The History of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources; an extensive and minute sketch of its cities, towns and villages etc, Part 100

Author: Western Historical Co., pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1050

USA > Wisconsin > Waukesha County > The History of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources; an extensive and minute sketch of its cities, towns and villages etc > Part 100

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German Evangelical .- In the year 1851 and when the village of Waukesha was not as large as now, a few Germans assembled to consider the propriety of organizing an Evangelical Church. The number was small and the pioneers of the enterprise poor men. After consid- erahle opposition, they succeeded in the organization, which was, however, of short duration, and the matter finally slept until 1853, when the present organization was formed. Messrs. F. Torhorst, Adam Keyner, and John Smith, were among the first Trustees ; and Rev. C. A. Schnacke, who then lived in Jefferson, Wis., and afterward removed to Waukesha, and Rev. G. Flischer, formerly of Pennsylvania, were the first ministers. Rev. I. I. Escher was the Presiding Elder and held the office for two years, 1853 and 1854. There were about fifty members at the time of the organization of the church, and the number has been steadily increasing ever since, until at this time it has reached 245, with a Sunday school having an average attendance of 170 scholars. The small frame building owned by Patrick Bannon, adjoining the American

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

House, on Main street, and occupied by Owen McMahon as a grocery, was built by the Epis- copal Church society many years ago, and occupied by them as a place of worship. The building then stood on the east side of what is now the public park. The Episcopalians used it for awhile and then sold it to the district for a schoolhouse, for which purpose it was used until about 1853, when it passed into the possession of the German Evangelical society. They held services in it until the completion of their own neat brick church in 1866 or 1867.

In reviewing the names of the ministers who have presided since the organization of the church, many will recall to mind the good which those who have passed over the great river, have left behind. In 1854, Rev. A. Rogartz and C. Lindner were the presiding ministers, but be- fore the year closed Mr. Lindner died, and was taken to Menomonee, in this county, for interment. The next year, 1855, Rev. Noah McLahn was in charge, with Rev. G. A. Blank as Presiding Elder, who officiated until death called him home, on the 5th day of February, 1861. Rev. Mr. Blank was a great favorite with his people. He was a man of ability and much magnetic power. He was also a man generally beloved by all who knew him, being very popular with the people outside of his church. In 1856, Rev. I. G. Eslinger and Rev. Henry Hulister were ministers for two years, followed by Rev. I. Hammetter. At this time, 1858, the membership numbered 107 active members, with perfect harmony in their midst.

Rev. I. Eslinger presided in 1859, followed in 1860 by Rev. M. Hammetter. From 1861, Rev. I. G. Miller presided with Rev. I. I. Escher for two years. In 1862, Rev. I. G. Miller continued with Rev. L. Struebel, and then came, in 1863, Rev. I. G. Eslinger, with Rev. Henry Hulister as Presiding Elder, who for four years filled the office. For three years, Rev. William Hulister was the presiding minister of the church, which brings the records down to 1865, when the society purchased the lot on the east corner of South and Bridge streets, and erected their present brick house of worship.

At this time, the membership had increased from 107 to 124, and all took a deep interest in the welfare of the church. The building was dedicated October 6, 1866, with Rev. Henry Hulister as its minister, who officiated for two years, with Rev. A. Hulister as Presiding Elder. The Trustees were Messrs John F. Ike, M. Kemph and Louis Thielman.

Rev. L. Stroebel preached to the congregation during 1869 and 1870, with Rev. C. A. Schnacke as Presiding Elder, who held the position for three years. In 1871, Rev. F. Kurtz was installed over the flock, who preached to a large congregation for one year, and was followed during the next two years by Rev. C. A. Schnacke. Rev. F. W. Kaufman was Presiding Elder in 1872-73-74. After leaving here, he was drowned near Madison: In 1874, Rev. Charles Schneider was in charge, with Rev. G. Fritscha as Presiding Elder, who for four years was stationed here. Rev. P. Massveger was the minister for the next two years. Rev. I. G. F. Zimmerman for the past three years has ministered to the spiritual wants of the church, with much success. During the past year, Rev. L. Buhler has been the Presiding Elder. Rev. Dedrich is the minister now in charge. He is a fluent speaker and draws large congregations. He is very popular both inside and outside of his church. The present membership of the church is 245. It has no indebtedness and is in a flourishing condition.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church .- St. Joseph's Church is located on Lots 20 and 21, plat F, East Division street, Waukesha, and is one of the oldest churches in the county. In fact, the building now in use is the oldest church edifice, built as such, now in the village. Catholics settled at and around the village of Waukesha as early as the year 1840, and were visited from time to time by different Catholic clergymen. Rev. Martin Kundig, the late deceased Vicar General of the Archdiocese, of Milwaukee, was the first priest who held regular service at Waukesha. In the year 1842, this zealous priest celebrated Holy Mass in the house of John Gasper, on Main street, west of and next to Mr. Gasper's present cabinet store, where Mrs. M. Schork's brick building now stands. In 1843, Solomon Juneau, of Milwaukee, donated to the Catholics the present church lots, on which there stood at that time, near the place where the church now stands, a log house, probably built by Mr. Juneau himself, and used by him as a land-sale office. As soon as the Catholics had obtained possession of this property, they

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

changed the log house into a church, where divine service was held for some time. Rev. Father Kundig now ceased to come to Waukesha, and Rev. Father Onin took his place. Father Onin held service here for but a very short time.

In 1844, Very Rev. U. Kundig returned to Waukesha, in the capacity of the first-appointed pastor of St. Joseph's congregation. He bought the house on East Division street, opposite St. Joseph's Church, where now J. Forbes lives. Here he lived with his two sisters, who conducted a parochial school in the same house. In the same year, the present stone church was com- menced under the Pastor's supervision. The church was not entirely completed until about the year 1848. Very Rev. Kundig remained for about six or seven years.

After Father Kundig, Rev. F. Tierney took charge of St. Joseph's Parish, who remained only a short time. He was succeeded by Rev. James U. Doyle, who bought and lived in the so-called Prairieville House. Father Doyle remained about four years, and was succeeded by Rev. James Morris, who remained only a short time. John Tiernan, erected the present parsonage, which was subsequently lost to the Catholics by foreclosure of a mortgage that had been given on it. Rev. Tiernan was succeeded by Revs. O'Neil and David.

In May, 1862, Rev. P. F. Petit was appointed Pastor of St. Joseph's congregation. Rev. Petit resided on East Division street, almost opposite the church, in a house now owned by Mr. William Langer. Under the direction of Father Petit, the belfry was built on the church at the cost of about $1,500, and a number of evergreen trees were planted around it, which have since grown to a considerable height, and add greatly to the beauty of the church grounds. This good priest held the pastorate of the parish until March, 1865, at which time he was suc- ceeded by Rev. John Vahey, who built the dwelling-house back of and attached to the church, which is now occupied by Sisters who teach the parochial school. The cost of this house was about $2,200. Rev. Father Vahey remained Pastor of St. Joseph's Church until Septem- ber, 1866. At this time Rev. Daniel McGinnity, brother of the present Catholic priest at Monroe, Green County, was appointed pastor of this congregation. Father McGinnity's health was fast failing, and on that account he had to give up the parish in a few months.

Rev. Joseph Moder was now temporarily assigned as Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, who re- mained until about May 20, 1867. The next pastor of St. Joseph's Parish was Rev. Peter Deberge. Father Deberge found a debt on the church of $1,000, which this active and beloved priest soon succeeded in liquidating. Rev. Deberge also bought back the present parsonage at a cost of about $2,200, of which the Catholics had lost possession as above stated, through foreclosure of a mortgage. About $1,200 was paid at this time on new purchase, and for the balance a mortgage was given to Mrs. P. D. Murray. Father Deberge remained until about the middle of October, 1870. At this time, Rev. Edward O'Connor took charge of the parish, and held it until about the 27th of January, 1873, at which time this kind priest died, and was buried in the cemetery of the Holy Assumption Parish, at Franklin, Milwaukee County. His remains were accompanied by a large number of his Waukesha parishioners, who deeply mourned the loss of their Pastor. After the demise of Father O'Connor, Rev. Dominic F. Thill was assigned Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and took charge of the parish on the 4th day of Febru- ary, 1873. Father Thill soon became endeared to his new parishioners, and he has been most successful in his spiritual and temporal administration of the parish. He found an incum- brance of $1,000 on the parsonage, and an additional debt of $200 for sundry items, making a total of $1,200, which was liquidated within a very short time. Considering religious educa- tion absolutely necessary for the spiritual advancement of the parish, he soon began to explain to his people the necessity of having a parochial school, in which the little ones of his flock might be instructed in their faith. An appeal to that effect was made by him to his parishioners, who responded most cheerfully. The Sisters of St. Agnes, of Barton, Washington County, were at once invited to open a Catholic school in a dwelling-house back of the church, the schoolroom being in the first story, and the Sisters living up-stairs. The school was conducted by them for two years. The school could not possibly be continued in this house, the rooms being altogether too small. In 1876, the Pastor took a collection, by going from house to house, to

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procure necessary funds to build a new schoolhouse. The people contributed liberally, and the house was completed in December of the same year, and the school opened in it under direction of the Notre Dame School, Sisters of Milwaukee. The average number of pupils attending this school has always been about 100. The schoolhouse is a two-story frame building, 60x24 feet. The lower story is divided into two schoolrooms, and the upper story is used as a hall, and is now known by the name of St. Joseph's Hall. The cost of the build- ing, with necessary furniture, was about $2,200.

During Father Thill's time the following church societies have been organized : St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, and St. Mary's Young Ladies' Society. The object of St. Joseph's Benevolent Society is to assist the members thereof in sickness and distress, and to advance the canse of religious education among the Catholics of the parish, and to induce, by word and example, the members of the congregation to comply with essential rules of the Catholic Church, and to guard by all reasonable means against the excessive use of intoxicating drinks. At present, this society has about forty-five members, with Mr. J. J. Clark as President, Mr. Sny- der Secretary, and P. Bannon, Treasurer.

The Young Ladies' Sodality is in a most flourishing condition-has about sixty-five members and owns a library of about two hundred volumes. The object of this sodality is to excite each other to the practice of virtue and piety. The members of this sodality have always greatly helped the Pastor in raising money to meet current expenses of church and school. They have contributed up to this date not less than $600. There is an Altar Society of married ladies connected with the church. The object of this society is the ornamentation of the church and altar. It has about seventy members. From the time that Father Thill took charge of the parish up to the present time, improvements have been made in and about the church to the amount of about $5,000. During his pastorate, he has also had charge of St. Mary's Church, at Pewaukee, where he found a debt of about $300, which he succeeded in paying in a very short time. He also bought cemetery grounds there, and the lot, where the parsonage now stands, at a cost of $350. The parsonage was also built by him at a cost of $800. Father Thill resigned this congregation in October, 1879, leaving it free from debt. Improvements to the amount of $2,000 were made by him at Pewaukee.

Evangelical Reform .- The German Evangelical Reform Church was organized in the year 1866, by Prof. H. Kurtz, who was sent to Waukesha from the interior of Germany as a missionary. Prof. Kurtz presided over his flock for two years, after which he retired to seek other fields, and was followed by Rev. H. Hanhart, who also preachedto this congregation for two years, and now resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was called to another parish. In 1870, Rev. C. R. Hinske took charge of the church, and for six years preached and labored with his people with much success. The work of the church becoming too laborious, he resigned his charge for rest and to regain failing health. Prof. H. Kurtz is now located at Sheboygan, Wis., and is one of the Principals of the Theological Seminary located at that place. Rev. F. Knenzler, who has presided over the church for the past four years, is a very popular preacher, and a great favor- ite among his church members. Since Rev. Mr. Kuenzler has had charge of the church, he has increased its membership to one hundred and ninety communicants. He has a large Sab- bath school, with an average attendance of ninety, over which he presides each Sabbath.

The Trustees of the church are Louis Janke, Fer. Brneger and William Niedermeier. The church has no indebtedness and is constantly increasing in members. The society own the building, which is a handsome large stone building, built many years ago as the Prairie- ville Academy, and used afterward as a Female Seminary. The grounds are spacious and lib- erally supplied with shade and ornamental trees, and are kept in very choice order. Adjoining the church is the parsonage, a neat little dwelling, which is in keeping with the church.

In speaking of this church, it is but proper to say that the project of organizing a German Evangelical Reform Church in Waukesha was first suggested by Rev. Mr. Flieshene, a some- what noted exhorter, as early as 1851 ; but the matter was abandoned for the time, and for rea- sons he left for parts unknown. Thus the matter slept until 1866, as stated above.

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Prairie Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F .- The first lodge of Odd Fellows instituted in the county was chartered October 6, 1847, and named " Prairie Lodge, No. 23." The original records of the lodge were destroyed by fire, so that the first charter members cannot be ascer- tained. The lodge flourished for many years, and comprised a distinguished membership. At the breaking-out of the war of the Rebellion, however, a large portion of the members went to the army, and it was at length found expedient to remove it to the village of Delafield, where it struggled along feebly for a time, and finally gave up its charter, which, with all the accompany- ing papers, was burned in the fire that destroyed the office of the Grand Secretary of the State, at Racine. For some years, no efforts were made toward the resuscitation of the order.

In the winter of 1869, application was made for the renewal of the charter by the follow- ing petitioners : Samuel H. Barstow, Leander Hill, Pitts Ellis, James Pool, George M. Barney, William S. Hawkins, Frederick Slawson, Dr. Robert Dunlap, A. J. Thompson, John Gaspar and Charles Gauthie.

On the evening of January 27, 1870, Grand Master Samuel Ryan, of Appleton, Wis., installed the following officers : William S. Hawkins, N. G .; Samuel H. Barstow, V. G .; Leander Hill, R. S .; Frederick Slawson, P. S .; James Pool, Treasurer.

All of the above-named officers are still living and reside in Waukesha, except Len- der Hill, whose demise occurred in the summer of 1870. From the time it was resuscitated, up to 1871, Prairie Lodge was the only lodge of Odd Fellows in Waukesha, and its mem- bership increased with great rapidity ; the German-speaking element especially becoming so numerous that it was found expedient to organize a new lodge. Accordingly, after much dis- cussion on the subject and a thorough canvass among the members, a majority of the Germans withdrew in order to establish a new lodge. In 1871, they applied for a charter, which was granted them by the Grand Lodge of the State December 8 of the same year. They hold their meetings in the same spacious and elegantly furnished rooms with Prairie Lodge.

Prairie Lodge is steadily adding to its membership, and now has upward of fifty members. The following gentlemen are its officers at this date: Almon Welch, N. G .; O. Culver, V. G .; George M. S. Jewett, R. S. and P. S .; John Gaspar, Treasurer.

The Lodge has three 'Trustees, one of whom is elected annually and holds his office for three years. The present Trustees are M. J. Sommers, Almon Welch and William S. Green.

The meetings of the lodge are held on Thursday evening of each week, in the third story of Jackson's stone building, on Main street.

The lodge has no indebtedness and has quite a fund on hand. It is composed of many of the most wealthy and prominent citizens of Waukesha.

Bismarck Lodge, No. 193, I. O. O. F .- On the 1st day of August, 1871, a dispensation was granted to George Sperl, Conrad Sehrt, Phillip Hepp, Julius Reise and Charles Herwig, for an Odd Fellows' lodge, to be located at Waukesha, and to be known as " Bismarck Lodge, No. 193." Grand Master Lindsley, of Green Bay, at once proceeded to Waukesha and instituted the lodge and installed the following gentlemen as the first officers : Conrad Sehrt, N. G .; George Sperl, V. G .; Julius Reise, Secretary ; Charles Herwig, Treasurer.

The lodge has progressed under very flattering circumstances ; soon had a large membership, composed of the best German element in and about Waukesha, and has gained the reputation of being one of the best working lodges in the State.

When the Grand Lodge met in annual session in December, they granted to Bismarck Lodge its charter with the same officers as were installed. Up to that time, the lodge had an active membership of nearly twenty-five, and was still increasing ; notwithstanding they incurred an indebtedness of over $300 at the outset for furniture and regalias, they soon paid the debt, and, at this time, have upward of $800 in the treasury or in loans. The regalias of the officers and members are expensive and the best that can be procured.

When the lodge was first instituted, the following gentlemen were elected Trustees : George Sperl, Phillip Hepp and Charles Steine.

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

The following are its present officers : Arnold Stallman, N. G .; Henry Hassert, V. G .; George Sperl, Secretary ; John Sperber, Treasurer. The Trustees are George Sperl, Franz Elger and Carl Muench.

The regular meetings are held each Wednesday evening in Jackson's stone building, on Main street. The working membership is now sixty-five.

Waukesha Encampment, No. 51, I. O. O. F .- This Odd Fellows' lodge was instituted July 10, 1871, by Lewis Silber, Grand Patriarch of Wisconsin. The charter members were Theron W. Haight, E. L. Spence, S. H. Barstow, W. S. Rowe, Henry Sehrt, John E. Lau and Louis Janke. The first elective officers were: T. W. Haight, Chief Patriarch ; E. L. Spence, High Priest ; Samuel H. Barstow, Senior Warden ; W. S. Rowe, Scribe ; John E. Lau, Treas- urer ; Henry Sehrt, Junior Warden. During the nine years since the Lodge was organized, there have been fifty-seven persons admitted to membership. The present officers are as fol- lows : Henry M. Youmans, Chief Patriarch ; F. Balzer, High Priest; D. H. Sumner, Senior Warden ; T. W. Haight, Scribe ; Ira Kimball, Treasurer ; Conrad Sehrt, Junior Warden.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A list of all the Chief Patriarchs is comprised in the following: S. H. Barstow, John Bennett, B. F. Goss, Theron W. Haight, John E. Lau, F. M. Payne, E. L. Spence, H. M. Youmans, M. M. Kelli- her, W. H. Hardy, C. Reichenbach, Morris Stummes, H. N. Glenny, H. Pruetzmans, Ira Kim- ball, Peter Lau, Conrad Sehrt, W. S. Rowe.

The following comprises a list of the High Priests : Ira Kimball, Hugo Philler, H. M. Youmans, M. M. Kelliher, E. L. Spence, S. T. Bolles, John E. Lau, W. A. Howard, August Dieman.

Waukesha Chapter, No. 37, Royal Arch Masons .- This Chapter was granted a charter February 5, 1868. The following persons were the first officers: Elihu Enos, High Priest ; A. Amsdem, King ; E. Hurlbut, Scribe. The Chapter has about sixty members, and is a very strong organization. The present officers are as follows: Van H. Bugbee, High Priest ; H. S. Hughes, King ; Rev. E. P. Wright, Scribe; W. A. Nickell, C. of H .; M. S. Griswold, P. S .; R. C. Beggs, R. C .; J. P. Philips, M. 3d Vail ; A. F. Estberg, M. 2d Vail; J. K. Randle, M. Ist V. ; James Poole, Treasurer ; W. S. Hawkins, Secretary. The regular communications of this Chapter occur on the first Monday of each month in Masonic Hall, Gove's Block.

Waukesha Lodye, No. 37, A., F. § A. M .- The dispensation for this lodge was granted January 20, 1851, to James Y. Watson, Lemuel White, Asahel Finch, D. W. Reed, Joseph Tur- ner, Paul Wheeler, Sylvanus Warren, H. Van Vleck, George Hyer and S. S. Case, with power to hold lodge and admit members. The temporary officers were as follows : Lemuel White, W. M .; W. D. Barker, S. W. ; H. Van Vleck, J. W. Under the dispensation, proceedings were had until Jan. 9, 1852, when a charter was granted. In February, 1852, the temporary officers re- signed, and S. S. Case was appointed by the Grand Master, Worshipful Master; W. H. Farner, Senior Warden ; Michael Newton, Junior Warden, who held office until the charter was granted. The first officers elected under the charter were as follows : S. S. Case, W. M. ; W. S. Hawkins, S. W .; James Poole, J. W. ; W. S. Hawkins, Secretary ; H. W. Sherman, Treasurer. The present officers are as follows : H. S. Hughes, W. M .; M. S. Griswold, S. W. ; C. A. Estberg, J. W. ; James Poole, Treasurer; Joseph P. Philips, Secretary ; J. T. Wardrobe, S. D .; A. F. Estberg, J. D. The lodge numbers ninety-four members in good standing. It has been com- posed altogether of 277 members. Many have died or moved away and joined other lodges by dimit. The dead number twenty-four-that is, twenty-four died while members of the lodge- and eighty-four left by dimit. The communications occur on the first and third Fridays of each month in their room in third story of Gove's Block. The treasury contains about $1,000 of reserve funds. The furniture, which is owned by this, or the Blue Lodge, is elegant.

Waukesha Lodge, No. 311, Knights of Honor .- This lodge was organized on the 24th day of June, 1876, by D. S. D. P. L. Teple, fifteen citizens of this village signing the constitu- tion as charter members, to wit : F. H. Babcock, V. H. Bugbee, F. Elger, C. A. Estberg, J. J. Gibbs, C. A. Haertel, William H. Kendrick, William Langer, V. L. Moore, F. M. Ploss,

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George Sperl, A. Tyler, S. D. Tyler, E. C. Wood, and H. M. Youmans. Since that date the lodge has initiated fifteen members, which number has been by withdrawal, etc., reduced to the present membership of twenty-five Knights in good standing. The officers of the present term, ending June 30, 1880, are : P. D., William Langer ; D., William H. Kendrick ; V. D., F. M. Ploss ; A. D., James Castle ; Chaplain, C. A. Haertel ; R. and Fin. R., Dr. Hugo Philler ; Tr., George Sperl ; Guide, Joseph Castle ; Guardian, William Schrimar ; Sentinel, Ira Kimball ; Medical Examiner, Dr. Hugo Philler.

This lodge, however small in number, meets regularly on the first and third Mondays of each month, at Barstow's Hall, for business and mutual exchange of good feeling. Its finances are in a flourishing condition. It secures weekly sick benefits to its members, and to their heirs a death benefit of $2,000.

Forest City Council, No, 232, Royal Arcanum .- This lodge was instituted in this village by Alfred Terry, of Detroit, January 10, 1879, with thirty-two charter members, viz: George F. H. Barber, Miles L. Butterfield, George Combs, Orlando Culver, Frederick S. Doane, C. A. Estberg, John Harley, H. S. Hughes, Samuel M. Hughes, Charles James, J. H. James, J. H. Jones, William G. Kendrick, William H. Kendrick, Edward K. Kimball, William Langer, Thomas McGeen, L. T. Mallory, A. A. Miller, Hugo Philler, J. K. Randall, Thomas Ryall, F. E. Sanford, Frederick M. Slawson, William H. Sleep, Richard Street, William Street, Orvill Tyler, O. E. Tyler, S. D Tyler, J. H. Whitcher and Hugh Williams.

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The History of Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources; an extensive and minute sketch of its cities, towns and villages etc, Part 100

Author: Western Historical Co., pub Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 1050

Author: Western Historical Co., pub
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1050