The history of Dodge county, Wisconsin, containing its early settlement, growth an extensive and minute sketch of its cities war record, biographical sketches, Part 70

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 70

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1878-President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, J. H. Williams, Andrew J. Hammond, C. H. Eggleston, Walter Buckland, William E. Cawley and G. F. Townsend; Clerk, Arie Banta : Treasurer, N. W. Tarrant ; Marshal, John Willett, Jr. ; Constable, John N. Hardy ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, W. A. Chapman.

1879-President, J. H. Williams; Trustees, S. T. Coman, HI. Clausen, L. N. Root, J. B. Smith, Michael Bloedel and J. A. Williams ; Clerk, John Medley ; Treasurer, D. D. Will- iams ; Marshal, Levy Messervey ; Constable, V. L. Reeve ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, A. J. Hammond. J. A. Williams refusing to qualify as Trustee, A. O. Wright was chosen to fill the vacancy.

EARLY SETTLERS.

From 1845, after the completion of Brower's saw-mill, there seems to have been large yearly accessions to the village of Fox Lake and the surrounding towns of Westford, Trenton, etc. In 1849, we find as residents here many whose names are now prominently known as those of early settlers. We append a few, as follows : George W. and John L. Brower, * John Van Eps, * Hamilton Stevens, Darius J. Wells, J. C. Williams, T. T. Blanvelt, * David Green, Q. H. Barron, * Stoddard Judd, George Jess, * Martin Webster, E. Purdy, William E. Smith, * Law- rence H. Van Buren, *W. D. Barnett, *Stephen D. Grout, Benjamin Ferguson, John W. Davis, Joseph Davis, Alexander Cameron, Alonzo Hawley, D. D. Ashley, John Cruden, Cornelius De Reimer, Joseph Thomas, J. P. Putnam, Mr. Crooker, G. C. Simmons, Perry Farrington, James Evans, *Ebenezer Germain, John Schamburgh, H. L. Smith, William Casey, Michael Mulvany, Manderville Burgit, John Bowe, D. J. Pulling, G. W. Huntley, Vincent Goldsmith, L. J. Stafford, John C. Webster, Putnam Farrington, Oliver O'Hearne and Mr. Rickard.

The "noble " red man has made himself exceedingly scarce of late years. In early days, he was an important part of the commuity ; for he did the hunting and fishing, and sold his venison and pickerel at bed-rock prices. During the summer, the east bank of the creek, between the mill and bridge, was lined with Indian lodges ; in the winter, they built and lived in wigwams on the islands in the lake, Brower's Island being the favorite rendezvous ; and upon the grassy knoll there-since the spacions arena of a thousand picnics and celebrations, public and private-the dusky matrons cultivated limited quantities of corn. The relations of

* Dead.

Sa ul Eastman

JUNEAU

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

the Indians with the settlers, says Mr. Hotchkiss, were mainly of a friendly nature, save during the brief reign of the famous " Cruden War," in which none were killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Time has greatly toned down the atrocities of this affair, and its participants have had so much fun poked at them, that we will not dwell here upon the fascinating subject, but leave it with the expression of our disinterested opinion that the moving cause of the war is found in the fact that the Saloon de Cruden bartered " fire-water " for muskrat skins without license from the Village Board of Trustees. Indian remains, partial skeletons, pipes, arrow- heads, etc., have frequently been unearthed on the north shore of the lake, and also upon the hill just west of the village. In winter, the Indians deposited their dead in tree-tops and crotches on high ground; in the spring they were taken down and buried, apparently without much regard to locality or uniformity.

THE POST OFFICE.

The first post office established in Dodge County was at Fox Lake. It was known as Waushara Post Office until about 1850, when, upon application to the Post Office Department, the name was changed to Fox Lake. Its history dates back to 1839, when the only outlet was by way of the old United States road from Fort Howard to Fort Winnebago. The citizens were accommodated with mails once a week by an obliging horseman in the employ of the Gov- ernment, who made the round trip between the two forts once in seven days. In 1844, a weekly post route was established between Fox Lake and Watertown, thus affording the citizens of the former place more ready communication with the Cream City on Lake Michigan, as well as with other points along the route. The names of those who have filled the position of Post- master are George Clark, David Green, Benjamin Ferguson, Minor Porter, Benjamin Ferguson again, A. H. Pease (who successfully eluded the vigilance of a Deputy U. S. Marshal), L. S. Mallory, D. D. Thomas, John Medley, D. D. Thomas again, W. W. Jones and J. T. Smith, the latter being the present incumbent, having been appointed to the position in 1875, by Post- master General Jewell. Mr. Jones also allowed his peculiar accounts with the Government to cause official inquiry during his self-imposed exile in Canada. His bondsmen made good the deficiency. Mr. Jones returned to the United States, and is now holding a position in the Land Office at Madison. Fox Lake was made a money-order office September 9, 1867, the first order being issued in favor of Lawrence Keho, of New York, for $10, by William B. Dougherty, of Fox Lake. The number of orders issued since then is over 16,000.

HOTELS.

The first hotel was the Sheboygan House, built by Hamilton Stevens, early in 1839. We are credibly informed by an old settler of Fox Lake, that among the notable guests who put up at the Sheboygan during the first year of its existence, was Louis Philippe (Prince de Joinville), of France, who was at that time in exile in the United States. The Prince was accompanied by an extensive escort. The distinguished party rode upon Indian ponies, and were on their way from Green Bay to Prairie du Chien.

In 1845, Mr. Stevens also erected a portion of what is now the American House. Mr. George Jess was one of the early proprietors of this hostelry. The brick addition was built by Hezekiah Dunham, who kept it till abont 1856, when he sold to Jones & Williams, from whom Charles Thrie purchased the property, and, upon his death a few years ago, he left it to his daughter, the wife of Dr. Wallace.

The Barron House was built in 1850, by Frank Barnes, who afterward sold to Miner Porter. It was known as Porter's Hotel until it became the property of R. T. Jones, who called it the Continental Hotel. It received its present name, the Barron House, from Quartus HI. Barron, the present proprietor.

The Union House, built by Martin Stapleton, in 1850; the Hudson House and the " Hole in the Wall," are the titles by which other establishments were known at one time or another in Fox Lake.

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

The first frame building erected in the village, was the one now known as the " old Purdy House," and occupied by Dr. Gillett. The frame was put up in the autumn of 1844, by T. T. Blauvelt. He then sold it to David Green, who completed it. The lumber for this house was procured at Fort Winnebago, twenty-eight miles west, and drawn from there with a team by Q. H. Barron, who made the trip in five days, thus having, of course, but a narrow margin of time in which to play " seven-up" on the road. The Indians at that day had not attained the mastery of the complex mysteries of " Penuekle," or the progress of that house would necessarily have been slow.

THE RAILROAD.

The original survey of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, of which Dr. Stoddard Judd was President, passed through the village of Fox Lake, near the Brower mill. The question of the location of the depot was a source of considerable local agitation, the citizens being divided in their views upon the subject. The result was, the Railroad Company exercised its pceuliar privilege, and changed the route, leaving Fox Lake two miles to the north. The Fox Lake Horse Railroad then grew out of the necessity for some sort of communication with the outside world, and it has answered the purpose very well. It was completed in 1859. Dr. Judd and J. W. Davis may be said to have been the designers. It is an incorporated company, the stock (of which there are 150 shares at $100 each) being owned by Arie Banta, S. T. Coman, John Weed, J. W. Davis, Gov. William E. Smith, Dr. J. T. Smith and the heirs of Dr. Stoddard Judd. The depot building of this road was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1866, together with five or six warehouses and 1,000 bushels of grain, including one of the steam railroad company's freight cars loaded with wheat ready for shipment. The depot building was uninsured.

BANKS.

The first institution of this character established here was the Bank of Fox Lake, in 1854, John W. Davis, President, and Charles Luling, Cashier. Out of this grew the First National Bank of Fox Lake, in 1864, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was increased soon after- ward to $80,000, and, in 1878, reduced to $60,000. The officers are J. W. Davis, President ; J. T. Smith, Vice President ; W. J. Dexter, Cashier.

*SCHOOLS.

The first village school is said to have been held in the Sheboygan House, in 1844, by a Miss Alward. She was succeeded by Miss Butterfield, who taught in a building situated where the cemetery now is. The public school buildings of Fox Lake now consist of a two story academy, and two commodious schoolhouses adjacent thereto. The value of school property in the village is given at about $5,000. The average appropriations for school purposes will reach $2,000 per annum; the number of pupils about 300. The present corps of teachers is com- posed of the following individuals : A. S. King, Principal; David T. Jones, Intermediate Department ; Mrs. Augusta Blake, First Primary ; Miss Lizzie Hillier, Second Primary.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services held in Fox Lake, of which there is any positive recollection, were conducted by Mr. Kemper, the well-known Episcopal Bishop, in the winter of 1839.

It is believed that the Baptists were the first to organize a church society. The event occurred in 1845, the Rev. Mr. Pillsbury being the first Pastor. A small church edifice was erected the same year, and, in 1857, the present capacious structure occupied by the society was erected. The Rev. J. W. Fish, of Fox Lake, was Pastor for ten or twelve years, and the Rev. W. J. Walker seven or eight years. The Rev. W. G. Inman is the present Pastor.

The Catholics are believed to have organized the next church society, and built the next place of worship (St. Mary's), in 1849. The membership of this church has always been very

*The history of Fox Lake Seminary will be found in Chapter V. of this work.

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

large. Among the Pastors who have had charge of the parish may be mentioned the Rev. Fathers Morris, Smith, MeGurke, Dougherty, Allen and Dumphy.

The Congregational society was organized in October, 1853, by Rev. E. S. Peck, its first Pastor. Its present edifice was built in 1856. Revs. Cowley, Pecte, Dixon, Brown and Ilaire were its early Pastors. The pulpit is vacant at present.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1854, and has since been enlarged to accom- modate the rapidly growing congregation ; but it is said that services were held by believers of this creed at an earlier date than 1854. The Pastors, since 1866, have been the Revs. Grant, Eldridge, Bancroft, Smith, Treever and Faville.

The colored Methodists residing in the village organized a society and built a church edifice in 1872, and have continued to hold regular meetings ever since. The Rev. L. M. Johnson is the present Pastor.

The Episcopal (Christ Church) was erected in 1861 through the efforts of Rev. D. L. Brain- ard, who was its first Rector. The church, though small, is tastily finished. The Rev. Mr. Burleson is the present Rector.

SOCIETIES.

Among the various societies that have been organized in Fox Lake, the following may be mentioned as those surviving to the present time: The Odd Fellows organized a Lodge in 1850, with Quartus H. Barron as Noble Grand. In 1873, the Lodge erected an imposing briek build- ing at a cost of about $5,000, the lower portion being devoted to the purposes of a public hall, and the upper portion to those of a lodge-room. The membership is given at about 100. The style and title of the organization is Waushara Lodge, No. 50. The present officers are: S. Clausen, N. G .; A. Halstead, V. G .; D. W. John, R. S .: C. H. Eggleston. P. S .; HI. Clausen, T .; B. Germain, W .; S. MeDowell, C .; Chas. Lyle, L. S. N. G .; Chas. Merwin, R. S. N. G .; J. N. Hardy, O. G .; J. Peasley, I. G .; S. F. Tucker, R. S. S .; J. Lindlay, L. S. S ; George Townsend, R. S. V. G .; William Halstead, L. S. V. G. Meetings are held every Saturday evening.

For Lake Lodge, No. 67, A., F. S. A. M., was instituted in 1856. It has a large and ele- gantly furnished hall in the Post- Office Building, and enjoys a membership of about fifty. The present officers are : David Metcalf, W. M .; J. F. Tuttle, S. W .; H. Clausen, J. W .; S. J. Clansen, S. D .; William Cawley, J. D .; Homer Germain, Secretary ; HI. C. Fleck, Treasurer ; R. T. Jones, T .; J. Cawley. C. Heyer, Stewards.

The cause of temperance has found a host of friends in Fox Lake. The first public efforts on the part of the citizens of that place to reclaim the drunkard were made in 1857, when a Good Templars Lodge, which has maintained its good standing uninterruptedly ever since, was organ- ized. In 1876, when but three of its charter members-O. N. Gorton, D. W. Stuart and Mrs. C. M. Stafford-remained, it had a membership of eighty-four. Fox Lake Lodge, No. 12, has received valuable assistance in the prosecution of its work from the Ladies' Temperance Union, which was instituted in March, 1874, with 100 signers to the pledge. Mrs. George Warren, Mrs. J. B. Woodruff and Mrs. S. T. Coman have been prominent workers in the latter organiza- tion. Then there is Fox Lake Temple, No. 23, T. of H., organized in October, 1875, with a large and enthusiastic membership. The combined influence of these three organizations have wronght a salutary revolution in Fox Lake. The writer was never more forcibly impressed with the importance of these organizations than while in that village obtaining material for this work. Calling upon Mr. F. A. Leibenstein, the brewer, for the facts concerning his business, that individual, in answer to interrogatories, said : "I built this brewery in 1856; it then had a capacity of 1,000 barrels per year. For a time my business increased, and I was compelled to enlarge my establishment to five times its original size. I also built seven beer cellars and a large ice-house ; but, sir, there's no sale for my beer now. The redl-ribbon fellows and temperance people generally have the best of it." Thus is a moral pointed and a tale adorned.

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

THE OLD SETTLERS' CLUB.

On the 22d of February-a day of good deeds, commemorating a notable event in the his- tory of our country-1875, the Old Settlers' Club, of Fox Lake, was organized. After music and the reading of a poem, the following letters, from absent old settlers, were read. They are given in full, because they contain more history than we have been able to find in any other portions of the published proceedings of that meeting. The first was from Martin Webster, a cousin of the great and gifted Daniel, as follows :

UPPER ALTON, February 26, 1875.

DEAR FRIENDS BARRON AND FERGUSON: Your letters of the 9th inst came to hand two days ago, containing your kind and flattering invitation to attend a meeting of Old Settlers at Fox Lake. At the time of their reception, the weather was very cold, and I concluded I could not risk the journey. Yesterday was mild and pleasant, and 1 thought to start ; but this morning it is worse than ever. The wind is blowing, I suppose, from Greenland or the North Pole, and, to 'my great grief, I must, as a prudent man, give it up. It is too cold for an old settler.

Thanking you most sincerely for the friendly expressions of regard contained in your invitation, and hoping your gathering may be all you anticipate, I remain, your ancient friend, M. WEBSTER.

The second was from Francis Ibberson, dated Sleepy Eye, Minn., February 15, 1875 :

BENJ. FERGUSON, Esq .- Dear Sir : Your invitation to the " Old Settlers' Club Banquet" is to hand. Accept my thanks for your kind remembrance. Circumstances will not admit of my presence there, but I assure you that my heart warms toward every old settler of my acquaintance. 1 may not have so exciting an experience to relate as some others, as my advent in Fox Lake was subsequent to the memorable seige of Fort Cruden; but the kindness always manifested toward me and mine, when overtaken by trouble and affliction, will ever be remembered with gratitude, and the substantial support I received for twenty years, from the old settlers of Fox Lake, will never be forgotten. God bless the Old Settlers. Yours truly, F. luBERSON.

And the third from the Hon. H. W. Lander, of Beaver Dam :

llon. Benjamin Ferguson, Chairman, etc. :

DEAR Sin-It is with regret that other engagements prevent my accepting your kind invitation to attend the Old Settlers' Club Banquet, on Monday evening, " when a good time may be expected," and many happy reminis- cences will be related by those composing and taking part at your meeting. I rejoice in your object, and sincerely wish I couldl share in your pleasure.

Your gathering will call to mind many pleasant recollections of the past, and of those who have shared with you the privations of old settlers. Old settlers alone can commune with old settlers in words and mind, of the hard- ships, doubts, wants and joys of frontier life. The early settlers did not have all hardships, and all darkness. Care was less then than now-wants were less and more easily satisfied. Trouble was not to be harbored, but turned from the door. The sun shone brighter a quarter of a century ago, and less clouds obscured its rays than now. Old Time did not whet his scythe as often then as now, and in the classic langnage of your speaker, " times ain't now as they used to was."

I have only seen twenty-eight winds of winter sweep through the oak-trees on your prairies, where waving bonghs seemed intent on beckoning the tardy down-ea ter to come with plow, ax and strong arms to make a home in Eden : have seen only twenty-eight summers of perpetual flowers, whose fragrance the west wind wafted to the fair Eastern wife and maiden, beckoning her to come with firm step and warm heart to bless his home. Faithfully and well have they done their work. Many have gone, and have their reward. Give them an earnest and silent thought. Many are with you now. Cheer them with a good word from the heart. And the men of over a quarter of a century ago-many are gone. Dr. Judd's work was well done. Ile passed kind and honored to immortality. Stevens, Edward Davis, Germain and many others, and now Gallup, see no more of frontier life ; they are no longer old settlers ; all is well with them.

Twenty-eight years ago-over a quarter of a century ! Let us find some now who were then. Well, there was Dave Pulling. He was not "old Judge" then, but was at Watertown, "letting the molasses run !" He is not as sweet now as when we boys quarreled over a dog suit in his court.

Then there is Banta. Hle has been here long enongh, and is old enough, but the girls say he don't love worth a cent. He is a bad man to settle up a new country.

And the Browers. Whoever is curious to know how long they have lived West can find out if they have patience . to read the Book of Genesis. There is no other authentic history of their exodus from the landof dykes and ditches. The record says they came here full size, and history will make note that they are still growing. Ask Hotchkiss to record the fiet in connection with his next account of the health of the Baby's Grandfather.

I suppose Gibbs, of Trenton, is with you Ile used to be a good man, but look out for him now that he has become President of an Insurance Company !

Davis, John W., has fought well for the allotted measure of the sands of life. Commencing with the jack-plane, he has successfully barred the wolf from the door.

And then yourself, Mr. Chairman. Not content to dwarf yourself upon the sterile hills of Maine, you sought the sea for ample space to obtain full growth. For amusement you harpooned whales and sharks in the Indian Ocean. For profit you gathered the cast-off horns of the unicorn on the coast of Africa. To gratify your taste for art you worshiped at the foot of Castor and Pollux. For love you came West, and became foremost in that noble band of pioneers.

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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.

And another you have among you who will never be forgotten, though he may fade. lle came West the same year that Boaz wedded Ruth. He is a hen-fancier by education. He selected the different species of birds for Noah's Ark. About the eighth century his hair was yellow, and it has not changed ! lle has performed many deeds of valor -- was sword-bearer to the Queen of Sheba, was Justiee of the Peace in the Court of Solomon's Temple, was a member of the Roman Senate, and played seven-up and " penuckle" with Nero ! Was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature and voted large supplies to Black Hawk. lle never was a safe or profitable mau. In the beginning he called himself " Barron," and the record shows that he is Barren now !

Wishing you a pleasant reuniou, I remain,

Yours truly, H. W. LANDER.

After more music and the reading of the Constitution and By-Laws of the society, the follow- ing officers were elected : President, B. F. Gibbs; Vice Presidents, James H. Williams, Samuel Kimball, Randall Illsley ; Secretaries, W. J. Dawes, David Metcalf; Marshal, D. C. Williams ; Speaker, W. J. Dawes-Alternate, N. E. Allen ; Lady Essayist, Mrs. J. B. Woodruff-Alternate, Mrs. Q. II. Barron.

Addresses then followed by Judge Pulling, Gov. Smith, Messrs. Gibbs, Lindsay, Allen. Barron, Tarrant, Brower, Gorton, Hawley, Reeves and others, after which a sumptuous banquet commanded the undivided attention of the vast assemblage-and the Old Settlers' Club of Fox Lake was organized. The Glee Club, comprising Miss Anna Coleman, Mrs. L. E. Ford, Mr. D. D. Williams and T. R. Daniel, with Mrs. George J. Davies, accompanist, contributed very much to the pleasures of the evening.

Meetings have been held regularly once a year. At the fourth annual meeting, the follow- ing letter was read from Judge D. J. Pulling, dated Oshkosh, March 11, 1878:

DEAR SIR-I received your kind invitation to the " Old Settlers' " meeting at Fox Lake, to be held March 13, inst. Unfortunately, an adjourned term of the Circuit Court commences in Ozankee County to-morrow, the 12th, and I shall be unable to attend. But I send you kindly greeting to all. I remember with great pleasure all the " Old Settlers," and with pride that Fox Lake was for nearly twenty years my home. It was there that I spent the best years of my manhood. I am proud of her people ; they are the peers of any. They have furnished to the State her present Governor, and another who was thought worthy by political friends of a nomination for the office of Governor, and most worthy to have filled the office had the members of his political party been sufficient to have sent him there. And another, who filled the office of Circuit Judge for twelve years, and whose warmest support always enme from his old home. And another, a member of the Constitutional Convention, and who also filled many other offices of trust, a better man than whom never lived. He is now gone, taken from us in his ripe old age. But he has left us many kind remembrances ; memory of him will live as long as we do. She has also furnished miny members of the Legislature, both of the Senate and the Assembly, and among her people there have been and are now many others worthy and competent to fill any exalted position of either trust or honor. And, when I think over the past, I am proud that Fox Lake is my " old home." and I yearn to meet my oldl neighbors face to face, but official duties prevent, and I will try and content myself by contributing an early reminiscence.

When I first came to Wisconsin, the law business did not pay very well; I was poor and must live; I tried " keeping store " at Fox Lake. The business was new to me and I conducted it rather unskillfully. One day I was reading, and a little girl came for some molasses. I went into the back room and drew it, and sat down again to my reading. After a time I went into the back room again, and stepped into molasses up to my shoe tops. I had for- gotten to close the faucet and the barrel of molasses had all run out on the floor. Ilence came the expressive saying. now known all over the world, " Let the molasses run."

Truly yours, And now, my dear old friends, good-night. May you all live to have many of these meetings, and may 1 hereafter be with you.

D. J. PULLING.

At the fifth annual meeting, held December 10, 1878, the following officers were elected : President, Junius Marvin. Vice Presidents-S. T. Coman, Jolin Rose, L. J. Cady. Secre- tary, W. J. Dawes (Assistant, David Metcalf ); Marshal. O. N. Gorton ; Orator, O. N. Gorton (Alternate, E. J. Lindsay) ; Essayist, Mrs. O. A. Buck (Alternate, Miss Lena Dexter) ; Poet, George W. Peck (of the Sun) ; Toastmaster. Dr. C. B. Hawes.

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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 70

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