graduate of Beloit College, has since
spent a year at Yale, and one at Andover, Mass., from which theological school he will soon graduate ; he
is the first native of Genesee, to enter the Christian ministry ; Annie I. will also graduate from the State
University of Wis. ; Alice, the youngest, is with her parents ; the family are members of the Congrega-
tional Church of Genesee ; Mr. Home always refusing office, is a Republican.
ALFRED JACOBS, farmer, Sec. 32; P. O. North Prairie; born in Hornblotton, Somer-
setshire, Eng., April 14, 1824, immigrated to the United States in 1845, and at once came to Ottawa, buying
40 acres, which he sold ; in 1849, he went via the Isthmus to California, remaining two and a half years
in the Golden State ; returned to Wisconsin the same route, and in 1852, visited his native land ; in May
1853, he again settled in Wisconsin, remaining there until fall, then visited Chautauqua, Co., N. Y.,
where he married, Feb. 14, 1854, Miss Mary Hayes, who was born April 21, 1831, in West Pennard,
Somersetshire ; her parents and eleven children settled in C. County, 1850 ; here her father died, and her
mother still lives at the age of 73 . Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs settled on the old " Silver Lake Hou-<e " farm
in Ottawa, and nine years after, bought the old " Half Way House '' in the town of Eagle, where they
kept store three years ; at the end of this time, Mr. Jacobs bought his present 140-acre farm of Thomas
Sugden, it being well-improved, with good buildings; Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs have nine living childron —
George B., Clyde, Hattie, Fred, Herbert H., Altamont A., Sydney R., Ralph D., and Minnie A. ; the
firstborn, Fannie H., died when ton years old; in 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs made a visit to his father in
England, who is hale and hearty at the age of 84 ; in 1878, Mrs. Jacobs attended a reunion of her family
at her mother's home ; fourteen of her relatives meeting from Oregon, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin and
New York ; her brother Henry, a New York Volunteer, died in the service at Fortress Monroe, Va. ;
Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are members of the Episcopal Church ; he is a Republican, and, while he has served
on the town Boards of both Ottawa and Genesee, has refused many town offices.
WILiIjIAM JOHNSTON, proprietor of the Genesee Quarry, is a native of Glammis, Forfar-
shire, Scotland ; from 1818, began life at 18 in serving a four-year's apprenticeship as a stone-cuiter ;
emigrated to the United States in March, 1842, reaching Milwaukee in November ; while on the road west
of the town one morning in January following, he met Silas Remington, with a cart and four oxen,
drawing a load of limestone; conversaiion ensued, by which he learned that the stones were fromMr. R.'s
farm in Genesee ; this was the first load of building-stone drawn into that town ; Elisha Starr, having
established a newspaper there, made inquiries about a suitable imposing stone, and was referred by Messrs.
William Sevier and Johns' on, to the Genesee stone ; in search of such a stone, Mr J.'s first visit was made
to the quarry in company with Mr. S. that month ; they found a blufi' or ledge of limestone, at the top of
which Mr. Remington had taken out a few loads of stone ; the gray, moss-grown edges of which peered
through the side of the bluff here, about 1 8 feet high ; a stone was selected and made a part of Mr. R's.
second load to Milwaukee ; Mr. Johnston and his father cut and polished the imposing-stone, and cut the
remainder of the load into grave-stones ; it is thought that the stone spoken of was the first one used in
the Sentinel office ; during the next two years Mr. J. bought stone of Mr. Remington, part of which were
used in the construction of the first stone buildings in the town. In 1844, Messrs. Johnston and Thomas
Cook, an Englishman, bought the quarry, doing business a number of years; Mr. Cook selling his interest,
removed to Waukesha, and finally to Milwaukee, w'nere, as senior member of the firm of Cook & Hyde, he is
doing the best stone business in the city ; Mr. Johnston has sold this famous stone in all parts of Southeast Wis-
consin, and thousands of bushels of lime, it being for years the only one open in that part of the Northwest,
and no man is better or more favorably known here than he ; a Republican, he has ever refused office or
honors ; married Miss Margaret Kidd, of his native parish ; by whom he has seven children ; William K.
Agnes L., Anne, Mary J., David, John F. and Nellie E. The quarry is now in charge of the eldest son,
his brothers working the 140-acre farm owned in connection with it.
DAVID JONES (Park), farmer. Sec. 12; P. 0. box 428 Waukesha ; born July 27, 1805,
in Llodwyn, Cardiganshire, S. Wales ; was born and bred a farmer, receiving an excellent education ;
926 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
married Miss Mary Evans, of the parish of Nantcuville, they coming to the United States, and to Genesee,
in 1846, Mr. J. buying his 160-acre farm of David Hyde, about 15 acres were broken and fenced ; the
frame house being then a rare acquisition, as there were but few in the town ; as a result of these 34 years
of useful and honorable life, Mr. Jones has an improved farm, several substantial barns, and was enabled
to celebrate the centennial by building a spacious and elegant residence ; Mr. Jones is a member of the
Welsh Calvinistic M. E. Church, and a stalwart Republican ; was in an early day Assessor of Genesee ; his
wife died Nov. 1, 1863, leaving nine children ; Elizabeth, Jane, David, John, Evan, Margaret (deceased),
Rees, Mary and Anne, the three latter are natives of Genesee ; Mr. and Mrs. Jones had previously lost
four children.
MORGrAlV JONES, farmer. Sees. 11 and 12 ; P. 0. box 415 Waukesha ; is a son of R. W.
and Miry (Williams) Jones, and was born June 17, 1847 in Brecon, Breconshire, S. Wales ; the family
came to America and to Genesee in 1854, Mr. Jones buying the homestead of 140 acres of John Hughes,
it being then in a semi-cultivated state ; R. W. Jones did good work here with good results, as may be
seen by the substantial buildings he erected, and the well cultivated and fenced farm ; his wife died in
1869, leaving him ten children; of these Morgan, the eighth, was educated in the common schools and in
Carroll College, teaching one term each, in districts No. 1 and 4, in Genesee ; his wife was Miss Hattie
Hopperton, a native of Genesee; they have three children, Sarah B., Mary E. and an infant as yet un-
named ; he is a Republican ; his father sold the farm to him in 1874, spent two years in Wales and has
since been a resident, of Waukesha.
RICHARD JONES, retired farmer, Genesee Depot; was born March 5, 1805, in Aberyst-
with, Cardiganshire, South Wales ; is a son of John and Ann (Williams) Jones ; was fifteen years in the
mercantile business, and came to the United States in 1842, with his wife and seveil children, buying, at
$1,800, 240 acres on Sec. 3, in Genesee; himself and William Evans now being the fourth of the Welsh
settlers; the first was John Hughes, 1840; next, Thomas Jones and Richard Jarmon, in 1841; none
except Messrs. Jones and Evans are now living ; Mr. J. began in a log house and cleared up his farm,
erected a good stone house and several substantial barns; renting his farm in 1863, he bought 9 acres of
the village plat, which, with the depot building, he still owns ; was Station Agent here nine years, from
1863, which position he turned over to his son, Charles K. ; about ten years ago he sold his farm, built a
pleasant home, and has given up active business. Married MisS Charlotte Jones, in Wales, who died in
1857, leaving eight children — ^varina, deceased ; Thomas R., deceased ; John R., Anne, deceased ; Will-
iam R., Mary, Richard, Jr., deceased, and Charles R. ; the sons all take the initial of their honored sire's
given name. In 1858 Mr. J. married Mrs. Catherine Jones, by whom he has a son, Daniel. Mr. Jones
and family are members of the Welsh Presbyterian Church ; he is a Republican, whose active business life
has never allowed him to hold oflBce; he, with his wife and youngest son, spent 1871 and 1872 in Wales,
but so completely Americanized had he become that he was glad to return. Mr. J. is most kindly remem-
bered by his early Welsh neighbors, as no man could, or did, assist them more in making locations in
former days ; one of these, a Mr. Joseph Williams, in speaking of this to a party of Welsh, years ago,
exclaimed : " He is your King," and the title, so worthily bestowed, has since clung to him, and he is best
known as King Jones.
THOMAS D. JONES, farmer. Sees. 9, 5 and 6 ; P. 0. Genesee Depot; born Nov. 6, 1834,
in Llandysil, Cardiganshire, South Wales ; son of David R. and Sarah Jones, and is the youngest of
twelve children ; the mother died in Wales, the father and five children coming to the United States in
1842 ; after two years spent in Licking Co., Ohio, the family settled, in May, 1844, on the 40-acre home-
stead in Genesee ; the trip was made with a team through the marshes and rivers of Michigan, Indiana
and Illinois ; the land was bought of '' Uncle Sam," and a log house built, where Mr. J. and his two
youngest children lived, during the first summer, on bread and milk for supper, dinner and breakfast, it
being eaten on a dry-goods box, brought from Ohio ; their coiFee was distilled from a berry growing wild
in the woods, where deer and wolves were plenty, yet Mr. Jones now avers that some of the happiest days
of his life were spent there ; the oak shakes for the roof of the house were split with a curious instrument
called a fro, still kept by him as a relic ; he attended the district schools under the tuition of such pioneer
teachers as W. R. Williams, I. H. Castles and the Rev. Mr. Morris, completing his education in Carroll
College, Waukesha ; after this he operated a threshing machine and a breaking team for a number of
years, but did not carry out his intention to resume school ; he has owned the homestead of 80 acres since
the death of his father, Aug. 19, 1863 ; a capacious barn was built here in 1859, and a handsome resi-
dence in 1862 ; in 1879, Mr. Jones bought the old Davenport estate of 470 acres, this giving him the
position of the largest land-owner in his town ; it is worthy of remark that the Davenport estate is now
TOWN or GENESEE. 9527
unencumbered for the first time in forty-two years ; few men can show as good a record as Mr. Jones, as
he began in '62 with hardly a dollar. Married, Jan. 17, 1862, Miss Margaret, daughter of Griffith
Eoberts, and a native of Carnarvon, North Wales, by whom he has four children — David, Anne, Griffith
and Sarah, all born in Genesee. The family are members of the Welsh Calvinistio M. E. Church, of
which Mr. J. was Secretary sixteen consecutive years ; a steadfast Democrat, he was first elected Town
Superintendent of Schools, was Justice of the Peace for many years, Town Clerk, and in 1870, Chairman
of the Board; in 1871 and 1872 he was Assessor, and again Chairman in '74 and '75, and has held
the office constantly since 1877. Mr. Jones is a stirring and able business man, worthily representing his
town, in which few men have done more legal business in settling estates and in probate oases.
DAVID MORRIS, farmer. Sec. 14; P. 0. Genesee Depot; born in Merionethshire, North
Wales, December, 1826 ; spent his early life as a farmer in his native land, emigrating to the United States
in 1847; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner in Oneida Co., N. Y., working t.here until 1857, when
he came to Waterville and worked for a year for B. W. Edgerton ; in 1858, he bought his farm of 87
acres of David Jones, a small house and a 30x30-foot barn comprising the improvements; twenty-three
years of active and honorable labor here has met with a substantial reward in the well-improved farm,
the 30x46-foot barn and the tasteful 22x28 two-story farm-house ; Mr. Morris also owns 20 acres of tim-
ber in Delafield. His wife, from the same shire, married him in the fall of 1846 ; the eldest son, Edward
S., was born May 27, 1847, while the parents were on the Atlantic; David J. was born Nov. 19, 1849, in
Oneida Co., N. Y., and Chaunoy, Nov. 13, 1858. Mr. Morris and sons are Republicans, David J. serv-
ing his county as Deputy Sherifl in 1877 and '78 ; the eldest son is married, and settled as a railroad man
in Milwaukee, the two younger being on the homestead, which is devo.ted to breeding ; among other
stock, to grade Durham cattle, Cotswold sheep, Clyde horses and Poland China hogs, pure bred, from
Hylett's herd, Menomonee.
JAMES NELSON, farmer. Sees. 23 and 26 ; P. 0. Genesee; born, 1800, in the County of
Norfolk, Eng. ; came to America, in May, 1849, and, after a short stay in Connecticut, came to Genesee
and bought 80 acres of his present farm; here he was joined, on the 2d of August, 1850, by his brother,
Samuel Nelson, with his wife and three sons; the brothers did the hardest of work here for sixteen years,
buying the 210-acre farm of S. Nelson, and adding 40 to the original 80 acres. Mr. Samuel Nelson married
Miss Hannah Herrod, who died in Genesee, in 1851, leaving three sons — Samuel, Jr., James C. and
Thomas H. ; Samuel Nelson, Jr., learned the trade of miller, working ten or twelve years in the Sayles-
ville and Genesee mills ; he was born, in 1837, in Norfolk, Eng. Married, Oct. 26, 1862, Miss Betsey
Johnson, a native of Ferrisburg, N. Y., by whom he has two daughters — Susie and Ida. The farm of 120
acres is now owned by him, his bachelor uncle living with him; the parents of Mrs. N., Edward and
Polly Johnson, settled in Menominee, in an early day, and saw much of pioneer life and its hardships ;
Mr. J. died, in 1875, his wiiow still living there; the Nelsons are Republicans, the uncle being a member
of the M. E. Church.
JOHIV OlilVER, merchant and Tostmaster ; Genesee depot; born Nov. 24, 1843, in Oneida
Co., N. Y. ; his parents immigrated from Wales, in 1841 or 1842, and settled in Genesee, early in
1844 ; the son was educated here, and resided with his parents until 1862, when he went to Chicago, and
engaged in the carpenter and pattern maker's trade until 1868, when, in company with John Davis, he
began business in his present store, Mr. Oliver conducting the business alone since 1874, and has increa-^od
his business from $5,000 to over 112,000, carrying a complete general stock of everything needed to meet
a country trade, including farm implements, also deals in butter, eggs, poultry, etc. He married, in Chicago,
Miss Jane A., daughter of Moses W. and Sarah (Hughes) Williams ; her father came to America thirty-
seven years ago, and her mother fifty-two years, both from Wales ; they located at an early day in Chicago,
where Mrs. Oliver was born ; Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have four children — Sarah J., Elizabeth M., Margaret
R. and John W. ; the eldest is a native of Chicago and the others of Genesee ; they have lost two children
— Robert M. and Ida May. Mr. Oliver is a Republican, and has been Town Clerk twice, and Treasurer
once; is, with his wife, a member of the Welsh Calvinistic M. E. Church.
JOHN H. PAUIi, farmer and stock-breeder; Genesee; born in Somersetshire, Eng., in August,
1819; he learned the trade of stone cutter, and in 1840 came to the United States, locating in New
York State, and in Canada where he was engaged in cutting stone at the enlargement of the Welland
Canal. Married in Skaneateles, N. Y., Miss Harriet Poster, of his native shire. Having boug'at 40 acres
of his present homestead a few years previously, he in 1846 settled upon it, a year or so after bujdng 160
acres, where he lives, at Sheriff's sale, it being part of the Jenkins estate, which fell into the hands of
Thomas De Jean, an unfortunate pioneer who built a saw-mill upon it and lost everything, ; Mr. Paul
928 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
operated the mill a number of years ofter this ; Le also worked at his trade in Milwaukee, at first walking
twenty-eight miles on Monday morning to the town, and back to his wife in Genesee on Saturday night,
afterward residing in Milwaukee, working at his trade and improving his farm for twelve years. The
land where his spacious house and large orchard stand was, when he bought, a grove of white and burr oaks.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul have two children — Samuel F., now a leading wholesale silk merchant of Chicago, and
Ida H., now Mrs. Thomas Steel, of Genesee ; Mr. Paul is admitted on all sides to be the leading fine-
wool sheep-breeder of the Northwest, and his sheep have often taken premiums over those of Vermont
and New York breeders; about thirty years ago he bred native sheep, and then the Southdowns, but not
feeling satisified, bought of Victor Wright and Oliver Severns, Middlebury, Vt., and A. E. Douglas,
Shoreham, Vt., thirty or forty pure-bred animals from the famous old Hammond and Rich flocks ; this
was in 1862, and the increase of this flock, with the admirable selections made by him since, makes it dif-
ficult for Eastern men to carry off Western prizes ; his purchases since this have been made of such
breeders as Lyman Clark, Addison, Vt.; A. Parker and Dr. Wright, of Whiting, Vt.; Meriner & Brunson
and Shepard, Canandaigua, N. Y.; P. & G. Martin, Genesee Co., N. Y.; S. S. Lusk, Victor, N. Y.;
S. B. Lusk, Batavia, N. Y.; and Townsend, of Pavillion, N. Y.; Mr. Paul has for six years past kepb
from 100 to 300 of these sheep, and has never failed to win at least one-half the premiums at all State
and county fairs, where he has had personal charge of the sheep ; at the head of his flock is the noble
ram " Wrinkley," an animal considered second to none on ihe continent as a stock getter, and which has
never failed but once to take the first premiums where exhibited, he never yet failing to carry off the sweep-
stakes prize lor scoured fleece and ten of his get; Mr. P. is also the owner of Modoc, bred by Martin, of
Genesee Co., N. Y., and of Golden Gate, Jr., bred by L. Clark, of Addison, Vt.; the committee
appointed by the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Growers' Association to attend the Centennial Exhibition
were: J. H. Paul, Chairman, J. N. Crawford and P. Humbert; Mr. Paul was awarded a bronze medal on
a pen of yearling ewes and one on a flock of two and three-year-old's, George Lawrence, Jr., taking the
only medal beside these awarded Wisconsin breeders ; Mr. P. is also Chairman of the committee on
registered sheep, and has nearly two hundred registered in his yards ; he has spent more money and time
to improve his flock than any man in the State ; his sales are extensive in the Southwest, no breeder in the
State having an equal reputatiou ; in Texas, where he has many personal friends, he has for fifteen years past
bred shorthorn cattle, now owning thirty or forty pure-bred animals, among them the bull " Genesee
Prince,'' whose pedigree is second to none in America; beside this he has ten Hambletonian horses, six of
which are eligible to register ; his young stallion Swigert, Jr., sired by R. Richard's old Swigert, is now
in the hands of Maynard, the noted Waukesha trainer, and at 4 years old can trot inside of 2:50 ; he is
considered the most promising horse in the county, and his time has never yet been equaled by any horse
of his age here. Mr. Paul's splendid stock-farm of 300 acres has been cleared and well improved by him,
and he doubtless has more barn-room than any man in Genesee. He is an independent Republican, who
has ever and always refused political oflBces, and an attendant with his wife of the Congregational Church,
HERMAN V. PRENTICK, retired merchant; Genesee; is a native of Bethlehem, Litch-
field Co., Conn.; born March 17, 1799 ; is the youngest of eleven children of John and Martha ( Clem-
ans) Prentice; he taugtit district school in Litchfield at 16, and took a three-years' medical course. Mar-
ried Feb. 10, 1819, in her native town of New Marlborough, Ulster Co., N. Y., Miss Jane, daughter of
Cornbury and Mary (Quimby) Dayton, she being twenty-four days his junior; he then taught in New
Marlborough, and during the next two years in Essex Co., N. J.; in November, 1822, he engaged in mer-
cantile business in Woodbury, Conn., going from there in August, 1826, to Clockville, Madison Co., N. Y.,
where he built a large combined store and residence, and carried on an immense mercantile and grain busi-
ness, owning several canalboats; removed to Albion, N. Y.; he erected two brick blocks which still do
credit to the town, and a palatial residence still known as the Prentice Mansion ; his mercantile, real estate
and shipping interests here were very great, he owning thousands of acres of lan^there, and large tracts
in Michigan ; a canalboat, loaded with all hifa household and other costly goods, started for Milwaukee,
but sunk in the Erie Canal, thus entailing a loss of thousands of dollars, and crippling his operations in the
West ; however, he and his devoted wife reached Milwaukee in September, 1848, but left in fear of chol-
era, settling in Genesee in April in 1849, on the S. S. Case farm; since this time he has dealt heavily
and lost heavily in the grain and produce business, at one time owning the elevators at Genesee and North
Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. P. have had six children — Mary J., widow of Gen. J. B. Lee, is a resident of Albion,
N. Y.; Martha C. (Mrs. H. J. VanDusen) died Nov. 2, 1877 ; Herman V., died March 17, 1831 ; D.
Homer, died Aug. 14, 1874; F. Eliza (Mrs. Horace Smith) resides in Genesee ; Ruth, died March 12,
1844. Mr. and Mrs. P. united with the Congregational Church in 1818 ; Mr. P. is a Democrat, has b«en
TOWN OF GENESEE. 929
Justice of the Peace, and Town Superintendent of Free Schools in Genesee, and is a Ma?on, joining the
order fifty years ago in Madison Co., N. Y. In their pleasant villa<;o home the old couple, in their 82d
year, look back over a long, active and exemplary life, and, though Herman V. Prentice has met with many
misfortunes during his wearing business life, during the past sixty-four years, no man in Wisconsin is
better known, or more universally Tespected.
JAMES PROCTOR, proprietor of the Genesee Woolen Mills ; was born December, 1823, in the
West Ridings of Yorkshire, England ; emigrating to America, with his brother, when 1 2 years old, he
worked six or seven years in a woolen-mill in Clarkstown, N. Y., and about as long in the Middletown
Mills; he next worked a few years with his brother Mathew, in Buahkill, Pike Co., Penn. ; in 1854, he
located in Janesville, Wis., and, in 1855, in Madison; during the next few years, he engaged in farming,
and in the factory at Monticello, Green Co., Wis., also setting in operation the Freeport Mills; in 1868,
he bought the Genesee Mill of William Holloway ; this was built over thirty years ago, by Daniel Hickox,
who operated it, in 1847 and 1848, as a carding mill ; in 1849, he and Lyman Holt put in machinery and
operated it ; Mr. Holt retired, and, on the death of Mr. Hickox, about 1860, his widow sold to Mr.
Steller, Mr. Holloway being the next owner ; Mr. Proctor has added twenty feet to the length of the mill,
and put in new machinery ; it is a " one set " mill, with six looms, run by water power ; eight hands are
employed ; fine flannels are the specialty here, made for the Chicago market, Mr. P. buying from 25,000
to 30,000 pounds of wool per annum. He married Miss Sarah Tittle, of Monroe Co., Penn., by whom he
has ten children — Eugene, Frank J., Milton, Ellen, Hannah, Emma, James, Hettie, Lillie and William.
Mr. Proctor is a Republican.
THOMAS RJEES. farmer. Sec. 16; P. O. Genesee depot; born in Llandysil, Cardiganshire,
South Wales, Feb. 7, 1818; began at 16, and served a seven years' apprenticeship to a shoemaker; in
1841, he came to America, and located at the beautiful village of Granville, Licking Co., Ohio; settled,
in May, 1846, in a 12x16 slab shanty in Genesee ; this was built near the residence of T. W. Jones, the
slabs costing him a shilling each, and it required a day, as the roads were then, to draw a load from the
Genesee saw-mill, with oxen ; a load of 400 feet of lumber, drawn from Heath's mill in Sullivan, did not
arrive until midnight; when completed, the shanty cost |45 ; for four years after, he worked here at his
trade, saving $1,200 in that time; his first work was to mend a poor old harness for T. H. Evans, who
was so well pleased as to encourage others to patronize Mr. Rees ; his coarse boots were sold at $3 ; ladies'
shoes at $1.75, and fine work at $5 ; in September, 1850, Mr. R. bought and settled upon the first 120
acres on the School Section, beginning in a log house, working well and honestly as ever, and now is
rewarded by owning 200 acres of land, a substantial brick house, all needed barns and stock, and owes no
man a dollar ; he was the first Welshman to rally his party to the Democratic standard in Genesee, and a
good representative pioneer. His is the only Welsh Episcopalian family in the town. He married, in
Wales, Miss Mary Davis, of the same parish, by whom he has had six children — Margaret, born in Wales ;
David and Anne (deceased), born in Ohio ; John T., Jane and Mary, born in Genesee ; Margaret is Mrs.
Owen Olive, of Genesee ; David married Miss Anne Felix, and is in a Watertown sash-factory; John T.,
the second son, was born August 25, 1849 ; was educated in Stewart's Academy, Waukesha, and has
taught seven terms of school in Genesee and Ottawa. Is a Democrat, and is now Justice of the Peace. He
married Jane Jones, of Genesee; their only daughter, Jennie L., died July 17, 1879, at the age of 2 J
years.
JOHX REMINti-TOlV, retired farmer ; born in Rupert, Vt., in 1805 ; he left his native
State when 13 years of age, and located in Western New York; when the Erie Canal was building, he
helped dig stumps and do grading, in what is now the heart of the city of Rochester, being one of a few
living men engaged in this work. He married Miss Luoinda Marble, of Casenovia, Oneida Co., N. Y.,
they coming to Genesee and settling on a wild farm in 1842 ; began a poor man and disposed of a small
stock of cloth and leather as best he might, to settlers as poor as himself; Mr. and Mrs. Remington kept
open house for travelers in early days, and many a night their floor would be covered with the prostrate
forms of sleeping frontiersmen. In his house the first Methodist Episcopal sermon was preached, by the
Rev. Mr. Moulthrop, in the fall of 1842, the first prayer meeting having been held there that summer ;
Mr. Remington was also a pioneer merchant, and relates that he met with " business reverses, " his store
having been broken into and robbed one night, about thirty years ago, by a band of (supposed) Mormons.
In 1859 he built, and placed his son in charge of a warehouse and store in North Prairie ; sold out his
♦ business here, and in 1870, sold his farm; built, and for three years lived in, a new house in Genesee
village ; removed again to a farm, which he exchanged with Thomas Sugden, thus obtaining the building
where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Remington have had nine children — Emily, Daniel, Harriet (de-
930 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
ceased), Mariette, Stephen (deceased), Alva, John, Lucinda and Mary ; Emily is Mrs. D. D. Gross, of
Friendville, Neb., Daniel has a hotel in Northern Wisconsin, Mariette is the wife of the Rev. T. M. Ross,
Alva is in business in Milwaukee, John is a civil engineer, and the two youngest daughters are in North
Prairie, Mary being the wife of W. E. Swan, Jr., who is one of the prosperous and live young business
men of his native county ; for the past six years he has carried a large and complete stock of general* n er-
chandise, including dry goods, groceries, drugs, boots and shoes, hardware, farm implements, notions, etc.;
is doing and means to do a good and satisfactory business. Mr. Remington is an old-school Whig-Repub-
lican, and-was, for six years, Town Treasurer; is, with his wife, a Methodist.
HORACE SMITH, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Ackworth, Cheshire Co.,
N. H., May 3, 1816; lived in his native State until June, 1836, then removed to Cass Co., Mich; Mr.
Smith reached Eagle Prairie in June, 1837, with two yoke of oxen and a wagon ; remained several weeks
with Ebenezer Thomas, then settled on Sec. 32, Genesee ; this claim had been made in March, 1837, by
his brother, Stillman Smith ; the Smith brothers were the only actual residents of Genesee until Septem-
ber, 1837, when Abram Balser settled on the present Holsapple farm; in October, Almond and Joseph
Osborn made a claim (the Bratlay farm), but spent the winter in La Porte, Ind., locating on the claim in
the spring of 1838 ; in October, Dr. Weeks, of Milwaukee, and Joseph Marsh, of St Albans, Vt., made a
clairn on Sec. 24, building a house, where Mr. Marsh " bached it " that winter. The first family to settle
in this town was that of Absalom Denny, late in the fall of 1837. Mr. Smith lived a bachelor's life here
until March, 1856, when he married Miss Prances E. Prentice, a native of Albion, Orleans Co., N. Y., by
whom he has eight children — Jennie M. (Mrs. T. S. Reynolds), Alta A. (Mrs. Frederick Orth), Martha
E., Ada R., Minda A., Charles H. S., Allie L. and Perlie L. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church ; Mr. Smith is a steadfast Democrat, who has been Highway Commissioner, Justice of
the Peace and Assessor many years. He has a homestead of 90 acres, and also a house and lot in the
village.
THOMAS SUGrHEW, retired farmer; North Prairie ; is one of the first settlers in Waukesha
County; he was a native of Millington, in the East Ridings of Yorkshire, England; born June 12, 1810,
and is a son of John and Jane (Rickal) Sugden ; was educated in the common-schools of England, where
his younger life was spent; first coming to America in the spring of 1834, he remained at Detroit, Mich.,
until fall, when he returned to his native land. He married, April 1, 1835, Miss Hannah, daughter of
John and Elizabeth Slightam, of his native village ; that same spring, the widowed mother of Mr. Sugden,
with four of her children, himself, wife, and her relatives, emigrated to and have since been residents of
the United States. Mr. Sugden, in May, 1836, came up the lakes on the old New York, the first boat
to run from Detroit to Milwaukee that spring ; landing at Milwaukee, he made his first visit and his first
claim in Waukesha County, in June, 1836, claiming the northeast quarter of Sec. 19, in the present town
of Mukwonago, the farm now owned by George Henderson ; this was his residence most of the time until
the fall of 1843, when he settled on Sec. 14, in Eagle, remaining here until the fall of 1849, when he
located on the southeast quarter of Sec. 29, Genesee, and has since been a resident of this town. In
politics, an old-time Whig ; Mr. Sugden, since the organization of the Republican party, has been one of
its most steadfast and loyal members ; he was appointed Notary Public by Gov. Nelson Dewey, in 1849,
and has held the office under every succeeding Governor ; also represented his district in the Second Wis-
consin Legislature in 1849, in 1853, and again in 1857; has been Chairman of his town six or seven
consecutive years, and held many minor offices in Eagle and Genesee. Mr. and Mrs. Sugden have three
living children — Elizabeth (now Mrs. Hugh Jones, of Juneau Co., Wis.), and two sons, James and
Thomas (both residents of Saline Co., Neb.).
THOMAS STEELi, M. D.; Genesee; born in Inverkeithing, Fifeshire, Scotland, Nov. 9,
1809. Dr. Steel was educated in the public schools of Glasgow, Edinburg and London ; began the study
of medicine in London, about 1828, graduating as physician and surgeon iVom Glasgow University, 1833;
the Doctor made his first voyage to America the following year, visited Canada, and went from there to New
Orleans, from which city he returned home ; the next two years were spent by him as Surgeon on board
an East Indiaman ; he also resided six months in China; returning to London, Dr. Steel, in 1843, came
to America for the second time, and has since been a resident of Genesee, first locating on land now
owned by Mr. Hasler, a mile west of the village ; he began as one of the pioneer physicians of Wiscon-
sin, was provided with all needed instruments, though his drugs, etc., came from Milwaukee ; Dr. Wright,
of Waukesha, and himself, were then the only physicians in Waukesha County. The Doctor married, in
Milwaukee, Wis., in 1844, Miss Catherine Freeman, a native of London, England, by whom he has had
eight children — Jamfts, who died of yellow fever in the United States naval service ; Thomas, a resident
TOWN OF GENESEE. 931
of Genesee ; Annie and Lillias, teachers in Milwaukee ; Catherine, with her parents ; John, a graduate
of Beloit College and a teacher ; Alfred, now in Beloit College ; and Andrew (a student in Milwaukee).
Dr. Steel is a Spiritualist in religious belief, and liberal in politics ; served one year, and has since refused
all office ; suffice it to say that he has, during his thirty-seven years' residence here, had all the practice
he haB desired, and, though not seeking it, still continues to minister to the afflictions of his fellow-men.
DAVID STEWART, farmer. Sees. 11 and 14; P. 0. Genesee depot; born in 1817, in the
parish Desert Martin, County Derry, Ireland; has been a lifelong farmer. Married in Ireland, Miss
Martha Sloan, born in 1819, daughter of a farmer in his parish; when he was 27 they emigrated to
America, landing at New York, and reaching Ottawa in June, 1843[; here he bought 120 acres of the
Government, living in a log house and making slow progress; selling out in 1845, he bought his farm of
160 acres of A. J. Cook, it being sold by William Smith; Mr. Stewart built a log house in November,
where his family passed a long, cold winter); as it was unplastered, the frost penetrated often ; this was a
timbered farm, Mr. S. doing good pioneer work with his ax, and selling hundreds of cords of wood to the
railway company, thus clearing and breaking 115 acres, and now cultivating it; the log house is now
replaced by a very large and well-built residence, and several substantial barns have been built, all helping
to show the results of a busy and useful life ; Mr. 8. has been unfortunate in one respect, having had his
ribs broken at different times, and a year ago his leg broken in three places, by the kick of a horse. Mr.
and Mrs. Stewart have eight children — Sarah (Mrs. Richard Cole), Eliza J. (Mrs. Walter Stewart), Mary
M. (Mrs. Thomas Fender), Thomas S., David J., Eva A. (Mrs. M. D. Salter), John and Mattie ; the
youngest, Benjamin R., died at six months. Mr. Stewart is a Republican and has been school district
Treasurer and Overseer of Highways a number of years; is in accord with the Presbyterian Church. Mr.
S. has a fine flock of 120 sheep, with other stock.
STEWART BROS., dealers in grain, lumber and stock ; Genesee depot ; sons of James and
Susan A. Stewart, and were born in New Brunswick, the family removing to a farm in Mukwonago, Wau-
kesha Co., in 1846; there were eight children, of which A. G. Stewart, the fourth, was born in 1841 ;
educated in the district schools of Mukwonago, and in Beloit College, after which he took a commercial
course in Buffalo, N. Y. ; he was also a Union soldier, volunteering in the 24th N. Y. cavalry, served three
years ; his regiment doing the usual scouting and guard service of cavalry in Virginia and North Carolina,
participating, however, in the desperate battles before Petersburg. He married, April 27, 1871, Miss Sarah
J. Rankin, of Genesee, by whom he has one son ; Areli R., is a Democrat, and is now Town Clerk, having
prior to this, been Supervisor; E. J. Stewart, born 1846, was next younger than his brother, and partner;
was educated at Beloit College, which school he attended four years ; is a Republican to the backbone.
About thirteen years ago the brothers joined hands in business, were in the grocery and provision business
for some time in Oshkosh, and one 'summer keeping a hotel (as a summer resort) in Frontenac, Minn. ;
in the spring of 1873 they bought the Genesee Elevator of W. H. Hardy, who had succeeded H. V.
Prattice ; they are dealing extensively here in grain, grass seeds, lumber and fat-stock, also feed of all kinds ;
their stock of lumber is large, varied and complete; their farm adjoining the village was bought of J.
Davis ; here they have built one of the most substantial and elegant residences to be found in the county ;
besides this, they are doing a good business at North Prairie, owning there the best elevator on this line
of railway, and also a lumber-yard ; from 1200,000 to $240,000 per annum is their regular business.
JOSEPH STUBBS, farmer. Sec. 29 ; P. 0. North Prairie ; born in Seagrave, Lahcastershire,
England, May 25,-1826 ; during his boyhood he served as apprentice to a druggist and grocer; came to
America when 19 years of age, and spent three years in Milwaukee. Here, in St. Paul's Church, by the
Rev. Benjamin Akerly, Deo. 17, 1846, he married Mi?s Mary Lilly, who was born March 26, 1826, in
Smarden, Kent Co., England; in April, 1848, they came to Genesee and settled on 80 acres of the pres-
ent farm ; beginning here in a log house, they had to work and plan well to support, clothe and educate
their large family, for they have been blessed with fourteen children — William G., born July 5, 1847,
died Feb. 18, 1848 ; Stanley D., born Dec. 4, 1848 ; Andrew T., born May 20, 1850 ; Orlando, born Feb.
7, 1852; Sidney, born Nov. 6, 1853; Orwin, bom Aug. 8, 1855; Orson, born Sept. 5, 1857 ; Vincent,
born March 13, 1859; Amelia, born Nov. 21, 1860; Matilda, born Nov. 3, 1862; Etta, born June 24,
1864; George, born Feb. 16, 1866 ; Ida, born Aug. 16, 1867 ; Mary, Dec. 2, 1869, died Dec. 26, 1869.
Honest industry and attention to business always wins, and as his reward Mr. Stubbs has about 400 acres
of excellent land, of which 60 are in Ottawa and 8 in Mukwonago ; about 300 acres, or the main farm, i.i
under cultivation ; about fourteen years ago Mr. S. bought the farm of Mr. Gary, and on this he has
built a substantial farm-house, barns, etc. ; not a bad showing for a man who began with $25 in Wiscon-
sin, and who loaned and lost even that. Mr. S. is a Democrat, and, with his wife, an Episcopalian.
932 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
TOWN OF PEWAUKEE.
CHARLES BARTLETT, farmer, Sec. 3; P. 0. Pewaukee; was born in Portland,' Me.,
Dec. 28, 1805; when he was 5 years of age his parents moved to Chester, N. H., thence to Greene Co.,
N. Y., when be was about 15; in early life he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade and followed it for
several years; he married in the city of New York, in 1831, to Abbie Smith, a native of Prospect, N. J.;
in 1845 they came West and settled where they now live; their children are: Smith, of this town, he
married Grace Mill; Adeliae, wife of Martin Weaver, Pewaukee; Abbie A., wife of George G. Young;
Henrietta, wife of Alfred G. Young; Vena, wife of George Wheeler; Frank, married Julia Horn, and
John. Mr. Bartlett owns 320 acres of land, most desirably located and well improved. There are few
men more thoughtful and practical than Mr. Bartlett ; he has surrounded himself and family with all
modern conveniences, and we find him enjoying that good, and in that prosperity and contentment which
those who have devoted a lifetime to industry and integrity have a right. to expect.
HEIVRY B. BIDWEIiL, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Canton, St. Law-
rence Co., N. Y., Jan. 29, 1832; came to Wisconsin with his parents Zebulon and Salome Bidwell, now
deceased, in 1836 ; June H, 1867, he married in Waukesha, Lomira M. Wright, a native of Conway, Mass.,
and daughter of John C. and Minerva Wright, who settled in the town of Mukwonago, this county, in
1848. They have four children— Emily R., Eliza C, Ida M. and Robert H. Mr. Bidwell owns 128 acres
of land, finely located, adjacent to the city of Waukesha. Mr. Bidwell has a vivid remembrance of pioneer
life in Waukesha Co., and has seen it changed from a savage wild to a center of civilization, net-lined with
fences, and checkered with the fairest fields of cultivation.
S. T. BOLLEIS, Pewaukee; was born in Oxford, Chenango Co., N. Y., Feb. 27, 1821; in
1844, he came to Wisconsin and located in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co.; in 1850, went to California, and
was in various places in that State until his return to Pewaukee, in 1851 ; he married in Chenango Co.,
N. Y., Miss M. Smith, a native of that county, a most estimable lady. Mr. BoUes possesses large real-
estate interest in Pewaukee, and has been ever active in promoting and encouraging, in every possible
manner, the progress and growth of the village interests and has done much toward placing it in its
present prosperous condition. He was elected the first President of the Village Council; was Chairman of
the Town Board of Pewaukee several terms, and Justice of the Peace a number of years; is, at present
writing, Notary Public, a position he has held for several terms. There is no local enterprise of any con-
sideration that Mr. Bolles is not ready to assist in, and everything he undertakes bears the unmistakable
impress of his energy and good judgment.
JAMES H. BRAIX, farmer. Sec. 15; P. 0. Pewaukee; was born in the town of Pewaukee,
Waukesha Co., Wis., Feb. 21, 1851 ; his parepts were Moses A. and Martha Brain, early settlers of
Pewaukee. Mr. Brain is a farmer by occupation, and is very successful; farm consists of 160 acres.
MOSES AAROIV BRAIX (deceased); was born in Gloucestershire, Eng., April 1, 1815-
In 1840, he married a Miss Martha Jeflferies; she was a native of the same shire; born Jan. 3, 1812. In
1844, Mr. Brain left his family, consisting of his wife and two children (Clement J., the eldest, was born
Sept. 23, 1841, and Francis E., born May 17, 1843), to make a home in America. He settled in the
town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., and was joined hy his family in September, 1847; in 1854, his
wiie died leaving two children besides those mentioned — Martha E., born June 4, 1848, and James H.,
born Feb. 22, 1850. In 1855, he married again. Miss P. Jefieries, a sister of his first wife; she was
born March 29, 1818; by this marriage there are two children^ Frederick G., born March 3, 1857, and
Leonard J., born July 6, 1859. Mr. Brain died Nov. 4, 1876. His oldest son, Clement J., during the
war of the rebellion, enlisted in Co. G, 28th W. V. I., and died in the service at St. Louis, July 27, 1863.
ROBERT BRAY, Pewaukee; is a native of Lincolnshire, Eng.; was born in the town of
Winterton, Jan. 10, 1853. In his native town he learned the mason's trade; Sept. 6, 1872, he married,
in Lincolnshire, Emily Kendall. They emigrated to this country in 1873 ; located in Pewaukee, Waukesha
Co., Wis., where they have since resided; they have three children. Mr. Bray takes contracts in brick
and stone work, and, being a thorough mechanic, he is steadily engaged. He was Village Marshal in 1879.
SAMUEL BREESE, an extensive farmer and stock-grower. Sec. 17; P. 0. Waukesha;
was born in Montgomeryshire, Wales, in 1835; in 1847, he accompanied his parents, Samuel and Elea-
nor Breese to this country; they settled in the town of Genesee, this county, where he married, in 1861,
TOWN OF PEWAUKEE. 933
Elizabeth Jones; they have eight children — Samuel, Mary E , Richard P , Lizzie A., Margaret H., William
J., Sarah J and Laura B Mr Breese owns nearly a section of land in this county, also owns land in
Howard Co , Iowa Mr. Breese is largely engaged in stock -growing, and owes his success in life to his
good management and active industry; his buildings are as fine and commodious as any in the county,
and his land is desirably located.
WILLiIATJI CH APMASf, farmer, Sec. 23 ; P. 0., Waukesha ; was born in Lincolnshire,
Eng., Jan. 1, 1822. In 1850 he crossed the Atlantic, came to Wisconsin and located in the town of
Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Sept. 1, 1853. He married Caroline M. Horn, daughter of Solomon and
Elizabeth Horn, natives of England, who settled in Wisconsin in 1837 ; she was born Dec. 28, 1832.
They have eight children : William S., George M., Susan C, Esther H., Charles N., Nettie M., Fidelia and
Wesley H. Mr. Chapman and wife have resided in Pewaukee since their marriage, with the exception of
about four years, when they lived in Shiawassee Co., Mich. They own 141) acres of land, and are mem-
bers of the M. E. Church. His farmis finely improved and well located, possessing many natural advantages.
A. M. CLARK, one of the first settlers of Pewaukee, was born in Essex Co., Vt., Feb. 7, 1817.
He came to Wisconsin in 1837, and located where the village of Pewaukee now stands, and has made it
his home since. In the early history of the village, he was largely interested — in company with his
father, Deacon Asa Clark — in real estate and milling, they owning the greater portion of the land that the
village was laid out on, and erecting the first saw and flouring mills ; he erected the first hotel, and
many more of the improvements made in the village in its infancy. Mr. Clark has been married twice ;
first, in 1847, to Fidelia Bradley ; she died, leaving two children, Charles B. (now traveling salesman for
Green, Button & Co., wholesale druggists, Milwaukee,) and Martha A. His present wife was Sarah Hard-
man ; they have two children, G. Frank and Jennie. Mr. Clark has never been ambitious for office,
but has been frequently selected by his fellow-citizens to fill positions of honor and trust. He is, at pres-
ent writing (1880), President of the Village Council, a position he is filling with general satisfaction to the
people. He has spent a good many years of his life as a farmer, and owns a valuable farm adjacent to the
village. He is active in promoting the material interests of the community and business enterprises of
Pewaukee, and has always manifested an active interest in the welfare of the village, which he has been
identified with from its earliest history to the present time.
CHRIST. CIjASEN, merchant, Duplainville ; was born in Schwerin, Mecklenburg, Germany)
Dec. 23, 1844; in 1867 he came to this country and lived in Sussex, Waukesha Co., Wis., nearly
two years, at the end of which time he engaged in farming in Granville, Milwaukee Co., until 1877,
in which year he engaged in general merchandising in Duplainville. He was married in Sussex, Wis., to
Miss Bertha Gust; they have two children, Henry and Annie. Mr. Clasen carries a full line of groceries,
dry goods, wooden-ware etc., and is doing a good business.
O. P. CLilBTTOBf, cheese manufacturer; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in the town of Pewauke^i
Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1840; his parents were Allen and Adeline Clinton, who came to Wisconsin
and settled in Pewaukee, in 1837. He was married in 186(1 in the town of Rushford, Winnebago Co.,
Wis., to Miss Anna E. Douglas, daughter of Barzillia Douglas, a pioneer settler of Wisconsin, and now a resi-
dent of this town (Pewaukee) ; she was born in Milwaukee County, Wis. ; they have two children, Mabel M.,
and Abby M. During the war of the rebellion Mr. Clinton enlisted as a private in Co. B., 1st W. V. C,
was promoted Lieutenant, served three years, and was honorably discharged. He is Treasurer of the
Wisconsin Dairyman's Association. In company with 0. Z. Olin, he is extensively engaged in the
manufacturing of cheese, running four factories, viz. : the Waukesha cheese factory, Waukesha ; the Zion,
located in Delafield ; the Bethesda, located in Genesee, and the Mukwonago cheese factory ; they manu-
facture about 130,000 pounds yearly. Mr. Clinton is a thorough and capable business man, and is very
successful.
FRANC P. COGSWELiIj, painter, Pewaukee ; was born in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha
Co., Wis., June 17, 1851 ; his father, David F. Cogswell, was a native of Bennington, Vt., came to
Wisconsin and settled in Waukesha County at an early day. He married, in the town of Lisbon, in 1850,
Mary J. Potter ; was interested in many business enterprises in this county for several years, and a portion
of the time was owner of and run the Pewaukee flour mills ; his wife died in Pewaukee ; he is now living
at Sheboygan Falls ; their children are Franc P., and Laura E., wife of Mr. Porier, Green Bay. Franc
P., the. oldest of the children, and the subject of this sketch, was educated at Detroit, Mich., and early in life
learned the painter's trade which he has followed for several years. He is an active and leading member
in the literary society of this village. He understands his business thoroughly, and consequently has a
prosperous and constantly increasing trade in tbe line of ornamental, house, sign, carriage painting, etc.
934 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
EMAXUEIi COOK, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Duplaioville ; is a native of Yorkshire, England,
born Sept. 30, 1827. In 1845 he crossed the ocean to make a home in the " New World." In October,
1850, he was married in Rome, N. Y., to Hannah Brown, she was also a native of Yorkshire, England ;
in 1851 they came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Pewaukee, which has been their home since.
They have one daughter, Mary Jane, now the wife of George Wilson, of this town. Mr. Cook owns 240
acres of land, and has been prosperous as an agriculturist ; his land is finely located, well improved and
possesses many natural advantages. His natural characteristic in life has been one of ceaseless activity
and industry, and he has made by honest eflForts a handsome property, which secures to him that
independence of plenty which he now enjoys.
JOSEPH COOK, farmer. Sec. 13; P. 0. Duplainville ; is a native of Yorkshire, England ;
was born Sept. 29, 1817. He married, in his native place, Elizabeth Barker; they came to this country in
1845 ; lived in Oneida Co., New York, until 1851, when they came to Wisconsin, settling in the .town of
Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where she died; she was born in Yorkshire, England ; was an earnest Christian
woman ;' his present wife was Jeannette Howitt, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland ; is a most estimable lady.
Mr. Cook owns 220 acres of land ; his home farm is finely improved ; his life has been marked by enter-
prise, energy and honest effort, and he has made himself what he is, a worthy type of independent man-
hood, and may be justly proud of his success in life.
JOSEPH COOPER, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Lincolnshire, England,
March 7, 18:^7. He married in Lincolnshire, Helen Roberts; they came to this country in 1852 ; first
settled in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they remained until 1855, when they moved
to where they now live ; their children are Elizabeth, Mary, George and Henry. Mr. Cooper, in company
with George Roberts, a brother-in-law, owns 202 acres of land ; they are leading farmers and have improve-
ments that compare favorably with any in the county.
JOHIV DALiE, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Duplainville ; was born in Blackamoor, Yorkshire, England,
April 25, 1816 ; he came to this country in 1845, and in 1847 married in Rome, Oneida Co., N. Y., Mary
Cook, also a native of Yorkshire, England; they came to Wisconsin in 1850, and have resided in the
town of Pewaukee most of the time since ; they have one daughter, Esther, wife of Sylvester Redford,
who has one child, Caroline M. Mr. Dale owns 90 acres of land, most advantageously located and well
improved ; he has been very active in life, but of late years has. to a great extent, retired from farming,
and is taking that ease and comfort that a well-spent and successful life deserves ; his son-in-law, Mr. Red-
ford, manages the farm.
CHARLES T. DEISSNER, proprietor of the Phoenix Flouring Mills, Sec. 26 ; Wauke-
sha ; was born in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., Sept. 8, 1855 ; his father was the Hon. C. T. Deiss-
ner, a native of Saxony, Germany, who married Louisa Bauermeister, and was the son of D. G. Deissner,
who settled in this town (Pewaukee) in 1840 ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1859.
Charles T., the subject of this sketch, and proprietor of the Phoenix Flouring Mills married Miss Nettie,
daughter of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth Rolf, pioneer settlers of Waukesha Co. ; afterward removed to
near Osage, Mitchell Co., Iowa, where she was born : they have one child, Charles W. Mr. Deissner is
an active and energetic citizen ; his mills are kept constantly running, and the flour has a wide reputa-
tion on account of its superior quality.
ISAAC EDWARDS, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 2; P. 0. Pewaukee; was born in Quebec,
Canada, in 1834; came to Wisconsin with his parents, Henry and Ellen Edwards, in 1855 ; they settled
in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where they still reside, old and respected citizens. He married
in Lisbon, Mary Ann Wilkins, daughter of James and Macy. Ann Wiikins, of that town ; their children
are Melinda, Cora, Julia, Ida, Irene and Nellie. In 1865 Mr. Edwards moved on his present farm ; he
owns 136 acres of land, is extensively engaged in stock-raising, and is one of Pewaukee's most active and
enterprising citizens ; his farm is well improved and located in a fine expanse of country, and possessing
almost every advantage for agricultural and stock-raising purposes.
ADAM J. ElililOTT, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in St. Lawrence Co., N.
Y., in 1844 ; came to this county in 1863 ; married in 1868 Mary Branch, widow of G. Branch, who died
in 1860 ; her father was J. Beechandley, a native of England, who came to Wisconsin in 1840 ; settled in
the town of Delafield, this county, in 1842, where he was a number of years a practicing veterinarian ;
by her marriage with Mr. Branch there are two children, Katie G. and Georgia M. Mr. Elliott farms 160
acres of land ; farm is pleasantly located and well improved.
S. A. EOX, farmer and stock-raiser. Sees. 35 and 36 ; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Oxfordshire,
England, on the 9th of February, 1840. In 1853, he came to this country with his parents, Samuel and
TOWS OF PEWAUKEE. 935
Jane Fox ; they settled in the town of Waukesha, Wis. S. A. Fox, the subject of this notice, married in
Waukesha, Miss A. B. Smart, a daughter of Richard Smart-; they have three children — Ida J., Lucy A.
and Albert W. Mr. Fox owns a finely located farm; takes considerable interest in the growing of fine
stock, in which he is engajjed to quite an extent. His farm is well improved.
EIjOW FULiliER, farmer, Sec. 33 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; the oldest settler now living in the town of
Pewaukee, is a native of Bennington County, Vt. ; was born Sept. 2, 1816 ; when he was 12 years of age his
parents, Hosea and Deborah Fuller, moved to Delaware Co., Ohio, and, after remaining there about two years,
removed to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where the subject of this sketch remained until 1835, when, in company
with his brother-in-law, Isaac B. Judson, he came to Wisconsin and entered land and erected a cabin in what is
now the Southern portion of the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co, they being the first settlers. Mr. Ful-
ler married in Pewaukee, Jan. 11, 1843, Ursula M. Sears, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and daughter of
Isaac Sears, who settled in Pewaukee in 1840 ; their children are Galusha E., born Dec. 18, 1843; he
married Martha Winnie, and resides in Pewaukee ; Monroe J., born June 8, 1845, died Nov. 4, 1846 ;
Eugene S., born April 8, 1850, died Deo. 9, 1876 ; he was a rising young man, energetic, and rapidly ad-
vancing in his profession, that of a physician. Mr. Puller owns 160 acres of land, located close to the
city of Waukesha, and finely improved ; he has been elected to various local offices, and has taken an active
interest in the progress and development of the town wherein he has lived so long, being, as heretofore
stated, one of ihe two who made the first settlement and entered the first land, as well as erecting the first
cabin. His parents, Hosea and Deborah Fuller, settled in Pewaukee in 1837, and are now the oldest
couple living in the town, both being over 90 years of age.
J. A. GrAUTHIER, farmer and house mover, Sec. 19; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Cleve-
land, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1837 ; in 1838 hi.s parents, Joseph A. and Margaret Gauthier, came to Wisconsin,
settling in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co. ; in 1860 he married in Pewaukee Emeline Kuney,
daughter of Jacob and Louisa Kuney, who were a good many years residents of this county, and are now
living in Earlville, 111. ; in 1866 Mr. Gauthier moved to Winnesheik Co., Iowa ; after remaining a short
time there, removed to Abilene, Dickinson Co., Kan. ; while there he was Deputy Sheriff' three years, and was
City Marshal an equal length of time ; in about 1875 he returned to this county, and has resided in the
town of Pewaukee since ; children are Emma, Hattie, Joseph, Mary, Nellie, Willie and Lillie. Mr. G. is
Assessor of the town of Pewaukee ; he owns 80 acres of land ; he has every facility for moving buildings.
JOHN WEIVTZ, farmer. Sec. 24 ; P. 0. Duplainville ; was born in Prussia Nov. 28, 1839 ; in
1847 he came to this country with his parents, Matthias and Mary Gentz, now deceased ; they settled in
the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., the same year of their arrival in this country ; he married in
this town (Pewaukee) Elizabeth Schmitz ; they have thirteen children. Mr. Gentz has served as a mem-
ber of the town Board of Supervisors several terms, and has been elected to othpr local offices ; he owns
112 acres of land, well improved ; he is an active, public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in every-
thing that tends to promote the prosperity of the town of Pewaukee and county in general.
HOX. B. F. GOSS, merchant, Pewaukee, was born in Lancaster, N. H., April 24, 1823 ;
at Lancaster he was educated and learned the printer's trade, and in 1841 came to Wisconsin; worked
at his trade in Milwaukee until the spring of the following year (1842), when he came to Pewaukee,
Waukesha Co., and entered land in Sec. 17, and engaged in farming; in 1855, he was a member of the
Wisconsin Assembly; at the expiration of his term of office he moved to Freeport, 111., and there in
connection with his brother, N. S. Goss, carried on a large grocery store for about one year ; he then
moved to Waverly, Iowa, and engaged in the real-estate business about two years, at the end of which
time he went to Neosha Falls. Kan., where he in company with his brother, N. S. Goss, and a brother-
in-law, T. L. Clark, and W. J. Brown, organized into a company, purchased several hundred acres of
land, laid out the town of Neosha Falls, built a dam, erected mills, and made other improvements ; he
remained in active business at Neosha Falls until October, 1861, when he raised a company of cavalry, and
was elected captain ; the company was mustered into the service at Iowa, Kan., into the 9th Kansas
Cavalry, as Co. F.; was mustered out of the service in January, 1865, Mr. Goss having served as its
captain, participating in every march, movement, etc., his command was in ; shortly after his return from
the army, he sold his interests in Neosha Falls, and in 1866 returned to Pewaukee and engaged in general
merchandising, and has a large trade. Jan. 21, 1851, he was married in Pewaukee to Abby B. Bradley,
a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y., born Oct. 6, 1832 ; one child living, Clara F., wife of B. F. Boorman of
Pewaukee. Though Mr. Goss has never been ambitious for office, he has been elected a member of the
Wisconsin Assembly, and other various local offices in the village of Pewaukee ; to every position he has
been called on to fill, he has brought abilities amply adequate to the performance of every duty devolving
936 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
upon him, and a sincerity of purpose which carried all of his undertakings to i successful issue ; he owns
several acres of land adjacent to the village and Pewaukee Lake, where he has almost every variety of
fruit that can be cultivated in Wisconsin, and spends much of his time in overseeing its management, and
beautifying its grounds ; he has a fine collection of bird's eggs, wherein the greater part of the birds
of the United States are represented, besides many from the northern parts of America and Europe ; he
is perfectly familiar with the history of each species of bird represented, and can give an accurate
description of its habits, nature, etc.
A. W. ORIS WOLD, a leading farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Duplainville; was born in Johnstown,
Montgomery Co., N. Y., April 15, 1809. In 1844 he came to Wisconsin, settled in the town of
Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., which has been his home since. He married in his native county, Eliza-
beth Cough, a most estimable woman ; they have three children — Milton S., an attorney, Waukesha; John
A. and Henry W. Mr. Griswold owns 150 acres of land ; he has filled various local offices, being a num-
ber of times elected to the office of Town Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, and School Su;;erintendent.
J. A. GKISWOIjD, farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Duplainville; was born in this town (Pewaukee),
July 1, 1845; his parents are A. W. and Elizabeth Griswold, pioneer settlers and still honored residents
of Pewaukee; he married Fannie Jeffery, daughter of William and Mary JefFery, early settlers of the
town of Lisbon, this county; they were married March 30, 1868 ; have three children — Alice E., Mary E.,
and Willard M. Mr. Griswold holds the office of Justice of the Peace; he is extensively engaged in
farming, and is a man of much energy and enterprise.
ARCHIBAIiD HARRIS, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Duplainville ; is a native of Perthshire,
Scotland; was born near the city of Perth in 1837;' in 1854, he came with his parents — Peter and Jean-
nette Harris — to this country, and settled in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they died.
He married in Pewaukee, Elizabeth Sargeant, a native of St. Catharines, Canada ; they have four children —
Robert A., Walter, John P., and Ellen. Mr. Harris owns 152 acres of land ; is engaged in farming and
stock-raising to quite an extent ; his farm is situated in one of the best portions of Waukesha County, and
possesses every advantage native to the county, and is well improved. Mr. Harris is public spirited, and
takes an interest in every enterprise that gives promise of being of benefit to the general public.
WIIililAM HASKINS, farmer. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Pewaukee; this gentleman, a pioneer settler
of the town of Pewaukee, is a native of Gloucestershire, England; was born near Bristol in 1812 ; he
married in his native country, Sarah S. Campbell ; they emigrated to this country, and settled in Pewau-
kee, when it was comparatively a wilderness, and endured the hardships and privations that the early
settlers of any new country must necessarily undergo ; their children are Sarah A., now the wife of Will-
iam BoUes, Pewaukee; Mary, wife of George Hodgson, also of Pewaukee; Martha, wife of Edward
Dougherty, of the town of Lisbon, this county; Emily S., wife of John Hodgson, Jr., Pewaukee; John
married Melissa A. Storms, lives in Andrew Co., Mo. ; Jane, wife of J. T. Weaver, Lisbon, this county ;
George W., married Julia A. Skepper, resides in Pewaukee ; Edwin, at home. Mr. Haskins owns 80 acres
of valuable land adjacent to the village of Pewaukee ; he justly ranks among the pioneer settlers of Wauk-
esha County ; when he cast his fortunes in Pewaukee he had scarcely anything ; but, entering land, he
set about improving with that untiring industry characteristic of him, and has made himself a home where
he is surrounded with comforts.
HI. R. HEWITT, physician and surgeon, Pewaukee ; was born in Conneaut, Ashtabula Co.
Ohio, Nov. 25, 1844; was educated in his native town, and commenced the study of medicine in the
office of Dr. E. D. Merriman, now president of the medical society of that county ; after spending some
time in the office of Dr. Merriman, he entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical Institute, City of New
York, where he graduated in the spring of 1869, and in June of the same year came to Wisconsin,
located in Pewaukee, where he has acquired a goodly reputation as a physician and surgeon, and for strict
honor and integrity ; socially he is highly esteemed ; is a member of the State Medical Society. Novem-
ber 25, 1873, Dr. Hewitt married Martha Currie, a native of Caledonia, Livingston Co. N. Y., and
daughter of Dr. Currie, and who in the early history of Pewaukee, was a practicing physician a number of
years. Dr. Hewitt and wife are members of the Congregational Church ; they have two children, Maud
and Grace.
STEPHEN HEXT, farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 30; P. 0. Waukesha ; is a native of Devon-
shire, England ; born in 1835 ; in 1843, he came with his parents, Richard and Elizabeth Hext, to this
country, they settled in the town of Delafield, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he married Martha Goodyear,
daughter of John Goodyear, now a resident of Pewaukee; they have five children — Susan, wife of Joseph
Seaborn, of Delafield ; Mattie, wife of A. Pope ; William, Mary and Nellie. Mr. Hext ownes 356 acres
(:^.^^J^..Jc:^
GENESEE.
TOWN or PEWAUKEE. 939
of land ; is engaged in farming knd stock-growing ; his farm is splendidly improved, and well located
He has been more than ordinarily successful in life, and has accumulated quite a property.
JOHX HODGSON, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Pewaukee, is a native of Yorkshire, England ; was
born Nov. 5, 1815. In 1836, he married in his native country, Anna Sellers; in 1858, they emi-
grated to this country, located in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since
resided. Their children are — George, who married Mary Haskins, they reside in this town (Pewaukee) ;
William, married EmmaRedford, they reside in St. Mary's, Kansas; John, married Emily Haskins; Thomas,
married Alvina Keeter ; Robert, not married, blacksmith, at St. Mary's, Kansas ; Albert, a teacher ; Mary,
Ella and Jane. Mr. Hodgson owns 122 acres of land ; is aa enterprising farmer and is quite extensively
engaged in stock-raising ; his farm is well improved, and fairly located. Jlr. Hodgson owes his success
in life to his own efforts, which have been marked by enterprise and energy ; he has made for himself a
competence, which renders him independent of engaging in the turmoil of active life during his declining
years.
HON. M. S. HODGSON, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Pewaukee, Waukesha
Co., Wis., May 3, 1843. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. K, 17th Mich. Inf ; served
with Gen. Grant, through the seige of Vicksburg, and with Gen. Burnside, through the seige of Knoxville ;
was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1875. January 25, 1879, he married Jessie North, daughter
of Prof. A. F. North, of Pewaukee. He is extensively engaged in farming, and is one of Pewa ukee's
most enterprising and energetic citizens, and has taken an active part in the advancement of her public
THOMAS HODGSON, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Yorkshire, England,
on the 24th of April, 1850; came to this country with his parents, John and Anna Hodgson, settled in
the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis.; he married on the 17th of December, 1872, in the town of
Lisbon, Alvina Keeter; she was the daughter of Jacob and Henrietta Keeter, of this county, and was born
Aug. 14, 1851 ; they have one child, James H., born Dec. 12, 1873. Mr. Hodgson owns 91 acres of
land most desirably located.
SOLOMON HORN, farmer, Pewaukee; this gentleman, a pioneer settler of Wisconsin, is a
native of County Kent, England; born March 7, 1829; in 1836 his parents emigrated to America, lived
in New York City until the spring of 1837, when they came to Wisconsin and settled in Milwaukee Co.,
where they remained until the following year, when they moved to this town (Pewaukee) ; in 1849, he went
to California, followed gold mining in Placerville and vicinity until 1852, when he returned to this county.
July 3, 1854, he married in Pewaukee, Hannah Edwards, daughter of Thomas and Hunnah Edwards,
natives of Wales, who settled in this county in 1842. thus becoming pioneer settlers; they have four
children — Solomon T., who married in this county Ella Ford, they now live in Atwood, Kan.; Julia,
wife of Frank Bartlett, of Pewaukee, Sylvia and Clara. Mr. Horn owns a finely improved farm adjacent
to the village of Pewaukee. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
CHARLES JAMES, farmer, Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Cardiganshire, Wales,
in 1820 ; came to this country in 1847, settled in the town of Ottawa, Waukesha Co., Wis.; has been twice
married; first wife was Esther Edwards; she died in Genesee, this county; present wife was Margaret
Williams ; by first marriage there were two children — Charles, who now lives in Delafield ; he married
Elizabeth Davis; John lives in Kansas; present wife was Margaret Williams, a native of Wales, and a
daughter of John and Mary Williams, early settlers of Waukesha Co.; they have eleven children — John,
who works at the carpenter and joiner's trade, Mary G. , George E., a druggist in Kansas, William, Henry,
Morgan, Alice, Margaret, Samuel D., Arthur and Irwin. Mr. James owns 95 acres of land; has been a
resident of the town of Pewaukee a number of years ; in early life he learned the stonemason's trade, and
worked at it the most of his active life.
JK. W. JENKINS, farmer ; P. 0. Waukesha ; is a native of Montgomeryshire, North Wales ;
born in the year 1820 ; he came to this country in 1842 ; lived in Utica, N. Y., until 1844, working at
shoemaking, a trade he had learned in his native country; in 1844 he came to Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
where he remained about one year, at the end of which time he removed to his present home. He mar-
ried, in Racine, Wisconsin, Jane James ; she was also a native of Wales ; was born in Cardiganshire ;
they have four children, William, John, Mary and Sarah. Mr. Jenkins owns a desirably located farm of
230 acres of land, located on the Waterville road, three miles distant from Waukesha; he is extensively
encraged in farming and stock-raising, and has been very successful in life. He has been elected to various
local offices ; is the present School Treasurer in his district, a position he has filled several terms; was Town
Assessor, and has also been elected to other local offices.
jj
940 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
J, AUGUST JESSE, farmer ; Sec. 15; P. 0. Waukesha^, was born ib Bramberg, Prussia,
Oct. 11, 1841 ; came to this country in 1865; lived in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., until the fol-
lowing year (1866), when he went to Virginia City, Nev., remaining until 1874, in which year he
returned to this town, Pewaukee. May 18, 1875, he married in Pewaukee; the maiden name of his wife
was Lizzie Heil. He is a member of the Town Board of Supervisors ; owns 150 acres of land, finely im-
proved ;' is an energetic and enterprising citizen, and active in public aflFairs.
WHjUIAM JONES, proprietor of meat market, Pewaukee ; was born in the town of Pewaukee,
Waukesha Co., Wis., April 17, 1847, therefore is a native to the manor born. His father, John L. Jones,
a native of England, emigrated to this country, and settled in Pewaukee in 1845, remaining until 1852,
when he returned to England, taking his family with him. In Wellington, England, the subject of this
sketch married Harriet M. Palin; in 1869, they came to this country, and he engaged in his present
business (that of keeping market) ; the same year they had four children — Walker C, Walter F., John F.
and William. Mr. Jones is at present writing a member of the Village Council ; he is an enterprising
business man, possessed of much energy, and, by his courteous manners and fair dealing, has secured a
large and constantly increasing trade.
JOHN KENDELili, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Sussex; was born in Dorsetshire, England, Jan.
26, 1834; he married, in his native country, Mary Ann Spurrier; she died in England, and he came to
this country in 1871 ; located in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., which has been his home
since. Feb. 6, 1875, he married his present wife, Mary A. Kendell, a native of J>orohester, Eng.,
widow of Nicholas Kendell, and the daughter of James W. and Mary A. Wilkins, who were esteemed
citizens of Lisbon, this county ; by Mr. Kendell's first marriage there were three children — Fannie J.,
now the wife of J. W. Wilkins, a leading farmer of Pewaukee; Henry W., George W. Mr. Kendell
owns a pleasantly located farm, and is a liberal and public-spirited citizen, always ready and willing to
take part in any enterprise that gives promise of general good.
S. W. KETCHUM, farmer, Sec. 14; P. 0. Duplainville ; was born Nov. 6, 1817, in Living-
ston Co., N. Y. ; he came to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., in
May of that year. He married, in Pewaukee, in 1849, Miss Philena Wickware ; she was born in Rens-
selaer Co., N. Y., and was the daughter of John and Alice Wickware, early settlers of Oswego, N. Y.
Mr. Ketchum has continually resided in the toWn of Pewaukee since May, 1845, and is one of the oldest
settlers living in the eastern portion of the town ; he owns a pleasantly located farm, well improved; his
father, Sylvester Ketchum, was a native of Chenango Co., N. Y. ; he married Lucy Woodward ; they
came to Wisconsin in an early day; he is buried in the town of Lisbon, this county; she is living in
Chautauqua Co., N. Y.
ANTHONIT LiABAIR, JR., boot and shoe dealer, Pewaukee: was born in Plattsburg,
Clinton Co., N. Y., where his early life was spent, with the exception of seven years which he lived in
Canada; in 1859, he came to Wisconsin and engaged in his present business. He has been twice mar-
ried— first, in Clinton Co., N. Y.. to Catherine Trombly; she 'died in Pewaukee; his present wife was
Catherine Walsh, daughter of Edward P. and Mary A. Walsh, pioneer settlers of Milwaukee; they have
one child — Edward A. Mr. Labair has been a member of the Village Council two years, and has held
the office of Town Treasurer, and taken an active part in the promotion of the public interests of
Pewaukee ; in polities, he is a Republican ; his father, Anthony Labair, is a native of Lacadia, Canada.
He married, in Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y., Rebecca Goike ; about a year after they were married,
they went to Canada, remaining there about seven years, at the end of which time, they returned to
Clinton Co., N. Y., moving thence to Wisconsin in 1855, locating in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where
they still reside, old and respected citizens.
WILLIAM LANGMIRE, farmer. Sec. 6 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Westmoreland,
Eng., May 8, 1803. June 20, 1841, he married in his native country Miss D. Knight, a native of
Lancastershire, Eng. ; born June 20, 1813 ; in 1844, they came to America, settled in the town of
Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since lived ; they own a nicely improved farm, located
in full view of Pewaukee Lake. Mr. Langmire and wife are old settlers of Pewaukee; they have wit-
nessed the trials incident to settling of a new country, and have, by perseverance and industry, made
themselves a comfortable home, where they are spending their remaining years with that comfort and
peace they are well entitled to ; they have been very successful in life.
M. LYONS, wagon and carriage maker, Pewaukee ; is a native of Genesee County, N. Y. ; was
born in the Town of Bethany, Sept. 17,1831 ; while he was young, his parents, John and Betsey Lyons,
TOWN OF PEWAUKEE. 941
I
moved to Batavia, N. Y., where he was educated ; in 1848, he came to Wisconsin and located in Wau-
watosa, Milwaukee Co., where he remained till Aug. 20, 1862, when he enlisted at Milwaukee in Co. E,
24th W. V. I. ; served until June, 1865, when he was honorably discharged; he was in a number
of battles, the principal ones being Resaca, Altoona, Atlanta, Franklin, Spring Hill and Nashville ; after
his discharge from the United States service, he returned to Wisconsin, and worked in Milwaukee at his
trade about one year ; then went to Wauwatosa, where he engaged in farming for several years ; then
came to the town of Brookfield, this county, where he married, Sept. 18, 1878, Mary Magill, a native of
the City of New York ; they have one child, Alice E.
FUAXK McBEAJf, Pewaukee; is a native of Livingston Co., N. Y.; was born in the town
of York, July 26, 1837; he was educated, and learned the painter's trade in his native town In 1857,
he came to Wisconsin and located in the county of Waukesha, where he married, in December, 1858, Char-
lotte Bull, a native of Derbyshire, Eng ; their children are Frank E., Alice, Mary E., Lucy and George.
During the war of the rebellion, Mr McBean served in 13th W. V. I ; enlisted at Janesville in Decem-
ber, 1861, veteraned in February, 1864, re-enlisted and served until August, 1865, when he was honorably
discharged; while in the service he was Sergeant; after his discharge from the service he lived in the
town of Merton, this county, until 1873, in which year he removed to Pewaukee, where he has since
resided. He is, at present writing. Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk.
JOHN MADDEIV, proprietor of " Rocky Point Farm," P 0. Pewaukee ; was born in County
Tipperary, Ireland, Oct. 26, 1825 ; crossed the Atlantic in 1 834, making his home in Burlington, Vt., until
1837, when he went to Canada, remaining until 1847, in which year he came to Milwaukee, Wis , where
he lived about four years, then came to this county, and married, at Menominee, June 16, 1851,
Mary Ryan (daughter of Patrick and Mary Ryan, pioneer settlers of Watertown, Wis); they lived in
Menominee until 1865, then moved to the town of Merton, thence to where they now reside in 1871;
their children are .seven — Annie, wife of Patrick Cudahay, Milwaukee; Thomas, George, Mary, John,
Daniel, Cornelius, deceased; Michael. Mr. Madden's farm consists of 112 acres, and is as desirably
located as any in the town of Pewaukee.
G^EORGE W. MANNERING, painter, Pewaukee; was born in Hamilton, N. Y, Oct.
5, 1840 ; while he was a child his parents moved to Clinton, Oneida Co , where he remained until the
breaking-out of the war of the rebellion ; he was the first man in that county to enlist in the cause ; he
served in Battery A, 1st N Y., about ten months, at the end of which time he was transferred to the
8th N. y. Light Artillery, in which he served until Sept. 12, 1864, when he was honorably discharged;
the records of his regiment show he was a gallant and brave soldier ; he came to Wisconsin in 1 873,
located in Pewaukee; engaged in painting, having learned that trade in the East, and, being an excellent
workman, he has a large and constantly increasing business He has been twice married ; his first wife was
Sarah J Corbett; she died in Pewaukee; his present wife was Ella Lockhart. There are two children by
the first marriage — Alice H. and Edward C. Mr. Mannering is a Republican in politics; is a member of
the Masonic fraternity.
A. O. MARSH AliLi, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; was born in Poultney, Rutland
Co , Vt., in 1826; in 1854, went to Cleveland, Ohio; came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1855; located
in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where he married, in 1863, Amaretta Clinton, daughter of
Allen and Adaline Clinton, who settled in this town (Pewaukee) in 1837 ; she was born in St. Lawrence
Co , N. Y. ; they have had four children, none of Whom are living Mr. Marshall has filled various local
offices. He owns 105 acres of land. His parents were Ichabod .and Mary Marshall, who came to Wis-
consin in 1855, settled in this town (Pewaukee), and were honored citizens. Mr. Marshall is a leading
farmer in the tow., of Pewaukee, and his home is surrounded with all the modern improvemeiits that
tend to promote comfort.
NATHAN F. MAYNARD, farmer, Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; was born in the town of
Fenner, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 29, 1815 ; he remained in Madison Co. until 1837, in which year he
came to Wisconsin and lived in Milwaukee until 1843, when he came to the town of Pewaukee, Wauke-
sha Co., Wis., where he has resided since. Mr. Maynard has been married three times ; his first wife was
Desdemona Raymond, a native of New York, born Jan. 15, 1821, died Jan. 29, 1850 ; his second wife,
Mary J. Sampson, was born in New York ; she died July 4, 1852 ; his present wife, Sally A. White, was
born April 15, 1833, in Jefierson Co., N. Y., and came to Wisconsin in 1845 ; children by first mar-
riage were William A., Franklin C. and M. Josephine ; the two sons were soldiers of the Union during
the war of the rebellion, William A. serving in Co. A, 28th W. V. I. three years, and Franklin C. in a
Wisconsin Battery ; both were honorably discharged at the close of the war ; the daughter, M. Josephine,
942 BIOUKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
is the wife of P. A. Canwright, who was a soldier in the 24th W. V. I. for four years; by Mr. May-
nard's present wife the children are Desdemona, Waldo D., Raymond K., Theda, Lilly B., Hazen W.,
Nathan F. B. and Sherman N. Mr. M. owns 114 acres of land; politically he acts with the Eepublioaa
party ; is a member of the M. E. Church.
GEORGIA mJISTZ, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Pewaukee; is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany;
was born April 6, 1830 ; in 1855 he came to this country and settled in the town of Pewaukee, Wauke-
sha Co., Wis., where he has since resided. Mr. Muntz has been married three times ; his first wife was
Caroline Sultenham ; second wife Gertrude Tich ; his present wife was Minnie Weidenhaft ; his children
are August, Katie, Bertha, Mena, Eddie, Huldah, George, Theodore, Oscar and Herman ; all of the chil-
dren live in Pewaukee except the two oldest, August and Katie, who are in California. Mr. Muntz owns
75 acres of land, well improved.
P. D. HUKREY, farmer. Sec. 35; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in County Longford, Ireland,
in the year 1798 ; he came to this country in 1822 ; lived ten years in the city of Buffalo, N. Y. ; at the
breaking-out of thf> Black Hawk war, he entered the employ of the Government ; in 1835, he came to
Milwaukee, Wis. Married, in Milwaukee County, in 1840, Miss Mary A. Malone ; they resided in Mil-
waukee County until 1854, when they came to this (Waukesha) county, and have made their home in
the town of Pewaukee the greater portion of the time since ; their children are James, now at Apple-
ton, Wis. ; he married in Waukesha, Sarah O'Connor ; William P. married Mary A. Hutchinson ; they
live in this town (Pewaukee), where he is extensively engaged in farming. Mr. Murrey is one of the
pioneer settlers of the Northwest, and has been identified with its growth, step by step. He is now
spending his declining years in that peace and prosperity which an upright life alone insures.
JOHlKi' PARKER, farmer, Sec. 18; P. 0. Pewaukee; was born in Lincolnshire, England,
Aug. 2, 1827. He married in his native country, Elizabeth Coy; they came to this country in 1850 ;
lived in Wisconsin one year ; then went to Lockport, Ills., where she died Jan. 27, 1852 ; after which he
returned to Wisconsin and lived in Waukesha until 1858, in which year he moved to Pewaukee. where
he has since resided ; his present wife was Elizabeth McCarty ; by his first marriage there were two chil-
dren, one of whom is living, William, proprietor of a restaurant in Pewaukee ; by his second marriage
there are seven children — Mary J., Ellen E., John, Charles, Katie and Frank. Mr. Parker owns 145
acres of land, finely improved.
ALEXANDER PARSONS, Pewaukee; was born in St. Edwards, Canada, Aug. 7, 1843 ;
in 1858 he came to Waukesha Co., Wis. ; lived in Pewaukee about one year, at the end of which he
went to Oconto, thence to Depere, Brown Co., where he enlisted in Co. F., 14th W. V. I., which was
mustered into the United States service in January, 1862, and departed from Camp Wood, Fond du Lac,
under command of Col. David E. Wood, for St. Louis, Mo., March 8, 1862, and served in the Western
division most of the time until mustered out of the service ; he participated in the battles of Shiloh, luka,
Corinth ; in the latter he was severely wonnded, unfitting him for active service ; he was also wounded at
Shiloh, and had taken part in several skirmishes; after being honorably discharged from the service of his
country he returned to Wisconsin and lived in Pewaukee about two years ; then went to Omaha, Neb., and
was in various places in the Western States and Territories until about 1870, in which year he returned
to Pewaukee, where he has since lived. He married, in Pewaukee, Miss Addie King ; they have six
children.
GEORGE P. PEFFER, Proprietor of the Pewaukee Fruit Farm and Nursery ; was born
in the Village of Hina, near Landau, New Bavaria, in 1821. In 1835, he emigrated with his parents,
George and Prances Peffer, to the City of New York ; thence to Erie County, Penn., where he learned
the carpenter's trade. In 1841, he came West, worked at his trade in Milwaukee a short time, then came
to Waukesha, this cbunty, where he worked until 1842, in which year he came to Pewaukee, which has
been his home since. Nov. 21, 1845, he married in Milwaukee, Amelia Bronnenkent; she was born in
Baden, Germany, Sept. 15, 1824. Their children were eleven, nine of whom are living, viz.: Justine,
Josephine, Catherine, George W., Joseph A., Amelia A., Clara E., Ellen M., and Charles P. The
deceased were George H. and Mary. Mr. Peffer's Fruit and Nursery Farm contains 162 acres, and is
one of the first fruit-growing and nursery farms in Waukesha County, and contains every variety of orna-
mental and fruit trees that will thrive in this portion of Wisconsin. He has done much for the improve-
ment of the Town of Pewaukee, and is one of her most enterprising citizens.
HENRY O. PUTNEY, farmer. Sec. 36; P.O.Waukesha; was born in this town (Pewaukee)
June 14, 1839. His parents were Aaron S. and Sarah A. Putney, now deceased, who settled where he
TOWN OF PEWAUKEE. 943
now lives, in about 1838, and were honored citizens of Waukesha County during their lives, he for several
years being in the mercantile business in Waukesha. Henry 0. Putney has been twice married, his first
wife was Marietta, daughter of George C. and Nancy Alexander ; she died in Pewaukee. His present
wife was Ella M., daughter of George A. and Mary Love, pioneer settlers of Genesee, this county, where
she was born. By first marriage there were five children — Hattie A., Nettie, Nellie, Henry 0. and George
Sydney. Mr. Putney owns 140 acres of land. He has resided in Waukesha County since his birth, with
the exception of four years, when he resided in Rock Co., Wis. He is a leading and enterprising
citizen, and takes a due interest in the progress of the county.
THOMAS QUINIiAlV, proprietor of general blacksmith shop, also manufacturer of light and
heavy carriages, wagons, etc., Pewaukee, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in the year 1838 ; he
learned the blacksmith trade in his native country. In 1860, he came to this country ; came to Waukesha
County, Wis.; the tame year, and has continued to be a resident of the county since. He married, in
Waukesha, Miss Annie Coleman, daughter of Michael Coleman, an early settler of that village. They
have four children — Charlie, Thomas, William and John. Mr. Quinlan was a member of the first village
board of trustees elected in Pewaukee, and is a member of the board at present writing. He has now
been engaged in general blacksmithing, carriage and wagon making, in Pewaukee, several years. He is a
master mechanic, thoroughly understanding his business, and thereby has built up a large and constantly
increasing trade.
E. RIFORD, farmer; P. 0., Pewaukee; was born in this town (Pewaukee), Feb. 28, 1843. His
parents were Seth and Phoebe Riford, who came to Wisconsin in 1837, settling in Pewaukee, where they
resided until their deaths, which occurred, his in 1875, and hers in 1876 He married, at Ooonomowoc,
this county, Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Henry and Maria J. Smith, who were pioneer settlers of Wau-
kesha County. She was born in Pewaukee. They have three children — Nellie, Hattie and MaryB. Mr.
Riford is engaged in farming, and is an active, go-ahead young man, very enterprising.
GEORGE ROBERTS, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Pewaukee, was born in Lincolnshire, Eng
land, June 3, 1825 ; came to this country in 1852 ; lived in Lisbon, this county, until 1855, then came
to Pewaukee, where he owns, in connection with Joseph Cooper, 202 acres of finely improved land.
JOHIV ROSS, Pewaukee, is a native of Scotland, was born June 30, 1841. In 1842, his par-
ents, Daniel and Catherine Ross, emigrated to this country ; lived in Akron, Ohio, until 1844, when they
came to Wisconsin, located in the town of Delafield, Waukesha Co., residing there until the following year,
when they moved to Pewaukee, where she died shortly afterward, and he in 1865. Their children are
John, Catherine, now wife of I. S. Redford, of Menomonee, this county, and Elizabeth, now deceased.
The oldest of these children, John Ross, has resided in this county since his parents' coming.
During the war of the rebellion, he served in Co. F, 5th W. V. I., enlisted at Waukesha, in 1861, mus-
tered into the service at Madison, served until May, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. A few
months prior to his being discharged, he was transferred from Co. P, 5th Reg., to Co. G, 52d Wis. Reg.,
and made Second Lieutenant, being discharged as such. He participated in many severe engagements,
the principal ones being — Yorktown, Williamsburg, front of Richmond, 7 days, Manassas, Crampton's
Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg (twice), Gettysburg, Hagerstown, Rappahannock Bridge and t'.ie battle of
the Wilderness, where he was severely wounded, on the 5th of May, 1864 ; he was also wounded at
Fredericksburg No. 2. In 1871, he went to California, and was in the employ of different railroad com-
panies in a survey party through California and some of the Territories, until September, 1876, when he
returned to this county, Oct. 10, 1876. He married, in Pewaukee, Miss Clara A., daughter of the Hon.
George Cairncross, of Lisbon, this county. They have two children — Floyd and Amy. Mr. Ross is the
present Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. He is extensively engaged in the manufacture of
lime, which business he has been engaged in several years; is an energetic business man, and an enterpris-
ing, public-spirited citizen.
JOSEPH SCHAFFER, farmer; Sec. 13; P. 0. Duplainville; was born near Stuttgart, the
capital of Wurtemburg, Germany, on the 28th of May, 1839. In 1847 he came with his parents, John
and Margaret Schaffer, to this county, and settled in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha County, Wis., thus
becoming early settlers. He was married in Pewaukee to Miss Minnie Busse, daughter of Samuel Busse ;
they have six children, Caroline, John, Willie, Emma, Sarah, and Samuel. Mr. Schaffer has been a
resident of the town of Pewaukee since 1847, with the exception of five or six years he spent in California.
He owns, 80 acres of land, finely improved ; his father died in 1876 ; his mother is still living.
THOMAS SHIEEDS, farmer ; Pewaukee ; is a native of County Tipperary, Ireland ; was bom
near the town of that name in 1826. He emigrated to this oountrv in 1850, and has been a resident of
944 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
Waukesha County, Wis., since that time, with the exception of about four yearst He was married in the
city of Waukesha to Mary A. Nash ; they have eight children living, John, Thomas, William, Joseph,
Mary A., Johanna, Ellen, Margaret, and Eliza. He has been a resident ofPewaukee over 25 years; has
been a member of the Village Council since its organization; owns 130 acres of land, over 70 of it being
within the village corporation ; his farm is nicely improved ; he is an active, go-ahead citizen, and one
who always has worked for the advancement of the public interests of Pewaukee.
AMOS SMITH (deceased), was a native of Oswego County, N. Y. He was married in Livings-
ton County to Mary Frazier, a native of that place ; they came to Waukesha County, Wis., in about
1846, and in 1849 he went to California, remaining there two years ; he afterward went to Pike's Peak.
On his return from the latter place, he engaged in manufacturing and was a most energetic and enterpris-
ing citizen, taking an active part in the progress and development of the interests of Waukesha County.
He was accidentally drowned in Pewaukee Lake ; his death was heard with sadness ; he was an open-
hearted, generous man ; he loved his friends and loved to show, in some natural way, his regard for them.
His wife is now living in Pewaukee, a most estimable woman. Their children are John and Luke, in
Oregon, Henry in St. Paul, Minn., and Mary J., wife of J. Fields.
C. P. SMITH, editor of Pewaukee Standard; was born in Armada, McComb Co., Mich., Aug.
2, 184"i. During the war of the rebellion he enlisted at Belle Plain, Minn., in Co. A, 4th W. V. 1. ;
served three years and eight months ; was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich. ; was in several engage-
ments, among them being Corinth, luka and Vicksburg. He married in 1865, Miss Annie Holland. As
an editor he stands among the first of the profession, and is held in high esteem as a citizen. He is a
man of studious habits, of positive convictions and great energy, and, for what he believes to be right, will
stand against the world.
ISAAC JB. SMITH, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Bradwell, Oxfordshire, Eng.,
Dec. 25, 1 822. In 1831, he came to this country in company with his father and two brothers, and lived in
the State of New York until 1840, in which year he came to Wisconsin, and entered the farm he now
resides on ; April 28, 1849, he married, in the town of Lisbon, this (Waukesha) County, Jeannette Small,
eldest daughter of John and Isabel Small, pioneer settlers of the town of Lisbon ; she was born in Perth-
shire, Scotland. They have eight children : Helen E., wife of Dr. J. W. Cancross, a leading physician
at Mukwonago,this county ; Albert W., teacher, at Wauwatosa, Milwaukee County ; George E., teacher, at
Merton, this county ; Belie and Kittle J., teachers, Wauwatosa ; Jennie M., Alsie and Nettie M., attend-
ing school. Mr. Smith takes an active interest in religious and educational matters, and has, for a num-
ber of years, been a leading member of the Baptist Church. He owns a finely located and well-irh proved
farm.
OEORCrE W. STEBIiE, carriage and wagon manufacturer, Pewaukee ; was born in Lennox,
Madison Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1837 ; came to Waukesha County in 1855 ; he has been twice married, first in
Lisbon, Kendall Co., 111., to Mary E. Wilcox, a native of that place; born July 24, 1840, and daughter of
H. G. Wilcox, Esq., a pioneer settler of Kendall Co., and now one of her most prominent citizens. They were
married in 1876. She died in Pewaukee, April 14, 1873; one child by this marriage — Albert, born in
Lisbon, 111. Dec. 5, 1877, Mr. Steele married his present wife, Ellen Curran ; she was born in Brook-
field, Waukesha Co., Wis., April 2, 1851, and was the daughter of Robert and Chloe Curran, pioneer
settlers of Brookfield, and now respected citizens of Waukesha, where they moved in 1876. Mr. Steele
and wife are members of the Congregational Church. They have one child — Edna, born in Pewaukee.
He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. ; has been engaged in carriage and wagon making in Pewaukee since
1864 ; does good work, and consequently has been successful in business. He is a liberal and enterpris-
ing citizen.
WIIiL/IS A. STEELE, Pewaukee ; was born in Simsburg, now Canton, Hartford Co., Ct.,
Jan. 9, 1799, where he remained until he was 8 years of age, then moved with his parents, Jesse and
Luceria Steele, to New Hartford, Litchfield Co., Ct., there remaining until 1822, when he went to Lenox,
Madison Co., N. Y., where he married, on the 11th of July, 1836, Sophia Botsford, a native of Vernon,
N. Y.; born June 4, 1807 ; she died in Lenox, May 27, 1845 ; one child, George W.,now of Pewaukee,
April 6, 1848. Mr. Steele married his second wife, Zeura McNeil ; they came to Wisconsin in 1855,
settling in Menomonee, Waukesha Co.; moved thence to Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co., where they lived
until 1864, when they came to Pewaukee, where she died March 31, 1879. One daughter living,
Clarissa, wife of E. Giflford, Hennepin Co., Minn. Mr. Steele was a Captain in a company of New York
State Militia several years. Has filled various local oflSces, and is a leading member of the Congregational
Church.
toavjST of pewaukee. 945
WIIiLIAM TAYL-OR, farmer, Sec. 6; P. 0., Pewaukee; was born in .Yorkshire,
England, Dec. 18, 1801. He married in England Barbara Cabstie; they emigrated to America in 1845,
settled where they now reside, thus becoming early settlers of Pewaukee. Their children are Emma, wife
of Wm. Taylor, New Lisbon, Juneau Co., Wis.; John, manager of farm ; Sarah, wife of William Steele,
Lisbon, this county ; Rachel G., George and Mary. Mr. Taylor owns 220 acres of land. His farm is
well improved, and well adapted to farming and stock-raising.
HOIV. WILiJLIAM H. THOMAS, District Attorney, Pewaukee; was born in Clinton
Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1821. In early life received a liberal education, came to Wisconsin in 1838,
and has resided in Waukesha Co. since. He was a member of the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature in
1846, and was a member of the State Assembly in 1849 and 1861; was elected District Attorney in
1879. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Thomas served as a Captain in the 3d W. V. C. He is
in the active practice of law ; is a well-read lawyer, and has but few superiors in the management of law
cases, and presents his cases to a jury with great energy and effectiveness.
RUSSELi WAITE, farmer,, Pewaukee; is a native of Solon, Cortland Co., N. Y. ; was born
May 4, 1818 ; when he was 18 years of age he went to Honesdale, Penn., where he learned the carpeii-'
ter's and joiner's trade ; continued it at that place until 1840, when he went to Ohio; worked at his trade
in various towns in that State, then went to Natchez, Miss., where he remained but a short time ; in 1842
he came to Wisconsin, located in Elk Grove, Lafayette County, where he married on the 4th of May, 1 848,
Elizabeth Small, a native of Perthshire, Scotland, born near the city of Perth Aug. 16, 1828, and immi-
grated with her parents, John and Isabel Small, to the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1841.
They have had seven children ; Ira W., married Josephine Jerenson in Dodge Co., Wis. ; they reside in
Eagle, this county ; John J., live.s in Exeter, Neb. ; Isabel E., dead ; Lizzie M.; Amy, deceased ; Lina,
William R. Mr. Waite went to California in 1851, remaining there until 1853; then returned to Wis-
consin, lived in the town of Lisbon, this county, until 1875, when he renaoved to the village of Pewaukee,
where he has since resided. He owns a pleasantly located farm on Sees. 5 and 8, town of Pewaukee ; is at
the present time Treasurer of Pewaukee, and is active in public affairs.
HON. WILIilAM HEXRY WASHRURN was bom in Canadaigua, N. Y., June
15, 1842 ; his parents removed the same year to Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he re-
ceived a liberal education. Feb. 1, 1871, he married in Appleton, Wis., Miss C. Heath, daughter of J.
N. Heath, a pioneer settler of Pewaukee, and now a resident of Appleton ; they have one son, Holland F.
During the war of the rebellion Mr. Washburn enlisted as a private in Co. G, 28th W. V. I. ; served in
the Western army about one year, and was discharged on account of sicknesd. He spent three years in
California (1864-66) ; was a Supervisor of the town of Pewaukee in 1868 ; one year in Europe (1874).
He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in 1879, a position he filled with credit to himself and honor
to the State.
REV. JAMES H. WATERMAX, Pewaukee ; was born in the town of Lee, Oneida Co.,
N. Y., where he attended the district schools for several years ; afterwards attended the High School at
Rome, N. Y.; completed his education at the Casenovia Institute, in Casenovia, Madison Co., N. Y.; in
1839, he engaged in manufacturing in Annsville, N. Y., and continued therein until 1842, when he came
to Wisconsin and located where he now lives ; after his coming to Wisconsin, he was ordained a minister
of the Congregational Church ; had pastoral charge of that church at Pewaukee about eight years, and
has been Secretary of the church for a period of over a quarter of a century. He married Miss Mary
M., daughter of Nathaniel and Permelia Goss, who were early settlers of Pewaukee ; she was born in
Greenland, N. H.; they have three children living — Martha S., wife of Charles G. Law, of Milwaukee ;
Charles W., of Neosho Falls, Kan., and Frank S., at home. Mr. Waterman has been elected to various
local offices ; he owns 108 acres of land in Sec. 5, finely located and well improved, and adjacent to the
village of Pewaukee, and lake of that name.
STEPHEN WEAVER, Pewaukee; was born in County Sussex, England, June 25, 1810 ;
in 1830, he emigrated to Oneida Co., N. Y.; moved thence to Kingsbury, Broome Co., N. Y., where he
married his first wife, Elizabeth Maxon, a native of Delaware Co., N. Y.; she died in Oneida Co., N. Y.,
in December, 1832 ; his second wife was Phoebe Maxon ; he married her in Delaware Co ; after their
marriage, they lived in Chenango Co., N. Y., until 1855, in which year they came to Wisconsin and loca-
ted in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., where they have resided the greater part of the time since ;
their children are four living, viz.: Martin, he married Adeline Bartlett ; Alson M., married Jane Smith ;
Mary S., wife of James Moyes ; James B., married Luoinda M. Pratt. Mr. Weaver learned the black-
smith trade in early life, and continued in it many years; he came to Wisconsin in 1837, but remained at
946 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
that time only a few months ; he owns valuable property in and around Pewaukee ; himself and wife are
leading members of the M. h]. Church ; his home is most pleasantly located.
JOSEPH WHITE, of the firm of Joseph White & Son, contractors and builders, also manu-
facturers of medicine cases, Pewaukee ; was born in the town of Perth, Canada ; his parents, Joseph and
Mary White, were natives of Edinburgh, Scotland ; moved to Lockport, N. Y., where Joseph remained
until he was ten years of age ; he then came to Milwaukee, Wis., where he lived about three years ; at the end
of that time he came to Waukesha Co., learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, in the city of Waukesha;
lived in the town of Lisbon (where he had married Eliza Greengo, daughter of Jesse and Mary Greengo,
pioneer settlers of that town) most of the time until 1862, when he went East, and enlisted in Lockport,
N. Y., in the 23d Independent N. Y. Battery, in which he served until the summer of 1865, when he
was honorably discharged ; after his discharge, he worked as pattern maker in a manufacturing shop in
Lockport, N. Y., until 1871, then went to Chicago, 111., where he lived until 1876, when he moved to
Pewaukee, and since that time has been engaged in building, etc., and has built up an extensive business.
Their children are — Jesse, who is in partnership with William in business ; Mary, Addie, Fannie, Lizzie,
. Kittie, Charlie, Hattie and Ernest. The firm Joseph White & Son is a leading one in their line in
Pewaukee.
JAMES WIIiDISH, retired farmer, Pewaukee ; was born in County Kent, England, Oct.
17, 1816. In 1842, he married in his native country, P]liza Potter ; she was born in County Kent,
England, in 1822 ; they immigrated to Oneida Co. N. Y., in the spring of 1843, and in the autumn of
the same year, came to Wisconsin, and settled in Sec. 1, town of Libson, Waukesha Co., where he entered
160 acres of land; they resided in Lisbon several years, then purchased a farm of 280 acres in the town
of Pewaukee, where he moved and lived on his farm until 1867 ; about which time he sold his lands and
moved to the village of Pewaukee, which has been his home the greater part of the time since. Their
children are — George, born in iforth Libson, April 27, 1844 ; being the first white child born in that
portion of Libson ; he is now attorney at law, and President of the Hamilton County Bank, Hamilton,
Neb. ; James, born in Libson, in 1846 ; now a farmer, in Andrew Co. Mo. ; Myron, born in 1857, now
attending school at the State University, Madisun. In 1867, Mr. Wildish engaged in the lumber business,
being the first to engage in that business in Pewaukee.
J. W. WIEKINS, an enterprising farmer and stock -raiser. Sec. 31 ; P. 0. Waukesha; was
born in Pittsburg, Penn., Aug. 2, 1848; he came to Wisconsin in 1871; lived in the city of
Waukesha, until about 1873, when he moved into the town of Pewaukee, where he married, in January,
1876, Fannie Kendall, a native of London, England; they have had two children, viz., Edmund R., and
Joseph W. ; the oldest of these children (Edmund R.,) is now deceased. Mr. W. is a member of the
Town Board of Supervisors ; he owns 160 acres of land; he is extensively engaged in farming and stock-
raising, and has on his farm every facility for being eminently successful in the business ; his farm is
pleasantly situated, and finely improved.
llARSHALIi WILSOX, Pewaukee; was born in Warren Co., Penn., in 1837 ; his parents,
Abram C. and Samantha Wilson, moved to Ashtabula Co., Ohio, when Marshall was in the 7th year
of his age; thence to Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1846, thus becoming early settlers; he was
elected to various lecal offices, and took an active part in public affairs until his death, in 1858 ; she is
still living in Pewaukee, at the advanced age of 74 years. In 1861, Marshall Wilson married, in Pewau-
kee, Isabella Currie, a native of Caledonia, N. Y.. and a daughter of Dr. Currie, a leading physician ;
they have two children, Nettie and Dora. In 1862, Mr. Wilson moved to Minnesota ; returned to Pewau-
kee in 1863, and entered the United States service in the Quartermaster's department, serving until the
autumn of 1865 ; he has been elected to various offices, and has discharged the duties of every position
he has filled with general satisfaction to the citizens ; himself and wife are members of the Congrega-
tional Church. Mr. W. has followed the carpenter and joiner's trade now for about twenty years ; he does
a large business in contracting and building.
REV. W. H. WINDOW, bom in Abergavenny, England, Jan. 7, 1814; his parents were
members of the fiist Wesleyan class formed. in that borough ; received a liberal education, read medicine
in that country and emigrated in 1832. In 1833 was married to Miss Eleanor L. Saunders; in 1834
entered the regular ministry of the M. E. Church, at the Mount Carmel Conference, and was
appointed to the Rushville Circuit, Illinois ; thence to Jacksonville, thence to Rushville, thence to Quincy,
thence to Macomb, where, during his pastorate, the leading physician. Dr. Thompson, dying, he was called
to minister to the sick on account of the great scarcity of physicians at that early day ; he furnished a
supply for his pulpit, and devoted his whole time to the practice of medicine, and at the ensuing annual
TOWN OF MERTON. 947
conference asked and received a location. Tn 1867 he removed to Wisconsin and supplied the Lowel
charge; was, in 1868, re-admitted into the annual conference and appointed to Randolf ; then to Fond du
Lac, then to Waupun, then to Allen's Grove, then to Watertown, and last to Shopiere, where, being
seized with hemorrhage of the lungs, he was compelled to retire from the regular ministry ; he was ordained
Deacon by the venerable Bishop Joshua Soule, and Elder by Bishop Thomas A. Morris; in 1839, in
company with the late Dr. George Peck, he dedicated the first M. E. Church in the village of Stephenson,
now the city of Rock Island. In 1838 he was called to mourn the loss of his wife, whose last words
were, "Come, Lord Jesus;" one of her children survives, Thomas J. Window, of Littleton, 111., now
doing a large business in stock. In 1839 he was married to Miss Rebecca G. Little, of Rushville, 111.,
by whom he has five children — Emma, now Mrs. Parrott, whose husband, Thomas P. Parrott, is largely
engaged in stock-raising; William H., in business in Rushville; Winnie R., now wife of Prof A. G.
Gibbs, of the same city ; Susan, now Mrs. Van Horn, of Allen's Grove, Wis., and Arthur J., who is car-
rying on a successful drug business in Pewaukee, Wis., where father and mother now reside, and all are
members of the M. E. Church.
A. J. WINDOW, of the firm of W. H. Window & Son, druggists, Pewaukee, was born
in Littleton, Schuyler Co., 111., Feb. 25, 1826; was educated at the Lawrence University,
Appleton, Wis., and graduated in chemistry in Knox College, Galesburg, 111. ; has been engaged
in the drug business in Pewaukee since 1876. His father, the Rev. W. H. Window, has been a minister
of the Methodist Episcopal Church for over half a century. They keep a full stock of pure drugs, per-
fumery and fancy goods, and in fact everything that comprises the stock of a first-class drug store ; they
are doing a lucrative business, and enjoys the great respect and esteem of a widening circle of friends and
patrons.
WRIGHT WOOD, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Lancashire, England, Aug.
12, 1816 ; came to this country in 1842 ; settled in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., where
he married, in 1847, Harriet Branch, a native of Surrey, England ; she was born in 1826, and was the
daughter of William and Philly Branch, both natives of Surrey, England, who settled in the town of
Pewaukee in 1844, and were known as respected citizens ; both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wright
are members of the M. E. Church ; their surviving children are Deborah A., wife of Eph. Beaumont ;
Sarah J., wife of John Williams; Thomas, William, George and Lizzie. Mr. Wright owns a finely
improved and valuable farm, finely located a short distance from the Village of Pewaukee, and overlooking
a lake of that name. His parents, James and Ann Wood, were natives of England ; she died in her
native country, and he came to this country in 1855, and lived in Pewaukee until his death in 1867. As
will be seen by the date of settlement above, Mr. Wood and wife are early settlers of Pewaukee, and have
kept pace with her industries and improvements.
TOWN OF MERTON.
HOIiT BARWES, farmer, Sec. 8 ; P. 0. North Lake ; was born in Lancashire, England,
Jan. 23, 1827 ; in 1848, he came to the United States and settled in the town of Merton, Waukesha
Co., Wis., where he has since resided ; he married in Ooonomowoc, Helen Taylor, a native of Ashippun,
Dodge Co., Wis., and daughter of Joseph and Alice Taylor, early settlers of Wisconsin ; they have three
children — James, Lizzie and Martha. Mr. Barnes owns a finely located farm of 120 acres of land ; he
has been at various times chosen to fill the offices of Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, Assessor
and Justice of the Peace ; his parents were James Barnes and Lizzie Holt ; they were married in their
native country (England), and became citizens of the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., in its infancy, of
which they were honored citizens during their lives ; she died in 1859 ; he died in 1867.
THOMAS BARNES, farmer. Sec. 8 ; P. 0. North Lake ; was born in Lancashire, Eng.
Sept. 13, 1820; he married in his native place, Mary Graham ; they came to this country in 1849
settling in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., which has been their home since ; they have one
daughter, Elizabeth, now wife of Edward Spencer of this town ; he was in active service in a Volunteer
Wisconsin Regiment during the war of the rebeUion. Mr. Barnes owns a finely improved farm, pleas-
antly located a short distance from North Lake ; himself and wife are members of the Episcopal Church;
in politics, he is a Republican.
'S-l
9i8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
EPH. BKArMOlVT, farmer, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Hartland ; was born in Yorkshire, England,
Feb. 19, 1834 ; received a liberal education in his native country, and in 1851, came to the United
States, locating in Waukesha Co., Wis., where he made his home until 1854, when he went to California ;
engaged in mining there until 1862, in which year he returned to Waukesha County and purchased his
present home, Jan. 1, 1863, he married in Pewaukee, Wis., Deborah A. Wood ; she was born in
Pewaukee, and is the daughter of Wright Wood, an old settler and esteemed citizen of that town ; they
have seven children — Saxie F., Richard H., Hattie C, Charles E., William M., Bessie and Edith. Mr.
Beaumont has been chosen to fill various offices ; was Chairman of the Merton Town Board of Super-
visors in 1868-69, and County Treasurer during the years 1871-74 ; was Sheriff in 1875-76 ; in
every position he has filled he has discharged the duties thereof to the entire satisfaction of the people in
general; in 1877, he erected his magnificent brick residence, which is one of the finest in the town,
desirably located on the bank of Bark River, half-mile from Beaver Lake, and a short drive from
Hartland, surrounded by his pleasantly laid out and improved farm of over 170 acres of land.
W. H. BOLSON, an enterprising citizen of Stone Bank, was born in Cayuga Co., N. Y, in
1840 ; he learned the trade of engineer in Brutus, N. Y.; in 1858, he came to Wisconsin, located in Ocono-
mowoc, where he married in 1860, Miss Aurelia Hatch, daughter of D. G. Hatch, of that town ; she was
born in Oswego, N. Y.; they have five children — Maria, William, Martha, Clara, and John. During the
war of the rebellion, Mr. Bolson enlisted in Co. B., 16th W. V. f. ; served three years, and participated
in every battle, siege, and skirmish his command was in during that time ; the principal engagements were
Shiloh, Corinth, Atlanta, and a series of battles around that place; be was honorably discharged at Madi-
son, Wis.; he came to Stone Bank in 1877, since which y ear he has had the contract of carrying the United
States mail to Hartland, Stone Bank, North Lake, Monches and Merton ; he also has a steam thrashing
machine, and during the thrashing season is busily engaged in that business. Mr. Bolson is a Republican
in politics, and is a consistent and active worker in that party.
WIIiljIAM BULilj, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. O. Merton ; was born near Hilton, Derbyshire, En-
gland, in 1833 ; in 1844, he came to this country, and has resided in Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., the
most of the time since. In early life he learned the blacksmith trade, and worked at it for several years
in various parts of the county. He married in Merton, Elizabeth McCormick, daughter of Francis McCor-
mick and Melvina McCormick nee Molster, who settled in this town (Merton) in 1837 ; they have six
children — William W., Lilly, Matilda, Seymour, Eunice and Mina. Mr. Bull owns a pleasantly located
farm, well improved.
JOSEPH BURG}, proprietor of Monches Flouring Mills ; is a native of Prussia ; was born in
October, 1817 ; in 1840, he came to this country, and located in Luzerne Co., Penn., where he married
Sophia Rousser; they resided in Pennsylvania, until 1855 ; then came to Wisconsin, settling in the town
of Polk, Washington Co., where they made their home until 1867, when they came to Monches, Wau-
ke ha Co. ; their children are Charles, John, Peter, Joseph, Mary, Katie and Lizzie; the oldest of the
absove sons, John, is in Minnesota; Mary„ the oldest daughter, is the wife of William Roth, of Milwaukee.
In 1869, Mr. Burg purchased the Monches Flouring Mills ; he does a large custom and merchant busi-
ness, and to him, the village of Monches owes chiefly her present business prosperity. The flour made
has a goodly reputation for its superior quality. Prior to his coming to this country, Mr. Burg served
over three years in the Prussian army. Since his coming to Wisconsin he has been elected to many local
offices, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he has to do.
R. W. CROUCH, farmer, Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Hartland ; was born in Brattleboro, Windham Co.,
Vt., Oct. 3, 1822, where he remained until 1848, when he came to Watertown, Wis., and there married
in 1856, Lucy E. McMillan, daughter of Alexander and Sarah McMillan, pioneer settlers of Watertown.
After their marriage they continued to reside in Watertown, until 1867, in which year they came to
Waukesha Co., and located where they now reside. Their oldest son is Edward M. ; their oldest daughter,
Eunice A., is the wife of Orrin Russell, Kansas ; second oldest son is Lewis H. ; third oldest is Edward M. ;
youngest daughter is Bertha L. Mr. Crouch owns 175 acres of land, located on Beaver Lake, one mile
from Hartland, and nicely improved.
SAMUEIi DARRAH, Stone Bank, was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 26, 1837 ; when
he was about 16 years of age he entered a hardware store at Schenectady, N. Y., where he remained until
1857, when he came to Wisconsin, and engaged in general merchandizing at Muskego, until 1861, then
came to Stone Bank, and was in the mercantile business there until 1865 ; afterward engaged in the same
business at Rio, until 1873. He married in 1863, Margaret Ferguson, daughter of James Ferguson, Sr.,
an old and esteemed citizen of that place ; they have four children. Mr. Darrah is the proprietor of Stone
TOWX OF ^.lERTOS'. 949
Bank Flouring Mills, and has foi a number of years been associated with the various business and other
interests of the place. His residence is a fine edifice, and is pleasantly located in the village.
ED DRUMlIOBirD, merchant and Postmaster, Stone Bank; was born in Suffolk, Ipswich,
England, Aug. 1, 1844; when he was 4 years of age, his parents emigrated to this country and settled in
Yorkville, Racine Co., Wis., where he remained until 1862, when he came to Stone Bank, Waukesha Co.,
Wis. ; he shortly afterward engaged in the mercantile business in Ashippun, Dodge Co., which he con-
tinued in there with good success for about four years; in 1872, he commenced business in Stone Bank,
and by his strict attention and fair dealing has built up a large trade, and enjoys the confidence of all with
whom he is acquainted ; he keeps a full line of general merchandise, and his stock is second to none in the
county. He was appointed Postmaster in 1872, Notary Public in 1875; both positions he still fills;
was Town Treasurer twice, Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors two terms, being the Chairman of
that body at present writing. April 19, 1870, he married, at Stone Bank, Miss Susan Miles, of that
place ; they have three children, Leah A. M., Alice and Archie E.
ELil EASTMAN, Postmaster, Merton; was born at Hawkesbury, on the Ottawa River, Canada
in 1821 ; when he was 16 years of age, engaged to learn the shoemaking trade in Chneiecarte, and, in
1846, he came to Wisconsin and located on a farm in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis.; continued
farming until about 1851, in which year he moved to the village of Merton, engaged in shoemaking, a
business he has since continued in; he was appointed Postmaster in 1867, a position he still holds to the
general satisfaction of the people and all interested; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1865, and, with
the exception- of three years, has been the incumbent of that office since. Mr. Eastman married in
Canada in 1844, Electa Waite ; she was also a native of Hawkesbury; they have three children living;
Sarah, their oldest daughter, is the wife of J. Burk ; he is now Principal of the First Ward School at
Appleton, Wis. ; Louisa E., their second oldest daughter, is the wife of E. S Pearl, of Lisbon, this
county; Eunice M., their youngest daughter, is the wife of C. J. Medbury, salesman for the Fish Bros.
Manufacturing Company.
JOHm FERGUSOIV, JR., a leading citizen of Stone Bank, is a native of Perthshire, Scot-
land, was born in Lonfargan Sept. 4, 1825; in 1842, he came with his father, John Ferguson, Sr., who is
still an honored and esteemed citizen of Stone Bank, to this country, locating the same year in Stone
Bank, Waukesha Co., Wis. In August, 1850, he married, in Jeiferson, Wis., Miss Ann Reynolds, a
native of Medina, N. Y. ; they have three children, William, Zelman and Josephine. Mr. Ferguson has,
at various times, been chosen by. his fellow-citizens to fill official positions ; he was elected five consecutive
terms Chairman of the Merton Town Board of Supervisors, and was a member of the said Board for
more than eight years ; he was Town Assessor several terms, and has filled various school offices, and has,
at all times, taken a, deep and active interest in the advancement of every public enterprise that gave
promise of general good, and is deservedly very popular. He owns a valuable farm of 157 acres, very
desirably located and finely improved ; he has been engaged in the mercantile business in Stone Bank, and
has been identified with the growth and prosperity of many business enterprises in that village for nearly
forty years.
E. H. FLXLER, farmer, Merton; was born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1848; he came
to Wisconsin in 1865; located in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where he married, on the 4th of
February, 1869, Elizabeth Gavitt ; she was born in Merton (was the daughter of James and Sophrona
Gavitt, who came from Perry Village, N. Y., and settled in Merton in 1843) ; they have one child, Edna E.
Mr. Fuller is very energetic, and is lar^icly engaged in farming; he established the first cheese factory in
the village of Merton ; is a prominent member of the Masonic Society.
JOSEPH A. GILiIiETT, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Clarkson, Monroe
Co., N. Y., Sept. 25, 1837 ; while he was a boy, his parents. Nelson and Esther Gillett, removed to Wis-
consin, settling in the town of Vernon, Waukesha Co., thus becoming pioneer settlers. In 1861, the
subject of this notice, Joseph A. Gillett, married Adelia Hall, daughter of J. M. and Elizabeth Hall, old
and honored residents of Merton ; they have three children — Elmer E., Ella E. and John N. Mr.
Gillett owns 120 acres of land, well located and improved; his parents' children were Marietta (now
deceased), Phoebe (now living in New Lisbon, Wis.), Joseph A., Marcus D. (who was a soldier in the
37th W. V. I., was wounded at Petersburg and died from the elfects at Washington), Emma (deceased),
' Andrew J. (served in the 30th W. V. I. during the war, and nSw resides near Neceedah, Wis.), Imogene
(wife of A. Cook, New Lisbon, Wis., who served in an Illinois regiment during the war, and was severely
wounded), Francina (lives in New Lisbon) and Mary E. (wife of Albert Wood, of Barron Co., Wis.).
950 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
I. D. Ci^OODWIIV, farmer; P. 0. Hartland ; ' was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Nov. 23,
1820; in 1832, he removed with his parents to Springwater, Livingston Co., where he remained
until 1842, in which year he came to Wisconsin and located on a farm near Lake Five, in the town of
Lisbon, Waukesha Co. ; in 1858, he moved to the village of Merton, thence to Hartland in 1859, and, in
1866, moved to Dartford, Green Lake Co., from there to Beaver Dam, where he lived about four years,
afterward went to Appleton, and from there to Jones Co., Iowa, then returned to this county, located on
his farm^ adjoining the village of Hartland, where he has since resided. Mr. Goodwin has been three
times married ; his first wife was Mary A. Calkins, of Columbia Co., N. Y. ; she died in Lisbon ; they
had one child — Alvin, now deceased; his second wife was Matilda Palmer, a native of Green Co., N. Y.;
she also died in Lisbon ; the maiden name of his present wife was Freelove Wright; she was born in Pishkill,
N. Y. ; her first husband, D. Gale, was a pioneer settler of Pewaukee ; he died in Delafield ; their children
are Ellen E. (now wife of Hiram Smith, Port Henry, N. Y.), Mary E. (wife of E. C. Sage, of Juneau
Co., Wis.); children by present marriage are Harry W. and Henry B. ; the youngest, Henry B., is now
deceased. Mr. Goodwin owns a pleasantly located and well-improved farm adjoining the village of
Hartland.
HOIV. A. GUNTHEB, Hartland; residence, Pine Lake; was born in Leipsic, Germany,
Nov. 23, 1836 ; he received a liberal education in his native place ; in 1850, he came to this country ; he
was one of the first settlers of Lawrence, Kan., where he resided until the breaking-out of the war of the
Rebellion, when he raised a company; was commissioned Captain in 1861 ; afterward was promoted Major
of his regiment, the 2d Kan. V. C, served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. He
was a member of the Arkansas Legislature in 1868-69, and was United States Revenue Agent for five
years, his territory embracing five States. He married, in 1876, Mary T., daughter of J. J. Sands, of
Pine Lake, town of Merton ; they have one child — Gracie. Mr. Gunther's residence is beautifully located
on Pine Lake, a short distance northwest of Hartland ; he is a bottler of Falk's celebrated Milwaukee
export beer ; this beer is unequaled as a beverage, and has acquired the reputation of being the best
made.
J, II. HAlili, farmer and stock-raiser. Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Auburn, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., Deo. 3, 1815. He married, in Portage, Wyoming Co., N. Y., on the 25th of September, 1839,
Elizabeth Fuller, a native of Sinott, Cayuga Co., N. Y., born Dec. 2, 1817 ; after their marriage, they
moved to Illinois, thence to Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1842, where they have since resided; their
oldest daughter, Adelia, was born Jan. 4, 1844; she is the wife of Joseph Gillett, of this town; their
oldest son, Francis, was born in this town (Merton) May 13, 1846; was educated in his native town and
Milwaukee ; he resides at home and is extensively engaged in farming; the second oldest son, James, was
born June 30, 1848 ; he married Sarah Smith, of this town ; they live in Eden, Kan.; the third oldest
son, John F., was born June 23, 1850 ; married Martha Mead ; they reside in Eden, Kan. ; the second
oldest daughter, Emma, was born Sept. 29, 1852 ; married Alonzo Richardson ; the fourth oldest son,
Judson, was born Oct. 22, 1855; married Kittie Mount, and is teaching school at Hartland, Wis.; Eva
and Ella (twins) were born Dec. 17, 1857 ; Eva married Edward Mount, and they reside in Eden, Kan.;
Ella married William Baxter, of Oconomowoc ; they live in Winnebago City, Minn. ; one child (deceased) ,
Anna E., was born July 25, 1841, and died Oct. 15, 1842. Mr. Hall owns 260 acres of finely improved
land, well located; he has been chosen to fill various ofiices, and is prominent in public afl^airs.
PETJEK HOFFMAX, manufacturer of wagons, carriages, buggies, also general blacksmithing
and repairing, Merton ; was born near Paterson, N. J., July 25, 1841 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1842,
with his parents, George and Margaret Hofi'man ; they settled on Sec. 1, town of Merton, Waukesha Co.,
where the subject of this notice began to learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop; he completed
his trade in Milwaukee, and engaged in business on his own account in 1867. in the village of Merton,
where he has built up a large trade ; he has every facility for doing good work, and thoroughly understands
the business in which he is engaged. Mr. Hoffman married, in 1867, at Richfield, Wis., Mary Loew;
she was born in Milwaukee, Wi?., daughter of Henry Loew, a pioneer settler of that city, and an early
settler of Richfield ; they have had three children, one of whom is living — -Emma.
JACOB li. JACOBSOIV, farmer ; Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Stone Bank ; was born in Norway, Nov.
17, 1834. He married in his native country Thora M. Jacobson ; they came to this county in 1856, and
settled in the town of Merton. They have 5 children : Mary, Lewis, Matilda, Henry and Ida. Mr. *
Jacobson has been a member of the Town Board of Supervisors two terms, and has held other local oflBces.
He is a leading farmer ; owns 111 acres of land ; his farm is well improved.
TOWN OF MERTON. 951
JEFFERY li. JONES, proprietor of meat market; Marten; was born in the town of
Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1844. Is the son of John Jones, a native of England, who settled in
that town in about 1843, and a few years afterward returned to his native country, taking his family
with him. Jeffery, the subject of this notice, remained in England until 1865, when he returned to the
land of his birth. He married in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., Letitia Allen, daughter of A. T. Allen ;
they have two children, Inei B. and Roy A. Mr. Jones engaged in his present business in Merton, in
February, 1874 ; he is gentlemanly and obliging, and has a good custom.
JOHN KELiLiY, farmer ; Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Mapleton ; was born in County Longford, Ireland, in
the year of 1821. In 1827, his parents, John and Catherine Kelly, came to the United States and settled
in Saratoga, N. Y., remaining there until 1843 ; when they came to Wisconsin and located in the town of
Merton, Waukesha Co., then an almost unbroken wilderness. Mr. Kelly married in the town of Merton,
Miss Margaret Hayburn, a native of the State of Pennsylvania. They have seven children, John E.,
James E., Christopher, William H., Martha J., Margaret E. and George P.; the second oldest, James
E., is telegraph operator at Brookfield Junction, this county : Christopher, the third oldest, married
Mary McLeary ; they reside in Milwaukee. Mr. Kelly owns 240 acres of land ; his farm is pleasantly
located. He has been elected to various local oflSces, and takes an active interest in everything that tends
to promote the general welfare of the town in which he has lived so long- His father died in 1872 ; his
mother in 1875 ; they were a highly esteemed couple, and were identified with the early history of
Merton, in progress toward its present prosperous condition.
BYRON H. KIL.BOURN, M. D., North Lake; was bom in Milwaukee, Wis., March
20, 1840 ; is the son of the late Hon. Byron Kilbourn, founder of Milwaukee, and he was prom-
inently identified with the history of Wisconsin. Byron H. received an academic education at the
Episcopal Academy, ^t Cheshire, Ct., and collei;iate course at Yale and Kenyon Colleges ; his medical
education he received at Rush Medical Institute, Chicago, and the St. Louis Medical College, graduating
at the latter. During the war of the rebellion he raised Co. D. of the 3d W. V. C.; was commis-
sioned 2d Lieut.; a position he filled with credit to himself and honor to his State. He married at North
Lake, Lizzie A. Shears, daughter of Col. Henry Shears, a prominent citizen of Waukesha Co ; they have
three children, Maude A., Henrietta M. and Mary B. " Hawkhurst," so named from the ancient family
homestead in Kent, England. The mansion of Dr. Kilbourn is beautifully situated about 100 rods from
North Lake, on an eminence sloping toward the south, in the midst of a grove of sugar maples. The
estate consists of fine arable, interspersed with timber-land, and is splendidly watered by the Oconomowoc
River, while a portion of its western boundary is watered by the waters of North Lake. Dr. Kilbourn
also owns a magnificent residence in Florida, located 25 miles south of Jacksonville, surrounded by orange
groves, and amid a landscape of surpassing beauty. Dr. Kilbourn is one of those enterprising and public-
spirited men, to whom much credit is due for the establishment of many beneficial interests, of which
Waukesha Co. to-day is justly proud.
JOHN F. KRAUSE, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Nashotah ; was born in Philadelphia, Penn.,
in 1853. He came to Wisconsin in 1873, and has been engaged in farming in the town of Merton since
that time ; his home is pleasantly located on the west shore of Pine Lake, and consists of 220 acres of
land. His father, Ernest Krause, married in Philadelphia Liseth Kohorst, a native of Hanover, Germany.
They came to Wisconsin in 1873, purchased a farm on Pine Lake, where they reside in affluent circum-
stances.
C. A. LrEUTHSTROM, M. D., Inter-Lachen ; P. 0. Hartland. Inter-Laehen, the won-
drously beautiful home of Dr. Leuthstrom, is located on Pine Lake, a short drive northwest of Hartland
Station. His mansion occupies a magnificent site on the west of his grounds, and on the east of the lake.
Dr. Leuthstrom was born in Norrkoping, Sweden, Nov. 21), 1818, where he remained until he was 21
years of age ; he then came to this country and was engaged in the mercantile business at Cincinnati,
Ohio, and Louisville, Ky. In 1841 he entered the Louisville Medical University, graduating therefrom
among the first in his class. He afterward attended and graduated from the Eclectic Medical School at
Cincinnati, Ohio, and was presented about the same time with an honorory diploma from the Cleveland
Homeopathic Medical College. He first practiced medicine in Bowling Green, and Franklin, Ky. In
1848 he moved to Columbus, Ohio, and there practiced his profession until 1854, when he located in
Waukesha, Wis., where he continued until 1861, when he went to Milwaukee, and there had the most
extensive and successful practice for seventeen years, of any physician in that city. He moved to his
present home, "Inter-Lachen," in April, 1879. He makes a specialty of chronic diseases, and is attend-
ing patients in various parts of the United States. He has at present writing been a member of the
952 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES :
Wisconsin Medical Society over 15 years. Dr. Leuthstrom has been twice married, his first wife was Eliza
Folger ; she died in Milwaukee. His present wife was Mary C. Gifford.
JOHIV McRAE, merchant ; North Lake ; has been engaged in the mercantile business in Wis-
consin for nearly 34 years. He was born in Inverness-shire, capitol qf the Highlands, Scotland, in 1826.
At the age of eighteen he left his native country and crossed the Atlantic to Canada ; he lived in Mel-
bourne, clerked in a mercantile house, and had general charge of store until 1846, in which year he came
to Wisconsin, and located in Hustisford, Dodge Co.. Wis., where he established a general store in 1848,
being the second store erected in that town. In 1849 he was appointed Postmaster, and filled that
position to the entire satisfaction of the citizens, for a number of years. In connection with the mercantile
business in Hustisford, he established an ashery at Hustisford, and one at Mayville, and was extensively
engaged in the manufacturing of pearlites and potash for several years ; in 1858 he sold out his
mercantile business, and in 1861 the ashery. In 1876 he moved to North Lake, Waukesha Co., where
he has been engaged in keeping general store ; he carries a full line of goods, and, by fair dealing and
attention to business, has secured a large and increasing trade. He was married in Hustisford, Dodge Co.,
to Rachel M. Spear, a native of New Portland, Maine, and daughter of James and Rachel Spear, who
settled near Hustisford in 1847 ; they afterward moved to Waushara County, Wis., where they resided
during their life. Mrs. McRae's sister, Miss Mary E. Spear, makes her home with Mr. McRae, and wife.
DAVID MASON, farmer. Sec. 18; P. 0. Stone Bank; is a native of Lancashire, England,
and was born July 27, 1811. In 1841 he came to this country, and lived in Geneva, N. Y., until the
spring of 1842, when he came to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co. He
married in the same year (1842) at Nashotah, Elizabeth Holt. She was born in Lancashire, England,
Dec 12, 1813; they have two children, a son and daughter; their son, Richard, married Lizzie Bonner,
and resides in this town (Merton) ; the daughter, Alice, is the wifeof James Allerdic, of Marshall County,
Kan. Mr. Mason owns over 200 acres of land; he is one of the substantial men of the town of Merton ;
he has been elected to various local ofiices.
JACOB MASON, farmer. Sec. 8; P. O. North Lake ; was born in Lancashire, England, on the
26th of March, 1815 ; Aug. 2, 1841, he married in his native country Mary Wild, also a native of Lan-
cashire, born May 15, 1816 ; in 1841 they sought a home in this country ; they first settled in Seneca,
Ontario Co., N. Y., where they remained until 1844, when they removed to Wisconsin and located in 'he
town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where they set about clearing the wilderness and making themselves a
home, in which undertaking they were eminently successful; she died April 10, 1880 ; her death was
deeply regretted by all ; she was an earnest, kind and Christian woman. They had six children-^John,
the oldest of the children living, now resides at Stone Bank, this county ; he was a soldier in the 28th
Wisconsin during the war of the rebellion ; was honorably discharged ; he married Helen Ferguson, of
Stone Bank. Robert, Joseph and Richard, the three youngest sons, are engaged in farming in this town
(Merton). The deceased children are William and Esther. Mr. Mason owns 200 acres of land, desirably
located in the vicinity of North Lake, and is one of Merton's well-to-do and energetic farmers.
JOHN MITCHEIili, farmer, Merton ; was born in. the Parish of Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland,
Nov. 19, 1823 ; received a good education in his native county, and in 1842, he crossed the Atlantic to
Livingston Co., N. Y., where he remained until 1849, in which year he came West ; settled in the town
of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., residing in that town and in Merton until 1853, when he removed to New
Lisbon, Juneau Co., Wis., purchased a farm and engaged in farming there until 1855, when he bought
his present home in the village of Merton, being a resident of that village since ; Oct. 2, 1849. he mar-
ried in Castile, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Miss C. A. Lovejoy, a native of White Creek, Washington Co., N. Y.,
born Jan. 7, 1825 ; they have two children, viz., Jennie, born in Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., Nov. 11,
1850, is now the wife of Henry Kuntz, proprietor of Poynette Upper Mills (flouring), Columbia Co., Wis.;
Willie, born in Merton, June 17, 1864. Mr. Mitchell has been more than ordinarily successful in life ;
he owns over 400 acres of land in various portions of Wisconsin, besides a great amount of other interests ;
he has filled the position of Notary Public since 1865, was Justice of the Peace ten years, and has been at
various times selected to fill other public offices.
J. C. MOLSTER, farmer, Sec. 23; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Lowland, Holland, Sept. 4, 1802 ;
in 1823 he came to this country, and on the 28th of September, 1828, married in Philadelphia, Penn.
Sarah Lewis, a native of West Chester, Penn., born Jan. 29, 1808; in 1831 they moved from Pennsyl-
vania to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Portsmouth in 1836, where they remained until 1840, in which year
they removed to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where she died Nov. 8,
1872 ; she was a member of the Congregational Church, a sincere, earnest and Christian woman, highly
TOWN OF MERTON. 953
esteemed by all whom she was acquainted with. Their oldest son, Cornelius, was born Aug. 23, 1829 ; he
married Juliette Lyman ; they reside ia Hartland, Wis. ; the second oldest son, Leuis, born May 1, 1831,
married Miss W. G-renwes ; they reside in this town ; Wilhelmina, born Feb. 3, 183-4, oldest daughter, is
the wife of Wesley Meyers ; they reside in Kansas; Sarah, second oldest daughter, born Feb. 10, 1836,
died Nov. 19, 1866 ; Josephine, third oldest daughter, born June 15, 1838; she is the wife of S. L.
Worth, of this town ; Martin H., third oldest son, born June 15, 1840 ; he married Martha Kea ; he has
filled various local offices in Merton and is prominent in local affairs ; Charlotte, fourth daughter, born Aug.
3, 1842, is the wife of Stephen A. Wakeman ; they reside in Michigan ; Martha Ann, fifth oldest
daughter, born Nov. 19, 1844, died August, 1850; Caroline, sixth oldest of the daughters, born Dec. 1,
1 847 ; she is the wife of Fitz James Thompson ; they live in Kansas ; Juliette, youngest daughter, born
April 8, 1849 ; at home. Mr. Molster owns 320 acres of land ; he erected his fine brick residence in
1857-58, which is one of the finest in the town ; he is a member of the Congregational Church, and has
always taken a deep interest in the religious and educational affairs.
JOHN E. PAIilN, dealer in stock, Merton; was born in Shropshire, England, in 1846 ; he
married in his native country Anna Candlin ; they came to the United States in 1870 ; the same year en-
gaged in keeping meat market in Pewaukee, Waukesha Co., Wis., for a short time, then removed to Mer-
ton, where he has been engaged in stock dealing the greater part of the time since. They have four
children — Nellie, Jeffrey, Edith and Willie. In politics Mr. Palin is a Republican.
THOMAS RE A, farmer, Sec. 22 ; P. 0. Hartland ; is a native of Scotland, and was born in For-
farshire on the 12th of March, 1819 ; Sept. 31, 1841, he married in his native place Jeannette Cooper ;sho
was also a native of Forfarshire, born in 1820. They came to this country in 1841 ; lived in the city of
New York until the autumn of 1843, when they came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Merton,
where they have since resided. They have seven children ; James, their eldest son, is engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Waseca Co., Minn. ; David, second oldest son, is engaged in farming in Minnesota ;
George, third son, is in Hartland, this county ; Abner, the fourth son, is also living in Hartland ; the fifth
son. Gideon, lives in Merton ; the sixth son, Thomas, is a painter in Milwaukee ; Orrin, the seventh, lives
in Merton. Mr. Rea's farm is pleasantly located and finely improved ; himself and wife are leading mem-
bers' of the Presbyterian Church ; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
HON. JOHN A. RICE, physician and surgeon, Merton; was born in Ticonderoga, Essex
Co., N. y., March 17, 1832. Dr. Rice studied medicine with Dr. Harris, of Fleming Co., Kentucky, and
in 1851 received his diploma, graduating at the Western Reserve Medical College, of Hudson, Ohio; the
same year he came to Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., and began the practice of his profession, a practice
that has made him fame and fortune, in which he is still interested, and which has grown to immense pro-
portions, so large, indeed, that he has taken a partner. Dr. B. H. Kilbourn, to assist him ; Dr. Rice's
professional reputation is second to that uf no physician in the State; in 1871 he was made a member of
the Wisconsin State Medical Society; in 1878 Dr. Rice joined the Industrial expedition to Mexico; while in
Mexico the Doctor personally was a guest of the state, and had many attentions paid him by President Diaz,
who conceived a warm friendship for the American Medico ; he was furnished a military guard, and permitted
to visit many places of historic interest, that he would not otherwise have been enabled to see, on account
of the dangers that surround the unprotected traveler in our sister Republic ; he was thus also enabled to
secure many specimens of scientific and archaeological interest, which he has at present in his home at Lake
Keesus; he was elected a honorary member of the Sociedad Mexicana de geograjia y Estadestica, said to
be the oldest scientific society in North America; as an archaeologist. Dr. Rice enjoys a national reputation ;
Dr. Rice has served three terms as representative of his county in the State Senate, and once received the
nomination for Lieutenant Governor, running far ahead of his ticket; Dr. Rice has a beautiful place on
Lake Keesus, near the village of Merton, where he enjoys his otiumcum, dignitate under his own vine and
fiig tree; he became a member of the Wisconsin State Historical Society in 1878; in 1852, he married in
Merton, Caroline Caswell; she died in 1864; they had four children, two of whom are living — Frank and
Miss Mary; Frank married Delia Schraudenbaok, daughter of Francis Schraudenbaok, of Merton vil-
lage.
WAIiDEN ROWEIili, farmer, Sec. 35; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Livingston Co., N.
Y., July 22, 1839; his parents came to Wisconsin and located in the town of Lisbon, near Lake Five,
when he was about 3 years of age, therefore his early life was spent amidst the scenes of pioneer life ; in
1845 they moved to the town of Merton and located near the village of Hartland, where the father, Mark
Rowell, still resides in affluent circumstances ; Walden married ia Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co., Miss Harriet,
daughter of Francis Arnold, an old settler of Waukesha Co. ; she was born in Brookfield, this county, in
95i BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
1849; they have two children, Fannie M. and Abbie M. Mr. Rowell owns a valuable farm in the vicinity
of Hartland.
GIDEOX RIJSSELIi, farmer, Sec. 25; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Geauga Co., Ohio; he
came to Wisconsin with his parents, William and Clarissa Russell, in 1844, and settled in the town of
Merton, Waukesha Co., where he married Barbara Rea; she was a most estimable woman; she died Oct.
29, 1876; their children are three — Orrin L., William and James. Mr. Russell owns a valuable farm of
320 acres, most desirably located, a short drive from Hartland ; his father, William Russell, was a native
of Massachusetts ; he married in Geauga Co., Ohio, Clarissa Howard ; they came to Wisconsin in an early
day, and were pioneer settlers of the town of Merton, Waukesha Co.; they afterward moved to the village
of Hartland, where they resided until their death ; their children are Gideon, whose name heads this sketch ;
Clarissa, now the wife of Thomas B. Ireland, of Oconomowoc; Sarah resides in Merton ; Hobert, who served
in a Minnesota regiment during the Rebellion, is now deceased; Ruble, wife of Esau Beaumont, of this
town. Mr. Russell is a member of the Merton Town Board at present writing, and has filled various other
local offices.
FRANCIS SCHRAUDENBACH, Merton, dealer in general merchandise; is a native of
Bavaria, Germany ; born in Aschaffenburg April 2, 1817 ; was liberally educated in his native country ;
came to this country in 1840. Married in Ft. Plain, N. Y., in 1842, Magdalene Franck ; immediately
after they were married they came to Wisconsin, located in the town of Merton, which has been their
home the greater part of. the time since ; they have seven children living — -Caroline, their oldest daughter, is ■
the wife of Fred Staps, a merchant at Hartland, Wis. ; Edward, their oldest son, is proprietor of the
Okauchee flouring mills ; he married Adeline King ; Ottillia, their second oldest daughter, is the wife
of Frank Rice, son of Hon. J. A. Rice, of Merton ; August, their second oldest son, is in the commission
business in Chicago, 111. ; he married Sada Mills, of Hartland ; Emma, third oldest daughter, is the wife
of Henry Lowe, dealer in agricultural implements and grain, Richfield, Wis. ; Albert, third oldest son, is
in the store with his father ; Walter, Ella and Nettie, the youngest children, are at home. Mr.
Schraudenbach has been actively engaged in the mercantile business in Waukesha Co. since 1842, and
by his strict business integrity has secured a large and constantly increasing trade ; he has a full stock of
dry goods, groceries, crockery, ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, undertaking, hardware, and every-
thing kept in a general store of the first grade.
GEORGE SCHWAtBACH, farmer, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Germantown,
Washington Co., Wis., July 14, 1850 ; his parents, John F. and Mary Schwalbach, were natives of Ger-
many, who came to this country and settled at Germantown, Wis., over forty years ago, and are still resi-
dents. He was married in Washington Co. in 1873 to Theresa Stasser, daughter of Cornelius and Mary
Stasser, of that county; after their marriage they moved to their present home in the town of Merton,
Waukesha Co. ; they have four children — -Cornelius, Rosa, Mary and Helena. Mr. Sohwalhach owns 120
acres of land, well located and improved.
RICHARD SEDGWICK, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Yorkshire, Eng-
land, in 1840 ; in about 1849 he came to this country with his father, Richard Sedgwick, his mother
having died in England; they settled in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he married, in
1870, Laura Weeks ; she was born in Lisbon in 1847, and was the daughter of William Weeks, a pioneer
settler and esteemed citizen of that town ; they have one child, Alice May. He owns a desirably located
farm a short distance from the village of Merton, and in the vicinity of Lake Keesus, a beautiful sheet
of water covering several acres and abounding with fish ; his father is now a resident of the village of
Pewaukee.
COIi. HENRY SHEARS, North Lake ; was born in Sheffield, Berkshire Co., Mass., Aug.
9, 1816; when he was 4 years old his parents removed to Rochester, N. Y., where he was educated. In
1841 he married, in Rochester, Mary Benson ; she was born near Lake Windermere, England, in 1817 ;
they came to Wisconsin in 1842, settling in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co. ; she died in 1875 ; was
a most estimable woman; Lizzie A., their oldest daughter, is the wife of Dr. B. H,. Kilbourn, of North
Lake; Margaret A., their second oldest, married C. G. Schushardt; Henry B., the oldest son, is
a member of the Bloomfield Milling Co., Bloomfield, N. J. ; Mary, third oldest daughter, is the wife of
Madison L. Hartridge, Jacksonville, Fla. ; Blanche, the youngest of the children, is home. Col. Shears
built the first flouring mill in the village of Merton in 1847 ; also built the first mill at North Lake in
1854 ; in Rochester, N. Y., he was Captain of the militia three years ; during the war of the rebellion he
raised a company for the 39th W. V. I. ; was made Captain of Co. B. ; was afterward commissioned
Lieutenant Colonel of the 48th W. V. I. for meritorious services ; then promoted Colonel ; was honorably
nx./^a^
GENESEE.
TOWN OF MERTON. 957
discharged in April, 1866. The Colonel was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1850; his home
is located on North Lake, a short ride from Hartland ; the lake is a magnificent sheet of water, abounding
in fish of various kinds, and surrounded by most enchanting scenery ; he entertains about twenty guests ;
his house and cottages are situated on the bank of the lake, in a most delightful spot, several springs
possessing medicinal properties.
ANDREW SHIEIiDIS, farmer, Sec. 12; P. 0. Merton ; is a native of County Roscommon,
Ireland; was born in the year 1821 ; he came to this country in 1836; settled near Hubbleville, Mass.,
where he remained but a short time before his moving to Hudson, N. Y., thence to Hinsdale, Mass.,
where he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods for about two years ; at the end of that time he
went to Chatham, N. Y., and engaged in the mercantile business until 1842 ; he then came to Wisconsin
and located in the town of Merton, on the farm he now resides on, which has been his home since. Mr.
Shields has been largely interested in the building of railroads in Wisconsin, and for a period of about twenty
years was a heavy contractor in the building of all the principal roads. He married in Albany, N. Y.,
Miss Margaret Lanahen ; they have seven children now living — Mary, John, Sabina, Martin, James and
Margaret; Sabina, of the above, is the wife of M. Gill, Chicago, 111. Mr. S. owns a well-improved farm,
consisting of 240 acres; when he settled in Merton, in 1842, there were but few settlers in the northern
part of the town ; it was merely an unbroken wilderness for miles either way, and he, in common with
ohter early settlers, had to sufier many inconveniences.
mCHAEIi SHEIIiDS, farmer, Monches, is the oldest settler now living in that village.
He was born in County Roscommon, Ireland ; came to America in 1836 ; first settled in Hudson, N. Y.,
where he remained two years, then went to Hinsdale, Mass., and engaged in shoemaking. He married
in 1839, in Pittsfield, Mass. Margaret Corbett. After their marriage they moved to the State of New
York, where they remained until 1842, in which year they came to Wisconsin, and located in Monches,
Waukesha Co., which has been their home since. Their oldest son, Martin, was born in Massachusetts.
During the war of the rebellion, he was a soldier, in active service, in the 12th Wis. Battery. He mar-
ried Mary A. Tuckwood ; they now reside in Chicago, 111. Mary, the oldest daughter, is the wife of
George Phelps, Janesville, Wis. He was a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the late war. An-
drew, the second oldest son, was the first white child born in Monches. During the war, he enlisted in
Chicago, 111., in the 69th 111. Regt., was honorably discharged, afterward entered the employ of the Gov-
ernment on the plains, receiving injuries which caused the amputation of a leg. Julia, the second oldest
daughter, is the wife of William Bates, Milwaukee. He enlisted in thel2th Wis. Battery, and did good
service during the war. James, the third son, lives in Hartland. Margaret, the third oldest daughter,
resides at home. Agnes, the fourth oldest daughter, is the wife of George Hart, Chicago. Michael P.
and John, the youngest, reside in Monches. Mr. Sheilds owns a valuable farm, on a portion of which is
located the village of Monches. He has filled various local offices, and is a much esteemed citizen.
WIIiLiIAM H. SMITH, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, also, general blaoksmithing,
North Lake, was born in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1854 ; his parents, Samuel and
Elizabeth Smith, were pioneer settlers. He married, in 1877, in the town of Merton, Eliza Hoffman, a
daughter of George and Margaret Hoffman, old settlers of Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis. They have one
child, Ida May. Mr. Smith is a thorough mechanic, does first-class work, and has a large trade.
HEIVRY SWAL.L.OW, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Yorkshire, England,
Nov. 10, 1827. In 1847, he came to the United States, located in Dover, Racine Co., Wis., there re-
maining about four years ; at the end of that time, he returned to his native country for a short time, then
returned to this country ; lived in Skaneateles, N. Y., a few months, then came to Pewaukee, Wis., where
he lived until the spring of 1854, when he, in company with Eph Beaumont and others, crossed the
plains to California. He remained in California until 1862, then returned to this (Waukesha) county,
and, on the 23d of October, of that year, married in Pine Grove, Portage Co., at the home of her parents,
Matthew and Fannie Beaumont, their oldest daughter, Zilpha. She was born in Yorkshire, England, and
was the widow of Clifton Merrill, who, during the war of the rebellion, enlisted in Co. E, 18th Wis., and
was killed at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. Swallow and wife
went to England, and, at the end of a few months, returned to this country and located where they now
reside. Their children are — Martin J., Bobbin H., Grace and Dorotha. By Mrs. Swallow's first mar-
riage, there is one child living — Frances E. Mr. Swallow owns 170 acres, of land, located one mile north
of Hartland, and within a few rods of Beaver Lake and Bark River. His farm is finely improved.
A. E. VAN DITCK, proprietor of general blacksmith shop, also manufacturer of wagons and
buggies, Stone Bank, was born in Catskill, Green Co., N. Y., Feb. 12, 1820. He learned the carriage-
938 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
making trade in Troy, N. Y., and worked at it in various towns and cities in that State until 1852, in
which year he came West and engaged in farming, in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis. In 1854
he removed to Hartland, and there engaged in wagon and carriage making four years ; at the end of that
time he came to Stone Bank and established his present business. He is thoroughly experienced in all
the details pertaining to the carrying on of his shop ; uses the best material ; therefore, he enjoys the rep-
utation of turning out work of a superior grade. Mr. Van Dyck married, in Columbia County,
Wis., Miss Esther Bonner, a native of Manchester, England, (her parents were early settlers of the town
of Lisbon, this county, where they resided a number of years). Their children are Edward, who mar-
ried Jennie Kennegie, of Freeport, 111., and Elizabeth, now the wife of Richard Mason, of this town.
JAIIES WALSH, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Merton; was born in Ridgeway, Orleans Co.,N. Y.,
Sept. 19, 1830. He married in Chili, Monroe Co., N. Y., Jeannette G-ray, a native of Montreal, Canada.
They came to Wisconsin in 1869, and purchased a farm in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., which has
been their home since. They have three children — Anna, Sarah and Ella. Mr. Walsh owns 160 acres of
land, most desirably located and well improved. He has filled various local offices, and is a man of much
public spirit and enterprise.
JOHHV WAIiSH, farmer. Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Medina Co., N. Y., July 15,
1834 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1856 ; settled in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., when he married,
in 1857, Julia Poler, a native of Orleans Co., N. Y., and daughter of Jeremiah Poler, a native of Saratoga
Co., N. Y., and an early settler of the town of Merton ; they have five children, George W., Frank J.,
Harry, John and Jeremiah ; the second oldest, Frank J., is attending school at the Wayland University,
Beaver Dam, Wis., and Harry, the third oldest, is clerk in a drug store at Hartland ; the remainder of the boys
are home. Mr. Walsh has been Town Clerk six years, and has filled various school offices ; he owns 80
acres of land ; in politics he is a Republican.
ADOLiPH WEIIi, merchant, Merton ; was born in Prague, Bohemia, in 1822 ; he received a
liberal education in his native country, and in 1846, came to the United States ; lived in the city of New
York until 1848, then came to Milwaukee, Wis., where he was engaged in business until 1852, in which
year he went to California, there remaining until 1855, when he returned, and married in April of that
year in New Yoik City, Rosa Meyer, a native of Bavaria, Germany; after their marriage they resided in
Milwaukee until 1860, then removed to the Village of Merton, Waukesha Co., where he has since been
engaged in the mercantile business ; they have four children, the oldest daughter, Jennie, is the wife of
James M. Pereles, attorney-at-law at Milwaukee ; the second oldest daughter, Nellie, is the wife of
Thomas J. Pereles, also attorney-at-law in Milwaukee ; the oldest son, James M., is an attorney at Milwau-
kee ; the second oldest and youngest of the children, David, is engaged with his father in the store, and
in partnership with him in dealing in wool ; he is an active and energetic business man ; Mr. Weil carries
a full line of dry goods, notions, ready-made clothing, boots and shoes, crockery, and in fact everything to
be found in a first-claes general store ; he has been engaged in the mercantile business the greater part of
the time since he has been in the United States.
EDWARD WHIPP, farmer. Sec. ; P. 0. Monches ; was born in Lancashire, England,
March 19, 1833 ; in 1842, his parents, John and Jane Whipp, emigrated to this country and settled in
Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., thus becoming pioneer settlers of that town ; here the early life of Edward
was passed, amidst the hardships that necessarily must be undergone in the early settlement of any new
country ; his father was identified with the early history of the progress and improvement of the town in
various ways, and was elected to many local offices ; was Postmaster at Monches at the time of his death
in 1850 ; his mother is still living, a most estimable woman ; Edward Whipp has been twice married ;
his first wife was Jennie Dooley, she died in 1866 ; they had one child, James, now an engineer in Chi-
cago, 111. ; his present wife was Margaret Whealen, daughter of Patrick Whealen, an early settler of Wash-
ioiiton Co., Wis. ; they have four children — Mary, Edward, Ann and William ; Mr. Whipp owns a finely
located and well-improved farm ; is an energetic and enterprising citizen ; he has the full confidence of the
county, and has been elected to fill various local positions.
S. Ij. worth, farmer, Sec. 13; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Catskill, Green Co., N. Y. on the
9th of April, 1830 ; in 1835, he came to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co.,
where he married Josephine Molster, daughter of John C. Molster, an old and honored citizen of that
town ; she was b' rn in Por'smouth Ohio, June 15, 1838 ; they have four children — William J., Martin
L., Sarah M. and Lewis ; Mr. Worth owns 170 acres of land, finely improved and most desirably located ;
he has filled the office of Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors, and Assessor ; is a public-spirited and
enterprising citizen.
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD. 959
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD.
EliVMf AITKEX, farmer, Sec. 31; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Quinoy, 111., Oct. 18,
1848. When he was about six months old, his father, John Aitken, now a resident of Waukesha, removed
his family to this county. He married Sarah J. Hadfield, daughter of Joseph Hadfield, of Waukesha.
They have two chidren, a boy and girl — Harry E. and Jessie. Mr. A. has 200 acres of land and is exten-
sively engaged in farming, and is possessed of much energy and enterprise.
LAUREN BARKER, farmer, See. 17 ; P. 0. Brookfield Center; was born in Oswego Co.,
N. Y., Feb. 5, 1837. In 1845, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, William S. and Abagail Bar-
ker ; settled in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in
Co. A, 2d W. V. I., and was an officer in active service in his company for over three years ; he was hon-
orably discharged in 1865. He married in Milwaukee, Isabella Scott ; she was born in the town of Pewau-
kee, Waukesha Co., Wis., and was the daughter of Thomas Scott, an early settler of that town ; they
have two children — Clara J. and Jennie L. Mr. Barker owns seventy acres of land. In politics he is a
Republican.
• R. H. BARKER, farmer. See. 30 ; P. 0. Waukesha; was born in Yorkshire, Eng., on the
28th of April 1851. While he was a child his parents, Robert and Elizabeth Barker, came to this coun-
try and settled in Pewaukee, where he died in 1876 ; she is still living. Nov. 7, 1871, R. H. Barker,
the subject of this sketch, married in Brookfield, Waukesha Co., Wis., Rebecca Dixon, daughter of John
and Matilda Dixon, early settlers and still esteemed citizens of that town. She was born in the town of
Brookfield ; they have one child — John R. Mr. Barker owns eighty-eight acres of land ; is proprietor of
a steam thrashing machine ; is obliging and competent, and during the autumn months does a large busi-
ness in thrashing grain, clover and timothy. He has filled various school offices, and is a Democrat in
politics.
FRANCIS BEIili, Sec. 1, P. O. Butler; was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in the year
1816 ; he came to this country in 1839, lived in Jersey City, N. J., one year, then went West to Rock-
land Co., N. Y., where he remained until his coming to Wisconsin, in 1841 ; he settled in the town of
Brookfield, Waukesha Co., which has been his home since. Ho has been married three times ; his pres-
ent wife was Kate Keels. His eldest son, James C, is in California ; Prank, his second eldest, was in
sixty-two engagements during the late war, and was a brave soldier ; he died in Brookfield ; Robert, the
third eldest, served in the 5th W. V. I. all through the war, and was honorably discharged at its close ; he
lives in Columbia Co., Wis. ; William, the fourth oldest of the sons, is a merchant in Nevada ; Samuel is also
in Nevada ; Jane, the eldest daughter, was the wife of Samuel Harrison ; he served in the j;4th Wis-
consin Regiment during the war, and was a good soldier ; he died in 1879 ; Martha E., the second eldest
daughter is the wife of E. Tobin, of Wauwatosa, Wis. ; the third eldest daughter, Elizabeth, is the wife
of William Dougherty ; he was a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the war of the rebellion ; the sixth
eldest son, Stewart, is in Columbia Co., Wis. ; Edward and George, the two youngest, are at home ; one
daughter, Mary A., is deceased. Mr. Bell owns a well-improved farm, pleasantly located.
MRS. A. M. BEVIER, farmer. Sec. — , P. 0. Butler ; is a native of Ontario Co., N. Y.,
where she was married to her first husband, Andrew W. Cleveland, of Naples, N. Y. They came to Wis-
consin in 1845, and settled in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co. During the war of the rebellion
he enlisted in the 24th W. V. I. He died in the service, a gallant soldier. Their eldest son, Ephraim,
was a soldier in a Wisconsin battery, during the war of the rebellion ; he married Mary DeCamp, of
Brookfield. The eldest daughter, Frances, is the wife of William Coleman, of Milwaukee ; Aldermorn,
the second eldest son, married Emma Depue ; Andrew, the third eldest son, married Frances Curran;
Myron H., fourth eldest son, married Ella Duchein ; Eva K. second eldest daughter, married Fred Cain ; "
Jennie, third eldest daughter, is the wife of John Bell; Olney, fifth eldest son, is unmarried. Mrs. Bevier owns
80 acres of finely improved land. By her marriage with Mr. Bevier, there is one daughter, Cornelia.
C. A. BLODGETT, farmer. Sec. 29; P. O. Waukesha; was born near Buffiilo, N. Y., Oct.
13 1827; he came to Wisconsin in 1843, and has resided in Brookfield since that time, with the excep-
tion of a few years he was engaged in the milling business, in W^auwautosa, Milwaukee Co.; he has been
elected to different offices ; was a member of the Board of Supervise rs of Brookfield several times ; Justice of
the Peace and other local offices; he owns 80 acres of land. Mr. Blodgett has been married three times;
960 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
his present wife was Caroline Fritz ; he takes an active interest in public matters, and is a liberal and
enterprising citizen.
W. R. BLODGETT, farmer, Sec. 20; P. 0. Brookfield Center; was born in Ontario Co., N.
Y., on the 4th of December, 1822; he came to Wisconsin in 1842, and settled in the town of Brookfield,
Waukesha Co., where he has since lived; he has been twice married; his first wife was Adeline Wads-
worth, of Yates Co., N. Y.; his present wife was Zelphia L. Wadsworth; they have one son, William W.;
he married Miss Mary Buckley; they reside in this town, Brookfield. Mr. Blodgett owns 160 acres of
land ; he has filled various ofiices ; was Clerk of the town of Brookfield for nearly twenty years, and a member
of the Board of Supervisors several terms.
C. V. BKOWNEIili, farmer. See. 8; P. 0. Brookfield Center; was born in Darien, Genesee
Co., N. Y., in 1816; he came to Wisconsin in 1837, lived in Milwaukee a short time, then went to Wau-
watosa, there remaining until 1846, when he moved to Brookfield, Waukesha Co., which has been his
home since; Oct. 9, 1842, he married in Brookfield, Adeline Phillips, a native of Erie Co., N. Y., born
in 1823 ; their surviving children are Emma, William, Cbauncey, Campbell, Edgar and Adeline ; the
oldest, Emma, is the wife of Alansen Pease, Andover, 111.; he was a soldier in the Union army in the war
of the Rebellion ; William, the secon'd oldest, served in Co. A, 35th W. V. I., three years and three
months ; was in active service ; he married Annie Robinson ; they live in Buffalo Co., Wis.; Chauncey
married Ellen Grogan; they reside iu this town (Brookfield); Adeline is the wife of Andrew Fortner ;
they live in Canada; Campbell and Edgar are at home. Mr. Brownell owns 120 acres of land; is a
Republican in politics.
MRS. MARY ANW CHAPIN, nee Davis, Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Brookfield Center; she married
in Bloomfield, N. Y., Ezra Chapin. He was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1818; they came to Wis-
consin, in 1842 ; settled in the town of Brookfield, where he died in 1871 ; he was an esteemed citizen,
a liberal and public-spirited man, and his death was deeply regretted ; during his life he filled various
ofiices of honor and trust, and was a highly respected citizen. Their children are Helen E., Alice D. and
Ethan D. ; the oldest, Helen B., is the wife of S. M. Darling, of Oakfield, Fond du Lac Co., Wis. ; the two
youngest, Alice D. and Ethan D., reside with their mother, Mrs. Chapin, on the farm. Mrs. C. owns 111
acres of land, and is highly esteemed by all who are acquainted with her.
HON. HENRY CIjASEIV, merchant, also Postmaster, Marcy; was born Feb. 8, 1829, in
Schwerin, Mecklenberg, Germany ; received a liberal educaticn in his native place ; he came to Wisconsin
in 1849, and settled in the town of Menomonee, Waukesha Co.; engaged in farming there until 1859,
when he came to Marcy, in the town of Brookfield, and there engaged in merchandising, which business he
has been successfully engaged in since ; he also owns a well-improved farm on Sec. 3. In 1874 he was a
member of the Wisconsin Assembly ; he also filled various town ofiices, and has been Postmaster at Marcy
since 1861. He married in the town of Menomonee, in 1850, Miss Mary Wise ; they had eight children,
three of whom are living, viz. : William J., Frederick and Charlie. Mr. C. does a large and lucrative business.
WILIilAM DeCAMP, farmer, Sec. 13 ; P. 0. Butler ; is a native of Cayuga Co., N. Y. ;
born March 14, 1825. February 22, 1845, he married, in Moravia, N. J., Elizabeth Ellis ; in 1846, they
removed to Seneca Co., Ohio, thence to Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1854, where they resided until 1857, in
which year they came to Brookfield, Waukesha Co., where she died, Oct. 8, 1856 ; his present wife,
Annette Whittlesy, he married in Union Springs, N. Y., on the 23d of May, 1869, she being a native of
that place. Mr. DeCamp's father, Ralph DeCamp, died August, 1879 ; he was in his 89th year ;
during his life he was one of the leading architects and builders of the State of New York ; he built the
two first State Prisons, one at Auburn, and the other at Sing Sing ; his wife was Mary Lee, a cousin of
Gen. Robert E. Lee. Mr. DeCamp, whose name heads this notice, owns 100 acres of finely located and
well improved land, he is a thorough farmer, and is very successful ; his children are, Hattie, wife of
George Dolph, of this town , Mary, wife of E. Cleveland, also of this town ; William P., in California ;
Lincoln, in Minnesota ; Annette and F. Orlando, at home. In politics he acts with the Republican party.
From 1864 until 1866, he lived near Des Moines, Iowa.
JOSEPH UECHANT,, farmer and manufacturer of cheese, Sec. — ; P. 0. Elm Grove ; was
born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 1st of September, 1810 ; he came to this country in 1846. Married in
August of the same year, Mary Penzar, a native of Bavaria, Germany. After their marriage, they located
in Ozaukee Co., Wis., where they remained until 1848, in which year they removed to their present
home. Their son, Joseph, was born in this town (Brookfield) February 2, 1850 ; July 3, 1879, he
married Jf-nnie R. Seitz ; they have one child, George Ellis ; their daughter, Katie, is the wife of George
Michael, New Berlin, Wis. ; Mr. DeChant, owns 195 acres of land.
TOWN OF BEOOKFIELD. 961
JOHX DIXON, farmer, Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Brookfield Center; was born in Lincolnshire, England,
July 31, 1815, April 20, 1842, he married in Auburn, Lincolnshire, Elizabeth Lumb, a native of that
place, born October 27, 1814. In 1844 they came to this country, settled in the town of Brookfield,
Waukesha Co., Wis., where they have since resided ; their children are John Gr., Rebecca A., William
H., Sarah B., Joseph J. ; the oldest of these children, John G-., married MatUda Gelden, and resides in
Gratiot, Wis. ; Rebecca A., the second oldest, is the wife of R. H. Barker, of this town (Brookfield) ;
William H., the third oldest, married Jennie Barker ; they also reside in this town ; Sarah E. M., the fourth
oldest, is the wife of Charles M. Taylor, of Pewaukee ; Joseph J., the fifth oldest, married Annie R.
Taylor, they reside in this town. Mr. Dixon owns 140 acres of land ; he has been elected to various
town offices ; was a member of the Brookfield Town Board of Supervisors, several terms.
MR^. MARY A. £BLE, nee Shaw, farming. Plank Road Junction ; P. 0. Waukesha ; was
born in Victory, Cayuga Co., N. Y., in 1819 ; she was the daughter of Samuel and Matilda Shaw, who
came to Illinois during the Black Hawk war, in 1832, and in 1833, settled near Naperville, 111., where he
died, in 1858 ; he was an upright citizen, and was a soldier during the war of 1812 ; his wife is still living
at Naperville. In 1834, Mary A., the subject of this notice, married in Naperville, Andrew Eble ; he
was born in Baden, Germany, in 1803, came to this country a young man ; immediately after their
marriage, they came to Wisconsin, settled in Milwaukee Co., thus becoming pioneer settlers of Wisconsin.
Mr. Eble was accidentally shot while on a deer hunt, in Washington Co., Wis.; at the election preceding
his death, he was elected a member of the Wisconsin Assembly ; was an esteemed citizen, and in the town
of Wauwatosa, where he had resided a number of years, he was chosen to fill various offices of honor
and trust. Their living children are Ira, who was a soldier in the war of the rebellion, was wounded
twice; Matilda J., wife of John Myers, he was also a soldier of the Union in the late war; Emory B.,
a leading farmer. Sec. 29, this town. Mrs. Eble owns a well-improved farm, which her youngest
son, Emory B., manages ; the two oldest children are in Butternut, Wis.
CHRISTOPHER GAYWOR, farmer, Sec. 21; P.O. Brookfield Center; was born in
County Meath, Ireland ; immigrated to Canada with his parents, James and Bridget Gaynor ; thence to
Kewaunee Co., Wis., in 1858, where his father died; his mother is still a resident of that county. He
married in Kewaunee County, in January, 1868, Mary Newman ; she was born in the town of Menomonee,
this county, and was the daughter of Michael and Mary Newman, early settlers of that town ; they
have four children living — Margaret, Mary E., Elizabeth and Christopher; two children deceased — ^Thomas
and Joseph. Mr. Gaynor was Chairman of the Brookfield Board of Supervisors in 1876-77, 1879-80;
four terms ; owns finely located and well-improved farm.
JOHN GEBHART, farmer. See. 27 ; P. 0. Elm Grove ; was born in the town of Brook-
field, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1850 ; his parents are George and Maria Gebhart, old settlers and still
residents of Brookfield. He married on the 20th of January, 1874, Susanna Naurths ; she was also born in
Brookfield, and is the daughter of Christian and Susanna Naurths, early settlers of that town ; they have
three children — Lena, Mary and Elizabeth. Mr. Gebhart is town Treasurer at present writing, and has
filled various other local offices ; he is extensively engaged in farming.
HEIVDRICK (i}RE€}G, Sec. 25; P. 0. Elm Grove; was born in Smithfield, Madison Co.-
N. Y., December 21, 1807. In 1831, he married, in Oneida Co., N. Y., Claris.sa M. Leland, a native o^
Grafion, Mass., born November 28, 1810 ; they came to Wisconsin in June, 1836 ; located on a farm in
Milwaukee Co., where they resided a number of years ; the farm they first settled on they sold to Milwau-
kee Co., and the county poor buildings now are located on it ; in 1855, they moved from Milwaukee Go-
to this county and settled in the town of Brookfield, where they have since resided ; their oldest son,
Jefferson, now a leading farmer of Brookfield, was the first white male child born in Milwaukee ; was
born on Aug. 15, 1836, he married Rhoda J. Parker ; their oldest daughter, Helen M., is deceased ; their
second oldest daughter, Mary, is also deceased ; Harrison M., their second oldest son, married in California,
Dora Patch ; they reside in Central City, Dakota ; Sarah E., the third oldest daughter, is the wife of A. W.
Coe, of Milwaukee Co. ; third oldest son, George, enlisted in Co. D, 24th W. V. I., during the war of the
rebellion, was killed at the battle of Stone Rivec ; the records of his regiment show he was a brave soldier ;
fourth oldest daughter, Sarah E., is the wife of J. Hanks, of Granville, Wis.; fourth oldest son, Lewis
H., married Hattie Hanks, and resides in this town; fifth oldest daughter, Ella P., is deceased; sixth
oldest daughter, Katie, is the wife of J. D. Warren, of Wauwatosa, Wis. Mr. Gregg owns 240 acres of
land; in politics he acts with the Democratic party; in Wiiuwatosa, Milwaukee Co., he was elected to
various offices.
9t)2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
HON. AARON V. GROOT, Sec. 2 ; P. O. Butler, Milwaukee Co. ; was born in Selienec-
tady, N. Y., on the 18th of September, 1799. He married in 1820, at Cohoes Falls, N. Y., to Margaret
Paulding; she was also a native of Schenectady; born Nov. 20, 1800 ; in 1824, they moved to Utica, N.
Y. ; thence to Salem, Washington Co., where they resided the greater part of the time until their coming
to Wisconsin in 1842 ; they first located in New Berlin, but remained only one year; they then moved to
Brookfield, where they have resided since. Mr. Groot has been elected to several oflBces ; was Chairman of
the Brookfield Board of Supervisors several terms ; was Assessor about ten years ; Justice of the Peace a
number of terms ; and was a member of the Wisconsin As.^embly in 1851. Mrs. Groot is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church ; their children are John, Abraham, Simon, Robert, Catherine, Cornelius,
Helen, Emory, Esther and Lydia; the oldest son, John, lives in Tipton Co. ; Abraham, the second son, died
in 1854 ; Simon, the third son, died in 1876 ; he served in the 0. V. I., during the war of the rebellion ;
was a good soldier ; Robert, the fourth son, served all through the Mexican war ; also was a soldier in active
service during the war of the rebellion ; he lives in Pierce Co., Wis. ; Catherine, the oldest daughter, is
the wife of E. R. Colton, attorney at law, Oshkosh, Wis. ; Cornelius is deceased ; Emory is deceased ;
Esther was the wife of Robert Dunn, a soldier in a Kansas regiment during the war ; she is deceased ;
Helen is the wife of H. N. Barnes of this town, Brookfield ; Lydia is the wife of Abel Kay, of Oshkosh,
Wis. Mr. Groot owns 150 acres of land ; he is an old citizen and is highly esteemed by all.
CHARLES HART, farmer. Sec. 14; P. 0. Brookfield Center; was born Nov. 2, 1820, in
Lincolnshire, England; he came to this country in 1843, and in 1844, settled in the town of Brookfield,
Waukesha Co., Wis., where he married in 1850, Ann Taylor, also a native of England ; seven children —
Sarah A., their eldest daughter, is the wife of W. Bingham, a commission merchant of Omaha; John
W., their oldest son, is in Rising City, Neb.; Mary E., Charles B., Martha M., Theresa and Lotta are at
home with their parents. Mr. Hart has held various school offices ; he erected the first saw-mill in the
town of Brookfield ; also erected and ran a flouring-mill several years ; he owns 110 acres of land ; his
father, Charles Hart, came td Brookfield in 1844, and lived there several years.
JAMES HYIjAND, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Butler; was born in Queens County, Ireland, in
1824 ; he feame to this country in about 1839. Married, in the city of New York, Mary Parrell ; they
came to Wisconsin in 1842, and settled in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co., which has been their
home since ; their children are Margaret, John, Michael, George W., Mary and Lizzie ; the oldest of the
children, Margaret, is the wife of James O'Connor; at the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, he
raised a company in Prairie du Chien, Wis.; was made Captain, and served in that position until the
close of the war ; he is now engaged in the hardware business in Maryville, Mo. John, the oldest son,
married Katie Foley ; she is deceased ; he is a farmer in the town of Menomonee ; Michael, the second
oldest son, married Mary Dockery, daughter of Hon. P. Dockery, of Milwaukee Co., Wis.; they live in
this town (Brookfield) ; George W., the third oldest son, married Rosa McMahon of this town; he is
engaged in farming on Sec. 11 ; Mary, the second oldest daughter, is at home ; Lizzie, the youngest of
the children, is the wife of James Foley ; he was a soldier in active service during the war of the
rebellion ; is a leading farmer in Wauwatosa, Milwaukee Co. Mr. Hyland owns a finely improved farm ;
has been very successful in life.
A. F. J ANSSEN, proprietor of the Brookfield House, Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Elm Grove ; was born
in Hanover, Germany, on the 23d of July, 1831 ; in 1851, he came to this country; lived in the city of
New York until 1854, then went to Chicago, 111., where he remained about three years, at the end of
•which time he came to Milwaukee, Wis., where he engaged in keeping hotel; in 1879, he purchased the
Brookfield House. He married, in Chicago, 111., Louisa Plenji, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany ; they
have five children — Henry, Fredrick, Charlie, Herman and Louis. In Milwaukee, Mr. Janssen was
engaged for several years in keeping a retail notion store, and did a good business.
FRANK liTJTTER, manufacturer. Plank Road Junction ; P. 0. Waukesha ; was born in
Prussia, on the 5th of October, 1843 ; he learned the blacksmith trade in his native country ; came to
America in 1860. He married, in Brookfield, Christine Lamp ; they own a finely improved and pleasantly
located farm ; he has been engaged in the manufacturing business at the Junction for several years ; the
wagons, buggies, etc., of his make are widely known for their durability and the superior quality of
timber used in their manufacture ; he also makes the Miller Patent Roller, which has been granted the
first premium at every agricultural fair where it has been exhibited. Mr. Lutter is the principal manufacturer
there is in the town of Brookfield; he is a thorough mechanic, employs none but experienced workmen,
and uses only the best of material, and therefore has built up a large and constantly increasing trade.
TOWN OF BROOKFIELD. 963
PETER J. KITCHEIilj, station and telegraph agent, Elm Grove, was bora in county of
Galway, Ireland, June 27, 1846 ; in 1851, he came to this country with his parents (Patrick and Mary
Mitchell) ; they settled in Milwaukee County, where they still reside ; he received an academic education
in Milwaukee. Married, in Waukesha, Wis., Sarah Tague ; they have five children — Sarah A., Peter F.,
Thomas A., Margaret E. and Robert E. Mr. Mitchell owns 150 acres of land ; he has been telegraph
and station agent about sixteen years, Justice of the Peace for several terms, and has also filled the posi-
tion of Treasurer.
JAMES B. NOBIiE, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Butler ; was born in Geneseo, Livingston Co.,
N. Y.. on the 20th of December, 1811 ; in 1847, became to Wisconsin ; located in the town of Brookfield,
which has been his home since ; in early life, Mr. Noble learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, in the
State of New York, and followed it there and in this State for several years. He has been married three
times ; his first wife was Caroline Daggett ; she died in Bennington, N. Y. ; second wife was Ellen Hig-
gins ; she died in this town (Brookfield) ; his present wife was Mahalia Higgins, a native of Chester-
field, N. H. ; born in 1815. Mr. Noble has been Clerk and Treasurer of School District No. 8 for
about sixteen years. He also filled the offices of Town Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. He
owns a finely located and well-improved farm. His children are William H., now of Pierce Co., Wis. ;
Caroline, wife of J. C. Wheeler, also in Pierce Co. Mr. Wheeler served, during the war of the
rebellion, in a Wisconsin regiment. Thomas J. is in Dakota ; Frank, the youngest of the children, is in
Nebraska.
O. J. PATTERSON, a leading farmer, Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Butler ; was born in Stratford, Vt.
on the 21st of March, 1820 ; in 1843, he came to Wisconsin ; lived in the town of Lake two year;. ;
then went to Ashippun, Dodge Co., and in 1863 moved to his present home ; during the war of the
rebellion, he enlisted in Co. E, 48th W. V. I. ; was in active service on the frontier, and was honorably
discharged in June, 1866. Mr. Patterson married, in the town of Pewaukee, Miss A. Perry, a native of
Erie Co., Penn. ; born in 1826. He owns a pleasantly located and well-improved farm, and is an ener-
getic and enterprising man. His parents, A. B. and Margaret Patterson, were early settlers of the West,
and were for a number of years residents of Ashippun, Wis. 0. J. Patterson, the subject of this
sketch, was for several years a member of the Vermont State militia, and was Captain of a company three
years.
,ORRI]V G. PHILiBROOK, farmer. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Brookfield Center ; was born in
Rushville, N. Y., in 1842 ; he came to Wisconsin with his parents, Samuel and Emily Philbrook, in 1845 ;
settled in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co., which has been his home since. He married Frances
Coburn, daughter of Edwin Coburn, an honored citizen of Tonioa, 111 ; they have three children —
Freddie, Ollie May ; the third is an infant, unnamed. Mr. Philbrook owns 80 acres of land. Is a
Republican in politics.
EUGENE PHILLiIPS, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Butler ; was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., in
1841 ; in 1844, his parents, Eli and Lavina Phillips, came to this county, and settled in the town of
Brookfield, where Eugene remained until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, when he enlisted
in Co. A, 24th W. V. I., served until the close of the war and was honorably discharged. He partici-
pated in nearly every battle his regiment was in. He married, in Wauwatosa, Wis., Maggie Bassler ;
they have three children — Lavina S., Eli B.,and Benjamin C. Mr. Phillips is largely engaged in farm-
ing, and is very successful. Is a Republican in politics.
E. E. PHIIililPS, farmer ; Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Butler ; was born on the 28th of February, 1831, in
Erie Co., N. Y.; he came to Wisconsin with his parents, Russel and Mary A. Phillips, in 1841 ; settled
in the town of Brookfield, Waukesha Co., Sept. 17, 1857. He married Isabella L. Leith ; she was born
in Amsterdam, N. Y.; they have three children ; the oldest, Mary A., is the wife of J. R. Collins, Osh-
kosh. Wis.; Nellie and Willie R. are at home. Mr. Phillips owns 125 acres of land ; he has been
elected to various town and school offices. Is a Republican in politics.
MONROE PHIIiLiIPS, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Butler ; is a native of York State ; he
came to Wisconsin in 1844, with his parents, Eli and Lavina Phillips ; settled in Brookfield, Waukesha
Co. He married in Milwaukee, in 1863, Axie Hurd, of Columbia Co., Wis.; they have three children
living — Florence, Edith and Ethel. Mr. Phillips is extensively engaged in farming. He is a Republican
in politics.
S. O. M. PUTNEY, a leading farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. Brookfield Center ; was born in Madison
Co., N. Y.; while he was a child his parents moved to Rushville, Yates Co., N. Y., where he married on the
964 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
5th of October, 1836, Sarah B. Wadsworth, a native of Middlesex, Yates Co.; born on the 9th of August,
1817 ; the same year they were married, he came to Wisconsin and bought a claim near Portage, then
returned home ; in the spring of 1840, they moved to Milwaukee, remaining there until December of that
year, when they removed to their present home, becoming pioneer settlers of the town of Brookfield;
their children were Royal M., Payette and Clayton L. ; the oldest of those children. Royal M., was born
in Rushville, N. Y., Oct. 8, 1837 ; during the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. E, 24th W. V. I.,
and was killed at Mission Ridge on the 23d of January, 1864 ; the second son, Fayette, died while a child;
Clayton L., the youngest, resides with his parents. Mr. Putney owns 200 acres of land ; he has filled
various oflSces of trust. Is a Republican in politics.
TOWN OF MUKWONACO.
WILiIilAM ADDENBROORE, farmer. Sec. 9; P. 0. North Prairie; born 1832, in
Staffordshire, Eng. ; is a son of Hy. and Harriett (Johnson) Addenbrook, who are now residents of
Liverpool, Eng. ; Mr. A. studied in the schools of his native land, taking a medical course at the Bir-
mingham Hospital; he practiced medicine on the ocean packet-ships, and in the American and English
seaports, until 1852, when he came to Wisconsin and bought his present farm of 120 acres; was for nine
years in the grain and mercantile business at North Prairie, selling his store and elevator, in 1875 ; has
since devoted himself to his farm and apiary ; his first swarm was captured in the woods about twenty
years ago ; was for a time in partnership with George Grimm, whose father, Adam G., of Jefferson, Wis.,
was the most successful apiarian on the continent, and first introduced the Italian bees ; the partnership
was dissolved in 1879, Mr. Addenbrooke now owning one hundred and fifty swarms of pure and hybrid
Italians ; he was the originator of the method of wintering the hives packed in chaff, which is found to
to be most satisfactory ; he is now building a very large two-story residence, fitting up the cellar with a
view to the wintering of bees ; when he went into partnership, he had fifty-seven swarms, of which Mr.
Grimm took half; at the end of two years, they divided three hundred swarms between them, having
more than paid expenses. Mr. A. introduced the first ferrets, and also the first African geese, into Wis-
consin. Is a Democrat; was Chairman, in 1876 and 1878, and was re-elected in 1880 ; has also been
Supervisor, etc., in his Republican town. Married, in 1853, Miss Celia, daughter of Isaiah and Emily L.
(Harrison) Skidmore, of Staffordshire, who settled in Mukwonago, in July, 1844; Mr. and Mrs. A. have
six children — Ellen H. (Mrs. John Sugden), Henry H., WilUam J., M. Louisa, Joseph J. and Harriet R.
F. S. AXDREWS, farmer. Sees. 15, 16 and 22; P. 0. Mukwonago; is a son of' John and
Betsey (Smith) Andrews, and was born in Andover, Vt., March 24, 1826; the family settled on Sec. 22,
Mukwonago, in 1844 ; here F. S. Andrews lived till 1850, when he located on his present farm of 195
acres ; has cleared the land of a heavy growth of oak, broken and fenced it, built a large basement barn,
in 1861, has added other substantial buildings, and, in 1879, built a large and tasteful farmhouse. Married,
Sept. 28, 1848, Miss Emmeline HoUister, of Bafford, S. C, by whom he has eight children — Betsey A.,
Anginette, Wallace P., Addie J., Alida K., Luella, Ross E., and May A. The mother of Mr. A. died in
1846, his father still residing in Mukwonago, aged 82 Mr. A. is a Republican, and has been twice
chairman, and several years Supervisor, of the town. Is breeding full-blooded Spanish merino sheep, from
the flock of Jasper J. Brainerd, Attica, N. Y., owning fifty full-bloods and sixty high grades; he also has
one full-blood and six grade shorthorns.
GEORGE W. ANDREWS, farmer. Sees. 22 and 23 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; born in Andover
Vt. ; is a son of John and Betsey (Smith) Andrews, who came to Mukwonago in 1844, John A. buying
three eighties of Government land and 320 acres of the settlers, living here until 1873, when he located
in the village, his wife having died, in 1846, leaving him nine children — John, Lucy, Frederic S., George
W., Andrew, Mary A., Ira B., Wesley, and Laurel G., all of whom are now in Wisconsin, except Ira D.
and Wesley ; Geo. W. married Miss Roxina Hollister, a native of Canada, hy whom he has a son, J.
Elmer, born Oct. 30, 1870. Owns 166 acres of the .old homestead, well improved, with good buildings;
is a well-known stock-grower and dealer, buying pure-bred sheep for Western breeders ; has an excellent
flock of Spanish merinos, from the flocks of Perry Craig, Vernon and A. C. Whitmore, East Troy, and
has recently paid 8100 for a registered ram, from the famous Hammond flock, Shoreham, Vt.
LAUREE G. ANDREWS, merchant and postmaster at Mukwonago; born 1841, in
Andover, Vt. His father, John Andrews, settled in, Mukwonago, in 1844 ; Laurel G. was'educated in
TOWN OF MUKWONAGO. 965
the village schoo^ and in Carroll College. Married Miss Martha, daughter of Jesse Whitney ; she was a
native of Rochester, N. Y., and a resident of Mukwonago. Mr. A. is a Republican. His business life
began in 1869, his partner and uncle, Sewall Andrews, retiring the next year in favor of his son Clement.
L. G. & C. Andrews did business until 1873, when F. A. Wood bought out Clement A., thus constituting
the present firm ; they have, since November, 1879, occupied a large and well appointed store, built and
owned by S. Andrews, carrying a very large and most complete stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and
shoes, and anything wanted in a farming community. Mr. A. was appointed Postmaster in April, 1875.
SEWALLi ANDREWS, the pioneer settler of Mukwonago Village, was born Feb. 5,1807.
in Andover, Vt., son of John and Rebecca (Webber) Andrews ; after he was thirteen he attended
school but little, being engaged on the farm of his widowed mother ; at 19 he began peddling tinware in
Massachusetts, and after eight years began business in Simonsville, Vt. ; his first visit to Wisconsin was
in the fall of 1835 ; Major Jesse Meacham and A. Spoor accompanied him from Chicago to Milwaukee
Village, where Milo Jones joined them ; proceeding with a team to the southwest, they tented out on the
open prairie, now the site of the city of Janesville ; returning, via Chicago, to his native State, he
remained until the spring of 1836 ; came to Milwaukee, met Henry H. Camp, and with him reached the
Indian village of Mequonago, in May, 1836; Major Jessie Meacham was one week ahead of them ; a
present of two barrels of flour induced the Indians to allow them to build a bark-roofed shanty, 10x12 feet,
in their village ; prior to this they built, but did not occupy, a similar hut on Sec. 22 ; these were the
very first buildings ever erected by a " pale-face" in Mukwonago ; the " Los " were removed in 1837
but many returned and staid for years ; the village plot was surveyed by Martin Field and Ira Blood, in
the fall of 1836 ; in the spring of 1837 Mr. A. built a store and brought in the first goods from New
York City ; this was the trade center for twenty miles around, and the hardy frontier merchant reaped a
rich reward ; after relinquishing mercantile business, Mr. A, owned the grist mill five years, but of late
has given his attention to cultivating his farm on the outskirts of the pretty village in which he is now the
oldest settler ; his substantial brick residence was built in 1842, and was one of the first of that material
erected in Waukesha County. He married, Nov. 21, 1838, Miss Sarah Resigue, of Hubbardton, Vt. She
died in April, 1861, leaving two sons, — Lorin, born Sept. 3, 1839 ; and Clement, born April 15, 1847. The
present Mrs. Andrews was formerly Sarah J. Mason, and was born in Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y. ; she
married Edgar Meacham, who at his death, in March, 1856, left two children, Clarence and Lillian.
Leona, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, died Feb. 27, 1871. Mr. and Mrs. A. are leading
members of the Universalist Society of Mukwonago. Mr. A., at this writing, is a ruddy-cheeked, sturdy-
looking man, who can follow a team or break in a fractious colt as well as he did forty-four years ago ; he
was a prominent figure in the first recorded events of his town and county. Politics, Old Line Whig
Republican.
JOSEPH BOXD, farmer ; was born Oct. 10, 1800, in Warrensburg, Warren Co., N. Y., at
that time Thurman's Patent, Washington Co., N. Y.; all his schooling was before his 12th birthday, but he
grew up a reading, thinking and observing farmer ; his farm in East Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., was sold
at a profit prior to his coming to Mukwonago, in June, 1839 ; he at once bought his present farm of 280
acres, on Sees. 22 and 27 ; Mr. B. did the best of work among the oak openings here, splitting rails like
a second Lincoln ; made his farm valuable and erected good and commodious buildings upon it. Joseph
Bond is one of Waukesha County's best-known pioneers, and formerly took a lively interest in public and
political matters; he voted for Andrew Jackson in 1828, and has always supported his Democratic princi-
ples; was a member of the Territorial House of Representatives in 1840, 1841 and 1846; and as a member
of the first Legislature, in 1848, helped frame the State Government; this honorable and hard-working
body of pioneer law makers organized the Judicial and Legi.''lative departments, made the " forty-acre "
exemption law, and many others, still in force ; Mr. Bond was also a legislator in 1855, served on the
County Board before and after the division of the counties, was Chairman of the County Board at the
building of the court house, and from the evident respect felt for him at this d&y filled all these positions
with credit.
THOMAS BRIMMER, farmer. Sees. 16 and 21 ; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Petersburg,
N. Y., Oct. 9, 1806 ; Mr. Brimmer lived near this point until he was 20, then settled in Erie Co., N. Y. ;
in 1844, he came to Wisconsin and bought his present farm ; built a rude house of planks, roofed with
oak shingles, split out by him in Fox River woods ; this was his home eight or ten years, and was replaced
by his now pleasant home ; his barns are 30x52 and 22x30 ; his 191 acres are cleared, fenced and pro-
ductive ; his son is also established near him on a good farm of 80 acres. Mr. Brimmer is a genuine
old settler, and a successful one; his wife, formerly Clarissa Wright, died Aug. 7, 1851, leaving four
966 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
children : Sarah, Orlin, Maria and Emily ; his present wife, formerly Philura Wright, married Noah
Brimmer, who died, leaving five children : Homer, deceased ; 0. Perry, Mary, deceased ; Caroline,
deceased ; and William. Mr. B. is a Kepublican, and was Assessor in early times.
ISAAC BRADLEY, farmer. Sees. 18, 19 and 20; P. 0. Eagle; born in the West Ridings
of Yorkshire, England, May 2, 1822; losing his father when 12 years of age, he made his home with
' William Hill, a brother-in-law, of whom he learned the trade of stone-cutter ; came with him to America,
1842, and worked on Mr. Hill's farm one year to complete the time of his apprenticeship, and the second
year to repay his passage money loaned him by Mr. H. ; the next two years were spent at work on the
farms by the day and month ; Isaac Skidmore then paid him $9 per month for a year and a half, he thus
saving his first 8100 ; he then made a trip through South Wisconsin, doing his first stone cutting in
America, at Beloit ; returning; he worked three years in the Genesee stone quarry, during this time he had
bought a warrant, and located land near Neenah, Wis. ; the next two winters were spent in the pineries of
Michigan, working at his trade in summer in Milwaukee ; he also worked one summer in Chicago, and
one in building a college at Batavia, 111. ; after this he bought, but soon sold, an interest in the Genesee
Stone quarry, also, exchanged his land at Neenah for 80 acres of his present farm ; at this time, 1853, an
Indian trail led across it from Mukwonago to the northwest ; about 20 acres were broken, on which was
an unfinished house, used as a weaving-room by former occupants; as a result, of twenty-seven years of ^
intelligent labor and care, Mr. Bradley has 300 acres, of which 200 are under cultivation ; his barn is
30x46 feet ; shed addition for- sheep, 21x30 feet ; stable, 18x47 feet, etc. ; his house, improved and painted,
is 28x36 feet, and a pleasant home ; as Mr. B. came here on money lent by a relative, this showing
speaks for itself as to the character and energy of the man ; during his life here he has worked at his
trade to some extent, being foreman of a bridging gang on the Prairie du Chien Division for three sum-
mers ; his last stone wcrk was on the Milwaukee Water Works, 1873-75. He married Miss Jane,
daughter of Robert Wilkinson, and a native of the East Ridings of Yorkshire, by whom he had five chil-
dren— Henry W., Ella M., Irvin (deceased), Annie J. and Frank D. Mr. Bradley is liberal in religion
and politics.
JOHN BlJRNELIi, farmer. Sees. 6 and 7 ; P 0. North Prairie ; born May 7, 1801, in York-
shire, England ; at one time he managed a 700-acre farm in his native land ; came to America in 1834, and
settled for three years in White Pigeon, Mich. ; made a claim (his present farm) in 1836, on which he
settled with his family, June 11, 1837 ; built the largest log-house in the vicinity, ransacking two towns
for men enough to raise it ; he had sent in from Michigan twenty-one barrels of flour, which were quickly
snapped up by the settlers ; returning, he brought in six barrels of flour, the first head of cattle, and the
first twenty hogs brought into Mukwonago ; also, brought in the first fall wheat, raising 200 bushels
for his first crop ; flour in Milwaukee was worth $13 per barrel, and pork, $36 ; many of the settlers
were half-starved, during the fall of 1837, when Judge Mix, of Constantino, Mich., sent in a large
amount of flour made of wheat raised that year. Mr. B. first reached Waukesha with his breaking team
of four horses, and, like the rest of the pioneers, went to his claim via Mukwonago ; he opened the first
road to Waukesha, past Spring Lake ; his half-section, once a burr-oak-flat, is now one of the best farms
in the county, the old log-house being replaced years ago by a substantial two-story brick residence ; his
main barn, with basement, is 24x137 feet in size. Married, 1828, Miss Ann Walgate, who died 1840,
leaving four children— William (deceased), Henry, Elizabeth, and Sarah (deceased). Married again Miss
Jane Cobb, of Yorkshire, who died in September, 1879, leaving six children — Mary J., Ann, Hannah,
Emma, John and Kate J. ; Helen, the third daughter, died in July, 1867. Mr. Burnell is a Democrat, and a
genuine representative of the sturdy pioneers who opened up and developed this grand old county. He
was fjr years noted for his first-class sheep, horses, etc., and as a dealer in horses^.
J. W. CAIRXCROSS, M. D., Mukwonago ; was born Sept. 19, 1852, in Lisbon, Wau-
kesha Co., Wis., of which town his parents, George and Amy Cairncross, were farmers ; after a course
of study in the district schools and the Pewaukee high school, he began the study of medicine with M. R.
Hewitt, a graduate and warm friend of Bellevue Medical College, New York City, and at whose instance
young Cairncross entered this well and widely known medical school, graduating therefrom as physician
and surgeon in February, 1875 ; locating at once in Mukwonago, he has established a most satisfactory
practice. He married Miss Helen, daughter of Isaac Smith, of Pewaukee ; they have an infant son, as
yet, unnamed. The Doctor is a Republican and a member of Pewaukee Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. This family
originated and derive the name from the cairns and crosses of Scotland, and is one of the pioneer families
in the county, settling here in 1842.
TOWN OF ML'KWONAGO. 967
THOMAS CARROLL, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Genesee; born in 1816, in the County of
Wickford, Ireland ; was a farmer and mason there ; sold his farm in 1850, and came with his family to
America, locating in Mukwonago ; he worked the first year for W. 0. Chapin, at $13 per month, and was
obliged to do this as he had exhausted his means in crossino; the ocean ; the next ten years were spent
working at his trade ; he then worked the farm of a Mr. Wilson ; having saved 8200, he now bought 40
acres, but sold it in three years for $1,200, a gain of §200 on first cost; he next bought 120 acres at
$2,300, paying $1,000 down ; his wife died here, leaving him seven children, Margaret, William, Michael,
Thomas, Mary A., John and Lizzie ; his son David was mate on a Mississippi steamer, died at New
Orleans. Mr. Carroll's present farm of 90 acres is well improved, and has good buildings. He married in
July, 1871, Mrs. Margaret, widow of John CoUotoh, who was a native of County Monahan, Ireland ; born
in 1821 ; he came to America in 1839, lived two years in the State of New York, and came to Wisconsin
in 1841, and bought in 1844, his farm of 90 acres, which he improved, and on which he died in 1864.
His wife was Margaret Brenne, of County Clare, Ireland, who came to America in 1846 ; he left her five
•children, Mary A., Lizzie, Sarah, Margaret and Adelaide. The combined estate of 180 acres, is now con-
trolled by Mr. Carroll and his youngest son. The family are Roman Catholics ; politics. Democratic.
WILDER C. CHAFIJf, deceased; was born in Weston, Vt., Deo. 1, 1813 ; after engaging
fl,t cabinet making in Woodstock, Vt., for some years, he came to Mukwonago late in 1836, making a claim
on Sec. 36, which he bought at the land sale three years later, and which is now so good a family home ;
he built a log house and lived as a pioneer, returning in an early day for a visit to his native State ; he
"was married in 1845, to Miss Amelia T., daughter of Gaylord Graves ; she was born in the town of Fowler,
St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and accompanied her parents in a covered wagon to Wisconsin, during the
winter of 1837, a trip few would undertake now, though they heeded the hardships but little then. Mr.
Chafin lived to do good work, clearing, building and adding to his farm ; at his death Oct. 8, 1870, he
left seven children — Laura E., Parthena A., Mary J., Nettie, Page W., Gaylord G. and Nellie M.; Page
W. died in November, 1871. Mr. Chafin was a Congregationalist and a Republican. While trying to
hold a young, spirited, and at the time frightened team, he was thrown to the ground, and injured so
badly as to live but two days ; a most honorable, charitable and manly man, his death was the occasion of
the most sincere expressions of grief and respect by all who knew him. His wife and family enjoy a most
pleasant home on the 200-acre farm south of the village ; Mrs. Chafin is a Baptist in religion.
CHARLES L. CLARK, farmer. Sec. 21; P. 0. Mukwonago; born in Whiteside Co., 111.,
1838; Jiis father, Charles Clark, removed with his family from New York to Ohio about 1834, going from
there to Illinois, and settling in Mukwonago in 1845 ; his elder son, Charles L. was educated here, and settled
on his farm of 120 acres in 1866 ; has made the improvements himself. Married, in the spring of 1862,
Miss Hannah, daughter of William Hill, deceased, who was one of the early settlers of this tewn ; they
have five children — Margaret E., William 0., Alice E., Stanton R. and Ethel A. Mr. and Mrs. Clark
are Congregationalists, he being an Independent Republican and a member of Mukwonago Division S. and
D. of T. ; his father died in 1845 ; his mother is now living in North Wisconsin ; his only brother, William
O. Clark, enlisted among Berdan's famous sharpshooters, served through the Peninsular campaign, and
was mortally wounded at the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, Va. Charles L. Clark is thus the only living
member of this branch of the family. Mr. Clark is breeding full-blooded Spanish merino sheep from J.
J. Brainerd's flock, of Attica, N. Y., now having 114.
THOMAS COATS, "deceased; born Nov. 5, 1809, in Yorkshire, England; came to America
about 1830, his family being one of the first to settle on White Pigeon Prairie, Mich; in 1835, the
brothers, Thomas and John, came to Wisconsin, reaching what is now Sec. 7, Mukwonago, via Southport
(Kenosha), making a claim to several hundred acres here; they then returned to Michigan for provisions
and stock ; Mr. Coats made many a trip after this to the same State for supplies, the bachelor settlers
meeting him, in a half-starved condition, at the Indian village of Mukwonago ; the old wagon used for
these trips is still kept as a relic on the farm. Among the first settlers here, were the Sugdens, widow
and six children ; part of the family located on Sec. 17, now the Hill farm; entirely destitute of means,
this heroic pioneer family saw, perhaps, more of the actual suffering and privations incident to that early
day, than any other in this county ; a scant supply of potatoes, eaten without even salt, was their only
sustenance for some time. On the 23d of March, 1840, Jane, the second daughter married Mr. Coats, they
beginning housekeeping in the log house of John Coats, who lived with them ; in May, 1842, having built
a part of the present house, they removed, living for years in what is now the front parlor, doing the
•cooking in a shanty under a noble burr oak, which still spreads its branches over the family roof. Mr.
Coats died in 1865, leaving eight children — Mary ("Mrs. Amos Patterson), Richard and George, farming
BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in Mukwonago, Andrew J., Ellen, Charles H. and Emma, all on the homestead; Ada J. is now Mrs.
T. E. Swan, of Heart Prairie ; John, the eldest son, died in 1861 ; the 280 acres of improved land, on Sees.
7 and 8, with its large and substantial house and barns, are the result of the energy and pluck of Thomas
Coats, who is missed by a host of warm friends, as a man ever open handed to the needy and always ready
to encourage any enterprise that gave promise of good ; he was a stanch Repubilcan, as are his sons.
A. J. and C. H. Coats are breeding the best of stock ; P. 0. address, North Prairie.
J. N. CRAWFORD, farmer. Sec. 24; P. 0. Mukwonago; born Sept. 19, 1837, in Huron
Co , Ohio ; his parents, formerly from Delaware Co., N. Y., left Ohio in 1852, and settled in Baraboo,
Wis.; in 1860, J. N. Crawford went to Colorado; he is a carpenter by trade, and began work among the
mines; the firm of Woodbury, Norton & Crawford, of Black Hawk, Colo., erected most of the mining
machinery used in that State for several years ; their contracts were with United States Senator Hill, the
Black Hawk Mining Company, Smith & Parmlee, the Briggs Mining Company, etc. Mr. Crawford began
empty-handed, earned a competence, and, in 1868, returned to Wisconsin, buying his present farm of 161
acres. On the 24tli of March, 1868, he married Miss Louie, daughter of Hon. Jesse Smith, of Vernon ;
they have five children — Martha, Louie B., Willie N., Jessie L. and Nora. Mr. Crawford is a member
of the Universalist Society of Mukwonago, is a Republican, has been Chairman of the Town, was one of
the original Trustees of the Town Insurance Company, and has been its President since 1876. Mr.
Crawford is one of the most successful of the breeders of fine-wool sheep in Wisconsin ; he began with
registered sheep from the flock of S. B. Lusk, Western New York, and has since bought of Stickney, of
Vermont, and J. H. Paul, of Grenesee, now having fifty registered animals, whicTi are hard to beat; hi s
Poland China hogs are from the herds of Magee, Shepherd & Alexander, Ellsworth & Street and other noted
breeders; of late, he has interested himself in Jersey cattle, having made valuable purchases from C. T.
Bradley, Milwaukee.
WILLIAM M. FRAZIER, farmer. Sec. 24 and 25 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; is a son of
John and Mary (Walker) Frazier, and was born Sept. 14, 1816, in Homer, Cortland Co.; N. Y. Mr. P.
is of Scotch ancestry, and resided in his native State as a farmer until June, 1845, when he settled on a
part of his present farm of over 500 acres; his first visit West was in 1840; Southport (Kenosha),
Milwaukee and Racine were then villages; Whitewater consisted of two or three log houses, one used as
a hotel ; Perkins' mill in Burlington was the only available one for settlers in the eastern part of Racine
County ; five years later he saw the Janesville and Milwaukee road thronged with teams loaded with
wheat grown on land that was untouched in 1840, and four-horse stages carried a daily mail ea§h way;
To show that he entered heartily into the progressive spirit of the times, we may look over his handsome
cultivated fields, and at his small village of farm buildings, to which he is still adding; the log house,
built forty-four years ago by James OrrendoriF, as a hotel, was for years the best in the vicinity, but was
abandoned owing to its unhealthy location, Mr. P. building a log house on the site of his present frame
farm house, which replaced it in 1858 ; his first barn, built with a basement, was 30x40, and since, he has
built two sheep barns, one 20x120 and one 18x36, a horse barn 24x48, corn house 18x24, tpol -house
16x40, granary, colt stable, etc. He married Miss Martha M. Thompson, a native of Lodi Plains, N. Y.;
they have two daughters — Lillian M. and M. Wilmina. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier are leading members of
the Universalist Society of Mukwonago, he having been Supervisor of the town several terms. Town
Clerk and Chairman. Politics, Republican. He has bred fine-wool sheep for twenty-five years, past, and
now has a flock of 350, besides other stock.
JOHX H. GIJDGER, farmer. Sec. 19; P.O. Eagle; born in Delafield, Waukesha Co.,
Wis., in 1 851 ; son of John and Lydia Gudger, who came from Yorkshire, England, to Waukesha Co.
about forty years ago, buying canal land of the Government; of the ten children, the four eldest were
born in England ; David, the eldest son, one of the 2d W. V. I., was killed in the battle of Gettysburg ;
William, the second son, is now a Kansas farmer ; John H. has lived in his native county, with the
exception of five winters spent in North Wisconsin pineries , in 1875, his father bought the Skidmce
estate of the widow of Isaiah Skidmore ; sold it to his son in two years, who has sold 140 acres of it, now
owning 160 acres, well improved ; the large two-story brick house was built by Mr. S. at a cost of $4,000 ;
he also erecting the barns and setting out the beautiful evergreens, and otherwise improving it. Mr.
Gudger married, in 1877, Miss Mary Gillard, of East Troy, Wis. As a stock-breeder, he has a herd of
thoroughbred Durham cattle, besides Spanish merino sheep, Norman horses, hogs, etc. Is a Republican.
His father is a retired farmer of Pewaukee, his honored mother having gone to her final long rest. None
of the early settlers did better than Mr. G., who earned a competence, besides giving generous aid to each,
of his ten children.
TOWN OF MUKWONAGO. 969
EDWARD HARD AKER, farmer, Sec. 10; P. 0. Mukwonago; born in Yorkshire,
England, Oct. 17, 1834 ; his parents, John and Mary (Dunwell) Hardaker, came to America in 1845.
Leaving his family in Massachusetts, John H. came at once to Mukwonago and bought 40 acres ; his
family joined him at the end of two years. His son, our subject, was educated in England, and has been
a life-long farmer ; bought his farm of 120 acres in 1865 ; during fifteen years of active and successful
farming here, he has built a large and tasteful residence, a 36x42 foot barn, and other substantial build-
ings. Miss Mary Briley, of Oldham, Lancastershire, England, joined her sister in Milwaukee, Wis., in
October, 1860, and married Mr. Hardaker there March 16, 1862 ; they have seven children — Lydia,
Charles H., Cecelia, Mary A., Sarah E., John E. and James E. Mr. H. is a Kepublican, and independ-
ent of church or societies ; has usually from fifty to seventy-five excellent grade sheep, with good cattle
and other stock.
JAMES HARDY, farmer, Sec. 2; P. 0. Genesee; born in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England,
Jan. 26, 1819, son of Henry and Sarah (Reeves) Hardy, who emigrated to America, in 1842, spent a few
weeks in Albany, N. Y., then came to Mukwonago, and settled on the Hardy homestead ; they were
accompanied by James Hardy, and his wife, whom he married Dec. 25, 1840, she being Miss Dinah
Gelder, a native of Westborough, Yorkshire ; the Hardys had been linen manufacturers in England, and
found it awkward work to swing the ax ; at sight of the log shanty the elder Mrs. Hardy cried : " We never
can live here," but live there they did until the next year, when they built a good log-house ; the farm was burr
oak openings, there being only four or five houses between them and the river, and none oa " The Point ;" the
next progressive step was to build a good frame house ; Mrs. Hardy, Sr , died May 20, 1850, and Henry
Hardy, March 4, 1874; Mr. and Mrs. James Hardy have nine liviog children : Dinah, Cynthia, Mary,
Sarah, Robert, John, Jane, Anna, and Elizabeth ; Henry, the eldest son, enlisted in Col. Paine's 4th W.
V. I. and died at Baltimore, March 14, 1862; the next son, William, of the 24th U. S. Regulars, died at
Vicksburg, Miss., Nov. 13, 1866 ; the family are now living in their fourth house, a substantial two-story
brick structure ; the improved farm is provided with all needed barns, stock, implements, etc. ; one feature
of Mr. Hardy's history is most marvelous ; while engaged in reaping clover for seed in the fall of 1875,
he fell from the seat, directly in front of the terrible knives ; the team drew these, playing like lightning,
over and through him, cutting off several toes, gashing his arms in a horrible manner, and a ten-inch gash
in his chest, by which the action of the lungs, heart, etc., were exposed to full view ; the six physicians in
attendance at different times agreed in pronouncing the case hopeless; Mr. Hardy attributes his almost
miraculous recovery to the faithful nursing of Dr. Robert Sabin, and that of his own devoted family, dur-
ing the fourteen long, weary months of his confinement to the house ; the cost of that day's reaping was
over a thousand dollars ; Mr. and Mrs. Hardy are members of the Genesee Congregational Church.
Politics, independent.
GEORGE HENDERSOX, farmer. Sec. 18, P. 0. Eagle; born in the parish of Orwell,
Perthshire, Scotland, July 1, 1805. At 21, he left home and traveled through England and Western
Europe for the ensuing three years ; the next eight years were spent on a steamer plying between Liver-
pool and Glasgow; he then kept hotel nine years in the latter city ; in 1850, with his wife and four
children, he came to America and Waukesha Co., buying his present farm of William Ellis. Mr. Hen-
derson has done good work during his thirty years' residence here, building barns, stable, shop, etc., and
adding a brick wing to the house ; his farm of 240 acres is well improved, as is that of his son, who owns
100 acres near it. Mr. H. married Miss Agnes Duncan, a native of Maskinch, Fifeshire, on the 13th of
Nov., 1829 ; they have four living children — Isabel, Agnes, George and Thomas ; the eldest daughter
is wife of Gardner Campbell, proprietor of the Centennial Foundry, Milwaukee ; Agnes is Mrs. James
Colman, of Puget Sound, W. T. ; George married Miss Elizabeth Hill, and is a thriving farmer ; Thomas
married Miss Clara Cole, of Mukwonago, and is on the homestead. The old couple are Presbyterians. Poli-
ticSj liberal.
WIIililAM HIIiL, deceased; born 1805, in Cheshire, England; married Miss Rachel Bradley,
who was born Oct. 9, 1810, in Yorkshire ; they came to America with four children, in 1840 ; reaching
Waukesha, they were unable to find other shelter than a stable, where Mrs. Hill lay sick, while her husband
searched out a home, her children suifering for the bread she was unable to get them ; Mr. Hill bought
80 acres on Sec. 17, living in a log house ; Mr. Hill did good work with his ax and breaking plow, building
up a good home, and a good and honorable name. He died Feb. 6, 1870, leaving six children — Jacob, David,
Jane, Anne, Mary and Elizabeth ; James Hill died before his father ; Mary and her husband William
Shultis are with the widow. Mr. and Mrs. H. were among the founders of the Genesee Congregational
Church. «
970 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
GEORG^E G. HOWARD, farmer, Sec. 4; P. 0. North Prairie; born in SuflFolk, England,
April 13, 1814; spent his younger life in his native land as a butcher; came to America in 1832 and
located in Detroit, Mich., where he engaged in his business, and married, March 22, 1837, Miss Eliza
Moody, of Yorkshire, Eogland ; in 1842 they came to Mukwonago and bought their farm of the Govern-
ment; lived like pioneers, as they were, in a log house still standing as a memento beside the commodious
frame structure, which is the reward of honest labor and care ; a further reward is the 173 acres of well-
fenced and improved farm land. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have seven children — Charles, Mary A., Caroline,
Benjamin, Alfred, Prances and Eliza ; the second son married Miss Mary J. Owens, and owns a small
farm adjoining that of his father's, which he manages, devoting it to grain and stock. Mr. and Mrs.
Howard are 'members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politics independent.
MATTHEW HO WITT, miller; Mukwonago; born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1838;
son of Andrew and Agnes (McKaro) Howitt, who emigrated from Scotland ; Matthew attended the
schools of his native county, residing there until 1856, when the family settled in the town of Lisbon;
three years later he catered the flouring mill at Pewaukee, learned the business, and with B. Boorman,
bought the Kellogg mill in Vernon, owned it two years, and sold it in 1864; spent a year in Sauk Co.,
Wis., and has since been in the milling business in Waukesha Co. ; in 1878, the brothers Matthew and
John Howitt, bought and now own the water-power, grist and saw-mill in Mukwonago ; they also own and
lease the cheese factory. The parents died in Lisbon, leaving ten children. Mr. Howitt married Mary
Vass of Vernon, who died io 1872, leaving a son John W. ; his present wife was Miss Mary J. Small, of
Lisbon; they have two children, Belle and George Roy. Mr. Howitt is a Republican, and was Chairman
of the town in 1889.
WALTER IRVEVG, farmer. Sec. 20; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Alabama, Genesee Co.,
N. Y., Jan. 6, 1835; his parents, Walter and Jane (Christie) Irving, were Scotch; the father came to
Wisconsin in 1846, and bought a tract of land near Madison, the family came up the lakes and joined him
but did not go to Dane Co., owing to sickness, locating that fall on the present Irving homestead ; a log
house stood on the improved 40 acres, the other 40 acres was openings ; Walter Irving, Jr., has owned the
farm since 1860, added 80 acres, built a good house, basement barns, and improved generally. He married
Miss Carrie B., daughter of P. F. Boss, one of the whole-souled pioneers of the county ; they have three
children — John P., Walter W. and Lettie S., all born on the homestead^ where their grandfather died
Sept. 26, 1877, aged 81 ; the widow lives, hale and hearty in her 82d jear. The old couple were Presby-
terians ; father and sons Republicans in politics.
E. S. KEIiLiOGG, miller, Mukwonago ; born in 1846 in Vernon, Waukesha Co., Wis. His
father, E. H. Kellogg, settled in Vernon in 1845, built a dam and saw-mill, built a grist-mill in 1856, sold
to Boorman & Howitt in 1862 ; came to Mukwonago, and in August, 1864, bought the Mukwonago Mills ;
he was naturally inventive, and gave his whole time to the study of milling and milling machinery ; his
patent-flour bolt and his grain cleaner proving most satisfactory in their workings ; he died April 17, 1876.
His son, our subject, was educated in the common schools and in Milton College, learned milling with his
father, and operated the Mukwonago mill for two years, renting it one year after the death of his honored
father. He married Miss Caroline, daughter of John Platner, Esq. ; she died May 2, 1870, leaving one
daughter (Clara Louise) ; his present wife was Miss Luella, daughter of F. M. Payne, Esq., whom he
married Dec. 24, 1878. Mr. K. is the son and grandson of practical millers ; in politics he is an independ-
ent Republican.
miiBS C. liOBDELL,, farmer. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Hamburg, Erie Co.,
N. Y., on March 30, 1824, son of Noble and Sarah (Clark) Lobdell. After the death of his mother, his
father married again, and in 1846 came to Eagle, Wis., where he died in 1862. Miles C. was educated
in his native county, residing there as a farmer until May, 1 848, when he came with his wife to Wiscon-
sin; she was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., a daughter of Wray S. and Nancy Green Littlefield, both of
whom died in New York State. Mr. L bought 80 acres of his present farm then in the beautiful burr
oak openings of the " School Section ;" beginning with little, they spent the winter of 1849—50 in a 16x22-
foot house, which was merely sided up, neither lathed nor plastered, and so open that the frost could be
scraped by handfuls from the inside wall on cold mornings ; Mrs. L. says she often feared her children
would freeze to death, but so equal was the temperature indoors and out that they did not even take cold ;
overhead on some loose boards were about forty 'bushels of onions growa as the first crop ; an ox team was
used for breaking the virgin soil, for marketing the produce thereof, and for all visiting, church-going, etc.
Miles Lobdell well represents the sturdy " York State " settlers of that day, who came West with the fixed
purpose of making a home; his improved farm of 120 acres, his roomy and tasteful farm residence, base-
TOWK OF MUKWOXAGO. 971
ment barn and other substantial buildings are the result and reward. Of his five sons, Marion C,
Dwight B. and Hamilton M. are Iowa farmers, Eugene L. and Wray 0. being on the homestead ; both the
daughters — Celia N. (wife of Rev. W. H. Thompson) and Sarah Belle — are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell
are members of the North Prairie M. E. Church ; Mr. L. is an old-time Whig-Republican'; has grade
stock and the usual crops ; his farm was the scene of the accidental shooting of the son of Joseph Smart,
in August, 1849.
WIIiLilAM Mc ARTHUR, retired farmer; Mukwonago; born in Aucram, Columbia Co.,
N. Y., Dec. 25, 1827; his parents, Duncan and Ana (Hoag) McArthur, were also New Yorkers; Mrs.
McA. died in 1834, leaving six children ; the second wife, formerly Catherine VanDusen, reared four
children ; the family cameWest and settled on Sec. 26, in Mukwonago. in 1849; the father died two
years later, 410 acres beingdivid ed among the heirs; William McArthur buying the interests of two
brothers, and living on 197 acresof the homestead until 1862, when he settled, and has since lived, in the
village. He married April 17, 1851, Miss Catherine H., daughter of George W. and Elizabeth (Hoff-
man) Barton; they have lost two children : Mary Alida, died Oct. 9, 1854, and George B., died Sept.
10,1863. Mr. McArthur is a democrat ; was Chairman of Mukwonago several terms, and Chairman of
the County Board in 1870.
AliEXANDER MATHEWSOX, deceased; bom near Montrose, Scotland, in 1812; the
family removed to Lanarkshire when he was 8 years old ; learning the weaver's trade, he worked in
Scotland until 1832, when he came to America; with a brother, he began the manufacture of cotton
goods in Philadelphia, they owning a factory with ninety power-looms. He married, in the Quaker City,
in 1842, Miss Mary Wilson, a native of Lanarkshire; came to Wisconsin in 1856, with three children —
Mary, William and Alexander, having lost three in Philadelphia; settled on the present homestead of
172 acres, when the only buildings were a log house and stable ; though a novice at farming, Mr. Math-
ewson made a good record, as may be seen by the improved farm, the capacious barn and tasteful home ;
he died in February, 1879, honored and respected, as good men always are, his old neighbors realizing
that they had lost a noble-hearted friend. The daughter married William Burt, and died Feb. 26, 1878,
in Buffalo Co., Wis.; the sons, born in Philadelphia, were educated here. Mrs. Mathewson enjoys good
health in her 6 2d year ; she is a member of the Genesee Presbyterian Church ; the sons have a flock of
80 fine and coarse wooled sheep, with other stock.
CHRISTOPHER NIVER, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Mukwonago; born in the town of Liv-
ingston, Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1824; resided in his native State until June, 1848, when he came with
his family to Mukwonago, buying 40 acres on Sec. 10, at $450, paying S250 down, and 12 per cent on
the balance; 12 acres were broken, on which was a log house; the family of five lived the first summer
in one room of this; as Mr. Niver says, they "borrowed their cooking;" that is, not owning a stove of
their own, Mrs. Niver cooked in the open air on the stove of the family, who occupied the remainder of
the cabin ; few had less to do with or more to contend with than Mr. Niver, as he was never a strong,
robust man ; intelligent labor and management conquered, however, and, in 1857, he was enabled to buy
80 acres more, going in debt for every dollar of its value, and paying 100 cents on every dollar of the
debt ; this is now his homestead, the 26x84-foot barn, the granary, sheep-sheds, corn and hog-house, shop,
etc., being ample evidence of the good work he has done here; he has also built an 18x30 addition to
his house, re-sided and repainted the original, making a roomy and elegant home. He married, in 1841,
Miss Sarah D., daughter of Jacob Platner, of Claveraok, Columbia Co., N. Y. ; they have six children —
Jane E. (Mrs. Samuel Funk), Helen (Mrs. B. F. Funk), Jacob M. (married Miss Cynthia Hardy), Kate
(Mrs. Daniel Silvernale), Charles S. and Louisa (the two youngest, who are on the old farm). Mr. and
Mrs. Niver are Methodists ; Republican in politics ; having sold part, Mr. Niver now has the 80 acres
bought in 1857, and 20 acres of timber in Vernon.
F. M. PAYXE, harness-maker, Mukwonago; born Jan. 10, 1820, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.,
where he attained his schooling and learned his trade; coming, in 1844, to Mukwonago, he began clerk-
ing for Sewall Andrews, and, after a time, began business for himself; in 1850, he went overland to Cal-
ifornia, engaged in traveling and mining two years, returned, engaged in mercantile business two years,
and has since been in the harness business, having recently added a stock of groceries. He married, in
1848, Miss Harriet Eggleston, of Guilford, Conn.; they have lost two sons and two daughters, and have
two living— Alice (Mrs. G. H. Abott) and Luella (Mrs. E. S. Kellogg). Mr. Payne and wife are lead-
ing members of the Universalist Society, Mr. Payne being one of its most liberal supporters ; a stanch
and fearless Republican, he was Town Clerk of Mukwonago for seventeen years, and has been, for many
972 , BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
years, and is now, Justice of the Peace; few men have been more keen observers of the ohfenges in aod
progress of the Western country than he.
A. E. PERKIBfS, farmer, Sec. 36; P. 0. Mukwonago ; b6rn in the town of Lyme, New
London Co., Conn., Dec. 16, 1816 ; was a native of the same town, and a schoolmate of Morrison R.
Waite, now Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court; leaving his native State at 18, Mr. Perkins located
on Cape Cod, Mass., his mother's birthplace; spent six years here, part of the time as master of an ocean
schooner, and part as a teacher ; removed in 1840 to Monroe Co., N. Y., and engaged in farming with
his father ; in 1846, he came to Mukwonago and bought 146 acres of his present estate, at $10 per acre,
settled here with his family in the spring of 1847 ; to sum up his work during these 33 years, we may
state that his estate now comprises over 1,200 acres of as good land as Wisconsin affords, lying in a body,
though it is in three counties, and four towns ; on this he has expended about $10,000 for buildings, his
spacious and elegant residence alone costing nearly $6,000 ; Mr. Perkins carries on about 560 acres, the
remainder being managed by his son and son-in-law; married in Churchville, Monroe Co., N. Y., 1845,
Miss Hannah E. Hadley, a native and resident of that town ; her parents being New Hampshire people ;
Mr and Mrs. Perkins have three children, N. Louisa, Charles A. and Grace ; the elder daughter married
Joseph Pratt, of Perry, N. Y., who occupies part of the farm ; the son married Miss Julia, daughter of
O. B. Dickinson, of Mukwonago ; Grace is now pursuing her musical studies in the Conservatory of
Music, Boston ; Mr. and Mrs. P. have, for 33 years past, been members of the Congregational Church,
and were leading spirits in building and supporting the Mukwonago Church ; he is a Republican, and was
Chairman of the town three successive years ; the family dates back about 150 years in America, a grand-
father of Mr. Perkins being one of Connecticut's patriots in the Revolution ; about 1850 Mr. P. bought a
flock of merino ewes of Elam Beardsley, of Racine Co., one of Wisconsin's pioneer stock -men, and during
the next ten years, improved his stock of sheep by purchasing and judicious breeding, paying as high as
$130 for a single animal ; in 1861 he went into partnership with E. S. Lake, of Saxton's River, Vt., they
shipping from that State the same year a flock of 20 selected rams ; the next year they invested about
$4,000 in 60 rams and 15 ewes, which were placed on Mr. P'e. farm and rented out during the next eight
years ; this was the operation which gave an impetus to the now immense wool-growing interest of this
section ; the next importation was from the splendid flock of George Campbell, of Westminster, West Vt. ;
these 16 sheep were used by Mr. Perkins until 1878, when he bought a prize ram bred from Stickney's
ram Centennial, which animal was awarded the $400 prize offered by Pennsylvania at the Expositi n of
1876 ; Mr. P. usually has about 500 pure-bred sheep on his farm, and says that to his success in this
business he owes most of his prosperity ; illustrative of the growth of the fine-wool sheep industry, he says
farmers in his vicinity, prior to his introduction of improved stock, considered four pounds a good fleece,
while they are now barely satisfied with seven.
A. PliATNEK, proprietor of the Mukwonago House ; born in the town of Cherry Valley,
Otsego Co., N. Y., April 7, 1828 ; lived thirty-eight years as a farmer in hig native town, and was two
years in a mill in Cherry Valley Village ; came to Mukwonago in 1868, bought the hotel, kept it until
April, 1874, leased it two years for $1,800, and has kept it since. Blarried Miss Sally A. Shaul, of the
same town, by whom he has an only son, Aaron H., born Feb. 12, 1853, now his business partner. The
Platners' are Democrats, and take much interest in breeding and owning good horses ; two large barns
vfill accommodate seventy-five horses, and the hotel is well kept and patronized ; Mr. P. owns the fleet and
hardy stallon, Robert Bonner, and the seven-eighth Clyde stallion, Young British Champion ; his dam was
by Old Farmer's Delight, he by Marquis of Clydesdale, imported from Scotland ; Old Farmer's Delight
took six first prizes, and Young British Champion took three in 1879 ; this horse weighs 1,550 pounds,
stands sixteen hands and one inch high, and as a draft stallion has few equals and no superiors in the
State.
JOHN PLATNER, farmer. Sec. 24; P. 0. Mukwonago; born in Caverick, Columbia Co., N
Y., Nov. 2, 1811 ; his first farm was in Cherry Valley, N. Y. ; this was exchanged for property in Hol-
lowville, N. Y., where he owned a fl. uring mill; selling out, he speculated for a time, and in November,
1860, settled on his present farm of 120 acres ; this farm, previously rented and well worn out, was bought
by him in 1858 ; it was fenceless and barnless ; Mr. P. has built a substantial two-story brick house, 20x
30, raised and remodeled the old house, and made it awing of the new, built substantial barns, cleared his
land and made it productive, characteristic work, and well done. He married, in 1836, Miss Joanna Miller,
of his native town, who died in October, 1873, leaving six children: Eva, Elizabeth, Olive, Estella, Robert
and Helen L. ; the third daughter, Caroline, died as the wife of E. S. Kellogg. Mr. Planter married
again in October, 1876, Miss Mary, daughter of John and Mary Frazier. Mr. P. is a RepubUcan, and
TOWK OF MUKWONAGO. 973
was Chairman of the town ; he is, with his wife, a member of the Universalist Society ; he has superior
half-blood Jersey cattle and a flock of seventy grade sheep.
THOMAS D. POWERS, 11. D., Mukwonago; born April 8, 1824, in Adolphstown, U.
C. ; his father, T. H. Powers, a Vermonter, was educated in Fairfield, N. Y. ; preached over fifty years as
a Baptist minister ; he married Ruby File, and Dr. Powers is their sixth child ; he was educated in the
common schools and Rochester Academy ; began reading medicine with ] )rs. Williams and Cator, of
Syracuse, N. Y., and graduated from the Homoeopathic Medical Academy, of Dundee, Yates Co., N. Y.,
in 1851; began his practice in Broome Co., N. Y., and in 1854, came to Columbia Co., Wis. ; settled in
Mukwonago in 1859 ; enlisted in Co. D., 10th W. V. I., in September, 1861 ; refusing a Lieutenant's com-
mission tendered in reward for service done in organizing the company ; this regiment was under Don
Carlos Buell, who was ever careful that the rebels came to no harm from his command; the Doctor met
wi(h an accident at Bowling Green, Ky., which, with an injury previously received at Rolling Forks, has;
resulted in partial paralysis and a most serious disorder of the circulatory and nervous system ; while ia
the service he was special correspondent for the Evening Wisconsin and several other State papers. Dr,
Powers is a Republican, and a member of Unity Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Holland City, Mich., where
he resided for some time after the war. The Doctor has led an eventful life, and of late has patented
some most useful inventions, still continuing to study mechanics in connection with his medical practice.
DAVID SMART, farmer. Sec. 20 ; P. 0. North Prairie ; born in Newbold, Yorkshire, Eng.,
Aug. 11, 1812 ; lived in England as a laborer until 1845, when he came with wife and two children to
America ; they stopped a short time with Richard Smart, in one of the first houses built in Waukesha
Co., and that fall located on the Coats farm, part of which he worked two years ; while here a little
daughter, Sarah J., was struck by lightning and instantly killed during a midnight thunder storm ; lying
dead in the same bed with an elder sister, who was merely marked by the deadly fluid. In 184*7, Mr. Smart
settled on 85 acres of his present farm, when the only building was a log shanty, now used for a stable,
it having been supplanted by a good frame house ; Mr. S. has also erected barns, wind-mill, etc., he and
his sons owning a half-section, including the old Perkins farm, besides a half-section in Minnesota — not a bad
record for a man who reached the county with 10 sovereigns. Mr. Smart married, Dee. 24, 1834, Miss
Martha Harpes, a native of South Cave, Yorkshire ; they have flve living children — Ann E., James, Rich-
ard, Charlotte and Franklin J. ; the eldest and youngest are on the homestead, Richard is in Minnesota,
James will occupy the Perkins farm, and Charlotte is married, and settled in Dallas, Barron Co., Wis. ;
Louisa, the third daughter, married John Francis, and died April 30, 1873, leaving four children — Arthur
P., Lillian May, Franklin D. and Ainsworth ; the mother and an infant brother are buried in the
family burying-ground on the Joseph Smart farm. Mr. Smart and sons are Republicans.
ROMEO SPRAGFE, farmer, Sees. 30, 31 and 32 ; P. O. Eagle; born in Summit Co., Ohio,
March 7, 1824 ; is a son of Dr. F. A. and Bridget Sprague, who were among th^ early settlers of Eagle,
the Doctor building one of the first frame houses in the town, plastered both inside and out. His second
son, Romeo, lived with him till he was 26, when he went overland to California; after two years, in 1852,
he returned, via Panama and New York; bought a farm in East Troy, which he sold after five years,
then owning and keeping the Eagle Hotel three years, also owning the present Colyer farm ; again decided
to try mining, and went as far West as Nebraska, before giving up his objective point, Pike's Peak ; on his
return he sold the hotel and farm, and bought 250 acres of his present farm ; its first owner was a Mr.
Stone, next H. Hammond, who improved it, followed by a Mr. Webb, next owner J. Hubbard, next David
Snover, who sold to Mr. Sprague, who now has 350 acres with excellent buildings, the horse barn, hog and
corn house, wind-mill, etc., having been placed here by him.- He married, in 1849, Miss R. Jane Henry, a
native of New York State, by whom he has six children — Minnie, Juliette, Josephine, Harriet, Gertrude,
and Romeo Franklin. Mr. S. is a Democrat, has an excellent flock of Spanish merino sheep, twenty-four
head of cattle, and good horses and hogs, with the usual crops.
CHARLES B. STOCKMAN, l^mer; P. 0. Mukwonago; born April 18, 1804, in Ver-
gennes. Vt.; losing his father at 10, he lived with an uncle in Madrid, N. Y.,for six years, " worked out" four
years, then began as an employe on a St. Lawrence boat, was master of the sloop Swan for ten years, and
in 1835 went to Ohio, reached Chicago in the spring of 1836, sailed on the Van Buren until July, land-
ing and spending the " Fourth " in the bustling village of Milwaukee, a company of U. S. cavalry added
to the really brilliant festivities of the occasion ; Mr. S. and a Mr. Rayness owned a grocery and also a
ferry, during the summer, at Milwaukee ; his present farm was claimed by him in August, and he settled
here and built a log house that fall. In 1840, he married Miss Lucinda Jones, a native of Madrid, St.
Lawrence Co., N. Y., by whom he has three children living — Mary E., William H., and Adell B.; an
974 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
infant son, James, was drowned by falKng into the mill-pond near them. Mr. S. supplanted the log house
of 1836 with a very large and tasteful frame residence in 1850, which makes a most pleasant resting-place
for one who has led so busy and eventful a life. Mr. Stockman is a Jacksonian Democrat, and was the
first Assessor of Mukwonago, improvising his own blanks ; he served nine years as Assessor, and was also
Supervisor and Justice of the Peace.
J. M. STOCKMAX, farmer, Sec. 35 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; born April 14, 1807, in Ver-
gennes, Vt.; his father dying six years later, his mother removed to St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., where J. M.
lived until 1832-, when he settled in Ohio, remaining there until 1837, when he came to Mukwonago,
claimed his farm, and two years later bought it ; it lies on the bank of what was formerly called Sea-Ser-
pcn' Lake, but, since 1837, Stockman Lake ; on this 222-acre farm he built the third frame house in Muk-
wonago, sided with black walnut and roofed with oak shingles, laid by himself and Joseph Bond.
In 1852, himself, wife and two children went overland to California; six months were spent in crossing
the plains and mountains, an adopted daughter dying on the way ; four years were spent in hotel and
mercantile busine-s, he building a large hotel in White Oak, Cal.; returning in 1856, he has since lived on
his farm in Mukwonago, although he has owned property in and made many visits to Northern Wisconsin,
and Minnesota. Married, Sept. 17, 1829, Miss Louisa Moss; she was born in Middlebury, Conn.;
removed to and was married in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.; their son Charles is a miller in Winnebago City,
Minn., and Ralph owns a farm in Elmore, Minn. Mr. Stockman is a Republican, and, with his wife, a
Baptist ; he was one of the founders of, and is now Deacon and Trustee of the Mukwonago Baptist
Church.
WM. E. SWAW, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. North Prairie; was born in Suffolk, Eng., Sept. 9>
1820 ; was apprenticed in early life to a shoemaker ; came to America and to Wisconsin in 1840 ; his
father came to Wisconsin by way of Ohio in 1837, and bought a claim on Sec. 18, Mukwonago ; father
and eon ''bached it" here in a 10x14 shanty, doing without chairs or tables for several years ; Mr. S.
keeps his first chair as a memento ; after improving and building upon the first location, they sold it to
Geo. Henderson, then settled on his present farm of 115 acres ; this he had bought of the Coates estate in
1848, has made all improvements upon it, and built up a pleasant home ; has recently added 150 acres to it
— the old Cox farm. Married Jan. 2, 1852, Miss Mary Duncan, of Fifeshire, Scotland ; they have eleven
living children — Wm. E., Thomas E., John E., Mary E., Jaines E., Aggie E., Tina E., George E., Prank
E., Walter E. and Emily E. In 1874 Mr. Swan put in a stock of goods at North Prairie, giving his
eldest son charge of them, though he used to walk from his farm to the village and back, a distance of five
miles, nearly every day for five years, at the end of wbich time his son had cleared the stock and became
its owner. Mr. Swan is a Democrat and an Episcopalian.
E. T. TAYLOR, farmer. Sees. 20, 21, 28 and 29; P. 0. Mukwonago. Mr. Taylor is
descended from a genuine pioneer family ; his grandfather, one of Connecticut's Revolutionary heroes, set-
tled, soon after the close of the war, in Vermont ; at the last stages of the journey, his brave wife, on snow-
shoes, carried her son, Gideon M., into that then new State, where they sometimes actually suffered hun-
ger ; G. M. Taylor grew to manhood, married Phoebe Walbridge, and, in 1829, settled on an Indian res-
ervation in Genesee Co. ; his cabin was built in a forest, so dense that the supplies were, at first, brought
in to his family on his back ; he was three miles from any settlement, but cut a road, cleared his farm, and,
to-day this is one of the most valuable farms in the county. E. T. Taylor was born in Wolcott, Lamoille
Co., Vt., Oct. 31, 1821, grew up in Genesee Co., and married in the town of Alabama, Jan. 14, 1846,
Miss Isabel, daughter of Walter and Jane (Christie) Irving ; they came to Waukesha Co. in the spring of
18-16, with a capital of health and resolution j Mr. Taylor worked out, in 1846, rented a farm in 1847,
and bought 160 acres of his present farm in 1848, borrowing $200 to make the first payment. Beginning in a
log shanty, he has, from that time, made a constant march of improvement, now owning 358 acres, with a
large and tasteful farmhouse for a home, which is backed up by a number of substantial bariis, for the use
of the herds of Durham and Jersey cattle and the splendid Spanish merinos. Mr. Taylor is a Whig-Re-
publican, and has been since 1840, and is a Congregationalist. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have five children —
Arthur I., M. Elizabeth, Warren E., Hattie I. and Homer E. Warren E. represents the fourth genera-
tion of this family of frontiersmen ; he studied medicine in the State University of Wisconsin, graduated
from the Chicago Medical College, and located in Downs, Osborn Co., Kan. ; in July, 1879, he built the
first business block in that live, new town, and is now in mercantile and banking business there.
WILLiIAM WEST, farmer, Sec. 18 ; P. 0. North Prairie; born in Yorkshire, Eng., May
6, 1810 ; learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, and came with his wife to America in 1834 ; lived in
Detroit, Mich., until the summer of 1837, when he came with an ox team via Chicago to Mukwonago,
TOWN OF MITKWONAGO. 975
buying a claim, his present homestead, on Horse Kace Prairie ; to pay for this claim, he borrowed $200 of
A. R. Hinkley, agreeing to pay double the amount at the end of two years, at 12 per cent interest, but at
the end of a year was able to settle the debt by paying $300 ; his first flour and pork were from Detroit,
the flour costing $15 and the pork $30 per barrel ; they spent the first winter in a low 10x14 feet shanty,
he building, the next season, a log house, where he lived twenty years ; the seed for his second crop of
wheat cost him $3 per bushel, and the crop was sold in Waukesha at 35 cents per bushel. Mr. West is
one of the representative pioneers of this town, now owning 290 acres in Mukwonago and Eagle, on which
he has several substantial barns, the pioneer's log house having been exchanged for a roomy and substan-
tial farmhouse ; he began here with $300 or $400, a yoke of oxen and a cow. Mr. West is a Democrat,
and is closely identified with the history of his town and county, having served seven or eight years as
Assessor, also as Supervisor, besides serving at County Surveyor fifteen or sixteen years. Married, in 1834,
Miss Elizabeth Youhill, of his native county, by whom he has five living children — Mary (Mrs. John
Roberts), Anne (Mrs. Albert Hinkley), Jane, James, and Thomas W.; Hannah R. (Mrs. Richardson),
and Elizabeth (Mrs. RofF), are not living. Mr. and Mrs. West are members of the Episcopal Church.
GEORGE WHITMORE, farmer. Sees. 16 and 9; P. 0. North Prairie or Mukwonago ;
born in Lebanon, Grafton Co., N. H., June 29, 1808 ; is a son of John and Alice (English) Whitmore,
he settled, when a young man, in Erie Co., N. Y., Buifalo being then so small a town that he knew every
business man in it; in this county, Mr. Whitmore worked out, and ulso rented farms. Here he maj-ried;
in 1840, Miss Esther, daughter of Asa and Abby Fuller, of Hamburg, in that county; in May, 1844,
they settled on 240 acres of wild land on Sec. 9, Mukwonago ; on this was the log house of a squatter ;
a Mr. Moody had hired money of Mr. Whitmore to pay for this claim, but, failing to meet the payment
to Mr. Whitmore, gave up the claim to him in exchange for 40 acres and a log house ; after two years in
the log house, Mr. Whitmore built a frame house, where they spfent two winters without its being lathed
or plastered ; Mrs. Whitmore relates that she had only one lady caller during her first six months' home-
sick residence ; the Indians, following the trail to the east of Spripg Lake, were neighbors whom she did
not care to have call ; the family settled early, and, as an evidence of its prosperity, we may state that the
father and sons own 440 acres of excellent land, and that the cheerless shell of former days is exchanged
for a spacious two-story house, complete and comfortable, where the old couple can recall days when wheat
■was hauled with ox teams to Milwaukee, and sold for 50 cents per bushel, Mr. Whitmore walking home
beside his cattle to avoid freezing, and also the two years spent here When there was not a dollar in the
house. They have four children living — Clara (Mrs. George Hoag, of Brooklyn, N. Y.), George, Jr., and
Martin G. (both on the old homestead), and Emma A. (now with an aunt, Mrs. Groves, in A.ngelica, N.
Y.). Mr. Whitmore is a Jacksonian Democrat, free and outspoken.
ROBERT WIJLKIIVSON, deceased ; born, in 1804, in Yorkshire, Eng. ; came to America in
company with a brother, in 1834 ; remained in Canada until the spring of 1838, when he came to Muk-
wonago, and bought a claim ; building a shanty, he and Mr. Cobb lived a bachelor's life for months ;
potatoes alone were their food, they splitting thousands of rails when they had hardly potatoes enough to
sustain life ; the first crop was burned by a prairie fire ; none of the heroic men who dared the dangers
and privations of frontier life suifered more than Robert Wilkinson ; his wife (formerly Miss Mary
Briggs), with their four children, joined him after a time ; this only made a bad matter worse ; the first
barrel of pork cost $45, and the fir.-it barrel of flour cost $40 ; the children, destitute of shoes, used to
husk corn on the frozen ground with old rags tied about their feet ; to pay for his farm, Mr. W. hired
money at 40 per cent., and paid $2 for $1 at the end of three years; his board bill, while away from
home, was paid with butter, made by his devoted wife, from the milk of their only cow ; Mr. Wilkinson
died, in 1877, leaving eight children — Robert, Jane, Richard, Mary, Frances, William, John and Charles ;
the mother, at an advanced age, lives in the county. The homestead of 240 acres is now owned by
William Wilkinson, who was born in the log house first built here ; this family was rewarded, as may be
seen by the substantial brick house, capacious barns and improved farm. Mr. Wilkinson married, in
January, 1866, Miss Ann Grimshaw, of Genesee, by whom he has two daughters — Myra and Cora. Is a
Democrat ; as a stock-breeder, has Spanish^ merino sheep, from flock of Perry Craig, Vernon, thirteen
subject to register, and two hundred others ; he also owns the thoroughbred stallion. Young Almont, 2
years old, 15^ hands high, weighing 1050 lbs. ; bred by E. Blackburn, Georgetown, Scott Co., Ky. ; got
by Almont, dam by Brown Chief; second dam by Hooten ". Imp ; " the sire of Lula's dam ; Lula's time,
2 : 141 ; third dam by thoroughbred horse, Bertram ; fourth dam by Imported Buzzard ; dam Briggie
Lee; got by Hursts Mambrino, he by Old Mambrino Chief; dam by Alexander's Abdallah, the sire of
■Goldsmith Maid.
976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
FRAISK A. WOOD, merchant, Mukwonago ; born, 1851, in "Vernon, Waukesha Co., Wis.,
his parents, John and Mary Wood, removing to Mukwonago when he was an infant ; after a course of
study in the village school, he entered the store of Clark & Andrews, in 1868, and clerked for this and
other firms, up to the time of his purchase of an interest with Mr. Andrews, in 1 873. He married Miss
Lillian, daughter of Edgar and Sarah Meacham, of Mukwonago ; Mr. Wood is a Kepublican.
H. A. YOUMAJifS, M. D., Mukwonago; born in the town of Coeyman, Albany Co., N. Y.,
May 22, 1816 ; son of John and Almira (Hamilton) Younians, who removed two years later to Genesee
Co., N. Y. ; our subject received a common-school education in the town of Java, and took an academic
course in Wyoming Academy; began the study of medicine under the noted Dr. B. H. Colgrove, of
Sardinia, N. Y., and attended lectures in the Geneva (N. Y. ) Medical College, graduating as physician
and surgeon in January, 1843; in June, 1844, the Doctor came West, visited various parts of Wisconsin,
settled in Mukwonago, and has been in active practice here since ; he relates that in an early day he was
called to see a young man who had been crushed in a thrashing-machine, on Melendy's Prairie ; Dr.
Youman's improvised surgical instruments, comprised in a dirk-knife and a common buck-saw, were not
needed, as the young fellow sank and died in spite of the fact that the Doctor stopped the flow of blood
mqst effectually by a home-made tourniquet, i. e., a stout cord and stick; this is a sample of the desperate
cases, showing how little the pioneershad to do with, and how much to contend with. The Doctor mar-
ried, Feb. 18, 1846, Miss Lucy S., daughter of John and Betsey (Smith) Andrews; she was a native of
Andover, Vt., and they have four living children— Henry M. (editor of the Freeman), Annie (Mrs. T.
W. Haight), Laurel E. and L. Mabel; Augustus, the eldest, enlisted at 16 in the Union army, served
out his term of enlistment, came home sick, and died a week later. Dr. Youmans is a genuine type of
the old settler, and has had a longer term of practice than almost any other physician in the State; he is
an old-line Whig-Republican ; was formerly Chairman, etc., of his town, and was a member of the hard-
working, historic and fearlessly patriotic Legislature of 1861 ; the Doctor is also an old and tried Odd-
Fellow.
TOWN OF LISBON.
SILAS AINSWORTH, farmer, and breeder of fine-wool sheep. Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Merton ; was
bom in Staiford, Genesee Co., N. Y., April 27, 1817. He married in the town of Elba, N. Y., Rox-
ana Robe, a native of Simsbury, Hartford Co., Conn.; in 1839, he went to Cook Co., 111., and the following
year (1840) moved his family there ; in 1844, they removed to their present home ; their children were
Henry N., who was born in Batavia, N. Y., April 2, 1839 ; during the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in
Co. F, 1st W. V. I.; he died in the service, at Memphis, Tenn., Oct. 2, 1862; the records of his
regiment show that he was a gallant soldier and a genial comrade ; Roderic was educated at the State Nor-
mal School, at Bloomington, 111.; he married Miss H. M. Phillips ; they have one child, May C.; Clara A.,
wife of Dr. G. T. Loomis, Cascade, Sheboygan Co., Wis.; Everett, deceased. Mr. Ainsworth and his
son Roderic are largely engaged in farming and stock-raising ; they make a specialty of raising fine-wool
sheep ; they have an extensive knowledge of the business, and are among the most successful and promi-
nent growers in the county ; their farm is well improved, most desirably located, and well adapted to agri-
culture and stock-growing. Mr. Ainsworth has been elected to various town offices, and is an active
citizen.
JOHX AXDREWS, retired farmer; P. 0. Sussex; is a native of Somersetshire, Eng.; he was
born Oct. 1, 1815 ; in 1819, his parents emigrated to America, settling in Belmont, Ohio, where they
resided during their life. April 27, 1842, he married, in Richland Co., Ohio, Ann Read ; she was born in
Somersetshire, Eng.; immediately after their marriage, they came to Wisconsin and located on a farm on
Sec. 5, town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where they resided until 1858, when they moved to Menomonee
Falls, remaining nearly two years, at the end of which time they moved to Sussex, where she died, Feb.
6, 1879 ; she was a member of the Episcopal Church, and an earnest and Christian woman ; Mr. Andrews
is a member of the Episcopal Church ; he has been very successful in life, is a generous supporter of every
interest that gives promise of general good.
E. BOOTS, proprietor of the Sussex Brewery ; P. 0. Sussex ; is a native of Sussex Co., Eng.;
he was born Jan. 7, 1831 ; in 1850, he came to this country and located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha
TOWN OF LISBON. 977
Co., Wis., where he married Eleanor Weaver, daughter of William Weaver, Sr., an old settler of Lis-
bon. Mr. Boots and wife are members of the Episcopal Church ; Mr. Boots is an enterprising citizen and
a good business man ; he became proprietor of the Sussex Brewery in 1861, and has done a successful busi-
ness since that time.
HENKY BOOTS, Sussex, was born in the County Sussex, Eng., in 1832 ; he came to the
United States in 1852, locating in Lisbon, Waukesha Co., the same year. He married, in Lisbon, Esther
Munn, a native of the County Kent, Eng.; they have three children living — Henry, Frederick and Eugene ;
Mr. Boots and wife are members of the Episcopal Church.
WILiLdAM BROWW, farmer, Sec. 2; P. 0. Sussex ; he was born in the County Kent, Eng.,
June- 21, 1829 ; he came to this country in 1841, and lived at Rochester, N. Y., until 1845, then came to
the town of Lisbon, Waukesha, Co., Wis., where he married on the 28th of March, 1852, Sarah Russell,
who was born in the County Kent, Eng., May 3, 1831, and is the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth
Russell, who settled in Lisbon about 1850 ; Mr. Brown and wife are members of the Episcopal Church ;
their children are Sarah, born July 24, 1853 ; she is the wife of Robert Bates, Clark Co., Wis.; William
J., born March 28, 1856 ; George R., born Sept. 2, 1858; Harriet M., born April 20, 1861, is the wife of
Wilfred Snyder, Milwaukee ; Mary Jane, born June 23, 1863 ; Charles A., born Sept. 12, 1865 ; Lydia
A., born July 15, 1868 ; Mr. Brown owns 70 acres of improved land well located.
Wll/lil AM BCJTIjER, farmer ; Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Sussex ; is a native of Yorkshire, England >
born in 1826 ; in about 1843, he came to this country with his parents, William and Sarah Butler ; they
settled in Lisbon, where he died; she is still a resident of Lisbon, aged 80 years. Dec. 4. 1849,
William, the subject of this sketch, married, in Milwaukee, Agnes Davidson, a native of Blackburn, Scot-
land ; born in 1825 ; she was the daughter of James and Marian Davidson, who settled in the town of
Lisbon in 1849 ; they have twelve children, viz. : William, Jr. ; Marian, wife of Robert Booth ; Sarah,
James, Agnes, Georgiana, John, Lizzie, Andrew, Maggie, Harriet and Jane. Mr. Butler is one of as suc-
cessful farmers as there is in Waukesha County; he owns 250 acres of land, all well improved and finely
located, containing almost every natural advantage.
HON. GEORGE CAIRNCROSS, a resident of Waukesha Co;, Wis., for more than
thirty-eight years, is a native of County Midlothian, Scotland; was born near Edinburgh, July 1, 1812.
He received a liberal education in his native couutry, and, in 1842, emigrated to America, located in the
town of Lisbon, which has been his home since. In 1857, he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly,
and was, for a period of over thirteen years, a County Superintendent of the Poor, and for several years a
member of the Town and County Boards of Supervisors ; all of those ofiBces he filled with credit to him-
self and salisfaoiion to his constituents. Politically, he has been identified with the Republican party
since its organization; was at its birth in Madison, Wis., and is a firm and consistent supporter of its
principles. In October, 1845, he married, in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., Wis., Amy M. Allen ;
she was born in Conneaut, Ohio ; came to Wisconsin in 1843, and died in the town of Lisbon, in 1870,
aged 48 years. She was a member of the Congregational Church, a sincere and Christian woman.
Their children are Clara A., wife of John Ross, of the village of Pewaukee; George A., traveling salesman
for a Milwaukee firm ; James W., a physician at Mukwonago, he married Mis-i Ellen Smith of Pewaukee ;
Andrew D., now in Memphis, Tenn. Mr. Cairncross' farm is located on Sec. 32, is finely improved,
and is known as the " Forest Home." He has been very successful in life, and now has retired from
active business, and is living in ease and comfort. P. O., Pewaukee.
RICHARD COOIilJiG, retired, Sussex; is a native of England; born in Dorchestershire,
Aug. 19, 1813 ; learned the blacksmith's trade in his native country, and in 1838, crossed the Atlantic
and worked at his trade in (jeneseo, Livingston Co., X. Y., where he married, on the 3d of February, 1838,
Mary E. White, a native of Vermont, born April 4, 1820 ; they came to Wisconsin in 1842 ; located at
Sussex, Waukesha Co., where she died, Oct. 27, 1874 ; their children were Emily F., born April 14,
1839 ; was the wife of W. Davidson ; she died April 22, 1876 ; John T., born Nov. 16, 1846, died April
12, 1847 ; Esther Ann, born March 28, 1848 ; is the wife of James Templeton, Sussex ; Henry C, born
Dec. 15, 1851 ; died Nov. 7, 1854 ; Mary E., born Dec. 4, 1857 ; died Jan. 20, 1858 ; Susan A., born
Aug. 12, 1866 ; resides with her father. Mr. Cooling is a leading man in the Episcopal Church; was
Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors two terms, and has filled various other local offices. He was
the first appointed in the village of Sussex, and was in the mercantile business in that village over fifteen
years.
RICHARD CRAVEX, Jr., farmer ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in the town of Lisbon,
Waukesha Co.. Wis., Feb. 3, 1845 : his parents are Richard and Margaret Craven, who settled in Lisbon
978 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
in 183Y. February 14, 1866, he married, in Lisbon, Mary E. Ottawa; they have seven children — Will-
iam K., George E., Everett A., Margaret B. , Ida E., Myron J., and Homer W. Mr. Craven is exten-
sively engaged in farming, and is very successful.
ANDREW L<. DAVIDSON, farmer. Sec. 23 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in Scotland Sept-
8, 1872. He married, in his native place, Margaret Gray; in 1850, they came to this country, and set-
tled in the town of Lisbon. Waukesha Co., Wis., the same year ; their children are James, who served in
Company B, 48th W V. I., in the war of the rebellion. He married Sarah Frost, of Lisbon ; Andrew,
his second son, has been married twice ; his first wife was Eliza Stone ; his present wife, Eosdelia
Rosier ; Jane G., oldest daughter, is the wife of John Temper ; John, the third son, lives in Mil-
waukee ; Thomas, the fourth son, married Phebe Rosier ; Marian, second daughter, is the wife of Walter
W. Gourlee ; Margaret, Walter, Alexander, William, Agnes, and Emma live at home. Mr. Davidson
owns a finely improved farm. In early life he learned the stonemason trade, which he worked at for
over forty years, being a skillful workman. He always commanded good wages.
SAMUEL DAIJGHERTY, Sec. 29; P. 0. Pewaukee; was born in Belohertown, Hamp-
shire Co., Mass., March 25, 1814; in 1837, he came to Wisconsin, and established the first bakery in
what is now the city of Milwaukee, running it but a short time. He came from Milwaukee to Lisbon,
Waukesha Co. ; remained a few months, then returned to his native State. Sept. 9, 1840, he married,
in Boston, Mass., Caroline C. Vanevar, a native of Boston, born Sept. 9, 1817 ; after their marriage, they
lived in Hadley, Mass., until 1851, in which year they moved to the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co.,
Wis., where she died on the 16th of June, 1878; she was a most exemplary and Christian woman;
their children are Edward, who was a soldier in the 28th W. V. I. during the war of the rebeUion ; he
married Miss Martha Haskins, of Pewaukee ; Alexander R., lives in Boston, Mass. ; he married Frances
Burns of that city ; Corrine A., wife of Arthur J. Pierce, of Boston, Mass. ; Caroline E., and Ella M.
reside with their father. Mr. Dougherty has a nicely improved farm. In early life, he learned the
painter's trade, which he has followed for a number of years in Massachusetts and in this State. His
father, Samuel Dougherty, was one of the first settlers of the town of Lisbon; and was an honored and
respected citizen.
WM. DUNN, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Mertori ; was born in County Limerick, Ireland ; he emigrated
to this country in 1844. Married, in Lockport, N. Y., in August of that year, Rosa A. Brady, imme-
diately after their marriage they came to Wisconsin, settled in the town of Lichfield, Washington Co.,
where they resided until 1868, in which year they moved to their present home ; their children are John,
now in Hall Co., Neb.; Michael, a farmer. Sec. 6, town of Lisbon; Mary, deceased ; William, deceased ; Thomas,
J., a teacher, was educated in Carroll College, Waukesha, and in the Wisconsin University ; has taught
school several terms; Catherine, deceased; Rose A., home with parents ; Bridget E., wife of Charles Flem-
ing, Washington Co., Wis. Margaret, Catherine, Agnes and William F., Mr. Dunn and family are mem-
bers of the Catholic Church. In politics he acts with the Democrat party. He owns a well-located farm
of 110 acres. His oldest son (John) married in Nebraska, Miss McNeill. Michael, the second son, mar-
ried Sarah Tilly of this town (Lisbon.)
JAMES GAYNOR, Sr., Sec. 25 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in County Longford, Ireland, in
1812. He married in his native County, Ann Brown; they came to this country in 1849, and the
same year settled in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., where they still reside ; their children are
John, James, John A., Mary, and Margaret ; the second oldest, James, was born in County Longford,
Ireland, in 1849 ; he has traveled extensively, and has visited nearly every place of importance in the
Northwest and on the Pacific slope ; he is now engaged in farming, and is also proprietor of saw-mill
located in the village of Sussex ; he has 280 acres of land ; has on his place a deer park, well stocked with
deer. The youngest of the boys, John A., is a graduate of the Wisconsin University, is now District Attor-
ney in Grand Rapids, Wis. Mary the oldest daughter, is the wife of James Madden, of Lisbon. The
youngest, Margaret, is the wife of Alexander Caldwell, of Pewaukee.
JOHN JEFFERY, farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Sussex. This gentleman, one of the first settlers in
the north part of Lisbon, was born in County Kent, England, May 22, 1818; in 1844, he came to this
country. Married in Oneida Co., N. Y., Mary A. Callow; she was also born in England; in 1843, they
moved to Wisconsin, settling in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., which has been their home since;
their children are William H., Ann, wife of Myron Oliver; Jane, wife of Franklin Oliver; Mary, wife of
Albert Crouch ; Emily Louise, Alice and Albert ; all of the above live in Lisbon, except the Mrs. Olivers^
who live in Verona, Minn. There are three children deceased, viz., George, who was a soldier in the 28th
W. v., I., during the war of the rebellion, and died in the service at Helena, Ark ; he was a good soldier.
TOWN OF J,lbBON. 979
Elizabeth and George died in Lisbon. Jlr. Jeffery has witnessed the trials and privations of pioneer life
in North Lisbon, and has a vivid recollection of it as a vast forest. He owns 130 acres of land.
WILLIAM JEFFERY, farmer, Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in 1820, County Kent, Eng-
land. He married in his native county, Mary A. Wildish; they crossed the Atlantic in 1852 ; purchased
a farm in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., the same year, and have been residents of that town
since ; their children are George, Fannie, Jane, Mary Laura and Clara A ; the second oldest, Mary, is
the wife of J. A. Griswold of Pewaukee ; the third oldest, Jane, is the wife of Rev. Samuel JoUiffe, M.
E. minister, North Prairie, Wis. Mr. Jeffery owns 105 acres of land; is a most successful farmer; the
improvements on his farm buildings, etc., are of the best.
WILLIAM LEADLEY, farmer. Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in Yorkshire, England,
July 15, 1823; in 1851, he came to the United States; shortly after his arrival, he came to Waukesha,
Wis., where he lived about three years, then went to the town of Delafield, where he married Alice
Chambers, also a native of Yorkshire, England ; they resided in Delafield about three years, at the end
of which time they moved to their present home ; their children are Thomas, Margaret A., Alice M.,
Ehzabeth M., John R., Ruth A. and Dora E. Mr. Leadley and wife are members of the Bible Christian
Church. In politics he is a Republican ; owns a well-improved farm of 88 acres ; he is an upright man, a
good citizen, and liberally supports every enterprise that he believes beneficial to the public in general.
Mr. Leadley's daughter Margaret A. is the wife of Herbert Stone ; his daughter Alice M. is the wife of
Charles E. Tempest.
WILLIAM McDOXALD, proprietor of general store and farmer ; P.O.Sussex; is a native
of Perthshire, Scotland ; was born in the Parish of St. Martin's Eeb. 25, 1830 ; in 1854, he came to the
United States, locating in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he married, on the 20th of
January, 1866, Elizabeth Cottam, a native of Lincolnshire, England, born Feb. 13, 1844 ; they have
four children — William, I., Robert A., Elizabeth A. and Ella E. ; one child deceased, Norman A. Mr.
McDonald has been engaged in a mercantile business in the town of Lisbon over twelve years, and, by his
close application to his business and strict integrity, secured a good trade ; politically, he acts with the
Republican party ; has been elected to various local ofiices ; was Chairman of the Town Board ; also Jus-
tice of the Peace four years. His father, Robert McDonald., was born in Duall, Perthshire, Scotland ; he
married, in the Parish of Kilspindie, Perthshire, Jennette Moyes ; they emigrated to this country in 1854,
settling in town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., the same year, where they have resided during
their life ; their children were ijames, deceased ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1869 ;
William, whose name heads this sketch ; Robert lives in New York ; Ann, wife of John B. Melrose, of
Lisbon. Mrs. William McDonald's parents were Isaac and Elizabeth Cottam, natives of England, who
came to this country in 1845, living in Geneseo, N. Y., until 1850, when they came to this (Waukesha)
county, where he died in 1875 ; she is still living, an esteemed woman.
UO^. ELISHA PEARL, farmer, Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Eastford, Windham
Co., Conn., March 7, 1819 ; when he was 14 years old, he went to the town of West Brookfield and
learned the cabinet-making trade, continuing in it until 1838, when he went to Hartford, there remaining
until the following year (1839), when he came to Jlilwaukee, Wis., and in copartnership with Lucas
Pearl, a brother of his, engaged in the clothier's business, in which they continued about one year ; in
1841, he returned to Hartford, Conn. ; in 1842, he again came to Wisconsin and purchased a half-section
of land in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., which he still owns. In 1844, he married in Woodstock,
Conn., Sarah Trowbridge, a native of Eastford, Conn., born Jan. 13, 1820; their children are Philip
H., now in Detroit, Mich. ; Edward S., a leading farmer of Lisbon, was a soldier in a Wisconsin Volun-
teer Regiment during 'the war of the rebellion ; he married Louise Eastman, of Merton ; Eugene, an
artist in the city of New York. Mr. Pearl was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1853, and has
filled various town ofllces ; in politics, he is a consistent Republican ; he is one of those enterprising and
public-spirited men that always take an active part in advancing the public interest.';.
HENRY PHILLIPS, farmer. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Merton; was born in Dryden, Tompkins Co.,
N. Y., on the 12th of November, 1817. In 1841, he married, in his native town, Sarah Miller, a native
of Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. ; the year following their marriage (1842), they came to Wi.'iconsin
and settled in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., and it has been their home since; they have had tin
children, five of whom are living, viz. : Edmund B., now of Chicago, 111. ; he married, in Merton, Agnes
King ; Huldah M., wife of Roderick, Ainsworth, a leading farmer of Lisbon ; William H., now of Chicago,
married Lucretia Hayden ; Albert married Lizzie Welch ; and George W. Mr. Phillips owns over 300
acres of land ; he has been Chairman of the Lisbon Town Board of Supervisors several terms, and Justice
980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of the Peace a number of years ; is a generous and enterprising man, takes an active interest in public
affairs, and does all in his power to promote the public weal of his town and county.
A. J. POLiER, farmer, Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Royalton, Niagara Co., N. Y., Jan-
19, 1833 ; in 1845, he came with his parents, Jeremiah and Unice Poler, to Wisconsin ; they settled in the
town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where A. J. assisted his father in making a home in the then new country,
and engaged in agricultural pursuits in the town of Merton until about 1869, when he moved to his
present home in th etown of Lisbon. He married, in Orleans Co., N. Y., Anna Lane, a native of that county,
a most estimable woman ; they have three children — George E., Walter S. and Frank ; Mr. Poler and
family are members of the Baptist Church at Merton ; in politics he acts with the Republican party ; owns
126 acres of well-improved land, well located, adjacent to the village of Merton. Mr. Poler takes an active
interest in religious and educational matters, and has filled several school offices ; his father, J. Poler, resides
in the village of Merton, an old and esteemed citizen ; his mother is deceased ; she was an earnest Christian
woman, one of those pioneer mothers whom we ever hold in grateful remembrance.
THOMAIKi S. KKDFORD, farmer ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in York, Genesee Co., N. Y. ; when
he was 12 years old, his parents, Arthur S. and Mary Redford, moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co.,
where he remained until his coming to Wisconsin in 1835 ; he was the first settler in the town of Lisbon,
which has now been his home for nearly forty-five years ; he put up the first building (a log sabin) in that
town, and made the first improvements, and has been identified with the growth and prosperity of the town
from its infancy. Mr. R. has been married three times ; his first wife was Caroline Vanvlack ; she died in
1853 ; they had two children — Adelbert, now of Dorchester, Neb., his wife was Mary Selby ; Sylvester,
who married Esther Dale, they reside in the town of Pewaukee ; second wife was Jane Reely, she died in
1864 ; by this marriage there are two children — Emma, wife of William Hodgson, St. Mary's, Kan. ; his
present wife was Abagail Newell, a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; they have one child, Mabel B., born
March 1, 1875. Mr. Redford owns 160 acres of land; is a Republican in politics; his farm is well-
improved and desirably located. Mr. Redford is an active member of the Old Settlers' Society, and takes
a deep interest in its meetings.
THOMPSOI^ RICHMOND, farmer. Sec. 29 ; P. 0. Merton ; was born in Ashford, Windham
Co., Conn., ; Nov. 29, 1817 ; his father, Hon. Michael Richmond, was elected several times a member of the
Connecticut Legislature, and was a leading merchant in Ashford a number of years ; his mother was Polly Byles,
a most estimable woman ; she was married to Michael Richmond in Connecticut ; he is still living ; she died
in 1879. Thompson Richmond, the subject of this sketch, was educated in Ashford, and in about 1837,
engaged in the mercantile business in Woodstock, Vt., until 1842, in which year he came to Wisconsin,
and located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where he has since resided ; his first wife was Nancy M.
Peuniman, a native of Woodstock, Conn.; she died in Lisbon ; present wife was Hannah P. Palmer, nee
Dean, a native of Ashford, Conn., her first husband, Chauncey Palmer, died in 1839 ; she married
Mr. Richmond in 1850. By Mr. Richmond's first marriage there was one son, Thompson P., who served
in the 28th R. W. \ . I., during the war of the rebellion, is now a druggist in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mr.
Richmond and present wife have two adopted children — Sarah C. and Edna S., the latter is the wife of J.
T. Ringrose, Jackson Co., Wis. Mr. Richmond owns nearly a section of finely improved land ; is one of
Waukesha Co.'s most extensive and enterprising farmers, and takes an active part in the development
and growth of the county.
ARCHIB Ali D RODGER, farmer. Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Sussex ; is a native of Perthshire, Scotland ;
was born Sept. 23, 1809, came to this country in 1841, located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co.,
Wis,, where he has since resided. He married, in Lisbon, Augusta Templeton ; she died March, 1876, they
had four children — George, now deceased ; Agnes, now the wife of Alexander Terner, Brandon, Pond du
Lac Co., Wis. ; Jeanette, wife of James Vance ; they also live in Brandon ; Isabel, wife of George McKer-
row, a leading farmer of Lisbon ; they have one child, Jennie B. Mr. Rodger owns 95 acres of well-
improved land, and is one of Lisbon's well-to-do and energetic citizens.
IRA ROWEiliLi, an extensive farmer. Sec. 6; P. 0. Merton; is a native of New Hampshire,
was born in 1803. Jan. 1, 1827 ; he married in Eaton, Madison Co., N. Y., Maria L. Ford, a native of
that place, born in 1804 ; in 1842, they came to Wisconsin and located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha
Co., where they have since lived ; success has rewarded their efforts in every enterprise, and they have
accumulated a Ijandsome property ; their children now living are Kendrick J., of Oconomowoc ; he mar-
ried Esther Butterfield ; Lewis F., married Patience Roman ; they moved to Lewis Co., Minn., where they
now live; Gibson E., Hartford, Wis., married Jane Rice; Ira B., Menomonee Falls he married twice;
first wife is deceased, present wife was Louise Chipman ; Guilford D., Appleton, married Eliza J. Thompson ;
TOWK OF LISBON. 981
Mark M., Oconomowoc, married Jennie Carey; Dwight A., Hartford, Wis., married Harriet C. Thompson;
Matilda M., wife of M .M. Bush, Oconomowoc; George N., Menomonee Falls, married Mary Welch; Horace
v., Lisbon, married Emma T., daughter of Ira and Emeline Wheelock, pioneer settlers of Wisconsin.
H. R. SAVAGE, farmer. Sees. 19 and 20 ; P. 0. Merton ; is a native of Monroe Co., N. Y.;
was born in the town of Churchill May 11, 1822. He married, in his native town, Sarah A. Hawley, and
in 1844, came to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where she died in 1846.
His present wife was Fidelia L. Fuller, a native of Riga, Monroe Co., N. Y. ; they have two children — ■
Ida R. (wife of Dr. J. Bacon, Waukesha), and Cora E.; Mr. Savage has been a resident of Waukesha
Co. since 1844, with the exception of from 1851 until 1855, which time he lived in Allegany Co.,
N. Y.; himself and family are members of the Baptist Church-; in politics, he acts with the Republican
party ; owns 160 acres of land ; he has at different times been elected to various local ofl&ces in the town of
Lisbon, and has always been identified with her public interests.
HOX. WILiIilAM SMAIil., Sec. 21 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in Perthshire, Scotland, Oct-
6, 1824; received a liberal education in his native country ; came to the United States in 1841, and the
following year to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha County, where he has since resided.
Nov. 27, 1856, he married, in the town of Lisbon, Margaiet Marshall, a native of Fifeshire, Scot-
land; they have one son, John R.; Mr. Small has been elected to several offices; was Chairman of Lisbon
Town Board of Supervisors several terms ; Assessor and Justice of the Peace a number of years, and was
elected a member of the Wisconsin Assembly for 1880 ; in every position he has filled, he has discharged
the duties thereof with universal satisfaction to his constituents and people in general ; he owns a pleas-
antly located, and well-improved farm, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising ; he is an enterpris-
ing, public spirited citizen, and is deservedly very popular.
JEREMIAH SMITH, farmer. Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in County Sussex, England,
Nov. 5, 1829, where he remained until 1849, when he crossed the Atlantic, came to Wisconsin and located
in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis , where he married, on the 8th of November, 1854, Miss Ann R.
Weaver ; she was born in Augusta, Oneida Co., X. Y., and is the daughter of John and Melinda A.
Weaver, who settled in Lisbon early in ISoT, and now residents of Darlington, Wis. Mr. Smith
and wife have made their home in Lisbon since their marriage ; their living children are Francis A., wife
of E. Long, Juneau Co., Wis.; Daniel, Caroline M., George H., William J., Ruth L , Charles L., Thomas
0., two children deceased, Sarah A., and Jeremiah L. Mr. S. has been a member of the Lisbon Town
Board, and has also held the ofUce of Justice of the Peace several times ; he owns a pleasantly located farm ;
is member of Masonic fraternity, and is Secretary of the lodge in Sussex.
JAMES STOXE, farmer and hop-grower. Sec. B4 ; P. 0. Sussex ; is a native of Sussex County,
England; born Feb. 14, 1814; is the son of James and Maria Stone, natives of Sussex Co., England,
who came to this country in 1840, living in Cleveland, Ohio, until 1842, then coming to Wisconsin, and
locating in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where they resided during their lives. He ha.s been twice
married; first wife was Frances Sisley ; were married in Sussex Co., England, her native place; she died
in Lisbon, Oct. 27, 1853, aged 41 years. His present wife was Lucy Chester, widow of Thomas Chester,
and daughter of John Fielder, an old settler of Lisbon. Mr. Stone's children were seven, viz. : William, who
resides in this town ; he married Hannah Bowers ; Elizabeth, wife of Hiram Hinds, Andrew Co., Mo. ;
Henry J., died Aug. 2, 1848 ; Annie M., died March 27, 1859 ; David F., died Aug. 22, 1850 ; Frank
S., died April 20, 1852 ; Phoebe C, died Nov. 12, 1853. Mr. Stone's farm is well improved, and consists
of 80 acres of land. Himself and wife are members of the Episcopal Church.
J. H. SUTHERIiAN, farmer. Sec. 2; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Knoxville, Tenn., in
1840 ; in 1858, went to Omaha, Neb. In 1862, enlisted in Co. D, 5th Iowa V. C. ; served until August,
1S65, when he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn. ; was in the battle of Ft. Donelson, where
he was wounded ; was also in several other hard-fought engagements. After being discharged from the
service, he came to Brookfield, Waukesha Co., Wis., where he married Laura Rowe, daughter of Ira and
Julia Rowe, pioneer settlers of Waukesha Co. ; they have six children — Francis >!,. Hattie, Harry, Myron
L., Edith and Mabel. He owns 83 acres of land, town of Lisbon, where he has lived since 1876.
SMITH THOMPSON, an enterprising farmer. Sec. 5; P. 0. Merton; is a native of Che-
nango Co., N. Y. ; was bom July 25, 1809. He married, in the town of Berlin, in his native county.
Miss Jane E. Rathbone ; she was born in McDonough, Chenango Co., N. Y., March 25, 1818 ; they came
to Wisconsin in 1845, and settled in the town of Lisbon, where they have since resided ; they have four
children living — Fitz James, who was a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the war of the rebellion ;
982 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he married, in Washington Co., Wis., Caroline Molster ; they moved to Sedgwick Co., where they now,
live ; Eliza J., wife of Guilford D. Rowell, Appleton, Wis. ; Harriet C, wife of Dwight A. Rowell, Hart-
ford, Wis. ; Smith S., a leading physician, Cedarville, Stephenson Co., 111. Mr. Thompson and wife are
members of the M. E. Church. They own 120 acres of finely located land.
I>. P. TOPPI5f€r, dealer in dry goods, notions, groceries, etc., Sussex ; was born in Sloansville,
N. Y., in 1842 ; in 1855, came with his parents, George and Maria Topping, to Sauk Co., Wis, ; moved
thence to Columbia Co., where he was engaged in the mercantile business in that county for some time;
in 1870, he came to Sussex, and since that time has done a leading business in that village. He married,
in Sussex, Serena Weaver, daughter of the Hon. Richard Weaver, of that place ; they have two children —
Nellie R. and May.
JOHN WATSON, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. 0. Sussex ; is a native of Perthshire, Scotland ; was
born near city of that name, Dec. 19, 1827 ; in 1841, he crossed the Atlantic to Buffalo, N. Y., where he
remained until 1843, when he came to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., which
has been his home since. He married, in Lisbon, Mary Rodger ; she was also a native of Perthshire,
Scotland ; they have had six children — Andrew G., Robert, John A., James R., Mary E. and Katie E. ;
Robert, the second oldest, is deceased. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Watson enlisted in Co. P,
28th W. V. I. ; he was enrolled in August, 1862, and was in active service until August, 1865, when he v as
honorably discharged. Mr. Watson and wife are leading members of the M. E. Church. He owns 175
acres of land, finely improved ; he is active in his support of every interest that gives promise of benefiting
or developing the resources of Waukesha Co.
ALiL-ISON M. WEAVER, farmer ; Sec. 27 ; P. 0. Sussex ; son of Stephen and Phcebe
Weaver ; he was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Aug. 5, 1838 ; came to Wisconsin in 1855, and has been a
resident of Waukesha Co. since. He married, in the town of Lisbon, on the 2d of July, 1863, Mary J.
M. Smith (daughter of Edward and Mary J. M. Smith, who settled in this county in 1837) ; Mr. Weaver
and wife attend the Congregational Church ; their children are William A., born March 8, 1865, died
Aug. 26, 1865 ; Jane H., born July 26, 1866 ; Sophia M., born Oct. 16, 1868; George A. T., born Sept.
6, 1872; Agnes P. M., born Sept. 10, 1876; Mrs. Weaver was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., April 14,
1835. Mr. Weaver owns 80 acres of land.
A. S. WEAVER, farmer. Sec. 26; P. 0. Sussex; son of James and EHzabeth Weaver; was
born in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., on the 24th of July, 1839. During the war of the
rebellion, he enlisted in Co. B, 28th W. V. I ; he was enrolled in August, 1862 ; participated in every
skirmish, siege and battle that his command was in until August, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.
He married, in Lisbon, on the 19th of December, 1866, Sarah A. Howard, daughter of Charles and Har-
riet Howard, early settlers of Lisbon ; Mr. Weaver and wife are members of the Episcopal Church ; they
have two children, Harriet E. and Ada R. Mr. Weaver is engaged in farming and hop-growing; owns a
well-improved farm.
HON. JAMES WEAVER, Sussex; is a native of County Kent, Eng.; was born Oct. 17,
1800. In 1820, he married, in Sussex Co., Eng., Elizabeth Fielder, a native of that county, born in 1801; in
1830, they came to this country, settled in Oneida Co., N. Y., where they lived until 1837, in the summer
of which year they came to Wisconsin and located in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where she died,
March 17, 1867 ; their children were James, born March 30, 1821, died in Oneida Co., N. Y., March 14,
1835 ; Thomas, born Oct. 1, 1822, was a member of the Assembly in 1865 ; William, born Oct. 3, 1824 ;
Mary, born Feb. 5, 1826, is the wife of James Craven ; Richard, born Aug. 25, 1827, was a member of
the Assembly in 1878, and State Senator in 1880 ; Jane R.j born Aug. 14, 1829, died Dec. 13; 1844 ;
Ehzabeth A., born Dec. 27, 1831, is the wife of James Howitt, Andrew Co., Mo.; John, born March 30,
1833, lives in Oregon; Caroline L., born Nov. 30, 1834 ; Edward J., born July 11, 1836 ; Ruth, born Nov.
24, 1837, died July 28, 1838 ; 'Alfred S., born July 24, 1839, was a soldier in the 28th W. V. I. during
the rebellion; Emily, born May 11, 1841, is the wife of Robert Frost; Lydia, born July 30, 1842, is
the wife of John Russell ; Stephen, born Sept. 28, 1843, died Dec. 2, 1869 ; Richmond T., born Nov. 24,
1845. Mr. Weaver has passed the most of his active life as a hop-grower and farmer ; he was the first to
introduce the former industry in the State of Wisconsin ; he has been selected at various times by his fellow-
citizens to fill offices of honor and trust, and has been a number of times elected Chairman of the Town
Board of Supervisors, and other town offices ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1856, a
position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people ; he has accumulated a handsome
fortune, and now lives in the enjoyment of peace and competence.
TOWN OF LISBON. 083
JAMES T. W E A VER, farmer, Sec. 36 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in the town of Lisbon,
Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1851, and is therefore a native to the "manor born;" he is the son of Thomas
and Betty Weaver, of this town (Lisbon). He married Jane Haskins, daughter of WiUiam and Sarah
Haskins, early settlers of this county, and now esteemed citizens of the town of Pewaukee, where they
have lived a number of years ; Mr. Weaver and wife attend the Bible Christian Church ; they have two
children — George H. and Harcourt S.; in -politics, Mr. Weaver is a Democrat; he is extensively engaged in
farming, and is a man of much energy and push.
HOW. RICHARD WEAVER, Sussex; was born in Sussex Co., Eng., Aup. 2,5, 1H27 i
received a liberal education in early life ; crossed the Atlantic in 1830 ; lived in Oneida Co., N. Y., until
1837, in which year he came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., where he has
since resided. Nov. 22, 1848, he married, in Sussex, Waukesha Co., Wis., Rhoda Stone; they have one
daughter, Serena J., the wife of D. P. Topping, a merchant in Sussex. Mr. Weaver has held various
town offices ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1878, and was elected State Senator in
1879 ; Mr. Weaver is extensively engaged in hop-dealing ; is an active business man, and heartily co-oper-
ates in all matters pertaining to the growth and prosperity of the county ; he is a man of excellent qualities,
and has always maintained an adherence to those principles of honor and fair dealing that hjive secured to
him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has had to do.
RICHMOND T. WEAVER, P. 0. Sussex; was born in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co.,
Wis., Nov. 24, 1845 ; is a son of James and Elizabeth Weaver. Remarried in Sussex, on the 10th of
November, 1870, Ruth Howard; she was also born in the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., daughter
of Charles and Harriet Howard, early settlers of Lisbon. Mr. Weaver and wife are members of the Epis-
copal Church ; they have three children ; Charles J., Leslie A, and Ernest Gr. He is engaged in farming
and is very successful in the management of his business.
HOX. THOMAS WEAVER, a leading farmer and hop-grower ; P. 0. Lisbon; was born in
Sussex, England, Oct. 1, 1 822 ; he emigrated with his parents, James and Elizabeth Weaver, to Oneida Co.,
N. Y., in 1830, thence to the town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1837, where he married, April 8, 1847,
Miss Betty Craven, daughter of Richard and Rachel Craven, now deceased, who were early settlers and
esteemed citizens of Lisbon ; she was born in Yorkshire, England, Sept. 16, 1826 ; they have had thir-
teen children, eight of whom are living, viz : James T., of this town ; he married Jane Haskins ; John F.
married Annie Bennett; Juha E., wife of Robert Hardy; Betty A., Jane E., Lucy C, Alfred S. and
Elmer W. Mr. Weaver wag a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1865 ; he has also filled various
local offices in the town of Lisbon. He owns over 400 acres of land and is very extensively engaged in farm-
ing and in hop-growing. Mr. Weaver never had any important advantages in early life, but has hewed
his own way', by honest efibrt and good management, to his present affluent position. He is enterprising
and public spirited as a citizen, and is deservedly very popular.
WIEIilAM WEAVER, Jr., Sec. 16; P.O. Sussex ; is a native of County Sussex, Eng-
land; was born May 8, 1827 ; in 1830, his parents, William and Mary Weaver, emigrated to Oneida Co.,
N. Y., thence to town of Lisbon, Waukesha Co., Wis., in 1839. The subject of this sketch accompanied
them, and also located in the town of Lisbon and engaged in farming. His first wife was Mary Craven;
she died leaving three children, viz: Ruth S., Mary and Eva; his present wife was Hannah Lewis, a
native of Oneida Co., N. Y.; their children are Maggie, Martha J., William L., Mabel, Eunice and Robert.
Mr. Weaver has been Assessor of the town of Lisbon four years; Town Treasurer several terms; has also filled
various school and other local offices. Himself and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. He owns
100 acres of land.
WIIililAM WEAVER, 2d., hop-grower and dealer. Sec. 26 ; P. 0. Sussex ; was born in
County Sussex, England, Oct. 2, 1824; in 1830 came with his parents, James and Elizabeth Weaver, to
this country ; lived in Oneida Co., N. Y., until 1837, then came to Wisconsin, settled in the town of Lisbon,
Waukesha Co., where he married Miss Mary Howitt; they have four children living — Jane, Jeannette,
George H. and Mary. Mr. Weaver has filled various local offices. Himself snd wife are leading mem-
bers of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Weaver is extensively engaged in dealing in hops, and is largely
engaged in hop-growing.
984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
TOWN OF MENOMONEE.
A.. S. BAR8f DT, a leading physician and surgeon ; Menomonee Palls ; was born in Montgom-
ery Co., Penn., in 1837 ; he received a classical education in Norristown, Penn., and is a graduate of Rush
Medical Institute, Chicago, 111.; he came to Wisconsin in 1858. During the war of the rebellion, he was
appointed Assistant Surgeon in the 45th W. V. I., and served in that capacity until the close of the war.
He has been twice married ; his first wife was Bianca Smith ; she died in 1874 ; by this marriage there are
three children — Libbie, Nettie and Jennie ; his present wife was Amelia Lackman ; Dr. Barndt ranks high
in his profession ; he has a large practice and has the full confidence and respect of all with whom he is
acquainted.
J. D. BERIBfGER, Menomonee Palls; he was born in Bucks Co., Penn., in 1830; in 1851,
he came to Wisconsin and lived in the town of Menomonee about one year, then went to Illinois and
worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade (which he had learned ^n Pennsylvania) until 1853, when he
returned to Pennsylvania and married, on the 17th of January, 1854, Matilda M. Spinner, a native of that
county ; in April, 1855, they came to Menomonee Palls, where he engaged in the manufacturing business
several years ; they have nine children — Aaron S., George A., John H., Sunia M., Alda M., Eliza A.,
Carrie E., Ava S. and Minnie D.; Mr. Berringer owns a pleasantly-located farm close to the village ; he has
been very successfiil in business and is meeting with the reward that honest effort and industry always
bring, that of competence and peaceful enjoyment.
WALTER T. CAJBIP, farmer, also dealer in agricultural implements. Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Menom-
onee Palls; he was born in the town of Menomonee, Waukesha Co., Wis., May 5, 1850 ; his parents,
Thomas and Mary Camp, were natives of England, who settled in Menomonee about 1843. He married
on the 1st of March, 1871, Jane Wildish,daughterof Charles Wildish, an old and honored citizen of Menom-
onee ; they have one child, Stella M.; Mr. Camp owns a finely improved farm ; he has also been engaged
in the agricultural implement trade several years, and has met with more than ordinary success in that
line ; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity ; he was Deputy Sheriff' of Waukesha Co. two years.
JTAMES S. DENT, a prominent citizen of Menomonee, was born in Hornellsville, Steuben Co. >
N. Y., Aug. 1, 1831 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1842, with his parents, Richard and Jean Dent ; they
settled in the town of Menomonee, Waukesha Co., where they resided during their life.. He married in
Granville, Milwaukee Co., on the 5th of Pebruary, 1863, Lemyra J. Oliver; she was born in Orleans Co.,
N. Y., and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth J. Oliver, who settled in the town of Lisbon, in about
1846, and are now residents of Waukesha ; they have five children living — Andrew B., Willis J., Alice,
Elmer, and Sylvie ; in 1861, Mr. Dent was Assistant United States Marshal, and in 1876, was a member
of the Wisconsin Assembly, and Chairman of the Menomonee Town Board twice. Assessor several terms, and
has several other offioes ; he owns 120 acres of land and is a successful and leading farmer ; his farm is on
See. 17, is well improved and only a short distance from Menomonee Palls, his post oifice address ; Mr.
Dent is an active and consistent supporter of the principles of the Republican party ; in every position he
has filled, he has given universal satisfaction to his constituents and to the people in general.
JOHIV FLAlVAGABf, farmer. Sec. 14 ; P. 0^ Menomonee Palls ; he was born in the town of
Menomonee, Waukesha Co., Wis., Peb. 1, 1849 ; his father, William Flanagan, settled in Menomonee in
1842, and was an honored citizen, being elected to various offices ; he died in August, 1862. Mr. P.,
the subject of this sketch, married Nov. 25, 1875, Miss Katie Newman, daughter of Michael Newman, a
pioneer settler of Waukesha Co.; they have three children — Mary A., Maggie and John : Mr. Planagan
has held the office of Chairman of the Menomonee Town Board of Supervisors two terms (1877-78), Town
Clerk three years and Justice of the Peace ; he is Secretary of the Menomonee, Germantown and Grah-
ville Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a position he has filled since its organization in 1875 ; he owns a
finely located and improved farm ; he takes an active interest in public affairs, and is a public-spirited
citizen, taking part in everything to advance the various interests of his town.
MICHAEIj KEATINC)}, Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Lannon Springs; was born in County Tipperary, Ire-
land, April 3, 1835 ; when he was 2 years of age, his parents, Michael and Ellen Keating, immigrated to
Montreal, Canada, thence to Washington Co., N. Y., where they remained until the year of 1843, when
they came to Wisconsin and lived in the city of Milwaukee one year, then moved to the town of Lisbon,
Waukesha County, where the subject of this notice married Miss Katie Salmon, and resided in Lisbon until
1872, in which year they moved to their present home; they have one daughter, Nellie. Mr. Keating owns
124 acres of land. Mr. K. is Postmaster of Lannon Springs.
TOWN OF MENOMONEE. 985
PETER KEEIiEB, merchant, Menomonee Falls; is a native of Montgomery Co., Penn.; was
born Feb. 26, 1819. He married, in his native country, Esther Hepler; in 1853, they moved to Whiteside
Co., 111.; thence to Menomonee, Wis., in 1855, where she died in 1862 ; their children are Katie,
wife of Dr. William Grray, of Bradford, Iowa ; Eli H., was a soldier in 28th W. V. I., during the war of the
rebellien; Rachel, wife of Noah Judson, a merchant in Fulton, Neb.; he also served in the 28th W. Y I.,
during the war of the rebellion ; Mahlon, the youngest of those, resides in Menomonee. In politics, Mr. Keeler
is a Republican ; he has been engaged in the mercantile business in Menominee Falls several years, and by
bis courteous manners and fair dealing secured a large custom.
REV. THERON liOOMIS, P. 0. Menomonee Falls; was born in Prattsburg, Steuben Co.,
N. Y., July 7, 1814, and is a lineal descendant of Joseph Loomis, who came from Braintree, England, in
1 638, and settled in Windsor, Conn., in 1 639 ; he received a classical education in Penn Yan Academy, Yates
County, and in Hamilton College, N. Y.; received his theological education in Mission Institute, in Quincy,
111.; and in Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio ; he was licensed a minister of the Congregational Church in
1844, in Terre Haute, Ind., and ordained in Waverly, 111., in 1845, and was Pastor of various churches in
Illinois until 1848, in which year he moved to Raymond, Wis., where he followed ministerial duties several
years ; in 1864, he removed to this town (Menomonee), which has been his home since. Mr. Loomis has
been twice married, first in Steuben Co., N. Y., to Eleanor Hankins; she died Oct. 10, 1840; Aug. 7,
1845 ; he married in Quincy, 111., his present wife, Elizabeth Ballard, a native of Worcester Co., Mass.,
born April 21, 1822 ; their children are Theron, Jr., who was educated at Quincy, 111., and during the war
of the rebellion enlisted in Co. Gr, 43d W. V. I.; was honorably discharged ; he married, in Wau-
kesha, Julia Anderson, they now reside in Crete, Neb.; Frank T., born Dec. 3, 1847, died May 2, lS5(i ;
Mary E., now engaged in teaching near Lincoln, Neb.; John B., born in Raymond, Wis., Feb. 14, 1853,
was educated at the Normal School at Oshkosh, Wis.; has been County Surveyor since Jan. 1, 1879 ; is
Secretary of Lincoln Lodge, A., F. & A. M.; he is a young man of great energy and enterprise ; Charles
S., born May 8, 1857, educated at Carroll College, Waukesha, is engaged in farming in town of
Menomonee.
HOX. THOMAS Mccarty, Sec. 19 ; p. O. Lannon Spring ; was born in Buffalo, N. Y.,
Oct. 29, 1838 ; in 1842, his parents, Dennis and Sarah McCarty, came to Wisconsin and located in the
town of Menominee, Waukesha County, where the subject of this notice received a liberal education ;he has
been Chairman of the Menomonee Town Board seven terms, and was chosen Chairman of the County
Board in 1876, and was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly two terms, 187(1 and 1877 ; is a farmer by
occupation ; he owns a pleasantly located farm of 160 acres ; he is closely identified with the public aifairs
of the town of Menomonee, and is an earnest worker in behalf of her interests, and therefore is deservedly
very popular with the people ; he is a liberal giver, and every worthy enterprise, public or private, receives
from him an earnest support.
EDWARD McMU?iXI<xAIi, a leading farmer. Sec. 30 ; P. 0. Lannon Springs; was born in
County Donegal, Ireland, in 1815 ; in 1852, hf immigrated to this country. He has been married twice — to
his first wife, Eliza Lane, in Medina, N. Y.; they moved to Wisconsin in 1843, settled in the town of Menomo-
nee, where she died ; their children are Sarah, wife of Michael Summers, of Brookfield, this county ;
Thomas, of this lown, he married ]\Iary Fay, of Brookfield ; Mary, wife of Thomas Swift, of Milwaukee ;
Mr. McMunnigal's present wife was Mary Halpin. He owns a valuable farm of 240 acres fully improved ; has
been elected to various ofiices. Chairman of the Town Board, Assessor, etc., several times.
EDWARD li. NBHS, of the firm of E. L. Nebs, Schlafer & Co., proprietors of steam saw-mill,
Menomonee Falls; he is also engaged in farming; Mr. Nehs was born in Lehigh Co., Penn., March 13,
1841 ; came to Menomonee Falls with his parents, Charles and Mary A. Nehs, in 1846. He married, in
Menomonee, Elizabeth Krouse ; she was born in Armstedt, Germany, in 1839 ; they have four children —
Ida Marv, Owen and Albert. Mr. Nehs owns a pleasantly located and finely improved farm, adjacent to
the village of Menomonee Falls. He is public spirited, and takes an active part in promoting the religious,
educational and other interests of the village and town ; he has been engaged in carrying on saw-mill in
Menomonee Falls several years, and has a large run of work.
J. B. NEHS, proprietor of the Menomonee Flouring Mills, Menomonee Falls; was born in
Bucks Co., Penn., Jan. 2, 1808. June 21, 1837, he married, in Lehigh Co., Penn., Sarah Jacoby, a native
of that county; in 1849, they came to Wisconsin, purchased land where the village of Menomonee Falls
now is and have made that village their home since. In 1851-52, Mr. Nehs erected his large stone flour-
ing-mills, in the village of Menomonee Falls, they being the first flouring-mills in the town of Menomonee ;
the mill is a massive stone structure, four stories high, and containing every facility for the making of the
986 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
. best grades of flour ; the custom work alone, without taking into account the vast quantity of flour shipped,
amounts to over 37,000 bushels of wheat yearly. Mr. Nehs is one of the oldest citizens of Menomonee
Falls now residing there ; he has always been identified with the business as well as the educational and
religious interests of the village, and their present prosperity is, in a great measure, due to his liberality
and enterprise.
THOMAS J. PAL.MJBR, farmer. Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Menomonee Falls ; is a native of Norfolk,
England ; was born May 15, 1830 ; when he was 7 years of age, his parents emigrated to this country,
and settled in G-enesee Co., N. Y., where his father, James Palmer, died, and his mother married W. B.
Bradley; they came to Wisconsin in 1843, the subject of this notice, Thomas J. Palmer, coming with
them ; he lived in Racine Co. one year, then came to the town of Menomonee, where he married Mary
Gray, daughter of Anson Gray, who was an early settler of Germantown, Wis. ; she was born in Dorset,
Vt. ; they have four children — Anson G., William B., Alice F. and Mark. Mr. Palmer owns a desirably
located and well improved farm.
R. S. ROWE, of the firm of Rowe & Webb, proprietors of the Menomonee Falls Pump Factory ;
was born in Chautauqua Co., N. Y., in 1821 ; in 1837, he came to Wisconsin with his parents, Abner and
Mary Rowe; they Uved in Milwaukee until 1839, then moved to Menomonee, where they both died;
during his life, he was eminently identified with the public interests, and was elected to various offices.
During the war of the rebellion, the subject of this notice, R. S. Rowe, served in Co. A, 28th W. V. I.,
and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He has filled the office of Chairman of the Menom-
onee Town Board two terms ; was Justice of the Peace several years ; he is Secretary and District Deputy
of Menomonee Lodge, No. 227, I. 0. (). F., being an active member of that Lodge since its organization,
in 1873 ;. he is Worthy Chief of the I. 0. Gr. T., and has been permanently identified with the organiza-
tion and growth of that order since 1859, which year it was organized, in Menomonee Falls. Mr. Rowe
has been three times married ; his present wife was Mary Barnes, daughter of William Barnes, a pioneer
settler of this county ; Mr. Rowe's children are Abner S., now in Custer City, Dakota ; Mary A., wife of
H. PoXj Waukesha ; William H. and Ellen. Messrs. Rowe & Webb manufacture a superior pump, and
are meeting with flattering success in their business.
IRA B. ROWELL, of the firm of I. B. Rowell, G. W. Rowell and C. K. Schlafer, proprietors
of the Menomonee Falls Agricultural Works ; was born in Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 19, 1833 ;
came to Wisconsin with his parents, Ira and Maria Rowell, in 1843 ; they settled in the town of Lisbon,
where they still reside, old and honored residents. Ira B., the subject of this notice, has been twice
married ; his first wife was Elizabeth Osborn ; his present wife was Louisa Chipman ; they have two chil-
dren, Mabel and Harry. Mr. Rowell has been engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements over
twenty years, and therefore has a wide experience in that line, which enables him to successfully compete
with any manufactory in the Northwest ; he has recently associated with him G-. W. Rowell and C. K.
Schlafer, gentlemen of rare business qualifications, and thoroughly .conversant with the manufacturing
business in all of its details ; they manufacture the " Peekskill Plow," Nos. 192-20-21 ; Lord's Improved
Plow, No. 13; the Badger, No. 4, and the improved E plow, with steel moldboard ; these plows have
been thoroughly tested, and found to have superior advantages ; they also make the Rowell Horse Hoe
and Cultivator, with stationary or slip tooth ; this is a superior implement for the cultfvation of fallow
ground ; Ira B. Rowell & Co. have made quite a number of improvements in the making of agricultural
implements ; they use none but the best material, which, combined with their special facilities and large
experience, enables them to produce a quality of goods that less experience and old-time methods cannot
attain to.
JACOB JL. SCHLAFER, of the firm of E. L. Nehs, Schlafer & Co., proprietors of steam
saw-mill, Menomonee Falls ; is also engaged in farming ; he was born in Germantown, Washington Co.,
Wis., in 1845 ; his parents were Jacob and Katie Schlafer, natives of Germany, who emigrated to this
country and were among the first to settle in Washington Co., Wis., March 28, 1872. He married, in
Menomonee Falls, Mary Nehs, daughter of Charles and Mary Nehs ; she was born in Menomonee ; they
have one child, Adeline L. During the war of the rebellion, Mr. Schlafer was in 51st W. V. I., Co. A ; he
is a Republican in politics ; is a man of much enterprise.
J. E. SEABOLiD, merchant, Menomonee Falls ; was born in Stuttgardt, Wurtemburg, Ger-
many, on the 28th of April, 1835 ; he received a liberal education in the schools of his native city, and in
1851 came to this country ; lived in the vicinity of Chicago, 111., until 1855, which year he came to Wiscon-
sin, residing about three years in East Troy, Walworth Co. At the end of that time, he came to Menomonee Falls,
TOWN OF DELAFIELD. 987
where he married Adelaide Rodenberger, daughter of John and Hannah Rodenberger, old and esteemed
citizens of Menomonee ; they have two children — Clara E. and Nellie T. Mr. Seabold and wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; politically, he acts with the Republican party ; in 1871-72, he
was Registrar of Deeds, and prior to that was Chairman of the Menomonee Town Board of Supervisors ;
he has also been elected to various other local offices, the duties of which he discharged to general satis-
faction of the people in general ; at present writing, he holds the office of Notary Public, which he has been
the incumbent of over twelve years. Mr. Seabold has associated with him in business J. H. Volland ;
they have a full line of dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc., and have a large and constantly increasing
trade.
CHAKLES WIIiDISH, farmer, Sec. 7; P. 0. Menomonee Falls; was born in County
Kent, England, in 1819 ; came to this country in about 1841 ; lived in Oneida County, N. Y., until
1843, when he came to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Lisbon, where he married Harriet Greengo,
a daughter of Jesse Greengo, a pioneer settler of Lisbon ; they have twelve children, viz. : Emily, wife of
Henry Jeffery, Lisbon ; Jane, wife of Walter Camp, Menomonee ; Edna, wife of Jacob Johnson, also of
Menomonee ; Fannie, wife of Peter Schlafer, Milwaukee ; Orpheia, wife of Albert Stone, Lisbon ; CaiTie,
Alice, Hattie, Myron, Joseph and Fred. Mr. Wildish owns 104 acres of finely improved land ; he has
been a resident of the towns of Lisbon and Menomonee ever since 1843, and has witnessed them subdued
from a wilderness to pleasant fields of cultivation.
TOWN OF DELAFIELD.
A. A. AIKIN, farmer. Sec. 1 ; P. 0. Pewaukee ; was born in Fairfield Co., Conn , Nov. 4, 1811 ;
in 1841, he came to Wisconsin ; settled in New Berlin, where he remained until 1866, in which year he
moved to the town of Pewaukee ; lived there two years, then came to Delafield, which has been his home
since. He has been three times married ; his first wife was Jane Hyatt ; second wife Harriett Hayes ; his
present wife was Abagail Squires, a native of Connecticut; they have ten children; their oldest daugh-
ter, Jane Ann, is the wife of Peter Kunz, Sheboygan Co., Wis. ; he was a soldier in the 28th W. V. I.
during the war of the rebellion ; Harriett A., second oldest daughter is the wife of William Wallace of New
London, Wis. ; he served in the 5th W. V. I. three years, then returned and was assigned to Hancock's
Corps, where he served until the close of the war ; Mary, third oldest daughter, is the wife of William
G-ranger, of Waukesha; George W., oldest son, was a soldier in active service all through the war, in the
28th W. V. I. ; was honorably discharged ; he married Jane Connolly ; they reside on Sec. 1, this town ;
Matilda, fourth oldest daughter, is the wife of C. Horner; Clara, fifth oldest daughter, is the wife of
William Rauber ; he served all through the war in a Wisconsin regiment ; they now reside in Minnesota
Francis, second oldest son, married Jane Crane ; the unmarried children are William, Charles and Nellie
Mr. Aikin owns 200 acres of land. Is a Republican in politics.
HOIV. ALBERT ALDEN, Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Delafield ; was born in Portland, Me., Maich
5, 1811, where he received a liberal education, and afterward engaged in the mercantile business; in
1836, he went to New Orleans and clerked in a mercantile house until 1842, in which year he came to
Wisconsin and engaged in keeping a general store in the village of Delafield, this county, which business
he continued in until 1840; this was the first store established in the town of Delafield; he was also
the first Postmaster in the town; in 1846, he was elected Sherifi', a position he filled two years, being the
first Sheriff elected in Waukesha County ; he was again elected to the same position in 1864, and again
served the people well for two years ; he was a member of the first regular Wisconsin Assembly in 1849,
and was afterward elected to the same position for the terms of 1859 and 1860, serving with credit to him-
self and honor to his constituency. December, 1843, he married, in the town of Summit, Waukesha Co.,
Wis., Miss Caroline Fairservice, a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; they have four children — Albert Jr.,
Agnes M., wife of Rev. W. 0. Pierson, Pastor of Episcopal Church, Mt. Pleasant, Mich., Virginia, wife of
W. F. Brewster, and F. C. Louisa; Mr. Alden owns 360 acres of land; his home is beautifully located
near the village of Delafield, on Nagawica Lake.
HENRY BAU, Hartland, was born in the city of New York Oct. 8, 1846 ; in 1858, he came
to Wisconsin with his parents, John and Catharine Bau ; they settled in Washington County, where Henry
remained about six years ; he then came to Waukesha County, and in 1868 engaged in business in Hart-
land. April 26, 1875, he married, in Hartland, Annie Spangler, of Jefferson County, Wis. ; they have
988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
two children — Charlie, born Feb. 12, 1876 ; John E., born Nov. 7, 1878. Mr. Bau keeps a strictly, first-
class saloon, having a full assortment of the best wines, liquors and cigars ; he also keeps Falk's Milwau-
kee export beer, which is bottled by A. Grunther & Co ; this beer is unequaled as a beverage, and is
warranted to keep in any climate ; Mr. Bau owns his place of business, is public spirited and enterprising.
His father died in Washington County ; he was a soldier in active service in a Wisconsin regiment during
the war ; was a good soldier ; one of his sons, John Bau, died in the service. At present writing there
are only three of his children living, viz. : Henry, whose name heads this notice ; Charles, now in Memphis,
Tenn.; Amelia, wife of Ferdinand Lehmann, St. Louis, Mo.
Ck-EORGE BEECHAUDLEY, proprietor of NagaWioa Cottage, Delafield, was born in
Sheffield, England ; he came to Wisconsin in 1841 ; his father. Dr. John Beechaudley, was a pioneer set-
tler of Wisconsin. George Beechaudley, the subject of this notice, married, in Delafield, Ann Seaborn, a
native of G-loucestershire, England. Their home, Nagawica Cottage, is located on Nagawica Lake, and
occupies a magnificent site on the south bank, and commanding a full view of the lake ; the cottage is
surrounded by beautiful grounds, and is furnished with every evidence of taste and luxury; every con-
venisnce to be found in the mansions of Chicago or New York City are to be found at Nagawica ; the
hot and fetid atmosphere of a populated city does not enter the chambers of this cottage ; but pure, untainted
summer air, wafted on the breath of flowers, floats softly through hall and corridor, filling one with an
elysium of delight ; those leaving the hot and dusty city can here congregate during the summer season
and while away the hours in luxurious enjoyment.
THOMAS BEECHAUDLEY, farmer. Sec. 22; P. 0. Hartland ; was born in Stafford-
shire, England, in the year 1836 ; in 1839, his father. Dr. John Beechaudley, came to this country, and
hearing glowing reports of Wisconsin, he determined upon locating there, and accordingly proceeded to
South Prairie, remaining there until 1841 ; in 1842, he had his family come to Milwaukee, where he met
them, and in the same year (1842) they settled in the town of Delafield, Waukesha Co., where they made
their home. Thomas Beechaudley, the subject of this notice, has been twice married ; his first wife was
Sarah Taylor, she died in 1870 ; his present wife was Annie A. Pynn, maiden name Ottawa, was the
widow of Edward Pynn ; by Mr. Beechaudley 's first marriage there are two children — Mary and John ; by
his present marriage three — James, Eleanor and Thomas. Mrs. Beechaudley's children by her first mar-
riage are Edward and Ida Pynn. Mr. B. owns 180 acres of land, located south of Hartland, on Pewaukee
Lake ; he has been Assessor of the town of Delafield five terms, has also filled the offices of Town Treasurer
and Justice of the Peace several terms.
THOMAS BLOOR, farmer. Sec. 10 ; P. 0, Hartland, Wis. ; was born in the town of Lisbon-
Waukesha Co., Wis., June 6, 1850 ; his parents, John and Mary Bloor, are old settlers, and still honored
citizens of that town. In 1875, he married, in Neosha, Dodge Co., Wis., Miss Sophia Mann ; after their
marriage they resided in the town of Lisbon until 1877, when they maved to their present home; their
farm is located south of Hartland, a short distance from Pewaukee Lake, is well improved.
ALBERT CAMPBELL,, a leading farmer, Sec. 9 ; P. 0. Hartland ; Mr. Campbell is the
oldest settler now residing in the town of Delafield ; he is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y. ; he came to Wis,
consin in 1837, and in September of that year, settled in the town of Delafield, then in a state of nature,
there being scarcely a trace of civilization ; he immediately entered a claim, and set about making
a home'ih the wilderness, and how well he has succeeded, his vast acres, costly and substantial buildings,
bear witness to. He married in 1840, in the town of Waukesha, Artheusa Watterman, a native of
Livingston Co., N. Y. ; they have two children, son and daughter, Alfred and Frankie. Mr. Campbell's
farm contains 320 acres, is located in a most desirable portion of the town, being only a short drive from
Hartland, and in the vicinity of several beautiful lakes, which add so much to the attractions of Waukesha
Co. Success has rewarded him with every eflSbrt of life ; he has kept pace with the growth and improve-
ment of the county, and to such men as Mr. Campbell is due, in a great measure, the present prosperous
condition of this county.
JOHIV B. CHRISTENSEN, farmer, Sec. 5 ; P. 0. Nashotah ; is a native of Denmark ; was
born Oct. 31, 1835, in the Parish of Stockemark ; in 1847, he came to Wisconsin, settling in the town of
Delafield. While he was on a visit to his native country, in 1863, he married Fredrica Spillman ; she was
born in 1844; they have three children — J. Christensen, born in Denmark, June 18, 1864 ; Elizabeth, born in
Delafield, July 4, 1870 ; Martina, born Dec. 18, 1874. With the exception of about four years, which
was spent in visiting his native place, and a short time he was engaged in business in the village of Merton,
Mr. Christensen has been a continual resident of Delafield since 1847 ; he owns 80 acres of land, located on
Nagawica Lake, and well improved ; his parents, C. L. and Elizabeth Christensen, both natives of Denmark,
TOWN OF DELAFIELD. 989
settled near Lake Nagawica, in 1847 ; he received a collegiate education in his native country ; he died in
"December, 1879; she is still living on the homestead, near the lake, much esteemed by all.
W. M. JACQUES, farmer, Delafield ; was born in Cornwallis, Kings Co.,. Nova Scotia, in 1 8 1 3 ;
lie came to Wisconsin in 1844, and located in the town of Delafield, thus becoming one of the pioneer
settlers. He has been married twice ; his first wife's maiden name, Anna M. Harris, died at Delafield ; their
children are Charlotte C, now wife of A. Patterson, of Geneva Lake, Wis. ; he served in the 24th W.
V. I. during the war of the rebellion, was wounded at Chickamauga; George P., now a resident of
Calumet Co., Wis., his wife was Anna M. Spaulding, of this county ; James, served in the 24th Ohio V. I.
during the war, as a 1st Lieutenant; he is married and lives at Leavenworth, Kan. ; Annie M., the wife
of James Colby, of Big Rapids, Mich. ; he was a soldier in the 24th W. V. I. during the war, wounded
at Nashville ; William M., enlisted in the 24th W. V. C. in the war of the rebellion, served all
through, was wounded at Chickamauga. Mr. Jacques' present wife was Elizabeth Vanderpool, a native
of Albany, N. Y., born in 1822 ; her father, WiUiam Vanderpool, was a pioneer settler of Vernon, Wis. ;
they were married in Waukesha, in 1849 ; they have three children — Isabell S., the oldest, is the wife of
Charles Luther, of Calumet Co., Wis. ; he was in the 28th W. V. I. during the war ; Charles S. and
Frank B., the two youngest, are home. Mr. Jacques owns a valuable farm adjoining the village of Dela-
field. He has been elected to and has filled various offices of honor and trust since his residence in Wau-
kesha Co.; is a liberal and public-spirited citizen.
JOSEPH JOHNSON, an extensive dealer in grain, and leading farmer and stock-raiser;
Hartland ; was born in Staffordshire, Eng., June 25, 1819. He married, in his native county, Eliza Shep-
perd ; in 1848, they crossed the Atlantic to this country, and made their home in the city of New York
until 1854, then came to Wisconsin and located in the town of Delafield, Waukesha Co., which has been
their home since ; their children are Thomas, Nettie, Henry, Eliza, Willie and Arthur ; the oldest son,
Thomas, is married and is a resident of Howard Co., Iowa ; Nettie, the oldest daughter, is the wife of the
Rev. William E. Toll, Episcopal minister at Sycamore, 111.; the rest of the children are unmarried, and
reside in Delafield. Mr. Johnson had his grain elevator erected in 1862 ; his manner of dealing has been
such as to secure the entire confidence of the producers ; he therefore does a large business, and has added
much to the growth and business of the village ; he owns nearly 500 acres of land in the vicinity of Hart
land, and has one of the finest droves of Ayrshire cattle in Wisconsin, with which he bears off the first
prizes at county and State fairs ; his house is located a short drive south of the village, where he has sur-
rounded himself with everything pertaining to ease and comfort ; Mr. Johnson is public-spirited, enter-
prising, is a liberal giver, and has always been active in his support of religious, educational and other
interests of the town and county in general ; he has a vivid recollection of the condition of Delafield a
quarter of a century ago, and relates many amusing anecdotes of the happenings of that time.
Wllili B. KUNZ, merchant, Delafield; was born in the city of New York March 12, 1855;
when he was a child, his parents, Andrew and Julia Kunz, came to this county and settled in the*town of
Delafield; Mr. Kunz was educated at Carroll College, Waukesha; in December, 1879, he engaged in the mer-
cantile business in Hartland, his being the principal store in the village ; he keeps a full line of dry goods,
groceries, drugs, medicines and everything that is kept in a first-class general store ; he is a thorough
business man, and has a large and constantly increasing trade.
WILiLIAM 1/EROY, Jr., merchant and Postmaster, Hartland; was born in Hawkesbury,
in the Ottawa District, Canada, April 13, 1830; he came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1842; they
settled in the town of Merton, Waukesha Co., where he married Miss Lucy J. Poler, a native of Saratoga
Co., N. Y.; after their marriage, they resided in Merton until 1870, when they removed to the village of
Hartland, and he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has since continued with flattering success ;
he carries a full line of general merchandise, has a large trade, and is a thorough, go-a-head business man ;
he owns 260 acres of land in the vicinity of Hartland, which he oversees personally; they have one son,
John, who is engaged in the store. Mr. Leroy's parents, William and Rachel Leroy, settled, as heretofore
stated, in Merton in 1842 ; he is still living, and is in afiluent circumstances ; she died in 18'74 ; their chil-
dren now living are William, whose name heads this sketch ; Louisa, wife of Chauncy Simonds, of MOwau-
kee ; and Miss Celia.
CHARLES MOUNT, farmer. Sec. 11 ; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Kent, Eng., Sept. 5,
1817 ; he came to Wisconsin in 1844 ; settled in the town of Pewaukee, Waukesha Co.; prior to this, he
had lived one year in Oneida Co., N. Y.; in 1858, he moved from Pewaukee to his present home. His
first wife's maiden name, Mary A. Howard, died in Pewaukee ; his present wife is Angeline Pynn, a native
9!J0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
of Newfoundland, and- daughter of Edward Pynn, a pioneer settler and still an esteemed citizen of this
town; they have nine children — Edward, Elisha P., Charlie, Hugh, Sherman, Lewis, Mary F., Katie and
Melinda. Mr. Mount owns over 1 60 acres of land, well improved, and is located on Pewaukee Lake, in the
vicinity of Hartland.
miLiS SPIIvIjIIAX, farmer; Sec. 10; P. 0. Hartland; was born in Lolland, Denmark, in the
year 1835 ; he came to this country in 185Y, and first lived in Washington Co., Wis., a short time, then
went to California and engaged in the lumber trade at Lake Tahoe, where he met with good success; when
he left Lake Tahoe, he returned to his native place, and in 1 862 attended the World's Pair at London,
Eng. ; he then came to this country and married Miss Huldah Peterson ; she was born m the town of
Merton, this county, her parents being pioneer settlers of that town. During the siege of Nashville, in
the war of the rebelUon, Mr. Spillman was in the service of the Government at that place ; he served
until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged; in 1866, he went to Montana, followed mining
near Helena until 1867, then went to^Idaho, remaining there until autumn, then returned to this county, and
himself and family went to Europe on a pleasure trip, remaining until 1870 ; in 1872, he engaged in con-
tracting and building in Chicago, 111., and did a large business; in 1878, he was in the Black Hills, Dakota.
They have five children — Gertrude, Haelstrom, Eugene, Elmer and Clarence. Mr. Spillman is a member
of- the Town Board of Supervisors, and has filled other local offices ; he owns a valuable and finely located
farm.
F. A. ST APS, a leading merchant, Hartland; was born in Saxony, Germany, March 10, 1840;
came to this country, while a boy, with his father, F. A. Staps ; received a liberal education in Milwaukee,
and engaged as clerk in a mercantile house there until 1860 ; then came to Merton, Waukesha County,
and, in 1864 formed a copartnership with Francis Schraudenbach, a leading and pioneer merchant of this
couhtv; they did the ujost extensive business in the mercantile line of any store in the county at that time ;
in 1870, he sold out his interest in the store at Merton to Mr. Schraudenbach, who is still doing a large
business there ; in 1874, he established a general store in Hartland, where he has since continued, securing
a large and constantly increasing trade. Mr. Staps married, in 1866, Miss Caroline, daughter of Francis
Schraudenbach, of Merton ; they have two children — Nettie May, born June 5, 1867 ; Irving, born Jan.
1, 1876. Mr. Staps carries a full line of everything that is usually kept in a first-class general store; he
is a thorough, go-ahead business man, and by fair dealing and strict business integrity has secured the
confidence of all.
DANIBli W. WARIVER, Hartland ; was born in Berlin, Hartford Co., Conn. ; in early life
he followed a sea-faring life on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans for about four years ; he afterward trav-
eled over nearly every State in the Union. In 1847, he came to Wisconsin, locating in Raymond, Racine
Co., where he married Martha L. Phillamore, a native of Bennington, Wyoming Co., N. Y. ; after their
marriage, they came to Hartland, where they have since resided. Mr. Warner is an old resident, and a-
perfect encyclopedia of genealogical knowledge ; he keeps horses and carriages, and meets every train, day
and night, at Hartland, for the purpose of conveying travelers to any of the resorts in this vicinity, far or
near ; and also suitable "rigs " for the transportation of fishing parties to the various lakes and lakelets here-
about. To use his own language, he is " compos mentis," and he is a kind-hearted, obliging man, as well as
a trusty and careful driver ; he is always ready, and, although he has had several competitors for his busi-
ness, has thus far crushed out all opposition ; Mr. Warner can always be depended upon, and that,
together with his overflowing good nature, is probably the secret of his success. Long may he flourish.
HOIV. STEPHEIV WARKEIV, the original owner of the viUaoe of Hartland; was born in
Hawkesbury, Canada ; when he was 1 year old, his father, Sylvanus Warren, moved to Niagara County,
N. Y., thence to Ann Arbor, Mich., in 1834, where Stephen remained until 1838, in which year he came
to Wisconsin,' arriving in Waukesha County in February of that year, and at present writing is the second
oldest settler now living in the town of Delafield. May 7, 1840, he married, in Merton, Mary Nicholson,
la, native of Essex County, N. Y. ; they had two children — Myron H. and Sarah ; Myron was born in
Hartland ; he married Emma Crosier ; they have two children — Edith and Stephen ; Sarah died in Hart-
land, in 1854. Mr. Warren and wife were the first couple married in the town of Merton, and she taught
the first school in the town of Delafield. In 1840, Mr. Warren sold the mill-power on his claim in Hart-
land to Christian Herschey, who built the first flouring-mill in the town, and did a good business for
several years. Mr. Warren was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1855, and has also filled various
local offices. He owns 270 acres of land adjoining the village of Hartland, and his buildings and grounds
add much to the attraction of the place ; he came when the surrounding country was a wilderness on every
side ; has been a continual resident, and has been identified with the growth and prosperity of the town
TOWN OF VERNON. !^91
from its infancy until the present, when it ranks in its wealth and improvements, as well as in the intelli-
gence of the people, the equal of any in the county.
P. T. YOUELiliS, an enterprising farmer, Sec. 10 ; P. 0. Hartland ; was born in Livingston
County, N. Y., in the year 1824, where he remained until 1846, when he came to Wisconsin, remained a
short time, then returned to his native county. In 1848, he came again to Wisconsin, and located in the
town of Delafield, Waukesha Co., where he married Annie M. Myers ; she was also a native of Livingston
County, N. Y. ; they have three children — Edward M., Mary E. and Albert: Mary E. is the wife of
Henry. Jones, Dakota. Mr. Youells owns 236 acres of land, finely improved and located in a most desir-
able portion of the town of Delafield ; he has been elected to many local positions, and is a man who takes
an active part in the advancement of every enterprise that promises to be of benefit to the country in
general.
TOWN OF VERNON.
HIRAm AUSTIN, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1827 ;
son of Alson and Annie Austin, also New Yorkers ; the family of six came to Wisconsin, and in the
spring of 1846, settled on the Austin homestead ; at this time, the grave of an Indian squaw was indicated
in the timbers on this farm by a gayly painted post, it being among the roots of four trees around it ; the
family began clearing the timber on the first 75 acres, and cut the trees spoken of; the resultsof the thirty-
four years occupying by the Austins of this farm may be seen in the 141 -acre farm, well fenced and mostly
cultivated, a small but good house and a substantial basement barn built 1879 ; Alson A., died in Septem-
ber, 1876 ; his wife having died in 1849. Hiram Austin enlisted August, 1864, in the 3d W. V. C; the
regiment was at Little Rock, Ark,, doing scouting duty until March, 1865, when a squad of forty were
sent to surprise and capture a party of " Johnnies " thirty-five miles from Pine Bluif; they arrived early in
the morning, but found the enemy ready, and waiting to fire the first volley which killed the Union Captain ;
the rebels then made a dash for our boys and captured Mr. A. and seven others ; he was kept two months
at Camden, Ark., and Shreveport, La.; was paroled, exchaaged and rejoined the regiment ; he reached
home after eleven months of stirring military life. In the spring of 1 850, Mr. Austin married Miss Maria
A. David, a native of New York State, by whom he has had six children — Alson H., John H., Asa A.,
William C, George M. and Louis D. Jlr. Austin is a Democrat. In conclusion, we may say that the
Indian grave was forgotten after the protecting stumps of the old trees decayed, and was found by William
C. Austin while plowing the field in the spring of 1880, his plow struck the skull, and the entire skeleton
was discovered, the skull and several of tfie booes now being kept by Mr. A. as curiosities.
REV. JOHN S. BAI.DWIN, farmer. Sees. 7, 8 and 18; P. 0. Vernon; was born Dec.
5, 1814, in Susquehanna Co., Penn.; learned harness-making in early life, and, having united with the
Baptist Church of his forefathers, began study at 20, in the Hamilton (N. Y.) Theological Seminary ; was
ordained at 22, and during the next eight years worked to the best of his ability for God, and the cause of
human freedom, by both sermons and public lectures. In 1844, he located in Vernon, and the next year
went to East Troy ; 1846 found him in Mukwonago ; here he rented a farm, preaching alternately in the old
Baptist Church in Mukwonago, and the old square-log schoolhouse in Vernon ; and prior to the war
delivered many a stirring lecture to alleviate the wrongs of the slave ; since the war, he has preached the
war, but has done good work in the temperance cause, and preached the funeral sermon of many of the old
settlers and early friends around him, who usually request it among their last wishes ; besides his
able lectures on temperance, the Elder does all he can to forward the cause at the polls, thus securing the
election of a Prohibition ticket in Vernon, 1877, and brought to punishment several violators of the law
that year. The Elder is an old-time Abolitionist- Whig-Eepublican, serving for many years as both Town
Superintendent of Schools and one of the Supervisors, and is active enough to take the census of 1880, as
the Deputy United States Marshal in Vernon ; he has 256 acres of land and a good home. The Elder
married in his and her native county, ]Miss Polly West ; they had seven children — Henrietta, PJveline,
Alfred, Leander, Susie and R. H.; the eldest son, Leonidas, enlisted in Col. Daniel's 1st W. V. C, and
died a few months after at Kenosha, Wis.
BOYAIi li. BAYIvEY, mechanic and Postmaster, Dodge's Corners ; born July 22, 1814, in
Derby, Orleans Co., Vt.; learned the cooper's trade in Windsor, Vt. On the 14th of September, 1841, he mar-
ried Miss Eliza Hammond, of Windsor, they leaving for Wisconsin on the same day ; they spent the
992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
winter with, relatives here, he buyiag 50 acres of John Dodge, on which he built in the spring of 1841 a
ribbon house, or a house of oak strips nailed one upon the other ; Mr. B. also built a shop and worked
many years at his trade, also, as carpenter and joiner ; he was first appointed Deputy Postmaster, by John
Dedge, and served thus until 1855, when he received the appointment and has since served. His wife died
in 1869, leaving five children — Haller H., James L., Thomas P., Mary E. and John D.; the eldest is in
Atchison, Kan.; J. L. is in Washington Territory ; Thomas P. is a farmer in Vernon ; the daughter resides
in Racine County ; and the youngest son is on the homestead of 128 acres. Mr. Bayley married again.
Miss Susan Story, of Windsor, Vt. He is a stanch Republican, served as Town Clerk many years in suc-
cession, also Supervisor, etc.; he has a large and pleasant farmhouse for his home, which was completely
remodeled in 1866 ; he is the inventor of a new and somewhat novel way of laying stone walls for build-
ings, etc, by which the wall is " pointed up" at the time the wall is laid.
JAMES BEGG, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Vernon ; born in Ayrshire, Scotland, July 15, 1810 ;
when he was 8 years old, his parents emigrated and settled in New York State ; here Mr. Begg spent his
younger life, and was educated, and married Miss Janet Espie ; her parents left Glasgow, her native city, and
in 1818 or 1820 settled in New York City, where her father carried on business, and she was educated;
they removed to Caledonia in 1829 ; in 1841, Mr. B., wife and eldest son, settled in Pewaukee, and spent
the winter ; the next spring Mr. B. bought two eighties or his present farm, one of a Mr. Parr and one of J.
C. Snover, now County Judge ; an acre cleared and a log house was all he bought with the farm, which is
now one of the best in Vernon, with a handsome two-story farmhouse and substantial barns built on it ;
Ms. B. was the first Scotchman to vote in this town, and had some exciting adventures with wildcats, etc.,
in early times ; none of the early settlers here saw more of sorrow or heartache ; they have had six children,
viz.: James, who served as a brave Union soldier, and died after the war ; John, the second son, born March
18, 1843, is the only one living, and is now on the homestead ; Margaret, the third, and the two youngest
Willie and Mary (twins) all died within a few days of each other, in May, 1857, and were buried in one
grave; Thomas, the fourth of the children, grew up to manhood, and died Dec. 13, 1866, aged 19 ; Mr.
and Mrs. Begg have been members of the United Presbyterian Church since the organization of the society,
he serving three or four years as Elder ; his farming is most successful, the farm now containing 170 acres.
Mr: B. says he raised the first turkeys in Vernon in 1842.
IRA. BliOOD (deceased). Among the well-remembered pioneers of the southwest part of the
county \^as this gentleman, who was born in Hollis, N. H., Dec. 30, 1811 ; his parents, Isaac and Eliza-
beth Blood, settled in Andover, Vt., soon after; at 15 he went to sea with an uncle, but in consequence of
an accidental fall, was so injured as to abandon sea-faring life ; he then began clerking at Weston, Vt.,
which business he followed at various points in New England ; entering Chester Academy, he attended
several terms, and in May, 1836, in company with Martin Fields, .left for Chicago. During the summer he
and Fields were engaged in surveying here, and the following October made their first visit to the Indian
village of Mequonago," reaching it by way of Milwaukee and Waukesha; soon after they were employed
by the three proprietors to survey out the village plat ; after this, Mr. Blood made a claim on Sec. 31, in
Vernon, and built a sham log house to hold it ; in December following, he and Mr. Fields returned on foot
to Chicago, going from there to Elennepin, 111 , where Mr. B. taught a winter term of school, returning to
his claim in the spring of 1837, on which he lived until the fall of 1839, when he returned to Vermont and
married, in Chester Miss Esther P., daughter of Josiah and Esther Jordan; her father was a native of
Brookline, Mass., and her mother of Chester, Vt., where Mrs. Blood was born and educated, though her
ealy life was spent in Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, N. Y. ; the bridal tour was made to Mr. Blood's
Vernon claim, where his parents awaited them, Mr. B. now devoted all his energies to his profession, and
was often absent from home for weeks together on this business ; he also surveyed Kneeland's Addition
to Millwaukee, and much of the west part of Racine Co. ; in 1858, he was elected County Surveyor and
member of the Legislature over L. Martin ; two years before this were spent in Mukwonago, in mercan-
tile business, lumber business, and as a teacher ; he also taught in an early day in the old log house of Mr.
Hough, and served several terms as town Superintendent of Schools. A stanch advocate of Temperance,
he delivered many a stirring lecture to further that cause; but all his labors were ended on the 22d of
February, 1868, his death causing a feeling of sincere grief throughout the county where he was known
by all to be an upright and energetic man, ever ready to lend a helping hand to aid any enterprise calculated
t o benefit mankind. His widow, now a resident of Mukwonago, furnished most of the above facts, and oth-
ers regarding the school taught by her during the winter of 1839-40, when G. W. Lucy, Wis and Cornelia
Munge, E. B., Elizabeth, Sarah, Frances and Augusta Thomas, Addison Resique, Theo., Samuel and Mon-
roe Payne, and Evalina Masters were her pupils among others. Mr. Blood left four childreti — Isaac, Ed-
TOWN OF VERNON. 993
ward J., Elizabeth C. and Rosanna E. ; the eldest now owns the homestead of 410 acres, 160 of which
was claimed by his honored father in 1836 ; E. J. was in the IT. S. Naval Service during the war and now
lives in Chicago ; E. C. is now Mrs. W. A. Gault and R. F. is the wife of A. D. Hager. Mr. Blood was
a steadfast Republican of Abolition antecedents, and was County Surveyor at his death.
DIJXCAN' CAMERON, farmer, Sees. 8 and 17; F. 0. Vernon; "was born in Caledonia, Liv-
ingston Co., N. Y., .March 26, 1817; is a son of Duncan A. and Sarah (McCall) Cameron; his father
emigrated from' Scotland about eighty years ago and his mother a few years later; they were married in Cal-
edonia in 1812 and had ten children — Hugh, Duncan, Mary, Kate, Daniel, Angus, Dugal, Charles, Alex-
ander and Margaret ; Dugal and Daniel were both successful physicians in Wisconsin, while Hugh, An-
gus and Alexander, all lawyers, located at La Crosse, where Angus and Hugh still reside ; Alexander and
Dugal were both in the U. S. service during the war, Alexander dying at the old Caledonia home while
Dugal was drowned in the Mississippi at LaCrosse; Angus has now nearly completed his term as U. S.
Senator from Wisconsin. Duncan, the only farmer in the family, was the first of these noted brothers to
locate in Wisconsin, and was an early settler in Vernon, which he reached in October 1841 ; he was
educated in Lima Seminary, ■' a good old Methodist school," as he says ; his first night in Vernon was spent
in Asa A. Flint's old log tavern, and ten days later he bought his homestead ; building a log house he
"bached it" until June 19, 1845, when he married Miss Mary, daughter of Porter Daniels, of Manchester,
Conn.; she was a most worthy wife, and at her death, Aug. 4, 1879, left him three children — Charle.s,
Jane and George; the eldest is a resident of Yankton, D. T., and ere this is printed will have married
Miss Sarah Jakinson, now of Yankton, formerly of Coony ; Jane is Mrs. L. Baldwin, a resident of Glen-
dale, Monroe Co, Wis ; George is now on the old homestead of 180 acres, which is mainly under cultiva-
tion. Mr. Cameron is a Republican of Greenback proclivities, and has assessed the town fifteen times ; per-
haps no one in the county can equal this ; he has also served as Justice of the Peace a number of terms ;
was one of the founders and a leading member of the Vernon U. P. Church.
PERRY CRAKi}, farmer, Sec. 32 ; P. 0. Caldwell's Prairie, Racine Co., Wis. ; Mr. Crai? is
a native of Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y. ; born Jan. 12, 1819 ; his early life was spent and his education
attained in his native State; being left fatherless when but 8 years of age, as may be seen, Mr. C.'s
success in life is owing solely to his own efforts; January, 1841, found him in Milwaukee, Wis., with 2
cents in his pocket, he having made the winter trip on horseback ; leaving Milwaukee, dinnerless, he rode
to Mukwonago, and made this town his residence for five years ; a carpen^r by trade, his work in early
times was in building the old hotel of J. H. Camp, the house of Judge Feilds, the saw and flouring mills
at Saylesville, etc. Married Miss Maria L., daughter of Asa Hollister (a pioneer of " '38 "), and in the
spring of 1846, began on 80 acres. of his present farm, of this, perhaps 20 were somewhat improved,, the
16x20 oak-boarded house comprising the buildings ; rewarded by thirty-four years of intelligent labor here,
Mr. Craig now owns 240 acres, with 20 of marsh in Racine Co., a substantial stone farmhouse replacing
the shanty of 184(j, whicli is now a stable ; his farm was the scene of a well remembered fire years ago,
his barn and sheds burning to the ground in spite of the efforts of the people, who left the church in the
village to aid him, the fire occurring on Sunday ; the new barn, built in 1871, is 32x42, with basement
and roomy sheds attached. Mr. and Mrs. Craig have five children — Pascal L., Asa H., Francis. D.,
Sylvius S. and Bertie W., the eldest born in Mukwonago, and the others on the homestead; Alice, the
only girl, died when 10 years old ; ,the eldest is a graduate of Rush Medical College, and one of the first
settlers and most successful practitioners in Alamosa, Colo., he also having a drug store and mining interest
there; Asa H., born Dec. 19, 1847, was educated at Albion Academy, Dane Co. ; is author and publisher
of " The Common School Question Book," " Parliamentary Practice," etc. ; served as County Superin-
tendent of Instruction in 1875, and is now one of the Supervisors of Vernon, and Secretary of the W. G.
and S. B. Association ; is intending to locate in Greeley, Colo., and to become one of the representative
sheep-growers of that State ; Francis D. is now editor of the Bast Troy Gazette, a six-column weekly, with
a subscription list of 550. Perry Craig is better known than almost any other member of the Southeastern
Wisconsin Sheep Breeders' and Wool Growers' Association, of which he was one of the fathers, and its
most faithful Secretary for many years; he has also been Assessor, Collector, Supervisor and Chairman,
lacking only one vote of representing his district in the Legislature of 1866 ; is a Democrat, and favors
the greenback. In 1853, Mr. Craig bought a flock of the famous Atwood sheep, of Allen Shepard ; has
constantly devoted himself to the work of improving his flock since that time ; " Capt. Jack," bred by
Millen heads his flock of 175 noble animals, fleeces of which averaged fourteen pounds in 1879.
LiEOXARD DANIELS, farmer, Sec. 8; P. O.Vernon; is' a son of Porter and Cleantha
Daniels, and was born in Coventry, Herkimer Co., N. Y., April 21, 1840 ; Porter Daniels was born March
994 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
17, 1803, in East Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn. ; his early life was spent in the " Nutmeg State," work-
ing in the paper mills, and as a manufacturer of the time-honored Connecticut clocks, at Bristol. He
married, in 1825, Miss Cleantha Carpenter, and in 1843, came with his family to Wisconsin, reaching
Vernon in June ; here he bought 80 acres of Uncle Sam, which he sold to Amos GroS after five years, and
bought the present homestead on Sec. 8; Mr. D. has built two log and two frame houses in Wisconsin,
and did the best of work as one of the early settlers, so that his present retirement is merited. His faith-
ful wife died in November, 1879, at the age of 74, leaving six children — Mary, late wife of Duncan Cam-
eron ; Edwin H., Watson, Henry, Jane (Mrs. Isaac Sharp) and Leonard ; E. H. is a leading merchant of
St. Croix Co., Wis. ; Henry has been, for thirteen years, in business in Vernon ; Watson and Leonard are
on the homestead ; Leonard Daniels has spent his life and been educated in Vernon, where he also engaged
in business for a number of years. He married, in September, 1867, Miss Caroline Kells, a resident of
Mukwonago, and a native of New York ; they have two children — Cymbria and Porter H. The farm of
120 acres is now owned by the brothers, Leonard and family living in the pleasant farmhouse built by his
father, and is now raising and remodeling the barn. In politics, Mr. D. is a Grreeiibacker.
JOHIV DARLING}, farmer, Sec. 12 ; P. 0. Big Bend ; is the eldest son of John and Elizabeth
(Wight) Darling, and was born May 11, 1824 ; his mother died in September, 1843, in Scotland, leaving
three sons — John, James and Thomas all born in Berwickshire ; the father married again to Miss Susan
Bertram, by whom he had five children — Peter, David, Elizabeth, Catherine and Andrew; in 1849, the
family emigrated, and settled in Vernon, biiying the homestead of 148 acres and 20 of marsh ; John Dar-
ling, Sr., died June 7, 1872, leaving a record which is an example to all ; he was a native of Berwickshire,
and lived and died a member of the United Presbyterian Church; he was a Republican, as are all his sons ;
his eldest son has proven a worthy succesor to the homestead with its substantial house and barns ; the
old farm was, in early times, a forest, 120 acres now being under cultivation ; his stepmother is still with
him. Mr. Darling has served twice as Supervisor of Vernon and is one of her substantial farmers.
THOMAS DARLiIlVG-, farmer and carpenter, Sec. 14 ; P. 0. Big Bend ; born June 13,
1830, in Berwickshire, Scotland; he is the son of John and Elizabeth (Wight) Darling ; the family came
to America and settled on Sec. 12, in Vernon, in 1849 ; Thomas Darling learned both the carpenter and
mason's trade without help of any kind ; he has done most of the mason work on the County Poor Farm,
built the houses of William Sharp, W. R. Harris and others, having worked at his trade every summer for
twenty years;' Mr. Darling spent the winter of 1849 in Ohio and Kentucky, and the next summer in
New York ; he owns 51 acres in Vernon and a pleasant home. He married Miss Elizabeth Purvis, of
Berwickshire, by whom he has six children — Elizabeth, Susan, Crissie, Mary, John and William. Mr.
Darling is a Republican and served many years as Supervisor, and in 1872 and 1873 as Town Treasurer;
he is a member with his wife of the United Presbyterian Church. (For further history of the family, see
biography of John Darling.)
JAMES OARldNGr, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Vernon; born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in
1827 ; his early life was spent at farming ; his father, John Darling, emigrated to the United States with
his family in 1849 ; there being three sons by the first wife, viz.; John, James and Thomas; the family set-
tled on Sec. 12, in Vernon, James Darling going two years later to Michigan, working three years in the
pineries. He married in Michigan, January, 1853, Miss Elizabeth Harris, a sister of W. R.; she was born
in Anglesea, Wales, in 1854 ; he returned and bought his farm of 75^ acres; of this, 20 acres were poorly
broken and improved, the remainder being mostly timber and brush ; the old log house of this day is
replaced by a substantial frame one, and the entire farm reclaimed ; Mr. and Mrs. Darling have four
living children — John, Rowland, Jennie and Thomas ; the first born, a . daughter Elizabeth, married
William Killips, and died in 1872. Mr. Darling and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church,
he having united at 1 8 years of age, and serving many years as a Trustee ; he is Independent in politics
and was twice elected Town Treasurer on the peoples' ticket.
AMOS GOFF, farmer. Sec. 10 and 3 ; P. 0. Vernon ; born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y,.
May 16. 1806 ; his early life was spent in Oswego Co., N. Y., where he obtained his schooling ; he began
teaching at 19 years of age and taught ten or twelve terms. He married, in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Miss
Mary Sayles, and in 1844, removed to Wisconsin, he buying 80 acres of the openings of Vernon; they
began life here in a primative fashion, Mrs Groff cooking in a cauldron kettle hung out of doors, and
washing half a mile from home, beside a brook in Mr. Clifton's woods ; money due JVIr. Gofi' was finally
sent him, so that he bought a, cook stove and an ox team ; the worst of fortune attended his early efforts,
as he lost two good oxen by death ; during the first winter here, Mr. Goff chopped 9 acres, though he found
it hard work, and the next season planted it to corn which his young sons kept clean with hoes, finding that
TOWN OF VERNON. 995
still harder ; by exchanging days' work, Mr. GofF gradually added to his clearing, living meanwhile in a
most comfortable log house ; he now has 135 acres, a tasteful and pleasant home, and he has had a family
of eleven children— Emily (Mrs. Henry Colyer), Elisha, Dorr Wallace, Ann (Mrs James Stuart), Mary
(Mrs. Mark Ehle), Amos Jr., Clentha, Aurelia C. (Mrs. Charles Perry), Samuel D., and Chauncy ; the
three oldest sons were Union soldiers, Elisha serving most of the time in the Par West, Wallace earning a
Lieutenants commission, and Dorr dying in a Xashville hospital ; Mr. GoiF is a Universalist and a radical
advocate of the greenback ; he was formerly a Republican and a man whose heart, purse and sons were for
the Union.
WILIilAM R. HA.RRIS, farmer. Sec. 11; P. 0. Vernon; is a native of Anglesea, Wales;
born in 1815 ; was from boyhood a farmer ; emigrated to America in 1852 ; spent three years in Michigan,
then came to Wisconsin, locating near Janesville ; after a few months, bought his present farm of 100 acres ;
since this, he has returned several times to Michigan, engaging in the pineries, but has done the best of
work on his farm during these twenty-five years, building a roomy farmhouse in place of the shanty of early
times ; his barn was built by A. Webster, thejformer owner of the farm. Mr. Harris married Miss J ane Lewis,
of Anglesea; their children, Rowland and Jane, were born in Wales; are both in Menomonee, Mich.,
Jane being the wife of Samuel Stevenson, one of the leading lumber manufacturers there, he owning two
saw-mills and turning out from forty to fifty million feet of lumber per annum. Mr. Harris is a man who
has led a quiet and honorable life, and generally succeeded. He is an Independent Democrat.
JAMES HAY, deceased ; born in Perthshire, Scotland; about 184:0, he came to America, and
in 1851 married Mrs. Barbara Smith; they soon removed from New York to Wisconsin, Mr. Hay having
owned the homestead in Vernon for several years ; Mr. Hay built here a small log house, and made a
good beginning for his family. He died four years later, leaving four children, all of whom were attacked
with that dread disease, diphtherii, and gave up their young lives within a few days; it was a crushing blow
to follow the death of her husband, but she bravely resumed her Cross, and, ably seconded by her only son,
James Smith, made her farm and home what it is. This lady was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland, and
married her first husband, Robert Smith, in (xlasgow ; he died in 1849, after a residence of three years in
Livingston County, NT.; his only son, James, was born in Kilsythe, Scotland; married Miss Jane,
daughter of William Evans, and is now in charge of the homestead; has two children^Barbara J., and an
intant. A tasteful and pleasantly located farmhouse has replaced the old-time log house, and substantial
barns built. His honored mother looks back with a feeling of mingled sorrow and pride over her varied
experiences in Wisconsin. She is a member, with Mrs. Smith, of the U. P. Church.
HOLLIS HOL.LISTER, farmer, Sec. 28, 29 and 20 ; P. 0. Dodge's Corners; is a son of
Asa and Almira HoUister, and was born in the town of Barford, Canada, in 1832 ; the family came to
Vernon in the fall of 1839 ; Asa H. being the first blacksmith in the town ; he bought 80 acres of Gov-
ernment land in 1840, and also ten cows, which jan at large in the openings around them. Asa Hollister
was a pioneer, and a successful one, as he left at his death, in 1858, a section of land on which he had
built a substantial house and good barns ; there were seven children — Maria, Mariette, Jane, Emmeline,
Roxina, Hollis and Adelaide ; the only son is a' worthy follower of his father's honored footsteps ; he also
having erected buildings and improved the farm. Married Miss Esther, daughter of Thomas and Mary
Clark, of Vermont, by whom he has four children — Alfred, Orra, Mary and Rose. Mr. Hollister is a Green-
backer, Justice of the Peace for the second time, and has held minor offices. Has 500 acres and owns 500
fino-wool shssp, 21 of which are registared ; lis being a leading mombjr of ths Woo'.-Grjwors and Sheop-
Breeders' Association, has bought and bred from the flocks of breeders like Perry Craig, A. E: Perkins,
J. H. Paul, etc., also of Parnham and Burchard, of Vermont.
HENRY HUJVKINS, farmer. Sees. 4 and 5 ; P. 0. Vernon ; was born May 8, 1830, at Dan-
ville, Vt. ; his infancy was passed at Lancaster, N. H., to which point his parents removed when he was an
infant ■ in 1837, the family, intsndi ig to go to Illinois, were prevented by adverse winds on Lake Mich-
igan, and obliged to land at Milwaukee ; nearly all they had was paid in passage money, and, after
a few weeks spent in Milwaukee, they located in the town of Waukesha, and spent the summer,
Mr. Hunkins making a claim in New Berlin, and building a one-story bark-roofed home, 14x18, using
only an augur and ax in its construction ; windows were apertures cut in the logs and hung with blankets ;
a huge stone fire-place with a stick and mud chimney completed a home, and, says Mr. Hunkins, the son
of the builder, " we enjoyed ourselves here through the long winter evenings, reading by the firelight."
Too poor to buy a team, Mr. H. cut away the small trees, and girdled the large ones, then sowed dn acre
of wheat, and actually covered the grain with a hoe. The son remembers tramping over an Indian trail to
M. D. Cutler's place to help his poor but plucky sire to dig potatoes prior to 1840 ; $20 of Mr. H.'s hard
996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
earnings proved counterfeit money when presented by him in Milwaukee. Such a beginning is sure of a
reward, and in 1839, he sold out the claim for $200, and then bought the farm on the Mukwonago road,
where he died, an honored veteran pioneer, Jan. 1, 1866 ; his wife followed him in October, 1878. The
son received most of his education among the trees around his early home, hard work and poverty beinap
his teachers ; attaining his majority, his father gave him 40 acres, which he cleared of heavy timber;
selling it about 1864- and buying the old Webster farm in Vernon. He married, at 24, Miss Polly St.
John, a native of New York State, who died on the Webster farm, leaving two children — James H. and
Rebecca P. In 1866, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of William Beggs, a pioneer of Waukesha
Township, where she was born ; they have seven children — Charles, Sarah P., Ernest, George, William,
Nettie and Herbert. Mr. H. is an Independent in politics, and a progressive farmer ; he has owned his
present farm of 230 acres since 1869, and made lasting improvements upon it.
THOMAS HOWIE, deceased ; was born in 1811, in Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1836, he mar-
ried Miss Mary Morton, who was born in 1813, in the parish of Galstion, Ayrshire; Mr. Howie engaged
for three years in the mercantile business in Kilmarnock, and in 1839 emigrated to America ; three years
of toil near Inverness, N. Y., enabled him to earn money enough to make a start in Vernon, where he
bought a farm of 80 acres, adding 40 and doing good work ; Mr. Howie making a never-tobe-forgottea
record here, as he was a founder and leading member of the U. P Church, the society being organized at
his house ; he also donated the site of the church, and was so loved as to make his memory dear to all.
As a Christian gentleman of generosity and honor, his death, in 1858, was much deplored. He left five
children — Janet, John, Thomas, Matthew and David. Mary (Mrs. James Mais) died a few days before
her father ; John, one of the 28th W. V. I., died in a St. Louis hospital ; Janet is Mrs. John Purvis, of
Vernon ; Thomas is a farmer and stock dealer at Big Bend ; Matthew is a butcher at Sioux Palls ; David
remaining on the homestead, he having married Miss Ellen McKenzie, of Vernon. The farm of 252 J acres
was well managed by Mrs. Howie after her husband's death, having but little help during the first few
lonesome years; as an evidence of her ability we notice the handsome residence and substantial barn built
by her.
JOHN A. McKEBiZIlii, farmer, Sec. 1 ; P. O. Vernon ; born in Caledonia Livingston Co.,
N. Y., Peb. 18, 1823 ; his younger life was spent in his native State ; on the 20th of May, 1843, he
landed at Milwaukee, and the next day left for Vernon, passing the site of Waukesha on the way, and
well remembers seeing cattle grazing on the same turf now trod by the pleasure-seekers of the noted water-
ing place ; after a month spenj, in traveling over the county, he became hdmesick and would gladly have
returned East, but did not have the means ; so rolling up his sleeves he went to work in Mukwonago
at $10 per month, and worked in the neighboring country part of the time as a thrasher for the next ten
years ; he then decided to go to California via the Nicaraugua route, but on reaching that land of fever
and death, learned of the wreck of the Golden Gate, and resolved to give up his dreams of wealth in the
mines, and to return to Wisconsin and dig it out of its fertile soil. He not long after bought the farm
and married the daughter of his former employer, Robert Weir ; Mr. McKenzie had worked for seven or
eight years for Mr. Weir, who wag a well-known but unfortunate pioneer, whose daughter Margaret E.,
born in Caledonia, is now Mrs. McKenzie and the mother of seven children — Elizabeth, Mary J., Ellen S.,
John E., Janet, Flora A. and Margaret A; the youngest daughter, Mabel, died Peb. 10, 1880, aged 4.
Mr. McKenzie has 156 acres, well improved, which was in a semi-cultivated state when he bought it, a log
house comprising the buildings ; he afterward built a frame house which is now overshadowed by an
elegant residence, built in 1871, of the famous Cream City brick. Mr. McKenzie is a Republican, and
has been one of the Town Board a number of years. His wife and daughters are members of the U. P.
Church.
PETER iUcKEKIZIE. farmer. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Vernon; born in Caledonia, Livingston Co.,
N. Y., Oct. 1, 1829 ; he spent his early life in " York. State, " and when a boy of 18, came to Waukesha
Co., having spent a year as a clerk in Washington Co. In March, 1850, Mr. McKenzie joined a party of
fifteen others and made the memorable six months' trip to California, crossing the plains with oxen ; after
five years in the mines of the Golden Gate, he returned via Panama and New York City to Wisconsin ;
in 1856, he bought 120 acres of his present farm, of which 15 or 20 were improved, and on which was a
log house, the remainder being heavy timbers, among which he did the best of work, chopping and log-
ging, breaking and fencing; he has added 70, acres and has to reward these twenty-five years of honest toil
an improved farm, with the best of buildings ; the main barn is 34x52, 18-foot posts with basement; in
1874, he supplanted the log house with a handsome two-story brick, With all modern improvements. ■ Hifl
is not a bad record for a man who, thirty-three years ago, reached Barton, Washington Co., penniless and
TOWN OF VEHNON. 997
m
supperless. He married Mis8 Mary J., daughter of Robert Weir, by whom he has nine children — Frank
A., James A., Ellen M., Robert, Clarence, William, Sarah J., Margaret C. and an infant. Mr. McKenzie is
a Republican, and has usually refused all office, though he has been both Supervisor and Assessor, and a
school district officer over twenty years in succession.
FINDLEY McNAlIGHTON, farmer. Sec. 12 ; P. O. Vernon; born in Johnstown, Mont-
gomery Co., N. Y., Dec. 30, 1810 ; his early life was spent in Genesee County ; at 15, he settled in Canan-
daigua, residing there until 1 847, v?hen he came to Wisconsin, reaching Vernon that fall with wife and
family ; had previously bought what is now the county farm, of John Post, its original owner ; in 1856,
Mr. McNaughton, having been Chairman of his town for three years, was appointed Overseer of the Poor
Farm, then located in the town of Waukesha ; a few years later, the county rented Mr. McNaughton's
farm, he having charge of it, and erectii)g most of the buildings upon it, until 1872, when he resigned
and sold the farm to the county ; he did more than any man in the county to secure the care of the poor
by the county while on the County Board for three years ; prior to this, he was engaged for three years in
Weir's saw-mill at Big Bend, as head-sawyer, book-keeper and engineer; in 1851, was elected to the Legis-
ture over no less popular an opponent than Jesse Smith, wlio was often his opponent for office. Mr.
McNaughton has had thirteen children by two marriages — Margaret, Malcolm (deceased), John (deceased),
Christie A., Samuel M., Findley J., William A., Mary (deceased), James and Archibald A. By the
present wife, who was Miss Mary Espie, he has three — Sarah, Clarissa A. and Adeline C. Mr. McNaugh-
ton was one of the first Board of Trustees and a leading spirit in the building of the Vernon United Pres-
byterian Church ; has always been a member and Trustee ; now owns 240 acres of land and a good and
pleasant home, in striking contrast to the log shanty in which his family spent the first winter in
Wisconsin.
liEOIVARD MARTIN, farmer, merchant and proprietor hotel ; P. 0. Big Bend; bom in Fer-
risburg, Vt., April 16, 1814; his younger life was spent at school in old Vermont, where he learned surveying ;
in the spring of 1836, he reached Milwaukee, and remained there until fall, when he made first claim
at the noted Oak Orchard of pioneer times ; during the winter, he surveyed the plat of Kewaunee, Wis.,
not seeing other men than those with him for two months; returning in the spring of 1837, he built on
his claim, just across the line in Muskego, the inevitable log house, and began life a lone bachelor, " poor
as Job's turkey," his musty flour, etc., earned by hard day's work. March 11, 1840, he married Miss
Betsey F. Munson, of Bristol, Vt.; to pay for his land when it came into market, he hired money at 50
per cent. ; in 1852, Mr. Martin built a hotel and store on a large scale, main building 41x51, with kitchen
32x48, which, with its additions, is known over South Wisconsin as " Martin's Tavern ; " the generous
old hostelry, with its three floors, being oft^n crowded in the palmy days of Janesville and Milwaukee
plank road. His stock of goods is very large ; " too much stock," says Mr. Martin ; " everything from a
needle to a plow." He is a genuine " old settler," and dug the first well in Muskego ; his farm of 450
acres, with a small village of tenement houses, gives his place a business-like look. Mr. Martin was the
first County Surveyor, Chairman of Muskego four years prior to this, member of the last Territorial
Legislature in 1847, was County Commissioner in old times, and is now serving his fourth term as Chair-
man of the largely Republican town of Vernon, though he is a radical old Jacksonian Democrat ; he says
his fearless advocacy of these principles has beaten him for more offices than any other man in the county.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have three children — Ann E., widow of Everett Chamberlain ; Sarah E., Mrs. 0.
A. Pride, and a son, S. Munson, who married Miss Emma Keyser, of New York, and is with his father.
J. X. MORRIS, County Overseer of the Poor ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in Orange County, N. Y.,
in 1818 ; losing his father when but an infant, he was compelled to begin life's battle at an early age, and
has seen much of the hard, cheerless side of this world, working for three or four years in an ax factory in
Napanock, Ulster Co., N. Y. He married Miss Maria Evans, of Sullivan County, N. Y. ; they came to
Wisconsin with but little means in 1852 ; he began by renting a farm in Muskego, dealing for seventeen
successive years with its owner without a line of writing having been drawn or a harsh word spoken ; probably
no parallel case can be furnished in the county ; his management having made this farm a valuable one,
he resolved to own one of his own, and bought near Big Bend ; lived there six years, or until 1875, when
he was appointed to his present position, which he has so satisfactorily filled. " I keep this place in a
condition fit to be visited by any one at any time," says Mr. Morris, and a walk among and through the
buildings proved it. He is, politically. Independent, voting for men and ideas instead of party, has served
as Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, etc., in Muskego. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have an adopted son Albert
(formerly Avery) Morris.
998 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
t
JOHN W. PARK, (deceased), was born June 15, 1830, in Weston, Windsor Co., Vt.; the
years of his boyhood and youth were spent at school, aild in assisting his father on the farm ; about the
time he attained his majority, he joined a company from his native place and went to Winona, Minn.; dis-
satisfied with the outlook there, he returned as far as Vernon, joining relatives here ; remained two or three
years in Wisconsin, teaching a year in Dane County :he and S. B. Smith, with a party from Vernon, again
left for the West ; finally locating where the city of Owatonna now stands. Park and Smith surveying and
naming that town, and opened the first store in Steele County ; Mr. Park being the first Postmaster of
Owatonna ; the people successively honored him with the ofiSces of County Surveyor, Commissioner, and
Register of Deeds. In 1856, he revisited Wisconsin and married Miss Sarah L., daughter of John
Thomas, one of Vernon's earliest and most honored pioneers. Upon the death of Mr. Thomas a year and
a half later, Mr. P. and wife returned and located on the old homestead, where he made a permanent home
and devoted himself to the interests of his large farm, which devotion was duly rewarded by his becoming
one of the leading stock-growers and farmers in his vicinity. Mr. Park was thoroughly in love with his
profession, and took a deep interest in everything that had for its object the advancement of farming inter-
ests ; for many years his face was a familiar-one at county and State fairs, where he was often an exhib-
itor, and often filled positions of trust and honor ; he had a large circle of acquaintances, and " every acquaint-
ance was a friend." There was something in his genial face and hearty greeting that won all hearts to him
and made them at once his friends ; to his friends his daily walk in life was an example such as challenged
their admiration, and won their highest respect and love. For a few years prior to his death, he was in
failing health, but was able to superintend his 430-acre farm, until July, 1879, when he was taken sud-
denly worse, and sank rapidly until the 8th of August, when he quietly breathed his' last. Mr. Park was
in accord with the Universalist faith, though not a church member ; he left a devoted wife and six children.
Living, he was an aifectionate husband and father, and a kind and honorable neighbor and friend. Look-
ing back over his life-work, we may justly say that he left an example that his children and all who knew
him may well emulate;
A. H. PIEBCEi, farmer, Sees. 27 and 22 ; P. 0. Dodge's Corners ; born in Andover, Windsor Co.,
Vt., May 23, 1822 ; is a son of Abial and Nancy Pierce. AbialP. was a native of New Hampshire, and
his first wife dying Jan. 13, 1828, he married again Miss H. R. Manning ; the family were residents of
Vermont until 1838, when they removed to Wisconsin, reaching Vernon early in August ; there were
four children — Dorcas L., Dorathy D., Abial H. and Lucinda W ; the eldest married 0. B. Haseltine,
and died at Black Earth, Dane Co., Wis., in March, 1874 ; the second is the widow of John Dodge, who,
like Mr. Haseltine, was one of the four first settlers of Vernon ; Mr. Dodge died Aug. 29, 1859 ; Lucinda
W., is the widow of Curtis Carleton, who died in August, 1855 ; both Mrs. Dodge and Mrs. Carleton are
now living on the original homestead of John Dodge ; Abial Pierce bought the Pierce holnestead of the
Government, improved it and died upon it Nov. 30, 1871, his widow surviving until Jan. 1, 1878.
The only son, our subject, attended the first school kept in the town, by Ira S. Haseltine, and has spent
his life upon the old acres. Married, Dec. 23, 1848, in Waterford, Racine Co., Wis., Miss Cordelia B.,
dmghter of John and Eliza Finton, she being a native of Monroe, Ashtabula Co., Ohio ; born Oct. 24
1827 ; they have four children — Frank A., J. Byron, William A. and Clement H.; the eldest is farming
in Rochester, Wis., and the others are on the homestead, now well improved and containing 236 acres,
devoted to fine-wool sheep and other -stock. Mr. Pierce, like all true sons of Vermont, is a Republican,
and has filled many minor town ofiices.
AtLEN PORTER, farmer, Sees. 32 and 29 ; P. 0. Dodge's Corners; born in Athens, Windham
Co., Vt., July 15, 1814. His younger life was spent in his native State, where he married Miss Syrena
Lewis, of Chester, Vt.; a month later the young couple left for Wisconsin, spending six days on the
canal fi-om Troy to Bufi"alo ; reaching Milwaukee early in June, they soon joined the family of Ira Blood,
in Vernon, Mr. Porter buying 120 acres of Uncle Sam at $2.50 per acre; his first work was to dig a well
25ffeet deep, still in existence, but in disuse, then to build a house 16 feet square, which was completed in
four days, so the family moved in, though blankets hung across the windows, and it was two years before
it was plastered; Mr. Porter bought a yoke of cattle and by "changing works-' with his neighbor, was
enabled to sow an acre and a half of wheat that fall ; as a rail-splitter, Mr. P. was second only to Lincoln,
though he followed the good old custom then prevailing and purloined most of his fencing from the Gov-
ernment land around him. He relates that one summer, not being then able to own a wagon, and being
desirous of attending meeting with his family, he attached his oxen to his sled and went, though the novel
"rig" was left in the grove, out of sight of the schoolhouse; many a time has he carried a borrowed
plow on his back from Caldwell's Prairie and returned it in the same way — a hard way to begin, but it met
TOWN" OF VERNON". 999
with a reward in the shape of the 280-aore farm of which 100 have been cleared and broken by him, and
the tasteful and substantial farm buildicgs, and the house built during the nation's centennial. There are
two children, Susan M. and RoUand L.; the daughter resides in "Waukesha, and the son is one of the firm of
Davis Bros. & Porter, oil dealers in Milwaukee. Mr. Porter is a Republican, and was for years a noted
breeder and dealer in fine horses^-he selling one team for |80((, often wintering 15 horses and colts ; of
late he has devoted himself to steep, owning now 400, with two registered rams ; he also has a few Jersey
cattle, two thoroughbreds.
GEORGE W. PORTER, farmer. Sees. 32 and 29; P. 0. Dodge's Corners; is a native of
Athens, "Windham Co., Vt., bom Dec. 26, 1816 ; has been a life-long farmer ; in 1842, he left Vermont for
"Wisconsin, reaching Milwaukee on the 19th of June, and then joined his brother Allen, who had settled in
Vernon two years before ; Mr. Porter soon bought 40 acres of Government land, and 80 of one Roberts,
the whole being as nature left it; Mr. P. turning every furrow and building every rod of fence himself.
He boarded with his brother until May 13, 1845, when he married Miss Lois Yearly, a native of Dublin,
N. H.; who had spent most of her life at Londonderry, Vt., ^nd who had settled at Mukwonago a year or
so prior to the wedding. Mr. Porter now owns 240 acres of well-improved land, a spacious and tasteftil
farm-house, well-planted grounds and substantial barns, the main one 62x34 with lean-to additions, sheep
barn 24x60, hog house 24x30, etc., etc.; all placed there by the labor and good sense of the man who cut
the farm from the oak openings of this town. Mr. and Mrs. Porter have four children — George Y., Abbie
S., John T., and Ida L. George married Miss Rose Clark, and is one of the successful farmers of Cald-
well's Priarie ; the other three are on the homestead, the youngest an invalid. Mr. P., like most ^^er-
monters, is a Republican, and is not an office seeker but a successful farmer and stock-breeder. It is wor-
thy of note that these facts were furnished and recorded on the 35th anniversary of the wedding day.
AHOS PUTNAM, sawyer. Big Bend ; born April 15, 1808, in Andover, Vt,, where he lived
until the day Van Buren was inaugurated President, when he left for the new, wild We.st ; reaching Ver-
non during the same spring (1837), he made a claim, which he sold in 1840, and, during 1840, he and
his brother, Aaron, dug the ditches which, by draining springs, formed the pond or reservoir, perhaps forty
rods north of the banks of Fox River ; the water was conducted in a race to the bank of the said river,
and, on reaching the huge wheel of the old saw-mill built there by them at this time, was found to have a direct
fall of eighteen feet; the mill was set in motion in April, 1841, and here Mr. P. was inbusiness until 1868,
when he sold out. He married, in 1843, Miss Frances Otis, a native of "Washington Co., N. Y., who died
in 1858 ; married again Mrs. Margaret Hatchings, a daughter of Samuel Jones, of Peekskill, N. Y. ; her
former husband, P. G. Hutchings, died in 1853, leaving her three children — William, Samuel and Mary
(Mrs. Thomas Howie). Mr. Putnam has a pleasant home in the village, and owns 8*7 acres on Sec. 25, in
"vemon ; is a radical Greenbacker, of Republican antecedents ; the old mill was torn down in 1855, and
replaced by one which burned in 1875, the present mill being built that year. Mr. P. says that 1837 was
so cold that sap ran from the giant maples around him until the 10th of May, and that boats did not leave
Bufialo until the 4th of June.
PRUCIUS PUTNAM, farmer. Sec. 34 ; P. 0. Dodge's Corners ; was born Sept. 24, 1813,
in Andover, Vt. ; his early life was spent as a farmer in the Green Mountain State ; in the fall of 1836,
in company with nine others from Andover, he left for the wilds of Wisconsin ; John Dodge, the Hasel-
tine brothers and himself left Chicago with a team, reaching Vernon Nov. 1, 1836 ; these were the four
first actual settlers of the town, and each made a claim on Sees. 27 and 34 ; they also built the first white
man's house that fall, which stood, 15x16 feet in size, a few rods south of the present schoolhouse at
Dodge's Corners ; their provisions that fall were brought from Chicago, pork at $28 per barrel, and flour
at $10 ; they" did some frontier work here, and on the 9th of January, 1838, Dodge and Putnam left for
Chicao;o, and, on their return in the spring, each settled upon his own claim ; they were soon joined by
others whose names figure in the history of Vernon. On the 1st of January, 1838, Mr. Putnam married
Miss Emmehne B., daughter of Col. Orien Haseltine, it being the first wedding in Town of Vernon,
though Curtis W. Haseltine married Merial, daughter of John Thomas, in the evening of the same day.
Mr. P. raised buckwheat and turnips for his first crop, corn, wheat and oats failing on account of the
unprecedented cold season of 1838 ; he now has 365 acres, with buildings in striking contrast to those
existing when Indians were his neighbors, and Indian trails his roads. A stanch Republican, he has been
in various town offices ; he also had the honor to open the first store in his town, in 1846. There are four
living children by this historic marriage — P. W., B. B., W. T. and L. L. Mr. Putnam relates that when
the four were en route for Vernon, in October, 1836, they did not see a house from fifteen miles north of
Chicago, to Burlington, Wis., where a settler, named Smith, had a, shaker-roofed shanty built ; in January,
1000 BIOUKAPHICAL SKETCHES:
while lie and Dodge were returning to Chicago, they lunched at Levi Godfrey's, who was then the only
man at what is now Rochester, Wis. ; cold biscuit, washed down with colder water, then a fifteen-mile
tramp to Ives' G-rove, through a blinding snow-storm, Mr. P. suflFering untold misery from an attack of
rheumatism, and being barely able to follow the trail ; reaching the double log house of Call, they
found a sick family, with only a girl able to get supper for them, and to wait on the sick ; the supper con-
sisted of a kettle of hot mush, with milk ; this was quickly hidden by the hungry men, and more called
for, when the girl set out a huge plate of cold mush, which was also disposed of; Mr. P. declares that
Dodge ate more than half, and that he ftiUy expected a funeral, but both reached Chicago safely.
DAVID RE A, farmer. Sec. 2 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born and educated in County Tyrone, Ire-
land ; born Aug. 26, 1815 ; emigrated to America in 1832, and spent four years in Toronto, Canada ; in
the fall of 1836, he visited Milwaukee and Prairieville, and a few days later went to Illinois ; one winter
was spent near Natchez, Miss.; in 1839, he bought 104 acres of his present farm ; after this, he spent some
time in Central Illinois, voting, in Joliet, for Harrison, after the log-cabin and hard-cider campaign of 1840 ;
fever and ague finally drove him to Wisconsin as a permanent settler, he reaching Vernon on the 1 st of
January, 1841 ; building a log house, he " bached it" here for a number of. years; returning one night, he
unlocked his cabin and found an Indian fast asleep beside a roaring fire ; seizing the Indian's gun, he cov-
ered him with it and awoke him; the "Injun" was scared and at once left; after getting his blanket out
of the "oxen's wigwam ; " this dusky savage must have climbed down the wide chimney, as every window
and door was fastened securely, and found as it was left. Mr. Ilea now has over 300 acres, with good
house and capacious barns. He married Mrs. Sarah Begg, widow of William'Begg, by whom he had four
children — John, DaVid, Sarah (deceased) and Martha (deceased). He is a Democrat, and a man who has
earned every dollar of his property himself; he relates that in an early day he was offered 16 acres of land
and the Bethesda Spring for a farm wagon.
H. F. SARGE AlVT, farmer, Sees. 28 and 29 ; P. 0. Dodge's Corners ; 'was born Sept. 5,
1840, on the homestead in Vernon ; son of Otis T. and Nancy P. Sargeant, both natives and residents of
Chester, Vt., who settled in Veriion early in 1840 ; 0. T. Sargeant bought 80 acres of Government land,
and built that summer the first frame house in the town, the oaken timbers 6x8 inches, with the shaker
roof, enabling it to stand four-square to-day ; here H. F. spent his boyhood, often waking to find six inches
of snow, over him, which had drifted through the warped oaken sides of the house ; ox teams took them
"to mill and to meeting," a-nd once when his father crossed Fox River with a load of logs chained to his
ox-sled, the ice gave way, and the load sank like lead ; twice did this hardy old frontiersman dive to the
bottom of the icy water ere he could unloose the chain and free the logs ; his clothing, of course, froze
stiff at once, but he reached home and a welcome fire in safety. His son attended the pioneer school,
taught by Mrs. Ira Blood and others, one term, in a barn where horses and cattle occupied the basement.
He married Miss Irene C, daughter of Warren Greeley, of Caldwell's Prairie, in 1867, by whom he has
two children — Lester N. and Roy ; is a live young farmer of his native town, as may be seen by his man-
agement of the 225-acre homestead, setting out shade and ornamental trees, rebuilding the barns, etc.; he
is a Republican. The old couple are now residents of Mukwonago, while the old house is kept as a
memento of old times, with its huge mud-and-stone chimney, odd fire-place, etc.
JESSE SMITH, farmer. Sec. 33; P. 0. Dodge's Corners; born in Andover, Windsor Co.,
Vt., July 31, 1804 ; he grew to manhood there and married, Jan. 18, 1828, Miss oylvia Barton, who was
born July 22, 1805, in Andover; in the spring of 1837, Mr. Smith, with the brothers Aaron and Amos
Putnam, Col. Orien Haseltine and John Thomas, came to Vernon, Mr. S. buying his present farm of Cal-
vin Gault ; this claim lay in the beautiful oak openings in the south part of the town ; Indians were
encamped in sight of his log house, finished by Mr. Gault, and occupied by him on the arrival of Mr.
Smith's wife and family that fall ; the next year, Mr. Smith built the first frame barn in the town, and in
1842, a frame house where he used to lodge many a weary traveler over the then new road ; this burned
down five years later, and was replaced by a very large two-and-a-half-story stone house, well remembered
by the teamsters and farmers of "plank-road days;" the generous old dining-room, fifty feet in length, was
often crowded, and it was not unusual for him to lodge 100 persons over night; and for a month or more,
each fall, to average twenty-five or thirty teams per night was not strange when we consider that from 300
to 400 teams per day passed here, many from the lead mines of Southwest Wisconsin ; it was a oommoa
thing for men to order breakfast at 4 in the morning, and to find men waiting to occupy their stalls with
tired teams ; the noted spring, situated on the hill back of the house was furnished with wooden piping in
1842, and has since supplied his house and barns with water for all purposes, and refreshed many a "way-
faring man" and team. No better representative of the good old Vermont stock can be found in the West
TOWlSr OF VEENON. 1001
than is found in " Uncle Jesse iSmith,'' known as the genial old landlord, all over Southern Wisconsin.
He now has a 350-aore homestead, on which are over 400 grade merinos, with other stock. Mr. Smith
is a steadfast Republican ; was one of the first Town Board of Vernon, Chairman of the town twelve or
more years, and represented his district in the Legislature of 1854, 1866 and 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
have five living children — Samuel B., Carlos P., Horace W., Loneann (Mrs. J. N. Crawford) and Josephine
(Mrs. M. L. Davis) ; they have lost three daughters; S. B. owns a large farm in Vernon, and an interest
in the Waterford flouring-mill ; C. P. is also one of Vernon's substantial farmers, whOe H. W. succeeds
as well on Caldwell's Prairie.
J. H. STICKNE Y, farmer. Sees. 23, 14 and 22 ; P. O. Big Bend ; born in Andover, Vt.,
1811, resided there until he was 22, when he went to Troy, N. Y., and after a year, to Boston, where he
spent three ; returning to Andover, he remained a short time, and reached Vernon on the 18th of August,
1838 ; a carpenter by trade, he worked at building log houses and barns for the settlers. Married in 1840,
Miss E. A., daughter of Col. Orien Haseltine, and settled on 240 acres of his present farm ; on this the
Indians had formerly a cornfield, the stalks and cobs being still visible. None of the pioneers of Vernon
have done better than he, as he is now the large.9t land owner in it, having 620 acres, and on it more and
better timber than any man in the county ; his maple grove is simply grand; the yield of 1,000 pounds
of sugar per annum, adding to its attractions; in these woods in an early day, Mr. S had many an excit-
ing, and sometimes dangerous adventure with the half-wild hogs, and wilder wolves and lynxes. He
is a Republican, and was the third Treasurer ot Vernon. In 1847, he removed to Dodge Co., W^., and
remained until 1852. Mr. and Mrs. S. have nine living children — Warren, Annie, Alice, Rollin, Volney,
Emily, Perris, Elva and Ida ; also an adopted son, George. To these children, Mr. S. has given over much
of the care involved in managing the estate.
EDWIW B.THOMAS, farmer. Sees. 34, 35 and 25; P. 0. Dodge's Corners ; is a son of John
and Merial Thomas ; his father was born at Hopkinton, N. H., April 6, 1806, and was both a farmer and
carpenter ; in company with Col. Orien Haseltine, he visited Vernon, in February, 1837, and made a claim
among the openings of Vernon on Sec. 26 ; with his wife and six children he settled here in October, 1837,
the family spending the winter with 0. B. Haseltine ; in t'ae spring of 1838, Mr. Thomas built a peculiar
log house, hewing the logs and inserting them in sills palisade fashion ; the old landmark still stands, and
was the family home until the death of Mr. Thomas, in August, 1857. He was a man of spotless integrity,
and whose place as one of nature's noblemen was hard to fill ; many missed the inspiring example of this gen-
tleman, as he was a man of wealth, brains and character ; his estate of 1800 acres, w^ shared by his sons-in-
law, S. B. Smith and J. W.Park, and his only son, Edwin B., the subject of this imperfect sketch ; he was
born Aug. 22, 1826, in Andover, Vt. ; was educated in the pioneer schools of Vernon, and in the old Wau-
kesha Academy, under tuition of Prof. Bleazer Root, one of the founders of Wisconsin's present school
system ; after leaving school he taught a number of terms in his own and adjoining towns. He took his
560 acres almost as it was left by nature's hand, and has made of it one of the most beautiful homes in the
Northwest ; in this, he has been ably seconded by his wife, who was Miss Cornelia, daughter of Gains Mun-
'ger, a pioneer of 1837 ; she was born in New Durham, La Porte Co., Ind., and married Mr. T., May 3,
1854. A description of the place is difiioult to write, but we may say that Mr. T. began by setting apple-
trees and Delaware grapevines years ago, and that his gxounds, now comprising 15 acres, are laid out in
the most tasteful manner, and planted with the best known fruit and oranmental trees, while his vineyard
produces from four to five tons of grapes per annum, he making a specialty of the Delaware, Rodgers No.
4 and 15, the Salem No. 53 ; is now testing others including 1,000 Dutchess. Mr. Thomas is also one of
the owners of the Waterford Mills, and was an active party in the famous mill-dam lawsuit years ago. Is
independent in politics, favoring the Greenback ; was well known as Town Superintendent of schools under
the old system, and is a man warmly in favor of the cause of education, giving his children the best
of advantages. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have seven children — John W., M. Isadore, Arthur E., Clarence
G., Wesley M., Colby N. and Albert A.
JOHN VAIV BURE1V, farmer, Sees. 9, 16 and 6 ; P. 0. Vernon; born Jan. 14, 1836, in
Otseo-o Co., N. Y.; his parents, Peter and Isabella (Sharp) Van Buren, settled in Vernon in 1844 ; here
he attended school, living with his parents until the spring of 1866, when he settled on his present farm of
152J acfes ; he farmed this two years in partnership with Abram Sharp ; the farm was then covered with
stumps of the forest trees, which were its first crop, and with countless boulders and stones ; the buildings
were small and poor; to-day a 36x60 and an 18x38 bam, with a large, well appointed farm-house, and the
smooth, handsome fields tell the story of fourteen well-spent years, which have made John Van Buren one
of Vernon's most respected farmers. He married Miss Sarah A. Carmichael, who died in 1873, leaving
1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:
two sons — Edgar and John ; by the present wife, formerly Anna Platz, he has a son, Peter W. Mr. Van-
Buren is a Democrat and is now serving his second term as Supervisor ; he has seventy crossed merino and
Cotswold sheep.
PETER VAN BUREIV, proprietor of the Vernon Mills, was born Oct. 29, 1808, in Schenec
tady Co., N. Y.; he is the son of Henry and Dorathy (Hollenbeck) Van Buren ; the family is of the old
Holland stock ; Mr. Van Buren lost his father when a child and hismother at 17 years of age ; thrown thus
upon the world, he for years, when it was most needed, did not know the blessings of a home. He mar-
ried in Albany Co., N. Y., Miss Isabella, daughter of John and Catherine Sharp ; she was born in Guilder-
land, Albany Co., and resided there until married in March, 1835 ; in 1844, they came to Wisconsin, Mr.
Van Buren buying the farm on Sec. 9, where his youngest son now lives ; the giant trees with which it
was then covered, were cut by Mr. Van Buren, i oiled up and burned in log heaps, he then doing the work
which told upon his tough and hardy constitution ; he has steadily prospered, however, and made a com-
petence ; after leaving his farm he spent a short time in Vernon Valley, then removed to a farm now occu-
pied by Hy Groute, where he lived nine years ; the mill fell into his hands through the failure of its former
owner ; this mill has been completely overhauled and repaired by him, and is now for sale at the most lib-
eral terms, as Mr. Van Buren does not want the care it entails upon him. He is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs.
Van Buren are a hale and hearty old couple and a type of the energetic and successful New Yorkers, who
have made Wisconsin what it is ; they have three children all settled near them ; John and Catherine were
born in " York State," while Henry is a Badger by birth, John married Miss Sarah Carmichael who died
leaving him two sons ; his present wife, formerly Anna Platts, has a son; Catherine is a soldier's widow,
her husband, John Howile, having laid down his life on the altar of his country, leaving an honorable and
brave record to his two children ; Henry married Miss Isabella Carmichael, by whom he has two children,
having lost his eldest.
A. C. VAlVDERPOOIi, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; born Nov. 10, 1836, in Albany
Co., N. Y.; son of Charles and Lavina, who were also natives of York State ; the family is of the old Knick-
erbocker stock, and were early settlers in the Van Rensselaer claim, or part. of the famous Holland Pur-
chase ; the grandsire of Mr. Vanderpool, born there, is now in his 98th year ; A. C. was educated in the
old Dutch town of Schenectady, where all his younger life was spent ; in February, 1853, his father bought
the homestead in Vernon, and when spring opened the son came out ; he stopped two months with his
uncle, William A. Vanderpool, and put in the first crop of wheat ; all the buildings then were a log cabin
and an 18x24 barn ; the result of twenty-seven years of intelligent labor and management are now mani-
fest in the handsome and roomy farmhouse and the barns, the old one having been enlarged and one built
in 1870, 36x60 with basement, and still not satisfied, he is building a 24x84-foot sheep barn, the farm now
consisting of 206 acres of the best land, 30 of timber and 10 of marsh. Mr. Vanderpool married March
21, 1861, Miss Annie Shaw, a native of Groton, Tompkins Co., N. Y.; they have three children — Ada,
Charles E., and Vinnie. Mr. Vanderpool is a stanch Democrat and Greenbacker. The old couple are still
with him on the farm His flock of nearly 200 fine-wool sheep, were bred from that of A. B. Perkins,
Mukwonago.
GEORGE J. VAN DERPOOL,, farmer. Sec. 19 ; P. 0. Mukwonago ; born in Albany Co.,
N. Y., 1831, son of William and Lanna (Van Benscotenj Van Derpool ; as may be seen by the prefix of
the name, the family are of Dutch descent, the grandsire of Mr. V. on his father's side, coming from
Holland. His father, a shoemaker, was compelled to give up business on account of loss of eyesight ; in
1847, the family settled in the woods, on Sec. 18, Vernon, living in a rude plank house, with the care of a
blind father on their hands ; there were six children, and, says Mr. Van Derpool, the first winter the
Lord was on our side, they were fortunate enough to sell thirty cords of wood in the tree at a dollar a cord
the buyer cutting it. George J. and a brother spent this winter at the new, hard work of chopping, he
cutting many a cord at 25 cents ; to-day, after several removals, Mr. V. has 88 acres of as fine land as the
sun shines on, he clearing most of it hlmsejf, and replacing the old frame house bought with the land, by
an elegant modern residence, built 1879 ; he, prior to this, had built a 30x40 barn, and during the Cen-
tennial, celebrated by adding twenty-five feet to its length, and putting the whole on a basement wall. He
married in 1855, Miss Catherine, daughter of Garrett and Debora (Cornick) Van Buren, who were related
to ex-President Martin Van Buren ; she was born in Guilderland Albany Co., N. Y. ; they have five
children — Byron V., Leslie, Linden, Lillie M. and George ; in 1870, they lost a ten-year-old son. Mr. Van
Derpool enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in the 28th W. V. I.; the regiment fought and worsted the guerilla Price at
Helena, and remained in Arkansas until February, 1865, when they were sent to Mobile, and did heroic
service in the reduction of the forts there, being for thirteen days and nights under a heavy fire ; Mobile
TOWN OF VERNON. 1003
urrendered and rebeldom collapsed, the brave boys being then transferred to Texas, where they were
mustered out in August, 1865. Mr. V. is a Republican, and has been Supervisor, etc.
HARMON WARFIELD, farmer. Sec. 17 ; P. 0. Vernon ; born in Vernon, Waukesha
Co., Wig , 1846 ; son of Nathan Warfield, who was from New York. He married Lucy Young, who was
born in Connecticut, and, in 1843, settled in Vernon ; was a cooper by trade, and settled on 40 acres, now
part of A. C. Vanderpooi's farm ; Harmon was born here; in 1864, the family located on the present
farm of 11 2 J acres, it being then in a rough, half-cultivated condition; the house was built by W. A.
Vanderpool, but the barns, one 26x31 and another 21x63, were built by the Warfields. He married Miss
Mary, daughter of John Sprague, one of the old residents of Mukwonago. The father of Mr. W. died
May 11, 1872 ; his mother is now living in Monroe, Wis. Father and son were Repubhcans. Mr. Warfield
is a most sucessful breeder of fine-wool sheep, his flock of over 100 being bred from those of A. E. Perkins,
J. N. Crawford, J. H. Paul, Capt. Lawrence and A. C. Whitmore; the average weight of wool grown by
eax;h of these 100 sheep during the eleven months ending May 20, is a trifle over eight pounds ; Jlr. W.
also owns the 6-year-old stallion " Farmer's Glory," bred by Martin Pollard ; the dam of said horse was a
Farmer's Glory, and the sire a Percheron ; he is 16J hands high, weighs 1,450, and is, in all respects, a
first-class horse.
AL.MON WELCH, farmer, Sees. 8, 9 and 5 ; P. 0. Waukesha ; born in Stafi^ord, Conn., March
15, 1817 ; his mother, formerly Abi Cushman, died when he was an infant, his father soon after removing
to Homer, N. Y. ; his younger life was spent here and in Tompkins Co., N. Y. ; in company with Asa A.
Flint and his relatives, he left Cortland village with a team, and reached Oak Creek, Wis., July 9, 1837 ;
Mr. F. remained here while Mr. W. took an Indian trail leading to (3ak Orchard, where Isaac Flint, a
brother of Asa, had settled ; on the east side of Muskego Lake, Mr. W. came upon a large camp of Indi-
ans, and says he was nervo,us, but put on a bold face and stalked through the camp without looking to the
right or left ; in due time, he found Flint, N. K. Smith, C. W. Haseltine and other settlers at Oak Orchard^
who soon brought out Asa A. ; a bitter feud existed in this naturally lovely locality at this time, on account
of disputed claims, C. V«'. Haseltine carrying a pocketful of red pepper to dust the eyes of Isaac Flint,
while the latter carried a pistol, and swore he would shoot Haseltine on sight ; a similar " unlovely " feeling
prevailed between N. K. Smith and L. Whipple ; the first Sunday dinner eaten by Mr. Welch was when
visiting Henry Vail, a bachelor, who carried a pan of flour half a mile to a creek, wet and mixed it,
returned and baked it, fried some bacon, and "got dinner ;" Jlr. W. says the happiest days of his life were
those when he could take his ax, and a week's provisions, go into the woods and split rails all day, and be
lulled to sleep at night beside a log, with the wolves howling everywhere around him ; Mr. W. has owned
several farms, and made steady progress since his settlement here ; he made his start at rail-splitting and
bee-hunting, both N. K. Smith and Z. Ellis, his old-time friends, being famous bee-hunters, Jlessrs. W'.
and Smith taking forty swarms one fall, the honey selling for S.ljO in Milwaukee. He spent the winter of
1839 in Cortland, and, on the 12th of July, 1840, married Miss Emmeline A. White, in Vernon; after
various changes, Sir. Welch settled on his present farm of 132 acres, about twenty-five years ago ; here he
has several substantial barns built, and a handsome residence, which replaced one burned down in 1 870.
Since February, 1878, Mr. W. has resi'ied in Waukesha, though he still superintends his farm, and avers
that he takes the most solid comfort here. He is independent in politics, and a member of Prairie Lodge,
I. 0. 0. F. Has five living children — Sarah E., Theresa J., Bertine D., Ammon V. and Ella, all resi-
dents of Nebraska; his elder son, Herbert P., served in the Union army three years, and, after this, was
for many years in government employ in Washington ; removing to Nebraska, he died in 1 878.
ASA WILKINS, farmer. Sec. 34; P. 0. Dodge's Corners; is a native of Franklin Co., Vt,.
born May 8, 1815 ; with the exception of one year, his early lite was spent in Vermont. 3Iarried Sept.
22 1839, j\Iiss Rachel Tabor, of his own town of Fairfax ; in May, 1845, Mr. W. and family came to
Vernon he buying the farm of C. W. Haseltine, on which he built a log house, and worked among the
early settlers of Vernon until 1850, when he made one of a party of sixteen in driving ox teams overland
to California ; after two years in the Golden State, he returned, via Panama and New York, to his farm
and family. Mr. Wilkins was a founder and leading spirit of the Southeastern Wisconsin Sheep Breeders
and Wool Growers' Association, and of the Vernon Union Protection Society, having been President of
both for a number of years past ; Mr. W. also owns the old Col. Ha.seltine farm in Vernon, or 426 acres
in both farms, and a tract of Iowa land. Mr. and Mrs. W. have four living childred — Oscar Myron,
Lucina (Mrs. E. D. Jackson) and George A. ; the two oldest are in Colorado ; Mr. Jackson manages the
homestead, and the youngest son is on the other Vernon farm ; one of the sons, Albert, enlisted in the 1st
W. V. C, and died at Stephenson, Ala., in consequence of injuries received in the service. Mr. Wilkins
1004 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES:
was Chairman of Vernon during the civil war, and did much, to secure the splendid war record of which
she is so justly proud ; was formerly Assessor, Supervisor, etc. ; in politics, a steadfast Union Republican ;
Mr, W. has from 500 to 600 fine-wool sheep, buying and breeding from the flocks of such men as
MoMillen and Burrett, of New York, J. H. Paul, of Genesee, and noted Vermont breeders; he undoubt-
edly owned the first fine-wool ram in Vernon, if not in the county.
TOWN OF OTTAWA.
TAIiBOT C. DOUSMAW, farmer ; Sees. 2, 3, and 10; P. 0. Waterville ; Mr. D. is of
Scotch and Dutch lineage, and was born in Mackinaw, Mich., 1816 ; resided in his native town until 1835,
receiving a thorough education at Mt. Pleasant Classical Institute, Amherst, iMass ; in June, 1835, Mr.
D. located at Milwaukee, building a warehouse which still stands on E. Water street , boarding during the
first summer with Solomon Juneau ; was engaged in the forwarding and lumber business here a number of
years ; he voted at the first election held here, called by Gov. Mason, of Michigan, to elect members of a
council to meet at Green Bay ; thirty-eight votes were cast, of which Mr. D. thinks not more than three
or four were legal, as a year's residence was required by the laws of Michigan, he was then but 19, and
voted on the express condition that the negro cook of Mr. Juneau should also vote. Capt. Gilbert Knapp,
of Racine, and B. H. Edgerton, of Milwaukee, represented that county in the council ; among other rem-
miscenees, Mr. D. relates that Mrs. Kinzie, wife of the first settler of Chicago, and an ardent Episcopalia;n,
caused a clergyman of that faith to visit Milwaukee and referred him to her friend, Mr. Dousman ; now,
Mr. D. had never looked inside an Episcopal -prayer-book, and was in a dilemma ; giving a boy $5, he
induced him to visit the English settlement at Oak Creek, and at his request one of these footed it to Mil-
waukee in time to be the only actual communicant at the first Episcopal service which was held in the old
Towles law office ; the Englishman and clergyman consulting Mr. D., and treating him as the Deacon of
the church, though he had hard work to fill the part successfully. In 1841, the first election for Ottawa
and Genesee, was held at the house of Benjamin Jenkins, I. H. Tweedy (Whig), and Joseph Turner
(Democrat) were candidates for the Territorial Council ; Mr. D. worked hard that day, three Democrats
agreed to vote for Tweedy, if he, Dousman, would secrete the tickets behind an old log barn. Next came
nine English Democrats, to the leaders of whom Mr. D., addressed himself, telling him that he believed
Tweedy to be a rascal, but that it was far better to vote for him knowingly, than to vote for Turner in good
faith, and then be disappointed in him, as the Democrats had previously been in the absconding Dr. Corn-
wall ; this novel argument worked like a charm, and nine more Whig votes were cast by Democrats ; as
Mr. Tweedy had seven majority in the county, the reader can draw his own inference. Mr. D. made the
first claim in Ottawa in 1837, Orchard and George Hosmer, being the next ; on this, in 1838, he
built the first frame barn within the present limits of Waukesha County ; his log house was built in 1837,
and in this the first sermon (Episcopalian) was preached by the Rev. Mr. Hull ; in 1839, George Pad-
dock, an Englishman, removed from Cleveland, Ohio, to Delafield, Waukesha Co., with his wife and two
daughters — Jane A. S., and Helen P.; the elder of these, born in Litchfield, Herkimer Co.,N. Y., was
educated in Black River Seminary, Watertown, N. Y., and married Mr. Dousman 1839 ; he having busi-
ness interests in Mackinaw, two summers were spent there, the young couple settling on the Ottawa claita
in the log house in 1840 ; this has since been their home, though the log house was replaced long ago with
a spacious mansion built in a rambling fashion, and in both a New England and Southern style of architec-
ture ; it is heated with the second furnace ever sold in Milwaukee ; a more beautiful old place than Ingle-
side " can not be found in the county, as the noble burr oaks around it are interspersed with all the ever-
greens, flowering shrubs, etc., needed to make it so ; the old barn, those built since the cheese factory, etc.,
making up a small village ; Mr. and Mrs. D. have two children, Hercules F. and Laura C; the son was
educated in Racine College, and the daughter in the Oooriomowoc Ladies' Seminary ; T. C. Dousman now
owns over 400 acres here, and is a splendid type of Wisconsin pioneer settlers ; he was for two years a resi-
dent of Green Bay, engaged in business with A. E. Elmore during the late war ; Mr. D. is an outspoken
Republican, and was the first Chairman of his town, which office he held many years ; his son was Chairman
in 1873 and 1874, and represented the district in the legislature of 1877 ; the family are Episcopalians.
SEYMOUR FRAYEB, farmer. Sec. 36, P. 0. North Prairie; born in the town of Copake,
Columbia Co , N. Y., Deo. 17, 1819 ; resided in his native state as a farmer until 1846 ; married Miss Bet-
sey Plank, in Nov. 1842 ; their only son, Wesley D. was born in Feb., 1845. In 1846 the family set-
TOWN OF. OTTAWA. 1006
tied on 1 60 acres on Sec. 35 , Ottawa, the only building upon it being a log house, where they lived nine years .
Here the only daughter, Sarah, Mrs. Martin Helgesen, was born ; Mr. P. did good work with his breaking
team for five years among the early settlers, when Wisconsin was a Territory, and when he could travel for
miles without seeing a fence ; wheat was drawn with oxen to the then village of Milwaukee, over rough
roads and corduroy bridges; after making a good home on his first location, Mr. F. sold 100 acres of it in
1868, bought where he now lives, and owns a first-class farm of 200 acres, well improved, with excellent
buildings ; W. D. Frayer has spent his life in the county, attending in his boyhood the school organized
by his father and others as District No. 9 ; Mr. F. has also taught several terms. Married Miss Abbie
Shultis, of Columbia Co., N. Y., Sept. 3.0, 1869, by whom he has a daughter, Florence. Father and son
are Republicans ; W. D. Frayer has been Assessor two years.
THOMAS E. JONES, farmer. Sees. 23, 24, 26, and 20; P. 0. North Prairie ; is a native of
Ottawa, born July 18, 1846 ; is a son of John Jones, who emigrated from England in 1843, he having
married Miss Anne Jones in 1837, by whom he had four children — Thomas (died an infant) ; John
(deceased); Thomas E. and Walter (deceased); his first wife died in 1863, he marrying again Miss Sarah
Cobb, who died in 1874, Mr. Jones now passing his later days in a well-earned home. His son, the sub-
ject of this sketch, is, like his father, a Democrat, and is a Presbyterian in religious belief. Was Assessor
of his town in 1879, married in 1870 Miss Annie, daughter of John Burnell, one of the hardy pioneers of
Mukwonago ; they have five children : Chelsea B., born Aug. 18, 1871 ; Ellen A., born March 2, 1873 ;
Walter D., born June 14, 1875; Emma, born Nov. 20, 1876 ; Calvin J., born Oct. 2, 1878. Mr. Jones
is one of the enterprising young farmers of his native town, his management of the 234-acre farm having
been in all respects successful.
DUNCAW 9IAIJL1E, farmer. Sec. 15 ; P. 0. Ottawa; born May 1809, in Perthshire, Scotland.
His early life was spent on his father's farm and at shoemaking, emigrating to the United States Id Feb., 1843.
They came via the Erie Canal and the lakes to Waukesha Co. the next May. Unable to pay for a claim
made in Ottawa, he pulled up stakes and located in Sullivan, Jefi'erson Co. Beginning here with but little,
a yoke of cattle and a cow, he did good work among the timber of that town. Living in a log house they
made steady progress, but, finally, to escape the infection of fever and ague, returned to Ottawa, where Mr.
Maule engaged for the next eight years at his trade, and, during this time he bought 125 acres of his pres-
ent farm, an old barn and a log house comprising the buildings. The reward of thirty-seven years of well directed
toil may now be seen in the village of tasteful farm buildings erected by him, the first being a 14x54 foot
sheep-barn, wagon and hog house 22x50, and main barn 30x64. His family for over twenty years lived in
ordinary frame house, now supplanted by a spacious and elegant farmhouse, built of the famous Cream
City brick, this completing a set of farm buildings second to none in his town. Mrs. Maule was Miss Ann B.
Reed, a native of Kinross, Perthshire, and married at Saline, Fifeshire. They are members of the Pres-
byterian Church, of which Mr. M. is a Trustee. Mr. M. is an Independent Republican in political faith.
WIIiLIAM REID, of William Reid & Son, nurserymen and farmers. Sees. 25, 26 and 21 ;
P. 0. North Prairie ; born Sept. 3, 1820, in Dundee, Scotland ; served a five-years' apprenticeship as a
mechanic, and worked in his native land until the fall of 1 852, when he came with his family to America ; spent
a year in Montreal, and October, 1853, located in Milwaukee. In 1855, Mr. Reid bought 85 acres of his
homestead, upon which his family located the following May ; during the ensuing twelve years, Mr. Reid
followed his trade in the car-shops at Milwaukee, passing each Sunday with his family, his wife and boys
running the farm ; his first experience as a nurseryman was in the successful growing of the Isabella and
Connecticut grapes ; this encouraged him to begin a nursery on a small scale about 1860, and he has con-
stantly and successfully increased it ; he has the Concord, Hartford, Prolific, Janesville, Northern Musca-
tine, Isabella, Diana, Connecticut, Michigan, Clinton, Delaware, Iowa, Elvira, Martha, Lady, Allen's
Hybrid, Croton, Champion, Worden, Crevling's and Rodger's Hybrids, numbers 1, 3, 4, 9, 15, 19 and 53 ;
has recently introduced the Black Eagle, Concord, Chatless, Goodadel and Brighton ; his average crop
is two tons of grapes ; his stock of thrifty and hardy three and four year old apple trees is very extensive,
and includes all standard summer, winter and fall varieties; the most popular pear, plum, cherry and crab
trees are also grown here ; also evergreens, the Norway spruce, balsam, fir, Scotch pine, hemlock, Austrian
pine, red cedar, arbor vitre, etc., etc. ; these are from four to six feet high ; his first evergreen, a noble
Scotch pine, grown from seed planted seventeen years ago, still stands before his house ; the stock of
shade and ornamental trees is also complete, as is that of the flowers and chrubs of every description ;
annuals, perennials, everlasting flowers, gladiolas, tulips, peonies, etc. ; this is a nursery of which the
county may well be proud, as it is the only one, except that at Pewaukee. Mr. Reid's successful work
here for the past twenty years is a strong guarantee of his ability to select and cultivate wisely and well ;
1006 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES:
he warrants all stock true to name, and assures all patrons that everything ordered of him will be delivered
promptly and in good condition ; that his prices will be as low as thos3 of any reliable deafer in the country ;
all orders promptly attended to, and all letters of inquiry promptly and cheerfully answered, if addressed to
William Reid & Son, North Prairie. Mr. Reid was a steadfast Abolitionist and is a stalwart Republican.
The family attend and support the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been Trustee. His spacious and
elegant residence was built in 1872. Mrs. Reid was Miss Mary Porter, born in Arbroath, Forfarshire. They
have eleven living children — William, Alexander, David, G-eorge, Thomas, Isabella, John, Jessie, Joseph,
Samuel and Charles.
HElDfRY WBINER, farmer and merchant; P. 0. Dousman ; born near Mentz, Germany,
May 16, 1827 ; was educated in the Fatherland, and came with his parents, Nicholas and Phedas M.
Weiner, to America in 1843 ; they arrived at Ottawa in June and found the three Link brothers in a
log house, built on the line of Sees. 4 and 8 ; these with the two Weiner famiHes and that of Mr. Mund-
chau, all lived for several weeks in the 14x16 cabin The father of Mr. Weiner bought and built in
Ottawa that summer; he died Dec. 16, 1847, his wife surviving till Aug. 10, 1856; this left Henry
alone, as his only sister died in 1846 ; on the 9th of June, 1851, Mr. Weiner married Miss Anna Derr,
a native of G-ermany, and a resident of Columbia Co., Wis. In 1868, he built the only store and saloon in
Ottawa, near his residence. He now carries a good stock of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and
shoes, patent medicines, notions, etc. ; his 270-acre farm is well improved ; is a member, with his family,
of the Roman Catholic Church of Ottawa, holding and resigning the offices of Treasurer and Trustee. Mr.
Weiner is a steadfast Democrat, and has filled many different positions with credit, serving as Constable,
Justice of the Peace, Supervisor, and making an unfading record as Chairman of Ottawa during the war ;
filling the quotas promptly and well, and, in spite of the petty malice of certain parties, held the office a
number of years ; after the war was then Assessor for seven years, refusing re-election; was Chairman
in 1870, '71, '76, '79, and now honors the same position. In 1870, Mr. Weiner lacked only 62 votes for
the County Treasurership. A life work like this is best told without attempt at eulogy. Mr. and Mrs.
Weiner have ten children — John, Margaret and Mary, now married; Magdalena, Henry, Joseph, Aug-
ustus, Anna, Philip and Michael.
DAVID P. WIIiLIAMS, farmer ; Sec. 16 ; P. 0. Dousman ; born in Breconshire, South
Wales, March 2, 1825 ; received a common-school education, and was for twelve years employed in the
Garth flouring mills, as agent, his account averaging £7,000 per annum; came to the United States in June,
1869, with his family ; had married the widow of John Powell ; she was a daughter of Rees Williams,
and was born May 17, 1829, in Breconshire, Wales. Mr. W. has owned two different farms since his res-
idence in Ottawa, and has recently bought, and will build upon, 80 acres owned by Wm. D. Owens. Mr.
and Mrs. W. are members of the Congregational Church, of which he has been a member for the past
forty years, and is now deacon. In 1874 and 1875, Mr. Williams served his town as Treasurer; he is a
Democrat. There are ten children, the two youngest born in Ottawa ; David, James, Ellen, Mary, Maggie,
Jane, John, Bessie, Hannah and Rees; Sarah died July 21, 1877.
W. J. D. WILliIA-MS, farmer ; Sees. 9 and 16 ; P. 0. Dousman ; born in Merionethshire,
North Wales, 1820 ; came to America in 1842, his parents having died in Wales ; spent the first year in
New York State, and early in June, 1843, reached Ottawa, buying 200 acres of his present farm of the
Government, built a log house, and, like the poor but plucky man, he began working by the day and month
for Edgerton, Dousman and other early settlers ; a beginning like this is sure of a reward, and his prog-
ress was steady, enabling him to devote himself to his own farm ; here his motto was always, " Come boys,"
instead of "Go boys," and the result is a splendid 371-acre farm and homestead in Ottawa, 360 acres in
Delafield — one of his farms containing 80 and the other 280 acres — besides 90 acres in Jefi' Co. His
large and tasteful brick residence is a good contrast to the log shanty pf early times ; while his 35x45
basement barn, with one now building (34x70, with 18-feet posts and two drive-floors), furnishes ample
room for his stock and produce ; the other farms are also well equipped with buildings, he having built a
large brick house, in 1879, on the Delafield farm. He married Miss Elizabeth Davis, a native of Wales,
who settled in Delafield nearly forty years ago ; they have four living children, Mary, John, Lizzie and
Moses ; the family are members of the W. CM. E. Church ; politics Republican.
ERRATA.
Vernon Tichenor furnishes the following correction of the sketch entitled " Post office
and Postmasters" of the village of Waukesha: ''You say that Mr. Barstow moved the post-
oflSce from Mr. Jackson's house, which stood near the present site of the Episcopal Church, to
the vicinity of Charles R. Dakin's store. Allow me to correct you. In 1839, Mr. Jackson
held the post office in his log dwelling-house, on what is now Mill street, very near where
Barney street now joins Mill street. Thp exact location I cannot give, as all trace of it has
been removed. Mr. Jackson, within a year or two after that, erected a frame dwelling-house on
the present site of the Congregational Church, at the corner of East Division and Mill streets,
to which place he removed the post office, and there held it until he died. The identical, building
has been since moved to the rear of the Congregational Church, and is now owned by Milo Putney . ' '
MARTIBT FIEIiD, attorney at law, Mukwonago ; born in Chester, Windsor Co., Vt., Dec.
9, 1814 ; received an academic education ; remaining with his parents, Stephen and Mary Field, on their
farm in Chester until May, 1836 ; that month he reached Chicago, in company with Ira ]31ood and W. C.
Chapin, both Vermonters ; Judge F. had learned surveying of his father in boyhood, and during the
summer of 1836 Mr. Blood and himself were employed in surveying out-lots in the then village of
Chicago ; going to Milwaukee, Mr. Blood and himself remained but a comparatively brief time, reaching
the Indian village of Mukwonago early in October, 1 836, and were soon after employed by the proprietors,
Sewell Andrews, H. H. Camp and Edward Meaoham, to survey out the village plat ; Mr. Field's first
claim, made on Sec. 23, was under the protection of the Anti-Speculators, Claim Association ; here he
built a log house, where he kept " bachelor's hall " for three years ; began the study of law soon after his
settlement in Badgerdom ; wa3 admitted to practice at the Circuit Court of Milwaukee Co., and
soon after to the bar of the Supreme Court of the Territory. Judge Field is a sturdy and outspoken
Republican, of Whig antecedents ; has served thirteen years as Town Clerk, seventeen as Justice of the
Peace, and other minor positions ; was elected County Judge of Waukesha Co. at its organization, and
served fourteen years, having civil jurisdiction four years ; during the war he was Assistant Uovernment
Assessor. Judge Field married Miss Sarah P. Meaeham, a descendant, on her mother's . side, of the
famous Hyde family, and born in Springfield, Mass. The Judge is fresh, alert and healthful for a settler
of forty-four years ago, and has for many years past given all his time to the management of his large
fortune, accumulated almost wholly in Wisconsin.
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