USA > Wisconsin > Jefferson County > Waterloo > History of Waterloo > Part 4
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
Another industry of recent years which has grown to be a large and important one is the ditching and drainage business started by Stokes Bros., and now operated by the Wisconsin Drainage Co., which they organized. Many acres of low lands have been reclaimed by this industry and it has a very promising future before it.
Newspapers.
1865 saw the birth of Waterloo's first newspaper. Since then the passing events of local history have found record in print. The first paper was called the Waterloo Times and was edited by W. H. Tousley and printed at the Banner office in Jefferson.
It was the first day of December, 1870, that the first news- paper was printed in Waterloo. On that day The Waterloo Journal was issued from a local office by its editor, A. F. Buth. In partisan politics it was a republican paper. In 1871 J. F. Streeter and A. B. Griffin succeeded Mr. Buth as proprietors. They conducted the paper for a few years and then disposed of it to E. F. and S. J. Conklin who conducted it along the same political lines in 1879 when the subscription list was sold to Currie G. Bell of Marshall. For a few weeks Waterloo had no local paper. Mr. Bell printed a paper at Marshall and supplied the Waterloo subscribers. Soon after this Mr. Bell moved to Waterloo and established The Waterloo Jour- nal with offices in the Union block. In 1883 Ward and Paul Dutcher became its proprietors. In 1884 they disposed of it
4-H. W.
50
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
to H. M. Knowlton who thereafter continued its publication until 1908 when its plant and business was sold to The Water- loo Democrat. The Journal's files in the keeping of The State Historical Society contain a complete history of the village dur- ing its existence of 38 years.
In 1884 C. B. Mead came to Waterloo and started work- ing in the Journal office. He soon conceived the idea of start- ing a democratic paper but had no funds with which to equip a plant. He interested Peter Janisch and, with his help, raised enough money to start a paper. In February, 1885, he issued the first number of The Waterloo Democrat. After five years he disposed of the business to Bolger & Merrill. Later Mr. Merrill withdrew but Mr. Bolger continued to pub- lish the Democrat until 1903 when he sold it to L. T. Davies. In 1904 Mr. Davies sold the paper to H. A. Whipple who, together with E. P. Winkleman who later bought an interest in the paper, continue to publish it. For over thirty years it has grown with the village, chronicled its events and helped promote its interests.
Old ox cart
51
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER VIII.
EMIGRANTS.
Many have gone from our community to other sections of the country, built their homes and entered into the social, polit- ical and business affairs of their respective communities, some of whom have attained positions of prominence in their chosen fields of work. Among those who went into larger fields of work in the early days may be mentioned Prof. N. C. Twining, Prof. McIntyre, Peter McGeoch (one of the prominent financiers of the west), Capt. Marsh, Bishop Samuel Fallows (a bishop of the Reformed Episcopal church who was born near here and preached his first sermon in Wa- terloo), the Huntington family (W. H. Huntington of this family now being president of a college in Boston), Mrs. Cora Scott-Richmond (pastor of the Church of the Soul of Chicago), Mrs. Mary Hayes Chyneworth, the Squires families (of which Prof. Amos Squires and Dr. Lynus Squires were members), and A. O. Wright, at one time pastor of the Con- gregational church here and an author; he wrote a text book on constitutional government which for many years was a standard book for study in public schools.
To the foregoing list of removals may be added the fol- lowing : the Browns, Thompsons, Daniel and Henry Giles and families, Pat Shay, Mrs. Nellie Mead Rogers, the various members of the Lum families, Mrs. Beatrice Budlong Tal- mage, Judge L. H. Mead, James Wickham and Jas. A. Sheri-
52
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
dan (successful lawyers), Mrs. Jas. A. Sheridan, James Ruan; E. C. Cooper and August Dallman (successful busi- ness men of Fond du Lac) ; Jennie M. Knowlton, a teacher for many years, the last twenty-five of which were passed in the schools of the city of Chicago; Jennie Cooper, for many years a teacher in the high school of Oconomowoc; Margaret Wickham, who at the time of her death, had been principal of a ward school in Beloit for many years; Chauncy Sheldon, the Foster family, the Curtis family, Dr. Rood, Chas. and John Montgomery and families and the Schuloffs.
In the late 70's and in the 80's there was an unusual exodus of Waterlooists to the west, and in particular to the Dakotas which were then considered the land of promise. Many of them had made their home here for more than a quarter of a century but the call of the West became irresistable. Among those who made up this group are the following: Chas. and Frank Conklin, Sam Phelps, the Bond family, August Lang- lots, John Chase, E. E. DeLano, A. H., C. F. and D. E. Betts, Horace and Wm. Sheldon, Dr. Bennett, Wm. Boor- man, Jr., Ward and Paul Dutcher (editors of a Dakota paper), M. M. McDonald, Sam Smith, the Hutchinsons, the Van Slykes, John Burton and daughters, Wm. Twining, S. M. Wiener, Mervin Waite, Geo. Schlosser, A. F. Mattice, P. F. Wickhem (farmer, merchant and dealer in imported horses), Jos. Kaiser, John and Robert Gingles, and Dearborn Clark.
Minnesota has drawn the following people from here: Theo. Chapin, Oritha Chapin, Seth Babcock, and Mrs. F. K. Ryder. Iowa has claimed C. H. Betts, Geo. Thompson, and Mrs. Addie Ghastin Gingles. Other points in the west have taken Albert Rice, Geo. Whipple, Len. Whipple, Patrick Joyce, the Wetmore families, B. B. Betts, Eli Griswold, Fred
-
MX Nasty
"Uncle Chauncey" In the 50 2 after the Ball is over July &# Sunrise
Uncle Chauncy
53.
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Mead, Lynus Thayer, Martin Dudley and family and H. H. Porter.
Of the younger generation many have gone to the various states in the pursuit of their vocations. Space will not permit the mention of all but the following are given as a representative list: H. S. Youker, of Boston, many years a leading educa- tor of Wisconsin and now in the employ of the Curtis Publish- ing Co .; R. J. Wakeman, of Milwaukee, leader of an orches- tra; L. H. Gingles, of Waukesha, salesman; C. W. Hum- phrey, of Chicago, a consulting engineer ; H. B. Hoyt and John Leo Fitzpatrick, of Seattle, attorneys; H. S. Whipple, Emil Helmes, and Edw. A. Cooper, practicing law in Minnesota ; Anna Lum Mayers, of Madison, connected with the Wiscon- sin Library Commission, and matron of a fraternity house.
Another person who has attained a position of honor in the political field and may properly be classed with the emigrants as he left Waterloo in the 70's, is E. A. Hayes, son of A. E. Hayes, and Mary Hayes Chynoweth, early settlers of Water- Ioo. E. A. Hayes was born at Waterloo March 10, 1855. He graduated from the local high school and from the state university and then entered the practice of law at Madison. In 1883 he moved to Ashland and became interested in the iron mines of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan. He moved to California in 1887 and engaged in fruit raising, mining and newspaper work. In California he entered the field of politics and was elected to and served in the House of Representatives. of the United States in the 59th, 60th, 61st and 62nd Con- gresses.
Of such has been the contribution of Waterloo to the vari- ous walks of life of our country. The going out of these emi- grants has left behind them only the result of their labors, and memories of past associations. These lines are to show that the residents of former days still have a place in the memories of
54
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Waterloo of today. This village has given them to the world, sown them, as it were, in the world's garden:
"Look to the blowing Rose about us-"Lo, Laughing," she says, "into the world I blow, At once the silken tassel of my Purse
Tear, and its Treasure on the Garden throw."
Hans Narry
School house winter 1142-3, Ochrona ..
Waterloo's first school
-
Mit
-
..
--
Irene Doering.
Old brick school house
B
HARRY RICHARDS ENG
High school in 1868
High school in 1915
55
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
CHAPTER IX.
SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES.
Two of the most important factors that have played a part in the making of Waterloo's history and in giving tone to its life are its schools and churches. The history of the schools begins in 1843. In the fall of that year the people of the com- munity held a conference and organized a school. There were no laws to regulate the school nor were there any established school districts. The people made their own laws for regulat- ing the schools. The expenses were borne by the parents- each family paying its pro rata share of the cost as based upon the number of children attending. The teacher "boarded 'round," and the contract called for a specific sum per month, including board and lodging for the teacher.
The first school building in Waterloo was near the present home of H. W. Stokes and was built of logs. Miss Nancy Atwood (Mrs. Daniel Wood) was the first teacher. As the settlement soon began to center at the present site of the vil- lage this school was moved to a log building erected for that purpose at the corner of Washington and Polk streets. This change is said to have been made in the fall of 1844. A. E. Hayes was the first teacher in this school. Among other teach- ers of the early days were Mrs. J. W. Smith, Cyrus Perry, H. C. Drake and W. D. Stiles. Among the early students may be remembered the following: George and Gertrude Hill, James and Olive Thompson, and Eliza Brooks.
56
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
In those early days there were no school superintendents and the teachers were examined by school boards. J. H. Ostran- der was probably the first school superintendent. The school had grown so that in 1848 better and larger accommodations were required and the brick school house which long marked the corner of Washington and Polk streets was built.
Waterloo also had its private schools in the early days. The era of these private and select schools began in the 50's and closed with the erection of the graded school building in 1869. Rev. Isaac Heaton, John Mosher and George Hill were prob- ably among the first to start such schools. One of the most prominent of this group of schools was that organized and con- ducted by J. J. McIntyre. This school had its origin in 1862. It gained such a good reputation that it drew pupils from a ra- dius of about fifteen miles. This school had a worthy rival in the Waterloo Academy which started at the same time. The originator and most active promoter of this school was Rev. James Cushing and through his influence it was placed on the accredited list of Lawrence College. Prof. W. H. Allen was the first principal of this school and it was very well attended. The bell cast for this school still calls the boys and girls to the public schools in Waterloo.
The private and select schools flourished for a few years during which time the public school did not receive much atten- tion or support. As school laws became settled and the com- mon school system was adopted throughout the state the public school took the lead and witnessed the passing of the private school. In the fall of 1869 the graded school was opened in the brick building which is now the south part of the present school building. Four rooms of this building were used for school purposes and the basement for a village hall. The first two principals of the graded school were Geo. W. Newberry and N. C. Twining.
57
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Among the boys and girls who made up the roll of students in the early 70's may be mentioned the following: George See- ber, George Dickinson, Lewis Lewellin, Will Boorman, Hol- man Boorman, Emmet Budlong, Hattie Hoag, Anna Harger, Nettie Boorman, Ella Langlotz, Minnie Helmes, Fanny and Melissa Clark, Mary Vanduzen, Lizzie and Ellen Leaver, Lulu Dickinson, Adell Van Slyke, Kate Lum, Matella and Flora Squire, Jennie Whitney, Louise Helmes, Adell Rood, Nettie Smith, Burt Budlong, Hattie Burton, Ella Donovan, Rosa Wiener, Minnie Hart, Ida Ladwig, Cornelius Donovan, Frank Rood, Porter E. Hoag, Will Skidmore, Anthony Menk, George Cone, George Lashar, Albert Trayser, Fred Haese, Almond A. Burr, Clarence Thayer, Willis Sheldon, George Bussey, John Bell, Charles and Frank Conklin, Henry and Mary Bleecker, Fred Seeber, Sam Phelps, E. A. and J. O. Hayes, Em. Knapp, H. M. Knowlton, E. D. Knowlton, and Thomas Willie.
In 1870, and for four years thereafter, Prof. Edwin Marsh was principal and it was during his term that our school sent its first graduates to the state university. Among them were E. A. and J. O. Hayes, Darwin Smith, P. F. Wickhem and James Ruane. Others followed, increasing in numbers with passing years.
Since the days of Prof. Marsh's rule as principal the follow- ing have filled that position: Amos Squire, Geo. S. Martin, C. A. Calkins, John G. Conway, Jas. A. Sheridan, H. M. Knowlton, O. W. Jack, Geo. Bollinger, J. W. Hoskins, J. L. Sherron, J. G. Adams, G. H. Landgraf, C. H. Dietz, K. L. Hatch, E. W. Waite, and L. G. Curtis. Among those who have taught in the grades and the high school and who, in a special sense, belong to Waterloo and have done much to pro- mote the interests of its schools may be mentioned Mary Wie- man (Mrs. J. W. Harger), Emma Janisch, Ella Hagel and Sarah Seeber (Mrs. B. F. P. Ivins) and H. A. Whipple.
58
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
In 1877, under the administration of Prof. Calkins, the giv- ing of diplomas of graduation, which has since become an es- tablished custom, was introduced. In January, 1884, the school board officially adopted the first course of study for the high school department. It was substantially the four year course in science prescribed by the state superintendent. The following May the school was officially inspected by a repre- sentative of the state university and placed on the accredited list of that institution for the first time. It was about the close of the administration of Prof. Jack, in 1888, that the free text book system was introduced.
The growth of the school continued until the building be- came inadequate and in 1897 the capacity of the school was more than doubled by the building of a large addition on the North of the old building. The last few years have seen such a marked increase in attendance of pupils that even the pres- ent building is too small. Much of the increased attendance of recent years is due to the incoming of rural scholars. The school meeting of the current year has authorized the building of a high school building at an approximate cost of $20,000.00.
Since the organization of the high school department of our school it has graduated 328 students. In the early years of the high school the graduates organized an alumni association which has since been maintained and has proven itself a force in the social, civic and educational affairs of Waterloo.
Parochial Schools.
Aside from the Public Schools, we have two parochial schools; a German Lutheran school, and The Catholic school. Each of these institutions is housed in a commodious building, and has an efficient teaching staff. The course of study pur- sued is up to date in every respect.
59
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Churches.
The church soon followed the school in coming to Waterloo. Probably the Methodist church was the first to be represented here. Some of the early settlers say that the first ordained clergyman to preach in this vicinity was a Mr. Allen, a resi- dent of Lake Mills, of the Methodist church. He was an itin- erant pastor and made occasional visits. Sunday Schools were started at an early day. For a number of years all meet- ings were held in the schools. From 1846 to 1856 Rev. Isaac Heaton was the central figure in the religious movements of the community. He was a congregationalist, and this church was the first to hold regular meetings with a resident clergyman. For a number of years this church did good work in its field, building a church building in 1867 during the pastorate of Rev. A. O. Wright. The removal of many of its members so de- pleted its ranks that the church finally closed its doors, its re- maining members going to the Methodist and Baptist churches.
It seems that as early as 1854 a Methodist society was in ex- istence with some financial backing for in that year steps were taken to build a church. It received and welcomed support from the general public and in return has ever opened its doors for the service of all people regardless of denomination or be- lief. Through this service it has won a place in the good will of the community. The church continued to grow and pros- per. In 1892 the present church structure replaced the old church. During its history it has been served by many able and effective pastors and has played a prominent part in all movements for the improvement of moral and spiritual condi- tions. Among its pastors of the early days will be remem- bered Rev. Trennery, Millar and Knight. To Rev. John Wills is largely due the credit for the present church building. Rev. F. P. Raby is now in charge of the congregation.
60
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
It was to be expected that the Baptists would be found among the early comers of Waterloo. Such was the fact. No organization was effected until early in the 60's, when the faithful to the number of nine formed a church society. The pastor was J. J. McIntyre. A church was erected, being also used as a school house. The church prospered and grew in strength for a number of years and then on account of remov- als and deaths, it was thot best to disband which was done in 1890.
In 1867, the residents of this vicinity who were adherents of the Catholic denomination began to agitate the formation of a church. A Father Sigg of Jefferson was the first clergyman to attend to the spiritual needs of the Catholic people in the village. A church edifice was finally erected. The organiza- tion of St. Joseph's congregation was authorized in 1868. During the following year a tract of land was purchased and the main part of the present church building was erected. Since then the church has continued to grow and prosper under the able leadership of its resident priests. To the Rev. F. X. Hess, and the Catholic people of the community is due much credit for the civic advancement of our village.
At about the same time that the Catholics were engaged in starting their church, the Lutherans of the neighborhood organ- ized a society, built a church edifice, and a school. This church has made steady progress since its organization. Its growing membership called for the erection of a new edifice, and under its present pastor, Rev. M. H. Pankow, it has ex- perienced a remarkable growth.
St. Paul's English Lutheran church was organized in 1906. Rev. Peterson of Madison was the first pastor in charge. A beautiful and commodious church building was erected at the corner of Madison and Washington streets where services are now held. Its present substantial success is due to the untiring efforts of its members and the guidance of its able pastors.
61
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
Out of the members of society not otherwise affiliated arose a desire for an Episcopal church. The building used was pur- chased of the Baptists. In 1891 Arch Deacon Percy C. Webber confirmed a class consisting of twenty members. The church continued for a number of years, but finally disbanded.
Societies.
Odd Fellow Lodge No. 44-A lodge of Odd Fellows was organized in 1850. For some reason it was removed to the flourishing village of Portland, where it remained until the re- moval of Portland to Waterloo in the late 50's. It continued in the village until about 1900 when it ceased to hold meetings.
The Masonic Fraternity-The first meeting of Waterloo Lodge No. 63 A. F. & A. M. was held Feb. 9, 1855. In Feb., 1862, a charter was granted for a chapter of R. A. M. In 1891 a Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star was or- ganized. On Oct. 21, 1897, the present lodge building was dedicated. Many of the prominent citizens of the village are among its members.
The Grange-In the 70's, a local branch of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized by the farmers of the surrounding country. It enjoyed a good membership, but what it did, and when it died are not known to the writers. It closed its doors in the 80's.
Knights of Columbus-Waterloo Council No. 1669, Knights of Columbus, was organized February 2, 1913. The lodge has its hall in the second story of the State Bank Build- ing.
Knights of Luther-U. S. Grant Castle, Knights of Luther No. 26, was organized Mar. 6, 1914. It has its hall in the Bibow block.
Waterloo Literary and Dramatic Society-The Waterloo Literary and Dramatic Society of former days was a notable
62
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
and worthy association of its day, giving plays and different sorts of entertainments, thereby exploiting the dramatic talent of an "all star" cast composed of Frank and Charley Conklin, Sam Phelps, Hattie Hoag, Emma Burton, Sara Schmidt, Mat- tie Smith, George Ballard, and others. Shakespearean roles were never attempted, but no doubt they were equal to plays of that standard. Be that as it may, what they attempted, they did well.
Through the efforts of this society the first library was estab- lished, and when our present library was started the society's books were donated to it.
At present we have a public library containing about three thousand volumes, and located in the city hall. Mrs. H. R. Abell is the librarian. The library is under the supervision of the State Library Commission.
A beautiful library building with public reading rooms is one of our dreams for the future, which we hope to see realized.
Temperance Societies-In 1878 a lodge of the Independent Order of Good Templars was duly organized. It continued to flourish for a time, but in a few years was abandoned. The last temperance movement occurred at the spring election of 1915, when the question of local option was voted on. Of course the town is still "wet", but the "drys" polled one hun- dred and forty-eight votes, which is very encouraging.
Modern Woodmen-The Modern Woodmen with their aux- iliary, The Royal Neighbors, have flourishing orders here, which were first organized in 1893. They have their hall in the post office building.
Aftermath.
A decade ago the homecoming idea originated in Waterloo. Invitations were sent broadcast for former residents to return to their old home for a three day visit, and homecoming cele-
63
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
bration. They came by scores, renewed old acquaintances, and lived again in the golden memories of the past. So good was the result and so successful, that since then the homecoming idea has spread abroad and many places have followed Water- loo's example. As a result memories of the past have been brightened and many hearts filled with joy that comes from rec- ollections of the past.
The writing of this history was in part prompted by Water- loo's first homecoming. When the memories of the past were flooding the minds of the old settlers then present, J. A. Clark suggested the writing of a history of Waterloo. The idea struck a responsive chord, and the work of writing such a his- tory was offered to Mr. Clark. He felt physically unable to undertake the task and nominated J. A. Sheridan for historian. Mr. Sheridan accepted the appointment and full well did he, with the assistance of his wife, fulfill the duty imposed on him. As stated in the foreword much of this history is either copied from or based upon Mr. Sheridan's history. Ten years have passed since then and another homecoming having been planned for this year, the Maunesha Chapter D. A. R. conceived the idea of publishing this book to perpetuate the record of the past for the enjoyment of the old settlers and the information of the future generations. This history has been edited and com- piled by Minnie Betts Knowlton, Ray C. Twining and James D. Hyer. It is dedicated to the memories of the past.
Looking back to the homecoming of ten years ago, faces of many of that time come back in memory's picture gallery. Many of them are still living and will doubtless come again, but some are gone, and, while we keenly feel the loss which is ours, we rejoice in the blessing they have been to us, and to our community, and cherish their memory in our hearts. Among those claimed by the hand of death are: S. J. Conklin, Col. Cook, J. A. Sheridan, Albert Mattice, George Ballard, Chaun- cey Sheldon, Mrs. Rebecca Streeter Smith, C. C. Vanderpool,
64
HISTORY OF WATERLOO
A. Vanderpool and wife, Mrs. Emma Burton Simons, Lynn Brown, John Gingles, A. J. Humphrey, M. J. Rood and wife, A. J. Clark and wife, L. A. Giles, H. H. Hyer, Andrew Betts, John Donovan, D. A. Seeber, A. P. Stephenson and wife, J. B. Roach, Mrs. J. K. Ryder, Mrs. Jane Trussell, Chas. Reuckheim, Mrs. L. Trayser, Adam Brandner, O. Carskaden, A. J. Roach and wife.
Time moves on in its unfeeling train and stays not for na- tion, hamlet or man. Its passing is marked by events, deeds and lives; and of such is the making of history. So the events of the past, the lives of those who have lived here, and the deeds they have done, have made the history recorded on the preceding pages. The pen of man cannot fittingly portray the thots and feelings with which recollections of the past flood mind and heart. Memory and heart alone are the true realm for thot and feeling, and there we leave the people who have lived in Waterloo, to revel in the past. May the homecoming of this, and of many future years, come to bless and gladden the hearts of those who have claimed Waterloo as a home, and to keep alive memories of the past.
Yesterday bespeaks a better tomorrow; the past has laid a solid foundation; on it the future will doubtless build even bet- ter and greater than those of the past have anticipated; but in these closing lines we pay our respect to the past-it is gone, living only in memory-
"And the stately ships go on To their haven under the hill, But oh for the touch of a vanished hand And the sound of a voice that is still!"
Finis.
Arch bridge
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.