Fox Lake Town (part 1 of 3)

Fox Lake Town

on Observatory Hill. Railroad avenue, with its long line of tasty residences, is a part of the valuable contribution made by the Goetschius farm. Madison street, with its invaluable waterpower, comes from the original entries of Messrs. Drake and Conner. While the southeast part of the city, together with a part of the Ackerman water-power, and that sightly building ground where the old residence of G. H. Stewart stands, south of St. Peter's, belonged to the farm of Mr. Stultz. And if this worthy and enterprising first settler has not the satisfaction of seeing the finest part of the city located on his old estate, to him belongs the honor of grappling with the tough old oaks, with an arm d^ strong and a will as resolute as the bravest of all his peers.

" The first quarter of a century closes this spring since David Drake, with his stout heart, commenced the improvement of the water-power which has made Beaver Dam the commercial center of Dodge County. That enterprise he finally transferred to Rev. Moses Ordway, in the f\ill of 1842. This sagacious and resolute pioneer finally set in motion the great water-wheel which for a quarter of a century has been contributing so largely to the growth, the wealth and the well-earned fame of the city. Let us hold in remembrance the names of the men whose early toils and privations have eventuated in results for which our citizens feel a just pride."

Growth Of Beaver Dam

The results of the praiseworthy efforts of the citizens of Beaver Dam to preHjrve the records of the enrly history of the place having been given, it devolves upon us to furnish the interesting sequel by sketching the varied phases of development belonging to its later and more mature e,xistence. During the first fifteen years, or prior to the panic of 1857, the growth of Beaver Dam was very rapid ; speculation was rife ; in the language of a local writer, " Speculators abounded in troops. Property more than doubled in value as the railroad was fast approaching the place." In 1854, there were quite as many mercantile institutions as now. There were eight physicians and si.x lawyers, the other professions and trades being equally represented. At the November election of 1855, there were 540 votes cast in the city and town. The first train of cars reached the place April 24, 1856, and the Fourth of July following was the occasion of the grandest and largest celebration ever held in the co\inty, the citizens combining the observation of an important local ev^ent with the national anniversary. It is said that speculation, in those days, was apparent in politics, as well as business, "sweeping reverse following rapid success."

After the panic the " speculative growth " ceased, and then commenced what may be termed the permanent growth, which has steadily maintained the supremacy ever since. In 1860, the population was 2,770 ; in 1865, 2,930 ; in 1870, 3,265. By the census of the latter year, the population is thus distributed among the wards: First Ward, 537 - native, 292; foreign, 245. Second Ward, 836 - native, 570; foreign, 266. Third Ward, 993 - native 831; foreign, 162. Fourth Ward, 899 - native, 690 ; foreign, 209.

The early history' of the first mill and mill-dam appears in the proceedings of tiie Old Settlers' Club, given in the first part of this chapter. About 1846, another and larger mill was huilt upon or near the original site, and this continued in operation until, in 1870, it was destroyed by fire, at a loss to its owner. Dr. E. R. lloyt, of §28,000. Mr. Iloyt at once set about the work of rebuilding, and soon a large and improved structure stood in its place, erected at a cost of $30,000. Its si.x runs of stones have ever since been kept constantly in operation, turning out superior brands of flour.

Umpire Flouring -Mill. - Built in 1853 at the west end of and in conjunction with the second dam, by S. P. K. Lewis and Abram Ackerman. This mill has been improved and enlarged until its capacity has reached 15,000 barrels per annum. There have been three changes in the management, as follows: Lewis & Bogert, Lewis \ Bro., and Lewis & Son. The amount of business transacted the past season is given at $60,000. Shipments are made to all parts of the United States and Great Britain. The Messrs. Lewis are also interested in a flouring-mill two and a half miles south of the city. It was built by Marvin & Goodnow about 1855, and has four runs of stones.

Situated a short distance below is another grist-mill, built in 1853, by J. L. Grant. It is still the property of the Grant estate ; four runs of stones.

Harris & Christian are the owners of a mill still further south on the stream. It was built in 1856 by William How, and has four runs of stones.

The Beaver Dam Agricultural Works. - Established in 1855, by John S. Rowell, upon a capital of about $1,500, for the purpose of manufacturing seeders and other agricultural implements. In 1861, Mr. Rowell built what he supposed to be a perfect seeder, but, upon testing its merits upon the farm of G. C. Gunn, it was discovered that, while every part of the implement worked like a charm, there was lacking the pliable or flexible tooth. This deficiency was supplied by the invention of what is known as the "slip tooth," which was patented October 14, 1862, and has ever since been in successful use. The patentee receives a royalty upon the "slip tooth " from the Van Brunt Seeder Manufactory at Horicon; also from the establishments located at Winona, Minn., Fond du Lac, Appleton, and other places.

There have been many changes in the proprietorship of the factory since it was founded by Mr. J. S. Rowell, the original owner, however, remaining through them all. The firms have been Rowell & Gibson, Rowell & Lowth, J. S. & Ira Rowell, J. S. Rowell & Co., J. S. & Ira Rowell again, and J. S. Rowell, Sons & Co. The manufactory is one of the most extensive of the kind in the State. The capital stock of the concern is given at $218,000. About $100,000 worth of business was done during the past year. Besides the combined broadcast seeder and cultivator, the company manufiictures "Tiger" thrashing-machines, sulky rakes, stubble plows, fanning-mills, ordinary wheat and grain drills, and general mill machinery. Sales of these implements are made throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, California and Dakota ; also in Canada and Germany.

The Messrs. Rowell (J. S. & Ira) are also the owners of the celebrated trotting mare. Badger Girl, who has a public I'ecord of 2:22i, and a private record of 2:18 and 2:19]. Badger Girl is now thirteen years of age, and was retired from the turf a year ago, for breeding purposes.

Chandler, Congdon tf- Co.'s Woolen-Mill. - Established in 1853, by S. P. K. Lewis, Abram Ackerman and G. H. Stewart, under the firm name of G. H. Stewart & Co., and was known as the Farmers' Woolen-Mill, until 1866, when a re-organization took place, the style and name of the firm becoming Chandler, Congdon & Co., the silent partnership being represented by S. P. K. and C. E. Lewis. In 1867, a large four-story brick structure was erected, in which was placed a complete outfit of new machinery, possessing the requisite advantages for producing woolen goods by all the improved methods. The sales from this factory during 1879 amounted to about $110,000. The present capacity of the factory is something like 12,000 yards per month, from fifty to sixty operatives being employed. The articles manufactured are chiefly fancy cassimeres, made almost exclusively of Wisconsin wools. Shipments are made throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas and Nebraska.

Beaver Dam Woolen-Mills. - Established on the site of the old oil-mill, built at an early day by Dr. Hoyt, at the west end of the third dam in 1866, by E. C. McFetridge & Co., with a capital stock of $30,000, and a working force of twenty-eight operatives. In 1870, the firm became McFetridge, Burchard & Co., and at the same time the capacity of the factory was doubled. John Smith was soon afterward admitted as a partner, and on the 1st of January, 1879, Mr. Burchard's interest was purchased by Henry W. Hildebrandt, the firm name now being McFetridge, Smith & Co. About 160,000 pounds of pure wool is used annually in the manufacture of fine doeskins, fancy cassimeres and superior flannels. Sales are made throughout the Northwest.

The productions of the Beaver Dam woolen factories are regarded everywhere with favor, and those who have tested them prefer them to foreign manufactured goods of the same character.

Planing-Imilt

In 1858, Parish & De Clark, established a phiniiig-mill near the depot. There were several clianges in the proprietorship, and the building was torn down a few years since. In 1858, Mr. Griswold built a fanning-niill manufactory near the depot, which in 1860 was converted into a planing-mill by Hayden & Rood. In 1877, it was converted into a cheese factory by James Rood, and is now run as a planing-mill by Martin & Sybrant.

Where the thirsty citizens of Beaver Dam obtained their supply of that fermented potation called lager beer prior to 1853 is not exactly known. In the fall of that year, JMr. Bicrsack built a brewery, and commenced the manufacture of his native beverage, and two years later took into partnership with him Mr. Frank Liebenstein. In 1856, John Goeggerle and John and Joseph Patzlsberger purchased the property, and, upon the death of the latter, in 1859, Mr. Goeggerle became sole proprietor by purchase. The capacity' of the Beaver Dam brewery, at that time, was 500 thirty-twogallon barrels per annum. Eleven hundred barrels is the present yearly production of the establishment, for which there is a ready home market.

In 1857, the Farmers' Brewery, the second institution of the kind in the city, was established by a Mr. Schutte, who soon afterward sold the property to Philip Binzel, the present proprietor. The production of this institution is about 1,000 barrels per annum.

In 1868, "The New Brewery" was founded by a Mr. Pfestel. It is now the property of Xavier Steil, and has a capacity of 200 barrels per year.

Brickyard

The first brick for use in Beaver Dam was burned by 0. C. Hart, about 1850. The next brickmaker was tiie Hon. A. Williaid, who established a yard in 1855. John Mulone also engaged in the business in 1863. In 1866, B. Thorp established a brick manufactory in Beaver Dam, and burns about 800,000 a year, sold principally in the city.

Tannery

William Rueping built a tannery in 1865, and commenced the manufacture of leather. William Galium succeeded Mr. Rueping as proprietor of the tannery, and conducted it until his death, September 1, 1879. His widow is now in charge of the business.

These are the principal manufacturing institutions in Beaver Dam. There are various minor establishments, such as are to be found in all prosperous cities and villages.

The Aborigines

For several years after the advent of the whites in Beaver Dam, Indians were very numerous in the neighborhood, but they rarely became troublesome. Located on the west side of the lake was an extensive Pottawatomie camping-ground, the peace and quiet of which were occasionally disturbed by some brawling AVinnebago under the influence of whisky. One instance of this kind will suffice to illustrate a few of the peculiarities of the red race. In February, 1849, Wiscojiawis, a prominent Winnebago Indian, and a bad man withal, had been on a protracted spree, and found himself among the Pottawatomics on the occasion of the death of a squaw belonging to that tribe. "Scop" was sufficiently sober to realize the solemnity of the event, and apparently felt much disturbed. Besides being naturally "a bad Winnebago," even when on his good behavior, at this particular time, when every coarse black hair in his head seemed inclined to pull, he was extremely ugly; in the language of the literary editor of the Chicago Times, he was "all broke up," and, during the funeral ceremony over the dead squaw, he capped the climax by stabbing to death a young Pottawatomie boy. Frifrd.« of the murdered lad, living near Watertown, brought old " Scop" to task for the deed, and made him promise, in a certain number of moons, to pay to them sixty silver dollars, by way of compensation for the loss of the boy, or forfeit his own life. When the time came for the payment of the money, " Scop'' found himself, as usual, sadly embarrassed, and at once made preparations to sacrifice his life, which he did, soon afterward, at Portage, baring his breast to a Pottawatomie, who stabbed him in the same manner " Scop" had killed the boy. In the mean time, the squaw and " Scop's" victim were buried in the Indian burying-ground, near the present site of the Polish Churcli, whence the bodies were soon afterward taken, in the night, by disciples of the Madison Medical College, and applied to the uses of science. The sight of an Indian on the streets of Beaver Dam at the present time is as rare as were the sober moments in the life of old " Scop."

Tue Bursting Of The Dam

On the 17th of May, 1849, owing to the accumulation of water in the pond, the upper dam gave way. Soon the greatest consternation prevailed among the citizens. They were face to fiice with circumstances which, if allowed to mature, would in all probability, prostrate the entire population with sickness. Should the pond become dry, and the fish and vegetation it contained be permitted to remain and decay, the result was easily foreseen. Men, women and children turned out, and every available team was pressed into service to aid in " bridging the chasm." In the mean time, the volume of water passing out of the pond was becoming greater every moment. Already considerable property had been washed away. A new bridge, which had just been completed across the river at Beaver street, was carried away, and when the massive structure reached the second dam, it scarcely paused, but passed on and took the dam with it; and so with the third dam. During the excitement, a strange incident was witnessed by an old settler. Forty large fat hogs belonging to one of the mill companies, were taken with the flood, but the current, striking a bend in the embankment on the north side of the river, landed them safely on terra jxrma. The swine, not seeming to realize that they had been "saved from watery graves," plunged back into the stream and were drowned. The original break was finally filled up, and the reign of terror ceased.

It is the fate of all cities, at some time in their history, to be wrapped in devouring flames. Beaver Dam has not had the good fortune to be an exception in this regard. On the 17th of January, 1863, a fire broke out in John Malone's building, on tlie south side of Front street, and the flames spi-ead east and west, burning J. T. McGlashen's grocery, E. S. Kellogg's art gallery, C. Henselers furniture store, J. Iraerhooft's gunsmith shop, Huth's meat-market and residence. Miller's meat-market and residence, F. Tillman's flour and feed store, R. Whittaker's building occupied by J. H. Babcock & Go's drug store, John Whittaker's residence and the United States Internal Revenue Collector's oflice; Fringe's Block, occupied on the first floor by Marvin & Goodnow, furniture dealers; G. Stolz, saloon; A. D. Forbes, dry goods and Frederick Krueger, dry goods. On the second and third floors were the chamber.s of the Common Council, Jacob's tailoring shop, G. S. Shepard's dentist's rooms. Dr. Hart's ofiice, the Temperance Hall, etc. Henseler's meat-market and the Center street bridge also took fire but were extinguished. While Kreuger & Lehrkind's merchandise store was burning, it became evident that the flames would reach the cellar of the building, in which were stored a quantity of camphene, oil and gunpowder. A terrible explosion must certainly follow such an event, and, to prevent it, a few intrepid individuals descended to the cellar and commenced removing the dangerous combustibles. The powder was thrown into the river, but, while some of the oil was being removed, it caught fire, sending up a sheet of flame which communicated with Bloss' building on the north side of Front street, occupied by A. P. Lawrence. Then followed the destruction of Burgess" boot and shoe store, Mrs. Lewis' building, Brechter's hardware store, J. Q. Ordway's restaurant, Seybold's confectionery store, Mrs, Brooks' dwelling, Bergman's clothing establishment, W. D. Babcock's artist's rooms, and the City Clerk's office and Bonner's saloon and eating rooms. The mad fury of the flames was stayed at the bank building, which was of brick. The fire originated in an ash barrel, in the rear of the Whig of Seventy-Six office. The loss was estimated at $50,000.

The 7th of March, 1866, witnessed another visitation of the fire fiend, and the destruction of twelve wooden buildings on the north side of Front street. The fire started in the notion and variety store of Mr. Wheeler, and swept everything between the brick building of Ilebgen & Lehrkind and that of Traver & Turner on the east. It is said, the ladies interested in the burning property joined in the work of subduing the flames, and handled water-pails with marked eSect. This latter conflagration resulted in the establishment of fire limits and the building-up of numerous brick structures.

The Post Office

J. H. Manahan was the first Postmaster in Beaver Dam. He was appointed some time in 1844. Prior to that time, Fox Lake was the nearest point rejoicing in a post office, and letters directed to citizens of Beaver Dam I'eached their destination very irregularly, being sent from Fo.x Lake by parties going thither on other business. All mail matter thus forwarded was taken to the cabin of Thomas Mackie, who attended to its distribution. Manahan kept the oSice in his store, which stood on the present site of the Milwaukee House. Dr. William H. Smith succeeded Mr. Manahan. He removed the office to a small building located not far from Mr. Griflis' drug store. J. II. Ward was Mr. Smith's successor. With this change in oiEce also came the usual change in its location. A little building east of the Clark House was the head([uarters of Mr. Ward. Edward Elwell was the next incumbent. He was followed by 0. S. Phelps, who removed the office east on Front street, not far from Spring street. C. B. Beebe succeeded Mr. Phelps, and, in 1872, A. J. McCoy was appointed to the position. About 1874, the post office was removed to the rear portion of the building where it is now located ; and, in 1876, when R. V. Bogert received the appointment, the commodious quarters now occupied were fitted up. It was made a money-order office February .5, 18G6. The first order was sent by William M. Cole to L. A. Godey, Philadelphia, and was for $4.50.

The double log house built by Jacob P. Brower, in the fall of 1841, on or near the present site of the bank building, was the first structure erected in Beaver Dam that laid claim to any pretensions as a hotel. It became perforce a general resort for citizens and travelers alike, and for a long time was the only house beneath whose roof the weary could find rest. Sometime in 1844, John H. Manahan put up alight two-story frame building on the site now occupied by the Seifert House; and in 1846, Henry Ager built the Horn House, which stood where A. P. Lawrence's store now stands. The Hooper House, built in 1848, by John Hooper, at the corner of Spring and Front streets, was the next hotel that solicited " a share of the public patronage."' This property was afterward purchased by a Mr. Stevens, and it became the Stevens House. H. G. Bicknell, who changed the name of the house to Bicknell House, was the next purchaser. It became the Stevens House again under the proprietorshi]) of L. Valentine, and when J. E. Hoyt became the proprietor the title was again changed, and the institution has ever since been known as the Hoyt House. It is now the property of the Lawrence Brothers.

About the same time the Stevens House came into existence, J. II. Ward swung his shingle as a landlord over the door of a structure occupying the site of Mr. Newton's store. After several changes in the management, this hotel went out of existence, about 1856.

The leading hotel in Beaver Dam at the present time is the Clark House, the property of Lawrence Brothers (serene William and genial Thomas). It was built in 1858, by Andrew Haight, who ])urchased the Horn House and removed it a short distance west of its original site, built an addition to it and christened it the Clark House in honor of Dr. Asahel Clark, then a prominent citizen of Beaver Dam. In 1858, the entire structure was destroyed by fire. A stock company was then organized, and by them the institution was rebuilt, Mr. Haight, whose exceeding bonhomie fitted him for the position, taking charge as landlord. He afterward purchased tlie property, and, in 1865, he leased it to Messrs. Hard & Hunter, and became a partner in De Haven's circus. Mr. Haight subsequently sold the Clark House to A. E. Smith, who leased the property to Lawrence Brothers. Mr. Smith in turn sold to Hezekiah Dunham, and, in 1877, T. D., and \V. H. Lawrence became the proprietors.

The first frame hotel built in Beaver Dam is still standing near the Milwaukee House. It was originally known as the Washington House. It was subsequently purchased by John Lehrritter, who removed it to an adjoining lot and built upon the original site a new and more commodious structure by the same name. In 1872, M. Schreidbauer became the owner, and christened it the Milwaukee House. A. Seifert purchased the property in 1875, and three years later, built a two-story brick front, and continues to be proprietor of the Milwaukee House to the present time.

The Eagle Tavern, kept by David and Jarius Benjamin, will be remembered as one of the institutions under this heading. It was opened in the fall of 1846, and stood on the site of the new City Hall building.

Government

Beaver Dam was incorporated as a city in 1856, the act of incorporation being approved March 18, of that year. Prior to that time, it was under town government, and unlike most of its sister cities, knows nothing of the hampered restraints of the village system. The first charter election was held June 2, 1856, with the following result, as shown by the canvass made by the Board of Supervisors of the town of Beaver Dam : There were 548 votes cast for Mayor, of which John Robinson received 298, and A. Scott Sloan 250. For Treasurer, J. II. Babcock, 303 votes; J. H. Ward, 247. Police Justice, G. H. Allen, 313; D. F. Stoll, 237. City Marslial, Columbus Germain, 340 ; S. S. Woodard, 194. First AVard Oificers - Aldermen, Edward Elwell, il. B. Phelps and John Waldhier ; Justice of the Peace, William L. Parker ; Assessor, Bradley Noyes ; Constable, Nicholas Schroeder. Second Ward - Aldermen, Eben Farrington, C. S. Snow and Joseph Esch ; Justice of the Peace, John Perry ; Assessor, Rees Evans; Constable, John Malone. Third Ward - Aldermen, E. Schribner, Lorenzo Merrill and J. E. Hosmer; Justice of the Peace, G. II. Allen; Assessor, Alfred Loomis ; Constable, Gilbert Drown. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, J. W. Robinson, Alanson Tiffany and Matthias Heath ; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Assessor, 0. K. Coe ; Constable, James M. Conklin.

The first meeting of the first "City Fathers" of Beaver Dam, took place on the evening of third day after the election, at Union Hall ; all the officers being present except Alderman Hosmer fiom the Third. The Board was organized by the election of Alderman Phelps as Chairman, and the appointment of C. E. Havens as Clerk pro tempore. The Board then proceeded to the election of a permanent Clerk, and after three informal and two formal ballots, the matter was postponed. L. D. Livermore received ten votes, and was declared elected City Survevor. At the next meeting of the Council, Bradley Noyes was duly elected to the office of Cit'y Clerk.

In pursuance of an act of the Legislature, the time of holding the charter election was changed to the first Monday in March in each year, and, accordingly, at the election of 1857, the following officers were elected: Mayor, A. Scott Sloan; Treasurer, Horace D. Patch ; Marshal, T. B. Catlin; Street Commissioner, Hiram N. Justice. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, Andrew Haight, Ferdinand Krueger and L. H. Marvin ; Assessor, Bradley Noyes ; Constable, William Ashton. Second Ward - Aldermen, Stephen P. K. Lewis, George H. Stewart and R H. Ellis; Assessor, W. H. Bracken; Constable, James Graham; Justice of the Peace, John Perry. Third Ward - Aldermen, James B. Dickinson and Andrew Willard ; Assessor, Harvey Smith; Constable, J. Q. Marsh. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, E. C. Stevens, A. Tiffimy and Josiah Newell; Assessor, George C. Laine; Constable, Henry Shuart, Jr. John Mayne was chosen City Clerk by the Board.

1858. - Mayor, A. Scott Sloan; Treasurer, H. D. Patch; Street Commissioner, James E. Hosmer; Marshal, T. B. Catlin. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, C. B. Beebe and W. H. Smith; Assessor, Harvey Smith ; Justice of the Peace, John Mayne; Constable, John Longstaff. Second Ward - ^"Aldermen, W. D. Babcock and Edward Hohl ; Assessor, Bradley Noyes; Justice of the Peace, S. W. Coburn ; Constable, Elijah Allen. Third Ward - Aldermen, Hiram Booth and Rees Evans; Assessor, C. S. Billings; Justice of the Peace, John Perry ; Constable, Nathan Marsh. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, John R. Traver and John A. V. Bogert; Assessor, Josiah Newell; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Constable, James M. Conklin ; John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

18511 - Date of election changed to the first Tuesday in April: Mayor, E. P. Smith; Treasurer, L. H. Marvin; Marshal, T. B. Catlin; Street Commissioner, A. S. Dominy; Superintendent of Schools, E. Botsford. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, Charles Schutte, Gustavus Stolz and M. F. Lowth ; School Commissioners, D. S. Ordway and Francis Brecbter; Justice of the Peace, H. B. Phelps; Assessor, Edward Hohl; Constable, J. H. Pishery. Second AVard - Aldermen, Charles Burchard, George Heilig and Rees Evans ; School Commissioner, G. H. Stewart; Assessor, W. H. Bracken; Constable, S. J. Tyrell. Third Ward - Aldermen, G. E. Redfield and I. Gale; School Commissioners, J. J. Miter and William Drown; Assessor, Andrew Willard ; Constable, William Ashton. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, Andrew Haight and J. C. Hall; School Commissioners, Lucien Merrill and W. L. Parker; Assessors, A. J. McCoy and S. T. Canoll; John Mayne re-appointed Clerk.

1800 - Mayor, A.' Joy; Treasurer, Hiram Booth; School Superintendent, H. G. Bicknell ; Street Commissioner, A. S. Dominy ; IMarshal, T. B. Catlin. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, M. F. Lowth and Gustavus Stolz ; School Commissioner, Francis Brecbter ; Justice of the Peace, H. B. Phelps ; Assessor. Edward Hohl ; Constable, J. H. Pishery. Second Ward - Aldermen, E. J. Jones and Rees Evans ; School Commissioner, John A. Douglas ; Justice of the Peace, Charles Burchard ; Assessor, W. H. Bracken ; Constable, C. S. Snow. Third Ward - Aldermen, Henry Stultz and George W. Surdam ; School Commissioner, John Mayne; Justice of the Peace, H. D. Patch; Assessor, S. F. Smith; Constable, William Ashton. Fourth Ward- Aldermen, J. C. Hall and A. Stansbury ; School Commissioner, W. L. Parker ; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Assessor, George Shaw ; Constable, S. T. Canoll. John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

1862 - Mayor, H. W. Lander; Treasurer, J. H.Ward; Marshal, A. Loomis ; School Superintendent,' L. D. Brainard ; Street Commissioner, A. S. Dominy. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, G. Stolz and E. Hohl ; Justice of the Peace, H. B. Phelps ; School Commissioner, M. F. Lowth; Assessor, .John Sherman; Constable, F. Drews. Second Ward - Aldermen, E. Elwgll and F. Tillman ; Justice of the Peace, Charles Burchard; School Commissioner, H. J. Boyer; Assessor, Charles Roth; Constable, C. S. Snow. Third Ward - Aldermen. H. SHultz and E. E. Holt ; Justice of the Peace, L. D. Livermore ; School Commissioner, John Mayne ; Assessor, S. F. Smith ; Constable, A. Loomis. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, R. Wiiittaker and W. L. Parker ; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Scliool Commissioner. George Shaw ; Assessor, J. Fisher; Constable, S. Canoll. John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

Aldermen, C. Schutte and C. Schlehuber; School Commissioner, J. McHugh ; Justice of the Peace, J. E. Hosmer ; Assessor, E. Hohl ; Constable, F. Drews. Second Ward - Aldermen, L. L. Harvey and William Wade; School Commissioner, B. W. Curtis; Assessor, W. H. Bracken ; Constable, A. Wagner. Third Ward - Aldermen, J. S. Charles and J. H. Barrett ; School Commissioner, T. Bull ; Justice of the Peace, R. Judson ; Assessor, S. F. Smith; Constable, A. Loomis. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, N. M. Gilbert, T. L. Newtoa and L. H. Marvin ; School Commissioner, J. A. McFetridge ; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Assessor, James Fisher ; Constable, S. T. Canoll. John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

1864 - Mayor, E. E. Holt ; Treasurer, A. Haight ; School Superintendent, E. C. McFetridge ; Street Commissioner, S. H. Dudley ; Marshal, Robert Longstafl'. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, G. Stolz and F. Brechter (B. F. Sherman elected to fill vacancy, occasioned by the removal of Mr. Brechter from the ward) ; School Commissioner, J. Ertl ; Justice of the Peace, J. E. Hosmer ; Assessor, E. Hohl. Second Ward - Aldermen, Rees Evans and C. Hemmy ; School Commissioner, L. Mertz ; Justice of the Peace, W. L. Parker ; Assessor, A. L. Marvin ; Constable, C. S. Snow. Third Ward - Aldermen, N. Hodgman and G. Foot ; School Commissioner, J. Mayne ; Justice of the Peace, L. D. Livermore ; Assessor, S. F. Smith ; Constable, R. Longstaff. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, T. L. Newton and A. Andrews ; School Commissioner, T. Wilcox ; Justice of the Peace, D. F. Stoll ; Assessor, J. Fisher ; Constable, J. Whittaker. John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

1865 - Mayor, 0. M. Warren ; Treasurer, S. Haight ; School Superintendent, Eli Botsford ; Street Commissioner, A. S. Dominy ; Marshal, R. E. Thomas. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, B. F. Sherman and C. Schlehuber ; School Commissioners, J. E. Hosmer and F. Ege ; Assessor, E. Hohl ; Constable, J. Sherman. Second Ward - Aldermen, G. Stolz and J. I. Warnei*: School Commissioner, S. P. K. Lewis ; Justice of the Peace, F. Lehrkind ; Assessor,, Rees Evans; Constable, C. S. Snow. Third Ward - Aldermen, E. E. Holt and N. Hodgman ; School Commissioner, A. Willard ; Assessor, H. Stultz ; Constable, R. Longstaff. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, C. Miller and A. Andrews; School Commissioners, A. P. Lawrence and J. M. Sherman; Justice of the Peace, A. M. Dunten ; Assessor, J. Fisher; Constable, R. E. Thomas. John Mayne re-appointed City Clerk.

1866 - Mayor, H. W. Lander; Treasurer, J. H. Barrett; School Superintendent, Eli Botsford ; Street Commissioner, A. S. Dominy ; Marshal, R. E. Thomas. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, J. Ertl and C. Schlehuber : School Commissioner, B. F. Sherman ; Assessor, John Sherman; Justice of the Peace, J. E. Hosmer; Constable, J. Knapp ; for soldiers' bounty, 54; against, 17. Second Ward - Aldermen, Rees Evans and G. Stolz ; School Commissioner, L. Mertz ; Assessor, J. H. Pishery ; Justicaof the Peace, William Reuping ; Constable, C. S. Snow ; for bounty, 78; against, 51. Third Ward - Aldermen, W. Hathaway and I. Gould; School Commissioner, N. Hodgman ; Assessor, S. F. Smith ; Justice, L. D. Livermore ; Constable, B. P. Barber; for bounty, 42; against, 103. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, A. P. Lawrence and I. B. Record ; School Commissioners, J. W. McNitt and J. J. Williams ; Assessor, B. Goulding ; Justice, A. M. Dunten ; Constable, R. E. Thomas ; for bounty, 28 ; against, 75. D. C. Gowdey appointed City Clerk.

1868 - Mayor, John S. Rowell ; Treasurer, A. P. Catlin ; School Superintendent, Z. C. Trask ; Street Commissioner, D. Blissett ; Marshal, T. B. Catlin. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, Jacob Martin and C. Schlehuber ; School Commissioner, B. F. Sherman; Justice of the Peace. J. E. Hosmer ; Assessor, J. Ertl ; Constable, John Malone ; Second Ward - Aldermen, J. H. Pishery and J. Brazell ; Assessor, C. Hemmy ; School Commissioner, E. Elwell ; Justice of the Peace, G. Hammer ; Constable, C. S. Snow. Third Ward - Aldermen, J. H. Barrett and John Mayne; Assessor, S. F. Smith; School Commissioner, E. C. McFetridge; Justice of the Peace, L. D. Livermore; Constable, T. B. Catlin. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, 0. F. Hawley, M. G. Howard and T. L. Newton ; School Commissioner, H. A. Keid ; Justice of the Peace, C. W. Russell; Assessor, C. H. Johnson ; Constable, R. E. Thomas ; C. W. Russell appointed City Clerk.

F. McClure ; Street Commissioner, W. B. Ash ; Marshal, A. Loomis. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, P. Binzel and D. B. Phelps ; County Supervisor, E. Hohl ; School Commissioner, A. B. Hopkins; Justice of the Peace, J. E. Hosmer; Assessor, A Spuhler ; Constable, C. Schlehuber. Second Ward - Aldermen, W. L. Parker and J. Becker ; County Supervisor, T. Huth ; School Commissioner, A. Dries; Justice of the Peace, G. Hebgen ; Assessor, J. H. Pishery ; Constable, C. Hemmy. Third Ward - Aldermen, 0. Ashley and A. Willard ; County Supervisor, E. C. McFetridge ; School Commissioner, John Mayne ; Justice of the Peace, L. D. Livermore ; Assessor, John Mayne ; Constable, A. Loomis. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, A. G. Weed and B. Thorp, Sr.; School Commissioner, L. H. Marvin ; Justice of the Peace, C. W. Russell ; Assessor, J. Fisher ; Constable, R. E. Thomas. Thomas Hughes appointed City Clerk.

1873 - Mayor, S. P. K. Lewis ; Treasurer, C. E. Smith ; School Superintendent, John Mayne ; Marshal, R. E. Thomas. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, B. F. Sherman and J. Martin ; School Commissioners, C. Schutte and John Sherman ; Assessor, A. Spuhler ; Constable, C. Schlehuber. Second Ward - Aldermen, J. Becker and G. Stolz ; School Commissioners, G. Hammer and Fred llemple ; Assessor, C. Hemmy ; Constable, P. Breivogle. Third Ward - Aldermen, A. Willard, 0. H. Crowl and R. H. Ellis ; School Commissioners, J. J. Miter and W. B. Hazeltine ; Assessor, J. E. Flanders; Constable, G. L. Stultz. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, W. Hathaway and M. G. Howard ; School Commissioners, J. W. McNitt and J. A. McFetridge ; Assessor, J. Fisher: Constable, R. E. Thomas; C. W. Russell appointed City Clerk.

187II - Mayor, A. Scott Sloan, by a majority of 72II; Treasurer, L. Frank; School Superintendent, J.J. Dick; Street Commissioner, L. H. Marvin; Marshal, R. E. Thomas. First Ward Officers - Aldermen, P. Binzel and J. B. Scherubel; School Commissioner, A. B. Hopkins; Assessor, R. Kolbe; Constable, J. Duzinski. Second Ward - Aldermen, T. Hutii and F. Brechter; School Commissioner, R. E. McGlashan; Assessor, A. F. Mirlach; Constable, J. Brazel. Third Ward - Aldermen, E. Peachey and P. V. Haring; School Commissioner, C. B. Beebe; Assessor, John Mayne; Constable, H. P. Young. Fourth Ward - Aldermen, G. Warren and B. Thorp: School Commissioner, W. C. Griffis; Assessor, J. Fisher; Justice, M. Sliafer; Constable, T. G. Stafford. F. Tillman re-appointed City Clerk.

Before the days of railroads, modes of travel were somewhat antiquated. There were no stage lines even in Dodge County until the spring of 1848. Prior to that time, an ox team was a luxury, but the old settlers rarely rode in wagons when the walking was good. The pedestrian feats performed by the early pioneers were of a character in comparison to which the exploits of Weston, O'Leary, and the rest of the band of walking lunatics, would pale into insignificance. jNIr. Shal'er, of Beaver Dam remembers having made the trip, on foot, from Milwaukee to Beaver Dam, in twenty-four hours, arriving at the latter place about daylight, where he ran a foot-race with a neighbor before taking rest or refreshments.

The first stage (a four-horse, thorough-brace mud wagon) readied Beaver Dam from Watertown, in the spring of 1848. When the strange vehicle drove up to the Eagle Tavern, the greatest excitement prevailed. The occasion was duly celebrated in true frontier style. The stage belonged to Davis & Moore, of Milwaukee, and was a part of the extensive system then in existence in the Northwest, under the control of Frink, Walker & Co., of Chicago. In 1849, the Concord coach came in vogue, and a daily line of stages was established. This continued until 1856, when the railroad was completed. Omnibus lines were then established in connection with the hotels - the Chvrk House and the Stevens House. Mr. Haight, the proprietor of tlie former, disposed of his bus line to tlie Phelps Brotliers, who carried on the first independent bus line in Beaver Dam. Mann, Brown & Co. then purchased the property of the Messrs. Phelps, and, a year ago, the property passed to the control of William M. Brown

Beaver Dam Lake furnishes unsurpassed advantages for aquatic sports - sailing and swimming in summer, and skating and sailing in winter. Its waters also afford ample resources for larger craft propelled by steam. In 187.5, Samuel Kowell and L. V. Moulton purchased from Milwaukee parties the hull of a small sailing vessel, known to the fraternity of skippers as a "plunger," and brought it to Beaver Dam, where they overhauled it and put into it a boiler and engine and a screw wheel. It was the pride of the lake for a time, being especially noted for its speed.

.\ .small propeller, called the "Senator Mc" (Fetridge), built, some years since, in Fox Lake, and brouglit to Beaver Dam by Ricliard Parmalee, was the next attraction in tlie steamboat line on the lake. It was taken back to Fox Ijake, and has since been stripped of its machinery.

In the spring of 1879, Rowell, Sons & Co. built, at their machine-shops in Beaver Dam, a beautiful little side-wheeler, 37 feet long and 12 feet breadth of beam, and fitted it up with a six-horse-power engine, a commodious cabin, storeroom, etc. It was launched on the 5th of June last, and christened the Belle Rowell," in honor of Capt. Rowell's third daughter. This vessel is used by its owners for hunting and fishing excursions and private picnics. G. B. Congdon now owns an interest in the " Belle Rowell."

Public Schools

The history of the establishment of the first school in Beaver Dam has already been given. In 1859, the Board of Education adopted the graded system, with such rules and regulations as were thought to be essential. In 1866, a change was made in the system, and again in 1874, when the present system was adopted. The course of instruction covers a period of twelve years, and the schools are divided into four departments, viz.: Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High School. The first two require a course of three years each, the third two years, and the fourth, or High School, four years. The school year is divided into three terms, the first commencing the first Monday in September, continuing sixteen weeks ; the second, the first Monday in January, twelve weeks ; the third, the first Monday in April, twelve weeks. The corps of teachers consists of a Principal and assistant, and as many teachers for other grades as the necessities of the case may require, all under the control of a Superintendent, who, under the advice and direction of the Board of Education, has the general supervision of all the public schools, school houses and property. The Hon. James J. Dick, since 1874, has been the efficient Superintendent, and to day the schools of Beaver Dam rank second to none in the State. In this work he has had, as he well deserves, the co-operation of teachers, parents and friends of the school.

Says Mr. Dick, in his report at the close of the school year of 1878-79 : " The work done in the schools the past year has generally been quite satisfactory, and they are now in better condition than at any previous time since my connection with them ; the teachers have generally faithfully seconded my efforts for the advancement of the schools, and have labored untiringly for the interests of their pupils ; and the citizens, not only those who have children in the schools, but all who have a pride in the growth and improvement of our city, have manifested an increasing interest in the schools, not only by placing no obstacles in the way, but by being ready at all times to co-operate with the teachers and Superintendent in all the efforts made for their general advancement."

In his report for the school year of 1876-77, the Superintendent says : "The best evidence that our schools are worthy the support given them, is the fact that tlie citizens of the city send their childi'en to them for instruction. It was considered highly commendable m Senator Kernan, of New York, that he sent his children to the public schools of his town ; and the same commendation can be given to the citizens of the city of Beaver Dam. And it is the best recommendation that the schools can have. It should be our constant aim to so administer the schools during the present year, that the same state of affairs will continue. Keeping the schools up to the same high standard of scholarship ; under the charge of competent instructors, and offering to the parents the security they now have - that their children will be efficiently protected from vice and contamination."

That this high standard has been maintained is evident from the increased attendance and the pride with which the schools are spoken of by the citizens. All this is being done, too, at a nominal cost, the average amount per pupil being less than any city supportin.; the same grade of schools in the whole Union. As evidence of this fact we append tie several amounts expended during the past seven years: 1872-73, $7,705.4:3 ; 1S73-74, S?7,069.21 ; 1874-75, $6 5S7.28; 1875-76, ^7,677.62; 1876-77, $7,339.44; 1877-78, ,?6, 2.36.17 ; 1878-79, $5,700.92. Thus it will be seen for the years 1878-79 the total cost is only $5,700.92, and this for an enrollment of 813 pupils, only about $7 each for a ten-months school. This includes every expense - teachers, janitors and clerks' salaries, fuel, school supplies, repairs, etc.

Again have we recourse to the report of the Superintendent : " It has been the aim not to push one department of the schools to the neglect of any other. No good system of graded schools can exist without thoroughness in the lower grades: and especial attention is therefore paid to the Primary and Intermediate Departments. Many pupils do not remain in school after passing through the Grammar Schools ; and the course of study of the Grammar Schools has been arranged therefore with especial reference to affording to the pupils who avail themselves of their advantages, a fair knowledge of the most important elementary English studies. It is necessary, in onler to maintain graded schools in all their integrity and usefulness, to have in connection a High School, not only that it may supplement the course of study, and aflord an opportunity for pursuing an advanced course of study, but also for the purpose of inciting the ambition of those in the lower grades. It is an object ahead, for the pupils to strive to reach. It is true that many may not reach it, on account of leaving school, or otherwise, yet some will, and in the desire to push forward and reach it, they carry, in a great measure, the others with them, and in this way better work is not only done, but better deportment secured. The good eft'ect is felt in all the departments of the school. A blow struck at the integrity of the High School, therefore, strikes with equal or greater effect at the other departments."

In the report of the Board of Education for 1878-79, -we find the following general statement: Number of children of school age, 1,698 ; number of pupils enrolled in the schools, 813; number of pupils enrolled in the High School, 103 ; number of public schoolhouses (one now being erected), 5 : whole number of schoolrooms (not including classrooms), 1.5 ; whole number all the sclioolhouses will accommodate (including new ones), 8-50 ; number of days taught, 196; per cent of attendance of number enrolled, 89 ; per cent of tardiness, .02: number of foreign scholars, 11.

Of the five school buildings, one each is located in the First, Second and Third Wards, and two in the Fourth - one of the latter being an old frame building, erected in 1859, which is not now used. In the Second Ward is the High School building, built of brick, and erected in 1871, at a cost of §8, .500. It is two stories in height ; in size, 44x66, with two projections, each 44x8. There are five rooms, with cloak-rooms, etc. This building also accommodates the ward school. The Grammar School building is located in the Fourth Ward, and was erected in 1879, at a cost of ^8,000. It is two stories in height, built of brick ; in size, 74x37, with two projections, each 37xl8i ; has eight rooms, with cloak-rooms, closets etc., and is designed to accommodate the ward school as well as the grammar. In the First Ward, there is a brick building, two stories in height ; size, SSx-iS, with three rooms, and was erected in 1870, at a cost of $4,650. It is only for the accommodation of the ward school. In the Third Ward is a brick building, 32x36, with three rooms, and erected in 1867, at a cost of $4,800. It is only for the accommodation of the ward school.

The first year in which graduating exercises were held was in 1871, when three young ladies passed examination, and were rewarded with diplomas, and received the congratulations of friends. The following is a complete list to the present time :

The following named persons compose the Board of Education for 1879-80 : Officers of Board - James J. Dick, Superintendent; A. E. Willard, Clerk ; Louis Frank/Treasurer. Commissioners - A. B. Hopkins, Louis Kress, R. E. McGlashan, William L. Parker, C. B. Beebe, J. H. Barrett, W. C. Gri'ffis, J. H. Babcock. Standing Committees, 1878-79 - Finance, W. L. Parker, J. H. Babcock, A. B. Hopkins; Claims, R. E. McGlashan, A. B. Hopkins, C. B. Beebe ; Building and Repairs, W. C. Griffis, J. H. Barrett, Louis Kress.

The staff of Teacher.s for 1879-80 is as follows, with their salaries: High School - George H. Miner, Principal, ^SOO ; Miss Mary L. Nelson, Assistant, .$.300 ; Miss C. A. Curtis, Assi.stant, $25 per month, half time. Grammar Schools - tisst Division, Miss Jennie Evans, Principal, $320 ; Second Division, Mrs. Annie E. Goetting, Pi incipal, $320. Intermediate Schools - Miss Mila Hazlewood, First Ward, $260; Miss Ella Madden, Second Ward, $200 ; Miss Anna M. Ellis, Third Ward, $260; Miss Olive J. Reid, Fourth Ward, 260. Primary Schools - Miss Barbara M. Sherman, First Ward, $260 ; Miss Susie Steptoe, Second Ward, $260 ; Miss Ora H. Beebe, Third Ward, $260 ; Miss Maria E. Cary, Fourth Ward, $260.

German-English School. - August 1, 1872, was organized and incorporated under provisions of an act of the Legislature, the German-English School of Beaver Dam, for the purpose of giving the children of German parents such education as was thought by the incorporators to be necessary, without the necessity of taking the course prescribed in the public schools. The first vear, school was held in the First Ward Schoolhouse, and in the mean time, steps were being taken for the erection of a good, substantial brick building for that purpose, which was completed in time for its use the second year, at a cost of $2,000. Prof. Newborn was the first teaclier. Prof. Aug. Brunke occupies the position in the session of 1879-80, at a salary of $700 per year. About forty pupils are in daily attendance. In connection with the school is a gymnasium, with the following officers elected January, 1880: A. Brunke, 1st Speaker; G. Hamn\er, 2d Speaker; C. Miller, 1st Turnwart ; L. C. Gebard, 2d Turnwart ; John Zander, Treasurer ; Henry Krueger, Secretary ; Will H. Sherman, Property-man. This society was organized November 14, 1878.

The first hall calculated for the accommodation of public gatherings in Beaver Dam, was in the upper portion of Horn's Tavern, which stood on the present site of A. P. Lawrence's store. When the old Stevens House was built in 1848, a portion of the structure was devoted to a dance hall, which was used for Terpsichorean and other purposes, until the erection of Concert Hall, about 1855. Prior to the latter date, however, William Farrington had drawn plans and specifications for a three-story frame building, on the south side of Front street, in wliich he proposed to maintain a large public hall. The contract for building the framework of the structure was let to William Gowdey, fiither of our mutual friend, Dave, while the masonry was given to another party to perform. When the stone-work had been finished, Mr. Gowdey came upon the scene with his oaken sills, sleepers, beams and joists, and proceeded to carry out his agreement. The frame up and the roof nearly on, Beaver Dam was visited by a terrific wind-storm, which shook the very foundations of the most substantial buildings, and caused the "oldest inhabitant" to sigh for the safety of his property. Of course Farrington's new building, open on every side and no holes in the top, the roof being about completed, was but a toy for the eccentricities of the blizzard, and was, consequently, lifted from its foundations; but fortunately. Old Boreas let go to get a fresh hold, when the whole concern went to pieces. Mr. Gowdey and a fellow-workman, named Ezekiel Swarthout, happened to be in the building at the time, the former in the cellar, searching for a tool that had slipped from his hands while on the roof, and the latter in the second story, in the act of climbing to the third. Mr. Swarthout felc the building start from its foundation, and grasping an upright beam, he clung to it until the crisis came, which was very soon. When the building reached terra firma, the beam to which Mr. Swarthout was clinging, sprang and threw him out into the middle of the street, beyond the danger of falling timbers, witliout injuring liim a particle. Of course Mr. Gowdey was crushed to atoms beneatli the mass - or at least it was very natural to think that he was. The usual cxcitcraent followed, the citizens gathering from every direction, to feast their morbid curiosity, and speculate upon the cause of the calamity. A few of them commenced removing the debris, to find the mangled remains of the unfortunate Mr. Gowdey, while others shuddered and looked sad and pale in anticipation of beiiolding a frightful spectacle. Slowly tile work of excavation proceeded, when finally, as if emanating from the recesses of a sepulcher, a " still, small voice" was heard: "I'll make it hot for some one if you don't take this stick off my iieel ! " Mr. Gowdey was soon brought to the surfice without a scratch. The grief of his distracted wife and children, who had been kindly informed that the husband and fither was dead, was soon turned to joy at seeing the beloved one walk into the house minus a boot-heel. The wreck was collected and used in the reconstruction of the building, the lower portion of which is occupied by N. W. Goodman, as a store.

Concert Hall Building, a three-story brick, was built in 1855, by Bicknell & Thorn. It is now the property of Doolittle & Babcock. Loomis' Hall, over Tillman's feed store, and ihe old Masonic Hall, in Ackerman's Building, came into existence soon afterward. Music Hall Building was built in 1866, soon after the second great conflagration, by F. Ege. It is now the property of the Krueger estate. The three-story brick at the corner of Front and Center streets, in which are located the halls occupied by the Masons and Odd Fellows respectively, was constructed in 1867, by Krueger & Lehrkind, the present owners.

Old Temperance Hall was in the third story of Fring's Block, which was destroyed by the first fire, of 1863. The hall at present occupied by the cold-water advocates, was built in 1863, by A. P. Lawrence, in connection with that gentleman's store.

The Race Course

In December, 1866, an organization of citizens of Beaver Dam was formed, known as the Beaver Dam Agricultural, Mechanical and Stock Association, for the purpose of maintaining a fair ground and race course. Twenty-one acres of land were purchased of the Ackerman estate, at a cost of .f 1,700, upon which Avere erected and laid out a grand stand and other buildings and a half-mile race track. Among the original stockholders were T. L. Newton, D. J. Pulling, G. C. Gunn, W. D. Edgtrton, rf. D. Burchard, E. J. Boomer, M. W. Erway, W. L. Parker, J. S. Rowell, H. W. Lander, Ira Rowell and others. About two years ago, John S. Rowell purchased the grounds of the Association, and is the present owner.

The Fire Department

The city is well provided in case of fire, with a perfectly organized fire department, composed of the Germania Fire Company and Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, under one chief. Germania Fire Company was organized December 1, 1867, and in June following they received their new engine, which has ever since been in constant use, and is the pride of the boys, its capacity having been tested on more than one occasion, and in a manner "to merit all the praise bestowed upon it. The cost of engine and hose cart was $3,200.

September 3, 1878, a large number of citizens assembled in Music Hall and organized a Hook and Ladder Company of twenty-one members, and ordered from the Babcock Manufacturing Company of Chicago, a truck and all necessary apparatus. Immediately after organizing the Hook and Ladder Company, the members of the two Companies united for tiie jnirpose of organizing a complete fire department under one chief. At their first meeting in 1879, the following named were elected : Theo. Huth, Chief Engineer ; John T. Smith, First Assistant ; Philip Binzel, Second Assistant; John S. Rowell, Third Assistant; G. Stolz, Secretary; S. P. K. Lewis, Treasurer ; Ira Rowell, Steward. Fire Wardens - Joseph Caspari, John Neuhrohr, D. D. Gowdey and II. L. Bogert, in their respective wards. At the annual meeting in January, 1880. these officers were unanimously re-electe<l.

The Germania Fire Company at the same time elected Andrew F. Mirlach, Foreman ; F. W. Menkey, First Assistant ; George Sipplein, Second Assistant ; Michael Schwieger, Hose Captain ; Robert Kolb, Secretary ; John Sherman, Treasurer ; Christ. Gensen, Steward.

The officers of the Hook and Ladder Company are E. C. McFetridge, Foreman ; F. M. Van Bergen, First Assistant ; W. E. Shipman, Second Assistant ; A. M. Burns, Secretary ; L. W, Barber, Treasurer ; George Egglesfield, Steward.

Among the banking institutions that have existed in Beaver Dam may be mentioned the Dodge County Bank, (a private institution), established in 1854, by J. A. Nehrig ; the City Bank of Beaver Dam, B. G. Bloss, President, and W. S. Huntington, Cashier ; Bank of Beaver Dam, Charles Miller, President ; the Farmers' Bank and the National Bank of Beaver Dam. The Farmers' Bank was organized in 1865, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers were S. S. Sherman, President; Charles Miller, Vice President ; C. W. Whinfield, Cashier. Directors - Charles D. Nash, Charles Miller, G. H. Stewart, S. S. Sherman, and Abiatha Joy. In 1866, it was re-organized as the National Bank of Beaver Dam, with the following officers : J. J. Williams, President ; Charles Miller, Vice President ; C. W. Whinfield, Cashier. Directors - S. S. Sherman, Charles Miller, A. Joy, Charles Burchard and J. J. Williams. The present officers are J. J. Williams, President ; Charles Miller, Vice President ; C. W. Whinfield, Cashier. Directors - J. J. Williams, Charles Miller, C. W. Whinfield, C. W. Daniels and C. E. Lewis.

The Vita Spring

The recent discovery, within the corporate limits of the city of Beaver Dam, of a mineral spring possessing unexcelled medicinal properties, lends an additional charm to this beautiful place, and brings it within the pale of the most attractive of summer resorts. The history of Dr. Swan's spring cannot better be told than by reproducing articles from the Citizen, written by Rev. Silas Hawley to Judge L. D. Livermore, soon after the fortunate discovery was made:

" Our citizens, generally, have never known their own place, have never properly estimated it. Its rare beauties and advantages they have not understood. Familiarity has blinded them. Stranger's are quick to see our superior charms and opportunities, and go into ecstasies over them. And yet they do not see all. A few here have long felt that we had grand possibilities as a watering-place. And this without reference to any springs known to exist. It was believed that by artesian fountains we couldhave the best quality of magnetic water, and, perhaps, that containing other properties. All that seemed needed was enterprise and means. The writer of this has so urged. Dr. Swan, though only a resident of four years, became enthusiastic in this belief, and strove nobly, before discovering the great spring that is sure to make his name famous, to stir up the citizens to bore for such fountains. But he found little to encourage. In this extremity a better thing disclosed itself. (The best things turn up in extremities.) It was suggested to him that there was an old spring in a certain pasture, that must some day prove valuable. This came as a revelation. He went and examined the spring. It was evident at once as tested by both feeling and taste, that it contained alkaline substances, and presumably other mineral properties. It was, in addition, clear, pure and cold. Besides, the capacity of the spring was simply enormous. These discoveries very quickly fixed his course. The spring must be his. And, before 9 o'clock of the morning of the discovery it was his, together with the two acres of pasture-land in which it was embosomed. * *

The subsequent analysis of the water by Prof. 15ode more than confirmed the cotivictions of Dr. Swan. It provcA better than he had dared to hope. He had heard from the visitors at Waukesha that it tasted exactly like that of the world-fiimed Bethesda, and we who had drunk the water weeks together concurred in this. Still, he did not venture to hope that it had substantially the same ingredients. Yet the analysis makes this a certainty. Indeed, it shows

The Parent Settlement - Permanent Improvement - Organization and Village Roster- Early Settlers - The Post Office - Hotels - The Railroad - Banks - Schools - Churches - Societies - The Old Settlers' Club - The Lake - Growth - Acknowledgments.

The first permanent settlement in Dodge County was made in March, 1838, by Jacob P. Brower, a brief sketch of whose life and services appears in another part of this work. In 1836, Mr. Brower came from his home in .Jefferson County, N. Y., and, stopping for a short period in Milwaukee, made a prospecting tour on horseback through the Territory of Wisconsin, as far west as the present site of Madison. From there he went to Green Bay, passing through Green Lake County on his route. When eighteen miles out from Fort Winnebago, his horse was stolen by Indians, and he was compelled to return to the Fort on foot, where he obtained another horse, and set out for the second time for Green Bay. Arriving there, he was further reminded of "man's inhumanity to man," by being in some way victimized by certain individuals then connected with the land office at that place. But he reached his home in the Empire State in safety, and the next season returned to the then Far West, bringing with him his family and locating at Sheboygan, where he remained about one year. In March, 1838, he found himself the legal possessor of a claim on the northern shore of a beautiful lake, whose waters were almost as transparent as the rarefied air beneath the blue-vaulted heavens. Here he found a band of Winnebago Indians, headed by a chief named Mach-koo-kah, and a subordinate afterward styled " Dandy " by the early settlers, because of the magnificence of his paint and feathers and the number of squaws who claimed him as their liege lord. The band varied in numbers, at times ranging from one hundred to five hundred. Though the Winnebagoes were the most savage of the various tribes then inhabiting Wisconsin, Mr. Brower managed to get along with his dusky neighbors without any trouble ; in fact, during the remainder of his life (about eight years), he was never molested by them. He soon came to comprehend their language, and from them learned that the Indian name of the lovely lake upon whose shores he had located was -'Ilosh-a-rac-ah-tah," signifying Fox Lake. Hosh-a-rac-ah-tah was soon "corrupted" into the more euphonious word Waushara (which really means fish-spear), and by the latter name thftpostoffice of Fox Lake was known until 1850.

Of course, the pioneer's first work was the construction of a rude log house for the accommodation of his extensive family, whose arrival was daily anticipated. This he built upon that portion of his claim now known as the Stoddard fiirm, being assisted in the work by his father, Paul Brower, and his sons, George W. and John L. Brower, the two latter still being residents of Fox Lake. In November of the same year, Mr. Brower disposed of his claim to Henry Merrill, and during the following month entered 240 acres in the name of Gov. Doty, on the south side of the lake, within the southern limits of the present village. There he erected, on the west side of the river, a double log house, and made immediate preparations for improving what he very wisely considered to be a valuable water-power. About the same date, Hamilton Stevens, with his family, arrived within hearing distance of the sound of Mr. Brower's ax, and, taking a mental survey of the surroundings, concluded to pitch his tent and cast his fortunes among the stalwart oaks. He entered the land upon which the principal part of the village now stands, and built a cabin, which stood, according to both the original and present surveys of the village, upon the north side of Hamilton street.

John Van Eps and Julius H. Williams were the next enterprising pioneers to follow in the wake of Messrs. Brower and Stevens. The foregoing is a brief outline of the facts connected with the first settlement of Fox Lake, as well as that of Dodge County.

Permanent Impkovement

In the fall of 1841, Mr. Brower removed to Beaver Dam (see Chapter VI) and. returning to Fox Lake three years later, commenced the construction of a dam and saw-mill on his land. The work was vigorously prosecuted, and in October, 1845, the first effectual, revolution of the machinery was made. The great demand for lumber kept tlie mill and its proprietor in almost perpetual motion. Prior to the completion of this mill, but little progress seems to have been made toward the subtantial improvement of Fox Lake. .Vbout that date Mechanics (or Cork) and Hamilton streets were the principal thoroughfares, and less than half a dozen log tenements had been erected. Chief among these was the Slieboygan House, the first structure deserving or claiming the. name of hotel. It still stands upon the corner of Center and Hamilton streets, and, we believe, is occupied by Mr. Minehan as a residence, necessary improvements having been made at various times. But the incessant buzz of Mr. Brower's saw was followed by the usual results. Neat and comfortable frame houses were soon to be seen looming up in every direction. A grist-mill was next in order, and this Mr. Brower had but just commenced, when his untimely death in November, 1846, temporaril}' checked not only the progress of Fox Lake, but also the phenomenal growth of Beaver Dam, where he had succeeded in earning distinction as an enterprising citizen. His sons, George W. and John L. Brower, soon afterward assumed the task of carrying out the designs of their father, and in August, 1851, the citizens of Fox Lake were fortunately favored with the advantages of a good gristmill, which they long continued to enjoy. The Brower Brothers found more profit in the grinding of grain than in the sawing of lumber, and, consequently, the saw-mill was virtually abandoned.

In 1854, R. W. Drinkwater built a dam and saw-mill at a point on the river a mile south of the Brower mill. In 1856, J. L. Brower & Co. purchased this institution, and have since torn away and rebtjilt the dam, upon which they are now erecting a large grist-mill. The original IBrower mill was destroyed by fire on the 15th of February, 1878, after which the proprietors sold the power to Coman & Morrison, who built upon the old basement an extensive flouring-mill, which they own at the present time.

The first election in the towD of Fox Lake under the Territorial government, was held on the 7th day of April, 1846. At this election the following town officers were duly elected, as appears by the return on file in the Clerk's office, in the hand-writing of Stoddard Judd: Supervisors, Stoddard Judd (Chairman), John Schamburgh and Darius J. Wells ; Clerk, .Tohn L. Brower; Justices, Harvey P. Farrington, Alonzo Hawley, Lawrence H. Van Buren; Commissioners of Highways, James Evans, Freeman Keith and Vincent Goldsmith ; Assessors, Manderville Burgit, Warren C. Ricard and .Joiiii Cruden ; Commissioners of Schools, Alonzo Hawley, G. C. Simons and Joseph Thomas ; Collector, Benjamin Ferguson ; Treasurer, Julius C. Williams ; Constables, Putnam Farrington, John P. Putnam and Benjamin Ferguson ; Sealer, Cornelius De Reimer.

This return is certified by Stoddard Judd, Cliairman, and Gamaliel C. Simmons, Clerk. This is the first written record of any election held in this place, previous to that time Fox Lake being but a voting-precinct, the records of which have not been preserved. In the fall of the same year a general election was held for members of the State Council, Constitutional Convention and the county officers. At this time the political parties were Whig and Democrat, or "Locofoco," the latter being in the majority ; 104 votes were polled.

The first village plat was made in May, 1849, by Judson Prentice, for Stoddard Judd. Elizabeth Judd, Benjamin Ferguson, Phoebe Ann Ferguson, L. H. Van Buren and Beulah L.

History Of Dodge Count V.

Van Buren. It was certified to before Quartus H. Barron. Fox Lake continued under town government until the 4th of May, 1858, when, pursuant to and in accordance with tlie provisions of an act of the Legislature, entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Village of Fox Lake," the qualified electors of the said village convened at the American House, and cliosc William J. Dawes and David D. Cheeney, Judges, and Garret T. Hawley, Clerk of Election. Balloting then proceeded for village officers for the ensuing year, resulting as follows: President, Abel Merwin ; Trustees, William D. Barnett, James L. Townsend, Wilson Torrey, William K. Parker, John L. Brower and David D. Thomas ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Francis Hamilton ; Marshal, Newton I. Crocker.

1859 - President, Benjamin Ferguson (at this election William E. Smith, now Governor of the State, received one vote for President); Trustees, G. W. Brower, Smith Weed, Isaac W. Tower, John T. Smith, George Jess and John W. Davis ; Clerk, Arie Banra ; Treasurer, Darius J. Wells; Marshal, Edward Davis. Smith Weed failed to qualify, and W. H. Lander was chosen to fill the vacancy.

I860 - President, John W. Davis ; Trustees, Benjamin Ferguson, Stoddard Judd, William E. Smith, James B. Smith, G. W. Brower and Leland Crocker; Clerk, Arie Banta; Treasurer, Darius J. Wells ; Marshal, Edward Davis. One vote was cast for William E. Smith, for Marshal.

1870 - President, Charles Merwin ; Trustees, W. K. Parker, J. Weed, F. A. Leibenstein, Alexander Stark, J. J. Roberts and R. P. Smith ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, A. B. Chamberlin ; Marshal, Albert Frank ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson.

1871 - President, George Jess ; Trustees, Martin Stapleton, Quartus H. Barron, R. P. Smith, C. Merwin, W. W^. Jones and F. A. Leibenstein ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, A. B. Chamberlin ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, Arie Banta.

1872 - President, William K. Parker ; Trustees, J. T. Smith, M. Stapleton, F. A. Leibenstein, A. Stark, Julius H. Dawes and J. G. Parker ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, W. W. Jones ; Marshal, Virgil L. Reeve ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson.

1874 - President, Seymour T. Coman ; Trustees, J. A. Williams, D. D. Thomas, J. Phlipson, G. W. Brower, R. P. Smith and J. H. Dawes ; Clerk, Arie Banta ; Treasurer, Hamlin L. Chapman ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Constable, William Germain ; Supervisor, George Jess ; Justice of the Peace, D. D. Thomas.

187(3 - President, Benjamin Ferguson ; Trustees, J. A. Williams, C. Merwin, Q. H Barron, Cassim B. Hawes, Raphael L. Parker and Charles H. Eggleston ; Clerk, Arie Banta Treasurer, Nicholas W. Tarrant ; Marshal, G. D. Roberts ; Constable, James Buckland Supervisor, George Jess ; Justice of the Peace, D. D. Thomas.

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

1879 - President, J. H. Williams; Trustees, S. T. Coman, H. Clausen, L. N. Root, J. B. Smith, Michael Bloedel and J. A. Williams ; Clerk, John Medley ; Treasurer, D. D. Williams ; Marshal, Levy Messervey ; Constable, V. L. Reeve ; Supervisor, Benjamin Ferguson ; Justice of the Peace, A. J. Hammond. J. A. Williams refusing to qualify as Trustee, A. 0. Wright was chosen to fill the vacancy.

Early Settlers

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

The " noble " red man has made himself exceedingly scarce of late years. In early days, he was an important part of the commuity ; for he did the hunting and fishing, and sold his venison and pickerel at bed-rock prices. During the summer, the east bank of the creek, between the mill and bridge, was .lined with Indian lodges ; in the winter, they built and lived in wigwams on the islands in the lake. Brewer's Island being the favorite rendezvous ; and upon the grassy knoll there - since the spacious arena of a thousand picnics and celebrations, public and private - the dusky matrons cultivated limited quantities of corn. The relations of the Indians with the settlers, says Mr. Hotchkiss, were mainly of a friendly nature, save during the brief reign of the famous " Cruden War," in which none were killed, wounded or taken prisoners. Time has greatly toned down the atrocities of this aifair, and its participants have had so much fun poked at them, that we will not dwell here upon the fascinating subject, but leave it with the expression of our disinterested opinion that the moving cause of the war is found in the fact tliat the Saloon de Cruden bartered " fire-water "' for muskrat skins without license from the Village Board of Trustees. Indian remains, partial skeletons, pipes, arrowheads, etc., have fre(iuently been unearthed on the north shore of the lake, and also upon the hill just west of the village. In winter, the Indians deposited tlieir dead in tree-tops and crotches on high ground; in the spring they were taken down and buried, apparently without much regard to locality or uniformity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tub Railroad

The original survey of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, of which Dr. Stoddard Judd was President, passed through the village of Fox Lake, near the Brower mill. The question of tlie location of the depot was a source of considerable local agitation, the citizens being divided in their views upon the subject. The result was, the Railroad Company exercised its peculiar privilege, and changed the route, leaving Fox Lake two miles to the north. The Fox Lake Horse Railroad then grew out of the necessity for some sort of communication with the outside world, and it has answered the purpose very well. It was completed in 1859. Dr. Judd and J. W. I>avis may be said to have been the designers. It is an incorporated company, the stock (of which there are 150 shares at $100 eacli) being owned by Arie Banta, S. T. Coman, Jolin Weed, J. W. Davis, Gov. William E. Smith, Dr. J. T. Smith and the heirs of Dr. Stoddard Judd. The depot building of this road was destroyed by fire in tlie spring of 186(3, together with five or six warehouses and 1,000 bushels of grain, including one of the steam railroad company's freight cars loaded with wheat ready for shipment. The depot building was uninsured.

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

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

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

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

The Catholics are believed to have organized the next church society, and built the next place of worship (St. Mary's), in 1849. The membership of this church has always been very liirge. Among the Pustors who have had charge of the parish may be mentioned the Rev. Fathers Morris, Smith, MeGurke, Dougherty, Alien and Dumphy. ,

The Congregational society was organized in October, 1853, by Rev. E. S. Peck, its first Pastor. Its present edifice was built in I80G. Revs. Cowley, Peete, Dixon, Brown and Haire were its early Pastors. The pulpit is vacant at present.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 18.54, and has since been enlarged to accommodate the rapidly growing congregation ; but it is said that services were held by believers of this creed at an earlier date than 1854. The Pastors, since 18G6, have been the Revs. Grant, Eldridge, Bancroft, Smith, Treever and Faville.

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

The Episcopal (Christ Church) was erected in 1861 through theefibrts of Rev. D. L. Brainard, who was its first Rector. The church, though small, is tastily finislied. The Rev. Mr. Burleson is the present Rector.

Among the various societies that have been organized in Fox Lake, the following may be mentioned as those surviving to the present time: The Odd Fellows organized a Lodge in 1850, with Quartus II. Barron as Noble Grand. In 1873, the Lodge erected an imposing brick building at a cost of about $5,000, the lower portion being devoted to the purposes of a public hall, and the upper portion to those of a lodge-roora. The membership is given at about 100. The style and title of the organization is Waushara Lodge, No. 50. The present officers arc: S. Clausen, N. G.; A. Halstead, V. G.; D. W. John, R. S.; C. H. Eggleston. P. S.; H. Clausen, T.; B. Germain, W.; S. McDowell, C; Chas. Lyle, L. S. N. G.; Chas. Merwin, R. S. N. G.; J. N. Hardy, 0. G.; J. Peasley, I. G.; S. F. Tucker, R. S. S.; J. Lindlay, L. S. S ; George Townsend, R. S. V. G.; William Halstead, L. S. V. G. Meetings are held every Saturday evening.

The cause of temperance has found a host of friends in Fox Lake. The first public efforts on the part of the citizens of that place to reclaim the drunkard were made in 1857, when a Good Templars Lodge, which has maintained its good standing uninterruptedly ever since, was organized. In 1876, when but three of its charter members - 0. N. Gorton, D. W. Stuart and Mrs. C. M. Stafford - remained, it had a membership of eighty-four. Fox Lake Lodge, No. 12, has received valuable assistance in the prosecution of its work from the Ladies' Temperance Union, which was instituted in March, 1874, with 100 signers to the pledge. Mrs. George Warren, Mrs. J. B. Woodruff and Mrs. S. T. Coman have been prominent workers in the latter organization. Then there is Fox Lake Temple, No. 23, T. of H., organized in October, 1875, with a large and enthusiastic membership. The combined influence of these three organizations have wrought a salutary revolution in Fox Lake. The writer was never more forcibly impressed with the importance of these organizations than while in that village obtaining material for this work. Calling upon Mr. F. A. Leibenstein, the brewer, for the facts concerning his business, that individual, in answer to interrogatories, said : " I l)uilt this brewery in 185G ; it then liad a capacity of 1,000 barrels per year. For a time my business increased, and I wits compelled to enlarge my establishment to five times its original size. I also built seven beer cellars and a large ice-house ; but, sir, there's no sale for my beer now. The red-ribbon fellows and temperance people generally have the best of it." Thus is a moral pointed and a tale adorned.

The Old Settlers Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ami another you have amnnj; you who will never be forgotten, though he may fmle. lie came West the same year that Boaz we'Meil Ruth. He is a hen-fancier by clucation. He selecterl th'e different species of birds for Noah's Arlt. About the eighth century his hair wasyeHow, and it Itas not changed ! He has performed many deeds of valor - was sword-bearer to the Queen of Sheba, was .lustu;e of the Peace in the Court of Solomon's Temple, was a member of the Roman Senate, and played seven-up and " penuckle " willi Nero 1 Was a member of the Wisconsin Legislature and voted large supplies to Black Hawk. He never was a safe or profitable man. In the beginning he called himself " Barron," and the reconl shows that he is Barren now !

After more music and the readino; of the Constitution and By-Laws of the society, the following officers were elected : President, B. F. Gibbs; Vice Presidents, James H. Williams, Samuel Kmiball, Randall Ilisley ; Secretaries, W.J. Dawes, David Metcalf; Mar.shal, D. C. Williams; Speaker, W. J. Dawes - Alternate, N. E. Allen ; Lady Essayist, Mrs. J. B. Woodruff - Alternate, Mrs. Q. IL Barron.

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

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

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