History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 74

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

USA > Wisconsin > Walworth County > History of Walworth County, Wisconsin > Part 74

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There were 523 acres sown to grain: 503 acres of pasture and mowing: 72 acres of apple orchard; and 202 aeres of growing timber.

The village contains, besides the county buildings, one schoolhouse and seven churches.

It has seven elergymen, six lawyers, six doctors and three dentists.

BUSINESS FIRMS.

The principal firms now doing business are as follows:

W. J. Stratton, druggist and stationer; established by Bennett & Eaton in 1861; present proprietor since 1876: Stratton & Son since 1882. t

Camp & Isham, drugs and stationery; established by James H. Camp in 1857.

J. H. Young, drugs: established in 1877.

J. H. Lauderdale, grocer; established in 1865.

John Beamish, grocer; successor to G. W. Ferris; present proprietor in 1881.

Lyon Brothers, grocers; established by Levi C. Merrick, now of the firm of Spaulding & Merrick, Chicago, in 1860; present proprietor since 1864.

T. W. Morefield, grocer; established in 1870.

F. A. Warning, grocery, saloon and public hall; established in 1856.

Otis Preston (Shanty), dry goods and clothing; established in 1851.

Edwards & Preston, dry goods; established in 1876.

C. E. Wing, dry goods, clothing, millinery and groceries; established in 1881.

G. W. Ferris, grocer, 1882.

0. Carswell, groceries and news depot; established in 1862.

John Hare, agricultural implements; established in 1878.

John Hare, livery stable; established by William T. Jones in 1855; present proprietor since 1868.

John Meigs, hardware and stoves; established in 1854.

H. C. Norris, hardware and stoves; successor to Meigs & Norris since 1879.

Anthony Graff, manufacturer and dealer in boots and shoes; established in 1859.

William L. Stowe, furniture; established by William L. Stowe & Son in 1875.

Lucius Allen, furniture; established in 1876.

F. A. Bunnell, confectioner; established in February, 1881.

Independent Printing Office, M. T. Park, proprietor since January 1, 1879; Park & Ken- ney, January 1. 1882; S. S. Roekwood, April 1, 1882.

Central Hotel, first built in 1842; John H. Snyder, proprietor since 1869; E. S. Waring, from April. 1882.

D. T. Barker, lumber, coal and building material; established in 1871.

N. Carswell, dealer in grain, and proprietor of grain elevator since 1880.

G. C. Huntress, manufacturer and dealer in harness; established in 1865.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

J. W. Gaylord & Son, carriage and wagon manufacturers: established in 1851 by J. W. Gaylord.

N. Hanson & Co , manufacturers of sleighs, carriages and farm wagons, and blacksmiths; established in 1848, by Frank Russell. Edward McDonald ran it from 1860 to 1870; present proprietors sinee 1870.

There are. in addition, milliners, artists, painters, butchers, shoemakers, carpenters, and followers of every other industrial ealling which goes to make up a refined and thrifty com- munity.

There is at present (1882) a wind-mill for eustom grinding, and a cheese factory, formerly a steam grist-mill, which, with what have been before enumerated, comprise all industrial pur- suits within the town limits.

BANKS.

The Elkhorn Bank was organized August 10, 1856, by Le Grand Rockwell and D. D. Spen- eer. with a capital stock of $25,000. The business was conducted by these gentlemen, Mr. Roekwell being President, and Mr. Spencer, Cashier, until August 5, 1857, at which time Mr. Rockwell sold his interest to Mr. Spencer, and Mr. J. C. Mills was elected President in his place. Mr. Spencer soon withdrew; and the business of the bank was virtually suspended.

March 16, 1858, the business was re-organized. Mr. Mills remaining President, and Mr. J. A. Pierce being appointed Cashier. July 5, 1858, Mr. Mills resigned, and Mr. 3. A. Pierce was elected his successor; and Mr. George Bulkley, Cashier. January 14, 1861, Mr. Pierce withdrew, and Mr. J. L. Edwards was elected President, Mr. Bulkley still retaining his place as Cashier. This arrangement continued until March 25, 1865, when the Elkhorn Bank ceased to exist. and the First National Bank of Elkhorn was organized.

The First National Bank of Elkhorn was organized January 9, 1865, by the officers and a portion of the stockholders of the Elkhorn Bank, its predecessor, and some other parties. The amount of capital subscribed was $50,000, in shares of $100 each. The shareholders and num- ber of shares subscribed by each were as follows: J. L. Edwards, 150: George Bulkley, 100; W. H. Conger, 80: George W. Wylie, 70; Amos Fellows, 50: O. Hand, 50.

The necessary authority and approval of the Comptroller of the Currency was obtained, bearing date January 31, 1865, and the first meeting of the stockholders was held February 4, 1865. when the following persons were elected Directors, a portion of the original stock sub- scribed having, in the meantime, changed hands: J. L. Edwards, George Bulkloy, R. T. Sey- mour, O. Hand, W. H. Conger.

At a subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, held on the same day, the following officers were elected: President, J. L. Edwards; Vice President, William H. Conger; Cashier, George Bulkley. In November, 1869, Mr. William H. Conger was appointed Cashier, vice George Bulkley, resigned.

Soon after its organization, the bank purchased for its office and place of business the build- ing previously occupied by the Elkhorn Bank. In the summer of 1880, the bank building was. thoroughly remodeled and repaired. A new vault was built, a new safe purchased, and other improvements made, which make it equal in safety and convenience to any country banking house, and superior to most. With the exception of the temporary move in the summer of 1880, while the building was remodeled, the bank has been continuonsly located in the same place. The present officers are: C. Wiswell, President since 1870; J. L. Edwards, Vice President since 1869, and President from the organization of the bank to that time; William H. Conger, Cashier since 1869, and Vice President from the organization of the bank to that time; Henry Adkins, Assistant Cashier, and Teller or Assistant Cashier since the organization of the bank.

The present capital of the bank is $50,000, and surplus, $7,800. Its deposits are largo for a country bank, its stockholders are wealthy, and it promises to be one of the permanent insti- tutions of Walworth County.

The Exchange Bank of Rockwell & Co. was organized August 17, 1857. by Le Grand Rockwell and John R. Wheeler. Mr. L. R. Rockwell was admitted as partner April, 1858. After continuing in business for a short time under this management, the name of the bank was changed to " Rockwell & Co.'s Bank," and it was made a bank of issue, with a capital stock of

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

$25,000. In 1861, the eireulation was retired, the bank continuing business until November 20, 1871. when, the senior partner, Mr. L. G. Rockwell, having died in 1869, the bank was closed.

CHURCHES.

St. John's Church in the Wilderness .- This was one of the earliest mission churches estab- lished by the Episcopal Church in the State, and the earliest in the county. It was founded through the direct and personal efforts of three young men-Hobart, Adams and Breek-who. with headquarters at Nashotah, Waukesha County, did faithful and persistent missionary labor at various points in the State. The church was organized October, 1841, with David Hartson, first warden, and Le Grand Rockwell. Edward Ellerkin, H. S. Winsor and H. H. Hartson. first vestrymen. At first, services were held in the schoolhouse, Revs. Hobart, Breek and Adams officiating alternately. In 1848, the society was re-organized conformable to the statutes of the State, and services were held at the court house by Revs. J. MeNamara and J. Ludlum. In 1853, the name of the church was changed. it being known simply as " St. John's Church at Elkhorn." Rev. G. E. Peters was chosen Rector, and, during his pastorate. the present lot was purchased, and the church erected and furnished. The ladies connected with the society carpeted and cushioned the house, purchased the melodeon and subsequently purchased a par- sonage lot. In 1856. the church edifice was enlarged, and since 1875 improvements have been made to the value of about $2.000. The church has been repaired. a parsonage built, an organ purchased and a fence built around the church and rectory lot. The number of communicants at present is thirty-nine. The first record of baptisms was made December 25, 1853, Rev. G. E. Peters officiating: the whole number since that time is 212. Since the close of Rev. G. E. Peters' pastorate. in 1856, the following elergymen have officiated: Revs. H. M. Thompson. J. McNamara. Joseph H. Nichols, J. C. Passmore. C. T. Seibt. A. F. W. Falk, D. D .; C. N. Spaulding, D. D., George W. Dean, D. D., G. W. Harrod. B. D .. E. H. Rudd, B. D., C. M. Pullen. B. D., Henry Hughes, B. D.

The Baptist Church of Elkhorn .- This society was organized on the 18th of December, 1852, at an adjourned meeting held in the court house. Rev. Thomas Bright. Moderator, and William H. Pettit, Clerk. At this meeting, articles of faith and covenant were adopted, and it was voted to call a council to meet on the 13th day of January following to consider their claims to recognition as a regularly constituted Baptist Church. The following were the constituent members: Rev. Thomas Bright. Eliza J. Bright, Levi Jackson, Lydia Jackson, Nelson Lee, Mary Lee, Jane Mallory, H. H. Leonard, J. Parmlee. Alvina Frost, H. N. Hay, Margaret Hay, D. P. Handy. L. W. Handy. Joseph Viles, Eleanor Viles, G. G. Viles, Diadema Dewing, Christopher Wiswell, Almira Wiswell, John Martin. Eliza Martin. Edward McDonald Meleta McDonald. At the council, which met according to call, the churches at Delavan. Geneva, Spring Prairie. Sugar Creek and East Delavan, were represented by delegates, consisting of the pastors of the several churches and a number of lay members. The council was duly organized and voted that the organization of the church at Elkborn was satisfactory. Rev. Thomas Bright was accordingly installed as pastor, with the usual religious exercises. He remained with the church four years, and has been succeeded by the following clergymen: Revs. G. W. Gates, Thomas Brande, J. H. Dudley. J. E. Johnson, Levi Parmly. F. M. Iams. A. L. Wilkenson, F. D. Stone, G. A. Cressey, and S. E. Sweet, the present pastor. The following persons have served as Deacons: Levi Jackson, E. MeDonald, D. P. Handy, C. Wiswell. D. R. Johnson, P. R. Jackson. S. D. Littlefield. L. Knapp. H. C. Paden. The following have served as Clerks: D. P. Handy, D. R. Johnson (twenty-two years). W. E. Osborn. C. H. Burbank. H. Jackson and Daniel Salisbury. In 1853. a church edifice was ereeted. on the corner of Court and Broad streets, at a cost of $2,200. The building is thirty-five feet by fifty-five, has been kept in good repair and is a pleasant and convenient place of meeting. It was dedicated on the 1st. day of January. 1854. At the time of its organization. the church had twenty-four members. This number has been increased to 263. comprising all who have been connected with it sinee its organization. The present membership is 100. and the Sabbath school, which was organized in 1857. now numbers 130. P. R. Jackson being the present Superintendent.

The Lutheran Church .-- In 1870, the Lutherans of Elkhorn and vieinity, who had pre- viously been obliged to go to Burlington to attend church. determined to organize a society of

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

their own. They accordingly invited Rev. H. P. Dnborg, of Whitewater, to become their pastor, purchased a building that had been previously used for a schoolhouse, of L. G. Rockwell. for 8400. and fitted it up for a church building. Mr. Duborg afterward moved to Illinois, and Rev. J. J. Meier took charge of the society, but resided at Wheatland. Racine County. On the 29th of March, the society was re-organized under the name of " The Evangelical Lutheran Peace Congregation, " and, during the year, it was received into the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of Wisconsin. In 1876, the congregation bought a parsonage house. Rev J. J. Meier removed. in 1879. and was succeeded by Rev. William Buehring, followed by Rev. Jo- hannes Dejung. The church has now a membership of twenty-five, and church property valued at $1. 100.

First Congregational Church of Elkhorn was organized as such at the Elkhorn House. then kept by George Young, on the 9th of December, 1843. Rev. Amnon Gaston was chosen temporary Chairman, and James O. Eaton, Clerk. The organizing members numbered eight, as follows: James O. Eaton, from the Congregational Church of Sutton, Mass .: Mrs. Mary M. Eaton, from the Congregational Church of Middlebury, Mass .; Mrs. Ann Walling, Mrs. Lydia Hickox, from the Congregational Church of Victor. N. Y .: Mrs. Sophronia F. East- man. from the Congregational Church of Newbury, Vt. ; Mr. Jacob H. Young and Misses Margaret and Gertrude Young, from the Reformed Dutch Church, Princeton, N. Y. The pas- tors in the order given have been Revs. D. Pinkerton. Samuel E. Miner, J. D. Stevens, L. H. John- son, J. B. L. Soule. J. D. Peet, C. C. Adams, A. L. P. Loomis, P. S. Van Nost, J. G. Sabin, H. Fowle, and Newton Barrett. the present pastor, settled May 1, 1881. The church building is located on the west side of South street. It was built at an early day as a union church, but is now the property of the society. The present number of communicants is 100. The Sabbath school numbers upward of 100 scholars, with an average attendance of sixty-five. It has a small library -- about 100 volumes. The church society is in a healthy condition financially, being out of debt, and about to build a new and commodious church building.

Universalist Church .- The Universalists held services many years ago in the old court house. No reliable information can be obtained concerning this early movement, except that the first preacher was Rev. H. D. L. Webster. He preached at stated times to a small but faithful parish for some years. Following his pastorate, the interest languished, and the or- granization lost life. Occasional services were held by A. C. Barry. D. D., then living in Racine, and. in 1874, a new interest was awakened. In 1575, a neat church, named Barry Chapel. in honor of the pastor, was built. In 1876, Mr. Barry became resident pastor; he remained two years. In 1878, the society was re-organized. The officers elected at the first annual meeting held at Barry Chapel. January 7, of that year, were: Moderator, Squire Stanford: Treasurer. Charles Wales: Clerk, Dewitt Stanford; Standing Committee, Virgil Cobb. Stewart Ells- worth, William Ellsworth. At that date. there were thirty members of the parish. The present membership is about thirty. Rev. M. G. Todd, residing at Columbus, Wis., has had pastoral charge of the parish since 1878, holding services one Sabbath in each month. There is a flourishing Sabbath school connected with the church.

The Catholic Church was organized at an early period. The first mass was said in Elk- horn by Father Pendergrass, at the house of Mr. Fahey in the fall of 1852. Meetings were held thereafter at the houses of Messrs. Hatton, Dumphy and Morrissey, and in Squire Stan- ford's carpenter-shop. The church was organized in 1860, at which time the old tannery was purchased and fitted up as a place of worship. The Executive Committee were James Lennon. Wm. Fanning and P. Morrissey. In 1865, the building was enlarged and thoroughly repaired. The committee at that time was: James Lennon, Michael Bagnall. P. Morrissey and A. Graff. Services were held in the old church till 1880, at which time the present edifice was completed sufficiently for occupancy. It was finished in 1881. The church property is valued at $10,000. The ministering priests have been: Fathers James, one year: Brannan, five years; Roach, two years: Kinney, two years: Dumphy. six years; Vahey, the first resident pastor, since 1879. The congregation comprises ninety-five families, fifty young men and as many young women.

Methodist .- The society was organized as early as 1840 or 1841. In 1855, the society erected a fine brick church, which was subsequently burned. Their present place of worship is a plain substantial wood church. The society is small, numbering some thirty families. The present pastor is Rev. H. G. Sedgwick.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

SOCIETIES.

Harmony Lodge, A., F. d. A. M., was established at Elkhorn. in 1848. It was the first Masonic lodge in the county, and one of the earliest in the State. It was subsequently removed to Delavan. Its charter was surrendered many years ago. Dispensation for Harmony Lodge was granted by M. W. A. D. Smith in the year 1848. The first officers and members were as follows: Officers-Reuben R. Bourn, W. M .: Lot Mayo, S. W .; Caleb Croswell, J. W .; Thomas Harrison, Treasurer: Lyman Cowdery, Secretary; Oliver Cowdery, S. D .; Edwin Daniels, J. D .: Robert Wylie, Winthrop Norton, Stewards; S. W. Henderson, Tiler. Members-William Berry, Isaac Meacham. Elisha Mayo, J. D. Monell, Jr., Daniel B. Packer, Edward Winne, Will- iam L. Stowe, Caleb P. Barnes, Daniel Dobbs, William H. Hyatt, Joseph Bowker, Horace Rust, Thomas McHugh, John Bromagham, Edwin A. Cooley, Sheldon Walling.

Lodge No. 159, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1851. Charter members were: H. S. Winsor. Edwin Hodges, George Buckley, Christopher Wiswell, P. S. Carver. Present officers are: W. G .. S. G. Huntress: V. G., J. F. Smith; R. S., George W. Ferris: T., H. C. Norris: P. S .. J. W. Gaylord.

Elkhorn Lodge, No. 77, A., F. d. A. M .. was organized by dispensation May 21, 1856; char- tered June 11, 1557. Charter members, Lot Mayo. Delos Brett, Ed Winne. First officers W. M .. Lot Mayo: S. W., E. Winne; J. W .. Delos Brett: Treasurer, W. L. Stowe: Secretary. S. Remer: S. D., S. W. Henderson: J. D., J. A. Ball: Tiler, John W. Henderson: Stewards, C. Davis, O. Eldred: Chaplain. H. D. L. Webster. Present officer-W. M., Charles Lyon; S. W., E. M. Latham: J. W., B. Dunlap: Treasurer. H. Bradley; Secretary, J. W. Hayes; S. D .. D. L. Cowdery; J. D., George W. Ogden; Tiler, E. W. Gray: Stewards, H. S. Bull, S. G. West; Trustees, J. M. Barker, H. Bradley, D. L. Cowdery. Present membership, twenty- eight.

Elkhorn Chapter, No. 17. R. A. M .- Dispensation granted, April S. 1857, to S. Walling; William M. Brett and John M. Henderson. Chartered February 4, 1858. First officers-H. P., Sheldon Walling; King, W. M. Brett: Scribe, O. Eldred; C. H., Lot Mayo: P. S., E. P. Johnson; R. A. C., C. D. Handy; M. of 3d V., A. Beckwith; M. of 2d V., Levi Lee; M. of 1st V., Ed Winne; Chaplain, Rev. R. P. Lawton. Present membership. thirty-three.

Elkhorn Council, No. 20, Royal and Select Masters .- Charter granted, February 31, 1881. Officers --- Thrice Illustrious Master, J. M. Barker: Deputy Master. H. D. Barnes: Principal Conductor of Work, H. A. Hubbard: Recorder, J. W. Hayes. Membership, twelve.

Elkhorn Lecture Association .- Organized in 1879. Has held lecture courses with success during each winter since its organization. Present officers are: President, J. M. Barker: Sec- retary. W. D. Lyon: Treasurer, J. W. Hayes.

The Southern Wisconsin Board of Trade was organized in February, ISS1. The object of the association as stated in the by-laws, are "to foster, maintain and encourage the dairy and other agricultural and commercial interests of the community." Officers-President, D. L. Flack, Geneva; Vice President. S. Faville, Delavan; Treasurer, W. D. Lyon, Elkhorn: Secre- tary, W. H. Morrison, Elkhorn; Directors, S. Faville, Delavan; Asa Foster, Sugar Creek; C. B. McCanna, Springfield; R. Pearson, Sharon: Alonzo Potter, La Fayette. Sale days are Wed- nesdays of every other week. The first sale day was February 16, 1881; total sales were $1 .- 519.36: 3,652 pounds of butter at 22 to 32 cents per pound, and 4.320 pounds of cheese at 11} cents per pound. Sales have since been held regularly. The aggregate sales have reached as high as $4,000.

NEWSPAPERS.

The Western Star was the first newspaper published in Elkhorn and the first in the county. Its chief claim to notice rests on the priority of its establishment. It was, when first issued, a folio sheet, 71x12 inches in size. It was subsequently enlarged. No. 1. Vol. 1, was issued August 8, 1845. The advertisements give positive proof to these later generations that at that date D. C. Wilmot kept the Elkhorn Honse; George H. Young, M. D., practiced medicine and surgery in Elkhorn and vicinity: George Gale was editor of the paper, also an attorney at law. and one of the proprietors of the firm of Gale & Utter. who published the paper. J. O. Eaton spread himself miscellaneously all over the pages, as the leading dry goods man. He was about " pulling up stakes," and notified everybody to call and settle accounts, "if they wished

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

to settle with J. O. Eaton." a delicate hint that George Gale, Edward Elderkin or H. S. Win- sor, resident lawyers in the town, might have the bills of delinquents put in their hands for collection. The marriage announcement of the week. August S, 1845, was as follows:

MARRIED .- On the 3d ult., by A. Wilson, Esq., Mr. Simeon Standish to Miss Angeline Qniggle, all of La Fayette."

Poetry was not ignored in the new journal. Miss H. G., now old and gray, if she is alive, published the following lines:

"O, brother, time flies swiftly past. And still you're far from me; Two changing years are gone since last I gazed, dear one, on thee. Yet on my heart is deeply traced The memory of that day. And never will it be effaced While you remain away."

Four more stanzas follow, telling of "hours of care," and how there was a " void none else eould fill." and how " still I dream of von ; " how she would " rush his hand to grasp." and " O. that it was so," ete., etc.

John Matheson put in his advertisement as follows:

A GREAT DISCOVERY.

The most important discovery ever made was that made by our grandfather, Adam, when he discovered the art of tailoring. His descendants have followed it and improved it through every generation down to the pres- ent day.

The subscriber would respectfully inform the inhabitants of Elkhorn and vicinity, that, having profited by the experience of all generations since Adam, he is now prepared to execute all business entrusted to his care, with neatness and dispatch and in the latest fashionable style.

Cutting done on short notice and warranted to tit if properly made up.

Elkhorn. August 5. 1845.

JOHN MATHESON. 15y

The paper. in addition to the above, contained notes on the geography and history of the county, from which the compilers of this work have copiously drawn.

The Walworth County Democrat was begun by Edwin A. Cooley, in 1548, and ended by him in about two years. The materials were sold and taken out of the county.

The Star was published for years. It was succeeded by the Waheorth County Reporter. published by Dr. E. R. Utter, and F. A. Utter, his son. It was a lively Democratic paper while it lived, and was discontinued immediately after the Presidential election of 1856 -not from want of patronage but from pressure of outside business. which demanded the attention of the proprietors. The material was sold out to the Elkhorn Independent at the time of its discon- tinnance -a Republican paper, which had been established some years before by Edgar J. Farnum.

The Walworth County Independent is the present survivor of journalism in the town, and traces its genealogy to the first paper published in the county -the Western Stur. As the Elk- horn Independent, it was established June. 1853, by Edgar J. Farnum, of North Geneva, as a seven-column-to-the-page folio. Mr. Farnum, after publishing the paper a few months. sold it to James Densmore, who continued its publication for four years -until June. 1857. While publishing the paper. Mr. Densmore associated with him Mr. John Hotchkiss, and the paper was published under the firm name of Densmore & Hotchkiss until June, 1857. Mr. Densmore then sold his interest in the Independent to Frank Leland and George S. Utter. who for the year previous had been publishing the Geneva Erpress, and the circulation of the two papers was combined. Mr. Utter retired from the firm after a few weeks, and the Independent continued to be published by Hotchkiss & Leland for two years and a half-until January, 1860-when S. F. Bennett purchased the interest of John Hotchkiss, and the paper continued under the management of Leland & Bennett. In 1863. Mr. Bennett sold his interest in the paper to Mr. Leland, who continued to be the sole editor and publisher until July, 1874, when John D. Devor purchased Mr. Leland's interest, and continued as the editor and publisher until

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

January 1, 1877, at which time he sold his interest to J. W. & D. J. Sankey. Mr. Sankey died December 18, 1878, and, on the Ist of Jannary. 1879. the Independent was purchased by M. T. Park and C. M. Treat. After continning in the paper for a few months. Mr. Treat sold his interest to M. T. Park, and retired from the paper, and Mr. Park continuing the sole editor and proprietor.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 74

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