Delavan City (part 1 of 2)

Organization

The town of Delavan is one of the original towns into which the county was divided by act of the Territorial Legislature of January 2, 1838. By that act, it received its name, and, as then defined, embraced the southwestern quarter of the county, and comprised what are now the towns of Darieu, Sharon, Walworth and the present town. The original town was divided by setting of Towns No. 1, in Ranges 15 and IB east, in 1839, to which was given the name of Walworth. Subsequently, January B, 1840, Darien, lying immediately west of the present town, being Town No. 2, in Range 15 east, was set off, leaving the limits of Delavan as they now are, with the exception of a single section. No. 1, which was set off February 2, 1846, to help form the present town of Elkhorn. It was named Delavan in honor of E. C. Delavan, a prominent temperance advocate of Albany, N. Y.

Topography

The sm-face of the town is generally quite rolling, but a very small portion being flat and level. There is considerable marsh land, the greater portion of it lying in the vicinity of Delavan Lake. These marshes now constitute great natural hay meadows. Around Delavan Lake was originally a large amount of timber, mainly oak, with some hickory and a little red cedar and poplar. Extending nearly across the town, from the village of Delavan to Elkhorn, is a level tract of land known as Delavan Prairie, while in the western part is Blooming Prairie, which is smaller and of less importance.

The soil in all portions of the town is a heavy, rich, clay loam, varying only in its color, that in the southern and lower [jortious being of light color, while that on the prairies and higher portions is mixed with a rich alluvial deposit of a darker shade. In the southwestern part of the town and extending in a northeasterly direction, and covering principally Sections 22, 28 and 32, is Delavan Lake, a body of water about three miles in length by one and a half miles in width, in which abound the catfish, bass, pike, bull -head, pickerel and most other fish common to Western inland lakes. The stream constituting the inlet of the lake enters the town on Section 12, and, running in a general southwesterly direction, empties into the lake on Section 22. Nearly opposite this, about one mile west, Delavan Creek, the outlet of the lake, has its source. This stream runs in a westerly direction across Sections 21, 20 and 19, and, crossing the town line into Darien, takes an abrupt tiu'n and returns again to the town of Delavan and extends in a northerly direction.

Early Settlement

The first settlers of Delavan, Hem-y and Samuel F. Phoenix, were men of strong religious principles, who were seeking a home in the new Territory of Wisconsin that they might found there a colony composed of people of like ideas with themselves. They believed if such a colony could be started, far away from the temptations of towns and cities, they might see grow up around them a community pledged to temperance, sobriety and religion; and " where, should a poor despised colored man chance to set his foot, he might do it in safety."

With this design, the brothers left a flourishing business and pleasant homes in Perry, N. Y., and, in the month of May, 183B, started for the Rock River region, which, even at that early day, was noted for its fertility and beauty. After spending several weeks on the journey and in ex]>loring the Fox and Wisconsin River Valleys, in the northern part of Illinios, the prospectors decided to explore the new and comparatively unknown Territory of Wisconsin. They reached the little settlement at Spring Prairie about the 1st of July, 1836 - a month after Dr. Hemenway, David Pratt and Solomon Harvey had aiTived there with their families, and when there was no settlement between that point and Janesville. The first week after their arrival was spent in exploring the country in the vicinity of Sugar Creek, in the town of Spring Prairie, and as far west as Rock River, in search of a mill site, and suitable place for the site of a village.

there, and Samuel, not having yet decided upon a location, continued bis explorations and investigations alone. July 8, two days after his brother left, he started fi-om his headquarters at Spring Prairie, mounted on " Wall," his horse. He took with him his ax, surveyor's compass and luncheon, and explored the eounti-y as far southwest as Duck Lake (now Como), and thence southwest through the heavi,' timber between that point and Big Foot Lake (now Geneva). He obtained assistance at the outlet of Big Foot Lake, and marked some claims, and about sunset took the Indian trail for Dr. Hemenway's tavern at Spring Prairie, ten miles distant, where he ai'rived about 10 o'clock. Mr. Phcenix came nearer giving up the idea of settling in Wisconsin while away on this trip than at any other period of his prospecting tour. In the midst of the uutraversed wilderness, tormented by hungry mosquitoes and bewildered in trying to trace the indistinct and sometimes hardly discernible siu'veyor's lines, no wonder his heart was hungry for the pleasant home in the East, and that for a brief time he felt like giving up the task he had voluntarily taken upon himself, and following his brother Henry to New York. He was not, however, a man to yield long to feelings of discoui'agement, and he tells us in his joui-nal: " Upon fiu-ther consideration, I concluded it would give our journey to the country the appearance of a farce, and would be too faint-hearted a business to comport with oiu character; so I sought the Lord for wisdom to guide and strength to succor under these sinkings of mind. Thus committing my way to Him, I resolved to persevere."

Col. Phcenix spent the Sabbath, July 10, at Spring Prairie, preaching the fii'st sermon in Coimty to an audience of fifteen persons. The next f om- days were spent in exploring portions of Spring Pi'airie and what is now the town of La Fayette.

On Friday, July 15, he once more started toward the southwest. Passing through the present town of Geneva by the head of Duck Lake, and along the northern shore of Big Foot Lake, he turned toward the north, and reached Swan (now Delavan Lake) in time to make surveys of the lake and adjoining prairie before dark. Toward night, he discovered the outlet of the lake. He says in his journal: "It is about the size of Sugar Creek at the crossing of the army trail, and with a cm-rent as brisk. " The first night in Delavan was spent in a deserted Indian wigwam near the lake. After covering the wigwam with mats which the Indians had left there, he made his supper of the bread he had brought from Spring Prairie, moistened with water fi'om the lake, and making his bed of the remaining mat, not forgetting to "acknowledge the good hand of the Lord in His protection and guidance," he laid down to rest and quietly slept through the night, on the very spot, where, four years after, he was attacked with his last mortal illness.

On the following morning, he made some explorations under water with hook and line, but here his good fortune failed him, and the disappointment doubtless made the poor breakfast of bread and lake water taste even di'yer than before. It is no wonder that, under the circumstances, he felt that " it went down rather hard."' Pm-suing his explorations in search of a mill-site, he was rewarded by finding one on Swan Creek, with land adjacent which he thought would be a good site for a village, should his undertaking prove a success. He also found a fine spring of pure clear water, which both he and " Wall " enjoyed exceedingly. The remains of his Imicheon were disposed of, and after following Swan Creek to its outlet into Turtle, he tiu-ned his face again toward Spring Prairie. The trip back was pretty uncomfortable. He and his horse were both hungi-y; it was hot July weather, insects of all kinds were " abroad in the land," and, by the time Col. Phoenix reached the prairie south of the present Shiretown of Walworth County, he was veiy willing to lay down and rest, and "Wall" was glad to have one good meal of the luxuriant prairie grass. Col. Phoenix found the s[)ot where he rested beautiful but nameless. Since that visit, it has been "Elkhorn Prairie."

After Col. Phcenix had consulted some of the "neighbors" (living only thi-ee miles apart) at Spring Prairie, it was decided that a road fi-om Racine to Wisconsin City, on Rock River, must cross Tortle Creek just above the mouth of Swan Creek, the ]iresent site of the village of Delavan. He accordingly decided to retm-n and make his claim. On Tuesday, July 19, he set out, taking a more northerly route than before, crossed Elkhorn and Delavan Prairies, and arrived at the wigwam he had left the Satiu-day before full of enthusiasm and corn-age, and more than ever determined to caiTV out the design to which he and his brother had consecrated themselves. Mr. Phcenix made, at this time, the usual marks to secure his claim, by blazing h-ees and corner stakes, and, in addition, he christened the claim on the spot ' ' Temperance Colony Claim. " It was while engaged in securing it that the Colonel killed a rattlesnake, and was encouraged by the good omen to believe that the serpent intemperance might likewise be crushed in his little colony.

Having taken three days' provisions from Dr. Hemenway's, the Colonel spent the next day in examining the country in the vicinity of the present village of Delavan. At night, he returned to his home in the wigwam, but was not as fortunate as at his previous visits. A drenching rain set in, and a part of the night was spent in keeping his lii-e alive and himself dry. On Thiirsday, July 21, he returned to Spring Prairie, meeting on the route Allen Perkins, who had also been to Tm'tle Creek and selected a claim eighty rods west of the present site of Delavan Village, on Tm-tle Creek. On this claim, Mr. Perkins built the first house in the town of Delavan. Mr. Dwinnell thus speaks of it: "After wandering in the darkness for an hour, we heard a cow-bell, and were guided by it to the cabin of Allen Perkins, who lived a few rods west of the present village of Delavan. He had a cabin twelve feet square, with a wife and five childi-en, but in this limited space found room to entertain travelers. It was a characteristic of the pioneers that, however small their cabin or mimerous their family and guests, they always found room foi one more - their latch-string was always out."

When Col. Phoenix met Mr. Perkins, the latter was wandering about in the vicinity of the present site of Elkhorn Village. After selecting his claim at Turtle Creek, he attempted to follow the track of a passing stage team, and became bewildered, and finally, utterly lost. At the time the Colonel met him, he had become nearly exhausted,- but succeeded in reaching Dr. Hemenway's, where he received the attention that he so much required.

In the latter part of July, Col. Phcsnix pitched his tent on the present site of the village. On August 5, 1836, he moved his fTirniture and provisions to thejplace, and, with three hired men, really commenced to live in Delavan.

At this time, the hoped-for weekly stage wagon had been started from Racine to Wisconsin City, a prospective to^vn on Rock River, near the present city of Janesville. (It proved to be only a prospective town. ) One trip had been made the week previous, and Col. Phoenix was full of hope in regard to the route, although disappointed at his failure to receive letters, as he had not heard from home for about thi-ee m ouths. He says, in regai-d to the stage line, in a letter to his brother Heniy: "The road is nearly straight for sixty-five miles, and better ground cannot be found for the same distance in any of the Western States. The Tm-tle Creek Crossing is the worst spot on the route, and that can be easily made passable." Notwithstanding the natui-al advantages of the route, it was destined, like many others in those days, to be a failure, as the stage made but a few trips. It is said that the stage-driver on one of these routes, on arriving at the " city," which was his destination, finding no house nor Postmaster there, dismounted, opened the bag, and, taking out the letters destined for the place, fastened them to a stake and drove on.

Although Col. Phcenix was eventually disappointed in the road to "Wisconsin City," he went to work with a will and energy that eflectually jn-eveuted any disappointment in the matter of founding the future village. The fall of 1S36 and the following winter were busy times for himself and little crew of men. One hundred tons of hay were put up, thirty acres of prairie broken ready for the coming spring, and rails prepared for two miles of fence. In November, he went to Illinois and bought his provisions for the winter and seed grain for spring.

In October, William Phcenix, a cousin, arrived with his family, being the first of the expected colony that settled on the chosen spot. A house was built immediately, 20x22 feet in size, with puncheon floor and shake roof. The house was built near the bank of the creek, on what is now Terrace sti'eet, and was the first house biiilt on the present site of Delavan Village. The family of William Phcenix and Col. Phcenix, with his men, moved into the house in the fall, although it was not completed until later, as the boards for the chamber floor were drawn from Root River Rapids, forty miles distant, through deep snow during the following winter.

On October 25, Col. Phoenix attended the " Belmont Legislature " as a lobby member, and it was mainly through his influence that the county at that time received the name of Walworth. At the next session of the Legislatiu-e, when the county was divided into towns, the southwest

In March, 1837, Col. Phcenis went to New York for his family and retiu-ned to Delavan in the following July, arriving on Tuesday, July 12, 1837. In September, the family moved into the log house on the farm at Swan Lake, not far from the wigwam where the father passed the tirst nights during his prospecting tours.

Hem-y Phoenix arrived with his family in June, 1838, and the brothers set about active business - opening farms, laying out a village and erecting mills.

The immigration of 1837 did not set in until late in the season, owing to the length and severity of the winter. Among others who came then were Hem-y Barlow and A. H. Taggart, young men from Castile, N. Y., arrived in Jvine, by boat, fi'om Buffalo. The former was married July 3, 1841, to Emeline La Bar, this being the first marriage in the town. He had settled on Section 5. Daniel E. La Bar, William Hollinsbead and Isaac Burson came fifom Pennsylvania (by horse team), and an'ived June 20. Mr. Burson settled on Section 4, Mr. Hollinsliead on Section 3 and Mi'. La Bar on Sections (3 and 7. The first two were single men. Mr. Xia Bar did not bring his family until two years after. William A. Bartlett came during the summer and settled on Delavan Lake, neai- where Samuel PhcBnix had built his log house.

Diu-ing the same season, Charles Bailey, fi'om Vermont, located on Section 25. Hiram Calkins, from New York, arrived about the same time and lived with Mr. Bailey for several months until he made a claim on Section 26 for himself and moved on to it. A Mr. Smith and a Mr. Cook settled on Section 2. They remained until early in July, when they sold their claim to Peter Boyce, who arrived July 11. James Hollinshead, a brother of William Hollinsehad, arrived in August and located on Section 3. Among others who increased the population of the colony at this time were Milo Kelsey, David, Cyi'us and Edwin Brainerd and father, Luke Taylor and J. E. Bell. Mr. Kelsey was by profession a lawyer, and was, therefore, the fii'st in the town. Hemy Barlow and William Hollinshead are the only ones who are still living where they fu'st located; of the remainder, most are dead, save a few who have moved away. These, however, formed the nucleus of the first white settlement of what afterward became the town of Delavan. In 1838, the tide of immigration was at its highest, and any attempt to mention individual names, or to follow the grovrth and struggles of this young community, would lengthen this article to tediousness, but it would be incomplete without mentioning a few of the incidents which at that time excited universal interest. Col. S. F. and Henry Phcenix were always open-handed in promoting enterprises which promised well for the public good. During 1837 and 1838, they were improving the water-power and getting out timber for a saw-mill. It was completed in February, 1839. The building was situated one and a half miles above the village. Here the timber and logs were sawed for a grist-mill, which went into operation a few months thereafter. Amos Otis was master builder. The fi'ame of this mill was probably the tallest and heaviest that had at that time been erected in the county. It was raised on Thiu-sday, May 16, 1839, and all the people for a distance of twelve miles were invited and veiy generally turned out to assist in the operation. The fu'st store was opened by the Phcenix brothers in the fall of 1838, near Swan Lake, about a quarter of a mile fi'om the saw-mill. They opened a $6,- 000 stock of goods which they disposed of in a short time. Tlie goods were offered for sale in a shed that had been built for the use of the cattle, but which was divided into rooms and occupied by the family of Mr. Samuel Phcenix, for six weeks after their an'ival, until their log house, on Section 15, could be finished. The goods were in "the west room," and Mrs. Phcenix and her son Franklin attended to the selling of them. The store was removed to the village of Delavan, and kept in the los house of William Phcenix, later in the same season, under the firm name of H. & S. F. Phcenix^

Delavan having now a population of perhaps one hundred souls, the next requirement was the establishment of a post office, followed by the opening of schools, ehm-ches, etc.

First Things In The Town Of Delavan

The first post office was established in 1837, and William Phoenix was appointed Postmaster- At this time, they had a semi-weekly mail, the contractor being W^illiam B. Sheldon, of Racine- Previously, the neai-est post office was at that point.

The first school was taught in the log house occupied by William Phoenix, in the summer of 1839, by Miss Julia Dyer. She had about twelve scholars.

The first religious meeting was held by Samuel F. Phcenix, August 7, 1836. The first sermon preached by an ordained minister was by Elder Benjamin Pierce, October 7, 1836.

The first white child born in the town was Amelia T. Taylor, daughter of Luke Taylor, on October 12, 1837, now the wife of Byron Brown, of Whitewater. A. H. Thomas who is said to have been the first child born there, was born over the line, in what is now Darien, Ausust, 1837. ^

The first death was Daniel E. La Bar, which occurred in July, 1839. He was buried a short distance north of the jiresent village of Delavan, between the old and new cemeteries.

On January 2, 1811, Rev. Henry Topping baptized a muuber of persons at what may be called the "first regular christening." They were Wyckum Cheesbro, Ira P. Larnard, Joseph Newcomb, Benjamin Bradway, Matthew Fuller, S. Rees La Bar, Hannah A. La Bar, Mariah H. Cheesbro, Sarah Topping, Jane Hollinshead. Caroline Cramer and Betsey A. Bartlett.

The first railroad connection was made in 1856, at which time the Racine & Mississippi Railroad was completed through the village. It is now the only railroad passing through the town.

Delavan was set off and organized as a separate town in 1838, but it seems to have beeni till 1840, only the boundaries of a voting precinct. No record of any town meeting for the election of town officers can be found prior to 1842.

At the first town meeting of the electoi's of the town of Delavan, held at the house of Israel Stowel on the 5th day of April, 1842, Ira Utter was chosen Moderator, and Benjamin F. Hart, Clerk. It was voted at this meeting that but one Assessor and but two Constables be chosen, and that one-half of 1 per cent upon the assessment be raised for a school fund for the following year; that the compensation of the Supervisors be $1 per day. A committee was appointed consisting of Thomas Topping, William Phoenix and William A. Bartlett, whose duty it should be to report a bill of fees for all the town officers not provided for by law. This committee reported as follows: " That the compensation for the services of Town Clerk for the town of Delavan be the same as the fee bill of the State of New York, except when he shall preside with any of the town officers, in which the law makes it his duty to preside, for which he shall be entitled to receive $1 for each day actually so employed. Also, that every town officer whose compensation is not prescribed by law shall be entitled to $1 per day actually employed in the duties of his office.'' It was also voted that the Treasurer receive 1 per cent for receiving moneys and 1 per cent for paying out the same.

- The first election of town officers occurred on this same date. The whole number of votes cast was fifty-six and the following-named persons were elected to their respective offices:

William A. Bartlett, Chairman; William Hollinshead and C. S. Bailey, Supervisors; S. S. Barlow, Town Clerk; J. C Chm-ch, Assessor; Jasper Griggs, Treasurer; Benjamin F. Hart, Collector (resigned and Nehemiah Barlow elected); Edward A. Hollinshead, Hiram Calkins and Edward Norris, Commissioners of Highways ; Henderson Hunt, A. B. Parsons and Hiram Calkins, School Commissioners; Israel Stowel and Albert Ogden, Constables; Thomas Topping, Sealer of Weights and Measures; M. B. Gofl", Road Supervisor; Peter Boys, Ira Utter and Isaac Burson, Fence Viewers.

1843 - Henderson Hunt, Chairman; Hiram Calkins and J. C. Cbiu'cli, Supervisors; William Hollinshead, Assessor; S. S. Barlow. Clerk; Jasper Griggs, Ti-easurer; A. Gaston, C. H. Stiirtevant and A. B. Parsons, School Commissioners; John L. Ward, Collector; Levi Gloyd and John L. Ward, Constables; William A. Bartlett, Sealer.

1844 - William Phcenix, Chairman; George Passage and Calvin B. Carington, Supervisoi's; C. Braiuard, Clerk; I. C. Church. Jasper Griggs and Joseph Bowker. Justices of the Peace; William Hollinshead, Henry Barlow and R. G. Wright, Assessors; J. E. Bradway, Edward Brainard and Samuel Jones, School Commissioners; H. Wells, Treasurer; John L. Ward, W. G. Hemour and R. G. Wright, Constables; John L. "Ward, Collector; Elida Carver. Sealer.

1845 - William Phrenix, Chairman; William Hollinshead and L-a Utter, Supervisors; C. Brainard, Clerk; J. R. Bradway, S. S. Barlow and L. H. Willis, School Commissioners; S. R. Crosby, Collector; S. R. Crosby and J. L. Ward, Constables; H. Stewart, Treasurer; Asa Glovey, Sealer.

184(5 - C. H. Stiu-tevant, Chairman; H. Mallory and George Passage, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; J. L. Ward, Collector; A. H. Taggart, Treasurer; William Phcenix, S. S. Bai-low and Jasper Griggs, Justices of the Peace; J. R. Bradway, Daniel Clough and Uriah M. Perry, School Commissioners; S. R. La Bar and William Phoenix, Assessors; J. L. Ward, John Williams and Isaac Kent, Constables; James H. Mansfield, Sealer.

1848 - Samuel Jones, Chairman; Charles S. Bailey and Willard Isham, Supervisors; Charles Smith, Clerk; C. W. Allen, S. S. Barlow and Ira Utter, Justices of the Peace; Alfred Stewart, Treasurer; E. H. M. Bailey, Joseph R. Bradway and A. B. Parsons, School Commissioners; William A. Bartlett, Isaac Burson and K. G. Wright, Assessors; P. S. Carver, L. G. Calkins and John Dalton, Jr., Constables; P. S. Carver, Collector; James H. Mansfield, Sealer.

1849 - Henry Mallory, Chairman; K. G. Wright and Asa Congdon, Supervisors; Samuel C. Kelsey, Clerk; William C. Allen. S. S. Barlow and William Hollinshead, Justices of the Peace; William Pierce, William A. Bartlett and Asa Congdon, Assessors; Willard Isham, Treasiu-er; Thomas Liddle, L. G. Calkins and L. H. Willis, Constables; Joseph R. Bradway, School Sujierintendent.

1851 - S. S. Barlow, Chairman; James Aram, K. G. Wright, Supervisors; Hugh Bradt, Clerk; William W. Clark, Treasiu-er: J. R. Bradway School Superintendent; A. S. Spooner, L. H. Willis, Justices of the Peace; A. H. Taggart, William Pierce, William Hollinshead, Assessors; C. P. Calkins, S. S. Babcock, Sanford Jones, Constables.

1853 - A. H. Taggart, Chairman; Daniel Clark, S. W. Barlow. Supervisors; E. H. M. Bailey, Clerk; S. S. Babcock, Treasurer: Charles S. Stiu-tevant, William Hollinshead, L. P. Bailey, Assessors; J. V. Bradway, School Superintendent; A. S. Spooner, Henry Mallory, Justices of the Peace; Nicholas Thorn. Sanford Jones, Charles Smith, Constables.

E. Griffin, Justices of the Peace; E. H. Chandler, S. L. Rice, H. G. Hollister, Assessors; C. Y. Fitzer, Lewis Harris, C. AVoodford, Constables.

1863^James Aram, Chairman; E. Latimer, Henry Mallory, Supervisors; Charles E. Griffin, Clerk; J. F. Latimer, Treasurer: George Cotten, H. G. Hollister, James M. Gaskill, Assessors. (No records of the remaining officers of this yeai- can be found.)

1878 - James Aram, Chairman; H. G. Hollister, L. P. Bailey, Supervisors (INIi-. Bailey died March 9, 1874, and Henry Barlow was appointed to till the vacancy); L P. Larnard, Clerk; N. A. Keeler, Treasurer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; S. W. Menzie, C. D. Woodford, Justices of the Peace; B. Bassler, Austin Woodford, F. Donaghue, Constables.

1874 - James Aram, Chairman; William Hollinshead, M. L. Hollister, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; F. A. Smith, Treasiirer; S. R. La Bar, Assessor; A. S. Spooner, Mark Mc- Graw, Justices of the Peace; B. Bassler, Austin Woodford, T. Q. Low, Constables.

1876 - H. G. Hollister, Chairman; W. S. Howe, S. V. Barlow, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; William B. Miinsell, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; A. Bennett, A. S. Spooner, Justices of the Peace; Benjamin Bassler, W. C. Van Velzer, John Briggs, J. S. Devendorf, Constables.

1878 - H. G. Hollister, Chairman; William Bedford, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors (William Bedford moved away, and J. S. McDougal appointed in his place October 8); I. P. Larnai-d, Clerk; W. H. Nichols, Treasm-er; R. H. Bristol. Assessor; S. W. Menzie. A. Bennett, Justices of the Peace; H. Dalton. W. C. Van Velzer, B. Bassler, Constables.

1879 - H. G. Hollister. Chairman; J. S. McDougal. A. H. Allyn, Supei-visors; L P. Larnard, Clerk; I. Y. Fitzer, Treasm-er; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; T. F. Williams, A. Van Dyke, Justices of the Peace; Henry Dalton, E. Edwards, James Devone, Constables.

1880 - H. G. Hollister, Chairman; John McDougal, A. H. Allyn, Siipei-visors ; L P. Lai-- nard. Clerk; L Y. Fitzer, Treasurer; R. H. Bristol, Assessor; S. W. Menzie, A. S. Spooner, Justices of the Peace; Albert Hollister, Even Edwards, W. C. Van Velzer. Constables.

1881 - H. G. Hollister, Chairman; J. S. McDougal, A. H. Allyn, Supervisors; I. P. Larnard, Clerk; G. H. Briggs. Treasurer: R. H. Bristol, Assessor; A. Van Dyke, T. F. Williams, Justices of the Peace: W. C. Van Velzer, Ora Williams, Even Edwards, Constables.

Delavan Village

The village had its birth nearly cotemporaneously with the town. Its past life has already been shown in the accoimt of the settlement of Mr. Phoenix and the building of the mill on Turtle Creek. The village itself grew as a trade center for the sm-rounding country from the time Mr. Phcenix first made his claim.

In January, 1846. the village contained six blachsmiths, two wheelwrights, two saddle and harness-makers, one sash-maker, nine carpenters and joiners, one fanuing-mill shop, two painters, two cabinet-makers, nine boot and shoe makers, two tailors, three physicians, five lawyers, two land surveyors, six dry-goods stores, two groceries, one tavern, one plow factory, five ministers of the Gospel - one Baptist, two Presbyterian, one Methodist, one Episcopalian - forty-three dwelling houses, sixty-three families and 400 people; one common and one select school, two temperance societies, of which three-fourths of the adults in town were members.

History Of Walworth Couktt

in the act of incorporation were: The whole of Section 18, the west half of Section 17, the northwest quarter of Section 20 and the north half of Section 19, Township No. 2 north, of Kange 6 east, being one and a half miles square. The first charter was obtained during the session of the Legislature in the winter of 1857-58. This charter was amended March 25, 1867, and again March 6, 1868, and, in 1880, a charter under the general laws of the Stftte was obtained. The village was first laid out in 1841 by S. F. and Henry Phoenix, Edward Norris doing the surveying. Additions have since been made by Ann Phoenix, in 1846; T. K. Phoenix, in 1852; Passage, Ai-am and Downie, consisting of 134 acres, in 1854; L. E. Downie, in 1856, and J. B. Devendorf, in 1858. It is situated in the best portion of the county, which, as a county, is only second for the value and variety of its agricultiu-al products and first in the State for the amount of its products, proportionate to its area. The first house in the village, as before stated, was built by S. F .Phoenix near the southeast corner of Block 15, in Terrace street. Among the first improvements of the village was a flouring-mill, which will be spoken of hereafter; a church, built by the Baptists, near the present one, on Block 16, in 1841, the first in the village; a hotel, built by Israel Stowel, on Block 9, in 1839, also the first in the village, together with many others.

The tii'st physician was Henderson Hunt, who settled in 1841, while S. S. Barlow, afterward Attorney General of the State, attended to all legal questions to the entire satisfaction of the one side and utter disgust of the other in every suit at law.

The first substantial brick building was built in 1842 by A. H. Taggart and George Passage, in which they opened a $4,000 stock of goods, consisting of a general assortment. This building is now standing where it was built, on Lot 11, Block 14, and is used as a dwelling house.

The fir.st blacksmith was AlonzoMcGraw, who built a shop and commenced business in 1840. This shop was two stories high, the upper story being used for some time for a church and schoolroom. It is now standing and used for a barn and storehouse.

The first merchants of the village were the Phoenix Bros., Thomas Tojsping, Hezekiah Wells, Caleb Croswell, George Passage, A. H. Taggart, N. M. Harrington and J. D. Monell, the first store being opened by the Phoenix Bros, and the second by Thomas Topping.

The first banking and exchange office was opened by N. M. Harrington in the spring of 1853. This was the tu'st in the county, as well as in the village.

Less than forty-five years ago, the voice of civilization, culture, education and refinement could not be heard where now are busy streets, bounded with neat places of business, art and progress on either side. The beautiful elevations where then the untutored savage walked with princely mien, clad in native simplicity, caring for naught but present physical want, are now locations of churches, school and houses of refinement. The Indian trail has given place to the iron rail that bears to our seaboards the product of industiy and toil, and the wild screech of the juvenile savage is succeeded by the merry song of the school-boy. Forty years ago, the pride of the then new town consisted in a grist-mill, a hotel of a small degree, one or two stores, a blacksmith-shop and perhaps a dozen dwellings, accommodating not over a hundred souls. Now she boasts of improved walks, streets and residences; of an execellnt and popular mill; of a cheese factory; of the celebrated " Piunp and Wind-Mill Works; " of the Deaf and Dumb Asyhun, and of numerous other works of manufactiu-e and enterprise, that have done so much in adding to the gi-owth and jirosperity of the village. A two-story schoolhouse and five churches are proof that the people have not been asleep as to the wants of educational or spiritual improvement, and the civic and social relations among the inhabitants are eminently harmonious. Two good hotels now fiu-nish accommodations to strangers and the traveling public, and Delavan, with its creek and lake inducements to the sporting man has become a desirable locality to recuperate the overgrown energies of sedentary life.

Village Dieectoky

Delavan is now represented by the following business and professional men: Agricultural Implements - D. McLean, C. S. Babcock, Bowers & Parish. Attorneys at Law - R. R. Menzie, S. W. Menzie, A. S. Spooner, A. Bennett. Bakers - T. Downs, P. Fleming.'

Cohporate Village History

The lii'st election of village officers under the charter was held April 29, 1850, at Monell's Hall. L. E. Downie, J. D. Monell, Jr.. and N. L. Gaston were appointed as Judges of the Election, with James Lewis and C. M. Gregory as Clerks. The whole number of votes cast was 202. Two sets of candidates were voted for, except E. F. Mabie, T. D. Thomas and N. Thorne, whose names were on both tickets. Charles Smith was on one ticket for Treasvu'er and on the other for Assessor. The result of this election, as well as all succeeding annual elections, was as follows:

April 15, 1879, a special election was held, at which time the question, whether the village of Delavan should continue to exist under the special act of the Legislature incorporating the same, or will, be re- incorporated under the general laws of the State, in accordance with Chapter 140 of the revised statutes of 1878. The question was carried in favor of re-incorporation by a vote of 132 to 28.

1881 - H. G. Hollister, President; John Utter, F. A. Winn, Fred Fishman, C. C. Blanchard, John B. Delaney, A. J. Woodbury, Ti-ustees; A. H. Kendrick, Clerk; G. H. Briggs, TreasiU'er; .Tames Ai-am. Supervisor; Chauncey L. Sage, Marslial; C. H. Sturtevant, Police Justice; J. M. Gaskill, Justice of the Peace; J. M. Fitzer, Constable.

The first journal of the Board of Trustees was piu-chased of C. M. McKee for the sivm of $3. The by-laws were adopted at a meeting of the board June 2, 1858. The room where James Lewis theu kept his office was used by the first Board of Trustees, they jiaying one-half rent. The pm'chase of furniture for this room consisted of eight chairs at " 15 shillings and a sixpence," and a table for $6. The fii'st license granted by the board was on May 16, 1856, for the exhibition of Langrishe & Co. 's theater - fee, 15. The second license was granted June 2, 1856, to James L. Perry to set up and use a "Merry-go-round," for one day only - fee, $2. The first committees appointed by the President of the board were as follow: On Finance- - James Ai-am, T. D. Thomas, Willard Isham; on Judiciary-William C. Allen, J. D. Monell, Jr., Willard Isham; on Folios - William C. Allen, James Aram, Willard Isham; on Fire Department - E. F. Mabie, T. D. Thomas, James Aram; on Printing - J. D. Mondl, Jr., W. C. Allen, E. P. Mabie; on Licenses - Willard Isham, J. D. Monell, Jr., E. F. Mabie; on Streets and Alleys - T. D. Thomas, James Aram, J. D. Monell, Jr.

Post Office

As stated, the post office was first established in 1837, and William Phoenix appointed Postmaster. He held the office until 1845, when he was succeeded by Cyrus Brainard. He held the office but one year, being succeeded by W. C. Allen in 1846. Mr. Brainard was re- appointed in 1847. and remained in possession until 1849. when Norman L. Gaston was appointed. Mr. Gaston held the office until 1853, when N. M. Han-ington was commissioned. He. however, resigned the following year, after having gi-eatly increased the mail facilities. He was succeeded by George Cotton, who held the office for a short time only, being succeeded by J. H. Mansfield, "and he in turn by Charles Smith. Mr. Smith was in possession of the office until 1870, when Martin Mulville, the present Postmaster, was commissioned. Mi-. Mul ville discharges the duties of Postmaster in a manner to win the praise of the patrons of the office.

The situation of Delavan, its water-power and access to the markets of the countiy, make it a good manufacturing point, which at present is only partly developed. The first manufactory of importance was the Phcenis Mills, which were erected by the Phcenix brothers in 1839. The building was 30x50 feet, two stories high, with two run of stone. Caleb Croswell purchased them subsequently, and, after operating them for sometime, they were purchased by his brother, Edwin Croswell, who in tm-n disposed of them to E. F. Mabie. In 1S53, Mi-. Mabie built a new mill. The old one was squared around with the street, and the new one built against it, putting them both under the same roof, since which time the old mill has been used as a storeroom for grain and gi-ists. Mr. Mabie also put in three run of stone. Amos Phelps purchased the mills in 1869 for 130,000. and they ai-e now known as the Phelps Mills. Mr. Phelps has made various improvements to the amount of $4,000, among which is the addition of one run of stone. The mill is three and a half stories high, with a basement. In the basement is the cockle separator and the water-wheels, two in number; the fii-st floor is the grinding floor; on the second floor, are the purifyers and bolts, and on the third floor are bolts, smutter, separator and dust-room. It has a capacity of 100 baiTels per day, and about one- fourth of the flour manufactured is merchant flom-, while the remainder is custom work.

The Pump and Wind-Mill Manufactory was built in 1861 by Trumbull D. Thomas. Mr. Thomas manufactured 5,000 wooden pumps per year, besides doing a general planing and repairing business. He was succeeded by Wood & McGregory, and in 1865 by T>. S. Wood and P. M. Gormley, the firm becoming " Wood & Gormley." They enlai-ged the factory and increased the capacity of the works, continuing together for a few years, when Mr. Gormley purchased Mr. Wood's interest. In 1867, Mr, Gormley admitted A. D. Thomas as a partner under the firm name of P. M. Gormley & Co. They further increased the capacity of the works, and continued the business together until 1871, when J. J. Watson was admitted as a partner, and the firm name became Gormley, Watson & Co. At this time, they commenced the manufactm-e of iron pumps and the U. S. Star Wind-Mill, and added a foundry and machineshop. The works were continued under this management imtil 1873, when A. H. Barnes was admitted as a partner, the firm's name remaining unchanged. In 1878, Mr. Watson withdi-ew from the firm, and, in 1879. Mi-. Gormley died, since which time the business has been conducted under a lease by O. G. Stowell under the fu-m name of O. G. Stowell & Co. The factory is situated ia the southeastern part of the village, near the depot, and has a capacity of 15,000 pumps and 1,800 wind-mills per year. The fouudi-y and machine-shop are built of brick, the remainder being of frame. Thirty-five hands are steadily employed. The motive power consists of a sixty horse-power engine. The product of the factory is shipjied to all parts of the United States, but more particularly throughout Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.

A cheese factory was built in 1873 by a Mr. Logan, who operated it for a few yeai-s and sold out to D. G. Cheever. In January, 1881, it was pm-chased by J. M. Weeks. The factory is of frame, 24x50 feet, and two stories high, and represents an investment of $2,000. It consumes the milk of about 300 cows. In August, 1881, Mr. Weeks manufactured 15,877 pounds of cheese, consuming lOi pounds of milk in the making of a pound of cheese. This cheese is sold mostly at the factory to Eastern merchants. Besides the manufactm-e of cheese, about sixty pounds of butter per day are made during the fall.

Cigar Manufactory, No. 725, was established in 1878 by the Van Velzer Brothers. They employ five men and manufacture yearly 125,000 cigars, which are shipped to various points throughout the surrounding country. Their favorite brands are the "'Cash," "La Excelleneia" and " La Pluma."

In 1875, N. W. Hoag erected a two-story frame elevator, in size 24x136 feet. It was first operated by horse-power, but the business increased to such an e.^tent that a fifteen hoi'se-power engine was added in lS7<i. Mr. H(jag ships about 500,000 bushels of grain per year.

Delavan Cornet Band. -June 2, 1868, a meeting was held at the room of K. N. Hollister for the purpose of organizing a brass band. K. N. Hollister was made Chairman of this meeting and D. B. Barnes, Secretary. The organization was effected with the following members: K. N. Hollister, E. S. Patterson, Joseph Hall, D. B. Barnes, F. A. Winn, E. Thomas, R. Will- iams ard H. Clark. The officers elected were K. N. Hollister. President; D. B. Barnes, Secretary; E. S. Patterson, Treasurer; Joseph Hall, leader. Instruments were soon afterward pxirchased by the band at a cost of about $350. Their advancement in musical skill and science was so great that they soon had the reputation of being one of the best in this part of the State, and their services were generally in request on public occasions. This organization existed until 1876, when it was abandoned. April '28, 1880, the band was re-organized by the election of F. Burrows as President; F. Hemenway, Secretary; W. C "Van Velzor, Treasurer, and E. Baluff, leader. F. A. Winn was soon afterward elected leader in place of Mi\ Baluff, who moved from the village. This organization has purchased an entire new set of instruments at a cost of about $300. The j^resent members are: F. A. Winn, Fred Burrows, Howard Williams,

E. F. Williams. Charles Crary, George Briggs, Charles Shultz, George Camp, Charles Briggs, James Parsons, R. Laughlin, Ed Leech and G. L. Collie. The officers are: F. A. Winn, leader; Fred Burrows, President; Howard Williams, Secretary; E. F. Williams, Treasiu-er.

Fire Department. - In July, 1876, a mass meeting was held in "Maple Grove Pai'k, " at which time the subject of the organization of a fire department was discussed. A committee was appointed to await upon the Board of Trustees and request them to piu-chase fire apparatus, etc. They subsequently purchased a Babcock fire-extinguisher, together with 300 feet of hose, for $2,200. Delavan Company. No. 1, was duly organized Jiily 8, 1870, by the election of D. B. Barnes, Foreman; A. W. Pierce, First Assistant Foreman: G. F. Hemenway, Second Assistant Foreman; D. T. Gifibrd, Engineer; N. O. Francisco, Assistant Engineer; H. Gorman, Captain of hose; G. H. Stnrtevant, First Assistant Captain of hose: W. H. Decker, Second Assistant Captain of hose; C. J. Walton, Secretary; L. H. Nichols, Treasurer. At the election of officers in 1877, D. B. Barnes was elected as Foreman; L. H. Nichols, First Assistant Foreman; J. E. Menzie, Second Assistant Foreman; C. J. Walton, Secretary; W. B. Munsell, Treasurer. At the election of officers in 1878, F. A. Smith was elected as Foreman; L. H. Nichols, First Assistant; S. W. Menzie, Secretary; W. B. Munsell, Treasurer. At the election in 1879, S. W. Menzie was elected as Foreman; J. Davidson, First Assistant Foreman; L. H. Nichols, Second Assistant Foreman; J. Devendorf, Secretary; J. B. Bossi, Treasurer. In October, 1879, Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, was organized with L. H. Nichols, Foreman; W. H. Decker, First Assistant Foreman: M. Yedder, Second Assistant Foreman; J. E. Mosher, Secretai-y; C. A. Sage, Treasurer. The Board of Trustees had made, at a Cost of $300, a hook and ladder truck, which is now equipped with 142 feet of ladder, hose reel, buckets, etc. At the election of officers for Delavan Company, No. 1, in 1880, C. J. Walton was elected Foreman; F. A. Winn, First Assistant Foreman; C. T. Isham, Second Assistant Foreman; E. Madden, Jr., Secretary; J. B. Bossi, Treasurer. The officers of Pioneer Company, No. 2, for 1879, were re-elected in 1880. The jiresent officers of Delavan Company, No. 1, are F. A. Smith, Foreman: F. A. Winn, First Assistant Foreman; J. R. Williams, Second Assistant Foreman; E. Madden, Jr., Secretai-y; J. B. Bossi, Treasiu-er. The present officers of Pioneer, No. 2, are M Vedder, Foreman; Will Blanchard, First Assistant Foreman; F. C. Van Velzer, Second Assistant Foreman; F. ^\ . Hoag, Troasm-er; Bei-t Webster, Secretary. The first fire that occurred after the fire department was organized was a large barn belonging to H. B. Worth, which was struck by lightning and entirely consumed at a loss of $400. The second fire was a dwelling house belonging to the same person, which occuired in April, 1878. This, however, was extinguished. The loss was $150. The third was at the elevator of N. W. Hohg, in September, 1878, which was extinguished with but a small loss. Soon after this occurred the company received the following notice:

Dear .Sir - Will you please accept a small coutribulioii (.f 10) lierewith inclosed, for the beuetit of your company, as a matter of gratitude for the jM-ompt maimer in whicli the company respon<led to the call on the alarm of fire at the new elevator, running,' half a mile, from the engine house to the elevator, iu just three and a half minutes from the first tap of the gong.

At the same time, N. W. Hoag pre39nted the company with an elegant brass trumpet, on which is neatly engraved the date of the fu-e. The next fire that occurred was the residence of George Leach, in January, 1879, which was also extinguished, the loss amounting to about

$100. The next and the last fire was the Deaf and Dumb Asyhim, in September, 1879, the building bsing entirely consumed, at a loss of nearly $40,000. In May, 1880, the office of Fire Marshal was established. S. W. Menzie was elected to t'aat office and re-elected in 1881.

Delavun Tempi- raiiri> Sorii'tij. - Probably the tirst temperance organization in Wisconsin. " At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Delavan, convened at the house of Milo Kelsey, on the 29th of December, 1S38, for the purpose of forming a temperance association, a preamble and constitution was adopted. The following officers were elected: Solomon Thomas, President; Charles S. Bailey, Vice President; C. Braiuard, Secretary." The first twenty-four names of members recorded are: Ichabod Brainard, C. S. Bailey, Edwin Brainard, A. B. Parsons, W. A. Bartlett, E. Gr. Warner, Samuel F. Phcenix, Daniel Gates, Franklin K. Phcenix, Milo Kelsey, Oscar M itteson, Henry Phcsnix, Susan H. Phrenix, Ann Phcenix, Hannah Older, Mary A. PhiBiiix, Mary C. Phoenix, Mary A. Bartlett, Caroline B. Foster, Mary Bruce, Amanda Lippert, Batsey Thomas, Jane Pepper, Sarah A. Phoenix. A list of 305 members is given on the records up to January 1, 1813, without dates of admission. From that date, January, 1843, to December, 1847, 24() additional members are recorded. The tirst move to unite temperance and politics was made at a meeting of the society at Milo Kesley's house, held March 30, 1839. On motion of Edward Norris, the following resolution was adopted:

Resvli-ed. Thai tht- friends of Temperance and lovers of philanthropy .should, regardless of party politics or sectional interest, as they go to the polls, cast their votes for Temperance men instead of others, other things being equal.

Probably the tirst move toward prohibition in the Territory of Wisconsin was made at a meeting held" February 12, 1840, at the house of Alonzo E. Grows. Meeting opened by prayer. The following resolution was offered by E. Norris and adopted:

Whereas, Believing the present law of this Territory licensing the retail trafBe in alcoholic drinks as a beverage to he immoral in its tendency and destructive in its influences, not only upon our political and moral but upon our social institutions, therefore

Resohed, That this Society recommends the Territorial Temperance Society to take measures at or previous to the next session of the Legislature of this Territory, to secure not only the repeal of the law above named, but the passnge of n law prohihiting the retail trafQi- in alcoholic drinks as a beverage in thi^ Territory.

May 2, 1844, a resolution was adopted prohibiting members of the society from stopping at a tavern where intoxicating drinks are sold, when any temperance house is accessible.

July 38. 1847. - The society met agreeable to public notice. Opened by prayer; a song by S. R. La Bar. The meeting then listened to an address by S. S. Barlow. Esq. Song by A. H. Parsons. Edward Norris appointed speaker for the next meeting. Then adjourned.

Of those mentioned at this meeting. La Bar and Parsons only are living. Mr. Parsons is authority for the statement that that was the end of the society as an organiziition. Others succeeded it, of which we have no account.

The Delavan Clirisiian Temperance Union was organized November 2(3, 1881. Silas W. Menzie, President; E. W. Conable, F. D. Goodi-ich and James Parsons, Vice Presidents; H. L. Clark, Secretary; Miss D. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary; Miss Libbie De Wolf, Treasurer. Membership, January 23, 1882, 850. This organization is doing a grand work and prospering beyond all ex])ectations.

The Walworth Cotmty Bank was established in about 1850, with W. C. Allen, President, and W. H. Dinsmore, Cashier. This continued to flourish, doing a heavy banking business until 1865, when it was succeeded by the National Bank of Delavan, which was incorporated June 9 of that \ear. The incorporators were W^ Aug Ray, Anson H. Barnes. Sarah P. Kelsey, W. C. Allen. D. B. Bai-nes, Milo Bell, A. D. Thomas, L. Pitkin, James A. Bell, Otho Bell, Henry M. Ray, Ebenezer Latimer, Ii-a Ford, J. Mabie, Charles T. Smith, Salmon Thomas and

W. W. Stiirtevant. Its first President was Otho Bell, with W. Aug Ray as Cashier. The amount of capital stock was $50,000. Mr. Bell was succeeded as President by Charles T. Smith and he in turn by E. Latimer. The bank continued to exist until January 8, 1880; oppressive taxation, gradual decline on Govermnont bonds, expense iittending the redemption of circulition, etc., being the principal reasons for its closing. It was succeeded by the banking house of E. Latimer & Co., this organization being an unlimited partnership. The parties at its organization were E. Latimer, F. L. Von Suessmilch and A. H. Kendrick. March 16, 1881, N. M. Harrington, James Aram and J. J. Johnson were admitted as equal pai-tners, increasing the responsibility of the firm to over $300,000- -an amount not equaled by any banking institution in the county, and making it one of the strongest banking institutions in the State, and for this reason, viz., that each and every partner is individually r&sponsible to every depositor, and that such responsibility is not limited to an assessment simply, as is the case in all national. State and stock banks. In other words, every depositor in this banking institution has the same eeciu-ity for his money that he would have had he a promissory note signed jointly by its six partners. The President of this bank is E. Latimer, with A. H. Kendrick, Cashier.

The Citizens' Bank of Delavan was organized early in the year 1875, by a number of the leading citizens and capitalists of Delavan and siuTounding towns. Prominent among the constituent stockholders of this bank were Edgar Topping, Otho Bell and Hon. Willard Isham, all since deceased. Others were S. R. La Bar, C. H. Stm-tevant, A. T. Parish, Frank Leland, James H. Camp, J. H. Goodrich, of Delavan, with John De Wolf and Charles S. Teeple, of Darien; T. P. James, of Richmond; H. G. Reiehwald, of Janesville, and others. These are all stockholders at the present time. The bank was legally organized February 24, 1875, and commenced business in the building it now occupies March 11 of the same year. Its first President was Hon. Frank Leland, who served the bank efficiently three years, when he resigned to accept the appointment of United States Consul at Hamilton, Canada. On the retirement of Mr. Leland, the stockholders elected Hon. George Cotton to the vacant presidency, which position he has since and still fills with honor and efficiency. T. P. James, of Richmond, is Vice President; Charles B. Tallman was elected Cashier at the first meeting of the stockholders and has been unanimously re-elected at each successive election. Mi-. Tallman has given to the bank the best energies of a young but well-disciplined business man. The bank was organized by and under the statutes of Wisconsin, and is what is known as a "State Bank," making semi-annual reports to the State authorities. It took a leading position at once in the community upon its organization, and its business has steadily increased until now there are but few banks in the State outside of the large cities that do the volume of business done by this bank. It is managed uj)on the most conservative principles, never speculating or investing its funds in speculative paper. It is chartered to February 24, A. D. 1900.

The Andrus House was built by F. K. Phcenix in 1847-48. It is a brick three-story building, in size, 40x00, and represents a valuation of $7,000. Its first landlord was a Mr. Hoyt. Mrs. Samuel Phoenix became the ]iossessor of the house in 1850 and still owns it. E. Andrus has been its proprietor since 1867.

The Delavan House was built in 1850 by Horace Duyree. Its first landlord was Ward Mallory. Mi-. Dup-ee sold the projierty to Alfred Mott in 1852, and he in turn to C. W. Phillips, who disposed of it to Strowe Brothers. Its present jiroprietor is Ed Strowe The hotel is frame, 30x55, and three stories high, representing an investment of $H,000.

Wisconsin Dental College

This college was incorporated July 17, 1880, under the general law of Wisconsin, for the purpose of teaching all the branches belonging to dentistry proper, with the following faculty: D. B. Devendorf , M. D., Professor of Dental Anatomy; John Morrison, D. D. L., Demonstrator of Operative Dentistry; George Morrison, D. D. L., Demonstrator of Mechanical Dentistry. Notwithstanding this college having met with some opposition, owing to the fact that it makes merit the qualification for graduation regardless of the number of terms spent at the college, is at the present time in a prosperous condition, and holding its third term with students from many States in the Union.

The Wisconsin institution for the education of the deaf and dumb is located in the northwestern part of the villacre of Delavan, and the beauty and desirability of its location can hardly be surpassed. This institution is educating that portion of the children and youth of the State, who, on account of deafness, cannot be educated in the public schools. The school is divided into primary, intermediate and academic departments, in addition to which a department of articulation is in siaccessful operation under the management of experienced teachers. Instruction is given by signs, by written language and by articulation. In the primary dejjartment, fewbooks are used, slates, crayons, pictvu'es and other illustrative apparatus being the means employed. In the intermediate department, the books used are prepared especially for the deaf and dumb; more advanced pupils study the text-books used in our common schools. The school gives instruction in the different branches of natural science, in mathematics, and a continuous seven years' drill in language and composition. The instruction is direct, personal and practical. Four trades are also taught - cabinet-making, shoemaking. baking and printing. The cabinet-shop was opened in March, 1860; the shoe-shoi) commenced business in 1867 and the printing office was established in 1878. A weekly paper, the Wisconsin Deaf Mute Times, is now printed by the pupils. In October, 1881, a new Prouty jirinting press was added to the printing office. While the pecuniary profit derived from them ought not to be a test of their worth, which consists chiefly in fitting boys and girls for earning an independent livelihood, yet these shops are nearly self-sustaining. The law pi-ovides that all deaf and dumb residents of the State, of the age of ten years and under twenty-five years, of suitable age and capacity to receive instruction, shall be received and taught free of charge for board and tuition, but parents and guardians are expected to furnish clothing and pay the traveling expenses. The whole number of deaf and dumb of the State, according to the census of 1875, numbers 720, about one-third of whom are of proper age to receive instruction. This institution was organized in 1852, at which time but three of that unfortunate class for whom it was designed, received its benefits, and from that small beginning, it has gradually but steadily increased until now it dispenses its untold blessings to neai-ly two hundi-ed persons, who, without its beneficent aid, would still be groveling in the lowest depths of ignorance - unfit for citizens or companions - a heavy charge on their parents or depending on the chai'ities of the public for a common subsistence. By the aid and benefits imparted to their otherwise dark and benighted understandings, the dumb are taught to speak and fitted to discharge the duties incumbent on them as citizens, to pursue honorable vocations ; to be obedient to the government under which they live, and to discharge all the duties required of those who are blessed with all the full developments, of all the mental and physical faculties. To teach the dumb the use of language, the blind to see and restore reason to the insane, are objects that should enlist the most serious attention of the benevolent, the wise and the good. No state or philanthropist can bestow charities for a more laudable pm-pose than in contributing to the elevation of these unfortunate classes.

The idea of a school for deaf mutes was first advanced in Walworth County by Mrs. Mary Lee, wife of Nelson Lee and daughter of Ebenezer Cheesbro. Having a sister who was a deaf mute, and, having informed herself as to the law in regard to establishing such an institution, she circulated a petition in favor of raising a sufficient sum of money to organize such a scho')l. She first circulated the paper in Elkhorn, with a view to starting the school in that place, Init met "with very little encouragement. Next, she tried Delavan, with worse success. Finally, her father, Ebenezer Cheesbro, offered to furnish a room and bear the expense himself. Mias Isabella Cheesbro, a sister of Mrs. Lee, took an active part in the enterprise. She secured several scholars from that unfortunate class for whom the school was to be founded, hired the first teacher, Mr. John A. Mills, a deaf mute, whose compensation was fixed at $10 a month and board, and the school was opened at Mi-. Cheesbro's house in the town of Darien. The school was kept at Mr. Cheesbro's four months, solely at Mr. Cheesbro's expense, when, on account of the noise made by the scholars, which was very annoying to Mrs. Cheesbro. the school was moved to a room in Delavan.

At Mr. Cheesbro's request, Hon. C. M. Baker drew up for him a petition to the Legislature, then in session, for a law founding an institute for the education of the deaf and dumb at or near the village of Delavan. Mr. Cheesbro procured signatures to this petition and was active in obtaining the passage of the act for that piu'pose. which became a law in the following April. This was the origin of the movement which resulted in founding that institution so creditable to the State, and whose buildings are so ornamental to the beautiful locality they adorn. The land first occupied by the institution was donated by F. K. Phoenix, one of its first trustees, and comprised eleven and forty-six one hunthredths acres, and these boundaries were subsequently enlarged by the pui-chasing of twenty-two acres more, of E. B. Gates, for $2,000, making in all a little over thirty-three acres, which are well situated for the wants of the institution, affording adequate pasture and water and playgrounds for the pupils.

The board was organized in June, 1852, at which time the following ofificers were chosen: W. Hunt, President; Wyman Spooner, Treasm-er; F. K. Phoenix, Secretary; J. R. Bradway, Principal. Subsequently, Wyman Spooner tendered his resignation and A. H. Taggai't was chosen instead, and Rev. Lucius Foot in place of J. R. Bradway, also resigned. The first Trustees were as follows: Wyman Spooner. E. Cheesbro and W. C. Allen for one year; C. G. Williams, J. A. Maxwell and H. Hunt for two yeai-s; J. C. Mills, P. W. Lake and F. K. Phoenix for three years. At the time of the organization of the board, measiu'es were taken to open the school, and, in July, it was commenced. An api^ropriation of $1,000 a year for three years having been made for the construction of a building, a building committee was appointed who reported a series of plans and speciticatious, prepared by S. C Kelsey, architect ofDelavan, which were adopted by the board and approved by the Governor. According to this, the contract was let to Thomas Bolles, and a building of brick, 34x44, and two stories high, besides the attic and basement, was constructed at a cost of $2,981.25. This building had accommodations for thirtyfive pupils, and formed but part of the whole design which was afterward perfected with great care and at a considerable expense. The building, when perfected, was live stories high, 56x60, including basement and attic. It was finished, in 1857, at a cost of $30,000. It stood in tasteful elegance upon a sightly elevation, attracting the eye of the traveler for miles around, inside of which there existed an air of homelike comfort. Among the other improvements made dm'ing that year was the construction of a work-shop, 24x48, two stories in height, at a cost of $1,500, togetlaer with a large barn. A terrible calamity befell the institutioQ, in 1879, in the shape of a fire, which entirely consiuned the entire building. A little after 8 o'clock on the morning of the 16 of September, the alarm of fu'e was given. It was found to be well stai'ted under the roof of the main building, near the head of the spiral staircase and at the base of the dome, where there was an excess of combustible material and draft, and beyond the reach of any means of extinguishing it. In a few minutes, the whole upper part of the main building was in flames. The wind, fi-om the southwest, can-ied the lire at once to the east wing, and it was evident that that pai-t of the building could not be saved. For some time strenuous efforts were made to prevent the fire from spreading to the west wing and laundry building on the north; but the unprotected connections made passages for the flames which all means were insufficient to check. In two hours, the whole building was in ruins. Fortunately, none of the scholars were injured. The school was immediately removed to the Methodist Chiirch, but was taught there for a few days only, whan it was again removed to the shops, etc., on the grounds which were temporarily arranged for that purpose.

New buildings - foirr in number - have since been constructed. They are constructed of brick, sm-mountiug solid stone foundations. Their dimensions are as follows: Main building, 50x100; chapel, 45x75; dining-hall. 45x75, with seating capacity of 250 persons. The school building is 66x122, and is supplied with water and heated by steam. There are eight schoolrooms on each floor, which are pleasant, light and airy. These buildings represent an investment of $64,000, in addition to which $5,0(X> has been invested in boilers and steam heating apparatus. The contract was let on the 4th day of May, 1880, to O. F. Nowland, of Janesville, and completed as contracted, January 3, 1881. E. F. Mix, of Milwaukee, was the architect.

The total amount of money paid from the State treasury for buildings and cm-rent expenses of this institution since is was established is $757,848.18. The appropriation, for 1880, including the amount received from counties, was $114,000.

1865 - Hollis Latham, G. D. Long, A. H Barnes, N. M. Harrington. Salmon Thomas, W. C Allen, Willard Isham, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, Trustees; officers same as 1868-64.

1871 - Hollis Latham, C. D. Long. A. H. Barnes, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood, Trustees; A. H. Barnes. President; C. D. Long, Secretary; A D. Thomas, Treasm-er.

1873 - Hollis Latham, James Ai-am, A. L. Chapin, H. L. Blood. Edward D. Holton, Trustees; A. L. Chapin. President; George L. Weed, Secretary; A. D. Thomas. Treasurer.

By an act of the Legislature in April, 1881, the Board of Trustees was abolished, and a Board of Supervisors was established, having supervision over all charitable and penal institu- tions of the State. This board at present consists of George W. Burchard, President; Charles Luling, James Bintlifl", C. D. Parker and L. A. Proctor, Supervisors.

The present officers, teachers and employes are: John W. Swiler, Superintendent; R. A. Steward; Julia A. Taylor, Matron; Edgar A. Fiske. Supervisor of Boys; Euth Stiu-tevant, Supervisor of Girls; W. A. Cochrane, George F. Schilling, Zachariah McCoy, Eleanor McCoy, Emily Eddy, Mary E. Smith, Rosetta C. Ritsher and Mary H. Hunter, Teachers; E. Young, Foreman of the Cabinet-Shop; R. S. Miner, Foreman of the Shoe-Shop; N. E. Derby, Foreman of the Printing OflSce; John Rouk, EngineeT; George Fiske, Assistant Engineer.

Congregational Church society was organized on the 31st of July, 1841. It had at that time ten members, who had letters from other churches. On the 1st of August of the same year, the church became connected with the Congregational and Presliyterian convention, which connection is still continued. In 1844, a house of worship was erected on the central lot of Block 13, on Birney street, and fronting the public park on the north side. The pulpit and permanent seats were not put in until 1848. This was a frame building, and cost $1,000. It contained fortysix pews and afforded seats for nearly two hundred jiersons. It is now a part of the pmup factory buildings. In the spring of 1855, measures were adopted to erect a new church building, the old one being too small to accommodate the congregation. Work was begun on this building during the ensuing summer. It was dedicated to the worship of God on the 7th day of February, 1856. This is the building now used as a place of worship. It is built of brick, 42x70, and has a seating capacity of 450 persons. Its original cost was $5,000, but the interior has been remodeled at a cost of $1,500. In addition to this, the cost of the bell and pipe organ was $1,700. In the autumn of 1866, a chapel, 38x44, was put up at the north end of the church building:. This contains an audience room 30x38, together with foiu- side I'ooms. Its cost was $2,500, making the total cost of the chm-ch building $10, 7(t(l. The tirst pastor of this chiu-ch -was Rev. A. Gaston, who took charge in October. 1841. He supplied the pulpits in Elkhorn and Sugar Creek, as well as in Delavan. His connection with the chiu'ch continued fom- year's, Rev. F. H Pitkin taking charge of the pulpit on the 20th day of October, 1845, and laboring in this connection till April 26, 1847. In October, 1847, the services of Rev. Lucius Foote were secured, and he continued in the pastoral care of the church until October. 1854. The present pastor, Joseph Collie, D. D., was employed as a stated supply, on the 2d day of October, 1854, and was ordained Ajml 9, 1855. and installed as pastor November 4. 1857. The present membership of the chiu-ch is 24(1.

In the month of .luly, in the ypar of our Lord 1814. the undersigned, a missionary appointed by the Domcstie Committee of the Church Mis.sionary Soeiety. arrived at this place, and, as soon as circumstances would admit, organized a parish under the above name and title. There was no diocese organized, nor was there any territorial law by which to be guided, hence the organization was according to the revised statutes of the State of New York an<l the usages of the church in that State. The first Wardens and Vestrymen were as follows:' Nehemiah Barlow and Hezekiah Wells. Wardens; Caleb Croswell, Stephen Barlow, B. J. Newbery, .Joseph Rector, Salmon Thomas and Dr. Slierwood, Vestrymen. Having no church edifice, we were compelled to worship in school rooms and other places. It pleased the Divine Head of the Church to bless a strenuous etfort on the part of the few belonging to our communion who then resided here, toward the erection a house of worship, and with limited means they succeeded. The building was small, it is true, and unattractive in its appearance, but then it was our own, and sufficiently capacious to contain all who attended our services. In November, ISi'i, the subscriber received and accepted a call to Madison, and. after some time, was succeded by Rev. Mr. Bartlett. then in Deacon's orders, who continued to officiate for some time; but in April, 1848. the undersigned received a call from the Wardens and Vestrymen to resume the pastoral charge of the parish. In May. 1849. he was appointed agent on the part of the parish to solicit aid from our friends at the East to enlarge mu' place of worship. On his return, instead of enlarging, after mature cimsideration, it was thought best to erect an entirely new edifice. A gracious God blessed the undertaking, and on tlie 7th day of April. 18.50, the present house of worship was consecrated to the worship and service of Almighty God, by the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D.. Bishop in charge of the Diocese of Wisconsin, since which time the parisli has gone on subject to the mutations so incidental to small parishes in a new country. On the first day of the present month, the undersiifned ceased his connection with the parish he had planted. May it please God to give others the inci'case and tlie fruits.

The " small, unattractive house " above alluded to was only 20x80. and at the time of its building there were seventeen commtinicants. while at the organization of the parish there were fotu'teen. The house was located on the east side of the church lot south of the public park. This house now forms a part of the drug store of H. R. Doane. The second house of worshij) was also built on the south side of the park, at a cost of $1,'200. This house was afterward enlarged tu meet the needs of the congregation. In 1877, the erection of their present church was begun, and. July '', 1879, it was consecrated by Rt. Rev. E. R. Wells. Bishop of Wisconsin. The first baptisms on record are Edgar Napoleon Lawson. January 21. 1845; and Sarah Ann Lawson, January 22. 1845. The first confirmations were Nancy Van Tandt and Isabella Mc- Hugh. May 4. 1845. The first marriage was James H. Mansfield to Elizabeth Feroe. July 80, 1845. The first biu'ial was Edgar Napoleon Lawson. February 2. 1845. The succession of ministers is as follows: Stephen McHugh. 1844 to 1845; Rev. Bartlett. 1845 to 1848; Stephen McHugh. 1848 to 1851; G. E. Fetters, 1858 to 185(): Joseph Adderlv, 1856 to 1860; J. H. Nichols. I860; A. S. Nicholson, 1862; G. M. Skinner, 18(52 to 1865; George W. Dean, 1865 to 1870: F. C. Brown, 1870 to 1875; E. R. Sweetland, 1875 to 1878; Joel Clark. 1878 to 1880; Charles Holmes. 1881.

The First Baptist Church was organized September 21. 1889. with seventeen members. Their first house of worship was erected in 1S41. on lots donated by the founders of the village. It was a plain wood structure, without tower or s])ire. and capable of seating 200 persons Its size was 36x40. and cost about .f 1.500. It wtis located on the southeast corner of the present church lot. but was subsequently removed, and is now the main part of the City Livery Stable. Their second house of worship was a brick strtictiire. 40x(J0, and. including the gallery, had a seating capacity of 350 persons. It cost |4,000. The third and present house of worshij) was erected in 1880. This church is built on the same lots as the first church, and fronts Main street. This building in size is 70x128. and its entire cost, including building, fiu-nishing, etc., was $15,322.79. The valuation of all their church property, including lots, sheds, bell and the house of worship, with all its fiu-nishing. is $20,000. Tliere have been added to this church, including the constituent members, in its history and labors of forty-two years, a little more than twelve hundred persons, and at present, there are 435 members. The first anti-slavery convention held in the State of Wisconsin was held in the Baptist Clnu'ch of Delavan. The convention assembled at the call of Chai-les H. Stm-tevant and William H. Fettit. Jeduthan Jones, then of Elkliorn, was one of the speakei-s. The initial meeting, out of which grew the present Wisconsin Baptist Convention, was held in this chin-ch. also, in July, 1844. The succession of ministers is as follows: Henry Topping, from October, 1839, to October, 1843; John H. Dudley, from April, 1844. to October. 1849; Mead Bailey, from 1850 to 1853; N. Boughton, from 1853 to 1854; Albert Sheldon, from 1854 to 1858; Jeremiah D. Cole, from 1858 to 1860; John Williams, from 1860 to 1861; David Burbank. from 1862 to 1864; E. B. Palmer, from 18r)4 to 1865; J. E. Johnson, from 18()5 to 1867; Charles T. Roe, 1868 to 1869; D. E. Halteman, fi-om 1869 to the present time.

Methodist Episcopal Cliiirch. ~-lu 1841, Rev. L. F. Moulthop was appointed to Troy Circuit, having as a colleague Rev. Henry Whitehead. The circuit included Troy. Eagle, Hiirt Prairie. Round Prairie, Turtle Prairie, Delavan and Elkhoru. At Delavan, the meetings were held in Broadway's log house in the village, alternating with the residence of Mr, Phoenix, on the prairie. The number of members of the Delavan Methodist class at this its beginning is not known. From 1841 up to 1856, the Methodist society at Delavan was united with one or more societies of the neighboring villages. At this time, it began a separate existence, having church property valued at $2,500, and a full membership of eighty, with forty-foiu- on the roll of probationers. Thomas White was the pastor. The jiastors since that time have been: R. P. Lawton, ^^"hite, S. Scammon, J. B. Cooper, W. C. Manwell, R. B. Curtis, G. W. De

History Of Walworth Countv

In ] 864, its present house of worship, on Second street, was erected. Its size is 44x64 feet, two stories high, and cost $6.5(10. The number of commianicants reported at the conference of 1881 was 100.

St. Andreius' Catholic Church. - The lirst mass of this church was celebrated in 1851, and, before a place of worship was built, their meetings were held at the residences of Fi'ancis Delaney and Morris O'Connor, and at Monell's Hall. Their church building was erected in 1856, at a cost of $750. In 1867, this building was enlarged, at a cost of $"2,000, and various improvements, to the amount of $500, are now being made. At its organization, the communicants numbered about fifty families, and at present there are 150 families, which make about five hundred membei's. Their first pastor was Father Pendergrast, and he has been followed by Fathers Mallou, Brennan, Smith, Roach, Kenney. Morris, Duniphy, Allan and the present pastor, Rev, M. J, Taugher, Their church building is located in the southern part of the village, in Block 19, and fronts Fourth street. Until 1880, the pastors of this chui'ch have held services in Elkhorn also.

The B iptiaf Church of Ea'^t Delavaii was formed February 14, 1845, Rev. Henry Topping being its first pastor. Seventeen members comprised the organization - Ira Utter and wife, L. H. Willis and wife, H. B3als and wife, Daniel P. Handy and wife, Mrs. Laura Bailey. Mrs. Clarissa Wright, Lucy Pierce, Jerre P. Ward and wife. Nelson Calkins and wife, Elihu Eaton and Mrs. Clarissa Vincent. This meeting for organization was held in the old log schoolhouse, but a church building was erected the next year. Their present neat and substantial edifice was built in 1869. This is the only religious organization in the town outside the village, and is in a healthy condition in every respect. The society has a membership of sixty-five, but no settled pa.stor at present writing. Since Mr, Topping's departure, the pulpit has been occupied by Elders Reed, Morton, Bailey, Dudley, Sheldon, Barrel, Harris. Farnham, Hutchinson, Dye and Adams,

The first school of Delavan was a private school, organized and taught by Dr, J. R. Bradway, from 1842 to 1845. The building used was located on what is now Walworth avenue, nearl}' opposite the present site of Mr. Leech's blacksmith shop. The school was well managed, and as prosjjerous as could be expected in a new country. The building was biu-ned in 1845, being the first fire that occurred in the new village. The private school was afterward taught in the old Baptist Church, by E. D. Barber.

In September, 184'i, the Commissioners of Common Schools, consisting of Messrs. H. Hunt, A. B, Parsons and Hiram Calkins, for the town, divided the town into five school districts, and the village of Delavan was in School District No. 1. Proceedings were at once instituted to jsrovide a schoolhouse and organize a common school. The first common school was opened in the summer of 1843, in a log building owned by Mr. Phoenix, on Terrace street. In the year 1845, a wood building was erected on the site of the present building, and is remembered as the " Old Red Schoolhouse," The lot on which it was built was donated by Mr, Phcenix, and has since been enlarged by pui'chasing other lots on the south. In the years 1852 and 1853. the north wing, and in the years 1865 and 1866, the hall and south wing, of the present Ijrick building were erected.

The common school has always been well supported by the inhabitants of the town, and its interests well guarded. Dr. F, L, Von Suessmilch, who now holds the office of Treasurer, has served the district as such for the past sixteen years, and has done much, by his interest in and fidelity to the cause of education, to advance the schools.

Some of the best teachers of the State have been employed from time to time, among whom are Maj, A. J. Cheney, President W. D Parker, of the State Normal School at Black River Falls, Prof. T. C. Chamberlain, State Geologist, and Prof. R W. Lang, afterward Professor in the University of Minnesota. Miss Nellie B. Stevens, Principal of the grammar school, has held her present position for a number of years.

The school has lieen under the care of Elias Dewey for the past ten years, who has thoroughly graded it and arranged a coiu'se of study. There are four departments, each of which consists of four grades. The iowe upper grades constitute the high school. Pupils who complete the course of study and graduate from the high school are awarded a diploma by the Board of Education. The high school was organized as a free high school, under the statutes of the State, in the year 1877.

Miss Mary A. I'''ord built a building on the lot where Mi". A. Shulz's residence now stands in 185(), and opened a private school. In the year 1859, she moved the building to the east side of Fifth street, north of Walworth avenue, built an addition and continued the school until the year 1874. The school was very jjopular as a primary, and Miss Ford is gratefully remembered by many who enjoyed the privileges of the school.

The Walworth County Journal was the first paper jjublished in Delavan. It was started in December, 1852, by J. C Bunner, who was editor and proprietor. He v?as aided in the enterprise by the citizens, who subscribed some $800 at the time it was established. It did not prove a permanent success, and at the end of two years the paper suspended publication.

The Messenger was started in the fall of 1855. It was, like its imfortunate predecessor, aided by citizens' subscriptions to the amount of $500. Joseph Baker and William M. Doty were editors and proprietors. Mi". Doty sold his interest to Mr. Baker soon after the paper started. Mr. Baker sold a half-interest to J. W. Lawton, and subsequently, his remaining half to H. L. Devereaux. Mr. Devereaux, after a time, sold his interest to Mr. Lawton, who remained sole pi"0])rietor for several years. In 18(i2, it adopted the name of the Delavan Rejiublican.

The Delavan Republican, as appears by the foregoing sketch, was first established under the name of the Messenger, in 1855. It took its present name in 1802. It was, at the time it assumed its present name, owned and edited by J. W. Lawton. In 1861, a rival paper was started by E. G. Wheeler, under the name of the Delavan Patriot, which, in 1863, was bought by Mr. Lawton, and became merged with the Republican, under the enlarged name of the Delavan Republican and Patriot. The old name was again resumed in 1865. Mr. Lawton, owing to ill health, retired from the paper, and died in Delavan in 1871. His successors were N. D. Wright and N. G. Woodbury. Mr. Woodbury's connection with the paper was of short duration. Mr. Wright retained his proprietorship till Ajiril, 1875, at which time he sold out to George B. Tallman. Mr. W. G. Weeks, the present editor and projtrietor, bought and assumed control April 1, 1881. It is Republican in politics, and is conducted with ability.

The Enterprise, an independent Republican paper, was established August 8, 1878, by C. R. Conable. At the expiration of one year, it passed into the hands of its present editor and proprietor, Mr. E. W. Conable. It is a worthy candidate for favor, and is winning its way by careful and painstaking editorial work. It is j^et young in years, and its history is to be made in the long, bright futiu-e that lies before it.

The Delavan Guards

The Delavan Guards, a company of the Wisconsin National Guards, was organized in Delavan, Wis., early in the spring of 1880. Tney were mustered into the State service April 19, 1880, by Col. Nicholas Smith, of Janesville, Wis., under Act 80 of the Revised Statutes. The following officers were commissioned by Gov. William E. Smith, April 27, 1880; Captain, Fred B. Goodrich; First Lieutenant, Charles T. Isham; Second Lieutenant, Menson Vedder.

The company was assigned to the First Battalion, headquarters at Janesville, Wis. , and armed with Springfield breech-loading rifles. The officers immediately adopted a regulation national guard uniform, at a cost of $1,200. The company went into camp at Rockford, 111., in August with the battalion, together with the Third and Sixth Illinois Regiments, and Tobey's Battery, of Chicago. The Delavan Guards were numerically the strongest company in camji, and were particularly complimented by the Governor and Adjutant General when the brigade passed in

The following is the Adjutant General's report made to the Governor on their standing: Strength of company, sixty-one men; uniform, national guard pattern, excellent style, quality and lit; discipline and instruction - discipline, very good; instruction, good, considering time company has been organized; armory, fair; answer for ordinary di-illiug; remarks - too much praise cannot be given Capt. Goodi-ich and his Lieutenants for the interest, energy and forbearance displayed in organizing and drilling the Delavan Guards. They have had many discouragements, and have won honorable success. The company has complied with the law in all respects.

Muster Roll Circdses And Shows

Quite a novel feat-ure in the history of the town is its identification with the circus and show business. It was for many years the winter quarters, from which, in the early spring, some of the largest and best- appointed shows of the time started on their anmial exhibition through the country. Thus, what to most country villages is a novelty, became a part of the life of Delavan, and the keeping and training of wild animals, the riding school, the fitting-out of shows, and all the accompaniments and paraphernalia of the modern circus and menagerie were as common to the citizens of Delavan as the sm-roundings of ordinary country life.

In 1850, E. F. & J. Mabie, proprietors of Mabie's Circus and Menagerie, bought a large fai-m near the village and made it the headquarters for their shows. They bought the old (/ongregational Chui-ch, in which they wintered their animals. They had at that time one of the lai'gest traveling shows in the country. The brothers continued the business together until 1864, at which time Mr. E. F. Mabie sold out to his brother, who can-ied on the business the following year alone. In 1865, Mr. J. Mabie formed a copartnership with James Melville, and they organized a " boat-show. " with which they traveled on the lakes during the slimmer, and sold out to Adam Forepaugh and O'Brien, of Philadelphia. The Mabie brothers both died some years since. Their widows are still residents of the village.

In 1857, H. Buckley and S. S. Babcock organized a circus in the town. They exhibited in the Southern States and in Cuba. They continued in business two years.

In 186y, W. C. Coup and Dan Castello organized a circus and camel team. They exhibited one yeai-, when they became associated with P. T. Barnum, merged their show into his, and traveled in the East two seasons by wagons. In 1872, they traveled by rail, wintering in Delavan, In the spring of 1878, Mr, Coup formed a copartnership with P. T. Barnum, and built the New York Hippodrome. He soon after withdrew and built the New York Aquarium. In 1876, Coup organized W. C. Coup's New York Monster Circus and Menagerie, which is still in full operation. Delavan was Mr. Coup's home for many years. He was the inventor of the " steam man," and the designer and getter-up of the well-remembered wax figures representing the assassination of Lincoln.

In 1858, Holland & Mosher organized a big tent show in Delavan. They had 100 horses, and riders and performers in proportionate number. They traveled two years.

In 1S74, H. Buckley & Co.'s Roman Hippodrome was organized in Delavan. This -was one of the largest in the country. Their daily expenses were $2,00(1. They sold out, after traveling one season, to Haight, De Haven & Tory, of New York. One of the peculiar sights in the streets of Delavan during the organization of this show was the " Indian band," consisting of the chief, Black Eagle, and 100 of his wan'iors, who constituted a part of the troupe.

James Hutchinson, now a partner of P. T. Barnum, and one of the leading showmen in the country, fii'st commenced the business in 1857, starting from Delavan as a " side-show solicitor. "

Many who have been identified with the numerous shows litted out from Delavan are still residents of the town. It has litted out more shows than any other single town in the United States. It has now ceased to be a business.

Many cm-ious stories and incidents of the circus days of Delavan, among which is the following, of the monster elephant, Romeo. He escaped from his keeper one winter and took to the woods. The regular keeper had been discharged, and the new man had no control over him. The animal ranged about the country, creating a reign of terror. He amused himself by tearing down fences, destroying wagons or fanning tools, and chasing any person who came in his way. At one time, he had quite a number of the inhalntants treed. The old keeper was recalled at last. On his awival, he armed himself with a double-barreled shot-gun and undertook his caj)ture. On calling the beast, he seemed to know his old keeper's voice, and came toward him. As he approached, the man's confidence failed hiui, and he discharged one baiTel of the gun into his trunk and ran. The elephant gave chase. When he had nearly overtaken the keeper, the remaining barrel was given him. This checked him sufficiently to enable the keeper to reach the building that had been prepared for the elephant's recaptm'e. Passing in the large door, closely pursued by the animal, the keeper was quickly drawn through a hole on the opposite side by his assistants. Some planks composing the floor (near the door) were aiTanged so that they could be displaced quickly. The elephant did not attempt to pass over the sjjace. A framework of timbers was then constructed close about him, and the process of subduing him commenced. Several sharp-pointed irons were heated red-hot, and with these he was prodded. At first, he disdained to show any sign of pain, but finally began to bellow, when the torture was suspended, the frames removed, and the animal found subdued and tractable.

The War Record

The war record of Delavan is that of all loyal communities of the North - the same labors, the same sacrifices and the same sad memories. The women of Delavan did their noble part in constant labor in the sanitary depai-tment. Afloiuishing Auxiliary Ladies' Aid Society was kept up during the whole war period. The quota of the town on all calls for troops during the war was 144. One hundred and forty-nine men were fui'nished - an excess of five over the required number. Delavan raised by tax, for war [)urposes, -$! 3,798. For fui'ther accounts of the part her soldiers liore in the struggle the reader is referred to the war history of the county at large.

In common with the other villages of Southern Wisconsin, Delavan has become a summer resort. Delavan Lake, abounding in fish, is one of the most beautiful of those that have rendered the whole region famous throughout the coTintry.

A summer hotel at the lake, cottages, a steamljoat, sail-boats, fishing tackle and other sportsmen's outfit, with all modern hotel conveniences, both at the lake and village, render it a delightful summer retreat.

Tilt

In 1881, the number of acres sown to grain was 6,835. There were also of mowing land and pasturage 2,437 acres; of orchard, 267 acres; and of growing timber, 2,626 acres.

The town had, in 1881, five whole and foiu- joint school districts. The total number of scholars enrolled was 763, of whom 542 attended school. There were seven schools, of which one was graded. Thirteen teachers were employed, at monthly wages - for males, 156.65; for female s, $24. 37. The amount expended for schools was $7,000.

Source changes here: from History of Walworth County, Wisconsin .., by Beckwith, Albert C. (Albert Clayton), published 1912; 7,935 words in this source stream.

Delavan City

At the first division of the county, January 2, 1838, for town government the southwestern quarter was named Delavan. The Phoenix brothers sought thus to dedicate a newly planted community to total abstinence from the use as beverages of spirituous and malt liquors, wine and cider. Edward Cornelius Delavan, a rich man of Albany, took an early part and became a leader of great personal influence in the temperance movement of the later thirties, which increased noticeably for some years thereafter. The organization, founded on a belief in the efficacy of moral suasion, was voluntary, and without other ritual than a publicly taken pledge. Officially named the New York State Temperance Society, its members were better known as "Washingtonians." Mr. Delavan's social position, as well as his ability and earnestness, made his name a household word in temperance families until his fame was eclipsed, about 1850, by Neal Dow, the apostle of "legal suasion." In their sales and leases of real estate in their new town and village the Phoenix proprietors inserted a covenant, in effect, that no liquor should ever be sold on land conveyed or left by them. But this stipulation did not long outlast their own short lives.

The town of Walworth (with Sharon) was set off in 1839, and the town of Darien early in the next year, leaving the name Delavan to town 2 north, range 16 east. One more dismemberment, February 2, 1846, gave section 1 to the new town of Elkhorn. Of seven measurements recorded by the state topographers the highest and lowest points were respectively nine hundred and sixty-eight ami nine hundred and five feet above sea-level. The higher ground is in the vicinity of Delavan lake.- - on both sides and at its foot, - at points along it ^ outlel ami on hanks of Turtle creek, and in the sections lying nearest the town of Sugar Creek.