History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 139

Author: Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 998

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Its first pastor was Rev. P. W. Lake, who labored here until January, 1844, and was then succeeded by Rev. P. Conrad, who remained only until November, 1844, when Mr. Lake again supplied the pulpit for one year. In December. 1845, Rev. Joel W. Fish, a man of deep and sincere piety and an earnest and eloquent preacher, now widely known as an evangelist, became its pastor, and continued here until March 27, 1852. Rev. Caleb Blood supplied the pulpit from May, 1852, to June, 1853; Rev. P. W. Lake, from Decembor, 1854, to June, 1855: Rev. P. H. Parks, from October, 1855, to September, 1856; Rev. Noah Barrell, from October 12, 1856, to January 27, IS5S; Rev. Samuel Jones, from July 3, 1858, to January 8, 1859; Rev. Thomas Bright, from September, 1859, to January, 1863; Rev. Noah Barrell again, from April 15, 1863, to March 4, 1865: Rev. E. M. Ney, from June, 1865, to May. 1866; Rev. T. Bright again, from June to October, 1866; Rev. R. Gilbert, from April. 1867, to April, 1869; Rev. E. P. Dye, from November, 1869, to October, 1871: Rev. J. D. Pulis, from January 1, 1872, to May, 1874: Rev. J. Buchanan. from 1874 to

Rev. J. E. Ambrose, the present pastor, took charge October 17, 1880.

The present membership numbers seventy-five.

The Sabbath school numbers seventy-five.

The Methodist Church. Of this church the following appears in Simmons' History of Ge- nova:

"The Methodist Church building, commenced in 1865, was completed this year (1875), at a cost of about $2,000. The Methodist Episcopal Church was established here at a very early day, a class of six or seven members being formed in 1837. Until the erection of this building, relig- ions services were held in the old schoolhouse near the present railroad turn-table. Its preach- ers in charge have been Revs. Halstead, in 1837; Pillsbury, in 1838: McKane. in 1839-40; D. Worthington, 1841; Jewett and Decker, in 1842; J. M. Snow, in 1843-44; J. Crummer and Loyesay, in 1845; Parks. in 1846: J. M. Walker and R. Blackburn, in 1847-49; R. Dudgeon and Harvey. in 1850: A. Callender and Comfort, in 1851 -52: Aaron Griswold, in 1853-54; Joseph Anderson, in 1855-56; Hiram Hersey, in 1857: David Hall, in 1858; L. Salisbury, in 1859: D. W. Couch, in 1860-61: W. Averill, in 1862; Stephen Smith, in 1862-64; R. C. Par- sons, in 1864-67: N. J. Aplin, in 1867-69; H. Colman, in 1869-72: S. R. Willing, in 1872-73; Rev. J. D. Cole, in 1874. Rev. J. L. Hewitt commenced his labors here in October, 1874. and continued till October. 1876. The first parsonage was built in 1844, the present one in 185S.

Since 1876, the pastors have been: A. A. Hoskins, 1876-77; Thomas Clithro, 1878-79; C. E. Goldthorp, ISSO, is the present pastor.

A new church was built in 1877 and 1878, at a cost of $6,000; not yet finished: when done, will cost $10,000.

The present membership munbers 125.

The Sabbath school numbers 100 scholars.

The Presbyterian Church was first organized at the house of Joseph Griffin, by Rev. Lem- uel Hall, in the spring of 1839. The society was organized under the statute in 1851, and completed a new church in 1853.

Mr. Simmons, in his history of Geneva, gives the following account up to the date of pub- lication-1875:

"In January, 1851, a Presbyterian society was legally organized under the statute, and immediately commenced preparations for a new church building, but did not complete it until 1853, the slips being let in September of that year. This building, which shows the skillful and faithful workmanship of C. W. Maynard and H. B. Conant, cost the society the sum of $2,500. Previous to this, the church had worshiped in a small building on the same ground, constructed of oak and standing on blocks, with ample space underneath for air, and shelter for

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

hogs and sheep. This was built by subscription in 1841, aud cost $500. The church, when organized, in April, 1839, consisted of thirteen members, part of them Congregationalists and part Presbyterians. It now has about one hundred and forty resident members.

"The pastors of this church have been the following, viz. : Rev. Lemuel Hall, from its organiza- tion until September, 1840; Rev. Leonard Rogers, from June, 1841, to June, 1843; Rev. C. R. French, from October, 1843, to October, 1844; Rev. Homer H. Benson, from October, 1844, to December, 1854; Rev. Mr. Stoddard, for three months; Rev. E. G. Miner, from May, 1855, to May, 1857; Rev. Charles Morgan, from August, 1857, to January, 1860; Rev. William S. Mather, from January, 1860, to October, 1861, when he accepted a position as Chaplain in the army; and Rev. P. S. Van Nest, from October, 1861, to July, 1866. In June, 1867, Rev. E. G. Miner was induced to return, and continued his labors here until March, 1875.

Since 1875, the pastors have been: Rev. Richard B. Bull, from August 1, 1875, to May, 1877; Rev. David L. Holbrook, present pastor, installed July 19, 1877.

The present number of communicants is 216.

The Sabbath school has 171 scholars.

The Episcopal Church. - The first services, according to the Book of Common Prayer, held in this place, were by the Rev. Dr. Buck and the Rev. Dr. Hobart, then Professors at the Theo- logical School at Nashotah. But a regular parish organization was not effected until January 20, 1850, when the Rev. John McNamara had taken charge of the field and become its first resi- dent minister. He remained here, doing most zealous work, until 1854. It was in token of his having come to them from the Church of the Holy Communion, New York City, that this parish was so named. During the next two years, several clergymen had charge, in turn, as follows: The Revs. William Ludlum, Studley and Peters. In 1856, the Rev. John McNamara returned, and at once a new life was infused into the congregation. The old building was abandoned, and the two desirable lots on the corner of Broad and Geneva streets, still occupied, were purchased, and a far better church structure was erected. Tho building and grounds cost about $3,000, and this was a goodly sum for the congregation of those days; but by the indom- itable zeal and the generous efforts of Rector and people, it was all accomplished, and a happy. memorable day it was when at last they could gather under the roof of their pleasant church home and consecrate it to its high and holy use. According to the express terms of the pur- chase of the church property, it is to be " devoted forever to the maintenance of a church whose seats shall be free to all orderly worshipers." The Rev. Mr. McNamara resigned his second rectorship of the parish in 1858, and since then the following clergymen have served, viz. : The Rev. John Gossman, in 1859; the Rev. William Dasha, from 1861 to 1864; the Rev. George N. James, in 1864: the Rev. John H. Babcock, in 1866; the Rev. W. C. Armstrong, from 1867 to 1873; the Rev. Robert B. Wolseley, 1873 to 1875; the Rev. Richard T. Kerfoot, the present Rector, took charge in December, 1875.

It was during the Rev. Mr. Wolseley's rectorship that the beautiful rectory was built. It is a gothic structure, of two stories, and of frame, but exceedingly tasteful. It is said to be the best in the State, and the parish is certainly to be congratulated in possessing it. Its cost was about $3,000. It was at about this time that Geneva began to attract the attention of Chi- cagoans in search of pleasant summer homes. The splendid lake here, with its well wooded and sloping, grassy shores, offered just the resort they wanted; and among the earliest comers were many families in the communion of the Episcopal Church. These at once cordially united with the parish folk of the village in their place of worship, aiding and co-working with them in all church matters. Thus the rectory was secured, and in this way the present noble church of granite was built. As the summer visitors multiplied, the need became felt more and more of a more commodious edifice. To want this and to have the pledges made were coincident, and the Festival of Saint Simon and the fall of 1880 saw the laying of the corner- stone of the new house of God. The design was furnished by the architects, Messrs. Treat & Voltz, of Chicago, and the work was done by Mr. Austin Moody, of Geneva. The building is purely gotliic. The walls are of granite, from the granite bowlders which are found in inex- haustible quantities throughout this region. These are not hammered, but split and laid up irregularly, but so as to present a clear front, and, this being of every variety of color and hue, produces a most pleasing effect. 'The finished look is greatly admired. The windows and roof

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

copings are of dressed sandstone. The interior is open to the roof edge, and is forty-three feet in height. It presents an attractive appearance, both inside and out. The windows are quaint. being all of cathedral glass and arranged in broken quarrias. But the chancel windows are worthy of special mention. The altar window is a triplet, and a memorial of the Rev. Dr. James DeKoven, of Racine College. It is certainly a most artistic piece of work, and is scarcely equaled in the Northwest. Many of the windows are in loving memory of departed ones, and they are all of them gems of art. The font is a rare bit of work of carved stone-a memorial, too, and all the chancel furniture, each piece a work of art and a token of loving remembrance of those gone hence. We could say a great deal more of this charming lakeside church, and yet not say half that should be said, for it stands a challenge to any other village church, far or near, to rival it in its beauty and its completeness. Its cost, as it now is, is fully $13,000. This make up for the Episcopalians of Geneva a most valuable church property indeed. The church, chapel and rectory, with grounds, are valued at not less than $20,000.

The first officers elected upon the organization of the church in 1850 were: E. D. Rich- ardson, Abiel Manning, Wardens: Andrew Ferguson, Allen Gardner, Seymour N. Hatch, Lewis R. Goodsell, Simeon W. Spafford, A. Hastings and Ansil D. Merritt. All of these pioneers of the church, except Messrs. Richardson, Ferguson and Hatch, are dead.

St. Francis Catholic Church is beautifully located on Main street in the eastern part of Ge- neva. on an elevation overlooking the town and a greater part of the lake.

Rev. Martin Kundig, a pioneer priest of Wisconsin, selected the present location previous to the year 1847, it being the center of four adjoining townships, thus giving the Catholies of this vicinity, who were but few in number, an opportunity to comply with the precepts of their church. Rev. Kundig, residing then at Milwaukee, attended from there at intervals this con - gregation, holding service at first in private dwellings. Some of the old Catholic settlers recol- lect well that he came all the way from Milwaukee on sick calls. Under his superintendence, the first parsonage was built. For want of means, the second story of this small house, and at that not completed, had to be used for a place of worship pro tem. Rev. Kundig named the church after the great St. Francis of Sales Bishop of Geneva in Switzerland. In those days, Catholics came all the way from Burlington, on foot, to attend divine service, not having then a place for divine worship of their own.

In the year 1847, Rev. Kundig gave the charge of the newly organized congregation to Rev. P. McKernan, who was the first pastor residing here. 1847-49. The following have been his successors, taken from the church records:

Rev. P. J. Fander, 1849-50. Revs. MeKernan and Fander attended from here Beloit and Delavan.

Rev. F. Fusseder (1850-51), assistant to Rev. Wissbauer, of Burlington, now pastor of Beaver Dam, attended from Burlington.

Rev. F. Pendergast, December, 1851-53. Under his charge. the present church building was erected; he died at Beloit, on a collecting tour for the church.

Rev. M. P. Kenny. November, 1855, November, 1856.

Rev. P. J. Mallor, 1854-55.

Rev. G. H. Brennan, June. 1856-57.

Rev. James Stehli, March, 1857, September, 1861.

Rev. H. J. Roeli, November, 1861-62.

Rev. James Stehli, April, 1862, September, 1863.

Rev. E. O'Connor, 1863, May, 1866.

Rev. O'Farral, died here after six months.

Rev. A. J. David, 1867, March, 1867.

Rev. James Kinsella, June, 1867, September, 1868.

Rev. B. Smeddink. 1868-70.

Rev. MeGinnity, 1872. Under his charge, an addition was built to the church. Rev. John Kinsella, 1873.

Rev. L. Blum attended Geneva for six months from Lyons.

Rev. N. M. Zimmer, the present pastor, took charge of the congregation on the 28th day of May, 1874. Various improvements have been made since, both in the church and on the church

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

premises; the most conspicuous are the steeple, with a bell weighing 1,200 pounds; its sound can be heard, in favorable weather, at a distance of ten miles; besides a new dwelling house for the pastor.

As at the time of organization, people, though few in number, came a great distance, so do they even now, for the St. Francis congregation comprises the Catholic population of the town- ships of Geneva, Linn, Bloomfield, a greater part of Lyons and the northeast corner of Walworth, numbering in all 130 families.

On account of the great distance at which a majority of the members live, the project of building a parochial schoolhouse could not as yet be agitated in full earnest; whence the children of Catholic parents, numbering about ninety pupils, attend Christian instruction on Sundays after divine service at noon, and in the afternoon before vespers, instructions are conducted by the pastor, who is assisted by three teachers.

St. Kilian's Church, a German out-mission, four miles east of Geneva, is attended every other Sunday from here.

From amongst the reverend pastors who have resided here, besides those already mentioned, the following have passed from this world:

Very Rev. Kundig died at Milwaukee.

Rev. McKernan died at Kenosha.

Rev. E. O'Connor died at Franklin.

Rev. John Kinsella died at Franklin.

Rev. B. Smeddink, at Paris, Kenosha County.

John Brown, James Curran, Thomas Delany, Daniel and Denis Leahey, James Grier, widow Pat Powers (she is dead now) and widow Hen Curran are the oldest Catholic settlers now living in this vicinity.

LAKE GENEVA SEMINARY.

No locality in the Northwest seems to have been so favored by nature for the purposes of a seminary as the banks of Geneva Lake. Quiet and retired, yet near a brisk center of popula- tion, the seminary is favored by outside influences as an institution where education can pro- gress without youthful spirits being depressed.

In 1864, a corporation was organized by the citizens of the village, called the Geneva Sem- inary. Messrs. J. C. Walter, C. L. Oatman, George Allen, J. H. Ford, W. W. Byington, D. Locke, T. W. Hill, J. W. Boyd, E. Kinney and others were at the head of the movement. The public square on the east side of the river was leased for its use, and Miss Anna Moody was en- gaged to take charge of the school. It was opened in December, 1864, continuing under her management for three years, when she resigned her position on account of ill health. Misses Allen and Lilly were Principals of the seminary for a year after Miss Moody's departure. The seminary was organized under its present excellent management June 2, 1869. At that time, there was no boarding-house connected with the establishment, and the Geneva Hotel was rented and occupied for that use for two years. The school accommodates at present about one hun- dred pupils of both sexes.

Its grounds contain six acres of land, tastefully improved. The property is owned by the Warner family, the faculty being composed as follows: Mrs. Julia A. Warner, Principal, Mental and Moral Philosophy: Mrs. Ella N. Adams, English Language, Literature and History; William Jay Warner, B. S. (First Semester), Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Mary A. White, B. A., Ancient and Modern Languages; Harriet B. Sloate, Academic Department; Ella B. Vedder, Assistant Pupil; W. K. Higley, Ph. C. (Second Semes- ter), Natural Sciences; J. A. Badger, M. A. (Second Semester), Mathematics; Irmin Sællger, Instrumental and Vocal Music: Harriet E. Warner, Department of Art; Elizabeth C. Miner, Assistant in Drawing.

The Board of Trustees are: Hon. John W. Boyd, President: Mrs. Julia A. Warner, Vice President; E. S. Warner, Secretary and Treasurer; William Jay Warner, Sarah T. Warner, Harriet E. Warner and Marrietta I. Warner.

The following extract from the Chicago Tribune completes the history of this educational institution, which is an honor to the villege, the county and the State:

" This institution for the education of young ladies is located at the delightful summer re- sort known as Lake Geneva, Wis., on the Chicago & North-Western Railway, within two and a

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

half hours' ride from Chicago. The seminary buiklings stand at the foot of the lake, on a slight elevation running down to the water's edge. It is a quiet, retired spot, conveniently near the post office, the churches, and the business portion of the village. The grounds are pleasantly laid out in walks and drives, and are abundantly shaded by native oaks and orna- mental trees. The buildings are Seminary Hall, in which the sessions of the school aro held. and Oakwood, the family home and boarding-house.

" In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Warner purchased from the stock company of the Geneva Seminary the building known as Seminary Hall, with its accompanying park, and established Lake Geneva Seminary as a boarding and day school for young ladies, Mr. Warner acting as Secretary and Treasurer, and Mrs. Warner as Principal. Seminary Hall was completed and enlarged until it contains a hall for public exercises, school room, laboratory, museum, gymna- sium, recitation rooms, musie rooms, an art studio, etc. For the first five years, the boarding pupils were accommodated in whatever buildings could be secured for the purpose, but in 1874. the present elegant brick structure was completed for their use. Some features of this building are worthy of mention, as it is peculiarly well adapted to the uses of a young ladies' school.

LAKE GENEVA SEMINARY.

:" But two floors are occupied by the pupils and teachers, thus avoiding, to a large extent, the very objectionable necessity of stair-climbing. The rooms and halls are large and high, thoroughly ventilated, heated with steam and lighted with gas. Each sleeping room is intended for two occupants, and has connected with it a wardrobe eloset, and also a dressing closet, with outside light and gas, a fixed wash-bowl and waste-pipe. Hot and cold rain and well water are supplied to each floor. The purpose of the school being to furnish the parents of the Northwest a cultured Christian home where the daughters of the West may receive a thorough education in literature and science, music and art, together with a symmetrical and genuine development of character, the family has been limited to thirty boarding pupils, and the com- forts and conveniences of a thoroughly furnished home have been supplied. The Principal insists that this plan avoids many of the evils attending large boarding schools.

" The boarding home is designed for the exclusive use of lady pupils and the teachers. To the day school both sexes are admitted, thus securing in the class work the advantages of a mixed school, while avoiding all the disadvantages of a mixed boarding school. The course of study is designed to meet the demands of pupils who do not intend to take a full collegiate course, but is modified, when desired, to prepare pupils for college. While Christian in its character. the school is undenominational, and is a private enterprise, supported entirely by its current income from pupils. During the past year, the faculty numbered eight teachers and

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

the pupils ninety-three. The classes are sufficiently small to permit each pupil to receive daily individual attention.

"The home and educational advantages offered here combine to make this one of the most desirable home institutious of the Northwest."

HOTELS.

There are at present (1882) four hotels in the village, which are entirely inadequate for the annually increasing crowds of pleasure-seekers and sojourners who seek a summer retreat by the beautiful lake.

The Whiting House was built in 1873, by David T. Whiting, as a summer hotel. It is situated at the foot of Broad street, on the shore of Lake Geneva. It is a three- story wooden structure. with mansard roof, double veran- dah on two sides, and cost nearly $30,000. It has sixty rooms, besides billiard room, barber shop, dining room, parlors and all appurtenances of a first-class modern hotel. It has a capacity for 200 guests. It was run under the management of D. T. Whiting till April 18, 1879, at which time it was leased to W. W. Watson, of Chicago, for five years. Prior to Mr. Watson's proprietorship, it was run strictly as a summer hotel, being closed except during the summer months. Mr. Watson now keeps it open constant- ly. It is under the personal management of Hon. Thomas Tolman.

COKE

EACHT

The hotel is lighted with gas. Enlargements are pro- jected, which, if carried out, would increase its capacity WHITING HOUSE. three-fold, and render it the finest appointed and largest summer hotel in Wisconsin.

The Lake House was built in 1837, by Greenleaf S. Warren. Thomas D. Warren subse- quently kept it. He was followed by A. D. Colton in 1845, who owned and kept the house till 1846. when his wife died and he rented to Harrison Rich for two years. In 1848, Colton again became the landlord, and remained such for fourteen years, keeping, during the whole period, one of the best country hotels ever kept anywhere. In 1862, Colton sold the house to John S. Griffin; he to S. H. Stafford, who has owned it ever since. Stafford, in company with his brother-in-law. J. S. Griffin, kept it several years. In 1867, Edwin Woodman became the landlord. Subsequently, William Barrett, Peter Van Slyke and George W. Ransford were the landlords. In the spring of 1873, it was leased by the present landlord, Mr. Orville L. Blakes- lee, who has from the beginning run it as a first-class home for travelers should be run. His long experience as hotel-keeper and steward of the lake boats at an early day have given him a well-earned reputation as an efficient landlord and a host who knows how to keep a hotel. Few houses have sustained so excellent a reputation for over forty years as the Lake House, and to- day it has no superior as a well kept hotel in the State. It has been remodeled and repaired from time to time, and shows little resemblance to the Lake House of even twenty years ago. It is three stories high, contains rooms and accommodations for sixty guests, and is always full and overflowing during the summer season.

The St. Denis Hotel is the oldest hotel in the village. It was built by R. W. Warren in 1837-38. It was at first known as the Geneva House. When it was named St. Denis is not known-probably not till a very recent date. It was certainly known as the Geneva Hotel as late as 1874. Abiel Manning and A. A. Thompson became the landlords. In 1843 or 1844, Appollos Hastings bought it, and was its landlord till 1848. That year, it was rented to Har- rison Rich. The succession of landlords since is too long to find space here. It is now owned by Hale & Oatman, and run by George W. Ransford, well known as a genial and accommodat- ing landlord. The house is historic, being the first built in the town or county. It accommo- dates some fifty guests, and is popular with its patrons, who return from year to year to remain through the summer.

Union House, established by Benjamin Fish in 1870, kept by John Kohn since 1SS1. It is at the foot of Broad street, near the depot; sixteen rooms; can accommodate thirty guests.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

KAYE'S PARK

is situated about six miles up the lake from the village, on a tract of land commanding one of the finest views of the lake to be had. The park lias an area of 200 acres, and a lake shore of over one mile, mostly natural forest, furnishing picnic and tenting grounds for thousands, also a number of cottages in connection with the house, furnishing a large number of extra rooms. The grounds are beautifully arranged and laid out into walks and drives, with fountains fed by springs, fish ponds, rustic seats and arbors. The park is reached by steamers from the village at least nine times a day, the boats connecting with every train to the village. There is also a telephonic connection with the Western Union Telegraph lines at Harvard. Nearly central on the park shore are two fine piers extending into the lake from the exquisitely decorated lawn, which gently rises to

SUMMER RESIDENCE OF A. B. CHURCH, IN ELGIN PARK, LAKE GENEVA, WIS.

KAYE'S PARK HOUSE,

some 150 feet from the shore, a tasty, inviting, well-proportioned and arranged structure, facing the lake, and replete with broad. shady verandas and balconies, from which are unobstructed views of miles in extent of the lake and its distant opposite shore.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 139

Author: Western Historical Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 998

Author: Western Historical Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 998