History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 84

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

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550

HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

GEORGE H. SMITH, firm of C. W. Smith & Co .. oldest son of Sewall and Nancy Mansur Smith, was born in Windsor Co. Vt .. in 1827; came with his parents to East Troy in 1841, where he has led a mercantile life in the store of his father. In 1852. he went to Whitewater, where he was engaged in business until 1855. The following years he was a member of the firm of S. Smith & Son, when he again went to Whitewater, and was senior member of the firm of S. Smith & Co. until 1868, when he returned to East Troy, and has since been a partner of the firm of C. W. Smith & Co. He was married. in 1856, to Miss Ann Aliza, daughter of Jacob and Polly Gardner Burgit. They now have two children -Ida and Warren. He is a Republi- can, and has held local offices.

C. W. SMITH, of the firm of C. W. Smith & Co .. son of Sewall and Nancy Mansur Smith. was born in Windsor Co., Vt .. in 1834; came with his parents to East Troy in 1841; was edu- cated in the school of the village, and the Lawrence University of Appleton. In 1858, he pur- chased the business of S. Smith & Son, and carried on the same until 1868. when he associated with his brother George H., since which time the firm has been C. W. Smith & Co. They now carry a stock of $10,000, and are therefore doing a leading mercantile business. Mr. Smith is a Republican, but takes very little interest in politics, more than to perform his duties as a citi- zen, as he has but once in his life permitted his name to go before the people as a candidate for office. He was married, at Fredonia, N. Y., in 1862, to Miss Mary B. Edwards, daughter of F. S. and Julia White Edwards. They now have four children living-Leonard S., Carrie J., Her- bert C- and Mary L: Hattie Belle, deceased, died in July, 1881, aged 7 years.

EMERY THAYER, deceased, an old settler and a prominent man of East Troy, was born in Medway. Mass., March 7, 1806, and spent his early days in Brookfield, N. Y. When 22 years of age, he removed to Saratoga Co., N. Y., where, and in adjoining sections, he continued in bus- iness for fifteen years. Failing to advance his fortunes in the East, in July, 1842, he embarked on the steamer " Indiana " for Detroit. There Mr. Thayer met Sewall Smith, an old and suc- cessful merchant of Walworth Co., who was on his way to New York to purchase goods. The unsuccessful, but plucky merchant, was induced to go to East Troy, where he purchased the McCracken tavern property, Gaylord Graves drawing the necessary papers. The venture proved the turning-point in his fortunes. Mr. Thayer gathered so goodly a share of this world's goods, and such a fund of esteem from the community, that he retired, in the spring of 1853, to his farm near the village, to live a life of contentment and peace. He, however, continued in the stock-raising business, and was active in organizing the Walworth County Agricultural Society. Mr. Thayer removed to Whitewater in 1870, where he died April 12, 1879. The services were conducted by Rev. B. D. Conkling, of the Congregational Church, and the remains were interred in Hillside Cemetery.

SIDNEY B. TULLAR, Justice of the Peace, one of the prominent men of East Troy, is a native of Vermont, born Ang, 22, 1814. While yet a small boy, he was taken by his parents into the State of New York, where he was brought up on a farm; received a common-school education. In 1835, he was married, at Hammond, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., to Miss Ruth Bromaghim, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Carey Bromaghim, native of State of New York. Mr. Tullar then continned farming in said State until 1848, when he concluded to go West. He therefore removed his family to Wisconsin, and first settled near Beloit, but, two years subse- quently, he purchased property in East Troy, and has since been a resident of the village. Here he served as Justice of the Peace and Town Clerk; also pursued farming until 1861, when he responded to his country's call by enlisting in Co. B. 16th W. V. I., and served until July, 1862, when he was discharged on account of physical debility. Returning home, his health did not permit him to do much business for about two years, since which time he has spent most of his time doing town business, as he has been Justice of the Peace the entire time, and Assessor for twelve years. The children living are C. B., Hattie E., Hobert A. and Dell S.

A. WILMER, firm of Wilmer Bros., dealers in general merchandise, son of Bernard and Elizabeth Wilmer. He was born in East Troy March 10, 1843; was educated at the village school, also the public schools and Spencerian College of Milwaukee. Subsequently, he taught school for several terms, and, in 1868, was married to Miss Mary A. Boyle, then of East Troy, but a native of Scotland. After marriage, Mr. Wilmer, in partnership with Theo Haller, en- gaged in mercantile business, which they continued under the firm name of Wilmer & Haller

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

for about three years, when Mr. Wilmer sold his interest to A. E. Oviatte. In 1871, he erected the store he now occupies, associated his brother, Bernard, as partuer, and has since been doing a general merchandise business under firm name of Wilmer Bros., carrying a stock of about $6,000. The children are Charley and Mary. Mr. Wilmer is a Democrat, but takes no interest more than to perform his duty as a citizen.

B. WILMER, JR., merchant, firm of Wilmer Bros., son of Bernard and Elizabeth Wilmer, who were natives of Prussia and emigrated to the United States in 1837: was married, at Bos- ton, Mass., in 1840, and in the same year came to Wisconsin and settled in East Troy, and still resides on a farm on Sec. 34. Bernard, Jr., was born in July, 1845, received a common-school education and lived with his parents until 1871, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Wilmer Bros. He was married, in 1876, to Miss Eliza Boyle, then of East Troy, but a native of Cohoes, N. Y .; politics, Democratic.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

TOWN OF TROY.

ORGANIZATION.

At the organization of Walworth County in 1838, all the territory covering the northern half of the northeast quarter of the county, being Town 4, Ranges 17 and 18 east, was given the name of Troy. This territory was divided by act of Legislature, March 21, 1843, the eastern half (Town 4, Range 18 east) receiving the name of East Troy, and the western half (Town 4, Range 17 east) retaining the original name. This sketch is restricted to a narration of events connected with the town as existing within its present geographical limits.

NATURAL FEATURES.

The southwestern portion of Troy is swampy, but the central, northern and eastern parts are diversified with lakes, groves of oak and other varieties of wood, beautiful prairie lands, run- ning streams and all the various accessories that help to make a lovely and attractive landscape. The town is watered by Honey Creek, Crooked Creek and several small lakes. Honey Creek was christened in the fall of 1835 by Meacham and Spoor. in their first exploring expedition to Wis- consin. When they arrived at the beautiful stream, they found that the bees had discovered the flowery prairie just beyond, and laid up a store of choice food for the coming winter. It had been many long days since the hungry prospectors had tasted such delicious sweets, and they " jumped the claim" of the provident little "settlers," and took possession of their dwelling with all it contained. In remembrance of the confiscated meal, Honey Creek received its name. It enters the town of Troy on Section 31, runs in a general easterly direction through Sections 29, 28, 27, 26 and leaves on Section 25.

Crooked Creek, starting on Section 9, runs with countless meanderings into Section 10, curves to the north and enters Section 3, makes a sharp bend to the southeast and empties into Lake Lulu on Section 2. There is also a small creek on Section 13. which forms the outlet of Pickerel Lake. The beautiful little sheet of water, with its one Fairy Island, on Sections 13 and 24, received its name, like Honey Creek, at a very early day. Rev. Mr. Beardsley. in his reminiscences of the early history of Troy, says; " An elderly gentleman by the name of Booth came into the country with the Meacham family. He had been in their family a number of years before coming here, and continued with thein some years after their emigration here. He was a quiet, retiring man, that seemed not much burdened with worldly cares and labors. He was enchanted with the beautiful lake on Sections 13 and 24 of Troy, and was wont to spend a large part of his time on the lake, either in fishing or in some other manner. If any one in- quired for him, they were probably informed that he was down to the lake. And so it came to pass that it was often remarked by some one. . Let us go down to the lake and see what Booth is abont.' At last, the beautiful little body of water, not surpassed by any in the State, came to be called ' Booth's Lake,' a name which it has continued to hold to this day."

Lake Lulu is on Section 2, and Swift's Lake on Section 8. Besides these, there are small ponds scattered all over the State.

There is a large swamp, covering about 3,000 acres, in the southwestern part of the town, extending from Sections 31 and 33 over the whole of Section 29, a large portions of Sections 28 and 27, the northwest corner of Section 34 and a part of Sections 33 and 32. There is also quite an extensive swamp in the northern part of the county on Sections 9 and 10.

The soil varies according to the locality. that of the level portions, and the small prairies being a vegetable mold, and the higher grounds and oak openings being mixed with clay or sand. Like all the towns in the county, it has lands well adapted to all the various branches pertaining to agricultural pursuits, and that its natural advantages have not been neglected. the fine farms, orchards and harvest-fields bear witness.

There is a good water-power on Honey Creek, at the site of the old village. It was early improved by the construction of a dam, which, by causing the water to flow back over the marsh, created quite a large pond a little west of the village.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

EARLY SETTLERS.

The two men who first visited the region of Honey Creek, appreciated its beauty and natural advantages for a permanent location, and decided to make it " their home and the home of their kindred," were Jesse Meacham and Adolphus Spoor. Of the history of Mr. Spoor. prior to his departure from Lodi, Mich., on his prospecting tour to Wisconsin, there is but a meager account, but of Mr. Meacham more has been preserved. He was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., about the year 1792, was bred a farmer and received what educational advan- tages could be derived from the district schools of the period. At that early time the annual " muster " and review of the militia retained much of the flavor which it had imbibed at its first organization. The Revolutionary fathers were yet alive, and their thrilling stories of op- pression and determined resistance yet sounded in the ears of their sons.

Young Meacham was infected with the prevailing spirit, and. at the breaking-out of the war of 1812, he entered the American army. He was taken prisoner, and, after suffering many hardships and dangers, barely escaping shipwreck in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and enduring inuch suspense as to his ultimate fate. he was finally exchanged and reached his home in safety. His title of " Major," therefore, was not an empty one, but earned by actual service. In 1828, he was married to his brother's widow. He never had children of his own, but her three sons stood to him in their place, and he was to them a father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Lodi, Mich., bought a farm and remained there about eight years.

In the fall of 1835, having sold his farm, he decided to look farther west before again lo- cating. Adolphus Spoor, his neighbor, being also desirous of exploring the new " Territory of Wisconsin," they started together from Lodi, in September, 1835, on their prospecting tour. The first point made was Milwaukee. At that little village, they were joined by two companions, Andrews and Camp, also explorers and prospectors, then proud in the possession of "one frame house," built by Solomon Juneau, and rejoicing in their newly located post office, the little party placed themselves under the guidance of one Milo Jones, who had some knowledge of the region they desired to visit. They struck the " Big Indian Trail," from Milwaukee to Rock River. and followed it west, stopping at " Waukesha's Village " and .. Mukwanago's Village," as these places were then called, on their way. Reaching the region now known as East Troy, they proceeded west until they reached the little stream now called Honey Creek, near the site of the present mill. From Honey Creek (so named by them at the time), they went on to where Janesville is now located and still farther on to the present sites of Beloit and Rockford, and thence, turning eastward, passed through Belvidere and Chicago on their way back to Lodi.

When passing through Elkhart, Ind .. they remained overnight. Being full of enthusiasm, and delighted with the new and beautiful country they had visited. - particularly with the locality of Honey Creek, where they had determined to settle they expatiated perhaps in too glowing terms for their own interest, on its manifold advantages and attractions. The description prob- ably awakened a desire in their listeners to " see for themselves " this land that was flowing with honey, if not milk, and led to quite a disappointment for the explorers on their return.

After returning to Lodi, Messrs. Meacham and Spoor immediately began to make prepara- tions for their departure with their families early in the coming spring. Mr. Meacham had a family of eight, and Mr. Spoor one of six, to take to the new home. Many things must be made ready before such a number of persons could start on a long journey, which was to end in a wil- derness, entirely beyond the reach of the most common necessaries of life.

About the Ist of May. 1836, the little colony set forth. Their heavy household goods were shipped to Milwaukee, and the indispensables for the journey were laden upon immense covered wagons -- each family having one, drawn by two yoke of oxen. Mr. Meacham had a horse in addition to the oxen. After reaching Chicago, the party proceeded north along the lake shore to Racine, and thence west to Fox River. They found but one house on their route- at Call's, now Ives' Grove. The party arrived at Fox River, at the point where the village of Rochester now is, May 21. They crossed the river the next morning. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell -gives a graphic account of the difficulties they encountered in the passage:

" The stream --- some sixty yards wide -- was much swollen by recent rains. The Major had with him a fine blooded horse with which the men forded the river several times to ascertain the best place for crossing. He then placed his goods-boxes upon grain measures in his wagon

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

to raise them above the water. Upon the boxes, he placed the women. In this perilous po- sition, with the driver on horseback. they attempted to ford the stream. When they reached the current, the horse began to founder, and the oxen were frightened. and all but one com- menced to plunge and back water. They were in great danger of upsetting: but one ox, raising np his head and tail so that they nearly met, went straight through upon the bottom, taking the others with him. and they were landed in safety. upon which the inen raised a shout of joy for their deliverance. The Major declared that the ox which had thus saved them in their peril should never be killed or sold. He kept him until he died a natural death, and then gave him a decent burial. "

The party, after crossing the river. found one solitary family, consisting of Levi Godfrey and wife, who had been settled barely long enough to get up their log cabin, but long enough to be ready to give new-comers a welcome and entertain them hospitably, as the following extraet shows. Mr. Isaac F. Smith, in his " Journal of 1836," says: " We were awakened next morn- ing without being summoned by that modern contrivance called a gong, and, before sunrise, forded Fox River waist deep, and in good time for breakfast arrived at neighbor Godfrey's (Mr. Godfrey had expressed himself as very glad that Mr. Smith. who was about to settle on the Rock River, would be so near a neighbor to him), where we discussed his hospitalities in a manner to satisfy the ambitions of the most fastidious cook in the country. At this place, we met the families of Maj. Meacham, Mr. Spoor and two others on their way to Troy." Mr. Smith also says, in another place, that " at this time no wagons had ever vet been west of God- frey's." A wagon had certainly been, as Palmer Gardner drove his into Spring Prairie April 15 a month earlier.

The women remained at Mr. Godfrey's four days, while the men went to Honey Creek, a (listance of twelve miles, to select their sites upon which to build, and blaze the trees as a guide to the selected location. The entire party reached the place of their destination May 27, 1836.

When Messrs. Meacham and Spoor reached Honey Creek. to their surprise and consternation, they found that the coveted prize, which they had taken so much pains to reach, and supposed just within their grasp, had apparently escaped them. The especial "claims " upon which their hearts were set, had the settler's mark upon them -the plow had broken the land in a circle which took in a corner of each quarter-section, and other indisputable marks of prior claim had been made. They submitted to the disappointment as best they might, and made the best of it by purchasing the claims.

Mr. Othni Beardsley, with his brother Alexander, and a young man named Roberts were the fortunate possessors of the claims on Honey Creek. They had also been prospeeting, and had selected this location and made their claims. Mr. Othni Beardsley and his brother, after selling their first claims, selected others in the vicinity upon which they located. Othni upon Sections 23 and 26. and Alexander finally settling still farther to the west. Mr. Roberts moved to the east and became the first East Troy settler. Mr. Meacham's claim was on Section 25, Mr. Adolphus Spoor's on the same section, but farther cast. In a few weeks, Sylvanus Spoor and his brother John joined the settlers, Sylvanus locating a claim on Section 24, where he lived until the time of his death. and where his widow still resides. John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. A young man by the name of Ruggles, and an elderly man by the name of Booth, came in with the Meacham party. There is no record of their making any claims unless Mr. Booth located his on the lake which bears his name.

The Meacham party commenced their houses immediately after their arrival, and, as they were pretty well supplied with the necessary implements. they were able to saw the logs by hand, so as to commence housekeeping with a floor and other unusual luxuries in their log house. An old settler who visited, them in the fall of 1836, speaks of their surroundings thus: "At Meacham's Prairie, now Troy, I found the families of A. Spoor, Maj. Jesse Meacham and Othni Beardsley. The latter was the first settler there, arriving a few days previous to the other two, who had made claims the previous antumn. They were all from the Territory of Michigan, and reached the spot about the middle of May, 1336. They were each possessed of considerable property. and. having the advantage of rich prairie lands upon which to locate. surrounded with timber in abundance, with a fine stream of durable water at hand, they were able to make their families comfortable at once, and the wilderness to blossom as the rose.

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

Their log houses were neatly constructed, having floors of boards, which had been sawed by hand with whipsaws."

Othni Beardsley commenced plowing May 16, 1836. Mr. Palmer Gardner, of Spring Prairie, got the start of him by a few days.

Mr. Othni Beardsley was a resident of Troy for many years, and also a prominent citizen of the county. He was the first member of the House from Walworth County for the joint Dis triets of Walworth and Rock. He was first elected in 1838, and re-elected in 1839 and 1840.

Adolphus Spoor located on the eastern part of Section 25; died in 1867.

Sylvanus Spoor located on Section 24, and lived there until 1878, when he removed to the village of East Troy. He died in 1879.

John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. He lived ten years on Section 30, East Troy, and then removed to Lyons; died April 9, 1867.

John R. Robinson and two brothers located on the northeast quarter of Section 23, in the fall of 1836. and George R. on 22 and 23 in 1837.

During the summer of 1837, quite a colony emigrated from Hadley', Mass., and settled near the present village of Troy. The particular locality they selected was known by the name of Hadley Hill. Deacon George Hibbard and family, Charles Heath and family and Deacon Angustns Smith and family composed the colony. Deacon Smith came in June, 1838, and bought Alexander Beardsley's claim. A M. Perry located in May, 1837, and returned for his father in 1838.

During the next summer. Mr. Perry and his son, Albon M. Perry, located at Troy Center. Bemis and A. M. Foster settled in the west part of the town.

Marcus Montague, from Massachusetts, made a claim in 1837, but lived only a few years after settling in the place. His widow, Mrs. Rice, still lives in Troy; also two children- Harry Montague and Mrs. Dean.

Horace Smith. from Massachusetts, a carpenter by trade, but worked little at that occupa- tion, was active in all religious matters and a stanch, reliable citizen.

Elias. Truman and William B. were adult members of the two Hibbard families that settled on " Hadley Hill." Elias was the first Treasurer for the new town of Troy, served faithfully in some publie capacity for many years, and died in the town he selected for his early home. Truman died in Milwaukee several years ago, and William B .. after residing in the same city for many years a prominent and influential citizen. removed to Chicago, where he now resides.

Soldan Powers arrived in Troy May, 1837, and located his claim on Section 10 just north of the present village of Troy Center. At the first town meeting, April 5, 1842. Mr. Powers was honored by being elected to three 'offices -- School Commissioner, Highway Commissioner and Fence Viewer. Since the division of the town, he has served fourteen terms as Town Clerk, besides filling various other offices. He was born June 14, 1805, in the town of Marshfield, Washington Co., Vt., and received his education at the common schools and academies in the vicinity. After leaving Vermont, he resided three years in Franklin County, N. Y., two years in Orleans County, same State. two years in Jackson County. Mich., and came to Wisconsin in May, 1837, selecting a claim of 169 acres in Troy and settling upon it. During the first winters in Troy, he taught school, one at East Troy and one at Troy Center. His first school in the territory was taught at Whitewater, and was the first school of Whitewater. In the fall of 1838. the first board of county officers was elected, and, as Walworth had not, at that time, been detached from Racine County, the returns had to be made to Southport (now Kenosha), the county seat of Racine County. Mr. Powers, being a member of the election board, went on foot with the returns to Southport, and at that place was unfortunately robbed by his fellow-lodger of all his cash. savo 18 pence --- a rather small amount for hotel bills and expenses home. In May, 1842, Mr. Powers married Miss Anna Flanders, of Stanstead, Canada East. Of their children now living. there are Levi P., Sarah A. (Mrs. E. Harrington, Kansas), Clarence L. and Mary A. (Mrs. W. C. (iregg. Troy).

George W. Blanchard came in with Soldan Powers May, 1837, and settled on Section 11. He has been dead about twenty-seven years. His widow made her home with J. E. Reynolds, her son-in-law, until her death, December, 1881.

J. R. Kling located on Section 29 and 30. Jacob Kling did not arrive until many years

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

after. The latter was born in New York in 1784: is now ninety-seven years of age, and has a family of twelve children, some of whom are grandparents. He now lives with J. R. Kling in Troy.

A. H. Odell settled on Section 35, in the southern part of the town. He and his descend- ants still live on the same place.

Jesse Mayhow came in 1840 or 1841, and settled in the southern part of the town.

THE " PORTER SETTLEMENT."

Samuel L. Porter, a native of Long Island, settled in Troy in 1837, but afterward removed to Delavan and thence to Baraboo. Sauk County, where he died. Mr. Porter built and run a hotel for many years. That building, which he also occupied as a house, is still standing. Mr. Porter did not enter his land until October 10, 1838, his claim being on Section 17.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 84

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