USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The History of Dodge County, Wisconsin, containing a history of Dodge County, its early settlement, growth, development, resources, etc > Part 84
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Those who first came to the place were principally from the Eastern States. It was not until about 1852, that the Germans began to make their homes here. This class now form
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
by far the greatest portion of the community, and many of them, in the past score of years, have amassed considerable wealth.
The village was first platted in 1847, the surveying being done by Alvin Foster, one of the proprietors. Other additions have been made from time to time, until now it extends over con- siderable territory.
When it became necessary to give the place a name, many were suggested, but none seemed to meet the approval of the majority. Finally, one suggested that it be called Mayville, in honor of Uncle May, as he was familiarly called, one of the proprietors. The name was unanimously adopted.
POST OFFICE.
It was not until 1847, the citizens succeeded in having a post office established here, when Thomas Palmer, who, with his brother Benjamin, was engaged in the mercantile trade, received the appointment of Postmaster. He held the office some years and was succeeded by E. N. Foster, who in turn was followed by the following named, in the order given : E. B. Brown, E. P. Clark, H. Eiles, R. Sauerhering, A. B. Bonney, Mr. McFarland and G. Nary, the latter of whom administers its affairs in a manner highly satisfactory to the community. The office some years since was made a money-order one, and a large business is transacted.
SCHOOLS.
By a large number of American people, a place is judged by its school facilities. If they are good, the place is to be commended ; if imperfect, it is to be condemned. Mayville will stand the test of righteous judgment. The first school was in the winter of 1847, in the cabin of a private family, and in the year following a log schoolhouse was built and school held therein. As the demands of the country increased, other arrangements were made, until finally, a few years since, the village erected one of the finest and most substantial school buildings in the county-one in which her citizens take a just pride. In this the English language is taught exclusively. For their own convenience, and to keep up a knowledge of the mother tongue, the Germans support from private funds a good school.
CHURCHES.
The religious element of the community is represented by German Lutheran, German Catholic and Baptist, each having a church building, the latter at present only being occasion- ally occupied, while in the former regular services are held to flourishing congregations.
HOTELS.
The first hotel was built in 1847, by H. G. Phelps, on the site of the present American House. From that date to the present time, a public house has ever been open there for the accommodation of weary travelers, and we believe its reputation has always been well sustained. It is now owned and controlled by D. Puls, a gentleman well and favorably known by the trav- eling fraternity.
The California House is another candidate for public favor and is situated on the corner of Main and Bridge streets. J. J. Lauzenbach, proprietor.
SOCIETIES.
Two of the benevolent Orders are represented in the village, that of the Odd Fellows and Masons, both of which are in a flourishing condition, with live, active members.
Vesper Lodge, No. 62, A., F. g. A. M., holds its regular meetings on the first and third Saturdays of each month, in Masonic Hall, Saurhering's Block. Visiting brethren will always receive a cordial welcome.
Mayville Lodge, No. 200, I. O. O. F., meets every Friday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall, over Reible's marble-shop. Brethren of the Order are invited to meet with them.
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There is a well organized fire department, with a fine engine, a large quantity of hose, etc., and the boys feel able to grapple with anything short of a Chicago blaze.
MERCANTILE.
Every class of trade is well represented, and there are here to be found stores carrying stocks and doing a business of which many more pretentious places might well be proud. There is a large scope of country naturally tributary, and, with proper efforts, Mayville should rank second to no village in the county. Let the effort be put forth and we predict a bright future.
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT.
Up to the year 1867, the village was under the supervision of the town government, but in the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1866-67, a special act of incorporation was passed, and Mayville took its place among the independent villages of the State. Its first charter election was held April, 1867, since which time annual elections have been held with the following result, showing a complete list of officers up to the present time :
1867-R. Sauerhering, President; C. E. Goodwin, E. Muenchow, Charles Ruedebusch, Trustees ; J. A. Barney, Clerk; N. C. Lawrence, Street Commissioner ; Henry Boehmer, Marshal.
1868-J. H. Andrae, President; J. G. Kurtz, William Schmidt, G. Albert, Charles Allen, Trustees ; Charles Kroesing, Treasurer ; Henry Spiering, Justice of the Peace; S. W. Lamoreux, Clerk; S. W. Lamoreux, Assessor; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; Henry Boehmer, Marshal.
1869-J. A. Barney, President ; F. Schaffer, Gustave Dreger, M. Ziegler, G. Albert, Trustees ; Henry Yorten, Treasurer; Henry Spiering, Justice of the Peace and Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; P. B. Lamoreux, Marshal ; Frederick Kruse, Poundmaster.
1870-Charles Barwig, President ; J. A. Barney, G. Albert, M. V. Lamoreux, Charles Ruedebusch, Trustees ; Henry Yorten, Treasurer ; Henry Spiering, Police Justice and Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; Charles Krueger, Marshal and Poundmaster.
1871-Charles Barwig, President; G. Albert, F. Schaffer, Frantz Traeger, M. Ziegler, Trustees ; Julius Philipp, Police Justice ; Henry Spiering, Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commis- sioner ; L. A. Meister, Marshal ; Otto Boetke, Poundmaster.
1872-J. A. Barney, President ; Julius Philipp, Robert Kloeden, G. Albert, M. Ziegler, Trustees ; Marx Sievers, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice; William Schwartz, Clerk ; P. B. Lamoreux, Marshal and Poundmaster ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner.
1873-J. A. Barney, President; William Darge, E. Muenchow, H. Ruedebusch, M. Ziegler, Trustees ; G. Dreger, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; William Schwartz, Clerk ; Charles Schwartz, Marshal ; William Darge, Street Commissioner ; Theodore Butler, Poundmaster.
1874-Julius Philipp, President ; M. Ziegler, N. C. Lawrence, Robert Kloeden, J. G. Kurz, Trustees ; Anton Haertle, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice; William Schwartz, Clerk and Assessor; Charles Reichert, Marshal and Poundmaster ; Robert Kloeden, Street Commissioner.
1875-Henry Ruedebusch, President, who served two months, when Henry Spiering was elected to fill vacancy ; D. Puls, J. Langenbach, P. Schuler, E. E. Bachhuber, Trustees ; Anton Haertle, Treasurer; Julius Nary, Police Justice; William Schwartz, Clerk ; J. G. Kurz, Marshal, Street Commissioner and Poundmaster.
1876-Henry Spiering, President ; P. Schuler, William Darge, M. V. Lamoreux, William Walter, Trustees ; Anton Haertle, Treasurer and Assessor; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; Will- iam Schwartz, Clerk; J. G. Kurz, Street Commissioner; Charles Krueger, Marshal ; Jac. Zimmerman, Poundmaster.
1877-M. V. Lamoreux, President ; Daniel Baum, Charles Reichert, August Faltz, Will- iam Walter, Trustees; Anton Haertle, Treasurer and Assessor; J. Nary, Police Justice ;
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William Schwartz, Clerk ; August Luedke, Street Commissioner; Fr. Huck, Jr., Marshal and Poundmaster.
1878-Julius Philipp, President ; Theodore Zilisch, August Schuman, John Tydyman, Robert Kloeden, Trustees; Anton Haertle, Assessor ; William Schmidt, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; C. Kroesing, Clerk; Ferdinand Faltz, Street Commissioner; Conrad Faust, Marshal and Poundmaster; J. H. Andrae, Chief Fire Warden.
1879-S. W. Lamoreux, President; William Albrecht, Daniel Baum, Albert Burtch, Robert Kloeden, Trustees ; M. Ziegler, Treasurer ; Anton Haertle, Assessor ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; G. J. Clark, Clerk ; G. J. Kurtz, Street Commissioner ; Chris. Huck, Marshal and Poundmaster.
1 WOODLAND.
This village is located on Section 31, Herman Township, and was laid out in the year 1856, and many lots sold, but no plat made until 1859. The land on which it was located was owned by Mr. Gilman, a pleasant and enterprising gentleman who settled here at an early day, when neighbors were not so numerous as at present. Previous to his coming, several other fam- ilies had settled in the neighborhood, which was known as " Cole's Settlement," a family, or, more properly, a number of families by that name being the first.
Mr. Gilman was attracted here from the fact that iron ore had been discovered in paying quantities, it was thought, and it was his design to form a company, build a furnace and use the ore. For some cause, his plans were never carried out, and others obtained possession of the valuable lands, beneath the surface of which, lies such great wealth.
Immediately after being fairly settled with his family, Mr. Gilman proceeded to erect a saw-mill, a blacksmith-shop and a general store, continuing in business for a number of years. He also built the first hotel, which was occupied on completion by Robert Ostrander, who kept it for one year, then selling to one Haskins, who ran it for three or four years, disposing of it to Erastus Cole, who in turn sold to W. F. Markworth, after which it came into the possession of Karl Machmueller, its present owner. It stands directly opposite the depot.
On the completion of the railroad, George Fox built an eating-house near the depot, and con- tinued in business until he was killed by the tornado which swept over the village in September, 1847. This tornado, within a radius of a few hundred yards, caused considerable damage, com- pletely wrecking a number of buildings and seriously injuring four persons, besides Mr. Fox, who was instantly killed. Among the number injured was a son of Mr. Gilman. Mr. G., who was in the mercantile business at the time, had his stock of goods scattered in every direction. Considering the damage done to property, it was fortunate, indeed, no more lives were lost.
A post office was established in the neighborhood in 1855, and Erastus Cole received the appointment of Postmaster. He was succeeded by Ed. Sauerhering, Peter Labuwi, Nicholas Peters and M. F. Markworth.
The village lying in the corner of the township makes it convenient for citizens of the towns of Herman, Hubbard and Rubicon to unite for the purposes of affording their children the privileges of the public school ; therefore a good substantial school building has been erected, and a union school is in operation. In the winter of 1879-80, Miss Mary Ragan was the teacher. There are about one hundred pupils in the district, but all do not attend at once. In addition to this public school, the Germans keep in operation a select school, which is well attended.
A special feature of the place is the cheese-factory, in which is manufactured the celebrated Swiss cheese, an article that always commands a high price, and is considered a great luxury by all Germans. The milk of about one hundred cows is used in the factory, and the product shipped principally to Chicago and St. Louis.
Two churches represent the religious element of the village-Catholic and Lutheran-both of them conducting their exercises in the German language. The English-speaking people,
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who are few in numbers in the neighborhood, have no place of worship. The Catholics are said to number about four hundred, which includes large and small. The Lutherans are nearly as numerous. Each have good church buildings.
The principal article of export from this station is wheat, a large quantity of which is raised in the neighborhood. There is one elevator in the place.
More freight is received at this station than any of its size, probably, on the road ; it being the point of shipment for the villages of Hustisford and Neosho. The amount handled by firms in these villages, together with that of Woodland, makes quite a respectable showing.
The village is prepared in case of fire, having a small hand engine, an organized fire com- pany, and willing citizens who are ever ready to grapple with the devouring element.
A never-failing stream of water is convenient to the village, and here all engines stop to water. It is said to be the best watering-place on the line of the C., M. & St. P. R. R.
Notwithstanding the original settlers were all from the East, few now live in the neighbor- hood, the Germans comprising the principal part of the inhabitants.
To transact the business of the village, there are two general stores, three saloons, one hotel, three blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, three shoe-shops, one tailor-shop, one lumber- yard. Population of village about two hundred.
REESEVILLE.
This is a railroad village, situated in the town of Lowell, about two miles south of the village of that name, and on the line of the La Crosse Division of the C., M. & St. P. Rail- road. Samuel Reese was the first settler in the neighborhood, coming to this section in 1845. The village derives its name from this gentleman.
On the completion of the railroad through this section, Adam Reese, son of Samuel above mentioned, conceived the idea of founding a village here that should bear the family name. Accordingly he had surveyed and platted for that purpose a part of Section 28. Mr. R. always bore the reputation of being a good business man, able to take care of number one. He was the first station agent and first express agent, and held these respective offices until his removal to Sycamore, Ill., in 1868.
The first lot sold was to Mr. Loesch, who built the first house in the village. Mr. L. is still a resident of the village, and yet engages in his trade of shoemaking.
The first store was by Marvin & Finney, who built on the present site of Snow's large brick building in the spring of 1856, and opened a general stock of merchandise. These gentlemen subsequently sold to Adam Reese, who continued the same for a number of years, enjoying a monopoly of the trade of the surrounding country.
For the first twelve years, the village made no perceptible growth-its proprietor being content to keep everything in his own hands, and from the proceeds of the various business enterprises that he carried on lay up a competency. He encouraged no one to settle or engage in any business that might draw from his establishments. In 1868, a change for the better took place, Mr. Reese selling out the various businesses he was engaged in, other houses were established, settlers came in, and there has been a steady growth from that time forward. Of course, the hard times, extending from 1873 to 1879, had its influence on the growth of the place, but it has had no back-set, and its prospect for the future is good. Its present business men and citizens generally have faith in it. In the month of January, 1880, its population is estimated at 300.
A schoolhouse was built here about 1846, and the privileges of the common school have ever been open to those who chose to accept. In 1869, the district built, at a cost of $1,200, a large and commodious building, in size 25x56, 12 feet high, divided into two apartments. An entry-way on the outside has also been added. In one of the rooms is taught the higher branches, and in the other the primary. Considerable pride is manifested in these schools by
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the citizens, and the high grade is determined to be maintained. In the session of 1879-80, Robert Irving was teacher of the high school, and Miss Agnes Steinke of the primary. Wages paid, $50 and $25.
In March, 1876, a German Reformed Church was organized in this place, with a member- ship of twenty-eight. A good, substantial church building was immediately erected at a cost of $1,200, in which religious services are regularly held. The present membership is thirty-five. Rev. William Kuentzel is the Pastor.
The English-speaking people have no church, nor are religious services anywhere held in the neighborhood. This is accounted for from the fact that between Lowell and Waterloo, in Jefferson County, there are not one-half dozen American families, the rest being Germans.
To transact the business of the place, we find in January, 1880, the following: Two gen- eral stores, one hardware, two groceries, three shoe-shops, three wagon-shops, three blacksmith- shops, two elevators or grain warehouses, four carpenter-shops. A large amount of grain and stock is handled here. Through the kindness of A. D. Coapman, station agent, we learn there were shipped in 1879 the following: Flour, 11,000 barrels ; wheat, 40,000 bushels ; stock, 105 cars. Reducing wheat and flour to pounds, we have 2,400,000 of the former and 2,156,- 000 of the latter, requiring for transportation 228 cars.
Christion Reinhart is the village Postmaster. The office issues no money orders, but reg- isters about 250 letters per year.
A. D. Coapman occupies the responsible positions indicated above, and has held them since 1867, we believe, to the satisfaction of the business and traveling public. As all the freight and express for the village of Lowell is received here, it makes considerable business for the office.
IRON RIDGE.
This village sprang into existence on the completion of the railroad. John Graves and Solomon Crandall built the first house on its present site in 1848, the one built by Mr. Graves yet standing on Block 8, a little north of the residence of Mr. Isaac S. Allen, to whom we are indebted for the information here given. Like all the first houses, it was of logs, though Mr. Graves has also the credit of erecting the first frame house, which also yet exists, having been moved to the south part of the village.
Jones Eaton opened the first general store, about 1850, several years before the railroad was completed.
In 1855, a schoolhouse was built about one-half mile west of the present village, which has served ever since for school purposes, the English-speaking element of the place not being suffi- ciently numerous to make necessary the erection of another building. The Germans of the place employ a teacher for the purpose of teaching that language.
In 1859, the Methodist Episcopal Church Society built a house of worship, at a cost of $2,000, and for some years divine service was held regularly therein by that denomination, but in consequence of the removal of nearly all the English-speaking people from the neighborhood, the society has disbanded. The German Methodists now have control of the house, under lease, and hold regular service in that language.
The first and only hotel in the village was erected in 1860 by Nathaniel McDuffy, who in time sold to S. Nehls, the present proprietor. It is known as the American House, and has a good reputation.
The first Postmaster was Madison Miller. The present one is H. Flemming, one of the largest dealers in general merchandise in the place.
Within one mile of the village is located the furnace of the Wisconsin Iron Company, which was formed July 1, 1869, by the Milwaukee Iron Company, the North Chicago Rolling Mill Company and the Wyandotte Rolling Mill Company, which companies at that time pur- chased the Swedes' Iron Company, consisting of 1,100 acres of land and a blast furnace at Old
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Iron Ridge, near the eastern boundary of Hubbard Township. It was long known that the ore existed in paying quantities. In 1868, a furnace was built, and the ore taken from the bank. In 1869, when the present company obtained possession of the land, mining was resorted to. In 1871, the Company mined 81,642 gross tons, the greater amount of which was shipped to their furnaces in Milwaukee and Chicago. It is estimated that it would require thirty-one cars per day for 300 days in the year to carry it away. After the panic of 1873, for a period of nearly six years, the Company did but little, in comparison with former years, but in the fall of 1879, when iron began to take an upward tendency, active operations were resumed on a large scale, so that it is thought in the future their best year's work will be eclipsed. Their pay-roll for help, exclusive of expenses for wood or charcoal, amounts to over $3,000 per month. For wood they pay upward of $30,000 per year. The vein of ore ore is said to be from ten to thirty feet thick, and is almost inexhaustible. Every foot of land owned by the Company, aside from that on which their buildings stand, is used for farming pur- poses, being rented to their workmen, who tend from two to twenty acres each. From this it will be seen the works are of great public benefit, especially when the greater amount of their earnings are spent in Dodge County, and thus directly benefit her citizens. The general office of the Company is 37 Mitchell Building, Milwaukee.
BURNETT JUNCTION.
This village is located in the center of Burnett Township, one of the best towns in the county. It was not laid off until the completion of the C., M. & St. P. R. R. in 1860.
R. J. Andrews built the first house, as a public house for the benefit of the traveling fra- ternity. The same house yet stands, with additions made since, and is the well-known Burnett House, now owned and controlled by George R. Mayhew.
S. H. Childs erected the first store building and opened a stock of general merchandise about the same time. He has continued in the business ever since, and now carries a complete and well-selected stock of goods suitable for country trade. He is a man well qualified for business in every respect. In 1862, in addition to his mercantile business, he commenced the purchase of grain, and remained in that line of trade some years, doing a large and lucrative business. He has paid as high as $3 per bushel for wheat delivered at that station.
An elevator was erected here in 1864, by a Mr. Barrett, who afterward disposed of it to one of the Shermans. It is now controlled by George Lawrence & Co., who are doing a very heavy business in grain, lumber, etc.
This village is a strictly temperate one, no saloons being allowed in the place. One of the conditions of the deed made by the original owner is, that the ground sold shall not have upon it a saloon, and in case of a violation of the contract it reverts back.
The first Postmaster in the village was William Curtis, followed by R. J. Andrews, and then by S. H. Childs, who yet holds the position. At present, the office is not a money-order one, but it doubtless should be, judging from the number of registered letters there mailed, amounting to some 400 or 500 per year.
Two good hotels are in the place. The Burnett House we have already referred to. The other is kept by W. S. Cole, and is known as the Union House. Travelers will find it a good, home-like place to stop.
The Good Templars have a flourishing Lodge in the place, organized in 1872, with fourteen charter members. It has now a membership of fifty-six in good standing. It is known as Bur- nett Lodge, No. 133; meets every Tuesday evening. Edgar Merrill, W. C. T .; George Mer- rill, W. S.
The Odd Fellows also have a fine Lodge in the place, and are doing much good.
A good public school in the village-Miss Peabody, teacher. The Germans have a school near the village.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
The Methodist Episcopal Church is the only religious denomination represented in the vil- lage, though others have churches within convenient distance. The Church is weak, numbering but eighteen members at present. It was organized in 1871, and a building erected in 1878 at a cost of $800.
There are in the village two general stores, one shoe-shop, one wagon-shop, two blacksmith- shops, two hotels, one meat-market, one lumber-yard.
Surrounded by a splendid farming country, and with an intelligent and moral community, it is certainly a good place for one seeking a home to locate.
RUBICON.
The village of Rubicon is situated on part of Sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, Town 10 north, Range 17 east, town of Rubicon. It was first platted in 1866, though previous to this and about the time of the completion of the present Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, the formation of a village was begun. The survey of the present plat was made by W. M. Morse.
The first house built in the place was of logs, and was built by John G. Anderson, but in what year, the memory of the oldest settler now in the neighborhood was at fault.
The first frame house was built by John Russell.
The village was originally laid off on land owned by Stoughton and Chester Rickard, John G. Anderson, and a man by the name of Beckwood, none of whom, at present writing, reside in the neighborhood.
The first store is said to have been one for the sale of "W. I. Goods," a product of which the present generation knows but little. John Russell was the proprietor.
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