Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin - Chapter 3, 1880 (part 11 of 15)

Joseph Kaiser's "Fountain City Hotel," on Main street, just north of Division, is one of the popular German hotels of Fond du Lac. It is three stories high, of wood, and has its full share of patronagfe. Besides these, there are the following: The "European Hotel," on West Division street, kept by John C. Kennealy ; the " Wisconsin House," on Main street; the " Central Hotel," by W. Korrer, at the foot of Main street ; the " Milwaukee House," on Fourth street, by Julius Nast; "Brown's Hotel," corner of Scott and Juneau streets, W. Comstock,. proprietor ; " Gilbert House," at 373 Main street, by Adam Weikert ; and " Temperance Hotel," corner of Waupun and Johnson streets, P. Scheff, proprietor.

Benevolent Institutions And Societies

Home for the Friendless. - The Home for the Friendless, with its ample grounds and large, comfortable building, is an outgrowth and the exclusive property of the Fond du Lac Relief Society, which was organized by the ladies of Fond du Lac, during the great fires in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin. Mrs. Julia Tallmadge Ruggles was the leading spirit in organizing the Relief Society. She was also mainly instrumental in securing a charter for the society, enabling it to hold property, and in raising money to purchase the building now owned and occupied as the "Home." Her original idea was to have an industrial school connected with the Home, so that needy people might be provided with employment at fair wages.

Mrs. Elizabeth Fenimore Beall, until her death in 1879, was also an earnest worker in the Relief Society. The first annual report of thfe Society was in April, 1875. It contained the original articles of association, as required by chapter 146, laws of 1872, showing that the following ladies were the founders of the Society : Mrs. Elizabeth F. Beall, Mary W. Stow, B. B. Tallmadge, Mary T. Hamilton, Susan A. Perry, Mary Branshaw, E. A. Walker, Julia T. Ruggles, C. L. Spears, C. F. Townsend, E. A. Hurd, Mary L. Hiner and E. P. Lusk. A large number of other ladies afterward became members, the life membership fee being $25.

In 1876, the State made an appropriation of $800, and until 1879, the county set aside $300 annually for the Home. At its session in that year the County Board refused to make an appropriation. Mrs. William B. Brand, at her death in 1878, bequeathed some real estate and $200 in cash to the Home, and the citizens of Fond du Lac have given liberally to its support. George W. Peck delivered a lecture for the benefit of the Home, and various fairs, concerts, dramas and other entertainments have been given to replenish its treasury. These have always been liberally patronized.

The building occupied as the Home for the Friendless is situated on the corner of Amory and Arndt streets, and was purchased by the Fond du Lac Relief Society August 80, 1878, of R. M. Lewis, for $2,500. It is commodious and well arranged for the use to which it has been put, and is surrounded by a finely shaded yard and large garden. The Home is the only non-secta-. rian benevolent institution in the city, and has accomplished great good, extending aid to persons of all ages and shades of religious opinion. The different Presidents have been, Mrs. E. F. Beall, Mrs. B. F. Patty, Mrs. W. H. Hiner, Mrs. J. F. Aldrich and Mrs. J. R. Smith. Secretaries - Mrs. C. W. Seaver, Mrs. J. F. Aldrich, Mrs. J. R. Smith, Mrs. M. E. Deveraux. Treasurers - Mrs. W. H. Iliner, Mrs. C. K. Pier, Mrs. Br. Walker, Mrs. J. R. Smith.

St. Joseph's Convent of Mercy and Orphan Asylum. - In January, 1876, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the S. E. Lefferts place, on East Second street, for $4,500, and converted it into a convent and asylum. In each of the years, 1876, 1877 and 1878, the county voted $300 aid to the Sisters. With this, and the personal means belonging to each, the building . was raised another story, fences were built and other improvements made. At the same time the debt for purchase money was reduced to $1,127. Sister Mary Agnes is the Mother Superior, in whom rests the title to all property. She has sixteen associates. There are twenty-four orphan children now being clothed, fed an 1 educated at the asylum. They are taught whatever trade they seem best adapted to follow. Thirty have found good homes through these Sisters, and others been put in a way to earn their own livelihood. In addition to caring for orphans, the Sisters visit and aid the poor everywhere, and take in and care for distressed women of good character. They have a commodious three-story building, well furnished; a good schoolroom and a neatly arranged dormitory for the children. The amount of good they quietly "and secretly do is incalculable. By donations of the charitable and their own industry, the Sisters are constantly enlarging their field of usefulness. They are, of course, Catholic.

Sti Agnes' Convent. - One of the largest and finest buildings in Fond du Lac is St. Agnes' Convent on East Division street. In August, 1871, a band of St. Agnes' Sisters came to Fond du Lac and purchased a house and several lots on East Division street. Three years later, they built another house of brick, and in 1877, erected the present structure. It is of brick and stone, with stone roof 120x43 feet, and four stories in, height, with basement. Its cost was $20,000. Preparations are constantly making for the construction of other buildings, to which the present large structure will be only one wing. This Convent is the head of all others in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas, Kansas, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. Sister Mary Agnes, the Mother Superior, is Superior General over all those States. There are 120 Sisters belonging to this Convent, who are teaching in various localities, whence the means necessary to carry forward such an extensive work are derived. In this Convent are twenty-two orphans ^ who are clothed, fed and taught in all branches of learning and industry. The needle and fancy decorative work turned out is remarkable in design, beauty and quantity. Everything in the Convent betokens system, culture, genius and comfort. Pictures and plants are in all the rooms, in which also dwell courteousness, cleanliness and cheerfulness. AH the Sisters are Catholics, and their work is a branch of the Catholic Church work.

Workingmen s Association.^-T\i\B society, which is composed of Germans and was organized for benevolent purposes, meets every Friday night in the Bischoif Block, on Main street. In has been in existence since 1876. Its By-Laws provide that, in case of the sickness of any member, he shall receive $3 per week benefit during such sickness, and, in case of death, each member shall pay $1 to his family. If the wife of a member dies, this assessment is 50 cents each ; and if a child dies, 25 cents each. The officers are Peter Pehl, President ; Herman Walter, Secretary, and John Luhn, Treasurer.

La Belle Wagon Works Mutual Benefit Association. - This benevolent society is composed of the men connected with the La Belle Wagon Works, and was organized June 4, 1878, with B. F. Moore, President; C. H. Moore, Vice President; S. P. Morse, Secretary; A. L. Moore, Treasurer. The Association has two classes of mutual insurance. The one requires each member to pay 50 cents per month into the treasury, and, in case of injury, he will receive $7 per week benefit during his disability. The other requires each member to pay onehalf as much per month, and the benefits are one-half smaller. The Association numbers fifty, with the original oflicers in charge.

St. Michael's Society. - This is a German Catholic benevolent association, organized for the mutual benefit of its members. It was formed in April, 1870,, and is a branch of the

Catholic Central Society of the United States. In case of the sickness or disability of any member, he is paid $3 per week from the benefit fund, and, in case of his death, $35 is set aside for funeral expenses. In case of the death of a member's wife, $20 is set aside for the same purpose. The Society, which has seventy-five members, meets in Reinig's Hall every Tuesday evening. The oflScers are Fred Wagner, President; Anton Born, Secretary, and Michael Kaufman, Treasurer. It is a strong and prosperous organization.

Concordia Benevolent Society. - This Society, which exists for the purpose of affording aid to its members and their families, was organized February 10, 1866. The Society pays $4 per week to any member in case of and during sickness, and, at his death, the funeral expenses. It is composed entirely of Germans, has about fifty members, and holds its meetings, on the first Wednesday of each month, in J. & C. Frey's block, on Main street. The officers are Peter Pehl, President; Casper Schleiden, Secretary, and John Hirsch, Treasurer. The Society has a large surplus in the treasury. , -

St. Patrick's Benevolent Society. - This Society, formed for purely benevolent purposes, was organized April 20, 1869, by the election of John W. Gill, President. It has been continuously engaged in acts of benevolence since that time, holding monthly meetings in Welch's Hall, on Main street. John W. Gill has been President five times - in 1869, 1871, 1873, 1877 and 1879 ; Maurice McKenna in 1872 and 1874 ; Thomas McCrory, 1876 ; Maurice Fitzsimmons, 1875 ; A. A. Kelley, 1878.

St. Joseph's Benevolent Association. - This society, formed purely for benevolent purposes, was organized March 4, 1866. The charter members were Joseph Serwe, Joseph Erman, Joseph Hetwere, Andrew Hetwere, J. H. Gores, John Dana, John Merz, Nicholas Jenner, Anton Servatius, Peter Servatius, William Buchel, Jack Thellan, Peter Breister, G. Scherzinger, Martin Lohmiller and Joseph Stollenwork. The first officers were : Joseph Serwe, President ; A. Servatius, Vice President ; John H. Gores, Secretary ; Joseph Hetwere, Vice Secretary ; Joseph Erman, Treasurer. The society pays $8 per week benefit to any member during sickness, $150 to his heirs in case of death, $25 in case of the death of the wife of any member, and furnishes nightly attendance during sickness. A person cannot join the Association unless'he is of good character, between the ages of sixteen and fifty years, in good health, and a member of the Catholic Church. The initiation fee is $3 for persons from sixteen to twenty-five years of age, $4 from twenty-five to thirty-five, $5 from thirty-five to forty-five, and $6 from forty-five to fifty ; monthly dues, 25 cents. The society now has a membership of sixty-five, with $1,500 in the treasury. The officers are : John Peter Stephani, President ; B. Serwe, Vice President ; C. Serwe, Treasurer ; C. Schmidt, Secretary ; John Ditter, Vice Secretary. The society meets on the first Sunday of every month, over the German- American Savings Bank.

Firemen's Benevolent Association. - This Association, organized for purely benevolent purposes, for members of the Fire Department only, was formed October 18, 1876, and incorporated by act of Legislature March 7, 1877. Its officers were : A. B. Taylor, President ; George W. Casey, Vice President; Charles W. Green, Secretary; L. F. Stowe, Treasurer. Directors - Fire Company No. 1, C. M. Bowen, J. C. Kennealy ; Fire Company No. 3, George W. Crosby, Henry Rosenow ; Fire Company No. 5, William H. Hurley, Ferd. J. Martin ; Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Henry Dirkes, John Strause. The Association received from the insurance agents of the city a tax of 2 per cent on all premiums received upon fire policies, and also, regularly, a stated sum from all members. In case of sickness or injury, any member received $3 per week, and $50 for funeral expenses in case of death. Aid was also given to the families of firemen at the option of the officers of the Association. This organization, which was always strong, financially, went out of existence after the city organized the paid Fire Department, in 1878. A new association was organized immediately thereafter, but the 2 per tax on the insurance agents was diverted to the city treasury. ' The new Association has the following officers ; President, George P. Dana; Vice President, Henry Rosenow ; Secretary, Louis A. Lange; Treasurer, Herman Rupp.

Literary And Other , Societies

Young Men's Association.. - A meeting of some of the leading citizens of Fond du Lac was held in Gillet & Conk'lin's law office Novemher 21, 1863, "for the purpose of forming a literary and library association." B. F. Moore was President, and H. P. Brown, Secretary, of the meeting. Gen. C. S. Hamilton, now of Milwaukee, paid the required fee and became the first member. It was decided to adopt for government the Constitution and By-Laws, with slight modification, of the Young Men's Association of Milwaukee, which was done. After the Constitution was adopted, the first election of officers under it resulted as follows: President, William H. Hiner; Vice President, C. S. Hamilton; Secretary, H. P. Brown ; Treasurer, James B. Perry ; Directbrs - J. M. Gillet, Rev. H. M. Robertson, B. F. Moore, E. L. Griffin, James Coleman. Any person could become a life member upon the payment of f 2S. With the proceeds of the sale of life memberships the first books were purchased.

As soon as in working order, the Association set about securing a course of lectures. This was the first. regular lecture course ever inaugurated in the city, and consisted of lectures by Charles D. Robinson, of the Green Bay Advocate; Judge Arthur McArthur, of Milwaukee, now of Washington ; Dr. 0. H. Tiff'any, now of New York ; Edward G. Ryan, now Chief Justice of Wisconsin; Prof. J. D. Butler; Rev. E. Nisbet, of Fond du Lac, and Rev. C. D. Helmer. Dr. Tifiany received the highest fee, $50, and Edward G. Ryan, whose lecture was highly praised, received the smallest, $10.

In May, 1864, a library room was secured in H. P. Brown's wooden building, since burned, on the corner of Main and Forest streets. George P. Knowles was elected Librarian, and $225 voted to be used in the purchase of books, which was expended by A. M. Blair. The Association continued to increase in membership, enlarge its library and strengthen its financial condition, furnishing a course of lectures, at moderate figures, each season, until 1869, when, the expenditures began to exceed the receipts, and the members found their organization in debt $220. In December, a meeting was held to make arrangements to consolidate with the Young Men's Christian Association. This fell through, and Dana C. Lamb moved that the Trustees secure $220 upon a mortgage on the property of the Association, or secure the creditors by such mortgage. E. H. Galloway advanced the money, and secured himself by taking a mortgage on the library.

In August, 1870, George W. Carter introduced a resolution to the effect that all officers who could not or would not attend to their duties had better resign. This renewed the energy of the slow ones for a time. Mr. Galloway's mortgage was paid, with interest, on the 1st of December, 1870.

May 9, 1871, the Association again found itself in debt, after settling for the lecture of M. Du Chaillu, to the extent of $42.68. The lecture course of the following seasons did not wipe it out, and, February 11, 1873, a committee was appointed to see how the increasing indebtedness could be paid, and, February 22, the Secretary was instructed to clo^ the library and box up the books. The debt was then $125. In 1874, Ann Eliza Young was secured for a lecture, but the receipts did not pay the debts of the Association, and George H. Francis, the Librarian, was compelled to collect bills for arrearages of dues for his pay, and to accept for his payment in full whatever he could collect. In May, 1876, a resolution was adopted instructing the officers to turn the books and property over to the city, provided the city would establish and maintain a free reading-room and public library.

The last meeting of the Directors was held February 27, 1877, when all the books, numbering 1,500 volumes, and other property, were formally delivered to the city, the vote on maintaining a public library having been favorable. Thus the foundation of the present public library was laid by the Young Men's Association, which existed fourteen years ; furnished the first course of lectures, opened the first library in the city, and went out of existence in debt.

The last President was N. S. Gilson, and the last Secretary, J. F. Ware. The records are not all extant, but the following, is a list of the life members of the Association : C. S. Hamilton, S. B. Amory, A. M. Blair, William H. Hiner, I. K. Hamilton, Woodman C. Hamilton, Edwin H. Galloway, James Ewen, Robert Flint, Charles A. Eldredge, Hiram K. Laughlin, Robert A. Baker, John Sewell, B. S. Patty, B. F. Moore, John S. McDonald, C. J. Pettibone, Allan Carswell, James M. Gillet, Edward Pier, William B. Brand.

American Red Ribhon Association. - In February, 1879, Dr. McCollister came to Fond du Lac and began a series of temperance meetings, first in Amory Hall and later in Opera Hall, the Free Baptist Church, on the corner of Marr and Second streets, and the Unitarian Church, on Division street. These continued, with varying success, until May, when he left, and the meetings were continued by local managers. May 29, a permanent organization was perfected by the election of John S. McDonald, President; E. Delany, Jr., Vice President; T. S- Nowell, S. P. Morse, Dr. D. B. Wyatt and Robert Wyatt, Directors ; Samuel H. Hammond, Secretary ; Robert Wyatt, Treasurer, and Rev. F. A. Marsh, Chaplain.

The purpose of the organization, as set forth in its Constitution, is to promote the cause of temperance and sobriety by abstaining from the use of all intoxicating liquors. The members are interested and active enough to meet three times each week - on Sunday evenings, for temperance work and addresses ; on Tuesday evenings, for the transaction of business, and on Friday evenings, for charades, music, recitations, socials and general entertainment. To these an admission fee of 10 cents is charged, which all, whether members or not, must pay. All members are also required to pay 5 cents per week for dues. At its organization the Association contained 2,360 members, which number is steadily increasing, the present membership being 2,500. The meetings are held in the Unitarian Church, on Division street, which was remodeled for the use of the Association. The building has movable seats, an elegant, though small, stage, and a win^in the rear for cooking and to be used preparing for sociables and other entertainments. Some of the foremost and wealthiest citizens of Fond du Lac are active members, and the Association is in a flourishing condition. Besides paying a rental of $350 per annum for the church and all other expenses, the organization has a surplus in the treasury. When this surplus is sufficiently enlarged, it is the purpose of the Association to purchase the building it now rents. S. H. Hammond was succeeded in January, 1880, by Mrs. C. H. De Groat.

Neocosmian Society. - This literary association was organized in the Congregational Church parlors Wednesday, January 17, 1872, by the election of Dr. D. B. Wyatt as President ; Miss F. C. Mihills, Vice President, and S. G. Leland, Secretary. A Constitution and By-Laws proposed by D. B. Wyatt and N. S. Gilson, were adopted, and the business of furnishing entertainments began at once. The membership began from the start to increase rapidly, and in three years had reached 450. The Society rented Opera Hall at $500 per year, changing its name to Neocosmian Hall. Its fixtures and stage property were overhauled and embellished ; a paper called the Neocosmian was issued, and the Society became a power, furnishing a lecture course every winter, and scores of fine entertainments during other portions of the year. On the 23d of March, 1874, the Society opened a free reading-room in the Sewell Block, next to the First National Bank. The library was accessible to all who paid 25 cents per quarter for the use of books. In 1875, the Society, owing to the very large rent paid for the hall, other large expenses and the loss of $100, which was collected for, but never realized by, the Society, found itself in debt to the extent of $600. This was mostly for hall rent, and the proprietors, Oberreich & Bonesteel, becoming anxious lest it should not be paid, sued the officers and Directors of the Society. This added to the already burdensome debt, l)ut it was all paid promptly by subscription. This subscription paper is worthy of preservation, as it demonstrated the great liberality of several of the citizens of Fond du Lac. In 1876, the Society began to weaken very materially, and its officers were instructed by resolution to join with the Young Men's Association, which was likewise in debt and near its end, in making a proposition to the city to take the books of both societies and establish a free public library, as provided for by law. The proposition was accepted, and, in the spring of 1877, the books, nearly nine hundred volumes, were turned over to the Public Library, and thefurniture sold for $57 to the city for the use of the library. The Neocosmian Society was the most active and enterprising of any ever organized in Fond du Lac, and furnished a greater variety of entertainments. The first President and Secretary were D. B. Wyatt and S. G. Leland ; second, J. W. Bass and George W. Todd ; third, George W. Todd and John D. Wyatt; fourth, George W. Todd and Dr. E. Mitchell; fifth, C. E. Shepard and Mrs. E. H. Jones ; sixth, J. W. Bas? and C. B. Dailey ; seventh, J. F. Ware and W. F. Boland ; eighth, C. H. De Groat and W. F. Boland ; ninth, H. R. Farnum and AV. F. Boland ; tenth, eleventh and twelfth, George E. Sutherland and John D. Wyatt ; thirteenth, E. S. Curran and John E. Kent ; fourteenth, George W. Todd and J. E. Kent ; fifteenth, C. D. Otis and J. E. Kent ;. sixteenth, 0. T. Williams and John E. Kent, who surrendered to the Public Library.

Erina Dramatic Society. - This Society, which devoted itself entirely to the preparation and presentation of dramas and comedies, was organized August 1, 1875, and consisted then of L. F. Haas, P. H. Hannigan, A. A. Kelley, W. F. Boland, D. W. McKenna, Harry Shafer, T. C. Doheny, L. Pellitier, William Cahill, William Bischoff, Mrs. M. Haas, Miss Ella Roach and Mary Burke. L. F. Haas was Manager ; P. H. Hannigan, Secretary; Mrs. Maggie- Haas, Treasurer, and Henry Shafer, an actor of the early times with Langrishe & Atwater, stage manager. August 30, 1875, the company put " Ireland as It Is " upon the stage, and cleared $200 for the benefit of St. Joseph's Church. For the benefit of the same church, they played " Robert Emmet " to a crowded house, November 17, 1875. After playing in Fond du Lac, the company put this piece and others on the stage in adjoining cities and villages. Various and very diflBcult plays have been presented to the public by them in creditable style. The leading characters are taken by P. Hannigan, William Bischoff, Mrs. Maggie Haas, Miss- Julia Mullen and A. A. Kelley. The proceeds of all entertainments always go for charitablepurposes. The manner in which " Con the Shaughraun " was rendered by this contpany could be equaled by few professional troupes. In May, 1876, the members presented to the late Mr. G. I. Burrows, the veteran janitor of Amory Hall, a handsome silver cup, for kindnesses rendered.

Turnverein Fond du Lac. - This is one of the oldest Turner societies in Wisconsin. Under the name of the Socialer Turnverein, it was organized April 18, 1855, with twenty members, all Germans. The first officers were : President, Louis Goldstucker ; Secretary, Charles A. Handt ; Treasurer, Casper Buechner ; Teachers, Thomas Boebel and A. Vogt.. The first meetings were held in J. & C. Frey's brewery building, corner of Macy and Division streets. The first ball and exhibition ever given was in September, 1855. In July, 1856, a lot on Portland street was purchased of Mason C. Darling. The original building, now occupied by the Turners, was purchased by them of the Plymouth branch of the Congregational church, and moved from the corner of Macy and First streets in 1866. The land on which it first stood belonged to the German and English Academy, from which the Turners had a lease. The building is well equipped for balls, theatricals, masquerades and socials, having an orchestra, _dressing-rooms and ample stage. The stage was added by erecting an addition to the building in 1871, at which time a lot adjoining the Academy was purchased of Mrs. Caroline Martin for $1,000, and the hall moved thereon. In 1874, the State Turnfest was held in Fond du Lac, the visiting Turners being guests of the Fond du Lac society. A picnic was held in Taylor's Grove, concert by Bach's Band in Amory Hall, and a ball at Turner Hall. The festivities lasted four days. In 1874, the society was incorporated as the Turnverein Fond du: Lac. At a meeting of the Turner delegates at Sheboygan in 1878, Fond du Lac was chosen as the headquarters for the State, and the following officers were chosen : Grand President, RKatz ; Vice President, G. Burghardt ; Secretary, J. Thomsen ; Treasurer, L. Goldstucker. Their terms were from September 1, 1878, to September 1, 1879.

Those of this society who went to Milwaukee to join the Turner volunteer company during the rebellion were G. Binghardt, C. Schnell, L. Camtz, H. Rube, Aug. Hecker, F. Grassel,. A. Vogt and H. Feldrapp.

The society has eighty members. As 1880 is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization, L. Goldstucker, the first President, was chosen to the same office. The society is preparing for a grand anniversary celebration.

Young Men's Club. - This is an organization for mutual pleasure and improvement. It was formed in October, 1874, with these charter members : Robert C. Baker, F. M. Dana,. E. A. Burnton, W. L. Bishop, A. Tallmadg^, F. L. Clark, E. E. Boyer, John Sewell, Jr., W. P, Findeisen. The first meeting was held October 4, 1874, when R. C. Baker was elected President ; F. M. Dana, Vice President ; E. A. Burnton, Secretary, and W. L. Bishop, Treasurer, Meetings are held monthly in Smith & Alling's Block, where the Club has a room tastefully furnished with books, papers and musical instruments. The officers for 1880 are : Frank B, Hoskins, President ; Frank M. Dana, Secretary ; Ed S. Curran, Treasurer, and E. A. Burnton, Director.

Public Library

On the 9th of October, 1876, the City Council received a. joint proposition from the Young Men's Association and the Neocosmian Society to donate to the city the libraries of these two literary societies, provided the municipality would establish and maintain, as allowed by the law of 1872, a Free Reading Room and Public Library. This law provides that villages and cities, of not over fifty thousand inhabitants, may each year levy a tax of one mill on each dollar of the taxable property of such village or city, for the establishment and maintenance of a free reading room and public library, provided that the matter be submitted to a vote of the people and be approved by a majority of them. The Council acted favorably upon the proposition, and resolved to submit it to the vote of the city at the next general election, with the provision that the amount of tax to be raised and set aside as a library fund should not exceed ^ of a mill on the dollar of all taxable property. The election was held Tuesday, November 7, 1876, and resulted in 1,258 votes being cast for establishing a Public Library and 151 against it. The Council, at its meeting on December 4, after the election, directed the tax of ^ of a mill to be levied, and appointed a Board of Directors for the Library, consisting of the following : S. S. Bowers, N. C. Giffin, George Perkins, 0. T. Williams, Charles E. Shepard, George P. Knowles, A. M. Blair, Elihu Colman and C. A. Hutchins. This board held its first meeting in the Council-rooms December 8, 1876, and elected "C. .A. Hutchins, President; N. C. Giffin, Vice President, and Elihu Colman, Secretary. Directors for one, two and three years were chosen by lot, C. A. Hutchins, N. C. Giffin and Elihu Colman being chosen for one year from July 1, 1877 ; George Perkins, 0. T. Williams and George P. Knowles for two years, and S. S. Bowers, A. M. Blair and C. E. Shepard for three years from the same time.

January 5, 1877, Miss Augusta Ball was chosen Librarian, at a salary of $250 per annum, with a bond, guaranteeing faithful performance of duty, of $500. February 3, 1877, John Amory's proposition to rent the two rooms now occupied by the Library, in the second story of 454 Main street, at $125 per annum during five years, was accepted. The furniture used by the Neocosmian Society was purchased at $57, other necessary fixtures were obtained at once, and the Reading Room opened March 1, 1877. The Library was opened to the public April 5, and consisted of 1,200 volumes of books, donated by the Neocosmian Society and the Young Men's Association. These two societies donated to the city 1,559 volumes, but only 1,200 were found available, the balance consisting* of duplicates or unreturned books, which could not be delivered. The tax levied - 3-10 of a mill instead of ^ of a mill - became available January 1, 1877, and $500 of the amount raised was used to purchase new books. The balance, nearly $800, was used for furniture and running expenses.

At the first annual meeting held July 27, 1877, C. A. Hutchins was re-elected President ; N. C. Giffin, Vice President; Elihu Colman, Secretary, and Miss Augusta Ball, Librarian. Her salary was fixed at $250, as before. At the second annual meeting of the Board of Directors, held August 9, 1878, C. A. Hutchins was re-elected President, George P. Knowles, Vice President, and 0. T. Williams, Secretary. At the third annual meeting of the Board, held

The Library now contains 3,500 volumes of standard works, and the Reading Room is well supplied with magazines, weekly and daily newspapers, and the various other periodicals of the day. The Library is free to all residents of the city, and its advantages may be enjoyed by non-residents upon the payment of $2 per annum. The library and reading rooms are connected by a high arch, thus throwing the two into a single apartment, 98x16 feet, facing Main street on the east and Macy street on the west. Printed catalogues are sold to those desiring them, and the institution is patronized liberally by all classes. New standard works are added as fast as published, but the Library contains nothing frivolous or immoral. The sum raised by -taxation for 1877 was |1,128.98 ; for 1878,. $1,638.52; for 1879, |1,621.62. The Library has a small income also from the sale of catalogues.

Secret Societies

Fountain Lodge, No. 86, F. and A. M. - Foiintain Lodge, No 26, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized under a "dispensation" dated September 13, 1849, which was granted to Mason C. Darling, George H. Beech, Arnold Friedman', N. Perry, George D. Ruggles, S. J. Lusk, James Meyers and John C. Reeve. The organization was perfected September 28, 1849, and the charter granted by the Grand Lodge, December l5 of the same year. The first petitioners were E. W. Davis, still resident of Fond du Lac, and John Bannister. The first members admitted (that is, those who had become Masons elsewhere) were 0. J. Soper, John Petit and Rev. Joshua Sweet.

The ofiicers consist of a Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, elected by ballot ; and a Senior and Junior Deacon, two Stewards, Tiler, and an Organist, appointed by the Worshipful Master. The meetings or "communications" are held the first and third Thursday evenings of each month, in the fine Masonic Hall, in the third story of the First National Bank block. This is the oldest Masonic Lodge in the city and county of Fond du Lac. It is now composed of 131 members. Its elective ofiicers from the date of its organization to date are as follows :

Fond du Lac Lodge, No. IJfi., F. and A. M. - For the organization of this Lodge, a "dispensation" was granted August 21, 1862, to I. S. Sherwood, A. B. Taylor, H. A. Francis, George McWilliams, C. F. Kalk, S. A. Dudley, D. Ladd, A. H. Boardman, Ed Farnsworth, J. B. Perry, George W. Sawyer, Thomas S. Weeks, J. 0. Roorbach, A. G. Ruggles, D. R. Curran, John Petit and George W. Jones. The Lodge was organized in due form, September 3, 1862, and a charter granted June 10, 1863, by the Grand Lodge. The first petitioner was L. M. Wyatt, and the first member admitted was A. M. Blair. The regular meetings or "communications" of this Lodge are on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month, in the Masonic Hall, third floor of the First National Bank building. The number of members is now eighty-six, and the officers, from its organization to date, have been :

Barling Chapter, No. W, Royal Arch Masons. - This Chapter, one of the higher degreesof Masonry, was organized under a "dispensation" bearing date February 24, 1859, granted, to Isaac S. Sherwood, Mason C. Darling, E. W. Davis, "William H. Hiner, Elijah Hawkins, Stephen Hawkins, I. J. Seligman, George G. Gould and Benjamin Granger, empowering them " to form and open a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and to confer the several degrees belonging to the Chapter." Isaac S. Sherwood was appointed the first High Priest ; Mason C. Darling the first King, and E. W. Davis the first Scribe. The charter was received February 3, 1860, and, on the 9th of March of the same year, the Chapter was instituted in due form. Thefirst candidates to take the degrees of Royal Arch Masonry were Thomas S. Weeks L. 0. Barnard and J. V. McCall. The lodge now consists of eighty members and is closely attended. The officers of this Chapter are a High Priest, King, Scribe, Treasurer and Secretary, who are chosen by ballot, and Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner, Royal Arch Captain, three- Grand Masters of Vails, an Organist and a Guard, appointed by the Grand Council. The meetings, or regular "convocations" of the Chapter are held on the first and third Wednesdayevenings of each month, in the Masonic Hall in the First National BanTi building. The elective officers of Chapter No. 20, from its first organization, have been as follows :

Fond du Lac Commandery, K. T., No. 5. - A dispensation was granted, and Fond du Lac Commandery, Knights Templar, was organized March 2, 1863, with the following charter members : Mason C. Darling, Isaac S. Sherwood, W. H. Hiner, George G. Gould, Benjamin Granger, Joseph Boles, S. Bailey Page, Arch Bishop and H. S. Baird. The first officerswere : William H. Hiner, Eminent Commander ; Mason C. Darling, Generalissimo ; Arch Bishop, Captain General. The lodge now numbers sixty members, and meets on the first and third Mondays of each month, in the third story of the First National Bank building. Theofficers for 1879 were : John Spence, Eminent Commander ; A. H. Dorris, Generalissimo ; L. A. Bishop, Captain General.

ZeruaJi Lodge, No. 7, I. 0- 0. F. - This is the Rebecca Degree of Odd Fellowship, ta which th^ wives of Odd Fellows are admitted, and was instituted August 9, 1869, by Samuel Ryan, Jr., of Appleton. The charter members were, Henry Burwell, William Mason, H. P. Graves, A. Bachelder, J. V. Jewell, J. L. Ward, L. Reinhardt, David Roberts,. Amelia Burwell, Frances Mason, Nellie Graves, E. A. Bachelder, H. Jewell, E. A. McComber,. Jennet Ward and A. E. Reinhardt. The officers are: A. J. Decker, N. G.; Mrs. I. L. Hunt^ V. G-; E. McNair, R. S.; H. Newton, F. S.; M. Tompkins, Treasurer. Meetings are held in. Odd Fellow's Hall, on the first and third Fridays of each month.

Fond du Lae Lodge, No. 30, I. 0. 0. F. - This lodge is the oldest secret society in Fond, du Lac County, having been organized September 4, 1848, by the M. W. G. M. Wilson, assisted, by W. W. Holden as Grand Marshal; Isaac Valentine, as Senior Warden; L. B. Hills, as

F. Allen and George Stevens, N. G.; George Stevens and G. M. Johnson, V. G.; George M. Johnson and F. Dequine, Secretaries ; J. C. Bishop, P. S.; S. L. Brasted and E. C. Tompkins, Treasurers. 1878 - G. M. Johnson and F. Dequine, N. G.; F. Dequine and H. W. Newton, V. G.; H. W. Newton and B. F. Ford, Secretaries; J. C. Bishop, P. S.; S. P. Morse and B. C. Tompkins, Treasurers. 1879 - H. W. Newton and E. F. Ford, N. G.; E. F. Ford and A. A. Bishop, V. G.; A. A. Bishop and W. H. Masson, Secretaries; J. C. Bishop and D. R. Curran, P. S.; B. C. Tompkins and R. F. Allen, Treasurers.

Goethe Lodge, No. 112, I. 0. 0. F. - This is called the " German Lodge," being composed entirely of Germans. It was organized March 12, 1866, but the charter was not received until January 17, 1867. The charter members were, William Karstens, Charles Marks, Ph. Stamm, Henry Bloedel, S. Eidemiller and Paul Reichman. The first officers were : N. G., William Karstens ; V. G., Charles Marks ; Recording Secretary, Henry Bloedel ; I. G., Ph. Stamm ; P. S., Paul Reichman ; Treasurer, S. Eidemiller. The present officers are as follows : N. G., Henry Bloedel ; V. G., Paul Petersen ; R. S., Peter Ehlers ; P. S., Jacob Thomson ; Treasurer, William Karstens. The Lodge "numbered 104 members at the beginning of 1880. The Past Grands make a list as follows : William Karstens, Henry Bloedel, Charles Marks, Paul Reichman, S. Eidemiller, Ph. Stamm, John Fick, Casper Buechner, W. Ladewig, William Eichmeier, H. Wallichs, Raphael Katz, Peter Pehl, Jacob Gerhard, Hanz Rosenow, G. A. Kretlow, Franz Padeond, Martin Sichter. Meetings are held every Monday evening, in Odd Fellows' Hall, over the post office. '

Knights of Sonor. - Fond du Lac Lodge, No. 381, Knights of Honor, was organized October 9, 1876, by Deputy Supreme Dictator Tuples. The charter members were, Henry Butterfield, Elihu Colman, W. N. Coleman, William D~. Conklin, C. Chadbourne, E. D. Curtis, Dr.

The first election, held at the time above mentioned, resulted in choosing the following officers : Past Dictator, J. H. Hauser ; Dictator, M. D. Moore ; Vice Dictator, George W. Lusk ; Assistant Dictator, Alexander Stewart ; Guide, Thomas J. Vaughn ; Reporter, John

The Order of Knights of Honor is a secret benevolent society, composed of a Supreme, Grand and Subordinate Lodges. It was established in June, 1873, by persons who felt that the various systems of relief to the families of deceased members, as adopted by other orders, were deficient in. important respects, and who believed that an order established with the purpose of paying a death benefit as one of its main objects, would meet with approval and success.

The objects of the Order are stated briefly by the Supreme Lodge, as follows : 1st. To unite fraternally all acceptable white men of every profession, business or occupation. 2d. To give all moral and material aid in its power to members of the Order, by holding moral, instructive and scientific lectures, by encouraging each other in business, and by assisting one another to obtain employment. 3d. To establish a benefit fund, from which a sum not exceeding $2,000 shall be paid at the death of a member, to his family, or to be disposed of as he may direct. 4th. To establish a fund for the relief of sick or distressed members. Subordinate lodges are composed of members of good social and moral standing, who are admitted upon petition, by ballot, after passing a favorable medical examination. The petitioner must be a white, male person, between the ages of twenty-one and fifty-five.

The first meetings were held in the Knights of Pythias Hall, in Darling's Block, and were continued there until June, 1878, when the Lodge rented a hall in the third floor of G. Kuenne's Block, which was dedicated publicly. The meetings are now held therein on the first and third Monday evenings of each month. This hall is handsomely furnished, and the Lodge, which numbers fifty-five members, has a large surplus in its treasury.

Its Dictators have been M. D. Moore, Elihu Colman, two terms ; Alexander Stewart, two terms ; C. Chadbourne and George W. Carter. Elections occur once in three months.

Economical Lodge, No. 8,0^1, K. of H. - This Lodge, the second in the city, was organized January 13, 1880, by Grand Dictator John H. Hauser, of Fond du Lac, with the following charter members: A. G. Breitenstein, S. S. Bowers, Noel Bengley, N. B. Barker, B. Buchholz, Ferd. Blankenburg, J. W. Marsh, C. E. Huber, W. B. McLean, W. D. Fuhrman, J. C. Fuhrman, A. J. Alley, D. C. Lang, J. H. Lang, Charles Hartman, W. B. Rae, S. W. Schermerhorn, J. H. McNeel, Jacob Frank, Robert Powerie, F. A. Jones, Charles Youmans, C. N. Galland, Frank Wallace, George B. Koerner and Charles Schuler. The first election of officers was held on the same evening, and resulted as follows : Dictator, S. S. Bowers ; Past Dictator, J. H. McNeel; Vice Dictator, J. W. Marsh.; Assistant Dictator, A. G. Breitenstein ; Reporter, W. B. Rae ; Financial Reporter, Noel Bengley ; Treasurer, B. Buchholz ; Guide, S. W. Schermerhorn ; Guardian, Ferd. Blankenburg ; Sentinel, W. D. Fuhrman ; Chaplain, N. B. Barker. This Lodge meets every two weeks in Knights of Honor Hall, in Kuenne's Block, on Tuesday evenings.

Fond du Lac Lodge, No. 56, A. 0. U. W. - Fond du Lac Lodge, No. 65, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted by Dr. W. A. Gordon, of Oshkosh, Deputy Grand Master Workman, February 4, 1879, with the following charter members : Elihu Colman, George W. Carter, D. P. Frame, E. B. Beeson, George M. Pier, A. Lindow, B. F. De Voe, Dorlon Mihills, W. J. Austin, George 0. Aldrich, E. F. Ford, F. M. Givens, J. H. Hauser, Robert A. Wilson, James A. Spence, G. L. Benjamin, A. H. Richardson, J. A. Markle, H. G. Hanson, C. K. Carter, George W. Yancy, I. L. Hunt, G. D. Danks, S. L. Brasted, George H. Patty, Charles Wilson. G. S. Cryne, Theodore Treleven, F. J. Rose, R. F. Sexmith, F. A. Brasted, A. G. CoflTman, H. M. Kutchin and D. G. Allen. The first ofiicers were : Past Master Workman, Elihu Colman ; Master Workman, George W. Carter, General Foreman, D. P. Frame; Recorder, F. M. Givens; Financier, E. F. Ford; Receiver, E. B. Beeson ; Guide, G. M. Pier ; Inside Watchman^ W. J. Austin ; Outside Watchman, Dorlon Mihills ; Medical Examiner, E. B. Beeson.

The purpose of the organization is to secure benefits to its members during sickness, and $2,000 to the heirs of any member in case of death. The fees for membership, which are $5 for the first degree, and $2 each for the two following degrees, remain in the treasury of the Lodge to be expended for charitable purposes. The beneficiary fund of $2,000 is paid to the heirs of the deceased immediately after death, the Lodge furnishing its own proof The organization now contains forty-two members, who meet in Knights of Protection Hall, in Keunne's Block, on the first and third Mondays of each month.

Royal Arcanum. - The "Royal Arcanum" is an offshoot of the "Knights of Honor." The objects and aims are substantially the same. It was organized in Massachusetts, in 1877, by men prominent in the Knights of Honor, and has since spread over all the Northern. States. It does not take in the Southern States, or any regions liable to epidemics. It is a secret order, its objects being social and beneficent. The Order gives to the widow or -heirs of every deceased member the sum of $3,000.

A Council was organized in Fond du Lac, December 7, 1878, with George P. Lee as Regent, and forty-three charter members. The Council holds its sessions, twice each month, in Knights of Honor Hall, in Kuenne's Block, and is in a very prosperous condition, having fifty -five members.

Fidelity Lodge, No. 19, Knights of Pythias. - This Lodge was instituted September 17, 1875, with the following charter members : Jesse Beckley, Charles Marks, C. L. Ailing, John C. Bishop, C. W. Barnes, Richard Murphy, Charles H. Hawes, H. Clay Wills, John W. Dillon, Edward F. Riem. It meets every Friday night at Castle Hall, in Darling's Block, corner of First and Main streets. The object of this Lodge is friendship, charity and benevolence. There is connected with it a "section of the K. P. Endowment Rank, No. 41," the object of which is to afford members of the Order a safe and reliable life insurance at a very small cost. The insurance is divided into two classes of $1,000 and $2,000 respectively, and any member passing the required examination may enter one or both classes and be assessed in each class as deaths occur. The section now numbers thirty-eight members, with a total insurance of $96,000. The officers of this section are : Byron Town, President ; E. F. Riem, Vice President ; C. H. Ilawes, Secretary and Treasurer. The total membership of this Lodge is ninety-three ; the Order is in a prosperous condition, and. is growing rapidly. The Grand Chancellor of the State, Howard M. Kutchin, resides at Fond du Lac, and is a member of this lodge. The ofiicers, since the organization of this Lodge, are as follows : For the term commencing September 17, 1875. Jesse Beckley, P. C. ; Charles Marks, C. C. ; C. L. Ailing, V. C. ; J. C. Bishop, P. ; Edward F. Riem, M. A. ; John Dillon, M. F. ; C. W. Barnes, M. E. ; C. H. Hawes, K. of R. and S. ; H. C. Wills, I. G. ; R. Murphy, 0. G. For the term beginning January 1, 1876 : Charles Marks, P. C. ; C. L. Ailing, C. C. ; H. M. Kutchin, V. C. ; N. S. Gilson,' P. ; F. B. Hoskins, K. of R. and S. ; J. A. Merryman, M. F. ; D. Y. Sabin, M. E. ; W. H. Tousley, M. A. These officers were re-elected July 1, 1876.

Excelsior Temple of Honor, No. 8. - Wisconsin is fanlous for the great number and influence of h6r temples and Templars, and Excelsior Temple, No. 8, of Fond du Lac, being the father of this branch of temperance work, has a good claim to an elaborate history. This brief sketch was furnished for this work by one of the charter members, and but mildly describes the immense work done by the Temple, and the beneficial results of its endeavors to spread the Order into other localities and States. Excelsior Temple of Honor, No. 8, was organized on the 14th of January, 1873, with about twenty charter members. Duiing its first year it lost more members than it gained, but, late in February, 1874, it commenced to grow. This was after the members had decided to ignore the counsel and instruction of an old-fogy element. During that year nearly two hurvdred were initiated. The number of the Temple, "No. 8," would indicate that there were seven other temples in the State, but there were not. At the time Excelsior commenced work (in 1874) there was but one other temple in Wisconsin, and it was doing little - or nothing ; so it may be said that Excelsior was the only live Temple in the State at that time. The good work of the Temple in reforming men - not initiating boys and girls - during the year

1874, attracted the attention of the press, pulpit and people. The first call for the Order, after its establishment in Fond du Lac, came from Oshkosh, when forty of the members went over and organized No. 9. A few weeks later, an equal number, with many from Oshkosh, took the Order to Appleton. The first regular session of the re-organized Grand Temple, met in Fond du Lac in June, 1875, when Dr. W. A. Gordon, of Oshkosh, was chosen Grand Worthy Templar, J. A. Watrous, of Fond du Lac, Grand Worthy Vice Templar, and August Lindow, of Fond du Lac, Grand Worthy Recorder. In September, 1875, Dr. Gordon resigned, and J. A. Watrous succeeded him, and has held the office ever since, having been unanimously re-elected on four occasions. When he came into office there were twelve temples, nine of which he had assisted in organizing. Now there are 225 temples in Wisconsin, and new ones are being added every month. Among the members are thousands of as good and prominent men as the State affords. The Order was introduced to Nebraska and Minnesota, through the Wisconsin Chief Templar, and there are now in Nebraska about fifty temples. There are hundreds of men in Fond du Lac, who have been educated to lives of sobriety through Excelsior Temple of Honor. It may be said that the Order, as it exists in Wisconsin, Nebraska and Minnesota, sprang from Excelsior Temple. The following-named persons have been Worthy Chief Templars of this lodge : August Lindow, H. Clay Wills, J. A. Watrous, two terms ; W. H. Bowe, George M. Benedict, Alexander White, two terms ; D. B. Bailey, Charles M. Green, three terms ; Reuben Wilkins and Joseph Crippen. The meetings of the Temple are held every Tuesday evening in Sewell's Block, next to the First National Bank, and are well attended.

1875, with the following charter members: Henry Stoldt, F. Kromme, Fred Weyer, Nick Jacoby, H. Abel, P. Breister, F. Abel, George Zacherl, John Steltzer, William Bischoff, Henry Hartman and J. W. Gerhardt. The object of the Order is benevolence. At the death of any member the heirs receive $800, and during sickness $5 per week. Meetings are held every Thursday evening in Bischoff's building. The officers are: N. A., Henry Stoldt; V. A.,

George Zacherl; Secretary, Zettler; Treasurer, F. Kromme; Conductor, F. Weyer; I. G., Fl Abel ; 0. G., P. Briester. This organization- consists of twenty-six members.

There are eighteen church edifices in the city of Fond du Lac, and three buildings either owned or rented for missions. They are all singularly prosperous, with perhaps two exceptionSj, and pushing their work with vigor.

Division StreH M. E. Church. - The strongest of the many Methodist Episcopal organizations in Fond du Lac County is the Division Street Church, in the city of Fond du Lac. It claims for itself, and has good evidence in proof, to be the very foundation, the pioneer of all religious organizations in Fond du Lac. The first sermon ever preached in the city was at thehouse of Dr. Mason C. Darling, a log structure, located where Darling's Block now stands, on the 17th of November, 1839, by Rev. Jesse Halsted, now of Rockford, 111. The whole county then did not contain 300 people. After 183&, there were no regular services until 1843, when Rev. H. S. Brunson was appointed to take charge of the " Fond du Lac Circuit," then including a vast amount of sparsely settled territory; but exhorters and itinerant ministers had preached and held services at different private houses, so the few Methodists who composed the first church felt that they had maintained a very profitable though inexpensive organization. Rev. Brunson immediately formed a class, as it was termed, composed of Charles Olmsted and Sarah B., his wife ; D. C. Brooks and Eliza Ann, his wife; Norman Pier and Sarah, his wife; Mrs. Parsons (mother of Frank and Henry Parsons), and Francis McCarty. All of these, except Norman Pier and Mr. McCartey, are still living. The meeting which resulted in formingthis class was held in the house owned and occupied by Edward Pier, situated where H. R. Skinner now owns a house, twO miles south of the city. Services were held regularly after theclass was formed, in private houses, until the erection of a schoolhouse in 1843, on Main street, about where May's Block now stands. This schoolhouse was used for religious worship, although soon after moved to Fifth street, until it burned, December 12, 1848, when the Court House, being com'^leted, was used for church services.

In 1844, Rev. Joseph Lewis was appointed to the Fond du Lac Circuit, and was succeeded the next year by Rev. Morgan L. Noble, who was in great demand at all weddings. In 1847, Rev. H. R. Colman, now a resident of Fond du Lac, was appointed Pastor, continuing two years. An unusual amount of work, to which was added great exposure, fastened a throat disease upon Mr. Colman which compelled him to retire from the ministry, and from which he never has recovered. He made the first move toward building a church edifice, which resulted in the erection of a wooden building on the corner of Marr and Third streets. Mr. Colman's salary for these two years was $400, of which he gave one-fourth to build the new church of which they were so much in need.

In 1849, while the church edifice was building. Rev. Henry Requa was appointed to the- " circuit," remaining one year. His successor was Rev. J. S. Prescott, who was a great worker.

He remained two years, and succeeded in finishing the building on the corner of Marr and Third streets, and erecting another on Arndt street.. The Marr Street Church was dedicated in 1852, by Bishop Ames, and the one on Arndt street by Rev. W. G. Miller. [The balance of the history of Arndt Street Church will be found under the title of " Cotton Street Church."] What was called the " circuit " was then abandoned, and Rev. Ezra Tucker " stationed " at Marr street, where he preached one year, being followed by Rev. E. S. Grumley. He remained, doing a good work during two years, and,, in 1855, was succeeded by Rev. T. T. Kutchin. Being a man of great mental and oratorical powers, Mr. Kutchin stirred the people and filled the church to overflowing. In 1856, Mr. Kutchin withdrew to form a Free Methodist church - Rev. Cyrus Scammon taking his place - and quite a number followed him. ' They soon after returned. In 1857, Rev. A. P. Allen was appointed Pastor, and remained one year. He was followed by Rev. H. B. Crandall, under whom the organization sufiiered seriously from an important church trial, which at one time threatened to divide the organization. In 1859, came the Rev. J. T. Hollister as Pastor, who remained two years.

In 1861, the Wisconsin Conference of the M. E. Church was held in this church. Bishop Baker presiding, at which Rev. W. Lattin was appointed to succeed Mr. Hollister as Pastor. In 1863, Rev. John T. Woodhead was made Pastor, and the church was in a thriving condition. The building was getting too small for the swelling congregations, and, on July 25, 1865, Spencer Hall, on Division street, was purchased, together with the site, for $5,000, and soon after dedicated and occupied. The other building was sold to the German Evangelical Brethren, and is now owned and occupied by them on the old site. The Arndt street organization came back to the parent church in 1860, helped purchase Spencer Hall, and, in 1866, under Mr. Woodhead and his successor. Rev. 0. J. Cowles, began to rebuild it; but later that year, they returned again to Arndt street, about fifty strong, weakening -the .i^Jd church society. In the spring of 1866, Spencer Hall was raised; a tower erected, and a 'commodious and airy basement built under it. The new building, which is 110x55 feet, with the auditorium of the largest capacity in the city, was dedicated by T. M.-Eddy, D. D., of Chicago, May 5, 1867. Its total cost at that time, including site, was $20,000. Although of wood, and a modest white structure in outward appearance, the inside is light, high, comfortable and beautiful - by many pronounced one of the pleasantest churches in the State. It will comfortably seat 900 persons. The basement contains a lecture-room 50x50 feet ; three large and pleasant classrooms, and a kitchen. It is completely equipped for festivals, suppers and preparing refreshments for any church entertainments.

In 1868, while Rev. H. C. Tilton was Pastor, the Free- Will Baptists formed a society, taking most of their members from the Division Street Church, as it was now called. These decimations, with hard times, checked progress, but only temporarily, as in February, 1869, a splendid bell, the finest toned and largest in the city, was hung in the tower, and money was expended for other improvements. In 1874, the orchestra was built, the auditorium was frescoed, and stained windows put in, and in 1875, a splended pipe organ built by Johnson & Sons, and costing $3,000, was put in. Mr. Tilton remained three years, and was succeeded by Rev. G. C. Haddock, in 1871; Rev. W. W. Case, in 1873; Rev. 0. J, Cowles, in 1875; Rev. S. N. GriflSth, in 1877, and Rev. S. Halsey, the present Pastor, in October, 1879. During Mr. Griffith's pastorate there was some dissatisfaction in the church, because he engaged in mercantile pursuits - buying land and horses and putting them to use - but it was no thing serious, although diminishing the church revenues.

The organization is now strong and entirely harmonious, with about 300 members and a debt of $2,000. A Sabbath school was organized almost as early as the church itself (its first meetings being jointly with the Congregational ists), which has been successfully maintained ever since. Rev. Tracy Bingham was the first Superintendent, in 1846. James L. Thwing is the present Superintendent. The first Board of Trustees was composed of D. C. Brooks and two others, but their names are not left on record, nor recollected by the surviving members. The truth is, one member was about as much a trustee as another - all acted together for the common good. The present Board of Trustees is thus constituted : M. D. Moore, Chairman; Judge N. C. GifBn, Charles Heth, Capt. J. H. Hauser, Dr. A.. H. Dorris, Thomas W. Spence. G. W. Sexmith, Elihu Colman and A. H. Hall. "

In 1867, the Young Men's Christian Association of the Division Street M. E. Church opened a mission Sunday school, at the Grant Street Schoolhouse. It was continued by them about four years, when it was turned over to the Sunday-School Board of the church, by whom it has since been managed. The school is held every Sunday in Ingram's Hall, corner of Main and Ninth streets, and is largely attended, there being no other Sunday school in that vicinity.

Cotton Street Methodist Episcopal Church. - In 1850, having some means left after finishing the edifice on the corner of Marr and Third streets, and as there were a number of Methodist people in what was then, as now, called Lower Town, a small mission house or chapel was erected on' Arndt street, on the site now occupied by the residence of Mr. W. Wilkie. This building now stand_s across the river in the Sixth Ward, and is owned and 03cupied by the Presbyterians with a mission or Sunday school. The original intention of the Marr street Methodists, as appears from unwritten history, was to furnish the Lower Town Methodists a place for holding class meetings and Sunday schools, rather than for regular services of a permanent organization, as Lower Town was growing very rapidly, the principal mills and factories being located in that quarter. The first action taken toward building a church edifice on Arndt street, was at a meeting of the Marr Street Church ofiicers, held at the residence of J. J. Driggs, on the 15th day of July, 1850, and which was presided over by Rev. J. S. Prescott. It was then resolved to build a church on Arndt street, and Mr. Prescott was constituted a committee to let the contract as soon as possible, "and collect the come-atable funds and materials." The money on hand and the lumber donated enabled the building to be rapidly pushed to such a state of completion as would make it fit for occupancy. In 1852, the Trustees of the Marr Street Church had a meeting and authorized the building to be entirely finished, and at its dedication, which occurred in October, 1852, under Rev. W. G. Miller, to take collections and subscriptions to pay for it, that it should not cost above $125 more than is now on hand." The Wisconsin Conference, in session at Marr street about the time of dedication, appointed Rev. M. Himebaugh, an earnest, hardworking Pennsylvanian, to the Arndt Street Station. He was its first Pastor, and remained one year. In 1853, Rev. W. Spell was appointed to succeed him, remaining two years. In 1855, Rev. J. C. Robbins, a great worker, took charge of the church and immediately began a revival, which resulted in liberal accessions to the society. He was succeeded in 1857 by Rev. T. C. Golden, who took charge just as Lower Town began to decline bv reason of the business portion of the city moving farther southward and the great decrease of lake commerce, consequent upon the hew railroad to Oshkosh and other points. These changes caused many church members to remove, and made others unable to give as liberally as before, and before the end of his first year the society was not self supporting, and he resigned. What there was left of his church thereafter attended services at Marr street until 1859, when the Conference sent Rev. H. R. Colman, now of Bay View, and brother of Hon. Elihu Colman, of Colman, Carter & Kent, to revive the society. He preached one year, at the end of which, in 1860, the society joined with the Marr street organization, and remained with it until the fall of 1866, when, a desire being expressed for a separation and re-organization. Rev. M. D. Warner was appointed Pastor. Under his energetic administration the church membership increased to such an extent that the edifice was incapable of accommodating those who attended his services.^ In the spring of 1867, therefore, the old building was sold to J. S. McDonald and others, of the Presbyterian Church, being moved by them over the river, as before mentioned, and the present snug, durable and comely structure commenced. The mill men and manufacturers took unusual interest in the erection of the building, which is located on the corner of Cotton and Juneau streets, and to them the society is largely indebted for their fine edifice. It was completed in 1868, and dedicated and occupied in the same year. It is an exceedingly well-built brick structure, with tower, pleasant auditorium above and basement below, containing lecture-room, two classrooms and a prayer-room.

The total cost was about $15,000, of which $5,000 was unpaid at the dedication, and existed in the form of claims for labor and material by various parties. Some of these parties sued the church, and, in June, 1869, the building was mortgaged to the Northwestern Insurance Company and these claims were paid. The mortgage was for $4,000, at 8 per cent interest. It was paid July 1, 1874, by popular subscription, and the organization is clear of all debt. As soon as the debt was paid, the building was frescoed and beautified, and the lot well fenced, money to pay for all being left from the subscription.

The records of the church do not show who were the first Trustees. The present Board of Trustees consists of John C. Bishop, W. C. Ogden, 0. E. Pritchard, Austin H. Richardson, Thomas Peep, William May, B. S. GiUet, F. F. Parsons and George S. Bryant. There has always been a Sunday school connected with the church, which now, under John C. Bishop as Superintendent, is a prosperous and profitable auxiliary in the work of the society.

Grerman Methodist Episcopal Church. - On the 28th of October, 1854, the Quarterly Conference of the German Fond du Lac Mission passed a resolution authorizing the erection of a house of worship in Fond du Lac, and appointing Rev. H. Wiethorn and two others as a committee to secure a proper site. The matter was allowed to drop here, and nothing further was done until 1857, when Rev. F. Kluckhohn purchased two lots on the corner of Wingate and Merrill streets for the sum of $350. A wooden building was immediately thereafter erected at a cost of $543. A debt of $75 which remained unpaid at that time grew afterward into a larger sum, and the society became embarrassed. This financial difficulty was threatening the church organization with disaster, when, in 1862, Robert A. Baker and Henry Hamilton came to the rescue, and its affairs are now on a safe foundation. The society numbers fifty-eight members, and their church property is valued at $5,800. During the pastorate of the Rev. B. Becker, the old church building was raised, bricked up, and a pleasant basement placed under it. The parsonage, which is in the yard with the church edifice, and a pleasant house, was built while Rev. H. Wegner was Pastor. The church has had the following Pastors, and in the order here written : H. Wiethorn, F. Kluckhohn, F. W. Conrad, C. Wenz. H. Wegner, F. Gottschalk, C. Eberhardt, C. Thalheim, Charles G. Becker, John Schnell, 1869-70 ; R. Schafer, 1870-71 ; B. Becker, 1871-74; E. Fitzner, 1874-77; Charles Iwert, 1877-79; P. Rich, 1879-80. An interesting Sunday school has always been maintained in connection with the church society.

African Methodist Episcopal Church. - The brick edifice belonging to the colorerl Methodist Episcopal Church, situated on the corner of River and Eleventh streets, was erected in 1867. The first Pastor was the Rev. S. Hutchinson ; second. Rev. W. A. Douglas ; third, Rev. Moses Gale ; fourth, Rev. James T. Nease ; fifth. Rev. J, W. White ; sixth and present Pastor, Rev. Gardner Benson. The oflicers are, Van Spence, Samuel Anderson, Daniel Brown and Robert Biggers. During any pastoral interregnum Daniel Brown fills the pulpit. The church maintains a Sunday school, has regular services, sends delegates to the colored conventions, and has religious revivals which are remarkable for the peculiar religious manifestations, the earnestness of the members and the excellent singing. Several times during each year the members give festivals for public patronage, the proceeds being devoted to the expenses of the church.

Congregational Church. - The Congregational Church of Fond du Lac is one of the largest and most flourishing Protestant religious organizations in the city. Its foundation was made by Jerry Homiston, a farmer living three miles west of Fond du Lac, who gathered for religious worship whomsoever were inclined in that direction. The first meeting to found a church was held July 19, 1846, in a schoolhouse located where May's Block now stands, on Main street, and nine persons joined the new organization. These were: Jerry Homiston and Mary,, his wife ; James Wright and Martha, his wife ; William Carey and Polly Ann, his wife ; Mrs. S. S. N. Fuller, Mrs. Margaret Perry and Amanda Bannister. The E,ev. Stephen Peet was present to perfect the organization. William and Polly Ann Carey were the parents of Mr. E. A. Carey, of Laughlin & Carey, and Mrs. Margaret Perry was mother to James B. and J. C, Perry, of the First National Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Wright, who live about three miles south of the city, are the only survivors of the original members of the church.

Mr. Homiston was chosen Deacon, and Mr. Wright, Clerk. They had no building and no Pastor. Meetings and such services as they could themselves provide were held in the schoolhouse mentioned until autumn, when the Home Missionary Society sent Rev. L. C. Spafford to take charge of the infant church. He continued services in the schoolhouse, although it was moved to Fifth street, his little band having been, in December, 1846, increased by Deacon K. Gillet and Hon. James M. Gillet and families - nine new members. In February, 1847, a move was made for the erection of a church edifice. Dr. Mason C. Darling deeded to the church, without cost, a lot on the corner of Marr and Second streets, on which a small, cheap building was erected. This was soon after enlarged, but great scarcity of means made it impossible to render the building fit for occupancy until March, 1850, and, during several months thereafter, benches, blocks and chairs took the place of permanent seats. The work of building this modest edifice was done mostly by Rev. Spafford and the members, and the material, in the roughs was donated by those who were able. After the Court House was finished, and the old schoolhouse burned, services and meetings were held therein until the completion of the church edifice, in 1850.

In July, 1853, Rev. Silas Hawley was called to take charge of the church, and continued its Pastor four years, many new members joining during that time. In the early. part of his pastorate, Hon. J. M. Gillet, E. W. Drury and others withdrew to form the Presbyterian Church, and later, in 1856, thirty-seven members withdrew and formed a separate organization, called Plymouth Church. At this separation. Rev. Hawley resigned, and Rev. E. Brown filled his place for six months, until Rev. W. A. Baldwin was secured. Mr. Baldwin preached two years. In the meantime, a building committee, composed of Dr. T. S. Wright, Dr. M. C. Darling and others, began the stone building now occupied as a grist-mill, on Forest street, for a church edifice. The walls reached a height of fifteen feet when the division occurred, and the building committee sold the half-finished church as best they could, to re-imburse themselves for means advanced.

The Plymouth organization built a chapel on the corner of First and Macy streets, and, under the pastorate of Rev. W. L. Mather, occupied it during four years, after which the two organizations re-united, occupying the Plymouth Chapel. The old edifice was sold to the Free Baptists, and is now occupied by them, on its first site, corner of Marr and Second streets. when the two organizations re-united. Rev. R. H. Williamson was chosen Pastor, and continued in the pulpit four years. He was followed by Rev. C. W. Camp in July, 1863. The chapel was becoming too small for the constantly increasing congregation, and, in 1865, a movement was made to secure more commodious quarters. The result was the erection of the present edifice, a handsome brick structure, located on the corner of Wingate and Sheboygan streets. It was finished and dedicated in October, 1869. Its cost was $43,000, and its seating capacity in the auditorium is about seven hundred.

In November, 1868, Rev. Arthur Little took charge of the organization, which finished the church edifice and greatly thrived under his ministration. On occupying the new building, Plymouth Chapel was sold to the Turners, and is now used by them, on Portland street. On the 19th of July, 1870, the church celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization with extended services, thanksgiving and historical papers and addresses. March 25, 1877, 100 persons, mostly young people, joined the church, as the result of a protracted meeting managed by the Methodist and Congregational Churches.

Early in 1878, Mr. Little was called to the New England Church, Chicago, and his resig- -nation was accepted, his place being soon after filled by E. M. Betts, the present Pastor. The church now consists of about four hundred members. Since Mr. Betts became its Pastor, the church has- liquidated the last of its mortgaged debt, and the splendid edifice is now unencumbered. It is richly decorated, has fine stained-glass windows and is an ofnament to the city.

Rev. SpaflFord, the first Pastor, never received over $400 per year salary, and generally not so much, which was paid in everything, now and then a little cash included. A portion of even -this meager stipend was cheerfully expended for the feeble little church over whose affairs he presided. Now the church pays a salary of $1,500 per year, and the Pastor is granted annually a vacation of six weeks. The first Deacon was Jerry Homiston. The present Deacons are Dr. E. L. Griffin, James Bass, Henry Hastings and James Sylvester. The Prudential Committee consists of these four Deacons, and E. Delany, W. Wilkie, Mrs. Susan H. Lockwood and Mrs. James Bass, including, also, the Sunday-school Superintendent. 0. C. Steinberg is Superintendent of the Sunday school, a feature of the church services for old and young, which has been maintained with great success from the earliest organization of the society, though the first Sunday school was held jointly with the Methodists, in the old schoolhouse in which the first religious services were held. The school now has about two hundred pupils, and is prosperous, harmonious and pleasant. The first Pastor was Rev. L. C. Spafibrd. After him came Silas Hawley, four years ; E. Brown, six months ; W. A. Baldwin, two years ; W. L. Mather (of the Plymouth organization), fjur years ; R. H. Williamson, four years ; C. W. Camp, four years ; Arthur Little, nine and one-half years ; E. M. Betts, present Pastor.

First Presbyterian Church. - Among the early settlers who located in the vicinity of what is now the city of Fond du Lac, were some Congregationalists, and a few Presbyterians, the former being the greater in number. These two parties united, and a Congregational church was organized. They remained together until about the year 1854, when the Presbyterian section of the united congregation decided to enter into an organization of their own more in accordance with their ideas of a scriptural form of church government - which organization was perfected at the house of D. R. Van Duyne, on February 26, A. D. 1855. Those who entered into this organization were James Monroe Gillet and his wife, Emeline E. Gillet ; E. W. Drury and his wife, Deborah Drury; D. R. Van Duyne and-Phcebe Van Duyne, his wife; William Jones and wife, Joseph S. Trigg and wife. Miss Brodie and Mrs. Smith. After the organization was effected, a house of Worship was to be provided, and a minister secured and supported. Prayer-meetings were at once commenced, and held at the residences of the members, and preaching on Sabbath when a minister could be secured, these services being held at Darling's Hall, and in the schoolhouse. These enterprising people were not contented to continue their worship in this manner, and soon commenced the arduous task of providing a house of worship. But, in this case, when the subscription paper was circulated, there were only four men who were in a position to subscribe. Mr. William Jones subscribed $100, regretting that this amount was all he could give. The balance was assumed by the other three, viz., Messrs. Drury, Gillet and Van Duyne. The latter of these gentlemen was engaged in the manufacture of lumber in the Wolf River pineries, and at once set about getting out the lumber. A building site was purchased from John B. Macy, on Main street.

The lumber was brought from the north to the ground ; but, on its arrival, it was found to be too light for the purpose. Another bill of lumber was then furnished, and, upon investigation, it was found that one of the timbers for the tower was defective. Mr. Van Duyne, therefore, took an ox team, went to the woods, and, with the permission of the owner, cut and prepared a large tree, and hauled it to its place. Mr. McGinnis, the carpenter, and Messrs. Gillet ;and Van Duyne were the principal ones in raising the building. The entire cost of ground and -building was $7,000, which amount was all paid by Messrs. Drury, Gillet and Van Duyne, excepting the $100 paid by Mr. Jones. Previous to the erection of the building, the organization of the church was effected, as taken from the church records as follows, viz.:

Be It remembered, that on the twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, pursuant to previous requests made, and notices given, in accordance with the rules, regulations and usages of the Presbyterian Church, the following persons, having received letters of dismission in the usual form unanimously granted to them by the First Congregational Church of the city of Fond du Lac, were duly organized into a Church of Christ by the Rev. Henry M. Robertson, Chairman of the Committee of the Winnebago Presbytery, duly appointed for that purpose. Said church, by vote, adopted the name of the First Presbyterian Church, of the city of Fond du Lac, and also adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith as the articles of faith of said church.

Rev. Reuben Frame commenced his labors on the 1st day of April, 1855, and preached his first sermon in Darling's Hall. On the 8th of April, 1855, Daniel R. Van Duyne, Joseph S. Trigg and Erastus W. Drury were ordained by Rev. Reuben Frame as Ruling Elders of the church. Mr. Frame continued his services from the 1st day of April, 1855, until February, 1858, when his connection was severed, and the church was closed from that time until the 1st day of April, 1860, when the services of H. M. Robertson were secured. The membership of the church at the time of Rev. Mr. Frame's leaving had reached forty-six communicants. On September 12, 1861, the members of the church convened for the purpose of electing additional Ruling Elders. William Dobie and Dr. A. L. Hoyt were unanimously elected. On September 27, 1861, these were duly ordained.

The church building remained on the corner of Main and Rees streets until 1865. The city having grown toward the south instead of to the north, as had been anticipated when the church was built, the society found they were laboring under a great disadvantage, and therefore decided to move the building to the corner of Sheboygan and Wingate streets. Before moving, it was found that the title of the building was not held by, the congregation, it having been built by individuals, as before stated. In view of business complications which had arisen, the interest held by one of the parties having passed out of his hands, the Trustees bought that one-third interest. They also bought the one-third interest of E. W. Drury, by exchanging the land on which the building then stood for it. The other one-third interest was owned by James M. Gillet, who, when asked by the Trustees what he would do, said, " the church was built with a view of donating it to the congregation, and he stood ready to do as he had originally intended," and then and there did it. Although what he deeded to the society had cost about $2,300, Mr. Gillet paid his fullshare of the expense of moving and re-fitting the church edifice upon its new location. Upon the first Sabbath of December, 1865, the congregation worshiped in the building situated on the location where it now stands. To aid in moving the building, Mr. Robertson subscribed $100, which was afterward remitted to him.

September 26, 1866, owing to ill health, Mr. Robertson resigned. He commenced his labors at a salary of $700 per annum, $400 of which was paid by the Board of Home Missions. During the year 1864, it was decided by the Trustees, on motion of J. S. McDonald and C. J. Pettibone, that the congregation become self-sustaining. After this, the congregation prospered and increased in numbers to such an extent that the minister's salary was raised to the sum of $1,200, thereby raising the amount paid by the congregation to $900.

At a meeting of the members of the church at Empire, held at the house of A. S. Wilson July 1, 1867, it was resolved that the remaining members of that church take their original letters and unite with the Presbyterian Church in Fond du Lac. These members were received into this church October 5, 1867.

During the ministry of Mr. Robertson with this congregation, ninety-six persons wereadded to its roll of communicants, and the Sabbath school numbered 150 members.

During November, 1866, a legacy of $1,000 was left the church by William B. Brand, one of its honored and efficient members, whose death occurred a short time previously. At a meeting of the Trustees, November 13, 18^6, held at the office of James M. Gillet, it was " Resolved, That the Board tenders hereby its grateful remembrances to Mrs. Brand, with our hearty acknowledgments for the generous gift of her late husband, William Bradley Brand, Esq., in whose death our society has lost one of its most ardent friends and liberal supporters, and we have lost a kind neighbor, a good citizen and a generous friend."

At a meeting of the congregation, on the 20th day of November, 1866, the Rev. T. G. Smith was unanimously elected, and was soon after installed as Pastor.

At a meeting held at the office of J. M. Gillet, May 21, 1867, it was decided to purchase, for a parsonage, the residence owned and occupied by Dr. T. J. Patchen, situated on First street, for the sum of $4,000 ; which purchase was effected. This property was kept and used as a parsonage until April, 1872, \yhen it was sold, inasmuch as the Pastor, Rev. T. G. Smith,. had built and was occupying a house of his own.

An election of Elders occurred on March 25,' 1869, at which C. W. Pinkham, Hugh McDonald and P. C. Macomber were elected additional Elders. At the same time there werealso elected Deacons, Alexander Stewart and Alexander Mason, all of whom were ordained April 11, 1869.

During the spring of 1869, it was decided to enlarge the church building in accordance witli plans presented by J. M. Gillet. During August, 1869, the contract for such enlargement was let to Mr. Phoenix, for the sum of $2,200, to include all expenses of labor and material. When the work was completed, and the contractor had been paid, the congregation learned that the mechanics had not been paid, and that a large portion of the material had not been paid for by the contractor. Therefore it was decided to pay all bills presented for material and labor, although the church was not legally bound to such payment.

At a meeting of the congregation on December 15, 1872, a statement was made of the financial condition of the church, and all delinquencies were paid, thereby leaving the church free from debt. This system of raising money has been in successful operation to the present time. Rev. T. G. Smith continued his services as Pastor until April, 1874. A few weeks previous to this time, however, Mr. Smith handed in his resignation, having received a call from Kingston, Canada. The congregation reluctantly received the same and referred it to the Presbytery, who declined to grant his release. A few weeks later, this call from Kingston was renewed, and the Presbytery granted the request. The church had received into its membership, during Mr. Smith's ministry, 161 members.

The church being without a Pastor, a meeting of the church and congregation was held April 13, 1874, when it was voted to elect Rev. T. C. Kirkwood as Pastor, at a salary of $1,600 per year.

At a meeting of the congregation held in the church June 18, 1874, G. W. Pinkham, P. C. Macomber and Hugh McDonald were re-elected Elders. Alexander Mason and Alexander Stewart were re-elected Deacons, and Robert Powrie and Robert Hoffman were elected as additional Deacons.

Mr. Kirkwood commenced his labors in June, and remained as Pastor until the fall-of 1878, when his resignation was given to the congregation, and, at his own request, accepted.

During the fall and winter of 1876-77, it was decided to hold revival meetings in the Mission Chapel, which were continued ten weeks, then transferred to the church building, and continued four weeks. As a result, there were received into the church 100 persons. The whole number received into its membership during Mr. Kirkwood's ministry was 161. After the resignation of Mr. Kirkwood, the pulpit remained vacant one year. Regular services were during this interval by temporary supplies. October 20, 1879, Rev. Donald Ross, by invitation of the Session, came to supply the pulpit, and is now residing with this people.

The music of the church was placed in the hands of Dr. A. L. Hoyt in September, 1860. From that time until January 21, 1870, it remained under his management, and at a meeting held by the Session July 0, 1869, the following resolution was passed:

Resolved, That we gladly embrace this opportunity to express our deep sense of obligation to Dr. Hoyt and all the members of the choir for their untiring devotion to the interests of the church, and for the able and faithful manner in which ihey have discharged these duties for a long period of years.

Many of those who have been so actively and intimately associated with the history of this church have been called to the Elysian Fields. In this connection could be mentioned scores of names ; but prominent among those who have served in an official capacity is John E. Peabody. It was during his superintendency that the Hope Mission Sabbath School was organized, which enterprise has proved such a blessmg to the community as well as church, to which it has long been attached. He removed to San Francisco, Cal., whence both himself and wife were called to the better land. Of those who were active and efficient in this connection was B. S. Patty. He was one of the Trustees for years, and none was more ready to render assistance, nor more hospitable toward its members. He was called away by death January 28, 1871. From the organization of this church to the time of his death, J. M. Gillet was one of the few men to give liberally of time, means and counsel. During the infancy of the church, he was ever ready to aid, and never swerved from his original purpose to do all in his power to complete the great work of establishing the church upon a firm basis. In consequence of his energy, his health was undermined, and he was prematurely called away. " Though dead, he yet speaketh" in the works which follow him.

The Trustees have been as follows : E. W. Drury, J. B. Peabody, 0. J. Pettibone, J. S. McDonald, 0. W. Benney, J. M. Gillet, L. A. Griswold, B. S. Patty, C. S. Hamilton, Alexander McDonald, E. N. Foster, Alexander Wisnom, Alexander Stewart, Allan Carswell, Frank Taylor, John Mills.

The church has always maintained a Sabbath school. Its average attendance is 200. The Superintendents have been E. W. Drury (who was the first), A. L. Hoyt, C. J. Pettibone, John S. McDonald.

Hope Mission was established by the Presbyterian church in 1864. John S. McDonald owned the old Arndt M. E. Church building, and gave it to the Presbyterians for mission purposes, and B. F. Moore gave the two lots, on which the building now stands, for a site, on condition that the school be continued during ten years. It has been a successful school for sixteen years, and Mr. Moore gave a deed of the lots, as promised. It is in a remote part of the city, on the west side of the river, where churches are not easily accessible. It now has a regular attendance of 120. The Superintendents have been, J. B. Peabody, C. E. Hill, C. V. Pettibone (who served ten years), W. H. Williams and John Benton.

St. Paul's Cathedral. - St. Paul's Episcopal Church was organized at the Court House, in the village of Fond du Lac, by the Rev. Joshua Sweet, September 3, 1848. The first members were : N. P. Tallmadge, ex-United States Senator from New York, and ex-Governor of Wisconsin; A. W. Stow, Chief Justice of Wisconsin; Lieut. Gbv. Samuel W. Beall, Gen. George D. Ruggles, George McWilliams, Charles Doty (Gov. Doty's son), Charles Stevens, A. L. Williams, Nathaniel Waterbury, and A. G. Ruggles, now President of the First National Bank. The first Rector was Rev. Joshua Sweet, and services were held in the Court House. The first officers were chosen September 4, 1848, and consisted of John Hamilton and Newell Case, Wardens ; and N. P. Tallmadge, George, McWilliams, A. D. Bonesteel, S. W. Beall, George D. Ruggles, Carson Graham, Nathaniel Waterbury and A. G. Ruggles, Vestrymen. On the 8th of December, 1849, a meeting was held to take steps toward erecting a church edifice, and, February 12, 1850, it was resolved to ibuild after plans furnished by Mr. Wyatt, of Milwaukee, on lots donated by John B. Macy, on the corner of Follet and Bannister streets. Rer. Joshua Sweet and Carson Graham were appointed a committee to solicit and take subscriptions to defray the expenses of building. Rev. Homer Wheaton, of Lithgow, N. Y., and N. P. Tallmadge, of Fond du Lac, brothers-in-law, gave the largest sums, Rev. Wheaton's donation being $500. April 15, 1850, a building committee, consisting of A. D. Bonesteel, Carson Graham and Nathaniel Waterbury, was appointed, and the -church edifice was begun on the corner of Follet and Bannister streets, on lots donated by John B. Macy. July 12, 1850, the church rented a hall in Darling's Block, for the use of the congregation. March 14, 1852, the first services were held in the new edifice, the tower of which had been donated and erected by M. J. Thomas and Thomas McDonough. There was a portion of the building expenses unpaid, and, May 24, 1852, a mortgage of $300, at 12 per cent interest, was executed to Thomas McDonough, to " pay in full the contract with Mr. Barber," the builder. The building, which is standing yet, and in occasional use, is 80x50 feet, and will seat 200 persons. The mortgage was soon paid, as the building could not otherwise be consecrated, and, July 18, 1852, the consecratory ceremony was performed. On August 24, of the same year. Rev. Joshua Sweet tendered his resignation on account of ill health, which was accepted October 26, 1863.

On the 26th of June, 1854, a call was extended to Rev. George B. Eastman, of Brownville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., to become Rector, which he accepted, coming to Fond du Lac immediately, where he still resides, though not engaged in active work.

During the rectorship of the Rev. George B. Eastman, arrangements were made for the erection of a new church building of stone, on the corner of Division and Sophia streets. The lots were given by Robert A. Baker, and three additional lots were subsequently bought by the corporation. A Gothic church, after plans of Lloyd, of Detroit, was begun and partially finished, the woodwork in the interior being of solid oak, and the workmanship thorough in every particular. The tower was carried up to the base of the spire, and temporarily capped. The total cost of the building was about $20,000.

In 1866, Mr. Eastman resigned, and his place was temporarily filled br the Rev. Mr. Davenport and Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson. In January, 1868, the Rev. Hiram W. Beers, of Chicago, accepted the rectorship, and remained three years, ' being succeeded, in 1871, by the Rev. William Dafter, now of Oconto, Wis., and in May, 1875, by the Rev. John Townsend, of Albany, N. Y. The Diocese of Wisconsin, which formerly embraced the whole State of Wisconsin, had become so unwieldy, that in 1874 a new diocese was erected, consisting of the twenty northeastern counties of the State, under the title of the Diocese of Fond du Lac. The Rt. Rev. J. H. Hobart Brown, S. T. D., was consecrated the first Bishop December 15, 1876.

Promptly on coming to this diocese, the Rector and Vestry of St. Paul's Church at Fond du Lac offered the realty belonging to the corporation to the Bishop for cathedral purposes, and all the owners of pews deeded their rights to the Bishop, that the cathedral might be forever free. After a year's consideration, the Bishop accepted the proposition, and, on the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, January 25, 1876, took formal possession of the property, and instituted St. Paul's Cathedral. A temporary organization was effected, to remain in force until the Cathedral shall be^ completed and consecrated. The plan contemplates a chapter composed -of the Bishop, eight canons and eight laymen, to whom all the interest of the Cathedral shall be committed. The Rev. John Townsend became the Dean of the Cathedral in 1876, and resigned in May, 1877. The Canons in ofiice at present are the Rev. F. S. Jewell, Ph. D., and the Rev. N. D. Stanley.

During the rectorship of the Rev. H. W. Beers, a schoolhouse capable of accommodating 300 pupils was erected on the Cathedral grounds, at a cost of about $10,000. Soon after the institution of the Cathedral, a corporation was formed and a charter obtained to enlarge the scope of educational work, and to give the school a diocesan character. The following were the first Trustees: The Rt. Rev. J. H. Hobart Brown, S. T. D., President ex officio ; Rev. F. S. Jewell, Ph. D., Vice President ; Charles A. Galloway, Fond du Lac, Secretary ; Hannibal Woodworth, Fond du Lac, Treasurer; Rev. F. R. Haff, Oshkosh ; Rev. Fayette Durlin, Ripon ; William