History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 91

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

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

here, recruited seventy men for the Twenty-eighth Regiment. Many of those who had served in Capt. Curtice's company enlisted. Next in the order of time was the recruiting of the 100- day, by N. S. Murphy. Several of the wealthy men of the village set a good example by en- listing, among others, Rufus Cheney, who had served during a portion of the war as United States Paymaster, Edwin R. Caine and Oreb Montague. Of the boys from sixteen to twenty-five years who enlisted, were Pitt Cravath, Charles Birge, Ed Andrews, Charles Black. James Glea- son, Thomas Jefford and William Brennon. On September 21, they returned safe, sound and happy. On July 18, the call for " 500,000 more" startled the country. It was the desire again of all good citizens to escape a draft by volunteering their services, and subscription papers were soon eireulating in all directions for the raising of a sufficient fund -- $10,000. To the credit of the town by September 5, Whitewater filled her quota of sixty-eight, and was out of the draft being fifteen men ahead to apply upon any future emergency.

On August 8, 1864, the young ladies of Whitewater gave a festival in honor of the veterans of the Fourth, who had returned-J. G. Conklin, O. K. Eaton, W. M. King, A. Kittleson, J. Johnson, J. H. Buck, Whitewater; S. L. Smith, Richmond; F. M. Robinson, S. Phillips, Lima; O. M. Gregg. Johnston; G. H. Summers, Cold Spring.

On December 20, appeared the tinal call for . 300.000 more," and, on January 16, the town voted to pay each volunteer $200. By subscription was raised $3,070, and by tax $4.800, re- cruiting in the town recommenced, and, by March 6, the quota was filled by volunteers. Those who left on this last call joined the Fifty-second Regiment. Thus the strain upon the hearts. minds and pockets of the people of Whitewater ended. Lee's surrender, Lincoln's assassination -joy and gloom- closed that terrible epoch with them as with the country. Balm to hearts and wounds and broken homes must now be applied-and the women- God bless them !- con- tinued their ministrations.

A list of the soldiers who served in the three companies which Whitewater may eall her own, and who most of them reside in the village, or its immediate vicinity, is given below:

Whitewater Light Infantry .- Captain. C. E. Curtice; A. E. Chaffee, William Ludeman, Charles Steele, Jehial Criger, Clinton Childs, Charles Cadman, Charles A. Green, J. A. Cham- berlain, Jacob Phillips, Austin Kettleson, I. Robinson, Whitewater; William Ross, Geneva: W. D. Hoard, of the Jefferson County Union, was also a member of this company. Capt. Curtice died June 4, 1866.

Lander Guards. - Captain, J. L. Pratt; J. Collins, Ole Jacobson, George Godding, Dr. E. G. Horton, Dr. C. J. Miller, Prof. S. S. Rockwood. G. W. Steele, John Garbott, Whitewater; H. Babeoek, D. Chatfield, William Jones, W. Olds, Little Prairie; W. H. Hall, Troy Center: J. Hodkis. Adams; Alex. Murdock, East Troy. Capt. Pratt died January 17, 1877.

Capt. Redington's Company. - Captain, E. S. Redington; Myron Hollis, H. N. Hayes, D. K. Sanford, William G. Palmer, C. W. Rockwell, G. E. Nickerson, Osear Smith, Charles W. Schroble, Patrick Keenan. Charles Homes, John Grant, Joseph Kershaw, Hiram Edwards, Franeis Kinney, John W. Harrison, George Trautman, Jacob Thomas, Henry Lingemann. George Corkett, Charles Bonnett, Frank Faust, David N. Goodrich, Andrew Strong, George M. Winslow, Lewis Carpenter, Silas Fero, H. N. Wilkinson, James B. Taylor, John Early, John Rogers, A. R. Wood, D. K. Sanford, Heart Prairie; G. W. Wiley, Elkhorn; Duncan Wright, E. Edwards, E. M. Depuy, East Troy; Capt. L. J. Smith (Company I), Charles Dingman, Troy Center.

Veteran Battalion of Whitewater and vicinity .- This is a soldier's organization formed on July 4, 1878, and which represents one hundred regiments from nearly every Northern State. An annual eneampmant is held for one week in August, and an election of officers, on May 30, Decoration Day. The memories of eamp and field and the fires of patriotism are thus kept alive. About 340 names appear on the books of the battalion, most of them those who went from Walworth County. W. M. King is Commander; D. N. Goodrich, Lieutenant Com- mander; J. J. Criger, Adjutant; Louis Ammon, Quartermaster; Rev. James Delaney, Chap- lain: Dr. E. G. Horton, Surgeon; T. W. Morefield (Elkhorn), Drum Major.

WOMEN'S RELIEF WORK.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1857, a relief society was formed in Whitewater to assist the suffer-

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

ing who had been caught fast in the toils of hard times. It consisted of leading men of the village and their wives, and the good they did for long after will live after them. The society has never disbanded, but was partially swallowed up in the Soldiers' Aid Society, which formed under a call from the National Sanitary Commission, at Washington. In November, 1861, an organization was effected by Mesdames R. A. Tripp, B. G. Noble, S. C. Hall, J. S. Partridge, Prosper Cravath. J. L. Pratt, William De Wolf and H. B. Shedd. They were joined quickly by other noble-hearted women, who did much to sustain Whitewater's name as a patriotic and large-souled Union village. They, and scores of the ladies of Whitewater, were active in sea- son and out of season, and as promptly met a call for supplies as their husbands did for troops. For example, within three days after the call for supplies, in September, 1863, they had donated thirty-two sheets, six pair of socks, ninety pillow-cases, six pair of drawers, seventy-eight shirts, five pair of pillows, one double gown, thirty-six bottles of wine and jellies, several pack- ages of dried fruit, corn and delicacies, besides a large quantity of lint and bandages. They gave festivals and dances to raise money, and showed a business capacity in its disbursement, which the male sex does not always pattern after. It would be a mere repetition of what is generally known that all through the war the ladies of Whitewater did their duty. And when the cruel war was over, they labored with other sisters throughout the State for the establish- ment of the magnificent Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee.

GROWTH OF WHITEWATER.

It will be seen, if a perusal has been given the early history of Whitewater. that few fami- lies had fixed upon this spot as a home by 1840. The entire property within the present cor- porate limits of Whitewater did not then amount to $10,000. The growth of the settlement was steady for ten years, but, in 1852, it received a fresh impetus by the completion of the rail- road between Milton and Whitewater. In September of that year, the grand consummation of the event so long wished for, took place, and Whitewater felt that it had a right to be jubilant. By 1855, several additions had been made to the village, and its population had reached 2,224. Two years later, the assessed valuation of village property had reached $191.956-far below its true valuation. For three years, the population increased continuously, the expectations raised by the organization of the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company having served to draw immi- gration hither. While the war lasted and there was a continual drain of men from the village, the increase was not marked. The following figures represent the growth from 1860: 1860, 2, - 831; I865, 2,958; 1870, 3,304; 1875, 3,394; 1880, 3,621.

WHITEWATER AS IT IS.

Whitewater is a thriving village of nearly four thousand inhabitants, situated upon the Prairie du Chien Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad-the old Milwaukee & Mississippi line completed to Whitewater, as stated, in 1852. It is in the northwestern por- tion of the county, and is located in the midst of some of the richest farming country in the State. A number of busy manufactories also strengthen its business stability. Socially, White- water is noted for its refinement, its splendid normal school being as prominent in influence as it is in location. Main and Center streets, with the cross thoroughfares, are lined on either side with tasteful and costly residences or cozy homes, to each of which is allotted a generous domain for pleasure grounds. The Congregationalists. Methodists, Episcopalians and Universal- ists have beautiful and commodious houses of worship.

Grove and Hillside Cemeteries are beautifully situated east of the creek and pond, the rail- road passing between. The former is situated about a quarter of a mile east of Dr. Tripp's old mill claim, but on the other side of the creek. When the village was first settled, a lot near the site of the Episcopal Church was set apart for burial purposes. After a few interments had been made, the plat of ground east of the village was selected and donated by Dr. Tripp. This was in November, 1848, when a cemetery association was formed, and the burying-ground passed from the control of the Town Supervisors. Additions were afterward made until the grounds contained ten acres. In May, 1858, the directors of the association purchased the beautiful knoll across the pond, and the two cemeteries are now known as the "old and the new burying- grounds." From either, a striking view of the pretty and clean village can be obtained. The

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HISTORY OF WALWORTH COUNTY.

pure breezes blow over them both, and the thundering horse, with his limbs of steel and his heart of fire, goes rushing between-a picture of Whitewater -- a place to live in or to die. In the old cemetery lie the bodies of such men as Dr. James Tripp, Samuel Prince, Deacon Pros- per Cravath, Rev. E. G. Miner, William Birge, Zerah Mead, F. L. Pratt, E. Wakeley, I. U. Wheeler, Dr. O. C. Magoon, etc., etc .; in the new, the boys in blue as calmly sleep-Capt. C. E. Curtice, Capt. J. L. Pratt and comrades, Edson Kellogg, Dr. John Deichman, and men who acted as noble though a later part in the history of Whitewater.

VILLAGE ORGANIZATION.

The act to incorporate the village of Whitewater was approved by Gov. Randall, April 21. 1858. The elective officers were President and four members of the Board of Trustees, Mar- shal, Treasurer and Clerk. No specific provision was made for a fire department. In 1870, however, an engine-house was built on the creek, and the Babbitt system of water-works intro- duced. A water-wheel and rotary force-pump in the engine-house, water-mains with connections and hydrants at suitable points, comprise the provisions which the village have made to guard against fire. Serious fires have occurred in the establishments of George Esterly & Son and Winchester & Partridge. On March 25, 1875, the conflagration which broke out in the post office destroyed many valuable documents.

SCHOOLS.

The first regular district school was taught by Sheldon C. Powers, of East Troy, who opened the log building situated near the R. A. Tripp house, in December, 1840. This build- ing, 16x18 feet, was thus thrown open to the public, to accommodate the northern half of the town of Whitewater. A more commodious frame structure took its place, but the advent of a regular system of public education for the village dates from January, 1856. On the 7th of that month, the schoolhouse on Center street, enlarged and improved so much since, was viewed by twenty-five or thirty taxpayers and citizens interested in education, and found to be a good, comfortable two-story brick building-the lower story divided by a hall into two apartments, the upper consisting of an assembly chamber. Here they held a meeting, Mr. Birge, Chairman, and discussed the question of school books. W. A. Baldwin, A. A. Lewis, William De Wolf, H. A. Congar, M. E. Congar, W. K. Cash, S. S. Workman and S. M. Billings all said some- thing to the point. The result of the discussion was the adoption of these text-books: Thomp- son's arithmeties, Clark's grammar, Montieth & McNally's geography, Sanders' readers and spellers. The school opened with an attendance of 130, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Lewis, teachers. A Mr. Henderson soon afterward took charge, with Miss C. Leffingwell and Miss Mary Billings to attend to the juveniles. But one school proved insufficient for the growing population and the growing ideas, consequently Union School, No. 2, was completed in September, 1857. That was also a brick structure, 24x36 feet, two stories, and cost $1,500. It provided for sixty additional pupils. The enrollment of scholars at present in the two schools-the Center Street and East Side-is 600-350 for the former and 250 for the latter. They are in charge of L. L. Clarke, who is assisted by five teachers in the Center Street School and four in the East Side.

ALMOST A SEMINARY.

On March 28, 1865, S. A. White, N. M. Littlejohn, George Esterly, J. S. Partridge, Will- iam De Wolf and Ole Rossman became the incorporators of the Whitewater Seminary, whose establishment had been urged for several years by the best people of Whitewater. Subscription books were opened, but not enough was subscribed before the Board of Regents of the normal schools invited proposals for the location of sites from different sections of the State. The special town meeting, held in Angust, voted to raise $20,000 for that purpose, and the seminary project was abandoned.

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.

It is provided by the State constitution that the residue of the income of the school fund, aside from the amount expended in the maintenance of the public schools, shall be appropriated to the support of academies and normal schools. In 1857, nine years after the constitution was adopted, an income of 25 per cent of the swamp land fund was set apart for their support

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and a Board of Regents appointed to oversee its disbursements. In 1865, the fund was divided into two equal parts, one applied to drainage purposes, the other to the support of normal classes in high schools and academies. Its disbursement was still controlled by a Board of Regents. Under the provisions of this same act, it was provided that one-fourth of the income should be transferred to the common school fund. until the annual income of the latter should reach $200,000. In 1866, the State Board of Regents was incorporated, and, as the normal school fund had reached $600,000, and was rapidly increasing. it was resolved to commence the establishment of regular State institutions. The fund now amounts to over $1,000,000. The law provides that " the exclusive purpose of each normal school shall be the instruction and training of persons, both male and female, in the theory and art of teaching, and in all the various branches that pertain to a good common-school education, and in all subjects needful to qualify for teaching in the public schools: also, to giye instruction in the fundamental laws of the United States and of this State, in what regards the rights and duties of citizens." Eight representatives are allowed from each Assembly District n the State, nominations to be made by eity or county Superintendents. Each candidate must be sixteen years of age, of sound bodily health and good moral character. Diplomas are not granted to those less than nineteen years of age.

In February, Platteville was selected, conditionally for the first site, and in May, White- water received the second preference to accommodate the southeastern part of the State. On the 16th. the school was permanently located at Platteville. so that really the establishment of the one at Whitewater takes priority. It was opened April 21, 1868, Oliver Arey, A. M .. for merly connected with the normal schools in New York. He had achieved a marked success in bringing the high school at Buffalo to a high state of efficiency, and was afterward at the head of the New York State Normal School, at Albany. Moreover, Prof. Arey was assisted by his talented and finely educated wife, a graduate of Oberlin. At the dedicatory ceremonies, a brief historieal sketch of the enterprise was read by Hon. William Starr. President of the Board

of Regents. Addresses were delivered by the Principal. State Superintendent A. J. Craig and others. The faculty was composed of the following: Oliver Arey, Principal and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and of the Theory and Practice of Teaching; J. T. Lovewell. Professor of Mathematies and Latin: Mrs. H. E. G. Arey. Preceptress and Teacher of English Literature, French and Drawing; Miss Emily J. Bryant, teacher of history, grammar and geog- raphy: Dr. H. H. Greenman, Teacher of Vocal Music: Miss Virginia Dechman, Teacher of Instru- mental Music. During the first year, 150 stadents were enrolled. In 1877. Prof. Arey resigned his position, and Prof. William F. Phelps assumed the responsibilities of the principalship. He remained two years. when J. W. Stearns, A. M .. was called to Whitewater from the Argentine Republie. where he had been at the head of a large normal school for a few years previous. The faculty for 1880-81 is as follows: J. W. Stearns. LL. D., President, Professor of Mental Science and Pedagogics: Albert Salisbury. A. M., Reading. History and Political Economy, and Conductor of Institutes. Second District: W. S. Johnson, Natural Sciences and Drawings: J. N. Humphrey. S. B., Latin; Miss Mary L. Avery, A. B., English Language and Literature; Miss Mary De Lany, Geography. Civil Government and United States History; Mrs. E. M. Knapp, Vocal Music; Miss Harriet Salisbury, Principal of the Preparatory Department: Miss Margaret E. Conklin, Super- intendent and Critie of Practice of Teaching: Miss Kate E. N. Tupper. Ancient Languages and Principal of the Grammar Grade, Model School: Miss Ellen A. Persons, Assistant Gram- inar Grade: Mrs. Ada Ray Cooke. Teacher Intermediate Grade: Miss Ellen J. Couch, Teacher Primary Grade. The total number of members enrolled in the normal school is 477-303 in the normal department. 94 in the academic and grammar departments, 54 in the intermediate and 29 in the primary. The model and training department is made up of a primary, inter- mediate and higher grade of pupils, mostly from the immediate locality of the school. Each grade occupies a separate room under the charge of an experienced teacher with such assistants. either temporary or permanent, as may be necessary; and the most thorough and practical methods of teaching are employed. Connected with the school are a reading-room, library and apparatus. Two literary societies also serve to bind the students together outside the routine of study.

The school edifice is of cream-colored brick, and is in the modern style of architecture.

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The main building is 108x67 feet, with an extension or wing 86x46 feet. The entire structure is three stories high above the basement, and is heated by eleven hot-air furnaces with liberal provisions for ventilation. The grounds embrace an area of ten acres in an elevated position. overlooking the surrounding country for many miles. They have been handsomely laid out in walks and lawns. and are ornamented with trees, shrubbery, evergreens and flowers.

THE POST OFFICE.

The post office was established at Whitewater April 1, 1840, D. J. Powers, Postmaster. Before this, the people had depended upon Milwaukee. A weekly mail was established with Troy, and Mr. Powers carried " the bulk of it" for some time in his coat-pocket. Within a month, the mail was received direct at the office in Whitewater. Since then the Postmasters have been T. K. Le Barron, Warner Earl, E. Wakeley, G. G. Williams, I. U. Wheeler, L. H. Rann, E. B. Gray. H. O. Montague, Prosper Cravath and H. McGraw.

THE PRESS.

The Whitewater Gazette was established by H. J. Curtice January 5, 1855. J. A. Leonard and A. Emerson purchased the paper the next year and removed it to Waukesha. The first number of the Whitewater Register appeared March 25, 1857, H. L. & L. H. Rann, editors and proprietors. Both of these gentlemen were vigorous writers, L. H. Rann being especially fond of purely literary topics. The paper was a seven-column folio. In regard to its first number, five columns and a half were devoted to advertisements. The first page was given up to mis- cellaneous reading matter and the business cards of H. J. Curtice, attorney and chancellor at law; Richardson & Smith, planing-mill; Winchester & De Wolf, foundry and machine-shop; E. A. Smith & Co., wholesale and retail merchants, dealers in fancy and dry goods, crockery, hardware, etc. : S. C. Hall & Co., ditto; Brady. Starin & Cook, dry goods, groceries, hardware, boots, shoes; etc. ; B. G. Noble, drugs, stationery, etc. ; O. H. Congar & Co., ditto; L. W. Cutler, groceries, pure wines, whisky, etc. ; T. Bassett, groceries, provisions, garden seeds, stoneware, boots, shoes, etc. ; J. F. Barker, ambrotype and photographic gallery; Dr. H. S. Klein, surgeon dentist. The salutatory on the second page excuses editorial shortcomings by the "good looks" of the paper-which, in all walks of life covers a multitude of sins. It indorses the platform of the Republican party, adopted in Philadelphia in June, 1856 - "doctrines equally removed from the fanaticism of pro-slavery-ism or that of abolitionism." The Register, however, agreed to attack " the Sevastopol of slavery in its outworks and chief defenses"-the sham Democracy. It would strive to become a family paper and avoid vulgarity-"' while having no holy terror of a joke, and being disposed to look upon a funny story as a sin of less magnitude than forgery or horse-stealing." On the same page, it brought out the circumstances that the world-re- nowned Hutchinson family was still "on the wing " and would sing at Metropolitan Hall; that the Congars had dissolved partnership; that the Wisconsin Farmers and Mechanics' Club had thrown open its books for subscriptions; that Baldwin's Tannery would tan anything under heaven; that the Whitewater Seminary would teach young ideas how to shoot up from the pri- maries to the higher branches, "bills payable in advance;" that .. No. I drug store " would compound wine-" just the thing for a spring medicine " -- and that O. G. Fay would supply the solids at his eating-saloon; and finally, that Prosper Cravath would sell 200 village lots- $100 for residence sites-$125 to $300 more choice-and $250 to $800, located for business, 24 to 33 feet front. Other city advertisements filled nearly half of the second page and a portion of the fourth. The paper was. in short, excusable for editorial delinquencies, on account of its "good looks." It had been the intention of the proprietors to issue a month earlier. but they were delayed by the non-arrival of their No. 4 hand-press from New York and their type from the new foundry of Edward Miller, Milwaukee. In 1868. L. H. Rann retired, and the business was conducted by H. L. Rann, who soon after associated with himself H. G. Parsons. The paper was enlarged, newly dressed and its form changed from a folio to a quarto. For two years, the Register was one of the handsomest and most ably edited papers in the State. But the proprietors made reputation faster than money, and the senior editor's health showed un- mistakable signs of giving entirely away. So a purchaser was sought, and. in April, 1870, Dr. E. G. Benjamin became proprietor and editor. He changed the form of the paper and assumed

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"patent insides." with a view of making his investment a paying one. When it came into the hands of its present ablo editor and proprietor, E. D. Coe, in 1871, it was as a six-column quarto, "patent insides." Upon assuming management, on November 1 of that year, he discarded the "insides " and changed the form to a folio, eight columns to the page. On March 25, 1875, the Register office was destroyed in the post office fire, but, through the generosity of the Wan- kesha Democrat establishment, the former never missed an issue. The following week. the paper appeared in its own new dress, and has since been issued, with but one exception, on its publication day. The Register was established as a Republican paper, and so remains. Politics. however, are secondary to its aim of presenting a faithful and full register of local and county affairs. Its agricultural department is a feature-and one thoroughly appreciated by farmers. Three power presses run by steam, have succeeded to the single hand press, which, for a number of years, was adequate for all the needs of the office, and indicate somewhat the extent of the business which has grown up from the moderate beginnings and expectations of early years.

The Whitewater Chronicle was established June 11. 1879, as a five-column quarto. It is now a four-column journal, fourteen pages, pamphlet form. Pitt Cravath has continued its editor and pioprietor. It is an independent weekly paper, devoted to the local interests of Whitewater. It sticks to its text and succeeds.

CHURCHES.

First Methodist Episcopal Church .- In the fall of 1837, when the pioneer settlers had but fairly located upon the present site of Whitewater, Rev. Jesse Halstead preached one of the first sermons ever delivered in the town. When the old log schoolhouse was built, in 1840, occasional meetings were held there by the Methodists and other denominations. It will be readily appreciated how "few were gathered together" at that early day, but, under the lead of Rev. Alpha Warren and other Methodist clergy- men. the services were all the more homelike and hearty. In 1843, Whitewater became a separate charge under his pastorate, and a class was formed composed of these members: J. K. Wood, leader; Mrs. J. K. Wood, Henry Johnson. A. R. Eaton, Mrs. A. R. Eaton, Mrs. Dr. Clark, Mrs. J. J. Starin, Roxana Hamilton and Miss Whitcomb. Meetings were next held in the new brick schoolhouse for a time. In 1849, the society, then in charge of Rev. J. Har- rington, felt strong enough to commence the erection of a church edifico. It was completed under the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Walker, in 1852, and dedicated in February of that year. The building was enlarged while the society was in charge of Rov. A. C. Huntley. The present commodious and elegant edifice on Center street, one of the finest outside of Milwaukee, was dedieated by Bishop Merrill, October 19, 1873. It was built at a cost of $30,000. Among those who were foremost in carrying on the undertaking to its present full completion may be mentioned Rev. C. N. Stowers, then pastor, O. Gault, F. L. Pratt, Prof. Rockwood, O. D. Hamilton, R. Rockfellow, Mrs. H. M. Caine, James Cox, T. H. Webb, Ansil Salisbury, A. S. Kinney, William McIntyre, C. M. Rockwell, Leroy Brockway and others.

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History of Walworth County, Wisconsin, Part 91

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