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 83
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The mercantile trade of the place is rather above the average, there being about twenty stores of all kinds. including dry goods, groceries, hardware, millinery, drug, book, boot and shoe, etc.
HOTELS.
The hotel history of Randolph dates back with the foundation of other institutions which gave the place its early importance. The Russell House, built by H. H. Russell. was the first hotel. It was afterward known as the Shepard House, and later as the Dunham House, but not long since took its original name; it is now closed. The Clement House, owned by Edward Clement and leased by E. L. Hoyt, has weathered the storm of hard times, and is still open to the public.
NEWSPAPERS.
Randolph, like many other like villages, has had its newspaper. On the 1st day of Jan- uary, 1873, the first number of the Randolph Enterprise made its appearance, J. S. Lightner, publisher ; Dr. Hacston, editor. For two years, the Doctor continued its editor, when Mr. L., its publisher, donned the editorial harness and remained in charge for about one year, dur- ing which time it attained its greatest circulation. At the expiration of this time, Mr. L. sold the material and good will of the office to E. W. Stevens, who continued it for another year, then selling to Messrs. Brown & Foster, who changed its name to Lively Times, and which, if report be true, was less lively than any of its predecessors. Before the expiration of the year, they suspended the paper and moved the material of the office to another part of the State, since which time no effort has been made to fill its place.
SCHOOLS.
One of the best criterions by which to judge a village or city is the condition of its public schools, and we are happy to say Randolph will not suffer by comparison. In 1867, it was dis- covered the old schoolhouse was entirely unsuited to the wants of a thriving village, and steps were at once taken for the erection of a better building. A site was chosen by a committee appointed for that purpose, and, the following year, the contraet was let for the building of a house 34x50 feet, two stories in height, for the sum of $4,000. J. Roberts, N. Rasmusson and R. D. Calkins are the present Directors, with John J. Loyd, Principal, and Miss Jennie Mar- vin, Assistant, in charge of the school.
EXPORTS.
Through the kindness of Mr. C. H. Smith, the gentlemanly station agent of the place, we are permitted to give the amount of the shipments of the place in the past year, showing what is being done in this line : Wheat, 5,574,000 pounds ; barley, 365,840 pounds ; potatoes,
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
66,780 pounds ; cattle, 772,000 pounds ; hogs, 852,000 pounds ; butter, 57,475 pounds ; wool, 86,000 pounds. If reduced to cars, we have, of wheat, 279; of harley, 1 ; potatoes, 4 ; cattle, 65 ; hogs, 71; butter, 3; wool, 7; a total of 438 cars for the year.
CHURCHES.
There are in the place four churches, viz. : Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Welsh Methodist Episcopal and Welsh Congregational, each with large, comfortable church buildings.
Baptist .- This Church was organized in February, 1867, with twenty-seven members, Elder Moore being its first Pastor. The erection of a suitable place of worship was at once taken in hand, and, in March, 1868, the present building was completed, at a cost of $5,000. The membership of the Church increased rapidly until it numbered at one time nearly one hundred, but of late years it has been decreased by removals and deaths until their number has become so small they are not able to have regular services. They also have disbanded their Sunday school and stopped their weekly meetings for prayer. The following named have served as Pastors of the Church since its organization : Elders Saxton, First, Heagle, McLeod and Sweet. The present Trustces are D. D. Ashley, Lewis Brown and R. D. Calkins.
Methodist Episcopal .- Considerable difficulty was experienced in obtaining information in relation to this congregation, their records being kept in an imperfect manner. The Dodge County Directory, published in 1872, gives the date of the erection of their church building as 1859, but no record could be found prior to 1864. The Church is now in a very flourishing condition, having a membership of about one hundred and an average attendance in their Sun- day school of eighty. Their church building is a large frame, with basement, and convenient yard and sheds for the accommodation of the teams of the country brethren. The following reverend gentleman have served as Pastors : B. R. Shepherd, C. C. Lathrop, D. Brown, F. T. Allen, Mr. Window, J. B. Cooper, Mr. Olmstead, Mr. Woodbread and A. Reed, the present Pastor.
Welsh Methodist Episcopal .- This society was organized in 1868 with thirty-two members. It first worshiped in a schoolhouse purchased at a cost of $248. In 1876, their present sub- stantial building was erected at a cost of $3,000. Its size is 32x46. Like the other churches, it has a yard and suitable sheds for the convenience of country brethren. The Church is in a flourishing condition and the members are working together harmoniously. They employ no regular Pastor. Rev. Thomas Faulks and Rev. Thomas R. Jones are the resident local preachers. Present membership of Church, eighty-seven ; Sunday school, seventy-five.
Welsh Congregational Church .- Organized in July, 1876, with the following named mem- bers : John Lewis, James Thomas, H. C. Ellis, William E. Roberts, John W. Davis, J. D. Jones, William R. Roberts, Peter Thomas, Griffith R. Jones. The congregation is in good condition, with a membership of forty-five. They have only had one Pastor since their organi- zation-Rev. J. P. Evans. Their church building was erected in 1877 at a cost, including site, of $3,100. James Thomas and John W. Davis are Deacons ; Griffith R. Jones, Trcas- urer ; R. Griffiths, Secretary ; H. C. Ellis, O. W. Lloyd, William J. Davis, Trustees. The average attendance of Sunday school is forty-four.
SOCIETIES.
But one benevolent or temperance organization is in the place, that of the Temple of Honor No. 33, organized in January, 1876, hy Col. Watrous, G. W. T., with sixty-four charter mem- bers. The Temple is in a flourishing condition, meets every Tuesday evening in Temple Hall (Baptist Church).
The following named comprise the charter members: C. A. Bigelow, W. S. Johnson, R. D. Evans, J. W. Olmstead, C. J. Coleman, R. G. Roberts, F. O. Bolles, W. H. Albright, J. M. Albright, Hans Johnson, J. A. Lightner, M. H. Epley, J. M. Allen, John G. Griffin, M. F. Arms, H. Gilmore, J. H. Rockfellow, John E. Hughes, W. F. Root, James Lockhart, O. C.
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Se Chans
BEAVER DAM
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
Dibble, R. N. Rasmusson, H. C. Dunham, W. Byron, J. W. Townsend, John D. Davis, H. W. Owen, Charles Heyer, F. D. Taylor, W. W. Alard, H. Phelps, David L. Hughes, D. S. John- son, John II. Owens, George G. Roberts, H. C. Williams, William E. Owens, D. Isely, O. F. Lloyd, Milton Jones, Thomas R. Jones, O. D. Scofield, John Jess, Charles W. Hinchliffe, W. Chapman, Thomas C. Williams, John Lloyd, N. Rasmusson, G. C. Foster, Frank Dibble, Junius Marvin, F. Yoaker, J. H. Phelps, R. HI. Mead, William Syke, E. II. Holmes, James Hanson, Thomas Alrinds, J. H. Hohnes, H. Hutchinson, S. J. Butterfield, W. L. Price, E. Bryant, M. Neilson.
The first officers were C. O. Bigelow, W. C. T .; W. S. Johnson, W. V. T .; R. D. Evans, P. W. C. T .; C. J. Coleman, W. R .; R. G. Roberts, W. A. R .; M. Arms, W. F. R .; H. Dunham, W. T .; Charles Hinchliffe, W. M .; W. Chapman, W. G .; E. Holmes, W. S .; G. C. Foster, W. T. D.
Present officers, R. D. Calkins, W. C. T .; H. Hammer, W. V. T .; W. W. Lloyd, W. R .; C. Hutchinson, W. A. R .; Dr. C. M. Willis, W. F. R .; N. Rasmusson, W. T .; James Marvin, W. U .; Hans Larson, W. D. U .; John Eggleston, W. G .; W. S. Johnson, W. S .: W. C. Foster, P. W. C. T .; John Lloyd, W. T. D.
MAYVILLE.
This is one of the oldest villages in the county, its history dating back to 1845. It is situated about the center of Williamstown Township, on the Rock River and on the line of the Fond du Lac, Amboy & Peoria Railroad.
In the year above mentioned, Alvin and William Foster and Chester and S. P. May selected the place as their future home. These gentlemen came from Fort Atkinson in the early spring, traveling in a common lumber-wagon, and were searching for a good water-power. Isaac H. Chandler crossed them over Rock River, at IIoricon, on a raft. In crossing, the raft tipped up and the entire party were spilled into the river, just a little way from the shore from which they were starting. They were all large men, weighing in the neighborhood of two hundred and twenty pounds each. They sank in the water up to their arm-pits. Wading back to the shore, they first dried their clothes and rag money, which was then prevalent, and were crossed over one at a time. Proceeding on their way, they came to the present site of the village. and at once came to the conclusion that they had found the place which they were sceking, and that they were right in their surmises, a visit to the locality will convince the most incredulous, for a finer water-power cannot be found on the river between Rock Island and its head-waters.
After making their claims, these gentlemen proceeded to erect cabins, which being finished, Alvin Foster and the Mays returned to their old homes, leaving William to superintend the building of a dam. the contract of which was given to William Goodrich. With the help of Mr. Chandler, who drew the trees to the place with his team of oxen, the dam was soon built, and a saw-mill also put in operation, the proprietorship of which was invested in the Fosters and Mays.
INDUCEMENTS TO SETTLERS.
In order to facilitate the formation of a settlement. the proprietors of the prospective village determined to offer inducements to all who would make their home among them. To that end, they first erected a building for the purposes of a general store, which they offered to any one who would open out a general stock of merchandise. This offer was accepted by Thomas and Benjamin Palmer, who came to the place in 1847. At this time, there was not a road located, and, with their stock of goods, the Messrs. Palmer had to follow the paths made through the timber, avoiding the underbrush as much as possible, and, through difficulties, seek the place of their future residence. Another offer, made by Messrs. Foster & May, was the gift of a lot to any one who would build and occupy a residence thereon. This offer was accepted by quite a number, and consequently the village grew rapidly at the start.
Those who first came to the place were principally from the Eastern States. It was not until about 1852, that the Germans began to make their homes herc. This class now form =
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
by far the greatest portion of the community, and many of them, in the past score of years, have amassed considerable wealth.
The village was first platted in 1847, the surveying being done by Alvin Foster, one of the proprietors. Other additions have been made from time to time, until now it extends over con- siderable territory.
When it became necessary to give the place a name, many were suggested, but none seemed to meet the approval of the majority. Finally, one suggested that it be called Mayville, in honor of Uncle May, as he was familiarly called, one of the proprietors. The name was unanimously adopted.
POST OFFICE.
It was not until 1847, the citizens succeeded in having a post office established here, when Thomas Palmer, who, with his brother Benjamin, was engaged in the mercantile trade, received the appointment of Postmaster. He held the office some years and was succeeded by E. N. Foster, who in turn was followed by the following named, in the order given : E. B. Brown, E. P. Clark, H. Eiles, R. Sauerhering, A. B. Bonney, Mr. McFarland and G. Nary, the latter of whom administers its affairs in a manner highly satisfactory to the community. The office some years since was made a money-order one, and a large business is transacted.
SCHOOLS.
By a large number of American people, a place is judged by its school facilities. If they are good, the place is to be commended ; if imperfect, it is to be condemned. Mayville will stand the test of righteous judgment. The first school was in the winter of 1847, in the cabin of a private family, and in the year following a log schoolhouse was built and school held therein. As the demands of the country increased, other arrangements were made, until finally, a few years since, the village erected one of the finest and most substantial school buildings in the county-one in which her citizens take a just pride. In this the English language is taught exclusively. For their own convenience, and to keep up a knowledge of the mother tongue, the Germans support from private funds a good school.
CHURCHES.
The religious element of the community is represented by German Lutheran, German Catholic and Baptist, each having a church building, the latter at present only being occasion- ally occupied, while in the former regular services are held to flourishing congregations.
HOTELS.
The first hotel was built in 1847, by II. G. Phelps, on the site of the present American House. From that date to the present time. a public house has ever been open there for the accommodation of weary travelers, and we believe its reputation has always been well sustained. It is now owned and controlled by D. Puls, a gentleman well and favorably known by the trav- eling fraternity.
The California House is another candidate for public favor and is situated on the corner of Main and Bridge streets. J. J. Lauzenbach, proprietor.
SOCIETIES.
Two of the benevolent Orders are represented in the village, that of the Odd Fellows and Masons, both of which are in a flourishing condition, with live, active members.
T'esper Lodge, No. 62, A., F. g. A. M., holds its regular meetings on the first and third Saturdays of each month, in Masonic Hall, Saurhering's Block. Visiting brethren will always receive a cordial welcome.
Mayville Lodge, No. 200, I. O. O. F., meets every Friday evening in Odd Fellows' Hall, over Reible's marble-shop. Brethren of the Order are invited to meet with them.
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
There is a well organized fire department, with a fine engine, a large quantity of hose, ete., and the boys feel able to grapple with anything short of a Chicago blaze.
MERCANTILE.
Every class of trade is well represented, and there are here to be found stores carrying stocks and doing a business of which many more pretentious places might well be proud. There is a large scope of country naturally tributary, and, with proper efforts, Mayville should rank second to no village in the county. Let the effort be put forth and we predict a bright future.
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT.
Up to, the year 1867, the village was under the supervision of the town government, but in the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1866-67. a special act of incorporation was passed, and Mayville took its place among the independent villages of the State. Its first charter election was held April, 1867, since which time annual elections have been held with the following result, showing a complete list of officers up to the present time :
1867-R. Sauerhering, President ; C. E. Goodwin, E. Muenchow, Charles Ruedebusch, Trustees ; J. A. Barney, Clerk; N. C. Lawrence, Street Commissioner ; Henry Boehmer, Marshal.
1868-J. H. Andrae, President ; J. G. Kurtz, William Schmidt, G. Albert, Charles Allen, Trustees ; Charles Kroesing, Treasurer ; Henry Spiering, Justice of the Peace; S. W. Lamoreux, Clerk: S. W. Lamoreux, Assessor; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; Henry Boehmer, Marshal.
1869-J. A. Barney, President ; F. Schaffer. Gustave Dreger, M. Ziegler, G. Albert, Trustees ; Ilenry Yorten, Treasurer; Henry Spiering, Justice of the Peace and Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; P. B. Lamoreux, Marshal ; Frederick Kruse, Poundmaster.
1870-Charles Barwig, President; J. A. Barney, G. Albert, M. V. Lamoreux, Charles Ruedebusch, Trustees ; Henry Yorten, Treasurer ; Henry Spiering, Police Justice and Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner ; Charles Krueger, Marshal and Poundmaster.
1871-Charles Barwig, President; G. Albert, F. Schaffer, Frantz Traeger, M. Ziegler, Trustees; Julius Philipp, Police Justice; Henry Spiering, Clerk ; G. Albert, Street Commis- sioner ; L. A. Meister, Marshal ; Otto Boetke, Poundmaster.
1872-J. A. Barney, President ; Julius Philipp, Robert Kloeden, G. Albert, M. Ziegler, Trustees ; Marx Sievers, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; William Schwartz, Clerk ; P. B. Lamoreux, Marshal and Poundmaster ; G. Albert, Street Commissioner.
1873-J. A. Barney, President; William Darge, E. Muenchow, II. Ruedebusch, MI. Ziegler. Trustees ; G. Dreger, Treasurer : Julius Nary, Police Justice ; William Schwartz, Clerk ; Charles Schwartz, Marshal ; William Darge. Street Commissioner ; Theodore Butler, Poundmaster.
1874-Julius Philipp. President ; M. Ziegler. N. C. Lawrence, Robert Kloeden, J. G. Kurz, Trustees : Anton Haertle, Treasurer ; Julius Nary. Police Justice ; William Schwartz, Clerk and Assessor; Charles Reichert, Marshal and Poundmaster; Robert Kloeden, Street Commissioner.
1875-Henry Ruedebusch, President, who served two months, when Henry Spiering was elected to fill vacaney ; D. Puls, J. Langenbach, P. Schuler, E. E. Bachhuber, Trustees ; Anton ITaertle, Treasurer; Julius Nary, Police Justice; William Schwartz, Clerk; J. G. Kurz, Marshal, Street Commissioner and Poundmaster.
1876-Henry Spiering, President ; P. Schuler, William Darge, M. V. Lamoreux, William Walter, Trustees : Anton Haertle, Treasurer and Assessor ; Julius Nary, Police Justice : Will- iam Schwartz, Clerk; J. G. Kurz, Street Commissioner ; Charles Krueger, Marshal ; Jac. Zimmerman, Poundmaster.
1877-M. V. Lamoreux, President ; Daniel Baum, Charles Reichert, August Faltz, Will- iam Walter, Trustees; Anton Haertle, Treasurer and Assessor; J. Nary, Police Justice :
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
William Schwartz, Clerk ; August Luedke, Street Commissioner ; Fr. Huck, Jr., Marshal and Poundmaster.
1878-Julius Philipp, President ; Theodore Zilisch, August Schuman, John Tydyman, Robert Kloeden, Trustees; Anton Haertle, Assessor; William Schmidt, Treasurer ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; C. Kroesing, Clerk ; Ferdinand Faltz, Street Commissioner; Conrad Faust, Marshal and Poundmaster; J. H. Andrae, Chief Fire Warden.
1879-S. W. Lamoreux, President ; William Albrecht, Daniel Baum, Albert Burtch, Robert Kloeden, Trustees ; M. Ziegler, Treasurer; Anton Haertle, Assessor ; Julius Nary, Police Justice ; G. J. Clark, Clerk ; G. J. Kurtz, Street Commissioner ; Chris. Huck, Marshal and Poundmaster.
WOODLAND.
This village is located on Section 31, Herman Township, and was laid out in the year 1856, and many lots sold, but no,plat made until 1859. The land on which it was located was owned by Mr. Gilman, a pleasant and enterprising gentleman who settled here at an early day, when neighbors were not so numerous as at present. Previous to his coming, several other fam- ilies had settled in the neighborhood, which was known as " Cole's Settlement," a family, or, more properly, a number of families by that name being the first.
Mr. Gilman was attracted here from the fact that iron ore had been discovered in paying quantities, it was thought, and it was his design to form a company, build a furnace and use the ore. For some cause, his plans were never carried out, and others obtained possession of the valnable lands, beneath the surface of which, lies such great wealth.
Immediately after being fairly settled with his family, Mr. Gilman proceeded to erect a saw-mill, a blacksmith-shop and a general store, continuing in business for a number of years. He also built the first hotel, which was occupied on completion by Robert Ostrander, who kept it for one year, then selling to one Haskins, who ran it for three or four years, disposing of it to Erastus Cole, who in turn sold to W. F. Markworth, after which it came into the possession of Karl Machmueller, its present owner. It stands directly opposite the depot.
On the completion of the railroad, George Fox built an eating-house near the depot, and con- tinued in business until he was killed by the tornado which swept over the village in September, 1847. This tornado, within a radius of a few hundred yards, caused considerable damage, com- pletely wrecking a number of buildings and seriously injuring four persons, besides Mr. Fox, who was instantly killed. Among the number injured was a son of Mr. Gilman. Mr. G., who was in the mercantile business at the time, had his stock of goods scattered in every direction. Considering the damage done to property, it was fortunate, indeed, no more lives were lost.
A post office was established in the neighborhood in 1855, and Erastus Cole received the appointment of Postmaster. He was succeeded by Ed. Sauerhering, Peter Labuwi, Nicholas Peters and M. F. Markworth.
The village lying in the corner of the township makes it convenient for citizens of the towns of Herman, Hubbard and Rubicon to unite for the purposes of affording their children the privileges of the public school ; therefore a good substantial school building has been erected, and a union school is in operation. In the winter of 1879-80, Miss Mary Ragan was the teacher. There are about one hundred pupils in the district, but all do not attend at once. In addition to this public school, the Germans keep in operation a select school, which is well attended.
A special feature of the place is the cheese-factory, in which is manufactured the celebrated Swiss cheese, an article that always commands a high price, and is considered a great luxury by all Germans. The milk of about one hundred cows is used in the factory, and the product shipped principally to Chicago and St. Louis.
Two churches represent the religious element of the village-Catholic and Lutheran-both of them conducting their exercises in the German language. The English-speaking people,
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HISTORY OF DODGE COUNTY.
who are few in numbers in the neighborhood, have no place of worship. The Catholics are said to number about four hundred, which includes large and small. The Lutherans are nearly as numerous. Each have good church buildings.
The principal article of export from this station is wheat, a large quantity of which is raised in the neighborhood. There is one elevator in the place.
More freight is received at this station than any of its size, probably, on the road ; it being the point of shipment for the villages of Hustisford and Neosho. The amount handled by firms in these villages, together with that of Woodland, makes quite a respectable showing.
The village is prepared in case of fire, having a small hand engine, an organized fire com- pany, and willing citizens who are ever ready to grapple with the devouring element.
A never-failing stream of water is convenient to the village, and here all engines stop to
water. It is said to be the best watering-place on the line of the C., M. & St. P. R. R.
Notwithstanding the original settlers were all from the East, few now live in the neighbor- hood, the Germans comprising the principal part of the inhabitants.
To transact the business of the village, there are two general stores, three saloons, one hotel, three blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, three shoe-shops, one tailor-shop, one lumber- yard. Population of village about two hundred.
REESEVILLE.
This is a railroad village, situated in the town of Lowell, about two miles south of the village of that name, and on the line of the La Crosse Division of the C., M. & St. P. Rail- road. Samuel Reese was the first settler in the neighborhood, coming to this section in 1845. The village derives its name from this gentleman.
On the completion of the railroad through this section, Adam Reese, son of Samuel above mentioned, conceived the idea of founding a village here that should bear the family name. Accordingly he had surveyed and platted for that purpose a part of Section 28. Mr. R. always bore the reputation of being a good business man, able to take care of number one. He was the first station agent and first express agent, and held these respective offices until his removal to Sycamore, Ill., in 1868.
The first lot sold was to Mr. Loesch, who built the first house in the village. Mr. L. is still a resident of the village, and yet engages in his trade of shoemaking.
The first store was by Marvin & Finney, who built on the present site of Snow's large brick building in the spring of 1856, and opened a general stock of merchandise. These gentlemen subsequently sold to Adam Reese, who continued the same for a number of years, enjoying a monopoly of the trade of the surrounding country.
For the first twelve years, the village made no perceptible growth-its proprietor being content to keep everything in his own hands, and from the proceeds of the various business enterprises that he carried on lay up a competency. He encouraged no one to settle or engage in any business that might draw from his establishments. In 1868, a change for the better took place, Mr. Reese selling out the various businesses he was engaged in, other houses were established, settlers came in, and there has been a steady growth from that time forward. Of course, the hard times, extending from 1873 to 1879, had its influence on the growth of the place, but it has had no back-set, and its prospect for the future is good. Its present business men and citizens generally have faith in it. In the month of January, 1880, its population is estimated at 300.
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