USA > Wisconsin > Walworth County > History of Walworth County, Wisconsin > Part 81
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157
THE FIRST TOWN MEETING.
In accordance with the following notice, the voters of the town of Troy (then comprising the present towns of Troy and East Troy) assembled, April 5, 1842, for their first town meeting:
Notice is hereby given to the Electors of the town of Troy that a meeting will be held at the house occupied by Austin MeCracken in said town, on the 5th day of April, 1842, between the hours of 9 and 11 o'clock A. M., to elect such officers as required by law, and do and transaet all necessary business for the organization of town and county government, as required by the act of 1841.
MILO KELSEY, Clerk.
Met in accordance with above notice. Moderator, Gaylord Graves: Clerk, A. W. Wright. Oath of office administered by Esquire Powers.
The poll list numbered seventy, and was as follows: Albert W. Bryant, Robert Augor, Royal C. Flanders, A. W. Wright, Henry C. Porter, Stillman Pollard. Elias Jennings, Samuel Kyburg, George Fox, Allen Harrington, Cryton Bigalow, Isaac Cobb, Stillman Dewey, John F. Potter, Benjamin Jennings, Hiram Perry, Ebenezer Robinson, Leland Patch, Seth Beckwith, John A. Larkin, William Perry, Christopher Meinser, Sherrod Chapman, Lewis Griffin, Orlando Jennings, Gorham Bunker. Lucius Allen, Henry M. Filley, Ebenezer Dregg, Orwin Moffit, Selah S. Porter, Abijah De Witt, Calvin Harrington. Amasa Witherel, Martin Pollard, Samuel E. Chapin, Delanson Griffin, Hersey H. Estis, Roderick Kellogg, Reuben Griffin, William Porter, C. R. Hertz, Cyrus Cass, Jerod B. Newell, Sawyer Carter, Franklin Bigelow, William Whitney, Edwin W. Meacham, Curtis Bellows, George Robinson, Buel Parker, George Edwards, Aaron Smith, Calvin Cary, Edgar Meacham, Chauncey Eggleston, A. H. Odell, Gaylord Graves, A. H. Wright, William B. Hibbard, Alban M. Perry, Amos Wiltsie, Philo Clark, Hiram Brewster, David Whitman, Benjamin F. Miner. Solden Powers. S B. Edwards, Nathaniel McDuffey, Gay- lord Graves and A. H. Wright.
The officers elected were: Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; Stephen Field, Jesse Meacham; Town Clerk, Sewell Smith; Assessors, Gorham Bunker, Franklin Bigelow; Treas- urer, Jacob Burgit; Highway Commissioners, Gorham Bunker, Sokan Powers: School Commis- sioners, Soldan Powers, Henry M. Filley, Sewell Smith: Constables, Simon B. Edwards, Alban M. Perry; Fence Viewers. Jacob Burgit, George Matthews, Gorham Bunker; Sealer of Weights and Measures, Austin MeCracken; Patlı Masters, Soldan Powers, George Hibbard, Delanson Griffin. Stephen Field.
The compensation voted to town officers was $1 per day, except to the Sealer of Weights and Measures, who received 6 cents for each weight and measure sealed: the Town Clerk, who received 10 cents per folio of 100 words; and the Treasurer, who received 1 per cent on all moneys received and collected.
It was voted that the Board of Supervisors should provide for the poor on the credit of the town, and the expenses thus incurred should be collected on the next assessment roll.
Fifty dollars was appropriated for the contingent expenses of the town.
The only other business done was to pass resolutions forbidding any dangerous animal to roam at large, under penalty of a fine.
532
HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.
SEPARATION OF THE TOWNS.
March 21, 1843, the townships of Troy were separated, and East Troy, as such, commenced its new and independent existence. The territory embraced in the present town has been, from the first, called by that name, to prevent confusion in the minds of those who have always known it as such, and to whom the fact of a person settling upon a certain section in the town of Troy would convey a very indefinite idea.
The first town meeting held by the voters of th > preseut to .vn of East Troy was on the 10th day of April, 1843, at which time the following officers were elected: Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Stilman Dewey, Gorham Bunker; Town Clerk, Sewall Smith; Treasurer, Jacob Bur- git; Assessors, Stilman Dewey, Leland C. Patch, Emory Thayer; Collector, John Dunkin; Commissioners of Schools, Sewall Smith, Henry M. Filley. A. W. Wright: Constables, John Dunkin, Marcus L. Jewett. Williams Perry.
The following is a roster of the town officials to and including the year 188! :
1844-Supervisors, Sewall Smith, Chairman; Gorham Bunker, A. W. Wright; A. O. Bab- cock, Clerk: Jacob Burgit, Treasurer: Gaylord Graves, Assessor; John Dunkiu. Collector; John Sprague, A. O Babcock, Austin Carver, Justices of the Peace; John Lowth, A. O. Babcock, Henry M. Filley, Commissioners of Schools; John Dunkin, Williams Perry, M. L. Jewett, Con- stables.
1845 -- Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman: Emery Thayer, Urban D. Meacham; Sewell Smith, Clerk: Jacob Burgit, Treasurer; Gaylord Graves, John E. Cameron, Leland C. Patch, Assessors: John Dunkin, Collector: Sewell Smith, Gaylord Graves. Leland C. Patch, Commis- sioners of Schools: John Dunkin, Marcus L. Jewett, Ruel Parker, Constables.
1846-Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman: S. B. Edwards, James W. Bartholf; A. O. Babcock, Clerk; H. B. Clark, Treasurer: James W. Bartholf, Ebenezer Drake, Shubel Bunker, Assessors; John Dunkin, Collector; A. O. Babcock, Austin Carver, Cyrus Bull, Justices of the Peace; John P. Gallup, Amos Stilwell, Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Commissioners of Schools; John Duncan, John Wilcox, Edward F. Edwards, Constables.
1847-Supervisors, Gaylord Graves, Chairman; Joel Pound, Stephen Knapp: Edward H. Ball, Clerk; Joseph Edwards, Treasurer; Gorham Bunker, George Curtis, James W. Bartholf, Assessors; Amos Stilwell, Collector; Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Levi D. Rosenkranz, Forest H. Har- wood, Commissioners of Schools; Amos Stilwell, Hiram Stilwell, William Haynes, Constables.
1848 -- Supervisors, Joel Pound, Chairman: S. B. Edwards, James W, Bartholf; A. O. Babcock, Clerk; Jacob Burgit, Treasurer: Stilman Dewey, Shubel Buuker, Jacob Burgit, Assessors; John Dunkin, Collector; Augustus C. Brady, Austin Carver, Cyrus Bull, Justices of the Peace; Cyrus E. Rosenkranz, Levi D. Rosenkranz, A. O. Babcock, Commissioners of Sehools; Marcus L. Jewett, L. J. Edwards, John Dunkin, Constables.
1849 -- Supervisors. Gaylord Graves, Chairman: William Burgit, Matthew Coleman; Wilder M. Howard, Clerk; H. B. Clark, Treasurer; William Burgit, Assessor; Forest H. Harwood, Superintendent of Schools; Mareins D. Cowdery, C, S. Blanchard. A. O. Babcock, Joel Pound, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Beckwith, Elias S. Bailey. Daniel Thompson, Constables.
1850 -Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman; Jacob Funk, George A. Ray: George H. Smith, Clerk; Seymour Brooks, Treasurer; James W. Bartholf, Assessor; Samuel P. Cole, Superin- tendent of Schools: A. O. Babcock, C. L. Oatman, Joel Calef. Joel Pound, Justices of the Peace; Seymour Brooks, Nelson Beckwith, William P. Edwards, Constables.
1851-Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman; David Van Zandt, Nathan P. Randall; Greg- ory Bentley, Clerk; George Edwards, Treasurer; Gorham Bunker, Assessor; William Van Zandt, Superintendent of Schools; A O. Babcock, Gregory Bentley, Justices of the Peace; Nel- son Beckwith, J. L. Wilcox, Adolphus Northrop, Constables.
1852 -Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman: George Bunker, William McIntosh; A. C. Brady, Clerk; Emery Thayer, Treasurer; William Burgit, Assessor; A. C. Brady, Superin- tendent of Schools; Timothy Mower, Jr., John Frazer, Justices of the Peace; Joseph Cummings, Charles Hillard, Nelson Branch, Constables.
1853- - Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman; William McIntosh, William Burgit; Greg- ory Bentley, Clerk: Lucins S. Moody, Treasurer; James H. Hall, George A. Ray, Assessors; Harrison V. Train, Superintendent of Schools; Gregory Bentley, Henry Cousins, James W.
·
533
HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.
Bartholf, Justices of the Peace; L. J. Edwards, Daniel Hinebaneh, Nelson M. Branch, Con- stables.
1854-Supervisors, Gorham Bunker, Chairman: William McIntosh, S. B. Edwards; George Bentley, Clerk: Lucius S. Moody, Treasurer; James H. Hall. George A. Ray, Assessors; Gregory Bentley, Superintendent of Schools: John Frazer, Jesse Thombleson, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Beckwith, Freeman Ackley, Daniel Hinebauch, Constables.
1855-Supervisors, John F. Potter, Chairman: William Burgit, Jerrod S. Knapp: Wilder M. Howard, Clerk: Thomas Burgit. Treasurer: Lucins Allen, William Burgit, Assessors; O. F. Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; H. B. Evans, John F. Potter, James W. Knight, Justices of the Peace; Cephus Sawyer, Erastus Holmes, Charles MI. Hillard, Constables.
1856 Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman: L. J. Edwards, Wright Patterson; Gregory Bentley, Clerk; Thomas Russell, Treasurer; Sidney B. Tullar, Simeon Bunker, Assessors: Sim- eon Bunker. Superintendent of Schools; Gregory Bentley, John Frazer, Justices of the Peace; Nelson Beckwith, Joseph Cummings Daniel Hinebauch, Constables.
1857 -Supervisors, Austin Carver, Chairman ; D. G. Billings, Gorham Bunker ; H. I. Cowles, Clerk; J. W. Church, Treasurer: John Frazer, Shubel Bunker, Assessors; R. A. Spencer, Superintendent of Schools; Henry Adams, Lucius Allen, Justices of the Peace: Charles Frazer, Alanson Beckwith, Frederick House, Constables.
1858 -Supervisors, H. B. Clark, Chairman: Gorham Bunker, Jesse Thombleson; Gregory Bentley, Clerk; James Palmer, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor: R. A. Spencer, Superintend- ent of Schools; Gregory Bentley, R. C. Flanders, Justices of the Peace; C. G. Smith, S. Dartt, Charles Frazer, Constables.
1859-Supervisors. William Burgit, Chairman: John Frazer, J. M. Stilwell, Newton King, Clerk: P. M. Clark, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; R. A. Spencer, Superintendent of Schools; Seymour Brooks, William Miller, R. A. Spencer, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, Isaac Bear, Charles Miller, Constables.
1860 -Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Field, David Holmes; A. O. Babcock, Clerk; M. Coleman, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; A. Sedgwick, Superintendent of Schools; S. B. Tullar, Elisha Stilman, Seymour Brooks, Justiees of the Peace; S. Dartt. L. J. Edwards, Charles Miller, Constables.
1861-Supervisors. William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Field, E. Baker; J. W. Church, Clerk; Thomas Russell. Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor: William Miller, Superintendent of Schools; William Miller, A. O. Babcock, Justices of the Peace; D. P. Webster, C. S. Miller, L. J. Edwards, Constables.
1862-Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; Stephen F. Fields, Edwin Baker; J. W. Church, Clerk; George Bentley, Treasurer; Orrin Moffit, Assessor; E. Stilman, Seymour Brooks, William Miller, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt. Charles Miller, John Adkins, Constables.
1863 Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman: H. Adams, Alexander Frazer; H. B. Clark, Clerk; S. Dartt, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor: William Miller, A. O. Babcock, Justices of the Peace: John Adkins, W. Titus, Joseph Cummings, Constables.
1864 -Supervisors, Edwin Baker, Chairman: W. G. Wright, I. L. Knapp; H. B. Clark, Clerk: W, G. Keats, Treasurer: Seymour Brooks, Assessor: Seymour Brooks, S. B. Tullar, J. I. White, Justices of the Peace; S. Dartt, E. Stom, Charles Patterson, Constables.
1865 Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Jesse Thombleson, Alexander Dowman; S. B. Tullar, Clerk; Charles M. Hillard, Treasurer; William G. Wright, Assessor; William Miller, J. W. Church, Justices of the Peace: Charles Miller, Alanson Beckwith, Frederick Hawse, Con stables.
1866 -Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Enos H. Stone, Luther Chamberlain: S. B. Tullar, Clerk; John W. Stoney, Treasurer; Alexander Dowman, Assessor; S B. Tullar, Enos Stone, W. S. Keats, Justiees of the Peace; Emery O. Cole, Jesse Thombleson, David Dolman, Constables.
1867 -Supervisors, C. S. . Blanchard, Chairman: Drake H. Phillips, Enos H. Stone; S. B. Tullar, Clerk; Harvey Ambler, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor; William Miller, James H. Merrill, Justices of the Peace: S. Dartt, Reinhold Krush, Jesse Thombleson, Constables.
1868-Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney; W. S.
534
HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.
Keats. Clerk; C. S. Miller, Treasurer; Seymour Brooks, Assessor: W. S. Keats, E. H. Stom, Justices of the Peace; William Foss, George Patterson, James W. Webster, Constables.
1869 -Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney: W. S. Keats. Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer; C. D. Webster, Assessor: William Miller, E. Berry, Justices of the Peace: J. W. Jones, S. C. Goff, Charles H. Miller, Constables.
1870-Supervisors, J. W. Church, Chairman : Alexander Frazer, J. W. Stoney; W. S. Keats, Clerk: Harry Amber, Treasurer: D. H. Phillips. Assessor: W. S. Keats, E. H. Stone, E. D. Holmes, Justices of the Peace: J. W. Jones, Henry Adkins, Alfred Potter, Constables.
1871 Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; J. W. Church, Seymour Brooks; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, William Mil- ler. Justices of the Peace; D. H. Dowman, E. F. Adkins, S. C. Goff, Constables.
1872 -- Supervisors, A. O. Babcock, Chairman; William MeIntosh. D. W. Patterson; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer: S. B. Tullar, Assessor: W. S. Keats, D. P. Webster. Justices of the Peace: W. G. Keats. D. S. Waters, George Crites, Constables.
1873-Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman: Richard Brownlee. Charles S. Miller; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer: S. B. Tullar, Assessor: S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace: F. Chafin. J. McIntosh, D. H. Dowman, Constables.
1874-Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; Homer Brooks, Charles S. Miller: W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. G. Keats, Treasurer: S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, D. P. Webster, Justices of the Peace; E. Merton, F. Chafin, S. Edwards, Constables.
1875-Supervisors. William Burgit, Chairman; Charles S. Miller, C. P. F. Chatin; W. S. Keats, Clerk; George H. Smith, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar. Assessor ; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace; E. Merton. S. Edwards, F. Chatin, Constables.
1876-Supervisors, Alexander Frazer, Chairman; C. P. F. Chapin. C. S. Miller; W. S. Keats, Clerk; W. S. Keats, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar. Assessor; W. S. Keats. D. P. Webster. Justices of the Peace; C. M. Hillard, F. Chafin. John Funk. Constables.
1877-Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman: J. M. Hunter. C. P. F. Chafin; W. S. Keats. Clerk; W. H. Meadows, Treasurer: S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace; A. Stebbins. J. J. Haller, F. Chapin, Constables.
1878-Supervisors. William Burgit, Chairman; J. M. Hunter, C. P. F. Chafin; W. S. Keats, Clerk: James Monaghan, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor; W. S. Keats, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace; A. Stebbins, John J. Kavanaugh, John Funk, Constables.
1879 -- Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; J. M. Hunter, J. Doyle: W. S. Keats, Clerk; James Monaghan, Treasurer: S. B. Tullar, Assessor; S. B. Tullar, Charles Frazer, Justices of the Peace: C. M. Hillard, J. J. Haller, F. Chafin, Constables.
1880-Supervisors, William Burgit, Chairman; C. P. F. Chafin, J. M. Hunter; W. S. Keats, Clerk ; James Monaghan, Treasurer ; S. B. Tullar. Assessor ; W. S. Keats, Seymour Brooks, Justices of the Peace: J. Cummings, Frank Chafin, Lon Green, Constables.
1881-Superivsors, H. H. Rogers, Chairman: Lindsey Atkinson (resigned, and C. F. P. Chafin appointed June 27), J. M. Hunter; W S. Keats, Clerk; James Monaghan, Treasurer; S. B. Tullar, Assessor: S. B. Tullar, Frank Frazer. Justices of the Peace: A. Stebbins, J. J. Haller, F. Chafin, Constables.
VILLAGE OF EAST TROY.
The first settlers on the site of the present village of East Troy were Mr. H. Roberts, Asa Blood, Austin MeCracken and Jacob Burgit. The account of their settlements has already been given in the early history of the town of East Troy, as well as all the early history of the village previous to its being platted. The platting of the village occurred in March, 1847, Martin Fields, of Mukwanago doing the surveying. All that part of the village lying north of the main street, was owned and platted by Austin McCracken, and that south of the main street by Jacob Burgit. McCraeken and Burgit, the proprietors of the village, offered special inducements to the peopling of the village by giving to each person a lot, providing he would build on this lot a house and improve it in various other ways. They also set apart a certain number of lots for religions societies on which churches have since been built. In this manner, numerous persons were induced to settle in the village, and in a few years it assumed considerable im- portance, and is now one of the most prosperous and flourishing villages in the county.
535
HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.
The first store was built for Sewall Smith by Lucius Allen in 1841. In this building Mr. Smith opened the first stock of goods. This building is now standing opposite the East Troy House, and is owned by D. Gleason, and at present unoccupied. The second store was built and opened by Austin Wright in the following year-1842. This building stood on the present site of the drug store of P. O. Griste. Among the other early merchants were R. H. Mallory, who purchased the stock of goods belonging to Mr. Smith, and commenced business in the store building owned by Mr. Wright, he in the meantime closing out his stock of goods and removing from the village. Mr. Mallory subsequently associated with himself as a partner C. L. Oatman, and they continued the business together for some time. Stone & Markham were also early merchants. Mr. Markham remained as a partner of Mr. Stone's for some time, and was suc- ceeded by a Mr. Hurlburt, and he in turn by H. J. Cowles, Stone & Cowles, then Austin & Dor- rance, who were sneceeded by H. H. Austin, who still continues the business. Alonzo Platt was , also one of the early merchants.
The first school in the village of East Troy was taught by a Miss Auger in 1839. It was held in the Methodist Chapel, which was the first frame building erected in the village. The first schoolhouse was built in 1846. This was a one-story frame building, in size 20x36. The present schoolhouse was built in 1853 or 1854. the old one being too small to accommodate all the school children. The old schoolhouse has been remodeled, and is now owned and used by J. Bailey as a dwelling-house. The present house is in size 34x60, two stories high, with ac- commodations for about two hundred scholars. The school is graded, employing three teachers. The schools are in a prosperous condition under the principalship of L. E. Peck.
CHURCHES.
While Spring Prairie elaims the honor of the first sermon preached in Walworth County, July 10, 1836, East Troy claims the first public religions service -a kind of patriarchal service, held on the beautiful eminence just south of Army Lake, where Mr. Lawler now resides. The date is given as Sunday, July 4, 1836, but it imust have been July 3, if on Sunday. This was just a week before the meeting in Spring Prairie. Mr. Daniel Griffin, with his family, was on his way from his old home in Oswego, N. Y., to the new home in Wisconsin. He had already selected his location, and Saturday night found him yet a mile from the chosen spot. His sons who came with him had arrived at man's estate, and were heads of families; so that quite a little colony encamped that July night on the hill. and, on the following day. they were gathered to render thanks to God for bringing them thus far on their journey in safety, and to ask His divine blessing on their new undertaking. Mr. Griffin was a zealous and enthusiastic Methodist, and the second quarterly meeting of the Aztalan Mission. Rev. Salmon Stebbins, Presiding Elder, was held at his house on February 3, 1838. This mission embraced all the country lying between the Fox River on the east, the Rock River on the west, State line on the south and John- son's Rapids on the north. At the meeting at the house of Mr. Griffin. the Methodist Episco- pal Church of East Troy was organized-said to have been the first church organized in Wal- worth County. The members of the class formed at this meeting were Daniel P. Griffin, Daniel Griffin, his son, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Spoor and Benjamin Jennings Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Vail and Mr. and Mrs. William Weed joined the class temporarily, or until they should be able to organize the church of their choice. Revs. Jesse Halstead and Samuel Pillsbury were the first preachers on this circuit, and managed to keep their appointments in the face of difficulties which were well-nigh insurmountable. During this first year, Mr. Halstead's horse becoming disabled, the undismayed pioneer, like a soldier indeed, bravely marched on foot from post to post, determined that he would "hold the fort" if once it was gained. I. B. Cor- nish was Secretary.
At the organization of the Methodist Church. John S. Spoor and Samuel S. Porter wore made class-leaders, holding the position the greater part of their residence in the town. Mr. Spoor was also Sunday school Superintendent, and both he and Mr. Griffin filled the offices of Trustee and Steward. Mr. Griffin also held an exhorter's license until the time of his death. The church held its meetings at Mr. Griffin's house for a number of months, when a log house was erected on the present parsonage site, which was called " the Parsonage," or the "Mission
536
HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.
House," and became the place of meeting immediately, although it was not entirely completed for two years.
The building known as the " Methodist Chapel" the first frame building in the village of East Troy- was probably ereeted during the winter of 1839-40. It was built as a union church, and so used by all denominations for several years. It received its name from the fact that the Methodists were at that time the predominating seet, and used the "Chapel"' most fre- quently, having the only organized church. For many years this old landmark served many and various purposes town hall, schoolhouse, etc. After the various denominations that once worshiped here in common had each a "local habitation and a name," the Methodists used it alone until they erected their present church edifice in 1850.
The "Old Methodist Chapel " is now historic, and the children and grandchildren of the old settlers can see upon the lot of Mrs. Flowers, of East Troy, the church where, in the early days, sects and denominations forgot their differences of belief and opinion, and only remembered that they were brethren needing the care and protection of the same Good Father.
About 1850, the Methodists erected a neat frame structure in the central part of the village for a church building. At the time the house was built, the church numbered over one hundred members, but removals and deaths have somewhat decreased the number since that time. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Samuel Pillsbury, succeeded by Revs. Jesse Halstead, James Flanders. James McKean, D. Worthington, L. F. Moulthrop, William Hanson, Henry White- head, N. Swift, M. L. Read, J. C. Gallup, J. Bean, M. Butler, J. M. Snow, J. C. Dame, William M. Osborn. H. V. Train. William F. Delap, H. Hersey. S. Watts, R. P. Lawton, J. G. Pingree, T. Wilcox, T. C. Wilson, R. Cooley, W. W. Painter, Isaac Searles, L. F. Cole. T. Poep, S. Rey- nolds, J. D. Wilson. F. C. Parsons, A. Porter, M. J. Ohnstead and S. C. Thomas.
The second quarterly meeting held in East Troy was October 16 and 17, 1841, John T. Mitchell, Presiding Eller. East Troy was attached to the old Aztalan Circuit one year (1837), then to Honey Creek (1838), next to Walworth (1839), to the Troy Circuit from 1840 to 1854, since which time it has been known as East Troy.
The Presbyterian Church was organized June 22, 1839, by Rev. Stephen Peet. of Green Bay, assisted by Rev. Lemuel Hall, of Geneva. 'The organization was at the house of Mr. J. W. Vail. the present site of the Du Puy farm. The constituent members of the church were William Weed, Betsey Weed, J. W. Vail. Rebecca Vail, Amasa Hotchkiss, Araby Hotchkiss, C. A. Hotchkiss. Stilman Dewey. Caroline Dewey, William Trumbull. Elizabeth Chafin and Polly Burgit. William Weed was chosen Elder, and Amasa Hotchkiss elected Deacon. The church held religious services in the house of Mr. Vail for about two years, and. from that time until the erection of their own church edifice, they worshiped in common with other denominations in the Methodist Chapel. In ISIS, the society commenced the construction of a building for public worship. The job was let, the meeting-house to be 25x30 feet. "all to be done in good and workmanlike manner." It was to be built for $500. The movers in this enterprise had already experienced many delays and disappointments, and were again obliged to wait another season for their new church, the roads of that new country being so nearly impassable that the contractors failed to get their lumber to the selected spot. The building was finally completed. and. June 21, 1849. it was dedicated. during the last year of the pastorate of Rev. C. E. Rosen - krans. In June, 1855. this church changed its name and adopted the Congregational polity. The society and church rapidly increasing in numbers, soon outgrew the little meeting-house. and early in 1856 it was decided to erect one larger and more commodious, and which was better adapted to the wants of the rapidly growing town. In 1857. the basement of the build- ing was completed and occupied by the society. The financial crisis of 1857, which crippled the resources of business men from one extreme of the country to the other, did not spare even the new towns of the West. The work on the church building was abandoned. and, as it is very hard to lift anew a load once laid down, so for fourteen years little was done toward the completion of the church. June 21. 1871. Rev. H. Fowle, then pastor of the church, held a memorial service .- just twenty-two years before the old church had been consecrated to the service of God. Old memories stirred in the hearts of the surviving members, inspiring them with courage to make another attempt toward carrying ont the long-delayed project. This awakened zeal re-acted upon the newer members, and in a year the work was finally completed,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.