The history of Dodge county, Wisconsin, containing its early settlement, growth an extensive and minute sketch of its cities war record, biographical sketches, Part 52

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 776

USA > Wisconsin > Dodge County > The history of Dodge county, Wisconsin, containing its early settlement, growth an extensive and minute sketch of its cities war record, biographical sketches > Part 52

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William Huntington, once a resident of Dodge County, held an important position in the Treasury Department under Mr. Spinner, afterward became Jay Cook's confidential man in his Washington banking business, and was cashier of the first National Bank established in the United States, Mr. Huntington enjoyed the possession of wonderful business faculties, and was a sumptuous sort of individual, who entertained without stint. Ile once gave a dinner to the Japanese Embassy, and his mahogany was frequently surrounded by Senators, diplomats, etc. He died some five or six years ago.

Dodge County also has its representative in the Navy, in the person of Albert Mertz. He was appointed as cadet midshipman in 1867, and graduated at Annapolis, Md , in 1872. IIe is now in command of the Coast Survey Steamer Hitchcock, employed in making triangulation surveys on the Lower Mississippi River, his rank being that of Master in the Navy, equivalent to First Lieutenant in the Army. His longest cruise lasted about forty months, during which time he visited most of the important seaports in the world, and traveled over 54,000 miles.

Among those who have held appointive positions in the National House of Representatives, may be mentioned C. B. Beebe, Assistant Postmaster under W. S. King; S. P. Doolittle, clerk in one of the departments ; J. A. Barney (ex-State Senator), clerk of the Committee on Claims ; D. C. Gowdey (editor Beaver Dam Argus), messenger in the Clerk's document room; H. W. Finch, clerk in one of the departments ; Hugh Lewis, Doorkeeper's messenger, distinguished for rearing a Democratic " cagle " (in rivalry of the celebrated war eagle " Old Abe "), which developed into a common hen-hawk, whereupon Hugh abandoned the calling of a naturalist and went into politics.

ILLUSTRIOUS DEAD. Deal, but not forgotten.

It is the prerogative of every American citizen, no matter what his station in life may be to win for himself a name and fame, and have his life revealed upon the pages of his country's history. It is not pre-ordained that all men shall become great in the sense that Alexander was illustrious ; but there are illimitable opportunities for every human being to earn distinction within the little sphere he or she may occupy. It is not the superior knowledge of the law, of theology, or other branch of philosophy, one man may possess over another that makes him greater in the estimation of his fellows ; it is the sincerity of his nature, the candor, the honesty of purpose-the integrity -- that animates his every impulse and impresses itself upon the escutcheon of his deeds.

This work would be incomplete without a reference to the lives and services of those who founded the grand institutions of civilization and progress in " Old Dodge," and were called away, many of them, before the ripening of the fruits of their carly labors. No more fitting caption than the " Illustrious Dead " could be chosen to surmount this common tribute to the memories of such men as Jacob P. Brower, Charles Billinghurst, Stoddard Judd, John J. Miter, William M. Larrabee, Abram Ackerman, Charles Burchard, Leonard Mertz, Ingraham Gould, Moses Ordway and William II. Lander.

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

CHARLES BILLINGHURST

was born in Brighton, Monroe Co., N. Y .. in 1818. His father, William Billinghurst, came from England at an early day and settled in Monroe County, the township of Brighton being named for his native place in the land of his birth. William Billinghurst was a man of great prominence in the county of his adoption, and was for several terms a member of the Legis- lature of the Empire State. He died in 1834. Charles Billinghurst, the subject of this sketch, was the seventh son. His earlier years were passed upon his father's farm. After receiving the ordinary education of the day (but not the benefit of a collegiate course), he was certified as a student at law, and commenced reading for his profession in the office of the late Ilorace Gay, of Rochester. On his admission to the bar of that city he formed a partnership with the Hon. Henry R. Selden, now one of the Judges of the Court of Appeals. While in the practice of his profession, and with every promise of honorable success, in the year 1845 he was prostrated by an alarming hemorrhage of the lungs, and by his physician's advice gave up practice, and made an equestrian tour of the States of Kentucky and Indiana. On his return, finding him- self greatly improved in health, he resumed and continued practice until new symptoms of his old difficulty compelled him to seek, in change of elimate, that health and vigor so necessary to a successful career. He accordingly removed to and settled in the then Territory of Wisconsin in the fall of 1847. In 1848, he was chosen a member of the first State Legislature. Between that time and 1854 he was appointed to various offices of trust within the county, and, in 1854, was elected to represent his district (then the largest in the Union) in the Congress of the United States. He was elected as the candidate of the newly organized Republican party, he having been a Democrat of the Silas Wright school, and one of the principal leaders in its organization in this State. Ilis course in Congress was such as to evoke the unqualified approval of his constituents, especially his fearless conduct in opposing the repeal of the Mis- souri Compromise. At the expiration of his Congressional term he was returned by his con- stitueney, and served out his second term with the same ability that had characterized the first. On the breaking-out of the war, Mr. Billinghurst took instant and uncompromising ground in favor of the Government, and through all that bloody struggle maintained the position of a true and loyal citizen. never despairing in the darkest hour or faltering in that support which was the duty of every patriotic heart. He expended his time, means and energies in raising troops, and nothing but his precarious health kept him from the field. Such was his course as a public man and patriot. Uncompromisingly opposed to the great wrong of slavery and the usurpation of its supporters, his voice and vote were ever on the side of humanity and justice. Equally useful was he in his capacity as a private citizen. The history of the county, especially that of its agricultural interests, hears ample evidence to his energies and devotion to its welfare. This unquestioned desire to promote the general good of the community, and his labors in that direction, together with his wonderful faculty for winning friends, made Mr. Billinghurst, beyond all doubt, the most popular man in the county. His genial nature, the warmth of his friendship, the thousand nameless qualities that made up the perfection of his character, seemed to win men to him and disarm opposition. No man in the county knew so many others personally and inti-

mately. He so interested himself in the affairs of each, and ingratiated himself in their affection.

that when he died they mourned for him as for a brother dead, and gathered by thousands to pay their last respects at his obsequies. As a lawyer, his business was extensive and important-his abilities of the first order; he was learned, astute and eloquent. In the hottest fight of the forum he never forgot the courtesies of a gentleman. His brethren of the bar lamented the loss of an acknowledged leader-one whose assistance was always welcome, whose opposition sum- moned forth their best resources and strongest power of resistance. To the younger members of the profession he was a willing adviser and safe counselor, presuming nothing by reason of his age or learning, but treating them with the same respect as his equals in years and experience.

Mr. Billinghurst was married in 1853 to Hannah, a daughter of the Hon. Hiram Barber, of Horicon. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father ; with his nature and disposition

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

he could not be otherwise. The interests of his family and their happiness were with him a para- mount object, to which all other engagements were made subservient. Ile died August 18, 1865, leaving a wife and two sons-Charles Bryan and Seclye. He has left to them the priceless memory of an honorable reputation, an upright life and a loving heart. Such was Charles Billinghurst, in publie or private, in the political arena, or the struggle of the forum, at home or abroad. Patient, forbearing, courteous, able, and ever bearing, above reproach, " the grand old name of gentleman."

DR. STODDARD JUDD

was born in the town of Sharon, in the State of Connecticut, May 18, 1797. He gradu- ated at the Albany Medical College, and received a diploma from the Medical Society of Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1819. In the years 1829, 1835 and 1836, he was a member of the Legisla- ture of the State of New York. He practiced his profession in Dutchess County until 1841, when he came to this State and became Receiver of the Green Bay Land District, in which capacity he resided at Green Bay until 1845. He was a member, in 1846, of the first Constitu- tional Convention of this State, and also, in 1848, of the second convention which framed the Constitution which is still in force. He also represented, in 1860, the Assembly District, and, in 1866 and 1867, the Senatorial District in which his residence was included. He was one of the pioneers in the settlement of Fox Lake, going there from Green Bay in 1845, and having continued to reside there from that time until the time of his decease. Dr. Judd took a promi- nent part in the organization of the railroad system of the State. and was one of the first Directors, and for some years President of the La Crosse & Milwaukee R. R. Co. He was during many years an active member of the Order of Odd Fellows. He was initiated in the Wanshara Lodge, of Fox Lake, in 1850, and retained his connection with it until his death. In 1859, he became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of this State. In 1863, he was elected Grand Representa- tive of the Grand Lodge of this State for two years, and, in 1869, Grand Representative for two years of the Wisconsin Grand Encampment in the Grand Lodge of the United States. Ilis attendance upon the meetings of both subordinate and Grand Lodges was always regular.

Dr. Judd was married on the 9th day of January, 1322. to Elizabeth Emigh, daughter of Henry and Phobe Emigh, of Dutchess County. Their union was blessed with five children, all of whom are still living, viz., Mary Louisa, Maria Theresa, Randall S., Phoebe Ann and Eliza- beth. His widow still lives on the old homestead in the village of Fox Lake, in the enjoyment of good health. Dr. Judd reached the close of a long and useful life at Fox Lake on the morn- ing of March 2, 1873. The funeral services were held at the Baptist Church, and were so largely attended as to show very impressively the estimation in which he was held by his neigh- bors, who feel that in his death they have lost a prominent and respected citizen, and an honor- able friend. He may be said to have been not only one of the founders of the village, in whose prosperity he always took a warm and active interest, but one of the pioneers of the State. Few men were so prominent in its carly history, and so closely identified with many of its enter- prises for development and progress.

REV. JOHN J. MITER,

son of Thomas and Eleanor Miter, was born in Lansingburg, N. Y., March 20, 1809. Thomas Miter, the father, died December 16, 1822, and, two years later. the mother was also removed. On the death of the father, it was deemed best for the boy, then at the age of thirteen, to begin doing something for himself. He was accordingly taken to Troy, to the home of an elder brother, who commanded a vessel running on the Hudson River, and, under his charge, he was engaged for five years as a sailor. During the winter of 1826-27, the young man was, by some physical ailment, kept in Troy. It was the season of a remarkable revival of religion under the preaching of the eloquent Pastor, Beman, aided by the evangelists Kirk and Finney. His natural enthusiasm of temperament then and there took a positive and abiding religious direc- tion, and he began at once to exercise his gifts. His ability thus developed, especially in prayer, attractel the attention of a wealthy physician, Dr. Robbins, a convert in the same

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revival, who became so much interested in the young man that he induced him to commence at once a course of study for the ministry, offering to render the pecuniary help he might need. Accordingly, Mr. Miter, in the fall of 1827, commenced his academic studies in the Oneida Institute at Whitesboro, N. Y., and, at the end of four years, he went to Lane Seminary for his theological instruction, with that first notable class numbering forty-three young men of more than ordinary intellectual vigor and spiritual devotion. Under the elder Beecher (then at the height of his fame and influence, and Stowe, a good beginning was made. Impaired health obliged him to leave at the end of the first year. Soon after, the class was scattered on account of the issue made between the students and Faculty on the matter of anti-slavery discussions. The young men, quicker than their elders to catch the spirit of the Gospel as opposed to all oppression, gave their sympathy to the rising movement against the system of American slavery, and, when their instructors abridged their freedom in debate, withdrew from the Seminary. Mr. Miter had imbibed the views of his fellow-students, and, through all his life, remained true to the principles then adopted. Not being able consistently to return to the Seminary, he joined a little class gathered in Troy, under the tuition of Beman and Kirk, for the last two years of his theological education, upon the completion of which, he received, from the Presby- bytery of Troy, license to preach. After the usual period of unsettled life experienced by most young theologians, Mr. Miter found himself Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Ill. In June, 1840, he was married to Miss Elizabeth D. Ayers, of Glenville, N. Y., and, a vear later, declined a call from Plymouth Church, Milwaukee; but, at the urgent and earnest solicitations of the members of that organization, he finally consented to be their shepherd and friend. So, as he has told the story, " The next day, all my personal estate was loaded on one wagon, and my invalid wife was lying on a bed in another, and by her side her first-born ; and this was the commencement of a journey of 233 miles over the broad, uncultivated prairies of Illinois and Wisconsin, in the face of the cold winds of November. But, instead of periling the lives of the young mother and her child, it was God's wise though strange method of pro- longing them."

July 20, 1864, he was installed over the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver Dam, and, on the 5th of May, 1875, his earthly career was closed. A warm personal friend-and he had many-of the lamented divine, pays the following tribute to his memory : " Mr. Miter was a marked man wherever he went, and with whomsoever he associated. He was one of the few men who have proved themselves equal to every emergency in which they have been called upon to act. That he possessed commanding talents is everywhere admitted. Simple, vigorous and correct in language and manner, he was a powerful and convincing reasoner. He possessed a true as well as a large and powerful mind. His presence produced a magnetism, and the talis- manic touch of his kindly hand, the gentle amenities of his domestic life, bound all to him by a tie of friendship which death has no power to break. His style was so plain, his words so aptly chosen, that, unknown to himself, there gleamed forth evidences of his genial nature, his gener- osity, his great energy of character, and his wisdom and social worth. No one was ever in his company without being conscious of the presence of a man of the deepest religious convictions and opinions, which were, on all proper occasions, promptly and openly avowed yet never offen- sively obtruded. Hlis expressions never hurt the feelings of others nor offended their taste -- but were guided by a sense of gentlemanly courtesy.

JACOB P. BROWER

was born in Clarkstown, Rockland Co., N. Y., September 14, 1802. He was the son of Paul and Rachel Brower. Came to Wisconsin at an early day and settled in Sheboygan, where he engaged in the business of keeping a hotel. In March, 1838, he settled in what is now Dodge County, making a joint claim of land with Henry Merrill, a short distance north of Fox Lake. He was the first permanent settler in the county, and, to his energy and perseverance were largely due the rapid building-up and carly growth of Fox Lake, the parent settlement of Dodge. Mr. Brower was a man of very small stature, but active and industrious, the embodiment

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

of all the qualities that go to make up the perfect pioneer ; a prominent Roman nose, deep blue eyes, a very high forehead and a well-developed head, covered with light auburn hair. He was for several years in the employ of the Government as a surveyor, and was the first County Surveyor elected in Dodge. Rain or shine, snow or blow, he was to be found in the field with compass and chain, and a great many of the original surveys made by him are, and doubtless will be for all time to come, accepted as matter of record. Mr. Brower was married in New York State, on the 16th of September, 1820, by the Rev. James Demorest Hempstead, to Miss Martha Mackie, sister of Thomas Mackie, the patriarch of Beaver Dam. Nine children, two of whom died in New York, were the result of this union. At the fall election of 1845, Mr. Brower was chosen to fill the office of Register of Deeds, was re-elected in November, 1846, and died a few days later. at the age of forty-four years.

INGRAHAM GOULD.

Born in Leeds, Kennebec Co., Me., in January, 1811; settled in Beaver Dam about 1849 or 1850, and, in 1854, established the famous Beaver Dam Nursery. As a man and citi- zen, Mr. Gould was highly esteemed. With exceptional fortitude, he bore up bravely under the adverse circumstances which he encountered in bringing to perfection the institution upon which centered his every thought and energy. In the mean time, he was called to fill important and responsible public positions. He was also the founder of Oakwood Cemetery, in which his earthly remains were laid in July, 1871. As an indication of his worth and the estimation in which he was held, it is related that his funeral procession was probably the largest ever known in the county.

ABRAM ACKERMAN,

son of John D. Ackerman ; born in the city of New York on the 22d day of June, 1804. In the summer of 1839, he made a tour of observation through the Territory of Wisconsin, extend- ing his observations as far as Lake Emily. Returning to New York, he, with his wife and eight children, and Henry Stultz, wife and three children, took passage on a Hudson River steamer for Albany, on the 1st of May, 1840. From Albany they went to Buffalo on the Erie Canal, and then embarked for Milwaukee on board the steamer Illinois, commanded by sturdy Capt. Blake, a name familiar to thousands of the pioneer emigrants to Wisconsin, and a famous man in the early history of lake navigation. From Milwaukee they went to Fox Lake in emigrant teams. After three days of fatiguing travel, they reached that point on the 24th of May. From Fox Lake they removed to Lake Emily, where they spent the first summer, under a clear Wisconsin sky, and surrounded by all the charms and enchantments of its beautiful scenery. In the fall, they returned to Fox Lake, and there spruit the winter of 1841 and 1842. On the 22d of February, 1842, Mr. Ackerman moved his family to Beaver Dam, and took possession of his log cabin, which he had previously contracted with Mr. Mackie to build, and there resided till the date of his death, March 9, 1867.

WILLIAM M. LARRABEE.

Born in Whitehall, N. Y., in 1808; in 1846, he became identified with the early set- tlement of Horicon, inasmuch as he founded and named the place, and, in partnership with John B. Preston and Martin Rich, built the dam that confined the onee famous Lake Horicon. Mr. Larrabee made his home in Chicago, where he resided at the date of his death, September 28, 1879.

CHARLES BURCHARD.

Born in Granby. Mass., January 1, 1810; came to Wisconsin in the fall of 1843, and set- tled at Waukesha. In 1846, was elected as a delegate to the first Constitutional Convention : in 1853, removed to Mayville, and a year later to Deaver Dam; in 1856, was chosen to repre- sent his district in the Legislature, and has since held the office of Alderman for several terms in the city of Beaver Dam. On the 25th of February, 1829, Mr. Burchard was married to Miss Martha B. Piteher. Seven children have been born to them, but three of whom survive

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

-Hon. Charles S. Burchard, Mrs. Z. C. Trask and Mrs. Edward Ellis. His death in April, 1879, lost to the citizens of Beaver Dam a man of indomitable nerve and decision, a friend of education and Christianity.

LEONARD MERTZ.

Born in Fulda, Prussia, January 6, 1826. Received his education in the Gymnasium of his native city, and afterward graduated as a law student at the University of Marling. Was married in Fulda, May 1, 1848, to Kathinka Hebgen, and came to Wisconsin in June of the same year, settling in the town of Shields, Dodge County. Mr. Mertz was elected County Treasurer in 1852, and re-elected in 1854. Resigned the office in June, 1855, to accept the Connty Judgeship, having been appointed by Gov. Barstow to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge S. L. Rosc. Was elected County Judge in 1857, re-elected in 1861 and in 1865, and held the position when he died, June 8, 1868. Mrs. Merz died April 3, 1861. Four children survive-Albert, Emma (now Mrs. Landt, of Beaver Dam), Mortimer L. and Oscar R.

MOSES ORDWAY.

Born at Haverhill, Mass., December 27, 1788. Received a very meager common-school education ; was a natural mechanic, and was, in his youth, ever to be found at the bench. applying his tools and remarkable genins in carving out some new invention. At the age of nineteen, he met with an accident in which his shoulder was fractured, and while thus unable to pursue his trade, he turned his attention to the study of law. When about entering into the practice of his profession, he embraced religion, and thereafter devoted his attention and energies to the ministry. In the spring of 1816, he entered the Presbyterian College at Mid- dlebury, against the wishes of his father, who was a Baptist. During his studies, he also worked at mechanics, and, when he graduated, he had earned sufficient funds to pay for his tuition and was the possessor of $70 in cash. He was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1822, and. two years later, was ordained as an evangelist. He landed at Green Bay, Wis., in the fall of 1836, and there organized the first Presbyterian Church west of the Great Lakes. In 1837. he made a tour of observation to Milwaukee, then containing 280 inhabitants. While there, he founded the First Presbyterian Church Society. In 1838, be removed to Prairieville (now Waukesha), and during the following year assisted in the formation of the " Wisconsin Pres- bytery." This was the inauguration of the new departure which resulted in merging Presby- terianism and Congregationalism. Mr. Ordway removed to Beaver Dam in 1843, and at once became identified with the progressive movements which have resulted so satisfactorily. He organized the First Presbyterian Church with ten members, and was its Pastor for three years, when he resumed his missionary labors in adjoining counties. In the mean time, he proved a valuable aid to J. P. Brower and others in laying out the place. He died January 24, 1870.

WILLIAM H. LANDER.

Born in Brighton, Me., September 27, 1815, and came to Wisconsin in 1846, settling in Oak Grove, bringing with him Mrs. Harriet Lander, nee Miss Harriet Spalding, his newly made bride. Mr. Lander was a leading merchant of Oak Grove for several years, and held the office of Clerk of the Court two terms, from January, 1847, to January, 1850. Afterward, removed to Fox Lake and practiced law until 1863, when, on the 16th of August of that year, he died at Columbus, Ky., while engaged in his capacity as a lawyer before a court martial inquiry then being held at that place. He left a widow and three daughters ; the latter-Mrs. C. J. Hambleton, Mrs. William Jones and Mrs. M. M. Dutton-are now living in Chicago.

JOHN LOWTI.

Born in the County Meath, Ireland, June 6, 1822; came to America with his parents at the age of five years and settled in Vermont, where he was married in 1842. Graduated at Castleton College, Vermont, and, coming to Wisconsin, adopted the profession of the law. Was elected Clerk of the Board of Supervisors several terms, sent to the Assembly in 1850, 1851

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The history of Dodge county, Wisconsin, containing its early settlement, growth an extensive and minute sketch of its cities war record, biographical sketches, Part 52

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 776

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 776