The history of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, containing biographical sketches, Part 72

Author: Western historical company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 714

USA > Wisconsin > Jefferson County > The history of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, containing biographical sketches > Part 72

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Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank .- During the fall of 1873, the capitalists of Jefferson decided upon establishing another bank, to be known as the " Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of Jeffer- son." Accordingly, application was made and an act of incorporation issued to the following gentleman, bearing date December 22, 1873 : J. W. Ostrander, Robert Fargo, Volney Foster, Charles Grimm, C. Muck, Adam Smith, A. W. Cramer, Alonzo Wing, Charles Copeland, Mar- shall Lane, Anna Barbara Bullwinkel, E. Garfield, Joseph Stoppenbach, Charles John, W. F. Puerner, E. B. Fargo, G. M. Bird, G. C. Mansfield, James Morse. W. B. Harvey, W. W. Wood- man, J. D. Bullock, P. Hitchcock, Vale Henry, J. H. Myers, G. Seitz, J. N. Friedel, A. Grimm, Henry Haskell and A. Kispert.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

The capital of the corporation was stated at $50,000, and the business contemplated tha of general banking and exchange.

On the day following, December 23, 1873, a meeting of the stockholders was held, at which A. Grimm, J. W. Ostrander, A. Wing, Yale Ifenry, Paul Hitchcock. J. D. Bullock and R Fargo were elected a Board of Directors, of whom Yale Henry was elected President ; A. Wing Vice President ; A. Grimm, Cashier, and George J. Kispert, Teller.

The corporation immediately purchased the building on East Main street (now known a the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank), of A. Grimm, for $6,400; and on February 2, 1874 began business. Since that day, the career of the undertaking has been one of success, the cap ital stock increased to $60,000 paid up, and public confidence resulted, that is ever the attend ant of energy, business capacity and merit.

The present Board of Directors is composed of Yale Henry, Charles Bullwinkel. J. W Ostrander, Adam Kispert, J. H. Myers, J. D. Bullock and Marshall Lane, with J. W. Ostrar der, President, J. D. Bullock, Vice President ; Yale Henry, Cashier, and George J. Kisper Assistant Cashier.

The value of the property owned by the bank, including office fixtures, etc., is estimated a about $9,000.

ODD FELLOWS.

Jefferson Lodge, No. 29 .- This is the oldest Lodge in the city, having been organized on th 30th of August, 1848. On that day, authority to establish a Chapter of the fraternity wa granted to John E. Holmes, M. Haskell, Henry Haskell, Harvey Sanborn and J. W. Ostrander These gentlemen perfected the organization and elected the following officers : John E. Holme: N. G .: Harvey Sanborn, V. G .; M. Haskell, Treasurer, and J. W. Ostrander, Secretary.

The Society flourished under the several administrations, until the years of the war, whe the mectings were suspended and so remained till 1866, when a re-organization was effected, an the Lodge is to-day in the enjoyment of a gratifying prosperity.

The present officers are : W. H. Porter, N. G .; W. A. McFarlane, V. G .; John Banker Treasurer, and George Crist, Secretary, with a membership of eighty-five. Meetings are hel weekly in the Odd Fellows' Hall, Main street, between Milwaukee and Racine streets, and th Society owns property valued at about $6,000.

Barbarosa Lodge, No. 202, I. O. O. F., was organized under a dispensation granted Decem ber 7, 1876, to F. E. Illing, G. Fehrmann, J. Puerner, H. Arnstein and G. D. Puerner. Th first officers were : F. E. Illing, N. G .; Gustav Fehrmann, V. G. ; Joseph Puerner, Treasurer and Henry Arnstein, Secretary.

The present officers are as follows : G. O. Schittler, N. G .; John Schmidt, V. G. ; Josep Freberger, R. S .; G. Muck, F. S .; Charles Seifert, Treasurer; G. Tews, I. G .; Henr Belman, O. G .; M. Prell, Conductor; Ernest Butz, Warden, and H. Arnstein, Charle Boreiter and Jacob Hayes, Trustees.

The roll of members contains thirty-six of the craft, who meet weekly on Wednesday nigh at Odd Fellows' Hall.

The Lodge owns property valued at $350.

Jefferson Encampment, No. 32, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 19, 1870, in respons to the application of J. W. Ostrander, G. L. Chapin, H. Haskell, G. W. Bird, George Truck! David Baker and Solon Brown, who were the charter members. At an election held immediatel thereafter, the following officers were chosen to officiate : J. W. Ostrander, C. P .; Henry Has kell, II. P. ; G. L. Chapin, S. W. ; John Wheeler, J. W. ; David Baker, Treasurer, and E. F Hatch, Scribe.

The present officers are: W. H. Porter, C. P .: G. L. Chapin, Il. P .; John Tuttle, S. W. IIenry Haskell, J. W. ; A. McConnell, Treasurer, and J. W. Ostrander, Scribe. The roster ( membership includes thirty-five names. Meetings are held semi-monthly, in Odd Fellow's Hal Value of Lodge property, $200.

485

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

Ruth Lodge, No. 11, Daughters of Rebecca, was created January 21, 1870, by a dispensa- tion granted to J. W. Ostrander, W. W. Reed, Yale Henry, George Crist, H. W. Brandon, O. S. Brandon, Solon Brown, E. P. Hatch, David Baker, A. J. Vandewater, George L. Chapin, C. E. Hoyt and Henry Haskell, and Sisters Sybil Vandewater, M. H. Hatch, Sarah Brandon, Elizabeth Brandon, H. M. Reed, Semantha Trucks, T. M. Hoyt, O. A. Chapin and L. R. Ostrander.

It is found impossible to obtain a list of the charter officers. The present officers are : Mrs. Mary Barr, N. G. ; Mrs. Catharine Ryder, V. G. ; Mrs. H. M. Reed, Secretary ; Mrs. Mary Whelan, P. S. ; Mrs. R. C. Clark, Treasurer; R. W. Clark, R. S. ; Mrs. George Trucks, L. S. ; John Tuttle, Warden; Mrs. E. A. Tuttle, Conductor ; Alfred Church, O. G .; Mrs. H. Church, I. G.

Membership about fifty.

Meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.

OTHER SOCIETIES.

Apollo Lodge, No. 41, A. O. U. W., was organized on the evening of August 8, 1878, by A. H. Taisey, D. G. M. of the Order, at a meeting of candidates convened in the law office of N. Bruett, in Stoppenbach's Block, corner of Main and Racine streets. The charter members were composed of N. Steinaker, A. J. Burbank, N. Bruett, W. H. Porter, Dwight Hillyer, R. B. Kirkland, E. S. Kellogg, Charles Illing, J. S. Rottman, G. W. Bird and G. O. Schittler.

At the election held at a subsequent meeting, N. Bruett was selected as P. M. W .; W. H. Porter, W. M. ; Dwight Hillyer, Recorder; N. Steinaker, Financier ; R. B. Kirkland, O. W .; J. S. Rottman, J. W. ; and G. O. Schittler, N. Bruett and A. J. Burbank, Trustees, who are yet in office.

Meetings are convened on call in the Odd Fellows' building. The society is yet in its infancy in Jefferson, and has a limited membership.

Jefferson Workingmen's Benevolent Association was incorporated by an act of the Legis- lature approved March 27, 1867, with the objects of affording aid and relief to their members, caring for their sick, and burying the dead. The charter members were : J. A. Puerner, N. Kis- pert, John Meyer, Peter Buchta, John Purriker, C. Muck, George Heilman and B. Kiesling. Of these, John A. Puerner was President, N. Kispert, Vice President, C. Muck, Treasurer, and George Heilman, Secretary.

The initiation fee is $5, and the annual dues $3. Each member of the Association is entitled to $3.50 per week when sick, and the payment of funeral expenses when death ensucs.

The following are the present officers : J. A. Puerner, President; Frederick Jung, Vice President ; Peter Buchta, Treasurer, and Andrew Scidel, Secretary. The present membership numbers sixty-three. Meetings are held monthly in Verhallen's Hall on Racine street, and the property of the Association is valued at $1,500.

RELIGIOUS.

St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church .- The Catholic denomination in Jefferson and vicinity comprehends fully 50 per cent of the population. They are provided with two churches, two schools, and a convent, and are apparently the most prosperous sect in this portion of the county. They were among the first settlers, and began holding services as early as 1842 n the log cabin of John Ilaas, a short distance west of St. Lawrence Church, on the Milwaukee bike, one mile east of the city. At that time, the congregation was dependent upon the occa- sional visits of the Rev. Father Maximillian Gardner, a missionary stationed at Roxbury, in Sauk County, who officiated in the parishes of Watertown, Jefferson, and elsewhere, holding services n St. Lawrence Diocese five times a year.

As the congregation increased in numbers, and a more commodious house of worship was ereby necessitated, a move was made to the hill whereon the present church is situated, and a

486

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

small log church built. The church was dedicated and opened for services on December, 4, 1850 with the Rev. Father Michael Heider, as Pastor, who remained until March 28, 1856, when h was succeeded by the Rev. Father J. F. Minderer. During his pastorate, the congregation became s numerous that it was decided to organize a second parish and establish the church at some point more accessible to worshipers residing in the city. With this end in view, the parish of St. Joh the Baptist was created, and the church at the corner of Center and Church streets (thereafte known until the erection of the new church as St. John's), purchased of the Universalists services being conducted by Father Minderer in conjunction with the discharge of his priestl offices in St. Lawrence parish. Early in 1861, Father W. Bernard succeeded to the charge ( St. Lawrence Church, and was in turn followed by Father Michael Berter, who remained unt April, 1864, when Father Hubert Jansen became the incumbent, and acted until January, 1865 when he was succeeded by Father Francois Xavier Obermneller, who was the first priest regu larly assigned to the congregation.

In the fall of 1861, it was decided to erect a new church edifice, and in January, 186: subscriptions for that purpose were received. Plans and specifications were submitted, contract for the building executed, and the work was soon after commenced under the supervision of W D. Hillyer. The work progressed satisfactorily from time to time until January 15, 1865, whe its completion was reached, and the church delivered to the congregation at a cost of $4,508.7( The edifice is of briek, simple but substantial, architecturally, plainly but neatly finished, and surmounted by a steeple seventy-five feet in height.

The following is the list of Pastors who have served since its dedication : F. X. Obermuelle: from 1866 to September, 1871 ; Thomas Von der Thaunen, from September 17, 1871, to Januar 1, 1872; V. Rademacher, nntil July, 1872; A. Michels, until November, 1872; J. M Buerger, until March 15, 1873; Ferdinand Zuber, to January 1, 1875; C. Hergenroether from July. 1875, until January 1, 1877; M. J. Joerger, six weeks; H. Reinhart, the preser incumbent, from March 8, 1877.

Attached to the diocese are the St. Lawrence School and Convent of Saint Francis. Th former was begun in 1868, and completed in 1870, costing $3,086.78. Father Reinhart is Prit cipal, being assisted by two Sisters of the Order of Saint Francis D' Assisi. The daily attendand averages seventy-five pupils of both sexes, and the course of instruction is similar to that taugl in the public schools.

The Convent was established in 1865. In 1868, a large brick building was built for th needs of the Order, and a parsonage for the Pastor constructed during the same year at a tot cost of $18,000. In 1877, the Church purchased the Convent buildings of the Order for $7,00 which are now occupied by eighteen Sisters-Sister Mary Catharine being the Mother Superio -as tenants of the Church, who maintain a school therein for the education of Sisters a teachers.

The value of the Church property is estimated at not far from $30,000; and the congreg: tion numbers fully one hundred families.

St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Congregation .- The organization of this Church ha already been referred to. The old Universalist Church was adapted to the uses of the ne congregation in 1856, which, under the tutorship of the several Pastors who have presided ove its welfare, has increased in members and wealth beyond the brightest anticipations of its found ers. As stated, the Rev. Father Bernard divided his duties between St. John's and St. Lav rence until January 1, 1862, when the Rev. Father Michael Berter was assigned to its charg serving also at St. Lawrence until 1864. when Hubert Jansen relieved him and remained unt July, 1867.

During his ministration, the property whereon St. John's Church now stands was pu chased and the new church erected. The corner-stone was laid in the spring of 1866, and th church completed and dedicated in 1867, at a cost of not less than $25,000, L. Charbonea being the architect. It is a massive and imposing structure, built of pressed brick, finel finished throughout, occupying an elevated site on Church street, between Sanborn and Par

JEFFERSON

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

streets, and decorated with a lofty steeple, (the marble cross of which, at the extreme apex, is visible for miles), and supplied with chime bells. The ascent to the auditorium is by an easy flight of stone steps, which survived the destruction of the Court House in the great Chicago fire of 1871. The interior of the church is furnished in harmony with the building, and has a capacity for several hundred worshipers.

Succeeding its completion, some difficulty arose between the Trustees and the architect, growing out of, it is alleged, the failure of the latter to faithfully execute his contract. No sat- isfactory adjustment of the dispute was attained by the usual course of arbitration, and Mr. Charboneau sought a solution of the difficulty by an appeal to the courts. On September 17, 1870, he filed his complaint in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, against John Jung et al., praying for specific performance, and alleging damages by reason of a failure on the part of the Trustees to comply with the terms of their contract. A change of venue was taken to Dodge County, where, upon the submission of the case to a referee, judgment was rendered, and dam- ages to the amount of $2,695 entered against the defendants. An appeal was taken to the Supreme Court, which affirmed the judgment ; thereupon the same was liquidated.

In May, 1878, the School of the Guardian Angels, a parochial institution attached to the Church, was begun, with Henry Koch, of Milwaukee, as architect, and completed in October of the same year, costing, with the furniture, $5,000. The school is under the direction of Father Joerger, assisted by two Sisters of the Order of St. Francis, of Joliet, and furnishes a course of instruction, both in English and German, to one hundred and fifty pupils.

The parsonage is situated in the church lot to the west of the church edifice, fronting on Sanborn street, and was completed in 1871, at an outlay, with the furniture, of $3,500.

The following is the list of Pastors who have served since the organization of the parish : The Rev. Fathers J. F. Minderer ; W. Bernard, from 1861 until January 1, 1862; Michael Berter until 1864; Hubert Jansen until July, 1867 ; A. Sigg until August, 1869; M. Gern- bauer, one month ; J. Freidł until October, 1873; M. J. Joerger, S. T. D., at present in charge.

The congregation numbers two hundred families, and has property valued at about $40,000. Attached to the Church is St. John's Society, a Mutual Benevolent Association, consisting of about fifty members, of which Adam Spangler is President.

The Evangelical Association was organized in Jefferson at an early day. The first preaching of which there is any authentic record was by the Rev. J. G. Miller in 1845, who administered services in the house of George Robisch, one mile east of the village, as also at the Hake mansion, two and one-half miles south of the village.

The society built its church (the first church in Jefferson), in the year 1849, during the pastorate of J. G. Escher, the foundations having been laid at a previous date, under the aus- pices of J. G. Miller. The building was of frame, 32x40, and the congregation numbered fifty worshipers. In the early spring of 1879, the "little church on the corner " was moved away, and its absence supplied by the present handsome brick edifice, 36x60 feet, with 10 feet projection, and a steeple 129 feet in length, which was completed during the fall of the same year, at a cost of $5,500.

Since the establishment of the denomination in Jefferson, the following ministers have served : The Revs. C. Lintner, J. Meyer, J. Trumbaur, J. Meyer, Joseph Harlacher, H. Esch. George Fleisher, I. Kuter, John Meyer, J. Hamweter, G. Zoelhaffer, J. G. Miller, C. A. Schnacke (assisted by Rev. Emanuel Hake), Joseph Harlacher, F. Huelster, J. Karcher, H. Schelp, I. M. Hamweter, Edward Bochmuehl, C. Miller, H. Huelster (under whose pastorate the old parsonage was sold and a new ministerial residence purchased), C. A. Schancke (who died in the service), C. Wigand and Augustus Huelster, the present officiant, under whose super- vision the new church was built.

The present Trustees are John Banker, C. Lang and W. H. Hake. Jefferson Circuit has three churches and three hundred and sixty members, the Presiding Elders of which have been the Revs. S. Baumgartner, J. J. Escher (the present Bishop, residing in Chicago), G. A. Blank, A. Huelster, H. Huelster and H. Scheep.

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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

The local ministers have been the Revs. I. N. Walther |deceased ). John Meyer and Eman- uel Hake. at present located at Jefferson.

The new church edifice will seat nearly six hundred worshipers. and the Church property is valued at about $8.000.

The German Eringelical Lutheran Congregation was organized on the 8th day of April. 1851. and consisted principally of natives of Bavaria and Prussia. Previous to that time. the congregation observed their Sabbath-Day services in the dwellings of the members. which were continued until the date above designated, when they purchased about two acres of ground on Chris: Mountain, two and one-half miles east of Jefferson. on a portion of which they erected a small frame Church. the remainder of the purchase being reserved for burial purposes. The church was completed and consecrated under the name of St. Jobn's. and served as a place of worship for sixty-four families. until an increase in the number of parishioners necessitated the erection of a more commodions edifice. The Rev. Mr. Maver. minister of the Lutheran con- gregation at Helenville. became the first Pastor of that denomination. until the installation of the Rev. Carl Ang. Biel. his successor also from Helenville). who officiated for several years, being followed by the Rev. Mr. Zink. who ministered to the spiritual wants of the congrega- tions in Jefferson and Helenville until his death.

On the 17th day of January. 1858. the Rev. Emil Repnow accepted a call to the Church. with which he remained five years, and under whose pastorate the congregation was increased to one hundred and nine families. At this date. the church at Christ Mountain became too limited in its capacity. in consequence of which it was decided to erect a brick church in the city of Jefferson. The church was accordingly begun and. in 1861. completed, and has since served for the Evangelical Lutherans of Jefferson and vicinity. in conjunction with the chapel at Christ Mountain. which latter. however. was abandoned in 1873.

During Mr. Repnow's pastorate, a house was purchased in the city and a school established, at which children of the church communicants were instructed in the German language. Bible history. the Lutheran catechism. etc.

The Rev. C. T. Goldhammer succeeded Mr. Repnow on the 7th day of March. 1863. and remained seven years. when he accepted a call from the Lutheran congregation at Green Bay.

The Rev. B. Ungrodz. formerly a Missionary to the Cape of Good Ilope. but at that date July 13. 1870 Pastor of the St. Matthew's Church. Milwaukee. succeeded the last named and is still minister of St. John's congregation. which. under his careful ministration. is prosper- ous. consisting of one hundred and fifty families, and a school affording instruction to one hnn- dred and fifty pupils.

The church property is made up of a handsome and roomy church edifice. parsonage and schoolhouses in the city. and a frame church and cemetery at Christ Mountain. the value of the entirety being estimated at about $10.000.

The Universalist Society .- The Rev. Seth Barnes was the first settled minister of the Uni- versalist faith in Jefferson who preached the doctrine that all men will be saved. Ilis dis- courses were delivered in the Court House at first. services being commenced there in 1:45. In 1:50. the society was organized. The building of a church was begun in the fall of 1853 and completed during the following spring. when it was dedicated and Mr. Barnes was elected Pastor. He continued his ministrations but a few months. however, going hence to St. Anthony, Minn., whither he was called professionally.

An interval succeeded his resignation. during which the church was without a Pastor. remaining so until the fall of 1>54. when the Rev. E. Garfield took charge and discharged the offices of Pastor and friend for eleven years. which were years of prosperity and happiness to the society. He accepted a call to Stoughton. in Dane County. and the vacancy thus created was supplied by the Rev. B. F. Hagers. who remained. meeting with success in the field of his Isbors. for three years. when the Rev. E. Garfield returned to Jefferson and resumed his rela- tion of Pastor to the Church. At the expiration of three years. he resigned, and for the ensu- ing year the society depended upon the occasional visits of ministers and missionaries for its

: 1

HISTORY OF JEFFEROS COFFVIT

religions par alum. finally charming the services in the Ber. W. T. Pres. vi. premied ace to a half years ar i was succeeded by ile Rer. Ma Gutera. since when the society bas been with ..:

maior portion of the time. The sert & n.v aimer mly val. tomas ref by iets 1al

ter streets. I: was schi so the Camlobos dumny the fines int i tev ..... street. south of Dodge, which wie delanted i the young if ...

New Jerusalem Society.

The church property is milied as 84.7 06

win Hi. in Jeferson. in the 10c / December. 1:5 fr : : a: Thiel the Rev. Do. Clary. Azens of the American Home Missionary Somery as Being presided as Moderados. A resolumis setting fori ile ide flowing persons were received is Members file Monren HIIL D. A. Colon. Besser E. Colir. Aipieza Harnes D. Smith. M. Arery ani Nifin

Pastor. ami accessing. served in thet cata:

sette, bus returned in September f.Dovne. 1.2 Rev. S. S. Beckwell The records 1ze Fest Presbyterian Cluzel me consecr z. Er die Bev. WLMI

March 1. 1:52, was aimitted to the Pz GerT Pastor. ami religions services being cons

the Presbyterian Church, then in porgr when ile congregadilo took possessori. This Thế 100

The fo wing Precies Live served in 1

society : the Revs. S. S. Becknel : E. F. Wulfz

months : Joln Mamin. mail Order 1. 1501: 0.

A. I. Inbe. mal Ome.čer 1. 1:73.

The chami property LE ThiTel 1: $3.500.

At present. though the mem.em .. C. L:

The ministers who Lave .Huutel are the Revs. Messze. Picker Books. Lang Liv r. B. I. White. Porter. L. Chambelum ani J. Ricilic.

The chamb property is vildel 1: 1

bers and George Cipelaz L Leader. on ile rister : Mr. L'.ceimai remains leader

salisa Causeb. near the corner if Mama ici There savess.

The arsi buriais in the present city

- red shoes che yen: 1540, when le village -

i one of the congressa : : occured or Emnes: Erm. Liter IL 12 18

increased in membersis

ei aty regalar pastor necessitated 25 1.most en:

HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.

William Sanborn, now known as Sanborn & Barber's Addition, near the corner of Racine an Marion streets.

After several years' sojourn here, the cemetery was removed to a half an acre of ground o North Main street, owned by E. G. Darling, where it remained until 1853. when the propert was purchased by George Crist, and another move was necessitated though not completed unt some time later, when the Greenwood Cemetery Association was proposed. The proposal wa favorably received by those interested, and, on the 9th of July, 1853, its organization wa effected at a meeting held at the office of Dr. W. W. Reed ; W. E. Holmes was elected Chairman Henry F. Pelton acted as Secretary, and there were present W. W. Reed, W. P. Ward, D. D Lansing, William Woolcox, Joseph Mausfield, John T. Smith, William M. Watt, N. C. Hulbur and Charles Wade. "The Greenwood Cemetery Association, of Jefferson," was decided upo as the corporate name, the business affairs of which were to be managed by five Trustees. to b divided as follows : One until the first annual meeting, two until the second annual meeting, an two until the third annual meeting, to be determined by lot. At that meeting, William P. War qualified for one year, John E. Holmes and N. C. Ilulburt for two, and W. M. Watt and Joh 'T. Smith for three years.

On the 9th of January, 1854, a meeting of the Association was held, at which a resolution was adopted, providing for the purchase of four acres of ground in the southeast quarter of Sec tion 2. belonging to George Crist, and the Treasurer directed to procure title thereto. This wa done, and the burial ground now known as " Greenwood Cemetery," half a mile from the Cour House, in a northeasterly direction, became the property of the corporation.

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The history of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, containing biographical sketches, Part 72

Author: Western historical company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company Number of Pages: 714

Author: Western historical company, Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago, Western historical company
Number of Pages: 714