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 109

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 109

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For several years the project of building a new church was discussed, and finally con- summated in the erection of the present fine brick edifice. This building was commenced under the pastorate of Rev. George Fellows, 1867, and was finished in 1868, while the Rev. William. R. Jones was in charge. Previous to the erection of the new church, the old edifice was sold to the village, to be used as a school building.

Within two or three years after the new church was built, many of the disaffected members came back. Matters at this time, and for many years subsequent, went on quite smoothly, only excepting musical matters. As is nearly always the case in churches, there are, and always were in this church, a few worthies who could never endure any sort of an invasion upon old-time practices. Consequently, when the choir was started, and also when the organ was purchased, there were objectors. However, in spite of opposition, as the years went by, the choir grew stronger and better, until at last it became noted as the best in the conference. Then, about four or five years ago, some of the members wanted the singers moved from the front to the back of the church, behind the pulpit, where they could be seen ; of course, this move met with opposition, but was brought before the Board, and they voted that the choir should be moved. Let no one suppose that this ended the struggle, for it did not; that choir must go into the corner was the next cry, and into the corner it went. No sooner did this happen than the matter was referred to conference, and the choir were moved back again. By this time, the singers began to get thoroughly riled and angry, and, when Elder Hewitt came and took sides with the move element, then war was fully and finally declared. Mr. Hewitt's influence was such, that the choir, in spite of the vigorous support of friends, was moved back to the corner. In conclusion of that matter, suffice it to say, the singers nearly all left, and that was the last of the finest choir in the district, and was also a signal for the withdrawal of several vigorous workers from the church. Under the direction of the present minister, the church appears to be getting along without any particular trouble. Owing to the condition of the records, it is impossible to give the names of but few of the ministers, who have officiated in this church. In 1863, N. J. Aplin ; 1865, T. O. Hollister; 1866, George Fellows; 1867, William K. Jones; 1870, J. S. McChesney ; 1871, H. Sewell; 1874, A. Hollister and Thomas Clithero ; 1875, Samuel Lugg; 1876, J. L. Hewitt; 1877, George W. Burtch; 1878, C. E. Carpenter, the present Pastor.

Congregational Church .- This church, the third in the place, was organized by Rev. S. Peet, August 3, 1845, with twenty-three members. The members of the church here were, for two years previous, united with the church at Summit, under an organization that bore the name of both places. The present society was formed by a mutual division of said church. Rev. J. P. Foster was the first minister and served the church from November, 1843, to February, 1845. Rev. N. Goodhue succeeded, and served as stated supply from May, 1845, for nearly two years. After him Rev. W. C. Fiske was employed. He officiated from October, 1847, to October, 1848. From this time on, for four years, the society was to a great extent destitute of preaching, only as they attended Methodist meetings. In October, 1852, Rev. Sidney H. Barteau was engaged, and discharged the duties of Pastor until September, 1856. The house of worship was com- pleted in 1854, at a cost of $2,300, and was dedicated to the service of the triune God January 1, 1855, during Rev. Barteau's time. After the departure of Rev. Barteau, the pulpit was supplied by different persons, and by the reading of sermons, until December 15, at which time the serv- ices of N. G. Goodhue were secured for a year ; but, by his own request, he was released at the expiration of six months.

Again the services were conducted by different persons, either reading sermons or preach- ing. For a little part of the time there was no service. Sometimes this people met with the

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

Methodists, until September 20, 1857, at which time J. B. Preston began his labors, which lasted for a year ; after which, Rev. J. Williston was called, October 3, 1858, and remained nine months ; then arrangements were made with the church at Summit, and Rev. E. J. Montague was engaged to supply, for a year, the churches of Summit and Oconomowoc. At the expiration of the year, his entire services were secured for this church and society, and he remained as Pastor for more than twelve years, from January 1, 1860, to March, 1872. During this time the church building was enlarged and raised, so as to give place for rooms in the basement, which were used for a school for a time; afterward, for prayer and other meet- ings of the church society.

After Mr. Montague resigned, Rev. A. M. Rice, of Chicago Theological Seminary, was secured as a supply for six months, from April 19, 1872.

After the expiration of this time, a call was extended to Rev. J. Allison for six months, from the third Sabbath of October, 1872. Mr. Allison remained with the church until June, 1874. This clergyman, although very talented as a preacher or lecturer, was as a man of principle, a failure. He was intemperate, and, by his obnoxious conduct and example, in that and other immoral practices, did the church and cause lasting injury. He afterward went into the field as a temperance lecturer, but whether he ever reformed is not certain. He is said to be preaching yet. After him candidating was the order of the day, until the church became well-nigh discouraged by repeated failures to secure a satisfactory pastor.

Rev. T. A. Wadsworth, late of Brandon, supplied from October 25, to December 6, inclu- sive. Then followed the labors of A. E. Tracy, who served the church faithfully from Decem- ber 20, 1874, until the first Sabbath in October, 1878.

The pulpit was then filled by different persons until December 1, when Rev. D. R. Anderson began his labors with the church society, in answer to a unanimous and urgent call, and at present date is the regular supply.

The church at this time appears to be in a prosperous condition.

Oconomowoc Baptist Society .- It was organized November 7, 1867, with ten members. January 23, 1868, they were re-organized as a Regular Baptist Church, by a council of churches called for that purpose. There were then twenty-eight members, who were trying to build a church, and, according to their report, had $1,350 subscribed for that purpose, and a lot paid for.

They then held meetings in one of the old schoolhouses, now Regan's Hall, with Rev. Edmonds as minister.

In 1868, they borrowed money to build, giving Mr. E. Hurlbut security on the lot and building for pay. They went on and had the basement finished and a large frame erected, when a young minister by the name of Ellis took charge, and, it is said, persuaded the church to dis- organize, and repudiate the debt, then re-organize. They disorganized, and Mr. Hurlbut was left to do the best he could with the church. The church authorities were about to take the building off his hands, when a tornado came along and relieved them of the necessity or inclina- tion, by dashing the frame to the ground, where the remains of it can now be seen.

St. Jerome's Catholic Church .- The first service was held among the people of this con- gregaion, by Father Hobbs, of Mapleton, about 1858, in a private house. Father Hobbs con- tinued holding services in this section, in private dwellings, until 1860, by which time St. Jerome's Church was completed and ready for use. The church was erected under his super- vision, at an expense of $1,500. Father Hobbs held services in the church from 1860 to 1865, attending the congregation as a missionary connected with Mapleton. From 1865, Father Vahey assumed charge, and continued the services, as a missionary from Mapleton. In 1870, Father Allen was appointed regular Pastor of the church, and served about a year. Then Father Scott was placed in charge, and remained two years and a half. After him came Father Keehan, who held the charge one year. Father Casey succeeded Father Keehan, and attended to the ministry for one year. Father McMahon followed, and officiated for six months, until 1876. The church was enlarged in 1866, or 1867, by Father Vahey, at a cost of $1,000. The parsonage was built by Father Allen, in 1870, at a cost of $1,700. The present value of the

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

church property is probably about $4,500. The membership comprises about eighty families.

First German Lutheran Church .- The first services of this denomination were held in the spring of 1862, in the Congregational Church, the Rev. Mr. Fack, then Pastor of the Golden Lake Society, officiating. There were but few of the present congregation present. Services were held again July 1, 1865, in the same church, the Rev. L. Nietmann presiding. On this occasion, the society was organized, the following individuals becoming members: H. M. Peters, W. Wilkie, H. Zimmermann, Fred Meyer, Fred Krupnow, August Hartwig, Charles Rochout, John Selnow, Frederick Enke and August Mathias. The Rev. Nietmann served the society for some time after the organization. The lot where the church now stands, on the bank of Fowler Lake, and fronting on Lake street, was purchased July 10, 1869, by H. M. Peters from Judge Small, for $179. At that time there was a building on the lot, 14x16, to which they made an addition, of the same dimensions, and used the entire building for a church until the present edifice was erected ; the first services were held here during that summer by students from Nashotah Mission. On October 10, of this year, 1869, the Rev. A. F. H. Geb- hard was called, and remained until July, 1870. He was succeeded by A. Krueger, who served from July, 1870, to September, 1872. His successor was Rev. J. Emke, who remained until July, 1877. The present Pastor came in December, 1877. This church was incorporated as the " Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul Community."

Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church .- This society was organized at a called meet- ing held at the house of Ole Halverson, and the first services were also held here. There were about twelve families represented at the organization. Subsequently, services were held around at different private houses, and in the Lutheran Church, until 1873. In January, 1872, a meet- ing was held, and arrangements made for erecting a church. Ole Halverson donated the lot, and a building committee was appointed and the work started this year. The basement was completed ready for use January 1, 1873 ; the remainder is not yet done. The church is built of brick, and will cost, when finished, $3,000. The first minister was Rev. S. Gilmeyden; first regular Pastor, Rev. N. Brant; first members, Ole Halverson, Gilbren Jensen, Gunder Olson, Ole Sorbe, Gulick Peterson, Jacob Larsen, Hans Johnson, Mrs. N. Oleson, Mr. G. Johnson, John Elfsen, Nels Rasmussen and G. Ericksen.

The Scandinavian (Norwegian) Baptist Church .- This society was organized April 27, 1866, at the house of John Baratsen, on Walnut street, by the Rev. E. Gergensen, of Chicago. The first members were as follows, viz., John Baratsen and wife, Peter Jensen, Julius Jacobson, Jacob Johnson and wife, and Ingerberg Johnson. Afterward, services were held in different private houses in the city, until 1872, when they bought a house and moved it to the lot on Lake street. This was their church from that time until 1878, when they disposed of the old building and erected a small edifice at a cost of $600. This has been their place of worship since. The first regular minister was C. Westergeard, he was Pastor for three years. From this time until the fall of 1879, the church was supplied by various parties. In that year, K. Sunt, was chosen regular Pastor, and has been with them since. There are now about forty members, being an increase of thirty-three members from the first. The Trustees are John Evesen, James Nelson, and Nels Johnson.

Das Buch Abynegelen .- The first service in this circuit was held in Monterey, by a local preacher, Christian Schafer, in 1857. He came from Watertown every other Sunday to preach, and to visit the folks. In 1860, the society was organized by Rev. John Rinder, who lived in Monterey, and came from there to Oconomowoc to hold services. Friedrich and Gess- lak Humhbly were the first members. The first church was built in Monterey in 1860, at a cost of $1,000. The church in Oconomowoc was built in 1868, at a cost of $800. The list of the regular Pastors is as follows : John Rinder, October 20, 1839, to October 17, 1861; Florentine Feistkorn, October 26, 1861, to October 6, 1863; Henry Schultz, October 9, 1863, to October 12, 1864 ; Henry Overbeck, October 18, 1864, to October 17, 1867; Ernest Fitzner, October 18, 1867, to October 20, 1868 ; Charles Iwert, October 3, 1868, to October 6, 1869; C. F. Leipprandt, October 10, 1869, to October 18, 1870; Canradt Eberhardt, October 18,

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

1870, to October 6, 1872; John Brauer, October 8, 1872, to October 18, 1875; Peter Schafer, October 12, 1875, to October 12, 1877; Nikolaus Eifler, October 6, 1877, to October 18, 1879 ; F. F. R. K. Klenske, October 10, 1879. The present value of church property is : In Monterey, $1,500, and the church in Oconomowoc, $1,200. The number of members is thirty-six. The names of the first officers are Peter Hinners, Presiding Elder ; John Rinder, Pastor ; L. Schenk, William Bery, John Graper, Christ Groose, Charles Groose and G. Kysow. The present officers are, Frank Schimelpfennig, Phillipp Roth, John Zimmerman, Charles Woellke, G. Schinnemann, G. Kelling and Charles Hubner.

The Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church was built, in 1875, on the street running east from the Townsend House; cost, about $700. The first members were dissenters from the Lutheran Church, and a few others. The first minister was Ole Wersen ; through his influence. the church was built, he contributing largely toward it from his private means. The next minister was P. Smith-then a Mr. Thompson, who was succeeded by Rev. P. Jensen, the present minister.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

The charter members of Oconomowoc Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., are as follows : Isaac N. James, W. M. ; H. T. Hopkins, S. W. ; Budd Parsons, J. W. ; Simeon Clemons, Aaron Schults, W. Emmons and W. H. Acker.

Dispensation granted July 14, 1852; lodge constituted under charter from the Grand Lodge, granted August 23, 1853.

Charter surrendered April 9, 1860.

Ellsworth Lodge, No. 133, F. § A. M .- This lodge was organized under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Wisconsin, dated June 18, 1861, to Henry G. Jones as W. M .; George H. Simonds, S. W .; Charles M. Hartwell, J. W. The charter was granted, June 13, 1862, to H. G. Jones, George H. Simonds, C. M. Hartwell, George. C. Kinney, J. R. Carpenter, David Farote, Montreoville Young, G. A. Ludington, W. W. Collins, E. M. Jones, Joseph Fowler, Samuel Tucker and Josiah Wood ; Henry G. Jones, W. M .; George H. Simonds, S. W .; C. M. Hartwell, J. W .; Joel R. Carpenter, Secretary. The same officers held until December 25, 1863. The officers installed every year are as follows :

1863-H. G. Jones, W. M. ; C. M. Hartwell, S. W. ; G. A. Ludington, J. W .; W. W. Collins, Secretary.

1864-H. G. Jones, W. M .; G. A. Ludington, S. W .; J. R. Carpenter, J. W .; C. M. Hartwell, Sec.

1865-G. A. Ludington, W. M .; J. R. Carpenter, S. W .; C. Hubbard, J. W .; C. M. Hartwell, Sec.

1866-G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; Charles Hubbard, S. W. ; J. C. Saltzman, J. W. ; C. M. Hartwell, Sec. 1867-H. G. Jones, W. M. ; C. Hubbard, S. W. ; D. Faurote, J. W. ; V. W. Seelee, Sec.

1868-Charles M. Hartwell, W. M. ; J. R. Carpenter, S. W. ; David Fanrote, J. W .; D. H. Rockwell, Sec.

1869-H. G. Jones, W. M. ; David Fanrote, S. W .; H. H. Fay, J. W. ; D. H. Rockwell, Sec.

1870-G. A. Ludington, W. M .; D. Faurote, S. W. ; Elon Munger, J. W .; Loren Edwards, Sec.

1871-David Faurote, W. M .; W. W. Collins, S. W. ; G. C. Kinne, J. W .; Dow B. Smith, Sec. 1872-W. W. Collins, W. M. ; H. M. Ackley, S. W. ; D. H. Rockwell, J. W .; Dow B. Smith, Sec. 1873-George Vilas, W. M. ; H. G. Jones, S. W .; Elon Munger, J. W .; Dow B. Smith, Sec.

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

1874-G. A. Ludington, W. M. ; H. G. Jones, S. W .; G. A. Winton, J. W. ; Dow B. Smith, Sec.

1875-J. R. Carpenter, W. M. ; George L. Wilsey, S. W. ; F. M. Spear, J. W. ; Dow B. Smith, Sec. 1876-George L. Wilsey, W. M. ; G. A. Winton, S. W .; H. F. Lyke, J. W .; G. A. Lud- ington, Sec.

1877-David Faurote, W. M .; Henry Erredge, S. W. ; E. S. Wilson, J. W .; G. A. Lud- ington, Sec.

1878-Henry Erredge, W. M. ; Elon Munger, S. W .; H. G. Jones, J. W .; G. A. Lud- ington, Sec.

1879-Henry Erredge, W. M. ; Elon Munger, S. W .; H. G. Jones, J. W .; G. A. Lud- ington, Sec.

This Lodge is now in a flourishing condition, with a membership of sixty. · Oconomowoc Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M .- This chapter was organized under a dispensa- tion from the Grand Chapter, R. A. M., of the State of Wisconsin, October 24, 1871, to the following officers : George Vilas, H. P .; H. M. Ackley, K .; D. H. Rockwell, S .; J. R. Car- peuter, Sec .; and a charter was granted January 24, 1872, to Comp. George Vilas, H. M. Ackley, J. A. Henshall, D. A. Winton, D Mc L. Miller, D. H. Rockwell, G. A. Ludington, C. M. Hartwell, James McCall. Curtis Mann, H. G. Jones, F. D. Ludington, R. W. Griffith, George Craw and J. R. Carpenter, under the name of Oconomowoc Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M. December 25, 1872, the same officers were elected and installed.

1873-J. A. Henshall, H. P .; G. A. Ludington, K .; H. G. Jones, S .; George L. Wilsey, Sec.

1874-J. A. Henshall, H. P .; G. A. Ludington, K .; H. G. Jones, S .; Dow. B. Smith, Sec. 1875-J. A. Henshall, H. P .; George Vilas, K .; J. C. Hitchcock, S .; Dow. B. Smith Sec. 1876-George Vilas, H. P .; H. G. Jones, K .; H. F. Lyke, S .; G. A. Ludington, Sec. 1877-George Vilas, H. P .; H. G. Jones, K .; H. F. Lyke, S .; G. A. Ludington, Sec. 1878-D. Mc L. Miller, H. P .; H. G. Jones, K .; H. F. Lyke, S .; G. A. Ludington, Sec.

1879-D. Mc L. Miller, H. P .; H. G. Jones, K .; H. F. Lyke, S .; G. A. Ludington, Sec.

This chapter reports a membership of fifty-nine.

Oconomowoc Lodge, No. 127, I. O. O. F .- The dispensation was granted to this lodge June 5, 1869, upon application of the following persons : John E. Moulton, August Borchert, F. W. Ernst, Peter Klos and P. K. Tucker. All of these gentlemen, excepting John E. Moulton, were, before this time, members of Franklin Lodge, No. 141, located at Delafield. The first meeting was held at Rockwell Hall, where they discussed the propriety of organizing a new lodge. As it would be much more convenient for them to meet here, and as it was only a question of time when they began, there being no doubt that there must be a lodge here some time, the sooner they began the better. After the granting of the charter, the lodge was regularly instituted June 26, 1869. The first officers were : N. G., John E. Moulton ; V. G., F. W. Ernst ; Recording and Permanent Secretary, P. K. Tucker ; Treasurer, Peter Klos; Guardian, August Borchert. Past Grands now in good standing are P. K. Tucker, E. D. Parsons, O. P. Andrus, L. S. Carpenter, L. F. Stewart, E. L. Palmer, G. W. Cole, Thomas McNally, W. H. Bolson and D. G. Munger.

The present N. G., Ole Rosholt ; V. G., J. C. Van Horn ; R. Secretary, Johnton; P. Secretary, P. K. Tucker ; Treasurer, E. L. Palmer. There has but one death occurred among the lodge members. John Brainard died April 6, 1877, and was buried with honors. P. K. Tucker is the only one of the charter members leftin the lodge ; he has been an Odd Fellow for twenty-four years, and at one time belonged to Geauga Lodge, No. 171, one of the strongest lodges in the State of Ohio. In case of death or sickness in this lodge, the members pay expenses by voluntary contribution, there being no weekly dues paid for charitable purposes. Within a term

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after beginning the lodge had increased to sixteen members. There have been 115 members in all. The annual celebrations of the order in the county have been held here two or three times.

Badger State Lodge, No. 220, I. O. O. F .- This lodge was instituted July 23, 1873. At that time F. W. Ernst, Peter Klos, F. Wollin, Willian Bueberman, L. H. Albert and August Borchert met in the present Odd Fellows' Hall as projectors of a new lodge, they all being members of Lodge No. 167. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Ernst, and its object explained. After general discussion, they decided to apply for a charter in German, and agreed upon the name; $30 was voted to pay expenses of charter, and Deputy F. Paulfranz, was authorized to make application to the Grand Lodge for the same. The charter was granted, and they met July 9, 1873. The lodge was then duly instituted, and the following officers elected for the ensuing term of six months, viz .: N. G., Peter Klos; V. G., August Borchart ; Rec. Sec., F. W. Ernst ; Per. Sec., L. H. Albert. When the lodge began, they had $77.90, their share of the funds from the treasury of the old lodge. They have had three deaths thus far, two men and . one woman (Rebecca). F. W. Ernst died February 18, 1874, and Charles Heise, July 12, 1879, Sister Augusta Newman died January 11, 1875. The widows and children of deceased, are paid a weekly allowance. The lodge holds its meetings in the old hall, in common with the English lodge. There are now twenty-three members, and the institution is in a healthy condition.

Temperance Societies .- A temperance meeting was held here as early as the winter of 1844. At that time a big sleigh ride on the ice of La Belle Lake, one afternoon and evening, was participated in by the majority of the people, and, when they were satisfied with riding, they all repaired to the old School House, and listened to a temperance speech by the Rev. Goodhugh, after which nearly every one signed a total abstinence pledge. George Pngh is said to have been the first one to forego his allegiance, and, upon being questioned about it, acknowledged the charge, but declared he forgot at the time all about it. Although there were lectures at different times, yet, it appears, as nearly as can be ascertained, that no regular tem- perance organization was formed here, until June 22, 1850. Then the Oconomowoc Division, No. 98, Sons of Temperance, was instituted by E. Hurlbut, Deputy Grand Worthy Patriarch. This lodge grew rapidly in size and influence after its inception. In October, 1853, the Grand Division of the order convened here and passed resolutions pertaining to a vote on the prohibitory liquor law, submitted by the Legislature to the people's decision, and made arrangements to canvass the State for the purpose of securing prohibition; E. Hurlbut, who was elected the head of the Grand Division of the State, and others, were deputized for that duty, and the State was thoroughly stumped ; but notwithstanding, the movement failed. The Oconomowoc Division continued prosperous for several years, and at one time had as many as a hundred members, and could manipulate local elections etc., at will. At last women were taken in, and very soon after one of the members preferred a charge against another, in open lodge, of immoral conduct; and almost immediately thereafter the institution subsided, after running about twelve years.

In 1851, a section of the cadets of temperance was formed here with twenty-four young boys. This lodge flourished for awhile, gradually weakened and ceased.

Soon after the Sons died, a movement was set afoot to organize a Good Templars society, and in June, 1864, upon petition of twenty persons, J. Giles came on and instituted a lodge. This lodge like the others, had its age of growth, decay and death, and probably in its time did some good.

In after years another Templars' lodge is said to have come up, Phoenix-like, from the ashes of the old one, but did not exist a great length of time, going up at last where all good things are supposed to go. During the summer of 1866, the people were very much wrought up by a discussion which was published in the Oconomowoc Badger, and it is said the temper- ance men got so furious at last, that, when the next election came off, they carried the day. The authors of the articles were Wareham Parks, and Thomas Reed, editor of the paper.

For several years subsequent to the war period, the temperance movement did not seem to possess very much vitality, but was finally aroused from its lethargy by the Temple of Honor and Blue Ribbon furore. A Temple of Honor was started in March, 1876, with nineteen char-

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HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.

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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 109

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