Kenosha City (part 1 of 3)

Kenosha City

for popular favor and patronage, publishing in a conspicuous place in the paper, where all wlio can might read, that, politically, such men and measures as commanded respect and confidence would be supported, and that, too, without subserviency to any party. The paper, however, was put forth as the organ of the Democracy, and so regarded and supported. This partnership lasted until September 17, of the year in which it was entered into, when its dissolution was published; Isaac D. George retaining the paper, assuming all liabilities of the firm, and being credited with all its assets. April 15, 1859, his name appears for the last time, as ** editor and proprietor." Between that date and May 13, 1859, the paper, owners and politics - John A. Butts having purchased its good-will - translated an hitherto organ of Democracy and upholder of James Buchanan and his administration, into an advocate of Republicanism and its principles, which the Times defined as comprehending ^* human progress in all that ennobles man,'* civil, religious and political freedom, free soil, free labor, free speech, and a free press. Mr. Butts urged the adoption of these principles upon the Northwest, single handed and alone, for nearly two years, but in the issue of November 22, 1861, J. H. Tracy is promulgated as co-editor, and in that of January 31, 1861, the firm of Butts & McVean (D. Cassius McVean) is put forth as the editors and proprietors, with J. H. Tracy as the senior editor. When the call for troops came, three months later, McVean entered the service and became Captain of Company 6, First Wisconsin Regiment, in which capacity he served three months. Upon the return of his regiment, in September, he aided in its re-organization, and re-enlisted for three years, having in the meantime severed his connection with the Times^ which was continued by J. A. Butts, with J. H. Tracy, senior editor. This arrangement was carried on until February 20, 1862, when Mr. Butts announced his disposition of the Times to J. H. Harrison & Co., who assumed control one week later, and installed J. Bond as editor. Three months after, almost to a day, the paper passed into the control of S. B. Taylor & Co., Mr. Bond still officiating in the editorial department. The firm name disappears early in 1863, and there is no record of the paper subsequent to January 22, of that year. The paper expired in that year, and the materials were transported to Chicago, to be used in printing the Real Estate Record of Hill & Gage.

The Democracy, or, rather, what assumed to be the conservative element inhabiting Kenosha County and vicinity, remained without an "organ," after the demise of the Democrat^ until the close of the war. But when peace again smiled upon the land, and soldiers had beaten their swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning-hooks, it was deemed a fitting time for the revival of "an organ " that should, in a generous spirit, seek the pursuit of a policy, having for its object the restoration of the Republic to her former unity, prosperity and happiness, irrespective of person or party, and as the exponent of sentiments that cherished a Christian spirit, indulging in no malice or venom to further wound the feelings of those who have not been converted by the force of arms, or convinced by the logic of abuse. In such a spirit, and for such an end, was the Kenosha Union established, say the founders of that journal in the initial number, issued June 28, 1866, by " I. W. Webster and George Hutchinson, proprietors,'* through its editorial columns, managed by the former gentleman.

The journalistic infant certainly bore an appearance both acceptable to readers and promising to its sponsors. The twenty-four columns composing its "make-up," gave evidence in the selections, editorials, locals and advertisements with which they were filled, that the undertaking was determined to deserve success. Politically, the editors manifested a disposition to adopt a line of policy smothered with independence. In regard to the manner of re-establishing harmonious relations between the States, the Union believed that " there was no way under heaven to arrive at a correct and satisfactory conclusion, buc by the use of common sense.'' It was the plain duty of the people to look after reconstruction themselves, and not wait for their servants to find out, by continually quarrelling with each other, what they can know just as well by the use of a little common reasoning. Neither " my plan *' nor the plan of Congress, observes the Union^ will succeed in restoring this country to harmony and happiness, until the people learn that the late rebellion was not the first in the history of the world, nor of this country ; and that " traitor " is not the coinage of the last few years. Finally, the conquerors must practice, to some extent, that high Christian virtue of doing unto others as they would have them do unto them, before reconstruction and re-union can become accomplished facts. These excerpts, from editorials published in the first numbers of the Union, indicate the tendency of its publishers toward pronounced Democracy, which it gradually assumed and has indexed until within a year past, since when the claim is made by Locofocos that the paper is independent rather than Democratic ; that its Democracy is " dizzy," and that its motto - **No North, no South ; No East, no West," are flittering generalities without force.

Volume II was begun June 27, 1867, with I. W. Webster as editor and proprietor, who announces the success of the paper, and the intention of its owners to *' enlarge the sheet " in a short time. This promise was fully requited on the 22d of August following, when *' the sheet " was enlarged and otherwise improved. Mr. Webster continued as editor and proprietor until April 22, 1869, when Smith & Goodrich were quoted as ** publishers," Mr. W. still wielding the editorial quill. On Thursday, the 14th of October, 1869, the decease of Mr. Goodrich's mother called that gentleman to Michigan, and he dissolved his connection with the Union. Mr. Webster thereupon resumed the publication of the paper in addition to his editorial duties, Mr. Smith taking charge of the printing and job departments of the oflSce. Under this administration Volume V was begun under the '^ most favorable auspices, and at a time in the history of this Republic, when a vigorous, honest, outspoken journalism was more demanded than ever before." Mr. Webster retained control of the paper (assisted during a portion of 1875, by J. A. Harrison in the mechanical department only), until his death, which occurred on the 14th of August, 1875, of ossification of the heart.

From the date of Mr. Webster's death, until November 1 thereafter, the paper was conducted by A. C. Arveson, Clarence Snyder, local, the editorial department being presided over by the Hon. Volney French. On the Ist of November, the Union was purchased at private sale by J. A. Killeen, who came West from New York City, a short time previous, and settled in Kenosha. He retained the services of Judge French, who was known as editor-in-chief until the spring of 1877, since when, Mr. Killeen has discharged the varied duties himself, and to-day is the owner of an enterprising, newsy, growing weekly, independent in politics and attractive in appearance and contents.

The Harbor Improvements

The improvement of the harbor has ever been an object of especial interest on the part of citizens of Kenosha from the days of the settlement of Southport, until the present time. The importance of accomplishing a desideratum so indispensable to the prosperity of the city was evef appreciated, and opportunities to effect this end have never been permitted to pass unimproved. Until late years, annual appropriations were made by the city and Government for the improvement of the harbor, which was designed to be 150 feet wide and of navigable depth from theextreme eastern point of the island to the docks in the then business center of the village.

The action of the Government until the year 1846 has been referred to elsewhere. On-^cr-rj July 3, of that year, an election was held on the expediency of levying a tax of 2 per cent foi the work, and, in April following, the bill pending in Congress for the erection of a beacon-lighi became a law. Col. Alton, however, reported that the harbor pier at Southport and other harbors, which he names, were not in a condition to receive a beacon-light, but that he " will cause a structure to be be built for temporary use." On the 8th of August, 1847, the village decide( at a special election to levy an additional tax of 2 per cent for the improvements or borroiw?^ ^5,000 for that purpose on the credit of the city. This sum was borrowed from John Bullemand others, and George Kimball appointed to superintend the work. Col. Alton acting on behalf" of the Government.

In July, 1847, Mr. McReynolds, Superintendent of Lighthouses, located the lighthouse on the island, and, on September 14 following, proposals were advertised for, the same being dated at Detroit ; the total Government appropriations to that date aggregating ^27,500.

Within the past ten years, and for some vears previous, large amounts aggregating ?135.- 807.41 have been appropriated by the Government, a lighthouse and beacon-light equal to any

History Of Kenosha

On Monday, July 1, 1850, a resolution was introduced at a meeting of the Common Council declaring that the tax levied for harbor improvement August 22, 1849, was illegal and should be refunded. The resolution was adopted, and thereafter the records of the Council are replete with applications for a rebate of that tax, which was in nearly every instance allowed.

On the 24th of February, 1851, a committee was appointed by the Council to ascertain the extent of the obligations the city was under for money expended in perfecting repairs, etc. The committee submitted its report in accordance with the resolution, in that behalf, to the effect that there was yet due the sum of $4,228.86, and that the city held certificates amounting to $2,- 997.07, the sale of which were recommended and the application of the proceeds to the liquidation of said indebtedness. The report was adopted and its provisions carried into effect. On March 31 of the same year, a special election was held for the purpose of obtaining the consent of property holders to levy a tax of $10,000 for rendering the harbor navigable. The election was almost unanimous in favor of the proposed levy, which was made. J. H. Hackley was appointed to superintend the improvements contemplated; contracts for materials were concluded with Alfred Burroughs and others, and, during that season, the work progressed satisfactorily.

February 16, 1852, and again on April oof the same year, amounts aggregating $1,866. oO were appropriated to the liquidation of claims against the city on harbor account held by Samuel Hale. On the 18th of May following, by a vote of the people, a tax was levied for the purpose of raising the sum of $5,000 for harbor improvements, but its collection was deferred until the same should be directed by the Council. During that year, resolutions providing for the holding of elections to legalize the appropriation of $30,000, $26,000 and $20,000 for the harbor fund were introduced in the Council and laid upon the table; but the records of that year furnish no data of the appropriation of moneys to these uses other than indicated.

With the dawn of 1853, a renewed interest was awakened in the work, and the citizens appear to have been roused to a determination to accomplish the long-desired end. On the 25th of January, the Common Council adopted a resolution directing the holding of a special election on the 10th of February, to decide upon the further appropriation of $10,000 for the completion of the harbor undertaking. By subsequent action, the election was postponed until February 23, when it was decided to make the assessment provided for in the resolution. This amount was to be evidenced by bonds to be issued by the city, bearing 10 per cent interest, and their sale delegated to Aldermen Evans, Bond and Kimball, who negotiated their transfer with G. E. H. Day, and upon which the interest was paid regularly. A dredge was purchased, and worked under the supervision of Alonzo White, and again the work proceeded in a manner that elicited commendation and encouragement.

In 1854, at an election, holden April 4, $5,000 were voted for harbor purposes for that year. A special meeting of Council was convened for the purpose of examining reports on the work done, estimates of work proposed and ascertain what was necessary for its continued prosecution. The meeting was addressed by Lieut. Gamble, of the Engineer Corps, United States Army, who proposed a plan of operations, and, in a lengthy argument, urged its adoption. After some canvass of the merits of the plan submitted, the same was considered favorably, and acted upon. Later in the season, a second meeting was called to confer with Lieut. Col. Graham, the Government agent, and, if possible, effect an arrangement by which some concert of action might be agreed upon that would facilitate a completion of the work. The utmost harmony prevailed and the conference concluded by the adoption of the city plan. The Mayor was authorized to negotiate a loan of $1,500 from the Kenosha City Bank for the completion of a necessary part of the work ; scrip was issued for the indebtedness incurred in the work, and the unexpended balance of the Government appropriations were directed to the raising of harbor piers and the completion of two cribs, the extension of the piers being at that time deemed unnecessary. On September 4, a balance of $966.24 was reported as remaining on hand April 4, from the appropriations made during the fiscal year, which amounted to $8,515.94.

On April 4, 1855, the sum of $4,000 was voted to carry on the work daring the ensuing year, and the Harbor Committee was instructed to ^^ push the improvements as long as means could be obtained for that purpose/* In June, the Finance Committee was authorized to borrow $1,000, and again, in October, $700 additional, to be applied on the work, the original appropriation having become exhausted. Nor was the sum suflScient, for, by the records, it appears that $5,000 was voted for on December 18. This completed the labors for that year.

In 1856 (May 26), a new dredge was procured at a cost of $12,000, and $910 were borrowed from Z. 6. Simmons to pay for labor. On June 10, another special tax was levied, from which $5,000 were obtained for necessary expenses, incident to the improvements.

On the 19th of January, 1857, a committee, consisting of Aldermen Paul, Crosit, Fish, Scott, Berrens and Doming, was appointed to examine the work and estimate the amount necessary to continue the improvement for the ensuing year. The committee discharged its duty and reported as follows: Assets, $10,379.78; liabilities, $13,591.41, leaving a deficiency to be met of $3,212.63. The committee announced that, as the result of its investigations, the harbor ^' had become a fixed fact, and that all that would be required of the city for its completion and preservation was the appropriation of a small sum annually." The committee also recommended that scows be constructed ; that provision be made for discharging the present indebtedness, and a small amount for work, amounting in all to $10,000, as follows : Deficiency, $3,212.03 ; interest, expenses and commission on bonds, $1,895, and cost of scows and harbor work, $4,892.97. The report was adopted, and an ordinance passed providing for the projected improvements ; also, for the issue of $10,000 in bonds, payable in ten years, and drawing 10 per cent interest. At an election held February 10, following, the action of the Council was approved, and three scows of capacity of thirty-five cubic yards each, were contracted for at a cost of $600 apiece. At the close of the fiscal year, the Treasurer reported that he had received $13,738.65 on harbor account, of which he had expended $12,693.82, leaving a balance of $1,045.83 to the credit of that account. During that year, Lieut. Col. Graham made a survey of the harbor. In November another tax of $3,000 was levied for the improvement, and Sheldon Fish superintended the work.

On September 13, 1858, a committee, consisting of Aldermen Fish, Whipple and Bone, submitted a report of the harbor, which caused no inconsiderable sensation, and elicited some comment. The report set forth that the work had been directed by the chairman of the Harbor Committee without instructions from, or the co-operation of said committee; and that the interest of the city had suffered from the want of an intelligent head to give direction and efficacy to the work.

On the 7th of October, 1858, the Financial Committee reported in favor of appropriating $3,075 to pay the accrued interest on harbor bonds ; also, $2,000 for carrying on the work. The report was accepted, and the city deferred further action for that year.

In 1859, but little was accomplished by the city beyond the holding of a special meeting to provide for the payment of $3,090 interest on harbor bonds.

On the 21st of May, 1860, Aldermen Lathrop, Wood and Van Arsdale moved the appointment of a committee to draft a memorial and circulate a petition to Congress for an appropriation of $5,000 to provide for a light on the east end of the north harbor pier. The motion was adopted, but the records are silent as to what result attended the effort.

On the 16th of July, the Harbor Committee reported that there was due from the city a balance of $400, on account of the moneys collected on the work for the year 1859, and recommended that the same be appropriated to the rendering of the North Side channel free from the bar formed there, and repairing the crib. In October following, an effort was made to levy an assessment of $2,000 for the same and other improvements, but was defeated at the polls, and, . on May 19, 1802, Aldermen Quarlesand English reported $395,066.34 as the amount due from the city on harbor and railroad bonds.

History Of Kexosiia

Since the date last above mentioned, annual appropriations, amounting in the aggregate to upward of 9^0,000, have been made by the city for the work, which is now in a fair navigable condition, the mouth free from bars, and a depth of water averaging thirteen feet, being maintained throughout its course. The current year witnesses a number of improvements in progress, including the dredging of a new channel on the north side of the river from a point opposite the foot of Main street to Allen's tannery, which is being done under private contract, the building of a swinging bridge, etc.

Thus far, the work has cost the city fully $75,000, which is in part represented by bonds, a portion of which are held by citizens of Kenosha, who have paid for the improvements, an amount equal to nearly one-half that expended by the corporation. Much remains to be accomplished, but those interested (and all are interested) are sanguine of the ultimate perfection, in all its features, of this important artery of commerce and consequent prosperity.

Fire Department

The present organization was incorporated under '* An Act to incorporate the Fire Department of Kenosha City," approved March 8, 1851, and consists of two engine companies, two hose companies, one hook and ladder company, and one steamer, the " I. W. Webster.'* Under the act of incorporation, Isaac W. Webster was nominated as President of the Department ; H. B. Hinsdale, Vice President; Frederick S. Lovell, Secretary; John R. Phelps, Treasurer, and John E. Henry, Collector, who constituted the Board of Trustees, and held office until the second Monday in January, 1852, when an election was held and their successors qualified. At tnat time, the service was made up of two hand-engines, the '' Park City ** and '* Star," and one hook and ladder company, the '^ Rescue," under the direction of H. B. Hinsdale, Chief, but the growth of the city necessitated a yearly increase, and gave birth to the Germania Engine Company, No. 3, in 1875, to which also the steamer "Webster," purchased of the Silsby Manufacturing Company, of Seneca Falls. N. Y., for ^(5,500, was added.

Star^ No, 1. - Joseph Widman, Foreman ; Peter Brannon, First Assistant ; John Preddis, Second Assistant; Frank Hartnel, Secretary; H. E. Clark, Treasurer, and forty-one men.

Uaffle Hose. - D. Harff, Foreman ; A. Schumacher, First Assistant ; T. Hartnel, Secretary ; H. Harff, Treasurer ; B. Herzberger, Steward, and fifteen men.

The Department is supported by moneys accruing from fines and penalties by law, or ordinance appropriated thereto ; by the annual tax of two per cent assessed upon premiums received or agreed to be taken by insurance companies not chartered by any law of the State, and by donations not specially devoted to the Firemen's Benevolent Fund. The moneys thus raised are credited to the General Fund, and applied to paying incidental expenses connected with the support of the service ; any surplus remaining in the treasury, belonging to the General Fund, at the close of the fiscal year, becoming part of the ** Firemen's Benevolent Fund," which, in addition to the unexpended surplus, is made up of moneys devoted especially to said fund, and from sums received upon the admission of honorary members. The interest of this fund is appropriated, under the direction of the Board of Trustees, to the relief of disabled and indigent firemen and their families. The present officers are : President, W. E. Reed ; Vice President, Paul Sauber ; Secretary, A. Burg ; Treasurer, George D. Head ; Collector, Henry Georgen ; Fire Wardens, John Hoye, M. Greenwald, George Barber and M. Zahnen ; Trustees, Henry Georgen, Michael Hamraang, John Fassbinder, T. L. Whitbeck, W. Symes, P. Brannan, J. T. Yule, Lee Fellows, J. Hoye, Peter Grosh, Frederick Sanger and August Huck.

The amount in the treasury to the credit of Relief Fund estimated at ^1,500 ; amount invested in engines, hose, implements, etc., ^12,000. Water for the extinguishment of fires is obtained from reservoirs sunk into the earth, about the city, but no water-works of a reliable character are yet in existence, though their building is contemplated this summer.

Post Office

The postal facilities of Southport, according to reliable accounts, must have been of a character the opposite of satisfactory. When the settlement was first begun, settlers obtained letters at long intervals, and then only by sending an order of delivery to the postal officer at Chicago, accompanying the same with '^two shillings*' to pay the expense incident to transporting the letter from the place of its authorship to Fort Dearborn. In 1886, the mail was carried between Milwaukee and Chicago on an average of three times a week by the old prairie route, and letters for Southport were left at the tavern of George Willis at a point distant from the lake, and causing no inconsiderable inconvenience to the merchants and citizens of the thriving village to which the letters were addressed. In 1840, Waters Towslee was appointed Postmaster, and the office was removed to a point on the shore of the lake that has long since yielded to constant washings, and become a part of the lake bed. In time, the business demands necessitated a removal of the " city's center " to a portion of the village where it would be more accessible to the public, and the move was made to the building now occupied by F. W. Lyman, at the corner action of the daily increasing business, another move was made south on Main street to a building^^^ g near the corner of Park street, where it remained for several years, when the national depository foraK: 4bt letters was once more moved to the building on Market street, where it is at present located. Thc^^ ^e different departments in the office at present are the mailing, distributing, money-order and stamptizy p departments, requiring the services of one postmaster and two assistants for a proper discharg^^ -re of the duties, and producing a net revenue to the Governmant yearly. The total receipts lasP" -J^t year amounted to $6,538.20 ; the expenses, including salaries of Postmaster, clerks' hire, rent oM" --f building, etc., to $2,955.00 leaving a balance paid the department of 33,583.20.

The Kenosha office is the only point in the county where money orders can be procured, and. as a consequent, the business in that department is not only extensive, but rapidly increasing.

For the year ending March 31, 1879, domestic money orders were issued to applicants froi Kenosha, Bristol and other points in the county, to be paid in Canada, elsewhere, and th^s United States, to the amount of $39,336.79 ; at the same time, orders from abroad aggregating $25,298.79 were paid, and a balance of $14,138 was deposited to the credit of the service witb. the Postmaster at Milwaukee.

The following is the list of Postmasters who have served in Kenosha County from its first settlement to the present day : Warters Towslee, Henry B. Towslee, H. B. Hinsdale, C. Latham Sholes, Simeon King, George Paul, M. Frank, I. W. Webster, F. S. Lovell, I. W. Webster and Charles Frantz, the present official.

In the fall of 1835, tlie system of education which has been attended with such satisfactory results in Kenosha, was inaugurated by the Rev. Jason Lothrop, who established a night school in his private residence. Tliis was succeeded by a day school after a brief experience, of which Mr. Lothrop was Principal. He remained in this capacity until the summer of 1838, when the school was assigned to the care of Mrs. Caroline Quarles, then Mrs. Allen, who taught one year

Histoky Of Kexosha

(her school was attended by about thirty scholars), for which she received her board and ^S per week. During the same year, Miss Kialtby maintained a school in the basement of Doming & Durkee's store.

In 1842, a schoolhouse was erected on Main street at a cost of $1,000, but as to who taught, or farther particulars, the records are silent.

As Kenosha increased in size and importance, the necessity for improved educational facilities became apparent. Accordingly, R. H. Deming (now known as the father of the free-school system), together with other gentlemen, in 1847, commenced the erection of the present highschool building. The work progressed until October 9, 1848, when bein^ in debt, and apprehensive as to the result of their undertaking, Messrs. R. H. Deming, S. C. Pierce, L. Heyles, F. W. Lyman, P. T. Roe, E. W. Wilton and 0. F. Dana, issued the following request :

'' To the Trustees of School District No. 1, of Southport : You are hereby requested to call a school meeting of this District, to see if the voters thereof will raise a tax for the completion of the schoolhouse now building in this District."

On January 24, 1849, a meeting of the legal voters was held ; L. L. Pierce presiding as Moderator, and Oscar F. Dana, Clerk. Its object was stated - '^ to ballot for, or against, the collection of a tax of $2,000 heretofore levied,- to wit, on the 18th day of October." At that meeting 251 ballots were deposited, and, when the election boxes were opened, and the returns made up, it was found that of those 251 persons voting, 183 had voted to make the levy, and 68 JELgainst it. The assessment was made, the tax collected, and the school completed, Zuingilus C. Greaves being called from Kingsville to take charge of it as Principal, under the supervision of a Board consisting of John B. Jilsun, Director ; Reuben H. Deming, Treasurer ; and Oscar F. Dana, Clerk.

On September 21, 1849, at a meeting of the Board, Mr. Deming submitted his report as Treasurer, showing $946 liabilities, with $362 assets ; or, a deficit of $584 to be provided for. That amount was raised, the indebtedness cleared ofi*, and matters ran along very smoothly until 1850, when, on account of the tardiness displayed by scholars in their attendance at school, the Principal, after conferring with the Board, caused the school doors to be closed for the session against all scholars coming late.

His action was ratified by the Board at the annual meeting held in September, though causing complaint among many of the parents of the pupils ; and on October 8, John BuUen, Jr., M. Holmes, R. Bell, H. B. Fowler, R. Tuttle, A. Lewis, Orlando Foster and Edward Race, signed the following communication : '- To J. Bond, Clerk of School District No. 1. You are hereby requested to call a special meeting of the legal voters of said District, to be holden at some convenient time according to law, for the purpose of taking action on the subject of raising a tax, and for other purposes connected with the business afiairs of the District ; and to take into consideration the propriety of closing the doors of the schoolhouse against the entrance of scholars at any time." Obedient to the request, a meeting was called on October 26, John B. Jilsun presiding, and the diflSculty adjusted by the passage of a resolution ofiered by Orlando Foster (the present janitor of the school), providing that thereafter *' the doors of the school shall be open at all hours for the admission of scholars."

This action, however, failed to secure an approval sufiiciently unanimous to convince the public of its equity or utility. Many argued that the objects for which the school was provided would be defeated, while others were equally confident that its revocation would be followed by results disastrous to the cause of education. Finally, on the 26th of October, 1850, the dispute climaxed, and the Clerk was instructed to call a meeting of the Board to reconsider the vote by which the officers were elected at the annual meeting. It was signed by Edward Bain, H. B. Towslee, Orlando Foster, M. Holmes, M. Pomeroy and M. Sykes. On November 11, the meeting was held, and a motion made to place Mr. H. B. Towslee in the chair, a proceeding which would have been fatal to the election at the annual meeting ; but the motion was lost, and Mr. Theodore Newell was called upon to preside. This was regarded as a victory for the advocates of the free-school system, who adopted a resolution ratifying the proceedings of the annual meeting, except that portion relating to the closing of the doors against dilatory scholars. This concluded the labors of the "opposition," and they very wisely retired. Thenceforth, everything ran smoothly.

About 1855, it was found that the first building erected was growing too small for the increasing attendance, and, accordingly, at a meeting of the Board, held on October 15, it was decided to build another schoolhouse in the First Ward of the city, for which purpose a tax was to be levied of ^3,000. The meeting also resolved "that scrip or other evidences of debt should issue to the amount of $7,000," and the Legislature subsequently, by special enactment, provided for the issue of the scrip.

On April 9, 1856, an annual meeting of the Board was convened, at which, among other matters disposed of, it was decided to procure the building of another schoolhouse in the First Ward. The same was to be two stories high, with a capacity of not less than two hundred nor more than two hundred and forty scholars. J. B. Jilsun, J. Bond and J. Glover were appointed a Committee on Building, to superintend the construction and attend to the outfit of the new edifice. On July 4 of that year, the corner-stone was laid, the ceremonies being witnessed by the " City Fathers," who attended on a special invitation extended them by the Board. About the same time, the old building was remodeled and a wooden building erected in the North Side Ward. Up to January 16, 1862, nothing occurred to affect the serenity of the members of the Board, but on that day, at their meeting, they were officially informed that the new schoolhouse had been damaged by fire from the register or smokepipe to the extent of from $324 to $350, which, however, was covered by insurance. Their, serenity was restored when they learned this latter fact ; but, instead of paying the five teachers employed, who were, unfortunately, by the calamity deprived of the exercise of their several vocations for four weeks and two days, their salaries in full, they liquidated the obligations on the basis of $10 each.

Since that day, the history of the schools has been that of success. The results have been most gratifying, and served to increase not only the interest of teachers and the public, but th attendance of scholars. The teachers are thoroughly qualified for the work upon which they a engaged, fully comprehend its details and secure to their pupils a perfect familiarity with th scholastic curriculum.

Under the old regime, and before the organization of a School Board, the educational inter ests of Kenosha were supervised by a Board consisting of one Director, Treasurer, Clerk an Superintendent.

1853 - J. B. Jilsun, Director; Abraham Hanson, Treasurer, and Josiah Bond, Clerk- Mr. Hanson died at Liberia, South Africa, whither he was commissioned as representative of the Government bv President Lincoln.

In 1856, the school system was changed. The officers to be elected were apportioned through the city, each ward being entitled to two representatives, elected annually, to serve two years each, after the first election, at which the candidates were elected for one and two years respectively, the presiding officer and Clerk being elected by the Board, the latter .also being authorized to discharge the duties of School Superintendent.

At the election holden that year in accordance with the provisions of the new law, the following ticket prevailed : John B. Jilsun, Jason Lothrop, Alonzo Campbell, Conrad Muntzenberger, John M. Coe and William Mattocks. Commissioner Jilsun was elected President, William Mattocks as Clerk and Superintendent. On May 17, Mr. Mattocks resigned, and the vacancy was filled by the appointment of John Gridley. This Board served through the year 1857.

1858 - H. Lines, F. W. Lyman, R. H. Deming, W. F. Halliday, M. Frank and J. B. Starkweather. H. Lines, President ; M. Frank, Clerk and Superintendent.

I860 - Gurdin Gillett, Simeon King, H. H. Tarbell, L. B. Nichols, John B. Jilsun and Christian Schend. Gurdin Gillett, President; J. B. Jilsun was appointed Secretary and Superintendent, and the vacancy on the Board was supplied by Council appointing S. F. Comstock.

1862 - Conrad Muntzenberger, of the First Ward, in place of Paul Hammang, who failed to qualify ; Sheldon Fish, of the Second ; Daniel Head, of the Third, and A. H. Thompson, of the Fourth.

1866 - G. T. Van Arsdale, M. Dresser, P. Becker, E. P. Lewis, J. r. Glover, John Skeele, Pettit, A. Van Wyck. A. Van Wyck, President ; Mark Dresser, Secretary and Superintendent.

1867 - E. P. Lewis, H. H. Tarbell, N. G. Backus, C. Muntzenberger, N. Hutter, A. Van Wyck, John Skeele and Mark Dresser. A. Van Wyck, President; Mark Dresser, Secretary and Superintendent.

1869 - Peter Grosch, D. Head, N. G. Backus, G. C. Lawrence, J. B. Kupfer, John English, E. P. Lewis and M. Washbish. D. Head, President; A. Van Wyck, Secretary and Superintendent.

1870 - Asahel Farr and J. B. Kupfer, of the First Ward ; Mathias Jacobs and Peter Grosch, of the Second ; D. B. Tears and George C. Lawrence, of the Third, and E. P. Lewis and N. G. Backus, of the Fourth. E. P. Lewis, President ; J. B. Jilsun, Secretary and Superintendent.

1871 - Charles Frantz and Asahel Farr, of the First Ward ; Joseph Dunnderck and Mathias Jacobs, of the Second ; D. L. Andrews and D. B. Tears, of the Third, and G. W. Crane and E. P. Lewis, of the Fourth. Asahel Farr, President ; J. V. Quarles, Jr., Secretary and Superintendent.

1872 - C. Frantz and A. Farr, of the First Ward; C. Muntzenberger and Joseph Dunnderck, of the Second ; D. L. Andrews and D. B. Tears, of the Third, and G. W. Crane and S. C. Johnson, of the Fourth. Asahel Farr, President ; J. V. Quarles, Jr., Secretary and Superintendent.

1873 - J. B. Jilsun and Asahel Farr, of the First Ward; John Meyers and Conrad Muntzenberger, of the Second ; H. M. Rogers and D. B. Tears, of the Third, and N. R.

1874 - F. Robinson and E. L. Grant, of the First Ward ; Coni*ad Muntzenberger, of the Second; H. M. Rogers and Volney French, of tlie Third, and N. R. Allen and Gardin Gillett, of the Fourth. Volney French, President ; H. M. Simmons, Secretary and Superintendent.

1875 - F. Robinson and E. L. Grant, of the First Ward; C. 5luntzenberger and John Meyer, of the Second ; Volney French and C. L. Ely, of the Third, and Gurdin Gillett and F. W. Lyman, of the Fourth. Volney French, President : H. M. Simmons, Secretary and Saperintendent.

1876 - E. L. Gi-ant and A. C. Sinclair, of the First Ward ; Volney French and John Meyer, of tlie Second : C. L. Ely and L. B. Nichols, of the Third, and H. H. Tarbell, of the Fourth. E. L. Grant, President; H. M. Simmons, Secretary and Superintendent.

1877 - A. G. Sinclair and J. B. Starkweather, of the First Ward ; John Meyer and James Brennan, of the Second ; L. V. Nichols and J. V. Quarles, of the Third, and John NicoH and II. H. Tarbell, of the Fourth. J. V. Quarles, President ; H. M. Siminons, Secretary and -Superintendent.

1878 - J. B. Starkweather and A. C. Sinclair, of the First Ward; James Brennan and M. Gorman, of the Second ; J. V. Quarles and Ilosea Barnes, of the Third, and H. H. Tarbell and J. W. Hayes, of the Fourth. J. V. Quarles, President: H. M. Simmons, Secretary and Superintendent until November 7, ^hen he resigned on account of removal from the city, and II. II. Tarbell was appointed his successor.

1871^* - A. C. Sinclair and G. D. Head, of the First Ward ; John Englehardt and M- Gorman, of the Second: J. V. Quarles and Ichabod Simmons, of the Third, and N. G. Backus and E. D. Leonard. Jr., of the Fourth. A. C. Sinclair, President ; E. L. Grant, Secretaiy and Superintendent.

As previously observed, the schools of Kenosha are among the pronounced evidences of the city*s moral status ; of the enterprise of her citizens ; and the success that is apparent in the administration of affairs in their behalf is a source of universal congratulation.

At present there are five primary, four intermediate, three grammar, and one high school in a prosperous condition, with an average attendance of 650 scholars daily, out of a population of 2,100 in the city between the ages of four and twenty years, for whose benefit the schools are sustained, and through which such as desire to avail themselves of the facilities afforded are enabled to procure a substantial and invaluable education.

As the schools are classified, it requires a complement of fifteen teachers to instruct the pupils daily intrusted to their respective charges. The primary, intermediate and two grammar schools are directed by one lady teacher each, while one grammar school is supplied with an assistant, and the high school with two assistants. Of these, eleven are female teachers, there being but four male teachers registered on the roster.

The course of study, from the departments of the primaries to graduation at the high school, embraces sixteen years, and a satisfactory examination is in all cases required for each advance. The examinations are monthly by the teachers ; semi-annually under the direction of the Principal of the high school, and annually under that of the school Superintendent The latter, as also that for admission into the high school, is '^written,'' and each candidate is recjuired to answer a certain percentage of the written interrogatories propounded correctly. The branches taught comprehend the various departments of mathematics, history - national and natural, grammar, as also the text-books prescribed for admission to the classical and sdentific [)rivileges of colleges. Great care is taken to perfect pupils in their knowledge of the elementary f)rinciples of various courses taught, and, as they advance, this discipline bears fruit in the capacity displayed by the scholars for the more advanced studies.

The school property is estimated to be worth $20,000, and the annual expenses appropriated to their support is stated at about $9,000. This support is provided for by the city by taxation,, at the rate of three-quarters of a mill on the assessed valuation of property listed for taxes, in addition to a percentage allowed the schools by the State for each scholar enrolled, which last year aggregated somewnere in the neighborhood of $800.

The scholastic year is divided into three quarters ; the first beginning early in September, and concluding the day before Christmas ; the second in January, and concluding in April, when, after a vacation of two weeks, studies are resumed and continued until the arrival of the summer vacation, which commences the 1st of July.

Kemper HalL - On the death of Bishop Kemper, of the Diocese of Kenosha, which occurred in 1871, Bishop Armitage, his successor, conceived the idea of founding a school memorial to the deceased prelate. With this end in view, the building formerly occupied by the deceased ex-Senator Durkee, was purchased by the corporators of the school, Drs. Ashley, of Kenosha ; Beers, of Milwaukee, and Bishop Armitage, they paying $8,000, one of the conditions upon which the building was sold being that they pay to the widow of Gov. Durkee $600 a year during her lifetime. Dr. Everhart was the first Rector, and durins his administration the east wing of the building was almost entirely reconstructed and supplied with improvements. Dr. Everhart remained in charge from 1871 to 1878. In the latter year, it was determined to put the school into the hands of the Sisters of Saint Mary, of New York, but the Trustees nominated were unable to accept until July, and during the interim extending from February, the school was presided over by Bishop Welles. The Sisters then came on and took charge, and have since remained in possession.

The course of instruction is divided into two parts, preparatory and collegiate, the latter being the department from which, after a course of four years' instruction, the classes graduate. During 1878, forty-four young ladies completed their education, and this year the number of scholars has been thirty-seven - twenty-nine boarders and eight day scholars. The corps of teachers is an exceedingly able one, and comprises some well-known names. It is as follows: Dr. Falk, of Racine, Professor of German; Rev. M. Lance, Professor of Latin and English Literature; Miss Dusenberre, Teacher of Mathematics; Miss Andrews, Teacher of Natural Science ; Miss Phister, Teacher of Drawing ; Prof Hyer and Mrs. Wheeler, Teachers of Music, and Mile. Baccot, Teacher of French. Dr. Ashley officiates as Chaplain.

In 1873. a Mrs. Hubbell left a bequest of $5,000 to Bishop Armitage, for the erection of a ohapel somewhere in the diocese, and he selected a site immediately a^oining the seminary proper, thus making it in conjunction with the school, a memorial chapel. It cost, however, $10,000, which was largely made up from outside subscription. The Trustees are: Chairman, Bishop E. R. Welles, ex-officio, ^President ; Dr. Locke, of Chicago; Bishop McLaren, Illinois; Bishop Brown, Fond du Lac ; Dr. Ashley, Kenosha; Dr. Lewis Kemper, Nashotah, Wis.; Rev. I J. C. Lance, Kenosha; Mr. J. H. Vermilye, Chicago; Mr. J. H. Helfestein and Mr. Hooker, Milwaukee.

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. - On the 17th day of April, 1840, being Good Friday, a meeting of Episcopalians, resident of Southplort, was held in the village, for the purpose of organizing a church association. The Rev. Lemuel E. Hull, at that time Missionary at St.

PauFs Milwaukee, presided, and articles of association were drawn up under the name of St. Matthew's Church, and signed by twenty-six persons, of whom there still survive, Judge Volney French, J. H. Kimball and E. 11. Hugunin. At the same meeting, David Walker and Thomas Yates were elected Wardens, and E. S. Sill, John V. Ayer, Peter Martin, E. R. Hugunin, Edward Hugunin, J. L. V. Yates and H. B. Towslee were elected Vestrymen. Mr. Hull occasionally performed divine service, and on Easter Sunday of that year baptized seven, and administered the communion to fourteen persons.

Previous, to the organization, at intervals of a few weeks, services had been held by Rev. Messrs Adams and Hobart, Missionaries at Nashotah, sometimes making the journey on foot - a distance of over forty miles. In the absence of a clergyman, lay-reading was conducted by Dr. Walker. Services were first held in the Academy building, now a part of Dr. Pennoyer's Hotel, and subsequently in an upper room on the southeast corner of Main and Market streets.

In August, 1841, Rev. William Allanson, a native of England, was appointed by Bishop Kemper, then Missionary Bishop of the Northwest, Missionary at Southport and Racine, and took up his residence at the former place. Under his supervision, immediate efforts were made toward building a church. George Kimball, Esq., presented the society with a lot. Mr. Allanson himself went East and succeeded in raising a few hundred dollars. The men of the congregation assembled in the woods and cut and hewed the necessary timber for the building. The result was a chapel 26x42 feet in size, since moved and lengthened and widened, and now denominated the "Old Church."

The Rev. F. W. Hatch, formerly of Baltimore, succeeded Mr. Allanson, and, during his incumbency, the organ and bell now in use were procured - the church enlarged by an addition of seven feet on each side, and on interchange of lots with Mr. Fisk, moved to the corner lot where it now stands.

In 1846, missionary aid was withdrawn, and the parish became self-supporting. Mr. Hatch was elected first Rector, at a salary of ^600 per annum.

As early as 1851, the parish became ambitious to have a new church and determined to build upon the lot where Mrs. Pettit's house now stands, but failure to obtain the title to the lot prevented any further action.

Early in 1857, with Mr. Capron as Rector, a subscription of some $12,000 was obtained toward a new church, and this time the scheme was arrested by the financial panic that paralyzed all public enterprises.

In 1860, at the solicitation of Mr. McNamara, then Rector, the free-church system was adopted, but the experiment not succeeding as well as expected, at Easter, 1861, this action of the Church was reconsidered, and they returned to the old system of '* letting pews,*' which has been pursued ever since.

For three years from Easter, 1862, Dr. Thompson, then Profi^ssor at Nashotah, was Rector, spending Sundays and Mondays with his parish, and assisted by resident clergymen, among whom were the Revs. Sidney Corbett, Josepli Wood and W. W. Rafter.

In 1862, the first parsonage owned by the parish was purchased for $1,500, with funds -^-s procured by the Ladies' Society. Some $-100 or $500 were subsequently expended in repairs, «- «? and the property was finally sold to the contractors on the new church. Earnest efforts were f^z^^'O made by Mr. Smithell, in 1862, to induce his flock to commence work upon a new church, but-^ t inability to agree upon its locality frustrated his efforts. Again the question was renewed in 1870, while Mr. Bradley was in charge. The first step taken wjis to secure a location agreeabh to a great majority of the congregation. The population of the city tended southward, and, while the Park was the most desirable locality, it was also found to be nearer the center of th( congregation than any other quarter of the city. In view of which, the purchase of the bloclcr' all interested, the ladies, in 1871, undertook to raise a subscription to erect the church, and, by their efforts, particularly those of Mrs. George and Henry Kimball, the sum of §10,700 was S3cured, payable in three annual installments. The estimated cost of the building constructed of brick, was §16,000 ; of stone, §20,000 ; and of stone with appropriate buttresses, §23,000. The latter plan was finally adopted, after a design known as English Gothic, furnished by A. E. Ell wood, of Chicago, architect, and the foundations laid in 1862. A delay occurred, owing to the action of the architect and other causes which were unavoidable, and it was not until 1873 that the corner-stone was laid and the construction of the edifice practically gotten under way. On July 1, of that year, the corner-stone was placed in position with ceremonies appropriate to the occasion. Bishop Armitage officiating, and, during the ensuing six months, the side walls of the church were raised, and the chapel completed for occupation. At this point, the funds obtained for the building by subscription and from other sources, became exhausted, and the work was, in conse([uence, temporarily suspended. But the embargo thus placed was removed, the construction of the church resumed, and such progress was made that it was thrown open last August, though in an unfinished state, and its auditorium devoted to the purposes for which it is designed.

The edifice is a massive structure built in the Gothic style, a rare and exceptional combination of symmetry and solidity ; one of the most attractive, architecturally speaking, and commodious houses of worship in the (Uty, as also in the State, and has cost thus far a sum approximating §30,000 ; when fully completed, the interior will be frescoed, and many improvements, now in progress or contemplation, will be added, including a spire which will surmount the east turret, one hundred and sixty feet in height.

This will not long be delayed, it is said, and the consecration of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church is an event anticipated by the congregation and the public as a day of rejoicing in the near future.

The following is a list of Ministers and Rectors of the Church from its organization to the present time : January, 1841 - Rev. William Allanson ; Mr. A. died several years ago at Waukegan, 111., and, according to his desire, was buried at Kenosha. June, 1843 - Rev. F. W. Hatch, Missionary, and subsequently elected first Rector ; removed to California and died at Sacramento in 1860. August, 1848 - Rev. E. A. Greenleaf, Rector, resigned the ministry, and now engaged in business in Minnesota. March, 1853 - Rev. Hiram N. Bishop ; Dr. Bishop be^mme Rector of St. Jolin*s, Chicago, and while traveling in Europe in 1867, died at Paris. July, 1856 - Rev. Alex. Capron ; is now Rector of Middleton, N. Y. November, 1848 - Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson ; became Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Nashotah. September, 1859 - Rev. J. McNamara ; now President of Nebraska College. April, 1862 - Rev. Hugh Miller Thompson ; Dr. Thompson is now Rector of Trinity Church, New Orleans, and formerly editor of the Church Journal. February, 1866 - Rev. William T. Smithett, now Dean of Victoria, Canada West. April, 1869 - Rev. T. J. Brooks; removed to Iowa City, Iowa. August, 1870 - Rev. E. A. Bradley ; now Rector of Christ Church, Indianapolis, Ind. September, 1872 - Rev. Lucion C. Lance; now Professor in Kemper Hall. May, 1878 - Rev. F. W. Tompkins, the present incumbent. The present Board of officers is: Henry B. Hinsdale and Josiah Bond, Wardens ; Lewis Bain, Orla M. Calkins, James H. Charles, Edward Curry, J. C. M. Kehlor, N. A. Pennoyer, M. D., W. S. Strong and R. E. Sutherland, Vestrymen ; N. A. Pennoyer, M. D., Treasurer ; Edward Curry, Clerk of the Vestry.

St. Marie % Roman Catholic Church. - The RomaniCatholic religion obtained an early start in the pr(*sent prosperous city of Kenosha, and has maintained a steady progress from that day to this. In 1834, Father Martin Kundig, the late Vicar General of the Diocese, officiated as missionary, and held divine services in his room when passing through the village. On Thursday, February 6, of that year, fifty-one representatives of the faith held a meeting and signed an appeal for the formation of a society in the congregation of St. Mark. Thereafter and until 1843, the congregation worshiped in private houses and public halls, as previously dependent upon the offices of missionaries passing through the Diocese. Early in 1843, the corner-stone of the present church edifice at the corner of Ann and Wisconsin streets was laid, and the boildinff of the same commenced. Work thereon was continued until 1846, when it was completed and consecrated, though service was held in the basement of the structure as early as September in the year 1845. Since its completion regular services have been held, and its career bi^nn years ago has not only kept pace with the city, but realized to the founders the fondest hopes for its welfare, The Pastors of the congregation have been : the Rev. Fathers Martin Kundig, who began in 1834, and continued as missionary until 1847, when he took charge of the Church, remaining until October of that year ; M. McFaul, until March, 1848 ; William Ivors, until July 16, 1848 ; Father Mazzuchelli, to September 20, 1848 ; Thomas McDonnell, Janaarr until July, 1849 ; M. McFaul, to September, 1852 ; Thomas Conroy, to March, 1854 ; F. Tiemey, to April 5, 1857 ; James De Roche, to July, 1859 ; George T. Reardon, to August, 1867 ; G. F. Pettit, to January, 1869 ; Edward McGuirk, to February, 1870 ; T. T. Kirwan, to December, 1870, when removed by death ; William B. Dougherty, to January, 1876, when he was succeeded by James Casey, who still remains.

Attached to the church is a parochial school under the direction of three Dominican Sisters from Sinsinawa Mound, at which the average daily attendance is two hundred pupils. The school year is divided into two terms, the first oeginning the first Monday in August and oontinuing until Holy Week, at which there is a fortnight's vacation, resuming upon tne conclusion of that season and lasting until July 1. The course embraces the studies usually taught in the common schools, and pupils are furnished complete facilities for obtaining an academic education. The Church owns a cemetery south of the city, adjoining the Kenosha Cemetery, in a high state of improvement. This, with the edifice, school, parsonage and other interests of the congrega^ tion, represent a valuation estimated at $80,000.

The church committee for the current year is composed of the Rev. Father James Casey, Chairman ; F. W. Mathews, Treasurer ; William English, Secretary : John Tetard and Thomas Sullivan, Collectors. The congregation numbers 200 families.

St, G-eorges Catholic Church. - On the 17th of July, 1851, fifteen families, the members of which had, up to that date, been identified with the Diocese of St. Mark*s, formed themselves into the St. George's congregation, and began worship in an unpretentious frame church at the comer of Chicago and Orange streets. One year later, the erection of an imposing edifice, said to have been the most expensive house of worship in the city, was completed, and took the place of the humble frame. This was supported by an increasing congregation until January 12, 1875, when it was destroyed by fire, together with the parish school adjoining, entailing a loss of 830,000. The ruins were razed, however, and almost before the fires had ceased to smoulder, the rebuilding of the church was k^egun. Before the year was over, so industrious had been the efforts employed in that behalf, the church was once more completed and ready for occupation. The building is a massive brick, 150x50, elaborately furnished, and capable of seating 1,000 persons. It was erected at a cost of $18,000, and is a worthy monument to the enterprise, industry and taste of the Catholics of Kenosha. The first Pastor was the Rev. Father George Rehre (after whom the church is named), who was followed by the Rev. Fathers Joseph Daniel Huber, who remained until 1853 ; Franciscus Fusseder, until 1854 ; Maximilian De Becke, during 1854 ; Thomas Frouhofer, until June 1, 1856 ; Gregor Haas, until March 8, 1857 ; Charles Shroudonback, until October 25, 1857 ; Simon Bartockz, until 1859 ; John Michael Obenmiller, until 1862 ; J. B. Haselbauer and F. Zuber, until 1863 ; J. Wetter and W. Bernard, until 1866 ; Michael Beitler, until 1876, who was followed by the Rev. Joseph Moder, present incumbent.

The parish school is on the church lot (as is also the parsonage, both of them handsome brick structures, completed in 1876), and enjoys a daily average attendance of 300 scholars. The school is taught by Prof M. Nemmers, assisted by four Sisters of the Order of Notre Dame, from Milwaukee, and is spoken of in the highest terms. The term commences September 1, and closes on July 1.

The church cemetery is a handsome inclosure of eleven acres, on the lake shore, north of the city limits, handsomely shaded, and containing numerous tombs and monuments, in addition to a chapel. The Church Committee as at present constituted is as follows : Father Moder, Chairman ; M. Huck, Treasurer ; P. Jacobs, Secretary ; John Meyer, Joseph Dennebacke, M. Beddessen and J. Spartzs, Collectors.

First Congregational Church. - Three years after the arrival of the exploring party from Hannibal, N. Y., at Southport, namely, on the 25th of June, 1838, a meeting of the Congregationalists of the settlement was held at Deacon Whitney's tavern, which stood near the present site of the Telegraph office, comer of Maii> and Market streets, for the purpose of perfecting a church or^nization. The Rev. Gilbert Crawford presided, and there were present, Hollis Whitney, Sarah B. Whitney, Philo Whitney, Austin Stone, Martha Lay, George Bennett, Maria E. Bennett, Lois Weed, William Seymour, Jr., Cynthia Seymour, Martha Foster, D. P. Stryker, Mary Stryker, Mary Hall, Warters Towslee, Electa Towslee, F. J. Higsins, and Amanda Higgins. Of these, there still survive, F. J. Higgins, Martha Lay, Mary Jdall and Martha Foster. Previous to that date, there had been preaching in the log schoolhouse, on Main street, opposite Market, but services were not regular, and it was for the purpose of securing regular Sabbath services that the meeting quoted was in part convened. After the disposition of routine business, Hollis Whitney and William Seymour were elected Deacons, and George Bennett, Clerk. In the same year Martin P. Kinney had opened a select school, which, in the following year, was transformed into an academy, and a building erected for its occupation, which forms a part of Pennoyer's water cure. This academy was fitted up for a church and schoolhouse, and here the Congregationalists first established their place of worship. It was in this identical building that the memorable revival pf 1840, which continued for several weeks, was held. The services were conducted by the Congregationalists, Baptists and Methodists, the Revs. Lothrop, Stebbins and Curtis preaching, and leading to the conversion of sixty persons. For some' time the Rev. Stephen Peet, agent of the Home Missionary Society, officiated as preacher until the academy was reconstructed into a hotel, and the congregation obliged to secure other quarters. In 1842, the Church fitted up a building known as the ^^ village hall," standing near the present drug store of Mr. Clark, and occupied the second story for a period of about two years, until their church on Grand street, opposite the water cure, was completed. The same having been finished, was dedicated on the 26th of September, 1844, the sermon being preached by the Rev. E. D. Seward, the Rev. Mr. Peet, of Milwaukee, offering the dedicatory prayer. The edifice was used for its allotted purpose until 1858, when it was moved t^ the comer of Ann and Park streets, where it did did duty until 1873. In the winter of that year, it was decided to erect a new church. The corner-stone was laid during the following summer, the Revs. John Gridley and H. C. Hitchcock being masters of ceremonies ; and, in 1874, was completed and dedicated, the same ministers officiating.

It may be added that the present bell was placed in the belfry in 1848, and was the first church bell located in the State south of Milwaukee.

The First Baptist Churchy of Kenosha, was organized March 12, 1838. Services were held Sundays at such [Jaces as were found convenient until early in the forties, when it was decided to erect a church edifice at the corner of Church and South streets. The building was soon after commenced, and dedicated in 1847. The first Pastor was the Rev. J. Lothrop, whose ministry was continued for upward of ten years. He was succeeded by the Rev. William Goodnough, who was followed by the subjoined clergymen : The Revs. John Hinton, John T. Westover, Thomas Brand, Ira Smith, A. Lull, De Forrest Safford, E. 0. Taylor, Henry Clark, Joseph Mountain and H. W. Swartz. The Rev. Henry Clark is the present incumbent, having served in his ministerial capacity for upward of five years. The church is a neat, commodious structure, with a capacity of about three hundred and cost $8,000. *The church membership numbers upward of an hundred communicants.

The present Board of officers is as follows: Henry C. Dodge and William Theleen, Dea cons ; Frank F. Winegar, Clerk ; George V. Redeker, Treasurer ; Henry C. Dodge, George V Redeker, David Miller, E. D. Leonard, Jr., and Freman Rose, Trustees.

The German Methodist Church was organized in the fall of 1853, and the church w erected one year later at the corner of Grant and Chicago streets to accommodate a congrej tion of not to exceed twenty-five members. The Trustees at that time were William Swartz, Veldi and Christian Reinhardt, while the Rev. W. Pfoffe officiated as Pastor. He continued i the service three years, and was succeeded by the following ministers: L. Kluckman, Georg Timpken, H. Eberhardt, Christian Becker, Charles Stellner, Christian Persch, S. Sweckerlin, Charles Hedler, C. Schaffer, John W. Brauer, and Peter Hinners, who is the present incumbent.

The presenti^Board of Trustees is : The Pastor, John Haarf, W. Hensel, W. Otto ; J. J. Swartz and P. Becker. John Haarf is Treasurer, and F. Becker, Secretary. The congrega tion is stated at seventy- five, and the value of the church property at ^1,500.

The First Unitarian Church, - Previous to 1865, the Unitarians of Kenosha and vicinity worshiped in Simmons' Hall, on Main street. During that year, a congregation was organiz and the construction of a church contracted for. In 1867, the church was completed and dedi cated. It is a spacious edifice, built on a lot near the corner of Wisconsin and Chicago streets donated by S. Y. Brande, and cost complete about ^11,000; Z. G. Simmons, S. Y. Brande an J. B. Jilsun officiating as Trustees at the time, and the Rev. N. M. Mann, as Pastor. Sinc^- then, the pulpit has been filled by the Revs. Zera Masters and H. M. Simmons, the latter* resigning his pastorate about five weeks ago. At present, the Rev. Mr. Forbush, of Chi - cago, is supplying the vacancy.

The present Board of Trustees is : Z. G. Simmons, C. A. Dewey, H. M. Underwood and J. H. Carlton ; W. H. Bradford, Treasurer, and S. Y. Brande, Secretary. The congregation numbers 150, and the value of the church property is estimated at ^12,000.

Attached to the church is a public library, containing upward of 2,500 volumes, in all the departments of literature and science, free to the citizens of Kenosha. It is the only collection of books open to the public in the county and is generously patronized.

St, Marys Danish Church was organized in the spring of 1874. During the summer, the congregation worshiped in the church edifice of the German Lutherans ; but, in the fall, purchased the building until then used by the Congregationalists, for $1,200 ; and moved the same onto the corner of Park and Ann streets, where it has since remained the place of worship of the Danish Evangelical Lutheran sect. The first Board of Trustees was R. 0. Gottfredsen, H. Hansen and J. G. Gottfredsen. The Rev. Adam Dow accepted a call from the congregation, and was the first Pastor who officiated. He still presides, though a resident of Racine, preaching three times each month. *

The Methodist Church. - As early as 1837, a Mission, embracing Racine, Southport and other places, was formed, with headquarters in Racine, and meetings were held in private houses in Kenosha. In 1842, David Grosit offered a lot of land to the members of any denomination who would first erect a church. The Methodists accepted the offer, and immediately proceeded to build upon a piece of land a little north of its present location. In 1843, the Mission was separated, Southport becoming a separate charge. In that year, the following Trustees were elected : Austin Kellogg, Charles Durkee, R. H. Deming, S. Stebbins, Nelson Stebbins, 0. F. Dana, H. H. Davis, S. Fish and William Peck. The first Pastor was the Rev. W. H. Sampson, and the following is a complete list from that year, 1843, to the present: 1844, H. Crews: 1845, W. Oliver; 1846, John Chandler; 1847-48, Abraham Hanson; 1849, A. M. Lehigh; 1850, A. P. Alden; 1851, W. H. Sampson; 1852, Silas Searls; 1853, S. Stebbins; 1854-55, S. W. Ford; 1856, Dr. Hull; 1857-58, N. Green; 1859, George Fellows; 1860, R. B. Pease; 1861, C. Scammon; 1862, A. Hall; 1863, O.J. Coles; 1864-65, L. L. Knox; 1866-67-68, H. A. Meads; 1869, G. A. England; 1870-71, E. D. Huntley; 1872-73, G. A. Smith : 1874, 0. M. Thayer; 1875-76, W. E. Walker; 1877-79, S. Halsey.

The present Trustees are : .Levi Grant, W. Osborn, Henry Moth, James Chase, John Dale, J. B. Starkweather, James Rust, Harvey Durkee and R. Nelsen.

The G-erman Lutheran {Peace) Church was organized September 1, 1856, with eight members. As soon as the society was organized they purchased the lot upon which the church at present stands, paying for it $150, and erected the present church at a cost of $1,200. As soon as the church was completed, the Rev. Christian Stark was called to the pastorate, but owing to dissensions occasioned by troubles in raising the salary, debt, etc., he did not stay long. In fact, during fifteen years the Church had no less than seven ministers, none of whom remainea more than six months, with the exception of the present minister, the Rev. Christian Popp, who has presided there since 1872. Under his administration the Church has prospered very well, and now is in a flourishing condition. Two years ago, they purchased Dr. Seeley's water cure, on North Main street, paying for it $3,000, which is used as a church residence by the minister. In connection with the church is a parochial school under the charge of the minister. It is attended by about forty children, although the attendance in winter is much larger. The first Trustees of the society were Jacob Gottfredsen and John Kriggsmann. The present are Julius Bloxdorf, Fred Petersdorf, Earnest Bauer and Fred Fischer. The membership is four hundred and fifty, and the living is worth $300 per year.

The German Lutheran {Emanuel) Churchy in the town of Paris, is also attended by the Rev. Mr. Popp. It was erected in 1862, and has now a membership of over two hundred. The living is worth $200 per annum.

The Kenosha County Bible Society was organized February 4, 1840, for the purpose of distributing Bibles amqng those in the county desiring them, and contributing subscriptions to the American Bible Society, of which it is a profitable auxiliary. The charter officers were: J. Lothrop, President; R. EL. Deming, Vice President; W. P. Kinney, Secretary, and George Bennett, Treasurer. The present officers are: Ichabod Simmons, President; W. P. Smith, Vice President; H. E. Clark, Treasurer; S. C. Johnson, Secretary, L. Beachel and J. D. Fowler, Directors.

Kenosha City Cemetery

This final resting-place, a source of pride to citizens of the city after which it has been named, was surveyed and laid out in 1837, at which time its territory was confined to Qi\ft ^^^x^ and one-half of ground, lying south of the city limits, donated by the Hon. Charles Dnikce. This was known and occupied as the original '^cemetery of the town of Southport/' As tke death rate in the growing village kept pace with its population, an increase of the oemetenr tm being found indispensable, was gradually accomplished. First, what is known as the nor&- westem section of the grounds was obtained from Josiah Bond and W. S. Strong. TIub added but an acre and a half to the original purchase, and was soon taken up by lot-owners. Wha the new addition became exhausted, ten acres, composing the southeast division of the grovndiy were purchased, and finally, on September 8, 1869, five acres more from S. Y. Brande, umkf whose direction and supervision the survey, platting and decorating of the grounds was ctrriel on and completed. To-day '^ Kenosha City Cemetery *' presents a landscape of ezqninle beauty, combining nature and art most effectively, and in a remarkable degree. The gromidf inclosed embrace eighteen acres, located south of the city, between Park avenue and Ann street. They are beautifully situated, shaded with an abundant growth of evergreen and forst trees, decorated with plants and flowers, and diversified with five parks, averaging half an acre each - beautiful spots of verdure m this City of the Dead. The cemetery plats are subdivided into lots and blocks, connected by handsomely shaded avenues and drives, and containing t large number of expensive and magnificently carved monuments, in addition to a oommodiooi and appropriately finished vault.

The cemetery is managed by a committee, appointed from the Common CounciL and id appearance indicates that care has always been exercised in the selection of its composition. The committee for the year 1879, is made up of Henry Williams, N. 3. Rackus and Christiio Schend.

Secret Societies

Palestine Encampment^ No. ^, /. 0. 0. jP., was organized at Kenosha, or what then was Southport, in the spring of 1836, and is the oldest Encampment in the State. The meednjn are held weekly on Friday evenings, at the lodge-rooms over Head's Bank. The officers are: P. Harmon, C. F. ; T. C. Peterson, S. W. ; D. Bristol, J. W. ; H. H. Johnson, H. R ; Thomas Hanson, Scribe. The present membership is forty-five.

Park (My Lodge, No. 103, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted in 1849, but re-organized under dispensation in 1860, and now includes 120 members on the roster. The present officers are: L C. Peterson, N. G. ; James Irvin, V. G. ; John Smith, R. S. ; James Charles, P. S. ; Charles Frantz, Treasurer. The Lodge convenes on Thursday evenings, at the rooms, comer of Main and Market streets.

Kenosha Lodge, No. ^7, F. ^ A. M., was organized June 14, 1854, when Orlando Foster was W. M. ; Theodore Newell, S. W., and Elisha M. Kinney, J. W. The present officers are : W. E. Reed, W. M. ; J. Gronquist, S. W. ; H. M. Rogers, J. W. ; W. M. Harrison, Treasurer ; F. C. Hills, Secretary : G. W. Warvelle, S. D.; James Adams, J. D.; D. B, Benedict and W. H. Sammons, Stewards, and Freeman Rose, Tyler. Regular meetings are held in the Masonic Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. The value of the Lodge property is estimated at $1,500.

KnighU of Honor, - A society organized for the purpose of mutual protection and insurance, consisting of thirty-eight members, and holding meetings at Odd Fellows' Hall. The association was established on the 22d of February, 1879, ana is yet in its infancy. The officers are : G. W. Warvelle, Dictator ; Dr. W. H. Sanders, Vice Dictator ; L. B. Biglow, Past Dictator; 0. M. Pettit, Assistant Dictator ; R. T. Robinson, Reporter; E. G. Hazelton, Financial Reporter ; 0. M. Calkins, Treasurer ; George V. Redeker, Guide ; Frank Slosson, Chaplain ; James Cavanagh, Guardian, and W. E. Reed, Sentinel.

Kenosha Temple of Honor^ No. ISO. - A Temperance Lodge, organized May 1, 1875, under the auspices of H. D. Jennings, John Nicoll, and other influential citizens of Kenosha, interested in the cause, and their efforts have been rewarded by a membership at one time upward of two hundred, nearly all young men. The charter officers were : H. D. Jennings, W. G. T. ; William Holderness, W. V. T. ; ll. D. Bliss, llecorder ; Henry Spencer, Assistant Recorder ; E. L. Rugg, Financial Recorder ; L. Beachel, Treasurer ; T. B. Dunning and J. Sculley, Ushers ; Joseph Miller, Guardian ; D. Harffe, Sentinel, and John Nicoll, Temple Deputy. The present Board is: F. B. Dunning, W. C. T. ; J. A. Jackson, W. V. T. ; F. B. Hannahs, Recorder ;

D. Harffe, Assistant Recorder; L. Beachel, Treasurer; Thomas English and E. G. Hardman, Ushers ; A. Dickhout, Guardian ; George Ludwig, Sentinel ; Rev. S. Halsey, Temple Deputy ;

E. L. Grant, Chaplain, and J. H. Wattles, W. P. G. T. The present membership is stated at 180. Meetings are held weekly, on Monday nights, in the Lodge of the society, in Simmons*

Miscellaneous Societies

T^e Agricultural Society. - The Agricultural Society of Kenosha County was organized at the house of A. B. Jackson, in Bristol, June 3, 1850, at which a meeting was held, when a constitution and series of by-laws were adopted, and the following officers elected for that year : Henry Johnson, of Somers, President ; Thomas Slade, of Wheatland, and Lathrop Burgess, of Brighton, Vice Presidents; Thomas J. Rand, of Pleasant Prairie, and A. B. Jackson, of Bristol, Recording and Corresponding Secretaries; George S. Blackman, of Paris, Treasurer.

The first fair was held at A. B. Jackson's on the 10th day of October, 1850, and continued for several days. The sum of $65 was awarded in premiums, and the effort met with an encouraging success. This was supplemented by an ^^ Exchange Fair,'* which was held at Dutton's tavern, on the 25th of February, 1851.

The second annual exhibition was given September 24 and 25, 1851, at P. H. Woods ; the third at A. B. Jackson's, in Bristol, September 30 and October 1, 1852; and the fourth in Kenosha, September 28 and 29, 1853.

On the 8th of July, 1854, the fair grounds were selected and located at Bristol, by the Society, and the displays occurred there yearly until 1860, when a change of base to Bristol village was made, eligible grounds being obtained at that point, contiguous to the railroad, which ofiered superior inducements to patrons and exhibitors.

October 26, 1856, a re-organization of the Society was perfected under the provisions of the law '^ for the encouragement of agricultural societies," and on the 1st of March, 1875, after years of deliberation, the association accepted a proposition made by citizens of Kenosha, to eetablish 'their fair grounds at the present location, about one mile west of the city. The &ir of September 15, 16 and 17, 1874, having been held on these grounds ; so well satisfied was the Society with the conveniences and terms offered by the new site that a lease for ten years from 1875, was concluded, and is still in force. The association is in a prosperous condition.

The present Board of officers is - Hon. F. Robinson, President; Hon. R. S. Houston, Vice President ; H. D. Bliss, Treasurer ; and H. H. Tarbell, Secretary.

This year the fair will be held from the 16th to the 21st of September, at which premiumsamounting to $1,500, exclusive of trotting purses, will be contended for.

The National Band^ a superior musical organization, was formed in the fall of 1874, and ii justly regarded as an association of superior merit. The officers are Thomas Swan, President

White, second tenor ; James Barr, baritone ; J. Shupe, tenor-drum ; and C. Parker, bass. - - The Band meets weekly in the Young America Hall, Wisconsin street.

Concordia Mcennerchor. - a German singing society organized in 1866, by five musical Germans ; re-organized January 15, 1879 ; now has twenty-two members. The objects of thi society are mutual improvement and public amusement under the directorship of F. Beckman The officers are : Geore Laib, President ; Christian Stoebig, Secretary ; and Paul Sauber Treasurer. Weekly meetings of the society are held Monday evening, in the Hall over Sauber' store, on Main street.

St, Cecilia Society. - A German singing society, organized in 1876, and enjoying a well earned reputation all over the State for vocal excellence. It furnishes the music for St George's Catholic Church, and has occasionally appeared in concert before an appreciativ public. The present officers are : Prof. M. Nemmers, President and Director ; N. Huetter Treasurer, and Peter Gillis, Secretary. The Society consists of about twenty-five members including a quartette and chorus of fourteen voices. Meetings are held monthly in the hall o St. George's school.

Emerald Beneficial Association, Branch No. 2. - A benevolent, beneficial and religiou organization, based upon the fundamental principles of Faith, Hope and Charity, which it aim to inculcate and practice toward all mankind. The society was formed May 25, 1876, is mad^^ up of Roman Catholic Irishmen and numbers a membership of seventy-five. The objects of th^ Association are to care for its members, provide for the sick, bury the dead and practice the virtues of life. The initiation fee is $2.50 and the annual dues J3 ; weekly allowances of* $3 are paid members in cases of sickness, burial expenses, and $50 to surviving relatives in case of death. The official roster is: Emil Tectoiiius, President; M. Gaffney, Vice President; F. W. Mathews, Secretary; M. O'Donnell, Treasurer; John Harkins, Marshal; John Hove. Assistant Marshal ; M. Flanigan, Steward ; W. J. Donnelly, Messenger. The' Association meets monthly, in its new hall on Main street.

The St. George's Benevolent Association is composed of members of the St. George's German Catholic Church, and numbers 149. The object of the Association is charitable - to care for the siek, bury the dead and protect the widow and orphan. The initiation fee is $10, and the monthly dues 25 cents. When sick, each member is entitled to a weekly allowance of $4 ; if a member dies, the Association defrays his burial expenses, and contributes $100 to the support of his family. The Association was organized in March, 1863, and the present officers are : M. Huck, President ; J. Dunnebacke, Vice President ; Peter Gillis, Treasurer ; N. Huetter, Secretary ; J. M. Jacobs, Assistant Secretary ; M. Huck, P. Gillis, N. Huetter, B. Jansen, Edward Krebs, C. Boerner and N. Lentz, Board of Directors. Meetings held on the first Tuesday in the month, at St. George's Hall, on the North Side.

Young Mens' Benevolent Association, - A society organized by the young men of St. George's Catholic Church for benevolent purposes and the educational improvement of its members. It succeeded the St. Aloysius Society, and was incorporated April 12, 1879, by Peter Becker, Jr., and M. Schmitz. The officers are: M. Schmitz, President; A. Elsas, Vice President; P. Becker, Jr., Secretary; M. Puetz, Vice Secretary; Joseph Wittman, Treasurer: George Iserman, Marshal ; George Augenet, Assistant Marshal, and Frederick Stein, Captain.

Kenosha County Historical Society. - An aissociation of recent origin, was organized January 18, 1878. On that evening, a meeting was held at the office of Baker & Warvelle, for the purpose of considering the formation of a society to '^ foster and encourage the study of historv, especially the history of Kenosha City and County." Henry Williams presided, and George W. Warvelle officiated as Secretary. A general discussion was indulged in, and a resolution providing for the formation of an historical society adopted. At a subsequent meeting, Josiah Bond, W. S. Strong and George W. Warvelle, a committee appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws, submitted a report, which was accepted, and the following Board of Officers elected: Josiah Bond, President; Volney French, Vice President; G. W. Warvelle, Secretary, and F. H. Lyman, Treasurer. No business of importance was transacted that year.

* At the annual meeting, held last January, the same officers were elected, and thus far nothing has been accomplished of moment, beyond the election of additional members. The roster at present includes E. R. Hugunin, F. H. Lyman, G. W. Warvelle, Josiah Bond, Henry Williams, Leonard Lee, 0. S. Newell, W. S. Strong and Wallace Mygatt.

Kenosha Base Ball Club has been in existence since the summer of 1874, and furnishes abundant entertainment to admirers of the '^national game " annually. Its present manager is E. C. Thiers, and the following gentlemen constitute the nine: H. Lance, first base; H. Adams, second ; Charles Fax, third ; L. Hoyt, short-stop ; E. C. Thiers, catcher ; W. Yule, H. R. Simmons, J. Hogan and L. M. Thiers, fielders.

The Southport Lyceum. - In the autumn of 1839, the Southport Lyceum was organized by the citizens, ostensibly for the purpose of intellectual improvement, but probably for the social recreation and diversion it would supply during the long and lonely winter that was to follow. The preliminary meeting was held on the 6th of November, when Nathan Dye was called to the chair and C. Davis was chosen Secretary. A committee, consisting of M. Frank, M. P. Kinney and Volney French, was appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws, and, on the following Friday evening, November 15, they reported. The Constitution provided for a President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms and three Curators, these officers to be elected monthly. The names of those who subscribed to it are as follows : R. H. Deming, Chaiuncey Davis, M. Frank, F. S. Lovell, G. H. Stebbins, M. P. Kinney, Volney French, Silas N. Smith, Nathan Dye, Charles Durkee, 0. T. Dana. E. R. Hugunin, Jason Lothrop, J. H. Boardman, H. B. Towslee, R. C. Otis, William B. Slocum, Samuel Hale, Jr., D. G. Smith, A. D. Field, R. B. Winsor, Orlando Foster, Lewis Hedges, A. W. Doolittle, J. M. Sherwood, A. D. Loomis, Thomas I. Rounds, James M. Rounds, Reason Bell, S. Fisk, J. E. Clarkson, 0. S. Hurd, James Bain and A. H. Morrison. «

R. H. Deming was chosen President ; M. P. Kinney, Secretary ; C. Davis, Treasurer, and M. Frank, F. S. Lovell and Volney French, Curators. The Secretary was instructed to draw from the funds of the society enough to purchase a Secretary's book, candles and candlesticks^ and a box with lock and key, in wnich to keep the same ; also fuel for the use of the Lyceum, and it was ruled that the society meet on Friday evening of each week, at 6 o'clock.

At the meeting of November 29, the first debate took place on the question, ^^ Are chartered privileges consistent with a republican form of government and conducive to the best interests of the people? " N. Dye and S. N. Smith argued in the affirmative, and G. H. Stebbins and Charles Durkee in the negative ; the question was decided in the affirmative. The question announced for the next meeting was, '^ Ought sufirage to depend upon property ? " The disputants were M. P. Kinney ana N. Dye in the affirmative, and V. French and Q. H. Stebbins in the negative ; the question was decided in the negative. The other questions to which this energetic young society save its attention were as follows : '' Ought the Government to recharter a United States Bank ? ' '^Has a State the right to judge of the Constitution and Laws of the United States, and to act upon that judgment in opposition to the General Goyemment ? " (This was decided in the negative.) '^ Is expediency the measure of right in morals ? " ^^ Ou^ht the laws of our Territory to restrict the distillation and traffic in ardent spirits to medicinal uses : " " Ought legislators to be bound by the known will of their constituents? " '' Had our forefathers any right* to expel aborigines from any portion of the soil, provided they would leave peaceably ?" And so on, through the whole gamut of social and political science. The ladies were very encouraging in their attendance upon the debates, and our record carries the society through to December 16, 1841. In April of the latter year, they decided to discontinue the regular meetings of the society, and to substitute in their stead weekly lectures from its members and other citizens. In accordance with that decision, we have this plan for the summer of 1841 :

In October, 1841, the minutes of the Lyceum are dated '^ Log Cabin School House," and December 9, we find the date ^'New School House;** December 16, the minutes record that the Secretary is authorized to procure a new book ; but that and all other succeeding books have been lost, and only this one clean, well-kept memento of that early literary organization remains; on the outside of this, whose leaves yet show the pristine gilding, is inscribed, ^' Records of Southport Lyceum, commenced November 6, 1839. Presented to the Kenosha County Historical Society, by George W. Warvelle, March 1, 1878."

The First National Bank succeeded the City Bank, of Kenosha, of which S. Bronson, Jr., was President, and H. W. James, Cashier. The First National was organized in January, 1864, and authorized to commence business at once, with a capital of $50,000. The first President was Thomas Pricture ; Cashier, E. G. Durant. The present officers are : Z. G. Simmons, President ; U. Newman, Vice President ; L. G. Merrill, Cashier, and A. H. Tyler, Assistant Cashier. Board of Directors - Z. G. Simmons, J. H. Howe, U. Ne¥rman, F. Robinson and E. Bain.

Dan Head ^ (7o.'« private bank was organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin in May, 1875, with a capital stock of $75,000, $50,000 of which was paid up. The stockholders were : Dan Head, Edward Bain, Urban J. Lewis, Dan Knapp, E. G. Hazelton, F. G. Head, J. C. M. Kehlor, J. R. Marsh, L. Fellows, G. L. Tracey, R. E. Sutherland, L. B. Nichols, George Hale and George C. Lawrence. Directors - Dan Head, George D. Head, Edward Bain, L. B. Nichols, R. E. Sutherland, E. G. Hazelton and Urban J. Lewis. The officers then elected were : Dan Head, President ; Urban J. Lewis, Cashier. The business is that of a general exchange bank, and, though not on the same footing as the national banks, is obliged to keep its reserve fund up to the national standard. The annual election is held in January, and,

Gas Works

The Kenosha Q-m Works were incorporated in 1872, by Larkins & Collins, of Milwaukee, with the design of forming a stock company and furnishing ^^Ms-Iight and coke " to consumers at a nominal price. Bonds were issued and offered for sale, Larkins & Collins receiving their pay for building and putting the works in order in bonds. The venture, however, did not prove the success that was anticipated, and, in 1875, the works were sold under foreclosure proceedings and the company re-organized, with U. P. Smith, of Chicago, President. At the same time, Pittsburgh coal was substituted for naphtha, from which, up to that time, the gas had been manufiictured. The works have a capacity of manufieu^turing 14,000 cubic feet daily, and are regarded as promising abundant returns in the future. There are now about one hundred consumers in the city, and forty-five street-lamps ; none of the latter, however, are in use. The present officers are : J. H. Kimball, President ; U. P. Smith and William D. Kimball, Directors. The capital invested is stated at 950,000.

Express Companies

In 1846, the American Express Company, at that time becoming established in the Northwest, opened an office in Kenosha, under the charge of L. 6. Merrill, at present Cashier of the First National Bank. After six years, the business became so prosperous and increased so rapidly, that the United States Express Company deemed it advisable to locate an agency at Kenosha, which was also placed under the control of Mr. Merrill. That eentleman remained in chtgrge of the office for thirteen years, and was succeeded by F. W. Kittredge, who was in turn succeeded by J. A. Slosson, G. A. McArthur, and finally by S. L. Biglow, now in charge, who reports the business transacted by the companies during the past ten years to average $15,000 annually.

The Bain Wagon Works

This immense manufactory, of which the people of Kenosha are justly proud, was established in 1852 by Mr. Bain. The principal business was at first repairing, although new wagons were occasionally made. As the city of Kenosha increased in magnitude, and the facilities for shipping goods became greater, the business of Mr. Bain materially increased, until, in 1865, the firm was building twenty wagons per week, or about 1,500 per year. From a repairing business this was quite a jump, but as the fame of his wagons increased, so did his business, and, accordingly, in 1868, it had attained to 2,500 per year. From that time to the present, it has grown until it has reached the enormous manufacture and sale of 10,000 wagons per annum, which is the number that will be placed on the market the current year, from the sale of which will be derived the enormous sum of $650,000.

As showing the magnitude of the business, it may be stated that in the manufacture of wagons the firm uses one hundred tons of iron per month, and indefinite quantities of wellseasoned pine and oak, there being at the present time nearly 2,000,000 feet of lumber stored, awaiting demand. The capital invested is estimated at $700,000, the number of hands employed over 300, and the weekly pay-roll $3,200. The firm does an immense export trade, furnishing wagons to Utah, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico and to Europe, and the work furnished is said to give perfect satisfaction.

The works occupy an area of territory comprehended in full four blocks, upon which are built shops, painting-houses, seasoning buildings, drying-houses, etc., almost without number, presenting the appearance of a village, and, as stated, furnishes employment to 300 mechanics, artificers, journeymen and apprentices.

Municipal And Material Interests

The City Hall is located on Market street near the corner of Main. It formerly occa" pied a space in the middle of market square, nearly opposite its present site. It was first erected in 1849, and was used by the village officers until the city became incorporated. In 1854, a difficulty arose between the owners of the land on which the building stood and the city authorities, which ended in the "Hall *' being moved to where it now stands, during the night In the spring of 1870, the building caught fire, and was damaged to the extent of Sl,OO0. The premises are occupied in part by the city offices and Council-chamber, the ground floor being used as an engine-house by Company 1. At present, there is no prospect of building a more commodious and pretentious structure for the occupation of city officials.

The County Court House, - Immediately upon the re-organization of Kenosha County, plans were adopted for the building of a Court House, and, in March, 1850, the work was begun on a lot at the corner of Chicago and Market streets, donated by Sereno Fisk. The building was completed and accepted by the Board of Supervisors, November 15 of the same year. It is three stories high, surmounted by a handsome cupola, is 40 feet front by 60 fee: in depth, and approached by a flight of steps across the entire front, the portico being adorned by four Corinthian pillars. It was built under the supervision of G. M. Chisholm, architect, and cost $10,000, which was subscribed by the citizens of Kenosha. The basement is appropriated to jail purposes, the second story to offices and jury rooms, and the third floor is occupied as a court room. The building is roomy, well adapted to the purposes for which it was constructed, and an ornament to the city. A small addition was made to the main building in 1851, for county offices, which was, however, torn down in 1870, and a handsome brick structure, one story high and costing ^6,500, substituted. The latter contains the offices of C'»uniT Judge, County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and Register of Deeds.

The City Poor-House, - Until the spring of 1857, the county was charged with the support and maintenance of paupers. In that year, the Legislature, by special enactment, changed the law in that behalf, imposing upon cities and towns the care and custody of their helpless poor. The poor-house of Kenosha is located on Washington Island, opposite the city, and is a comfortable frame building capable of accommodating about fifteen dependents. It is under the control of a Poormaster and Matron. At present contains but three occupants, and is an expense to the city estimated at 81)000 per annum.

Miscellaneous

The Hanging of John McCaffrey. - Capital punishment, as is known, is prohibited by statute in Wisconsin. In two cases only, has it been enforced, and one of these occurred in Kenosha County, when John McCaffrey suffered the extreme penalty of the law, for the murder of his wife. The crime was committed on the night of Monday, July 22, 1850. The uxoricide, with deceased, to whom he had been married a few months, resided in a two-story brick, op|>osite the North-Western Railroad track, in the southwestern portion of the city. The house is still standing, and adjoins the now deserted premises formerly devoted to the manufacture of the genial match. It remained vacant for many years after the murder, lessees being deterred from its occupation through fear, impressed by common rumor, that the house was haunted. Fmallv, the ghost of the dead wife ceased visiting, through the glimpses of the moon, the scenes of her untimely end, and the establishment became a paying investment.