USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin, containing a history of Dodge County, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc > Part 62
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" The first settlement of the town of Hustisford was made in 1844, by one Beardsley, who located himself on the Wild Cat, where John W. Cole afterward laid off his addition to the vill- age of Hustisford. In June, 1845, Mr. Hustis commenced the erection of a tree-dam across the Rock River, under a charter procured from the Legislature, but the gravel- ing of the dam was not completed by his contractor, Harvey Butler, until the following year. During the spring and summer of 1845, the fine character of the maple-timbered land east of Rock River, and oak openings and small prairies on the west side of this town, attracted the attention of settlers, and Messrs. Sybrant Hall, Daniel Fletcher, William Jacob, David Cardwell, Runy Sawyer, Ira Bickford, Enoch Straw, James McDermott, George W. Martin, Rauford Lovell and Croel Thompson, settled on the east side of the river, and Symmes Butler, Harvey Butler, Ira Jones, Benjamin Randall, Benjamin Gauger, George Baker, Frank Rider, Isaac Burgess, Obed Freeman, Roswell Gates, Edmunds Wiltse and many others, made settlements on the west side.
" In 1845, Messrs. Gale & Porter erected a saw-mill on the Wild Cat, near its junction with Rock River, and the next year, J. Hustis completed a saw-mill on the canal below his dam. In 1851, he constructed a flouring and grist mill farther down on the canal, below his dam.
" The lands of this town are equally adapted to grazing and grain-growing, and there is no portion of the State where the farmers are more thrifty. Many of them have large sums of money loaned out at interest, and others are purchasing additions to their farms."
Among the productive industries of the town are the cheese-factories, seven in number, some of which have been in operation a number of years, and all doing well, finding a ready market for every pound made. But one kind is made-the Limburger, which, in every market in the country, commands the very highest price.
The first death in the town was that of Mr. Porter, one of the owners of the mill on Wild Cat, who died in 1847. Mr. Porter was a candidate, that year, for membership in the Consti- tutional Convention, and died during the canvass.
The Methodists have the honor of first proclaiming the Gospel here, after whom came the Congregationalists. This town has now a reputation for fine horses, there being here some of the finest in the State. It is also a good stock country.
411
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
In 1879, there were assessed 21,821 acres of land, valued at $412,989. In cultivation of wheat, 3,614 ; corn, 1,967; oats, 1,106 ; barley, 568; rye, 68; potatoes, 111 ; apple orchards, 83; grasses, 1,081.
HUBBARD.
In some respects this is the most important town in the county, as here is found iron ore in inexhaustible quantities, which is destined to yield many thousands of dollars to the owners of the mines, and directly and indirectly benefit every citizen living in the neighbor- hood. In another part of this history will be found an account of the operations of the com- pany now owning the mines, and an estimate of the business being done.
The first settlement of which we find record was in 1845, Caleb Northrup being the pioneer. G. Taylor, J. H. Warren, J. Loop, H. Mace and others came shortly after. The first school in the town was in 1846, located on Section 3. Rev. James W. Burton preached the first sermon in the township in 1846, and, in the following year, the German Lutherans built a house of worship on Section 35. There are now in the town eight churches. Much of the history of this town will be found in the history of the village of Horicon, and therefore we give a very brief notice of many things. The first mill was built by Larrabee & Co. in 1847, on Rock River, in the present village of Horicon. The town is traversed by two railroads-the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria, the history of which is given elsewhere. There are under cultivation in the town 21,205 acres of land, and some of the best in the county. Wheat is the principal product.
WILLIAMSTOWN.
This town is bounded on the north by Le Roy, on the south by Hubbard, on the east by Theresa, and on the west by Burnett. It is in Town 12 north, Range 16 east, and is a timber country. Its first settlers were the Fosters, Mays, Palmers and others, and its history dates back to 1845. There are two villages in the town, Mayville and Kekoskee. The Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria Railroad traverses the eastern part from north to south, giving the farmers, merchants and others the conveniences incident thereto. There are subject to assessment 21,293 acres of land, valued at $602,915. In 1870, the population of the town was 2,305. In 1879, we find in cultivation, of wheat, 4,726 acres ; corn, 785 ; oats, 694 ; barley, 398; rye, 140 ; potatoes, 102; apple orchards, 169 ; grasses, 1,223.
LE ROY.
In the fall of 1845, Alfred Lamberson settled in the present town of Le Roy. He was fol- lowed shortly afterward by Rufus Cowles, Austin Graves, C. Holdridge, David Niles, C. and B. Parrish, Ira Hodge, H. Barnes, James Patrick and B. G. Gill. Together with their respec- tive families, these gentlemen formed quite a respectable settlement.
In fulfillment of the command to "multiply and replenish the earth," a daughter was born unto Mr. and Mrs. Servis, to whom was given the name of Emma. W. D. Barnes was the first male child, born July 19, 1849. The first death in the town was that of a son of Austin Graves. The first school in the town was in 1849. A schoolhouse was built about the same time, on Section 12. A better schoolhouse was erected in 1854, which still stands, and the school is that of District No. 2. There are nine schoolhouses in the town. The Catholics and Methodist Episcopal denominations furnish the spiritual food for the citizens of the town, the former erecting a church house as early as 1849, located on Section 26. For the convenience of the people, a post office was established on Section 25, in 1848, to which was given the name of Farmersville. B. G. Gill was the first Postmaster. Sebastian Weinberger is the present Postmaster. Another post office was afterward established in Section 1, to which was given the name of Le Roy. Gill & Lamberson were the proprietors of the first mill in the town, built in 1847, on Lamberson's Creek. Austin Graves opened the first store, on Section 1, about the year 1850. The town is in the northern tier of towns in the county, Town 13 north,
412
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Range 16 east, and is a fine farming country, with a thrifty population. It contains 23,000 acres of land. The principal trading-point is Waupun, though Mayville comes in for a share of its trade.
ASHIPPUN
lies in the extreme southeast part of the county, and is bounded on the south by Waukesha County, and on the east by Washington. It is principally settled by Norwegians, but with large representations of English, Germans and other nationalities. It is an exclusively farming community, there being no village of any considerable size in it. There are two post offices here, Ashippun and Alderly, both being small villages. There are several churches and school- houses in the town ; therefore, the moral and intellectual welfare of the people is attended to. We find, in 1879, a total number of 22,809 acres returned to the Assessor, valued at $354,439. Also, in that year, were in cultivation, of wheat, 4,167 acres ; corn, 1,082; oats, 938 ; barley, 337 ; rye, 32; potatoes, 95; apple orchards, 185; grasses, 1,560. In 1870, it had a popula- tion of 1,623.
RUBICON.
The history of the town is comprised in that of the two villages, Rubicon and Neosho. Suffice it to say, its history dates back to the year 1845, and to Daniel E. Cotton is given the honor of being the first white man to make for himself a home within its boundaries. He arrived here in February of that year. Soon after his arrival, he commenced the erection of a saw-mill. In the following spring, Dennison Baker located here, together with a number of others, and it was not long before the town was well settled, for a new country. Its organiza- tion as a town government was completed in 1846, and the following Board was elected : Sylvester Taylor, Chairman ; Dennison Baker, Assessor ; Nelson Chase, Collector ; John S. Terry and Ryland Parker, Justices of the Peace. There are several large streams, with good water-power, traversing the town. The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad passes through the northeastern part. At present, there are three post offices, viz., Rubicon, Neosho and Fremont. In 1870, the population of the town was 1,995. In 1879, the Assessor reported 22,888 acres of land, valued at $420,804; and, also, in cultivation, of wheat, 5,415; corn, 1,448 ; oats, 850 ; barley, 246; rye, 75; potatoes, 136 ; apple orchards, 182 ; grasses, 1,415.
HERMAN.
This town, like many others in the county, was originally settled by Eastern people, but as we write (January, 1880), there are within its boundaries but three American families, the rest being Germans, who have from time to time purchased of its first inhabitants the fine farms which we now see and admire. The entire town is woodland, therefore it required hard, earnest work to clear the land. But it is an acknowledged fact that timber-land for many purposes is more valuable than prairie, and our German fellow-citizens appreciate its value for growing wheat, and are ever ready to purchase land for that purpose. There are two post offices in the town, Herman and Woodland, the latter of which is a pleasant little village on the C., M. & St. P. R. R. The town is bounded on the north by Theresa, on the south by Rubicon, on the west by Hub- bard, and on the east by Washington County. In 1870, it had a population of 1,955. In 1879, was reported to the Assessor 23,280 acres of land, valued at $718,077, and in cultivation, of wheat, 6,747; corn, 1,513; oats, 1,096; barley, 410; rye, 55; potatoes, 87; apple orchards, 177 ; grasses, 2,577. Of the early history of the town, we learn the first schoolhouse was erected in 1847. in the present District No. 7, on Section 30, and a school was kept there that same year. The first sermon preached was by a Methodist minister, at the house of Martin Shultz, Sr., in 1847, and the first church was erected in 1851, on Section 14. There are at present in the town three Lutheran and two Catholic Churches. Rev. C. Gausewitz and Rev. Mr. Opitz are the Lutheran ministers, and Father Schaaf, the Catholic. A post office was established in 1849, and given the name of Herman, E. Dake being the first Postmaster. Charles Ringle is the present efficient incumbent of that office. The town is well supplied with schoolhouses, there being eleven in it.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
THERESA.
This town, like that of Herman, is peopled almost entirely by Germans and is very densely populated, having 2,248 inhabitants in 1870, and numbering in 1879, about 2,500. It is an almost entire farming community, there being but one small village within its territory, that of Theresa, lying about six miles east of Mayville. It has four churches and eight schoolhouses. . In 1879, we find assessed 22,690 acres, valued at $694,537, and in cultivation of wheat, 6,028 acres ; corn, 676; oats, 947; barley, 357; rye, 200; potatoes, 120; apple orchards, 100; grasses, 1,574.
LOMIRA.
In Town 13 north, Range 17 east, in the extreme northeastern part, lies the town of Lomira, an exclusively farming town, there being no village within its boundary, though there is one post office. The nearest trading-points for her people are Mayville and Waupun. The population in 1870 was 1,905, and almost exclusively Germans. In 1879, were reported for assessment 23,446 acres, showing very little unavailable land. This was valued at $813,278. There were also returned as in cultivation, of wheat, 6,080; corn, 788; oats, 1,180; barley, 510; rye, 37; potatoes, 158; apple orchards, 127 ; grasses, 1,295.
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CHAPTER VI.
BEAVER DAM.
THE GARDEN CITY-ITS HISTORY FROM THE PENS AND TONGUES OF EARLY SETTLERS-GROWTH- MANUFACTURES-THE ABORIGINES-BURSTING OF THE DAM-CONFLAGRATIONS-THIE POST- OFFICE-HOTELS-STEAMBOATS-GOVERNMENT-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-THE VITA SPRING- BANKS-PERRY'S CAR-COUPLER-PUBLIC HALLS-THE RACE COURSE-THE FIRE DEPART- MENT-SOCIETIES-THE NEW CITY HALL-CEMETERIES.
THE GARDEN CITY.
Upon the eastern shore of a placid lake, nestling beneath the brow and along the crest of a semicircular hill of such gradual elevation and gentle slope that the housetops in the dimpled valleys on either side are scarcely hidden one from the other ; shaded by the branches of lovely maples, elms and oaks, clustered here and there together in veritable Eden bowers ; wrapped in an atmosphere whose balmy, life-prolonging breath fans you in the face at every step and meets you round the corner like a perfumed zephyr escaped from Paradise, lies the city of Beaver Dam-the Garden City of Dodge County-noted for its palatial residences, and enterprising citizens, and famed for its beautiful women and 'chivalric men.
Suche is the picture. What the place has been, who the individuals that built it, what their privations and tribulations, we leave to abler pens, to whiter heads, to those who bore a part in the grand undertakings and achievements that have resulted in the phenomenal growth of Beaver Dam, and made its founders illustrious.
BEAVER DAM THIRTY-FOUR YEARS AGO.
In 1871, the following able and interesting paper was read before the Sewing Society of the ladies of theBaptist Church, at their quarter-centennial anniversary, by ex-Congressman S. D. Burchard. It is replete with incidents of the early history of Beaver Dam :
"In looking back over the last quarter of a century, at the city in embryo, you will, I know, be willing to go one step further, where you can look upon its inception. In the month of March, 1841, five years before the time of which I may properly speak, Thomas Mackie came to what is now the site of the city of Beaver Dam, with the purpose of making for him- self a home. The nearest settlement upon the north, at that time, was at Fox Lake, where three or four families (in all, about ten souls) had located. East, the nearest settlement was at Hyland Corners. Amasa Hyland, Luther and John Cole, and a brother of Mr. S. M. Stanton, had settled themselves; and their cabin, with its bachelor comforts, offered a welcome resting- place for the pioneer settler seeking a home. South, between here and Watertown, the first evidence of civilization was a log shanty, about four miles this side of Watertown. West, at Columbus, Maj. Dickson had located, and, between this place and his settlement, there were Mr. Mackie at once proceeded to build a house, locating it near and a no white inhabitants.
little west of the Mackie Spring, the head of Spring Brook, which runs through the city. Since the stars sang together, the spring which now bears his name had sent its sparkling waters on their way to slake the thirst of the red deer, or cool the brow of the tawny hunter who pursued it; and now, for the first time, its crystal surface mirrored back the face of the white man, as Mr. Mackie stooped to quench his thirst in its liquid coolness. Here, he built the first house which was built in Beaver Dam. The old house may still be seen where he placed it, and its builder is still a citizen in our midst. The one was always open and welcome to the tired traveler; but age and the march of improvement have robbed it of its usefulness ; gray
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Bons July BEAVER DAM .
Born December 18 , 1818 m augusta ainda Co. Died March 14, 1989
417
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
hairs have silvered the head of its builder, but the heart of the old pioneer is still young-is . still open to the appeals of humanity. All honor to Thomas Mackie, the pioneer of Beaver Dam; for, through all the changes of these many years, in his conquest of the virgin soil, and his more recent struggles with men wiser and more avaricious than himself, he has never swerved from his devotion to principle; he has never been cast down by the reverses of fortune. He may and did brush the mist from his eyes, as the fruit of all this sacrifice and toil was wrested from him by the strong arm of the law; the great heart was for a moment broken and stirred to the bottom, until it ran over with great drops of bitterness; but it was only for a moment, and the serene spirit of contentment, which reigned in his household and in his heart through those early days, returned and dwelt with him again. Another altar is reared under the roof-tree which he established; another seeks shelter from the noonday sun beneath the vine which he planted; but, rich in that contentment which money cannot purchase-proud in the knowledge that he stands charged with no man's misfortune, crowned with the confidence and respect of all who know him-who shall say that Thomas Mackie hath not by far the most abundant and the most enduring riches ?
" But time and space allowed me will not permit further digression from my theme. One by one, attracted by the beauty of the location, and its natural advantages, men settled here, and the forest which covered the present site of the city was gradually cleared away to make homes for their families. The population increased slowly, for the price required to be paid for a home was sufficient to deter all but men of strong and willing hands, and stout hearts. Not in money, for the land was subject to entry at a nominal price, but in toil and hardship, in privation and all of the inconvenience incident to the life of the pioneer. The nearest lake port was Milwaukee, the nearest grist-mill Oconomowoc. To take wheat to mill and return required eight days of tedious travel, and on the trip five nights were required to be spent in the open air.
" In 1846, twenty-five years ago, the population of Beaver Dam consisted of not more than 120 souls. It may be of interest to you to know the occupation and place of residence of these early settlers. Abraham Ackerman, recently deceased, lived near the spring, west of the barn upon the Ackerman place in the Second Ward. . He was at this time engaged in farming, and also held the office of Probate Judge of the county. Henry Stultz lived on the site of the house recently occupied by C. W. Daniels, Esq. He also was engaged in farming, and also worked at his trade of blacksmithing. Mr. S. was the first blacksmith in the city, and one of the first settlers, having settled here in 1842. Jacob P. Brower lived where the brick building recently occupied by Warren & Bailey as a hardware store now stands, and kept the Exchange Hotel. Moses Ordway, whose form was familiar to most of you, lived upon what is now Madison street. He was the same zealous worker in business and in the church then as more recently, when we had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He supplied by his experience a want which had pressed sorely upon the little community, and erected the first grist-mill upon the stream. It was a small affair as compared with its successor, but the necessities of the people vested it with an importance which we of this day find it difficult to realize. There was great rejoicing and hand shakings, and congratulation, as the snowy flour escaped from between the upper and nether stones of Ordway's mill for the first time. The original building is now used by William Fox as a blacksmith-shop, it having been removed in 1848 to give place to a larger structure. Mr. Goetschius lived just east of the Mackie Spring, across the Fox Lake road, which then passed near to and east of the residence of Mr. Mackie. Asa Jenkins lived with Mr. Mackie, and Mr. A. Horn lived where A. P. Lawrence's store now stands. J. M. How and Gideon How lived on what is now Madison street, on the site at present occupied by Joseph Hummel's saloon. Here, in the spring of 1846, my informant attended the first prayer-meeting which he was present at in Beaver Dam. The house built by the Hows, from which twenty-five years ago ascended the voice of prayer and praise to heaven, has been removed, and in its place is seen a commodious brick edifice known as Hummel's saloon, where thirsty souls imbibe copious draughts of lager beer on Sundays. The garments of the Genius of Prayer, sometimes in ' her march, are soiled with the dust of travel. It seems so here. Rev. Mr. Montgomery, Presbyterian
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
minister, built and occupied the house now owned and occupied by Mr. G. B. Chatfield. Rev. Mr. Pillsbury, Baptist, lived north of the present depot, and near Sylvester Cole's resi- dence. Dr. Kimball, whom many of you will recollect, resided in the house now owned and occupied by William Wade. The house was then by far the most extensive and expensive pri- vate residence in the village, and so remained for many years. We do not learn that its owner assumed any airs of superiority for this reason. Dr. Manchester lived in a house which stood on the present site of William Wade's carriage factory. William Weed lived over the old mill store, and was the first foundryman in Dodge County. Malcolm Sellers and wife boarded with him. James Connor lived in the west end of the house in which Mrs. Waldhier now resides, on Madison street. Sumner Cole lived in a house which stood on the present site of Spuhler & Schluckabier's store. W. T. Bidwell occupied the house in which Mr. R. C. Gaton now lives. The house then stood on the present site of R. V. Bogart's residence. D. E. Hays lived in the house now owned and occupied by Joseph Brownlow, in the First Ward. Mr. La Jess lived on Madison street, and Nelson Brobriant boarded with him. William Savage kept a wagon-shop where Adam Caspiar now follows the same business, and lived in or over his shop. C. S. Snow lived in a part of Bidwell's house, and sold goods in a one-story building near where the Music Hall now stands. Hiram Dodge, a resident of this city at this time, was clerk for him, and boarded at the Exchange Hotel. Mr. Putney cared for the understanding of the people by making and mending their boots and shoes in a small building east of the old mill store, and near the present residence of Mr. J. A. Williams. John Van Eps kept for sale a general assort- ment of goods in a store west of and near where the Washington House now stands, and lived in the house now occupied by Louis Kress, in the First Ward. Mr. Manahan lived on the lot adjoining Van Eps' store, and also kept a small stock of merchandise in a building adjoining his house. Mr. Manahan was also Postmaster, and kept the post office in his store. Frank Blod- gett was a partner of Mr. Van Eps, and lived west of and adjoining Horn's, near the old Haight Block. Dan Benjamin made himself illustrious by building the Eagle tavern over Spring Brook, where Stultz & Carroll now have a paint-shop. The building still stands near its origi- nal. site, and is used by Smith & Ellis as a marble-shop. Mr. Benjamin was a tinner by trade, and made the first stove-pipes manufactured in the city. His stove-pipe and tinware were fashioned on a piece of round iron driven into a tree. A piece of square iron also driven in the tree served as an anvil. His pipe possessed this peculiarity, that, while it could not be drawn out to any desired length, it could be shortened at will by telescoping, as he had no machinery for swedging check-rings on it.
" The Angel of Hate cast the shadow of his wing for the first time over the community at this point, and in the basement of Dan Benjamin's tavern the devil developed the skirmish line of the grand army which destroys mankind with rum. The cloven-footed gentleman soon after suffered an ignominious defeat. A party of ladies, filled with righteous indignation, and led by Mrs. Bremnan, attacked the saloon, smashed decanters, broke glasses, and sent the liquor to mingle with the purer element that flowed beneath. This was, I believe, the first public asser- tion of the rights of women in the community, and the astonished Dan, ruefully gazing upon the wreck of his worldly possessions, was forced to admit that in this instance, at least, her cause was just.
" Charles S. Bristol, better known as Charley Bristol, lived opposite Beaver street bridge on Madison street, in the house at present owned by Mrs. Spuhler. He was a lawyer, and kept his office in the west wing of his residence. G. W. Green, also a lawyer, had his office in the office of Jacob P. Brower, who was at that time Register of Deeds of Dodge County. The office stood on the south side of Front street, on the site at present owned and occupied by John Mc- Hugh. G. A. Thompson lived in the house now occupied by Mr. Liebig; it is the first house west of the new schoolhouse in the First Ward. Mr. Thompson was employed in the grist-mill, and was the first miller in Beaver Dam. Mr. Vine Taylor, his father-in-law, lived on the lot now owned by James A. Williams, in the First Ward. Joseph McNeil occupied the house adjoining Mr. Hosmer's residence, and worked about the saw-mill. Our townsman, Samuel
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