USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin, containing a history of Dodge County, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123
After holding a council of war, it was decided to surround the Indian camp and take them prisoners, but, on arriving there, no Indians could be seen, but they could plainly hear them making a retreat to their boats on the lake, a few rods distant. Some of the men desired to fire upon them, but their leader thought it best that it should not be done, lest the Indians should return some night and burn the house of Mr. Cruden for the purpose of revenge. But the Indians had not gone far before they opened fire upon the whites, which was returned. As no one was hurt, the Indians then began to tantalize their pursuers, when the Captain raised his rifle and fired upon the one that seemed to be a leader, and with effect, for he immediately fell forward into the water, but was caught by his companions and dragged back into the boat, and the redskins fled in dismay.
Thus ended the Cruden war. The authorities, soon after, sent down a force of men, and the Indians were removed to their reservation.
Fox LAKE.
This is the oldest settled town in the county, and is situated in the extreme northwest part, Town 13 north, Range 13 east. Its history is probably better known to the citizens than any other. The first permanent settlement dates back to 1838; but it was not until 1842 that a permanent growth was perceptible, as in the spring of that year only some four or five families were then
405
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
living there. Beaver Lake washes the town on the south, and Fox Lake comprises the greater part of Sections 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 27, the two lakes being connected by a river. Lake Emily, a small body of water, lies in the northern part of the county, on Sections 4 and 5. A hotel was once built upon its bank for the comfort of those who might visit this delightful place. The lake has no apparent outlet. The town was originally all timber-land, and the many beautiful farms which dot the country here and there had first to be cleared by the wood- man's ax. We find on record, in 1879, as comprised within the limits of Fox Lake, 20,300 acres of land, valued at $531,453, with the following number of acres of the various products mentioned : Wheat, 3,839; corn, 1,317; oats, 938; barley, 344; rye, 14; potatoes, 55; grasses, 1,497. Population, 1,800 ..
SHIELDS.
This town is located in the southern part of the county, Town 9 north, Range 14 east, and con- tains a less area of land than any in it, comprising only 13,954 acres. It was originally all timber- land, and is settled almost exclusively by foreigners, the Germans and Irish comprising nine- tenths of the population. It was named in honor of Gen. Shields, the Irish statesman, who represented three different States in the United States Senate, viz., Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri. Judge Mertz was among the first settlers, locating here in 1848. The village of Richwood, a small station, on the La Crosse Division of the C., M. & St. P. Railroad, is located on parts of Sections 13 and 24, and is the only post office in the town. The city of Watertown is the general trading-point for its inhabitants. The Catholic religion predominates, a church of that denomination being located at Richwood, Rev. D. Tierney, Pastor, who also has charge of the Hubbleton Church, which is attended by several families of Shields. In 1870, it had a population of 1,119. In 1879, there were grown of wheat 3,235 acres ; corn, 539; oats, 638; barley, 456; rye, 33; potatoes, 140; grasses, 446. The land is assessed at good figures, showing good farms, as we find the 13,954 acres valued at $439,307, an average of $33 per acre.
As Indian stories are always appreciated, we give the following as narrated to us by one who knows : In 1850, quite a number of Indians lived in the town of Shields. They were not disposed to be particularly mischievous, except when their rights were infringed, and a friendly" feeling existed between them and the whites. The nominal chief of this tribe was the husband of a lovely squaw. The town of Shields also boasted a militia company, which had on various occasions made itself efficient in preventing outbreaks on the part of the Indians, and that militia company had a captain, John D. Griffin, who was on the best of terms with his dusky neighbors. The chief of the tribe, in course of time, became unduly jealous of Capt. Griffin, and demon- strated his feelings, one day, by setting upon him and giving him an unmerciful beating. This was too much for the gallant Captain ; his pride, his honor (and his body) had been wounded, ' and, "in the name of the State of Wisconsin," he called out his company of militia to drive the Indians away. The jealous chief, realizing what he had done, and not knowing the extent of Capt. Griffin's injuries, but fearing that they might be such as to bring the vengeance of the whites upon his head, called his followers about him and fled. In the mean time, Capt. Griffin got his men together, bade good-bye to his family, and set out for the scene of the anticipated conflict ; but when he and his company arrived near the spot, it was discovered that no Indians were there. But one solitary tepe remained to mark the spot where the gallant Griffin had been so severely and unwarrantably punished. "Let me reconnoiter," said the gallant Captain, call- ing a halt. Leaving the company under the command of Lieut. Richard Mertz, Capt. Griffin cautiously approached the tepe, and finally ventured to peer within. Returning to his command, he said, " Boys, please stay behind; I'll charge the enemy myself." The chief in his flight had forgotten to take his squaw with him.
LOWELL.
This is one of the largest towns in the county, and contains fifty-four sections of land. It lies in Town 10 north, Range 14 east, and was settled at a very early day. It has within its borders two villages-Lowell and Reeseville-of which mention is made under the head of " Villages." Lowell is situated near the center of the town, and is the place where all the
406
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
town business is transacted. The town is mostly woodland, and is reckoned as one of the best in the county. It has an area of 32,432 acres of land subject to cultivation, assessed, in 1879, at $960,775, an average of about $30 per acre. There were grown in 1879, of wheat, 7,165 acres ; corn, 1,316 ; oats, 1,248 ; barley, 693 ; rye, 5; potatoes, 132; grasses, 804. The town is well supplied with churches and schoolhouses, showing that the moral and intellectual welfare of the rising generation is looked after.
BEAVER DAM.
The history of Beaver Dam is closely allied to that of the city, and a history of the latter is a history of the former. It covers a territory embraced in three-fourths of Town 11 north, Range, 14 east, and one-half of Town 12 north, Range 14 east, or a total of a town and a quar- ter, with a total of 22,344 acres of land, not including the city, returned to the Assessor.
Beaver Lake, in the northwest part of the town, covers some five or six sections. The northern division of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. traverses it from east to northwest, entering on Section 36 and passing out on Section 20.
The first settlement was made in 1841, Thomas Mackie being the harbinger to prepare the way for the coming of the mighty throng that should follow. All reports being true, we can truly believe the early pioneers have done their work well, making the rough places smooth ; for as we write, in the year of our Lord 1880, we find beautiful farms, costly dwellings and barns, fine orchards and every evidence of civilization, all having been done within a period of less than forty years. Aside from the city of Beaver Dam, there is no other city or village in the town. In the southern portion of the town there is a settlement known as South Beaver Dam. There are four grist-mills located in the town, outside of the city.
Originally, the country was mostly woodland and openings, with some prairie. The 22,344 acres were assessed in 1879 at $591,689. In the same year, there were, in acres of wheat, 7,322 ; corn, 1,137 ; oats, 974; barley, 608; rye, 13; potatoes, 105; apple orchards, 146 : grasses, 1,261.
TRENTON.
This town comprises one-half of Town 12 north, Range 14 east, and all of Town 13 north, Range 14 east, with a total of 34,501 acres of available land returned for assessment. There is not a village or post office in it, and yet it is regarded as one of the best in the county, its farmers being in good circumstances, with well-improved farms, and surrounded with every convenience at command. None of the small streams that traverse its borders are sufficiently large to afford water-power ; therefore all milling by the people is done elsewhere. Its small streams take but little from the amount of land fit for cultivation.
Sandy Cameron and Mr. McMillan were among the first settlers, the latter for some years being the proprietor of the "Buck Horn Tavern," a well-known public house in the day when villages were few and far between, and when the sight of a creaking sign, announcing a public house, was a welcome one to the weary traveler.
The first town election was held at the residence of Judson Prentice, a gentleman who had the honor to be the first Chairman of the Board of Supervisors in the town. Mr. Prentice, at that time, lived on the road leading to Fox Lake, about one mile from the present town house. He is now a resident of Watertown.
The population of the town in 1870 was 1,735. In 1879, we find in cultivation, in acres of wheat, 10,962; corn, 2,695; oats, 1,802; barley, 938; rye, 60; potatoes, 156; apple orchards, 212; grasses, 5,908.
EMMET.
This town is the middle one of the southern tier, a small portion of the city of Watertown being within its boundary, and is settled in greater part by Irish, many of whom have lived here for a great number of years. Among the number who came here when few white men had yet made this beautiful county their home was Patrick Mahoney, a great admirer of the elo- quent Irish patriot, Robert Emmet, and through whose influence the town took its present name.
407
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Mr. Mahoney has passed " over the river," but has children yet living in the town, who honor his name and revere his memory. Although the Irish predominate, the Germans are not far behind, the two nationalities comprising almost the entire population. They are, for the most part, an enterprising and thrifty class, and are adding to their possessions year by year. The population of the town in 1870 was 1,375. As returned for assessment, there are 20,756 acres of available land, valued at $727,864, or an average of $36 per acre. The personal property of the inhabitants is assessed at $80,712. In 1879, there were of wheat, 5,190 acres; corn, 1,208 ; oats, 1,406; barley, 1,127; rye, 98; potatoes, 127 ; apple orchards, 127 ; grasses, 964.
CLYMAN.
Situated in Town 10 north, Range 15 east, is the town of Clyman, named in honor of Col. Clyman, a man who in personal appearance was said to have greatly resembled George Washing- ton, the father of his country. Being on the old Territorial road running north from Water- town, its settlement necessarily dates back to an early day. It is exclusively a farming town, there being no villages or cities within its borders, though there is a small station, also named Clyman, on the C. & N-W. Railway, which will, in all probability, be the beginning of one. There are quite a number of fine farms here, and farmers are generally well to do. The Cath- olics have a fine church near the station, and a large congregation attends it ; Rev. Father Ward, Pastor. The C. & N-W. Railway passes through the town from north to south, afford- ing the citizens a good market for their grain and other products. In 1870, there were 1,426 inhabitants. In 1879, we take from the Assessor's books the following returns : Wheat, 7,540 acres; corn, 1,330; oats, 1,450; barley, 885; rye, 65; potatoes, 142 ; grasses, 345. Of available land, there were 22,436 acres, valued at $577,250. The personal property was listed at $101,875-a very creditable showing.
OAK GROVE.
This is one of the oldest and most important towns in the county, and is exactly in its geo- graphical center, being Town 11 north, Range 15 east. Within its boundaries are the villages of Oak Grove, Juneau, Rolling Prairie, Minnesota Junction and a portion of Horicon, sketches of which are given elsewhere in this work. In 1840, A. H. Atwater came to the county, looking for a homestead, and located a claim, but returned home and came back in 1842. In the mean time (in the spring of 1841), Maj. Pratt located in the town and built a small log house, which was dignified with the name of tavern, and which still stands in the rear of the present hotel kept by H. C. Griffin-the only hotel now in the village of Oak Grove. For one year, Maj. Pratt was not bothered with neighbors, and was "all alone in his glory ; " but in the spring of 1842, Ethan Owen settled near by and erected his family mansion of hewn logs, which was afterward converted by him into a tavern and known as Owen's Hotel. A. H. Atwater, as previously stated, returned in this year and built his cabin upon the quarter he yet owns. Mr. Atwater, without doubt, is now the oldest resident settler in the town. A year or two later, other parts of the town began to be settled, especially in the northeast corner, near the present village of Horicon. Among the number was John Chandler, who located, in the fall of 1844, on what is now the Birge farm, including the site of the brick residence recently purchased by C. W. Farnham. Chandler's nearest neighbor was James English, who lived at Burnett, and at whose place he and his son, Isaac H. Chandler (the latter now a resident of Horicon), boarded while cutting the logs for their house. The few settlers in Rolling Prairie were invited to attend the "raising" of the Chandler mansion, and, in going thither, got lost, and found themselves on the banks of Rock River, five miles below. Had this occurred after the " raising," it would have been a matter of less surprise ; for there is good authority for stating that Mr. Chandler was not at all niggardly, and that this especial "raising" was attended by the customary social demonstrations of such occasions. At that time, Horicon was known as Hubbard's Rapids. William Sutton also located a quarter-section, adjoining John Chandler's claim, in the same fall. Going to Canada for his family, he returned in the spring, and built thereon a rude frame house,
408
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
purchasing his lumber in Beaver Dam. The first public road surveyed through the town was on the line of the old Indian trail from Watertown to Fox Lake, and is yet a great thorough- fare. The first marriage of which we have record as taking place in the town was that of Sam- uel P. Vinton and Caroline Owen, and the first death was that of Joseph Payne. Mr. Payne, a short time previous to his death, deeded a lot for burial purposes, and was the first to be buried therein. His demise was followed by the death of three of the children of Morris Grout, who died of small-pox, brought into the neighborhood through the ignorance of a doctor who took from the arm of a patient suffering from that disease a quantity of virus, with which he vaccinated a number of persons, thus introducing it into their systems.
As illustrating one phase of the trials and tribulations encountered in those early days by the intrepid frontiersman, Judge Hiram Barber, one of the old pioneers of Dodge County (his residence dates back to 1844), relates an incident in his early experience which is worth a place in these pages. The Judge was "haying" on the east side of Rock River. He had left a couple of men at work and crossed to the west side of the stream, and was seated in front of his - log cabin (which stood about two miles east of the present site of Juneau), repairing a rake, when four Indians came up and offered, in exchange for whisky, a bundle of buckskins. The
Judge refused to favor them, and they took their departure south, going to Watertown. On the following day, they again made their appearance, being very noticeably under the influence of liquor. The largest, and, perhaps, the drunkest, of the four essayed the uninvited act of enter- ing the cabin, but Judge Barber reached the door first and slammed it in the Indian's face, remaining on the outside to await further developments. The Indian attempted to push the Judge aside, but was himself pushed. He then tried to grapple with his pale-faced adversary, but, in so doing, received a blow upon the head from an oaken club, which felled him to the ground. Being a man of good physique, and " as tough as a pine knot," he was soon upon his feet, and, grasping a pitchfork, which lay near the spot whereon he had measured his length, he advanced upon the Judge, who, being unarmed and a man of good sense, retreated backward to the rear of the cabin, the savage following him closely. The first favorable opportunity, the Judge darted beneath the upraised tines of the fork, seized and wrenched it from the hands of his pursuer, and, with a powerful blow, felled the red rascal to the earth, breaking the handle of the instrument in twain. But even this did not finish the Indian. He recovered immediately, and renewed the attack. The Judge, by this time, became convinced that nothing but powder and lead would silence him. Remembering his loaded rifle within the cabin, he started to get it, but when he reached the door, his assailant, the blood streaming from his long black hair, was close upon him. After another slight struggle with the infuriated fiend, the Judge gained the threshold and closed and bolted the door, but before he could get his gun and examine its " priming," so as to guard against a "flash in the pan," he heard a yell, and looking from a window, saw the drunken Indians, including the one he had twice knocked down, scampering in different directions through the woods.
But those times are now of the past, and the red man no more troubles the people of this section. That country which was once his home is now that of his pale-faced brother, and, instead of the wigwam, we see palatial farmhouses, surrounded by all the evidences of civiliza- tion, and, in contrast, we here append statistics of Oak Grove for the year 1879 : There were 22,331 acres of cultivatable land, valued at $864,415; of wheat, were sown 5,649 acres ; corn, 1,335 ; oats, 1,271; barley, 908; rye, 24; potatoes, 161; apple orchards, 166; grasses, 2,371. Population in 1870, not including Juneau, 2,185.
BURNETT.
The first settlement of this town, which is located Town 12 north, Range 15 east, dates back to 1842, a man by the names of Jewett being the pioneer. Soon after or at the same time, came James A. and Timothy Williams, who settled on what is now known as the Spring Grove farm. George Smith and others of that family came in 1843, making their homes near Burnett Corners, while Uncle McConnell built his cabin in the southeast corner of the town, near the present
409
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
village of Horicon. A mail route was established early in 1846, with a post office at Burnett Cor- ners, and Lyman Smith received the appointment of Postmaster. He has ever since retained the position, and, without doubt. has held his commission for a longer period than any other Postmaster in the State. The town is principally a rich, rolling prairie land, well watered by living streams, and a soil unsurpassed in this section. Here is located the well-known Spring Grove farm, probably the finest in the State, and owned by H. B. Sherman. The farm con- sists of nearly a section of land, and is supplied with every convenience that money can buy, and supports some of the finest stock in the State.
At the Corners are two churches, Masonic Hall, store, blacksmith-shop and several res- idences. The town, in 1870, had a population of 981. In 1879, there were assessed 19,662 acres of land, valued at $687,401, an average of about $35 an acre. There were in cultiva- tion, of wheat, 4,830 acres; corn, 1,256; oats, 1,068; barley, 785; rye, 27 ; potatoes, 100; apple-orchards, 140; grasses, 1,237.
CHESTER.
This is the center of the northern tier of towns, being Town 13 north, Range 15 east, and is very thickly settled. Two railroads traverse it from north to south, viz., the C., M. & St. P. and the C. & N. There is a small station on the latter known as Atwater Station, while on the former is Chester Station, situated near the northern line and about two miles east of the city of Waupun.
A portion of the city of Waupun being situated in Dodge County, therefore its history is given in its proper place in this work. The State Penitentiary is here located. There are several cheese-factories in this town, and this branch of industry is largely developed. The town business is transacted at Atwater Station. Population in 1870 was 1,876. In 1879, there were reported to the Assessor, 22,100 acres of land, valued at $377,765. There were in wheat the same year, 3,700 acres ; corn, 660; oats, 666; barley, 195; rye, 24; potatoes, 77; apple- orchards, 116; grasses, 990.
LEBANON.
Situated on the southern line Town 13 north, Range 16 east. There is not a village or post office in the town, it being an exclusively farming community, its almost entire population being Germans, many of whom have been here for upward of a quarter of a century, and who have, by hard labor, felled the forests, cleared away the stumps, and made for themselves homes of ease and comfort. Churches and schoolhouses abound. Among the former we note the following :
Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Society, organized in Prussia during the winter of 1843, and its organization transferred to this country. Rev. Mr. Kinderman came to America and settled among them as their first Pastor, and remained about two years, their meetings being held in the settlers' cabins. Mr. Kinderman was succeeded by the Rev. L. Geyer. A log church was built by the society in 1845. Mr. Geyer was followed by Rev. George Link, and he in turn by the present Pastor, Rev. Henry Allwardt. A new and handsome church edifice was erected in 1861. The congregation now numbers about one hundred and twenty families, and is in a very flourishing condition.
St. Matthias Evangelical Lutheran Society was organized in 1850, the first meetings being held in a schoolhouse. The first Pastor of the society was Rev. John Bading, who was succeeded by Rev. A. Lange, and he in turn by Rev. F. Zeigler, the present Pastor. A new church house was built in 1859. The congregation now numbers twelve families.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Society was organized in 1848, its first meetings being held in the schoolhouse, by the present Pastor, Rev. Erdman Pinkow. A substantial brick church was erected in 1854. The congregation numbers about sixty families.
The German Baptist Church .- This society was organized and a small log church built in 1849. The society becoming stronger, and the country becoming more thickly settled, the need of a larger and better edifice was apparent; therefore, in 1868, another building was erected, and is yet occupied as their place of worship. The first Pastor was Rev. Mr. Guinn.
410
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
In 1870, the population of the town was 1,621. In 1879, the area of land was given at 22,484 acres. There were in cultivation, of wheat, 3,767 acres ; corn, 778; oats, 903; barley, 524 ; rye, 228; potatoes, 112; apple orchards, 68; grasses, 992.
HUSTISFORD.
This town is known as Town 10.north, Range 16 east, and is one of the wealthiest in the county. From a well-written article from the pen of Hon. John Hustis, which appeared in the Dodge County Directory in 1872, we extract the following :
" In former times, the Rock River divided the territory of the Indians, the Menominees occupying the east side, and the Winnebagoes the west, each having a village on the present site of the village of Hustisford. The adjacent country abounded in deer and furred animals, and the streams were full of fish. The Fox tribe of Indians formerly occupied this country, and Hustisford was known as the City of the Foxes. A tradition among the Indians represented that this country in former times was occupied by the Maudau tribes, who were expelled by the Foxes, and they in turn were driven out by the Menominees and Winnebagoes.
" On digging the canal for hydraulic purposes, at Hustisford, large quantities of Indian bones were unearthed, as if buried in a trench after a battle. On a high ridge in the southwest quarter of Section 10, the property of Charles P. Lovell, Esq., is a remarkable series of very large mounds. Indian tradition could give no account of their origin, but they are supposed to have been the work of the Toltecs, who formerly worked the copper mines of Lake Superior, and were in alliance with the Mexicans and abandoned this country, the valleys of the Ohio and Upper Mississippi, at the time of the invasion of Mexico by Cortez.
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.