USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin, containing a history of Dodge County, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc > Part 70
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CHAPTER VII.
FOX LAKE.
THE PARENT SETTLEMENT-PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT-ORGANIZATION AND VILLAGE ROSTER- EARLY SETTLERS-THE POST OFFICE-HOTELS-THE RAILROAD-BANKS-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES -SOCIETIES-THE OLD SETTLERS' CLUB-THE LAKE-GROWTH-ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
THE PARENT SETTLEMENT.
The first permanent settlement in Dodge County was made in March, 1838, by Jacob P. Brower, a brief sketch of whose life and services appears in another part of this work. In 1836, Mr. Brower came from his home in Jefferson County, N. Y., and, stopping for a short period in Milwaukee, made a prospecting tour on horseback through the Territory of Wisconsin, as far west as the present site of Madison. From there he went to Green Bay, passing through Green Lake County on his route. When eighteen miles out from Fort Winnebago, his horse was stolen by Indians, and he was compelled to return to the Fort on foot, where he obtained another horse, and set out for the second time for Green Bay. Arriving there, he was further reminded of "man's inhumanity to man," by being in some way victimized by certain individ- uals then connected with the land office at that place. But he reached his home in the Empire State in safety, and the next season returned to the then Far West, bringing with him his family and locating at Sheboygan, where he remained about one year. In March, 1838, he found himself the legal possessor of a claim on the northern shore of a beautiful lake, whose waters were almost as transparent as the rarefied air beneath the blue-vaulted heavens. Here he found a band of Winnebago Indians, headed by a chief named Mach-koo-kah, and a subordinate afterward styled "Dandy " by the early settlers, because of the magnificence of his paint and feathers and the number of squaws who claimed him as their liege lord. The band varied in num- bers, at times ranging from one hundred to five hundred. Though the Winnebagoes were the most savage of the various tribes then inhabiting Wisconsin, Mr. Brower managed to get along with his dusky neighbors without any trouble; in fact, during the remainder of his life (about eight years), he was never molested by them. He soon came to comprehend their language, and from them learned that the Indian name of the lovely lake upon whose shores he had located was "Hosh-a-rac-ah-tah," signifying Fox Lake. Hosh-a-rac-ah-tah was soon "corrupted " into the more euphonious word Waushara (which really means fish-spear), and by the latter name the postoffice of Fox Lake was known until 1850.
Of course, the pioneer's first work was the construction of a rude log house for the accom- modation of his extensive family, whose arrival was daily anticipated. This he built upon that portion of his claim now known as the Stoddard farm, being assisted in the work by his father, Paul Brower, and his sons, George W. and John L. Brower, the two latter still being residents of Fox Lake. In November of the same year, Mr. Brower disposed of his claim to Henry Merrill, and during the following month entered 240 acres in the name of Gov. Doty, on the south side of the lake, within the southern limits of the present village. There he
erected, on the west side of the river, a double log house, and made immediate prepara- tions for improving what he very wisely considered to be a valuable water-power. About the same date, Hamilton Stevens, with his family, arrived within hearing distance of the sound of Mr. Brower's ax, and, taking a mental survey of the surroundings, concluded to pitch his tent and cast his fortunes among the stalwart oaks. He entered the land upon which the principal part of the village now stands, and built a cabin, which stood, according to both the original and present surveys of the village, upon the north, side of Hamilton street.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
John Van Eps and Julius H. Williams were the next enterprising pioneers to follow in the wake of Messrs. Brower and Stevens. The foregoing is a brief outline of the facts connected with the first settlement of Fox Lake, as well as that of Dodge County.
PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT.
In the fall of 1841, Mr. Brower removed to Beaver Dam (see Chapter VI) and, returning to Fox Lake three years later, commenced the construction of a dam and saw-mill on his land. The work was vigorously prosecuted, and in October, 1845, the first effectual revolution of the machinery was made. The great demand for lumber kept the mill and its proprietor in almost perpetual motion. Prior to the completion of this mill, but little progress seems to have been made toward the subtantial improvement of Fox Lake. About that date Mechanics (or Cork) and Hamilton streets were the principal thoroughfares, and less than half a dozen log tene- ments had been erected. Chief among these was the Sheboygan House, the first. structure deserving or claiming the name of hotel. It still stands upon the corner of Center and Hamil- ton streets, and, we believe, is occupied by Mr. Minehan as a residence, necessary improve- ments having been made at various times. But the incessant buzz of Mr. Brower's saw was followed by the usual results. Neat and comfortable frame houses were soon to be seen looming up in every direction. A grist-mill was next in order, and this Mr. Brower had but just com- menced, when his untimely death in . November, 1846, temporarily checked not only the prog- ress of Fox Lake, but also the phenomenal growth of Beaver Dam, where he had succeeded in earning distinction as an enterprising citizen. His sons, George W. and John L. Brower, soon afterward assumed the task of carrying out the designs of their father, and in August, 1851, the citizens of Fox Lake were fortunately favored with the advantages of a good grist- mill, which they long continued to enjoy. The Brower Brothers found more profit in the grind- ing of grain than in the sawing of lumber, and, consequently, the saw-mill was virtually aban- doned.
In 1854, R. W. Drinkwater built a dam and saw-mill at a point on the river a mile south of the Brower mill. In 1856, J. L. Brower & Co. purchased this institution, and have since torn away and rebuilt the dam, upon which they are now erecting a large grist-mill. The original Brower mill was destroyed by fire on the 15th of February, 1878, after which the proprietors sold the power to Coman & Morrison, who built upon the old basement an exten- sive flouring-mill, which they own at the present time.
ORGANIZATION.
The first election in the town of Fox Lake under the Territorial government, was held on the 7th day of April, 1846. At this election the following town officers were duly elected; as appears by the return on file in the Clerk's office, in the hand-writing of Stoddard Judd: Supervisors, Stoddard Judd (Chairman), John Schamburgh and Darius J. Wells ; Clerk, John L. Brower ; Justices, Harvey P. Farrington, Alonzo Hawley, Lawrence H. Van Buren; Com- missioners of Highways, James Evans, Freeman Keith and Vincent Goldsmith ; Assessors, Manderville Burgit, Warren C. Ricard and John Cruden ; Commissioners of Schools, Alonzo Hawley, G. C. Simons and Joseph Thomas ; Collector, Benjamin Ferguson ; Treasurer, Julius C. Williams ; Constables, Putnam Farrington, John P. Putnam and Benjamin Ferguson ; Sealer, Cornelius De Reimer.
This return is certified by Stoddard Judd, Chairman, and Gamaliel C. Simmons, Clerk. This is the first written record of any election held in this place, previous to that time Fox Lake being but a voting-precinct, the records of which have not been preserved. In the fall of the same year a general election was held for members of the State Council, Constitutional Convention and the county officers. At this time the political parties were Whig and Demo- crat, or "Locofoco," the latter being in the majority ; 104 votes were polled.
The first village plat was made in May, 1849, by Judson Prentice, for Stoddard Judd, Elizabeth Judd, Benjamin Ferguson, Phobe Ann Ferguson, L. H. Van Buren and Beulah L.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Van Buren. It was certified to before Quartus H. Barron. Fox Lake continued under town government until the 4th of May, 1858, when, pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of an act ofthe Legislature, entitled " An Act to Incorporate the Village of Fox Lake," the qualified electors of the said village convened at the American House, and chose William J. Dawes and David D. Cheeney, Judges, and Garret T. Hawley, Clerk of Election. Balloting then pro- ceeded for village officers for the ensuing year, resulting as follows: President, Abel Merwin ; Trustees, William D. Barnett, James L. Townsend, Wilson Torrey, William K. Parker, John L. Brower and David D. Thomas ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Francis Hamilton ; Marshal, Newton I. Crocker.
1859-President, Benjamin Ferguson (at this election William E. Smith, now Governor of the State, received one vote for President); Trustees, G. W. Brower, Smith Weed, Isaac W. Tower, John T. Smith, George Jess and John W. Davis; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Darius J. Wells; Marshal, Edward Davis. Smith Weed failed to qualify, and W. H. Lander was chosen to fill the vacancy.
1860-President, John W. Davis ; Trustees, Benjamin Ferguson, Stoddard Judd, William E. Smith, James B. Smith, G. W. Brower and Leland Crocker; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Darius J. Wells ; Marshal, Edward Davis. One vote was cast for William E. Smith, for Marshal.
1861-President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, James B. Smith, George Jess, F. A. Liebenstein, William Shore, Charles Ihrie and Francis Ibberson ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Darius J. Wells ; Marshal, Edward Davis.
1862-President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, William Shore, George Jess, James B. Smith, Charles Ihrie, Francis Ibberson and F. A. Liebenstein ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer ; D. J. Wells; Marshal, O. Waterman.
. 1863-President, Stoddard Judd ; Trustees, James B. Smith, Charles Ihrie, William E. Smith, Francis Ibberson, William Shore, and F. A. Liebenstein ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, James L. Townsend ; Marshal, Lorenzo Goodwin.
1864-President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, D. D. Thomas, W. H. Williams, W. J. Dexter, J. N. Hardy, C. J. Coleman and Edward J. Lindsay ; Clerk, J. V. Fitch ; Treasurer, J. L. Townsend; Marshal, E. W. Thayer.
1865-President, William McCaul ; Trustees, R. D. Evans, E. Evans, John Medley, F. H. Walcott, P. S. Smout and Lewis Smith ; Clerk, Arie Banta; Treasurer, George Hudson ; Marshal, D. O. Fisher.
1866-President, Jonathan W. George; Trustees, Benjamin Ferguson, W. K. Parker, Edmund Purdy, Ira Metcalf, Smith Weed and L. Crocker ; Clerk, Arie Banta; Treasurer, Alonzo Hawley ; Marshal, John Clark.
1867-President, George Jess ; Trustees, D. D. Thomas, S. T. Coman, W. D. Barnett, F. A. Leibenstein, E. Purdy and F. Ibberson ; Clerk, Arie Banta ;/Treasurer, J. R. Townsend ; Marshal, H. Germain, Jr.
1868-President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, Charles Merwin, E. J. Lindsay, James B. Smith, F. A. Leibenstein, J. L. Brower and Jeremiah Williams ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, A. B. Chamberlin ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts.
1869-President, William K. Parker ; Trustees, J. G. Parker, J. J. Roberts, J. Bent, J. Weed, L. Smith and S. M. Willmarth ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; STreasurer, A. B. Chamberlin ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts.
1870-President, Charles Merwin ; Trustees, W. K. Parker, J. Weed, F. A. Leibenstein, Alexander Stark, J. J. Roberts and R. P. Smith ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, A. B. Cham- berlin ; Marshal, Albert Frank ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson.
1871-President, George Jess ; Trustees, Martin Stapleton, Quartus H. Barron, R. P. Smith, C. Merwin, W. W. Jones and F. A. Leibenstein ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, A. B. Chamberlin ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, Arie Banta.
468
HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
1872-President, William K. Parker ; Trustees, J. T. Smith, M. Stapleton, F. A. Leiben- stein, A. Stark, Julius H. Dawes and J. G. Parker; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, W. W. Jones ; Marshal, Virgil L. Reeve ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson.
1873-President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, J. Williams, C. Merwin,. G. W. Brower, J. A. Williams, John Phlipson and R. P. Smith ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, G. F. Town- send ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Supervisor, George Jess.
1874-President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, J. A. Williams, D. D. Thomas, J. Phlipson, G. W. Brower, R. P. Smith and J. H. Dawes ; Clerk, Arie Banta; Treasurer, Hamlin L. Chapman ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts; Constable, William Germain ; Supervisor, George Jess ; Justice of the Peace, D. D. Thomas.
1875-President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, W. P. Dexter, J. A. Williams, C. Mer- win, R. P. Smith, J. Phlipson and John Medley ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, G. J. Davis ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Constable, Virgil L. Reeve ; Supervisor, D. D. Thomas.
1876-President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, J. A. Williams, C. Merwin, Q. H. Barron, Cassim B. Hawes, Raphael L. Parker and Charles H. Eggleston ; Clerk, Arie Banta';
2 Treasurer, Nicholas W. Tarrant ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Constable, James Buckland ; Supervisor, George Jess ; Justice of the Peace, D. D. Thomas.
1877-President, William J. Dexter ; Trustees, R. P. Smith, Henry Clausen, J. H. Reysen, Charles H. Eggleston, D. D. Thomas and G. W. Brower; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treas- urer, N. W. Tarrant ; Marshal, Robinson C. Penny ; Constable, G. D. Roberts ; Supervisor, Charles Merwin.
1878-President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, J. H. Williams, Andrew J. Hammond, C. H. Eggleston, Walter Buckland, William E. Cawley and G. F. Townsend; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, N. W. Tarrant ; Marshal, John Willett, Jr. ; Constable, John N. Hardy ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, W. A. Chapman.
1879-President, J. H. Williams ; Trustees, S. T. Coman, H. Clausen, L. N. Root, J. . B. Smith, Michael Bloedel and J. A. Williams ; Clerk, John Medley ; Treasurer, D. D. Will- iams ; Marshal, Levy Messervey ; Constable, V. L. Reeve ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, A. J. Hammond. J. A. Williams refusing to qualify as Trustee, A. O. Wright was chosen to fill the vacancy.
EARLY SETTLERS.
From 1845, after the completion of Brower's saw-mill, there seems to have been large yearly accessions to the village of Fox Lake and the surrounding towns of Westford, Trenton, etc. In 1849, we find as residents here many whose names are now prominently known as those of early settlers. We append a few, as follows : George W. and John L. Brower, * John Van Eps, * Hamilton Stevens, Darius J. Wells, J. C. Williams, T. T. Blauvelt, * David Green, Q. H. Barron, * Stoddard Judd, George Jess, * Martin Webster, E. Purdy, William E. Smith, * Law- rence. H. Van Buren, *W. D. Barnett, *Stephen D. Grout, Benjamin Ferguson, John W. Davis, Joseph Davis, Alexander Cameron, Alonzo Hawley, D. D. Ashley, John Cruden, Cornelius De Reimer, Joseph Thomas, J. P. Putnam, Mr. Crooker, G. C. Simmons, Perry Farrington, James Evans, *Ebenezer Germain, John Schamburgh, H. L. Smith, William Casey, Michael Mulvany, Manderville Burgit, John Bowe, D. J. Pulling, G. W. Huntley, Vincent Goldsmith, L. J. Stafford, John C. Webster, Putnam Farrington, Oliver O'Hearne and Mr. Rickard.
The " noble " red man has made himself exceedingly scarce of late years. In early days, he was an important part of the commuity ; for he did the hunting and fishing, and sold his venison and pickerel at bed-rock prices. During the summer, the east bank of the creek, between the mill and bridge, was lined with Indian lodges ; in the winter, they built and lived in wigwams on the islands in the lake, Brower's Island being the favorite rendezvous ; and upon the grassy knoll there-since the spacious arena of a thousand picnics and celebrations, public and private-the dusky matrons cultivated limited quantities of corn. The relations of
* Dead.
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a
San ul Eastman
JUNEAU
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
the Indians with the settlers, says Mr. Hotchkiss, were mainly of a friendly nature, save during the brief reign of the famous " Cruden War," in which none were killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Time has greatly toned down the atrocities of this affair, and its participants have had so much fun poked at them, that we will not dwell here upon the fascinating subject, but leave it with the expression of our disinterested opinion that the moving cause of the war is found in the fact that the Saloon de Cruden bartered " fire-water " for muskrat skins without license from the Village Board of Trustees. Indian remains, partial skeletons, pipes, arrow- heads, etc., have frequently been unearthed on the north shore of the lake, and also upon the hill just west of the village. In winter, the Indians deposited their dead in tree-tops and crotches on high ground; in the spring they were taken down and buried, apparently without much regard to locality or uniformity.
THE POST OFFICE.
The first post office established in Dodge County was at Fox Lake. It was known as Waushara Post Office until about 1850, when, upon application to the Post Office Department, the name was changed to Fox Lake. Its history dates back to 1839, when the only outlet was by way of the old United States road from Fort Howard to Fort Winnebago. The citizens were accommodated with mails once a week by an obliging horseman in the employ of the Gov- ernment, who made the round trip between the two forts once in seven days. In 1844, a weekly post route was established between Fox Lake and Watertown, thus affording the citizens of the former place more ready communication with the Cream City on Lake Michigan, as well as with other points along the route. The names of those who have filled the position of Post- master are George Clark, David Green, Benjamin Ferguson, Minor Porter, Benjamin Ferguson again, A. H. Pease (who successfully eluded the vigilance of a Deputy U. S. Marshal), L. S. Mallory, D. D. Thomas, John Medley, D. D. Thomas again, W. W. Jones and J. T. Smith, the latter being the present incumbent, having been appointed to the position in 1875, by Post- master General Jewell. Mr. Jones also allowed his peculiar accounts with the Government to cause official inquiry during his self-imposed exile in Canada. His bondsmen made good the deficiency. Mr. Jones returned to the United States, and is now holding a position in the Land Office at Madison. Fox Lake was made a money-order office September 9, 1867, the first order being issued in favor of Lawrence Keho, of New York, for $10, by William B. Dougherty, of Fox Lake. The number of orders issued since then is over 16,000.
HOTELS.
The first hotel was the Sheboygan House, built by Hamilton Stevens, early in 1839. We are credibly informed by an old settler of Fox Lake, that among the notable guests who put up at the Sheboygan during the first year of its existence, was Louis Philippe (Prince de Joinville), of France, who was at that time in exile in the United States. The Prince was accompanied by an extensive escort. The distinguished party rode upon Indian ponies, and were on their way from Green Bay to Prairie du Chien.
In 1845, Mr. Stevens also erected a portion of what is now the American House. Mr. George Jess was one of the early proprietors of this hostelry. The brick addition was built by Hezekiah Dunham, who kept it till about 1856, when he sold to Jones & Williams, from whom Charles Ihrie purchased the property, and, upon his death a few years ago, he left it to his daughter, the wife of Dr. Wallace.
The Barron House was built in 1850, by Frank Barnes, who afterward sold to Miner Porter. It was known as Porter's Hotel until it became the property of R. T. Jones, who called it the. Continental Hotel. It received its present name, the Barron House, from Quartus H. Barron, the present proprietor.
The Union House, built by Martin Stapleton, in 1850; the Hudson House and the " Hole in the Wall," are the titles by which other establishments were known at one time or another in Fox Lake.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
The first frame building erected in the village, was the one now known as the " old Purdy House," and occupied by Dr. Gillett. The frame was put up in the autumn of 1844, by T. T. Blauvelt. He then sold it to David Green, who completed it. The lumber for this house was procured. at Fort Winnebago, twenty-eight miles west, and drawn from there with a team by Q. H. Barron, who made the trip in five days, thus having, of course, but a narrow margin of time in which to play "seven-up" on the road. The Indians at that day had not attained the mastery of the complex mysteries of " Penuckle,". or the progress of that house would necessarily have been slow.
THE RAILROAD.
The original survey of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, of which Dr. Stoddard Judd was President, passed through the village of Fox Lake, near the Brower mill. The question of the location of the depot was a source of considerable local agitation, the citizens being divided in their views upon the subject. The result was, the Railroad Company exercised its peculiar privilege, and changed the route, leaving Fox Lake two miles to the north. The Fox Lake Horse Railroad then grew out of the necessity for some sort of communication with the outside world, and it has answered the purpose very well. It was completed in 1859. Dr. Judd and J. W. Davis may be said to have been the designers. It is an incorporated company, the stock (of which there are 150 shares at $100 each) being owned by Arie Banta, S. T. Coman, John Weed, J. W. Davis, Gov. William E. Smith, Dr. J. T. Smith and the heirs of Dr. Stoddard Judd. The depot building of this road was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1866, together with five or six warehouses and 1,000 bushels of grain, including one of the steam railroad company's freight cars loaded with wheat ready for shipment. The depot building was uninsured.
BANKS.
The first institution of this character established here was the Bank of Fox Lake, in 1854, John W. Davis, President, and Charles Luling, Cashier. Out of this grew the First National Bank of Fox Lake, in 1864, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was increased soon after- ward to $80,000, and, in 1878, reduced to $60,000. The officers are J. W. Davis, President ; J. T. Smith, Vice President ; W. J. Dexter, Cashier.
*SCHOOLS.
The first village school is said to have been held in the Sheboygan House, in 1844, by a Miss Alward. She was succeeded by Miss Butterfield, who taught in a building situated where the cemetery now is. The public school buildings of Fox Lake now consist of a two story academy, and two commodious schoolhouses adjacent thereto. The value of school property in the village is given at about $5,000. The average appropriations for school purposes will reach $2,000 per annum; the number of pupils about 300. The present corps of teachers is com- posed of the following individuals : A. S. King, Principal ; David T. Jones, Intermediate Department; Mrs. Augusta Blake, First Primary ; Miss Lizzie Hillier, Second Primary.
CHURCHES.
The first religious services held in Fox Lake, of which there is any positive recollection, were conducted by Mr. Kemper, the well-known Episcopal Bishop, in the winter of 1839.
It is believed that the Baptists were the first to organize a church society. The event occurred in 1845, the Rev. Mr. Pillsbury being the first Pastor. A small church edifice was erected the same year, and, in 1857, the present capacious structure occupied by the society was erected. The Rev. J. W. Fish, of Fox Lake, was Pastor for ten or twelve years, and the Rev. W. J. Walker seven or eight years. The Rev. W. G. Inman is the present Pastor.
The Catholics are believed to have organized the next church society, and built the next place of worship (St. Mary's), in 1849. The membership of this church has always been very
*The history of Fox Lake Seminary will be found in Chapter V. of this work.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
large. Among the Pastors who have had charge of the parish may be mentioned the Rev. Fathers Morris, Smith, McGurke, Dougherty, Allen and Dumphy.
The Congregational society was organized in October, 1853, by Rev. E. S. Peck, its first Pastor. Its present edifice was built in 1856. Revs. Cowley, Peete, Dixon, Brown and Haire were its early Pastors. The pulpit is vacant at present.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1854, and has since been enlarged to accom- modate the rapidly growing congregation ; but it is said that services were held by believers of this creed at an earlier date than 1854. The Pastors, since 1866, have been the Revs. Grant, Eldridge, Bancroft, Smith, Treever and Faville.
The colored Methodists residing in the village organized a society and built a church edifice in 1872, and have continued to hold regular meetings ever since. The Rev. L. M. Johnson is the present Pastor.
The Episcopal (Christ Church) was erected in 1861 through the efforts of Rev. D. L. Brain- ard, who was its first Rector. The church, though small, is tastily finished. The Rev. Mr. Burleson is the present Rector.
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