USA > Wisconsin > Jefferson County > Waterloo > History of Waterloo > Part 2
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
2-H. W.
18
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
fact that Bradford Hill was always reputed the first to settle here must be given great weight. All things considered, it seems that the claim made in his behalf is fully justified.
Mr. Hill had the first choice of a site for his home in this vi- cinity. It is not strange that he made his way for seven or eight miles beyond the last settler's house, which was that of Mr. Pickett, through the beautiful stretch of country south of the village reserving his selection until the Maunesha was reached.
It is certain that Bradford Hill was not long without neigh- bors: Harmon Chase says: "The same summer, 1842, a man by the name of Nelson Holden, located one-half mile north of Hill, a family named Sweeney one-half mile east and Reuben Streeter one-half mile south." In the same year, Moses Ken- yon located about two miles south on a farm which in 1850 be- came the property of Austin Squires. He further states that Phillip Brush also located near Kenyon, while in 1843, came Ed. and John Crosby, Dan Folsom, Frank Carter, A. G. Phelps, Abram Vanderpool and James H. Ostrander. Mr. Vanderpool located on the farm recently sold by Thomas Squire to Bernard Motl, and Mr. Ostrander settled on the place now occupied by Henry Stokes in section 18. Those who settled near the creek were James Thompson, Abram, Ira and Porter Brooks, E. Penn, and John Walker. Mr. Chase arrived in 1843 with his father, Dean Chase, and located on the place adjoining the farm of Franklin Giles.
Among other early settlers were: Nelson Holden, Mr. Sweeney, Frank Carter, A. G. Phelps.
The first bridge. Hill family at Waterloo.
19
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER III.
POLITICAL ORGANIZATION.
The land now comprising the town and village of Waterloo was, prior to 1845, a part of the town of Aztalan. From the best data available the political organization of Waterloo as a town was effected in 1845 or 1846, with Abram Vanderpool as its first chairman, and P. M. Brooks its first clerk. J. H. Ostrander was the first superintendent of schools and laid out the school districts of the town.
In 1856 the first movement was started for the building of a railroad, a special town meeting being called to vote on the question of issuing bonds to aid such movement. The proposi- tion was defeated at this election but immediately thereafter a second meeting was called to vote on the proposition of issuing bonds to the amount of $35,000 to aid in the construction of a railroad. From all evidence obtainable this meeting was the result of well laid plans and was carried through with a high hand, and the vote canvassed behind locked doors. The vote was announced as being 160 in favor of and 146 against issuing the bonds. According to the proposition submitted the rail- road company was to issue to the town shares of its capital stock equal to the amount of bonds. The promised stock was issued, but when delivered the road had been sold by foreclosure of a mortgage thereon and the stock was worthless. For these rea- sons the bond issue was repudiated and the bonds have never been paid.
20
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
The Post Office Established.
The additions to the village during 1845 and 1846, were small. Nevertheless it was thought advisable to ask for a local post office. Prior to this time, the mail for the villagers was obtained at Aztalan. It was customary for a visitor to Aztalan to call for the mail for all the settlers. Its volume was not great. It cost money to send a letter to the old home. Each letter called for twenty-five cents postage. For some time the only newspapers were copies sent from relatives in the east. Upon thir reception they became a sort of community property and were circulated from family to family until read by all.
Franklin Giles used to tell of the meeting held to select a name for the post office. Among the names discussed was Hillsdale because of the Hill family's priority of residence. Maunesha was also mentioned as a suitable name. It was fi- nally concluded to recommend the name of Waterloo. On January 12, 1847; the Waterloo post office was established. Charles D. Topping became the first postmaster. A cigar box was used to hold the mail. The mail was received once a week from Aztalan, "if the roads were good." The post office was not a money order office until October 12, 1868. James Cush- ing bought the first money order for $50.00, which he sent to A. G. Allen, Fairfield, Illinois.
The post office has grown with the population and industries of the village. In 1904 rural mail delivery was added to the service of the office and since then has been serving the surround- ing rural people. In 1912 a postal saving's bank was added to the service. The office is now ranked as a third class post office, and is housed in a modern stone front block built for that pur- pose by Alex. Archie in 1912.
Madison street in early days
-
1
Madison street
21
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Village Organized.
In 1859 the village of Waterloo was organized under a spe- cial charter which was amended in 1861. The original char- ter provided for a plat of one square mile; the amendment gave the village its present boundaries embracing an area of four square miles. Its separate political existence was consumated in April 1859 by the election of Ira R. Rood as President; John Mosher, A. F. Mattice, William Gillet and William Munson, as trustees; William Wright, assessor; C. P. Mead, clerk; Thomas Currier, treasurer; Samuel Parkhurst, marshal; W. D. Smith, superintendent of schools; S. W. Budlong and W. D. Smith, justices of the peace. There was but one ticket for which sixty votes were cast. The village continued under its special charter until March 20, 1906, at which time a vote taken at an election held for that purpose, surrendered the spe- cial charter and brought the village under the general village charter law of the state.
Both the town and village have taken an active interest and have been represented in county and state affairs. A number of their citizens have represented them in constitutional conven- tions, legislatures, and various offices.
22
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER IV.
SOME PROMINENT CHARACTERS OF EARLY DAYS.
-
Mr. M. J. Rood located in the village in 1847 and played an important part in its development. His first investment was in the old Waterloo house. Later he operated a brick yard for a number of years, and then purchased the old mill property, on the lower pond. He and his son Frank established the first electric lighting plant in the village.
Abram Vanderpool came in 1840 and helped work out the political development and growth of this locality. He was elected a member of the constitutional convention which drafted the state's constitution, and later of the state legislature and, to- gether with J. H. Ostrander, organized the first school in this neighborhood.
John Helmes came to Waterloo in 1853. He was a builder and several brick blocks now stand as a monument to his mem- ory. Among the first structures on which he worked was the old Methodist church erected in 1854. He erected the first brick block in the village, it being now occupied by Julius Henke. For a while he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. He served the village in a number of official positions, including that of president, and was an active leader in civic matters. He died in 1903.
Carl Haese was among the early business men of the village and built up a large mercantile business, starting in 1858 by
Abram Vanderpool
23
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
buying out one Biggs for $2.00 and opening a harness shop in a little log shanty near the site of the old Waterloo house.
In the 50's Harlow Pease "hung out his shingle" as a lawyer. He was very active in securing the incorporation of the village. He was elected to the state legislature to accomplish this.
Z. C. Lindsley became a resident in 1850 and remained for twenty years. He was a lawyer. He exerted his influence in securing the railroad for Waterloo and became the owner of the only railroad bond that was ever paid by the people.
In the early 50's C. P. Mead became the owner of the only drug store in the village. He was the postmaster under Presi- dent Lincoln as the successor of Mr. Mattice. He was a brother of H. M. Mead who became a hardware merchant in the early 70's.
Rev. Isaac Heaton was one of the pioneers of the town, com- ing to this state in 1838. He was a minister of the Congrega- tional church and served in that capacity. He was a graduate of Brown university and one of the founders of both Beloit col- lege and the Rockford Female Seminary.
S. J. Conklin was one of the striking characters of the earlier days. He was a shoemaker and tanner and later entered the practice of law. He was active in politics and at one time an internal revenue collector. After many years of active partici- pation in public and civic matters here he moved to South Da- kota, which state he served as adjutant general. He died in 1914.
John Mosher was a prominent figure among the early settlers. He was a lawyer and a ripe scholar. The grounds on which our public school buildings stand was donated by him to the village for school purposes. To encourage the building of the railway from Watertown to Waterloo he donated the depot grounds, and also loaned his credit, secured by a mortgage for $1,000, which in the end resulted in the loss of the property
24
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
on which the mortgage was secured. He represented the village and district in the legislature.
Dr. Ira R. Rood, a settler of the 40's, was a leading physi- cian of Waterloo for many years. His contributions for the public good were ready and liberal.
Charles and William Boorman were among those who con- tributed to the early business development of Waterloo; the former in mercantile lines and the latter as a miller.
S. W. Budlong was many years a resident of the village and very active in its affairs. He was at one time owner of the Waterloo House. He was elected and served in the state sen- ate. He was the first agent for agricultural implements in Wa- terloo.
S. M. Cone came to the village from Portland and entered the practice of law. He was active in politics and at one time a member of the state legislature.
In the early 50's William Schmidt established a cabinet busi- ness in Waterloo. He was an excellent workman. Later he and his wife conducted a boarding house.
In its early days Waterloo had in Mr. Van Vechten a man of a noticeable character who was said to have a peculiar gift of locating wells. For many years he was a well known char- acter. Without mentioning him the memories of early Water- loo would be incomplete.
Joseph Raedle, a blacksmith, was another well remembered character of the early days. By his industry he accumulated some property and added to the business life of his day. He became active in his line of work in the 50's. He was one of the promoters of the organization of the Catholic church.
As a typical illustration of the early settler the following sketch is given :
Harvey S. Galloway
The Galloway cottage
25
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Harvey S. Galloway.
Among the faces familiar to people of Waterloo for many years was that of Harvey S. Galloway and family. In Janu- ary, 1854, accompanied by Wm. Bateman and Mr. John Chip- perfield, he drove to Waterloo in a covered sled from Medina, Ohio. His two daughters, Sue E. and Ella, were among the charming young ladies who made up Waterloo society during the 60's. The accompanying cut represents his home at whose hearth and beneath whose shaded surroundings, Waterloo peo- ple of those days were made doubly happy. Mr. Galloway was an expert gardner and made the sand bank on the Portland road a spot of tropical richness. There are those still in the village who enjoyed the luscious melons-by moonlight-raised by Mr. Galloway; scores of others enjoyed them beneath the refreshing shades of the grand old oaks that embowered this pioneer cottage, which was among the first dwellings erected in the village. It was built by the Brooks Brothers, in 1843, on Mill street where C. R. Mead erected his home in '86. In the 50's it was removed to the Galloway farm on the road leading to Portland.
Of the men of a little later day who played an important part in the development of the school, business and civic interests of the community mention must be made of D. A. Seeber, W. F. Lum, J. H. Harger, and A. J. Humphrey. In 1863 Nicholas and Adam Brandner opened a store and continued to run it un- til a few years ago. In 1885 they erected what has since been known as the Brandner block, a two story brick building on the corner of Madison and Monroe streets. Three men who, al- though not residents of the village, for many years took an active interest in its growth and welfare, and without mention of whom this history would be incomplete, are Cyrus Perry, deceased,
26
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
J. A. Clark, deceased, and L. P. Knowlton whose presence still graces our village.
Of the older residents of the village still living here may be mentioned the following: Mrs. Sophia Mackenzie, Mrs. Mary Mead, Mrs. D. A. Seeber, Mrs. Jane Harger, Mrs. J. C. Leo- nardson, Mrs. Andrew Betts, Mrs. Augusta Wagner, Mrs. Wm. Harte, Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Williams, Mrs. S. Mc- Craken, Wm. Buth, Sr., James Freemen, Sr., Jos. Lutschinger, Sr., H. P. Whipple, John Fischbach, Sr., F. J. Vick, Frank Fiebiger, and C. Failinger. Mr. Failinger started a general store in 1866 which he continues to operate.
Some of the oldest residents who now live in other places are well remembered and deserving of notices on these pages. Among them are Mrs. M. J. Foster, of Madison, Mrs. Dutcher, of Dakota, Mrs. Sumner Rice (now nearing the century mark), of California, "Uncle Billy" Schmidt, of Iowa, and Mrs. Bud- long, of Milwaukee.
Neighbors.
There were several families living near the village who took such a part in its life and activities and won such a place in the estimation of its people that they have ever seemed to belong to the village, and whose names must be recorded here. Among such were the following families: Wilts, Dudleys, Lewellins, Chipperfields, Ballards, Tracys, Burrs, Thayers, Halls (of whom F. W. Hall, of Madison, was one), Hyers, Coles, Chapins, Pettys, Ghastins, Lindermans, Andrews, Carskadens, (Orson Carskadden for years being a particularly noticeable character and without whom, as a leader of the calithumpians no fourth of July parade was complete), Dodges, Bromleys, Clarks, Vene Knowlton, Brookins, Dowds, McCormicks, Griffins, Knapps, Squires, Huntingtons.
=
Old gravel store
Union block
27
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER V.
LANDMARKS AND ADORNMENTS.
The village has been singularly happy in landmarks and adornments which have helped to endear its memory. The oldest landmark is the creek. Its name, "Maunesha," is an Indian name meaning "winding" or "crooked," and full well does the stream merit that name. Before it was made slug- gish by dams thrown across its course it was said to be excep- tionally clear, its waters rippling over a pebbly bottom and its banks verdant with green sward, shrubs and trees.
The lapse of time has witnessed the passing of many old land- marks, such as the old school building which formerly stood at the corner of Washington and Polk streets, the Waterloo House, the Old Gravel store, the Union block, the Keller home at the corner of Madison and Washington streets, and other structures which have given way to more modern ones.
The Old Gravel Store.
The Old Gravel store was certainly a landmark. It occu- pied the spot where stood the log house of Bradford L. Hill. It was erected in 1848 by Milton Caldwell and was intended as a rival of the Waterloo House. In the early 50's James Giles, the father of Dan Giles of Stevens Point, Wis., and the grandfather of Mrs. John Simmons of Frederick, South Da- kota, was the genial host that welcomed the traveling public to
28
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
the "Gravel Inn." It, too, had its hall for amusements and many were the social gatherings that enjoyed a night of dancing there to the music of Wm. (John) Burton's String band.
In 1854, Barnes & Dickinson used the building for a gen- eral store. Their enterprise proved a failure. Sam Smith, whose daughters are Mrs. M. M. McDonald and Mrs. Sam Phelps of Mitchell and Alexandria, South Dakota, respec- tively, succeeded to the business of this firm but soon disposed of his stock to Munson & Bradley. These were followed by Moak & Peabody and these by Roy and Till Bashford who sold to Phil Carples, now of Milwaukee. S. M. Wiener was his succesor who for a time conducted his business as Wiener & Co. All of these parties ran general stores. In the 70's H. M. Mead established in it a hardware store. He was followed by Adolph Koblitz who used it for a harness shop. Its last tenant was A. J. Roach. At its corner stood the old town pump that slaked the thirst of many a boy whose bare feet trod the streets of Waterloo. The Old Gravel store long maintained its superiority as the center of the commercial life of the village. Its porch made welcome those who sought respite from the burning sun and, and in the evening on it were perched the village folk who sought a social hour after the labor of the day. On the Fourth of July, it was always gay in its display of bunting and on its porch, the vendor of a barrel of lemonade was usually the center of attraction. The youth of those days will never construct a mental picture of the streets of Waterloo omitting the Old Gravel store.
Union Block.
Another landmark which has passed away was the Union block. This business block, pretentious for its day, was the result of the co-operative idea which found expression in Water-
Badger state house
1
29
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
loo in 1858. William G. Munson was the promoter of a mer- cantile company known as the Union Store Company. Shares of stock were sold to the people of the community at $25.00 each. The officers were to act as middlemen to market the farmers' produce and purchase and handle the mercantile stock. To house the business the Union block, a two story frame build- ing was built and for a number of years was a center of trade. On the second floor was a hall used by the Masonic lodge, and offices. In the early 60's these offices were occupied by the law firm of Conklin & Cone. D. C. Stam was a student in their office. The store business failed as the result of too liberal buy- ing and slow collections. Mr. Munson was the heaviest looser. This block was occupied for a time by The Journal. In 1885 it was destroyed by fire, The Journal outfit burning with it.
The Topping House, Non Commercial Hotel.
The present Commercial hotel is a landmark of the 50's. Charles D. Topping, Waterloo's first postmaster, erected this building in 1855. The brick of which it is built was made by Mr. Topping and is an article on which he procured a patent. They were made of clay from the immediate vicinity. Al- though the building is now somewhat altered in form and ap- pearance it still stands as a reminder of days gone by.
Other Landmarks.
The old mills at the upper and lower ponds, and the stone bridge, commonly called the Arch bridge, which spans the Maunesha on Madison street, are among the few old landmarks which still remain. Many others have passed and live now only in the memory of the old residents.
30
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Cemeteries.
The old village cemetery has long marked the site between Washington and Monroe streets, and stands as a silent reminder of many of the former residents of the village who now sleep beneath its verdant sod. Adjoining this cemetery until 1891 was the Catholic cemetery which, in that year, was removed to the southwestern part of the village to more spacious and beauti- ful grounds. The village cemetery, too small and inadequate to permit of beautifying, and early surrounded by residences, has been tolerated for years by the public. Not until 1904 was any movement started to give Waterloo an adequate and proper public cemetery. In that year Oak Hill Cemetery Association was organized by Gus Fox, Albert Christen, Edw. F. Vick, John Fox, Alex. Archie, A. W. Reddemann and Ray C. Twining. This association purchased and platted what was early known as the Conklin grove, and later as the Mead Grove in the eastern part of the village. On this site was laid out a modern cemetery with about three miles of drives and two miles of walks. Allowances have been made therein for the future erection of a receiving vault, soldiers' monument, artificial lake and other adornments. Praiseworthy, indeed, are these accom- plishments and plans, whereby we mark and beautify the clos- ing scene in life's drama. May the hand of time touch lightly the work thus nobly done.
Village Adornment.
The work of street adornment began with the 70's. James Freeman and others of Portland have for a quarter of a century enjoyed the shaded walk along the roadside leading to Port- land. One spot on this road that will always be remembered by the older residents is the former home and nursery of Mr.
Lover's lane
31
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Carter. The same is true of the road leading to the east. But the best known and most enjoyed walk is
Lover's Lane.
It is the result of the combined efforts of S. J. Conklin and M. J. Rood. Mr. Conklin gives its history as follows :
"Originally the road along by where the so-called "Lover's Lane" now is was in the spring and fall wet and boggy, so much so that the people on foot could not get over it in places without getting over their shoes many times in the mud and water. S. J. Conklin who lived east of where the road turned off toward Portland and who had to travel very much over the bad road proposed to M. J. Rood who was similarly situated and owned and occupied the land the whole length of the walk on the south side that if he, Rood, would help grade for a sidewalk and set a row of maple trees the whole length of the walk on the south side of the grade, he, Conklin, would furnish the sills for a walk four feet wide and a sufficient amount of two inch plank to lay the walk and that he would furnish the nails to fasten down the plank with and set a row of maple trees the whole length of the walk on the north side of it. M. J. Rood accepted this propo- sition and the walk was accordingly made and the trees set which are now large and beautiful." Such is the history of the building of that beauty spot known as "Lover's Lane." It was built about 1871 or 1872. Mr. W. F. Lum who sold the lumber to Conklin for the walk can probably from his book fur- nish the exact time when the walks were built and the trees set.
In more recent years much has been added to the beauty of the village by the construction of its miles of concrete walks, its school yards, the Firemen's Park, its abundance of shade trees, well kept yards, and the neat and substantial homes and build- ings.
ยท
32
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
.
Firemen's Park.
W. F. Lum for many years owned a beautiful natural grove of 33 acres in section 5. It was his ambition to see this grove made a public park, which ambition was realized in the latter years of his life. In 1905 the Waterloo Fire Department pur- chased this grove from Mr. Lum and have made of it a most beautiful park. Its ball grounds, consisting of a natural amphi- theater with a seating capacity of several thousand, its spacious and splendidly equipped pavillion, and other features make it an ideal place for public gatherings and games. It has been the scene of many large gatherings and celebrations and calls visitors from many miles away. Much credit for the splendid success of this venture is due to the Waterloo Fire Department and par- ticularly to L. C. Failinger, one of the young business men of Waterloo.
NO PARK OR BALL GROUND IN ALL THE WORLD LIKE THIS
FIREMEN'S PARK WATERLOO. WIS.
Fireman's Park
1
33
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER VI.
WATERLOO IN THE CIVIL WAR.
Waterloo in common with the whole country was profoundly affected at the call for volunteers which followed the attack upon Fort Sumter. Meetings of citizens were held where Conklin, Mosher, Cone, Lindsley and others were heard to voice the patriotism of the community. Upon the first call for volunteers the mustering of men began in Waterloo. In less than three weeks Company C of the Eleventh Wisconsin Vol- unteers was organized with Charles Perry, captain; James Lang, first lieutenant, and O. F. Mattice, second lieutenant. This company numbered one hundred and one men. They called themselves the Waterloo Rifles but were soon given the name of the "Boy Company," and almost immediately won such estimation that they were given the second post of honor upon the organization of the regiment.
The ladies of the village presented the company with a beau- tiful silk flag. The presentation was made by Geraldine Bud- long (Mrs. D. C. Moak, of Minneapolis), and the response was given Sergeant H. P. Swift, now of Watertown, Wis. These colors were borne through many battles, among which were Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Reese Station, and the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson; also at Fort Blakely where was fought one of the last battles of the war.
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.