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 110
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162
ter members. This order has undoubtedly been largely beneficial to a goodly number of men, of very good standing, who were losing their influence and business through habits of intem- perance. During the winter of 1877 and 1878, a series of lectures was held at Mann's Hall, and some of the churches, under the auspices of the Temple, and a large Blue Ribbon society was formed. The good done by the Ribbon movement seems almost entirely lost ; as that organi- zation was never, in this or any other place, for some reason, of any great permanency.
In February, 1879, a council of select Tempalrs was formed. It is a similar institution to that of the I. O. O. F. Encampment, and embraces the higher degrees of the Temple of Honor. There were twenty-two charter members. These orders are now in a healthy condition. The Temple has about forty active members, including some of the best men in the city.
Oconomowoc Lodge, A. O. U. W .- This lodge of United Workmen was established May 20, 1879, with the following members : M. F. Paulfranz, P. M. W .; J. F. Hopkins, M. W .; J. Weltner, G. F .; F. Gerber, O .; W. H. Brunner, Recorder ; P. W. Fay, Financier ; Peter Klos, Receiver ; J. Bundscher, J. W .; P. Venden, O. W.
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
The present flouring-mill was begun in the spring of 1855, and was completed in 1857. It is three stories high and 40x50 feet. There are three runs of stones, operated by four Goodwin . turbine wheels, one three, and the others four feet in diameter. The mill was calculated, at the first, to be capable of turning out 100 barrels of flour every twenty-four hours; but now, since new machinery has been introduced, and the new process of grinding adopted, that amount cannot be made per diem. There is an unlimited water supply, and the dam has an eight-foot head. Taken all in all, this is one of the best mill properties in the county, if not the best. The mill was built by J. S. and D. H. Rockwell and Mr. Lnck. In 1864, O. Hathaway pur- chased the interest of J. S. Rockwell, and in October, 1875, Luck & Hathaway purchased the interest of D. H. Rockwell. In 1879, Messrs. Ackley, Stone & Parks purchased the property and are the present owners.
I. Rowell & Sons Plow and Cultivator Factory .- This factory was established in 1867, by I. Rowell, who was a plow maker-in the State of New York, before coming to this State, in 1841. The first plow-factory known to have been erected in the county was started by Mr. Rowell, on his farm in the town of Lisbon, in 1852. Here he carried on the business, on a small scale until 1867. About this time, Mr. Rowell's sons, Kendrick and Louis, built the shop here, which is 32x145, the machinery being operated by a twenty-horse-power engine. About ten years ago, Mr. I. Rowell, became a partner in the firm, which has since been styled I. Rowell & Sons. In 1873, Mr. M. Bush bought out Mr. I. Rowell's share, which he still holds, a half-interest, although the firm still runs under the old name. The factory has a large capacity, and does a profitable business. There are twelve men employed, and 1,500 cultiva- tors, and 12,000 plows can be made per annum. Sales run from $25,000 to $30,000 a year, in this and adjoining States.
Foundry .- The foundry and machine shops of Hartmann, Hubner & Co., were built in May, 1879, and commenced business the same year. The building stands a short distance back from Milwaukee street. The foundry is 24x50, and two stories high. The machine shop is 30x50, and two stories high. A large variety of work is done here, as sawing, ripping, turning, casting rollers, etc. The machinery, which is very complete, is driven by a fifteen-horse power engine. The building and fixtures cost between $5,000 and $6,000.
Union Carriage and Wagon Factory .- The Union Carriage and Wagon Factory was established on Milwaukee street, by William H. Young, the present proprietor. In 1854, Mr. Young began, with a small shop and limited capital, but has largely increased his capital and enlarged his shop, and now does about $7,000 per annum of work, and gives employment to eight men.
City Brewery .- The City Brewery, Peter Binzel, proprietor, was established by him on Fowler street, where the present building stands, in June, 1868. The first brewery was a small
720
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
frame building, with a capacity of three or four hundred barrels per annum. The ice house was built in 1873; it is 24x60 feet. The present brewing building was built in 1877 ; is 40x78, two stories in height, with a capacity of 1,200 barrels per year, the most of which is sold in this locality.
Planing Mill .- G. Vilas & Co. have a planing and sawing mill in connection with lumber- yard, established in 1870.
There is also a graln elevator here, under the management of Mr. William Thompson, that is worthy of mention, as it does a large shipping business.
ATTORNEYS.
Joel R. Carpenter commenced the practice of law in Oconomowoc November 13, 1848, Edwin Hurlbut in 1850, D. W. Small, November 12, 1851, all by certificate, they having prac- ticed in other places. The following were admitted on examinations in Waukesha County : William Hassell, March, 27, 1858 ; R. C. Hathaway, March 26, 1862 ; Warham Park, March 20, 1867 ; Charles H. Van Alstine, July 19, 1877, and E. D. R. Thompson, Dec. 2, 1879. Loran Edwards and Hobart Mason practiced a short time and moved to other parts.
Jonathan Dougherty, said to have been considerable of a pettifogger, attended to the legal business of the place before any of the above. He was also one of the first Justices of the Peace.
POSTMASTERS.
Loan Saxe was appointed the first Postmaster, as early as 1845. He was succeeded by W. W. Collins, who was followed by D. H. Rockwell. After him the office was held by Thomas N. Stephens. In 1865, D. R. Thompson was installed and remained in charge until 1868; John C. Starkweather then took charge of the office, holding it until 1873, when Miss C. L. Edwards was appointed. After Miss Edwards, in 1875, Warham Parks was appointed and has since held the office.
PHYSICIANS.
Dr. Townsend came in as early as 1846 or 1847, but never succeeded. He united with the physicians of the county in establishing rates for service soon after coming, and, the people thinking it a swindle, made a call for another physician. Then Dr. Little came. Dr. Conant arrived soon after and set up as partner with Dr. Little. Dr. Warner followed within a few years and set up practice. Then Drs. Saltzman, Miller, Hopkins, Hays, Jones, Regan and Dale, all of them more or less popular and skillful physicians, came in turn to minister to the necessities of the sick.
NOTES.
Ten years ago, there were seven hotels, five dry goods stores, three drug stores, four hardware stores, three boot and shoe stores, two clothing stores, four tailor-shops, five gro- ceries, nine saloons, three provision stores, two restaurants, two furniture stores, two harness- shops, three jewelry-shops, one bank, two livery stables, one carriage-shop, one foundry, one planing-mill, four cooper-shops, one bakery, two meat markets, a postoffice doing a business of $40,000, and paying $1,500 per annum; two district schools, five physicians, six lawyers, two Justices, seven ministers, one newspaper.
Picture-taking was first begun here in 1858 or 1859. The gallery was opened in what was known as Putnam's Block. C. M. Smith began learning when the gallery was first opened, and in a month had learned so as to take a picture; this shows how far the art had progressed at that time ; yet, in justice to what was done, no matter if learned in a short time, it must be said that the work was fair, as shown by a picture now in Mr. Smith's possession. Mr. Smith bought the gallery and continued it for a short time, then sold. From that time on, the place has had a good gallery.
PAGamey WAUKESHA.
723
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
WAR INCIDENTS.
Oconomowoc, like cotemporary places of equal size and importance, had a war experience, peculiar to itself alone, the record of which lives, principally, in the memories of actors in the various episodes. That many of those occurrences were not creditable to all parties concerned, taken in the light of history, and as examples to succeeding generations, is to be regretted rather than denied ; but that there were grand and full contributions made, of life and money, to the cause of the Union Government, is equally certain, and must be a source of unqualified gratification to the majority of the community, in view of their condition to-day. "The late unpleasantness," familiarly so-called, was carried on, upon the part of the North, in accordance with the fact, that the whole of the body politic is of infinitely more importance than a part ; at least, that was the view taken by a majority of the people of the North, who recognized in every application of power or precedent, our national motto, "in union is strength." There were a large number of persons then living in Oconomowoc and vicinity, who utterly failed to take a comprehensive view of the situation in which the North was placed by the declaration of the hostilities upon the part of the South, and who did not seem to perceive the application, that could be made at any time in the future, of such a precedent as a separate and independent government fully secured by the South ; and no species of argument could convince them of the folly of a peace policy, or sympathy with the designs of men whose every act was entirely at variance with every precept known to statesmen for the maintenance of a permanent govern- ment, and consequently the universal prosperity of the people.
To give a detailed account of all that occurred then, and which to a great degree interested every one, would be simply impossible, for every day was of itself a series of incidents, fraught with little of joy, but much of sadness, for the majority.
No sooner had the news reached the place that Fort Sumter had been fired upon than a fever of excitement prevailed. A meeting was immediately called at Dodge's Hall-just completed-and speeches and resolutions were made, and a movement was at once instituted to organize a cavalry company. Within a short time the cavalry company was enrolled and officered, as a home guard, called Oconomowoc Cavalry. As demonstrations of all kinds were then necessary, to express the public enthusiasm, a grand celebration was set on foot for the 4th of July, 1861, and all hands in the village and town met on Brown street, and had what would be called a glorious time. A sham battle was fought, and firing of cannon and small arms was indulged in, and roast pig, a la cobtail, turkey, chickens and everything were annihilated without remorse, in honor of the occasion ; and the whole thing wound up by a grand cavalry race, such as many a participant rehearsed in earnest in after days.
It must not be supposed that during this time unanimity of sentiment in this matter pre- vailed-not so. Meetings of Southern sympathizers were being held, and speeches made, and ridicule of all kinds launched against the efforts of Southern opposers. The headquarters of the Copperhead party, so-called, was the grocery store of J. K. Carpenter, on the corner where the brick block of Judge Small now stands. The cavalry company broke up this season, and the majority of the men went away and enlisted, and not until quite late in the year was an attempt made to enlist a company here. Then, Rev. Mr. Fox, a Methodist minister, and an enthusiastic war-man, got up a company, known as Capt. Fox's Company. While the enlist- ment was going on, some unusual demonstrations were indulged in by the anti-war party, which greatly offended the new company. As a result, one morning when Mr. Carpenter arose, he found his store barricaded. This being the first hostile demonstration made here, Mr. C. became thoroughly alarmed, and went to Mr. Hurlbut, who was early appointed United States Marshal, for relief. Mr. Hurlbut immediately issued an order to Capt. Fox, to have his com- pany cease their demonstrations, and signed it officially as Colonel on the staff of Gov. Ran- dall. Capt. Fox reported at once, surprised at receiving such an order, but was soon convinced, upon seeing the commission, that, as a soldier, he had the duties of a soldier to perform ; within a short time everything was restored to order ; although violent threats were uttered, and fears were entertained that a riot would ensue. In 1862, Capt. Stevens' company was enrolled,
X
724
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
and in the fall went out with the Twenty-eighth Regiment. They were as brave and gallant fel- lows as ever left the place. From this time a greater unanimity of feeling prevailed among the people. A Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society was early formed, as a branch connected with the Milwau- kee department, and efficient and hearty service was rendered to the destitute and suffering sol- diers, in prison, the hospital, and the field. After Capt. Stevens' company went South, a man said to be a relative of his, who had been connected with that infamous secret society known as the "Knights of the Golden Circle," came North, as a detective, and among other places visited Oconomowoc. While bere he professed to identify several prominent men as members of the order, and it was generally believed that there was quite a strong organization here. When the time came for raising money to pay soldiers, Oconomowoc was not behind, but contributed liber- ally. At the time of drafting the opposing element made considerable trouble, and a good many of the drafted parties ran away. But at the last the town furnished more than its quota, some- thing which, under the circumstances, speaks volumes for the efforts of those who aided in putting down the Rebellion. More than 200 men went from Oconomowoc, and, taken all in all, the place stands high in the ranks of earnest supporters of the Government and Union.
INCIDENTS AND ANECDOTES.
First Catamaran .- One of the first boats ever used on Lake La Belle, was a catamaran, built by Lyman Dewey in 1844. It was made for a big Fourth of July celebration. The idea of building a deck on two boats, side by side, with a water space between, seems to have been entirely original to him. This class of boats are now justly great favorites, as swift sailers, and for their safety. Dewey's boat, it appears, was poorly constructed, and nearly sank within a short time after starting out with its living freight. Its occupants were barely able to reach the shore, and universal condemnation was meted out to the "new-fangled " institution. This voyage was the first and last, of what was called "Dewey's folly."
The First Fight .- During the celebration in 1844, the first battle of " Cooney " is said to have been fought. It was a fist fight between Elisha Morris and E. Williams. Would it had been the last !
George W. Fay as a Policeman .- In 1844, an old "codger," supposed to have been an Englishman, from the cut of his gib, put in an appearance in the village, and finally, after trudging about awhile, stepped into the shop of I. C. Stratton, who was then working near the old store of Mr. Fay. The fellow being a rather hard-looking character, Mr. Stratton regarded him with suspicion. In a short time, after peering around here and there, he withdrew. No sooner had he gone, than Stratton looked about to see if anything was taken, and missed his drawing-knife. He at once reported to his employer, and they together made the fellow come back. He denied having the drawing-knife, and said that they would find it among the tools ; going where the tools were he slipped the knife out from his pantaloons leg, when he thought they were not watching him, and pointed to it a moment after. He then took a tri-square, concealed it, and started off. Mr. Stratton witnessed the performance, and reported to Mr. Fay. Mr. Fay then ordered the man to go into his store, and consider himself a prisoner. To make a long story short, after having been kept in custody in this way for some time, the chap thought he would make an effort for liberty. So, when Mr. Fay was not watching, he slid out, and started off on a run. Mr. Stratton called to Mr. Fay, telling him of the escape of his prisoner, whereupon Mr. Fay started in hot pursuit, and from one end of the town to the other they ran, pursuer and pursued ; but the Englishman, owing to the interference of another party, got away.
The First Phrenologist .- Many stories are related of the jolly times indulged in by the bachelors who made their rendezvous at the old hotel kept by Charles C. Wilson, the joker and story-teller. One of these is to the effect that one day, about the time phrenology was first being discussed, a rather seedy individual came to the hotel, and said to one of the bystanders " Hever 'ad a lecture on phrenology 'ere ?" The man replied, saying that they had not. The stranger then said that lecturing, and examining 'eads was his business, and he would like to
725
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
give a lecture and examine some 'eads, if he could get some one to help him post some bills. This was readily agreed to by the other party, and accordingly arrangements were made for the lecture. When night came, the boys all turned out, expecting to have some fun. They soon discovered, after the fellow began, that he was a fraud, and, as this was not in the programme, and not to their taste, they concluded to give him a " send-off." So one of the audience jumped up, and seizing a dog by the hind legs, swung him around and knocked Mr. Phrenologist heels over head. As soon as he could come to time, another candidate for examination was perched on the stool. After Phreno. had given him a character fit for a king, the boys concluded that they would take another hand in, and give Phreno. a little further experience of their characters ; so without ado, they grabbed him and jerked him into the bar-room. A whisky and soap slide was the great game those days, and of course he must take a "slide." The rules of the slide were, that a man must be laid on the counter or table, which was well smeared with soap and whisky, and be slid back and forth and finally shot off. If he went off straight, he need not be slid again. Poor Phreno. called for the landlord, but he could not be found just then ; so they slid him, and slid him again, until he could hardly have told whether he was a still or a soap factory ; and, finally, it is said, they opened a side door connected with a flight of stairs, and a hill-side alley, and slid him down stairs alley and all. Phreno, in a very dilapidated condition, got up and retired, saying, "I calls such treatment ha hinsult."
Chauncy Ludden's Courtship and Marriage .- Chauncy Ludden, who came here very early, is said to have come West partly to get away from the regions of an old sweet-heart, who had taken to a "handsomer man." After he had been here some time, he one day asked a fellow- workman what he had better do, get married or not. This was rather a ticklish question to answer, especially considering the fact that there were but a few girls here then. There were Edith Brainard, Libbie Barton, Miss Goodell, Louisa Washburn, the two Misses Campbell and Emily Sage. Emily and one other girl were famous runners, there being but one among the young fellows who could outstrip them, said to have been C. Eastman.
After comparing notes as to the merits of these various parties, Ludden decided to get married if he could, and to call on Libbie Barton right away. That night found him paying his devotions at Cupid's shrine, but Libbie was too much for him ; she quoted poetry, and talked sentiment to him until he was fairly distracted, and declared afterward that " that kind of sass was too much for him." He next sought Emily Sage, but Emily was, as will be inferred from her abilities as a runner, a rather frisky miss, and, withal, had a suitor. Yet Ludden was not to be ignored ; so on trial, she went to spelling-school with him .. But, alas for Ludden's hopes, the other fellow was there, and, when he tried to make his candle stick to the desk and could not, his rival passed remarks. This disgusted Chauncy, who, without further ado, withdrew, and his girl went over to the ranks of the enemy. Soon after this, while busy at work one day, he started up, borrowed a rule from Mr. Stratton, his companion, and went out to the lumber yard. Nothing was seen of him until evening, when lo! what should he have done but drop the rule and go a-courting. This time he launched his shafts at the staid Louisa, and struck the mark, for soon after they were married.
Old Tom .- Old Tom, the property of Mr. Worthington, was for many years the only horse that could be hired in the village, and was consequently in great demand on all special occasions. When the time arrived for Chauncy Ludden and Miss Washburn to be married, George Pugh, who had been invited, determined to go in style; and, as they were to be married at Mr. Washburn's house, two or three miles from the village, he concluded to get Old Tom for the journey. Tom was accordingly brought and hitched to a post while \Ir. Pugh was "fixing up ;" but just at the time Pugh was ready to start, what should the horse do but break away and start off. Pugh gave chase, and away went Tom pell mell through town with Pugh at his heels, all dressed in his Sunday best, calling "Stop him, stop him !" Tom, seeming to know for what service he was intended, ran down the road toward Mr. Washburn's, and finally, to the intense disgust of Mr. Pugh, and to the great amusement of his friends, stopped at Mr. Washburn's gate, apparently well satisfied that he had done his duty and had no farther to go.
726
HISTORY OF WAUKESHA COUNTY.
Big Doings at the Adoption of the Constitution .- At this time a grand celebration was held at " Cooney," and all sorts of jolly proceedings indulged in. Among other things and the most attractive part of the sports, was the firing off of big charges of powder from old wheel gudgeons, there being no cannons. The gudgeons did noble service this day, and the boys fired salutes for nearly everything and person they could think of. At last, when the category of worthy. objects was about exhausted, a salute was proposed for "Old Church," who was an in- terpreter, and an inveterate toper. When this proposition was made, D. H. Rockwell, who was one of the crowd, all-seas-over like the rest, said he " would not cheer any such drunken cuss;" at the same time over he went into a mud puddle or something worse, and off went the gudgeon in honor of Church, while all hands gave a cheer for the fallen hero.
Charles Wilson and the Preacher .- Charles Wilson was early converted and became a Methodist, but did not stick to his faith long, owing, as he said, to the fact that he kept a hotel to make a living for himself, and not to furnish preachers with a home. After he left the hotel, he became very careless as to Sabbath usages, and worked on Sunday occasionally. One Sun- day morning he was hard at work fixing his house, when a friend going to church with a minister came along. Shaking their heads regretfully, they bade him good morning. "Good morning, Elder ;" said Wilson, "nice morning. You see the Seven Day Baptists are not all dead yet." The joke was too many for the preacher, and he passed on, very much amused at the sally, and compelled to acknowledge that a man's faith may furnish him with an excuse for doing almost anything.
Judge Small's Income .- Judge Small says there is no real reason why young people can- not get along if they are willing to work, and live within their means ; but, of course, if one has nothing to do, and no means, he generally gets a very slim living. To illustrate : When Judge Small got married, his wife's father, or his own, presented the couple with enough to buy a house and lot, and left it to the young lawyer to make enough out of his profes- sion to support them, which he did ; their expenses for the first year not being $100, and his income not being more than $125; the second year his expenses were about $125, and income perhaps $50 more, and the third year his income had increased to $250, and his expenses to $175, the expenses, although increasing, always being less than the in- come.
Lieutenant Bull's Temperance Speech .- During the last of the war, A. J. Rockwell started a company here, and, either at the beginning of the enlistment, or a short time after, a Lieuten- ant Bull, from Madison, came to help him get his company together. While he was here, the temperance people were holding meetings, and having speeches. One day or evening, young Rockwell walked into one of the meetings, accompanied by Lieut. Bull, and said that the Lieu- tenant was a temperance inan and speaker ; thereupon, the Chairman invited him to step up and speechify. Nothing loath, the military man went to the front and began a big temperance talk. While he was laying himself out to make converts, and beguile the erring ones from their cups, who should step in but old Mr. Ludington, who at that time indulged very freely in the ardent. Looking at the speaker in astonishment, for a few moments, he finally spoke up, and asked : "Ain't you the chap I saw sucking whisky down below here a spell ago?" The Lieutenant, not to be driven out of the field without a parting shot, said: " Well, what if you did see me, haven't I been telling the truth ? "
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.