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 126

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 126

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).

MRS. KATE B. HILL, proprietor of Clysmic Spring; native of Natchez, Miss., is of Italian parentage, both parents having been born in Genoa, Italy ; her brother Paul A. Botto, recently deceased, was for fifteen years editor and proprietor of the Natchez Democrat and Courier; although born in classic Italy, he was a representative son of the Southland, genial, chivalric, high-toned, talented, unselfish and of heroic bravery. The only other member of the family is a brother, Lewis Botto, who is a merchant in Natchez. The father, also, at his death, was a leading merchant of that city. She was married in September, 1871, to John Hill, a native of Alsace, Germany ; he fell a victim to yellow fever during the next month, October, 1871. Through the influence of a friend, who was coming to Waukesha, from Natchez, to spend the summer of 1877, she was induced to visit this village; she remained two seasons, her health was im- proved and she purchased the Clysmic Spring in January, 1879. The waters of the spring are popular throughout the South ; she spends the winter in the South, and the summer at the Spring.

WILLIAM C. HOLBROOK was born in Surry, Cheshire Co., N. H., Ang 13, 1851 ; son of Elijah and Elizabeth Holbrook. His mother died when William was about six years old; he came with his father to Prairie du Chien in the fall of 1865 ; his father was proprietor of the Railroad House, now called the Williams House. They went from there to Milwaukee, and his father was propri- etor of the " Juneau House " there for one year ; then went to Waukesha in 1868, and took charge of the Exchange Hotel, most of the time conducted by his father, for eight years. William C. became proprietor in May, 1879. He was Deputy Sheriff for several months, and Village Marshal one year. Mr. Holbrook was married at Pewaukee, April 24, 1879, to Ella E. Hall, daughter of William Hall, now a resident of Pewaukee.

WILLIAM D. HOLBROOK, retired; born July, 1812, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y .; came to Green Bay, Wis., in 1837; was in Milwaukee July 4, 1839, at a celebration, and the breaking of ground for Rock River Canal ; the spade broke and prostrated the hero of the day ; the canal project proved a failure. He farmed five years, and manufactured grain cradles some years, and in 1851 settled in Waukesha, where, for twenty-five years, he practiced dentistry ; he studied with his brother in York State. The Doctor was married in 1840 to Miss Lydia Bangs, of Illinois ; they have no issue. He was

817

WAUKESHA.

the second dentist in the county, and this village increased tenfold during his practice. He retired in 1879, because of impaired eyesight, although he was enjoying liberal patronage. He patented, in 1879, a new method of retaining artificial lower dentures. This is new to the profession, and is being rapidly introduced, finding approval even in Europe. He owns some real estate in the village, besides his residence on South St., opposite the M. E. Church. Has declined all office ; is a Conservative Independent, with Republican proclivities. Ever since Spiritualism became prominent in the West, he has been a firm believer and pronounced advocate of its doctrines.

CHARLES HORNING, contractor and builder ; born in 1824. in Pennsylvania ; learned his trade before he was of age, and has carried on the business ever since, except the five years that he was in the lumber business at Whitewater ; came to Wisconsin in 1847. He was married, in 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Wambold, of Milwaukee Co. Was in business in Milwaukee about sixteen years; removed to Waukesha in 1875, and erected his beautiful residence on High St., just east of the Silurian Spring. Has two children-Adeline C. and David W .; both are unmarried. David is a practicing physician at Brothertown, Calumet Co., near Fond du Lac. The family are Congregationalists. He is a good mechanic, and a quiet, respected citizen.

CAPT. DANIEL HOWELL, retired ; born in October, 1808, in Delaware Co., N. Y ; until 1835, was on farm. Married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Jones, formerly of New York State; they have had no issue. In 1832, he founded a town and established a post office in Chautauqua Co., N. Y .; the post office was known as the " Salem X Roads." His commission was from William T. Barry. In 1835, he moved to White Pigeon, Mich., and kept hotel till 1839, then moved to Illinois, and kept hotel till 1849 in Belvidere and Rockford ; then was proprietor for five years of the Jefferson House at the county seat of Jefferson Co., Wis .; afterward five years in business at Milwaukee, and, in 1859, removed to Grand Rapids, Wis., and was engaged in the mercantile husiness when the rebellion broke out in 1861. The Governor sent him a commission to raise a company, which he secured in that vicinity, and left Grand Rapids with his company on the 29th of October, 1861. He left Camp Randall for service on the 11th of January, 1862, in command of Co. G, known as the "Evergreens, in 12th W. V. I. He served till April, 1863, when, on account of sickness, he resigned. Since 1866, he has resided at Wauke- sha ; was in the Exchange Hotel awhile with his brother-in-law, F. M. Putney, the owner of the hotel ; since then he has done some work as a commission man, and as a dealer in agricultural implements. In Michigan, he was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors; was County Treasurer one term, and afterward-1854 and 1855-in the State Senate. He has made and lost several fortunes ; he has been a Democrat all his life; he was one of ex-Gov. Barstow's supporters, who were styled, " The Forty Thieves." For several years, he has not taken an active part in politics. He is a genial and respected gentleman. Residence is on East avenue.

JOHN HOWITT, County Superintendent of Schools, was born in the town of Avon, N. Y., April 30, 1841 ; lived there until he came to Wisconsin in 1859; he located on Section 28, in the town of Lisbon ; engaged in farming and teaching since that time ; was elected School Superintendent in 1875 ; re-elected in 1877 and 1879. Mr. Howitt has been identified with the school interests ever since he came here.

H. S. HUGHES, ticket and freight agent C., M. & St. P. R. R .; born in Oneida Co., N. Y., in March, 1842 ; he has been agent about ten years ; is capable and popular ; the family are highly respected ; he is Master of a Masonic Lodge.

HAZEN H. HUNKINS, deceased, was born in Danville, Vt., May 19, 1820 ; came West 1839, and settled in New Berlin, Waukesha Co. He was married Nov. 26, 1847, to Miss Aurelia S. Seagel, formerly of Waterbury, Vt. His carly life was passed on a farm ; be was a few years proprietor of a marble establishment ; in 1867, he moved into the village of Waukesha, and built a large and attractive home, on corner of Grand avenue and Carroll St. He held various local offices; In 1864, he was elected County Treasurer ; he was Chief Engineer Fire Department, and was an appreciated officer ; at the time of his death, he was Under Sheriff of the county. He died on the 29th of March, 1879, leaving three children-M. Emma, who married William S. Parsons, and lives in New Berlin ; Carrie A., at home ; Wilbur F., married A. D. Jackman, and lives in Waukesha. He was a Master Mason, and exemplified the virtues of the order in his daily life ; he was buried with Masonic honors. Since 1857, he had been a consistent member of the M. E. Church. He was quiet, unassuming and highly respected ; he was a wise counselor, reliable citizen, and ahly acted his part in all the varied relations of life. Mrs. Hunkins still lives in the beautiful homestead, and is well known as a genial and competent lady ; her home is the favorite resort of many summer " spring visitors." It is a " tourists' home," and is acknowl- edged as the leading establishment of the kind in Waukesha.

818

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

ROBERT H. HUNKINS, cooper ; was born in Danville, Vt., in 1830; came to Wisconsin in 1840, and settled at New Berlin, where he carried on farming till 1866, when he moved into the village of Waukesha and engaged in building railroad bridges. Was married in 1852 to Miss Frances Scagel, of Vermont ; they have one daughter-Eva, now at home. For the last six years, he has employed six or eight men in the shop, manufacturing mainly the packages used by the Bethesda Spring. His shop is on Park St., and his residence on East Ave. He is a member of the fire department. Is a Republican.

JOHN F. ICKE, dealer in leather and findings; born in Germany, January, 1838 ; came to United States in 1852, and settled first in Milwaukee; and then, in 1856, came to the county of Wau- kesha, and since 1865, has lived in the village of Waukesha. Has been clerk, shoemaker and merchant ; owns his store on Main St. ; it is the only establishment of the kind in the county. He was married in 1863 to Miss Fredericka Prior, of Muskego ; has five children, three sons and two daughters, all at home. Residence is on Main St. Is member of Board of Trustees of the M. E. Church in Waukesha. Takes but little interest in politics ; is a reliable citizen.

SAMUEL D. JAMES was born near Cardigan, in South Wales, Nov. 22, 1823; came to New York State in 1847; located in Utica, remained there three years, and then moved to Sandusky, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y .; was selling goods there until he came to Waukesha, Wis., Sept. 30, 1864; he engaged in mercantile business here in 1865-firm of Jameson & James; they continued together until 1871, when Mr. Jameson retired from business. Mr. James has carried on the business alone since that time-first general dry goods and groceries, now dry goods and clothing exclusively-and has engaged in no other business except merchandising during his residence in Waukesha. Mr. James was married in San- dusky, N. Y., to Elizabeth Williams; she was born in Pembrokeshire, Wales ; they have three children -David C., Arthur W. and Annie.

REUBEN M. JAMESON was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Sept. 3, 1816; he lived there until he was 18 years of age, then went to Buffalo as clerk in a wholesale grocery house; he remained six years with one firm, and then engaged in general merchandising, with a man by the name of Swift, at Arcade, N. Y. In two years, Mr. Jameson moved to Sandusky, N. Y., where he engaged in business alone, seven and a half years ; then for five years he was not in active business, then for two and a half years he engaged in mercantile business, in partnership with S. D. James, at Sandusky. In May, 1865, he came to Waukesha, and in September commenced business again with S. D. James, under the firm name of " Jameson & James." They continued together until March, 1872. Mr. Jameson has not been in active business since that time, being engaged in looking after his investments principally. Mr. Jameson has been Village President one term, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors two years, Village Trustee two years. Mr. Jameson is also agent of the Etna Fire Insurance Co., and is one of the Executive Committee of the Waukesha Board of Underwriters. He was married in Caneadea, Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 17, 1857, to Emily Wilson ; she was born at Caneadea, Allegany Co., N. Y., Jan. 22, 1834; they have two daughters-Grace Estelle, now Mrs. Charles A. Williams of Milwaukee, and Eva May. Mr. Jame- son's father and mother were Thomas and Rebecca Taggart Jameson. His father was born in Antrim, N. H., May 13, 1778; died at Boston, Erie Co., N. Y., March 29, 1859 ; mother was born in Vermont, Jan. 21, 1774 ; she died at Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., Jan. 3, 1848.

J. ERNEST JEWETT, was born in the town of Menomonee, Waukesha Co., Aug. 17, 1854; he came to Waukesha in 1858; he is the son of John E. and Mary C. Jewett; they came to Wisconsin and located in Waukesha (probably in 1848). He was educated in the Union School and Carroll College. Mr. Jewett engaged in the photograph business three years ; one year afterward, he was connected with the nursery business, and is now employed in the freight and shipping department of the Wisconsin Industrial School for Boys.

M. M. KELLIHER was born in County of Cork, Ireland, Sept. 6, 1837 ; came to America in 1854; he lived in Canada about six months, then located in New Hampshire and resided there until he removed to Rhode Island about two years after the close of the war ; he was six months in Providence, R. I .; he then went to Baraboo, Sauk Co., remained there two years, then went to Newark, Ohio, for one year, when he removed to Peru, Ind .; there he remained but a year. He commenced working in the woolen mills at Newport, N. H., when he was 17 years of age, and continued in that business until 1875; then he started the business of a dealer in clothing, hats, caps, gents' furnishing goods, etc. Mr. Kelliher served in the army over three years during the late rebellion ; enlisted in Co. B, 2d N. H. V. I. May 18, 1861 ; he was wounded at first Bull Run and discharged on that account. Soon afterward, he raised Co. C, 7th N. H. V. I .; the winter following he was commissioned First Lieutenant and served until he resigned. He has been School District Clerk two years since he came to Waukesha in March, 1871 ; was married at

819

WAUKESHA.

Concord, N. H., May 2, 1863, to Catharine Cronin ; she was born in County Cork, Ireland. They have four children living-Annie E., Kate, Mary and Mortimer M., having lost one son, Robert E., who died in June, 1879, aged 15 years. Mr. Kelliher and family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

DR. A. KENDRICKS, located in the town of Waukesha in the spring of 1853, settled on what is now known as the Barney farm or Wm. White place, was there about five or six years, when he moved to the village, ; he has engaged in the practice of medicine ever since his residence in Waukesha ; he was born in Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., Aug. 1, 1813, received a classical education at the Classical School and Academy at Hamilton, Madison Co., N. Y .; in June, 1832, he graduated from Woodstock Medical School, which was connected with Middlebury College, commenced practice in Salisbury, Vt,, there one year, then engaged in practice four years at Ticonderoga, N. Y., afterward in West Granville, N. Y. fifteen years, until he came to Wisconsin. Dr. K. was married at Ticonderoga to Orpha A. Smith Dec. 31, 1834; she died Feb. 14, 1840, leaving two children, Rev. Adin A., now President of Shurtleff College, and Lucy O., now Mrs. J. J. Watson, of Burlingame, Kan. ; married his second wife at Ticonderoga; her name was Martha P. Smith, who died Oct. 3, 1865, leaving two children, Albert S., now a resident of St. Louis, Justin S., also a resident of St. Louis, and cashier and book-keeper of Equitable Insurance Company. Dr. Kendrick's present wife was Mary A. Tyler, a native of the town of New Berlin N. Y .; she has a daughter Maud, by a former marriage. The Doctor's son, Albert S. served in the 28th W. V. I; served until the regiment was finally mustered out, and was Adjutant of his regiment for some time after he entered the service, was appointed Q. M. S. before leaving camp at Milwaukee.

D. W. KENT, real-estate and insurance agency; born in 1818, in Oswego Co., N. Y .; went to Illinois, with his parents, in 1836, who settled on a farm near Palatine; he was married in 1839, to Miss Persis Bailey, daughter of Amos Bailey, a prominent farmer of that town; Mrs. Kent died in the spring of 1858, leaving seven children, of whom six are now living-Albert, married, and living in Waukesha ; Mary B., married, and living in Michigan; Liberty M. W., married, and living in Milwaukee ; Hiram T., married, and living in Pewaukee; Persis A. at home, and Nellie A. at home. Most of the time in Illi- nois ; was a farmer; gave up farming in 1870 ; lived in Waukesha since 1857, save two years in Rock Co .; married his second wife in the fall of 1858; she was Miss Treadway, sister of W. W. Treadway, of Mad- ison ; she died in 1862. leaving one son, Henry W., now at home; he married his present wife in 1863 ; her maiden name was Elizabeth Hillyer; he was two terms Justice of the Peace-never asked for an office or a vote ; he is well known as a temperance worker ; is a leading "Good Templar;" the family are Congre- gationalists ; all the children also being members of that church, and none of them use tobacco or intoxi- cating liquors ; owns a residence on Carroll street ; accommodates a few summer boarders.

IRA KIMBALL, Deputy United States Internal Revenue Collector, was born at Bath, N. H., July 28, 1829; received a common-school education, and learned the trade of wool-carding and cloth manufacturing, in his native town ; came from New Hampshire to Wisconsin, and settled in Waukesha in August, 1854; engaged in milling, buying grain, keeping books for his brother, R. N. Kimball, for about ten years. He was two years in mercantile business ---- taught school two years-then was engaged in the wool-carding business for two years; then sold out that business to the Waukesha County Manufact- uring Company ; and was connected with that company for four years-part of the time superintendent and purchaser of wool. After leaving that company, he was engaged in the purchase of wool, and doing insurance business, until September, 1878, when he was appointed Deputy United States Internal Revenue Collector, for the third division of the first district, embracing the counties of Waukesha and Walworth. Mr. K. has been marshal of the village two years, Village Treasurer two years ; and for the last two years Clerk of the Village Board ; he has also served as Village Trustee. Mr. Kimball was married at Bath, N. H., July 3, 1855, to Miss Ruth Anu Southard. She was born in Bath. They have one son-Frank S., born May 2, 1856. Mr. K. and son are members of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, of this city.

JACOB H. KIMBALL was born in Bridgton, Cumberland Co., Me., on the 3d of April, 1800 ; learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, and lived in his native State until after his marriage. On the 14th of January, 1834, he was married to Miss Harriet Gage, of his native town. On the 17th of June, 1837, he landed with his family in Milwaukee, and for forty-three years he has resided in Wis- consin. Sabina Barney's family and some other pioneer veterans came on the same hoat. After a two- years sojourn in Sheboygan, he reached Prairieville (Waukesha) at midnight, the 24th of December, 1839, half dead with cold, and wearing the frozen clothing which was wet in the Menomonee River. He immediately bought 200 acres of land adjoining the present village of Waukesha, and including the land where he now lives. Mrs. Kimhall died in 1868; they had two children who died in infancy. When he came in 1837 there was, at Prairieville, a grist-mill and a saw-mill, Buckner's log tavern, and two frame

820

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

houses owned by John Gale and Henry Bowron. He built the third frame house in the township. He was actively instrumental in dividing old Milwaukee Co., and so establishing the boundaries of this county that the county seat might and should be at Waukesha; this he did mainly under the leadership of William H. Barstow. He was a member of the Territorial Council in 1845-46; was several terms Super- visor ; was afterward engaged in the lumber business ; several years Register of the Land Office at Mil- waukee. He sold most of his land in 1847 ; his health for many years was not good ; he claims to be the second old settler who was cured of the kidney disease by use of the Bethesda Spring water. Although past fourscore, he assures the writer that his general health was never better than for the past fifteen years; his eyesight forbids reading, but his memory is unimpaired, and he is a straight, vigorous man. His home is with Erastus Scott, nearly a mile from the post office, on land which he bought in 1839. He was never intemperate; has not drank any intoxicating liquor for the last ten years, and he never tasted tobacco but once. He has been a Freemason, but not a church-member. Financially, he expects to "come out about even with this world ;" religiously, he trusts it will be " all right in the next world."

NANCY H. KIMBALL, nee Keene, widow of R. N. Kimball ; she was born in Pompey, Onondaga Co., N. Y., May 28, 1822 ; he was born Oct. 1, 1817, in Bath, Grafton Co., N. H .; they were married May 31, 1865, in Lafayette, N. Y. He had previously married Miss Fanny Hibbard, who died Aug. 24, 1864, leaving three children-Edward K., who is married and living in Waukesha; George I., who is married and living in Kansas City, Mo., and Hobert I., living in Colorado. Mr. Kimball came West in 1842; he was several years a farmer ; he bought 90 acres of land northwest part of Waukesha, charmingly located on a bluff overlooking the city. He was for twenty-five years proprietor of the " For- est City Flouring Mills," at Waukesha; he was always too busy to accept official position ; was an active, reliable Republican ; was member of I. O. O. F .; the family are Episcopalians. He died the 13th of September, 1879, leaving one son by last marriage, Albert K., born July 13, 1866. The farm is well known as " Oak Hill," and lies partly in Waukesha and in Pewaukee, but the residence is only a quarter-mile from the court house. The farm has substantial improvements and a rare location. The home is shared by Mrs. Kimball and her sister, Miss Mary A. Keene.

RUSSELL N. KIMBALL, born in Bath, N. H., Oct. 1, 1817; his parents were of that class of hard working people, who gained a livelihood by farming, rearing a large family ; he received only a limited education, in the common schools of the county, which at that time were not of as high order as at the present day ; but being of an active mind, and endowed with energy, he excelled largely his associates ; as. he advanced in years, his genius partook of a mechanical turn, and he turned his attention to the business of mill building, and operating the same; after following this business for a few years, and hearing of the glowing prospects offered by the then " Far West," in the year 1841, he started for Wis- consin, traveling by rail to Buffalo, and from there by stage and boat, reaching Milwaukee in the spring of the same year, being four weeks in making the journey ; having little or no capital to engage in business, he hired himself to Hon. E. D. Holton, for whom he worked faithfully, until 1843 and then commenced for himself, in the grocery business, on West Water street, near Spring street, which business he prosecuted with success, until 1847, when he purchased a farm at the west extremity of Spring street, on the outskirts of the city, on which there was a water power, which he improved by erecting a saw-miil, and operating the same until the year 1854 ; he then sold the saw-mill, and purchased the grist and saw-mill at Waukesha, and engaged in the business of flouring, and sawing lumber, until 1876, when he died. Mr. Kimball was an indefatigable worker, and handled an immense amount of money, during his lifetime. In 1874, he listed property to the value of $67,802.87, above all liabilities. It consisted of the mill property and water- power, a farm of 87 acres, the old railroad shops, warehouse, and various personal property. He was an enterprising citizen, and an obliging neighbor.

ROBERT KINZIE, superintendent of the tailoring department, Industrial School, was born in Canton, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1823, lived in that county until he came to Wisconsin; he came to Waukesha in August, 1846, engaged in tailoring business, which he continued on his own account, until he took charge of the tailoring department of the Industrial school, October, 1859 ; he has continued in charge all of the time except for a period of about one year, when he was absent on account of illness, and on a visit to the East.

ISAAC LAIN. The father of Isaac Lain was living in Minisink, Orange Co., N. Y., when the son was born, Dec. 18, 1820. The maiden name of his mother was Deborah Alger. Isaac, the youngest of a family of nine children, aided his father on a farm, until 1833, when the father died ; he continued to work at farming until 17 years old, usually attending a district school during the winter months ; at that age he went to Chemung Co., and worked five years, with two older brothers, at the carpenter's trade; in

821

WAUKESHA.

June, 1842, he settled in Waukesha, and there continued to operate as a house-builder and contractor for about ten years ; in 1852, he engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, adding manufacturing a few years later ; in 1877 he became a stockholder in the Waukesha Manufacturing Company, and is Secretary of the same. Mr. Lain was a member of the General Assembly in 1861, at the opening of the rebellion ; during the rebellion he was very active in encouraging enlistments, and in various ways helping on the cause. He has held various local offices ; has been President of the village several times, and for a time was one of the managers of the Industrial School at Waukesha. He was Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors from 1866 to 1870. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a member and Clerk of the Baptist Church of Waukesha; is a warm friend of temperance. His first wife, Miss Sarah C. Van. Vechten, a native of Princetown, N. Y., died in 1852, after being married a year and a half. In August, 1858, he was married to her sister, Rebecca J. Van Vechten, also a native of Princetown; they have three children, two daughters and a son, Mary C., Wm. H. and Keziah Belle. Mrs. Lain's father, Hubertus Van Vechten (now deceased), settled in Waukesha November, 1844.

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.

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 126

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