Lake Geneva City

Lake Geneva City

Solomon Juneau, in May, 1836, had told Charles A. Noyes, just arrived from Chicago, of golden possibilities lying between the lake and Rock river, and especially of the mill section at Geneva lake. He said that Hodgson and Brink had left two of their men to make such improvements as were needful to secure their claim to the whole section, and that as soon as their surveying contract should be finished they were going there to improve the water power and to build a town. The prospects looked fair to Mr. Noyes and with his cousin, Orrin Hatch Coe, he again left Chicago, reaching the disputed claim about May 21st, after much wandering in five counties. He found there three log houses, all occupied. One of these, just within the town of Linn, was Thomas Hovey's; one, southeast of the outlet, was occupied by Hodgson and Brink's men : and one, across the outlet, by Christopher Payne.

Ostrander and Henry explained that they had been to Milwaukee for provisions ami had overstayed by three weeks for a "little spree with the buys." Returning, they had found that Payne and Mosher had been a fortnight in possession, within which time they had built their cabin, and that they were indisposed to heed an informal notice to quit. Payne some time afterward admitted that he had seen Brink's claim marks, but thought them somebody's tomfoolery. Noyes and Coe bought a quarter interest in the whole claim for five hundred dollars, of Ostrander and Henry, who acted as agents and in their own behalf as co-claimants. Hodgson ratified the sale, though he could ii"i for some weeks return in treat or fight with Payne. Noyes having advised compromise, t<> which Payne was not averse, he staked out a race as a first step in mill building. In the following night, without consulting Noyes, Messrs. Ostrander and Henry tore out Payne's framework for a dam across the outlet. The next day Coe went eastward for money and Noyes soon set out for a millwright at Milwaukee. They had previously cut and hauled logs fur two houses, and Noyes enjoined his men not to overstep the ii-i 1I1 nid south quarter line temporarily dividing the rival claimants. At his 1. om Milwaukee he found his caution had been disregarded and

Payne, too, had been away and had brought from Belvidere James Van Slyke and wife. He moved this family by night into the new house, as the Noyes party learned next morning from the smoking chimney. A halfdozen men rushed into the cabin before Payne could take his gun, marched him to his own house which they demolished, performed a ring dance around him. and banished him with threats to drown him if he should come back. He and Van Slyke went away, leaving Mrs. Van Slyke to their enemies, who made her as comfortable as they could. Two or three days later the first white native of Walworth county was born. Noyes learned all this on his return with the millwright. He says: "Ostrander and Henry were wild with glee in relating to me the heroic exploit of driving off the old man Payne. I deprecated it, and told them an arbitration of the settlers ought to be the first resort (there being no legal authority), and further, I told them they need not flatter themselves they were rid of Payne. If physical force was to decide the contest he would acquire it if possible, and that ere long. I dampened their glee and incurred their displeasure by denouncing their conduct."

A week later Payne came with two wagon-loads of warriors and drove toward the new house. Noyes, with a hickory cane and a half-dozen comrades, placed themselves on guard at the door. As an equal number of the enemy came up Xoyes spoke and said : "Gentlemen, you come with as much noise and gusto as though you had some important project in view."

"Yes."' says Schoonover, one of Payne's champion fighters, "we've come to drive out a d - d lot of land pirates, and reinstate Uncle Payne as the only rightful proprietor to this mill section. We have brought tools necessary to put up a mill and settle the country around the lake, and if force is required we are ready."

To this Noyes answered that he did not believe they would begin fighting without first knowing all the facts. These he set forth from his point of view, reminded them that there were other claimants al>out the bay whose rights must be protected according to settler's rules, and said that if they should choose to remain on Payne's disputed quarter-section he would not interfere until Hodgson should arrive. But they must not meddle with the rest of the section nor with individual claims.

Schoonover asked who Noyes called himself, to show so much authority; said tint soft words would not win; that he believed the} were land pirates and had no just claims there: that the next day hi- party would begin to build a mill and settle the country; that they would paj no attention whatever to the rights pretended. Payne, with other- who had been in the rear, came forward, and tin- Noyes manuscripl runs a little way thus:

" 'Just as I expected,' says Schoonover, 'we have got to fight and we may as well begin. Just form a circle, call in any two of your men at a time, and if I get tired before I whip you all, friend Gilbert will spell me."

"This started Sam Brittain's Saxon ( for he was English). He steps forward and says: T> - n you! threaten of whipping us all? Will you try me first?'

"1 jumped between with my shillelah and said: 'Hold on boys! Better sleep one night over it before shedding blood, for that won't end it." Payne called Schoonover back, had a short chat with him, and began to unload and arrange for night quarters on the greensward. Van Slvke walked demurely into the cabin, and we left, to ponder on the morrow."'

The next day the Payne party, having looked about, traced claim lines, and consulted, went after dinner to cut logs on the quarter west of the Payne claim, and began to haul them to the site of his house. By night they had them piled nine logs high and ready for the plates. Xoyes then told them that they had been cutting logs on Eggleston's claim, that he had gone to .Milwaukee for provisions, and that they could see evidence of his ownership. Schoonover and Gilbert, scarred bullies from the Kishwaukee. "told me to go to h - -, to protect ourselves if we could, for they intended next day to put up five or si\ house bodies on the other side of the outlet; and it' we would help them they would treat, tor they had a bit of rum."

Noyes walked awa\ quietly and Payne's men thought themselves master- nu.it inn. \ I'ter their supper they entertained themselves by whooping, yelling, drumming on empty barrels, firing small anus, and they kept up these senseless noises all night. In the morning Mr. Winchester, who had come with his wife ami child from Milwaukee, asked Noyes if he had -l.pi "Not much, but l'\e dreamed some good." "Let us have it." "Well, when they come over to put on their plates let us go down and cut up their bailding." Said Winchester, "That's my hand. Mayn't I be captain?" As a mi I 'a\ ne's men crossed the outlet Captain Winchester marched toward them at the head of ten men with shouldered axc-

Winchester, with the other fist drawn, says: 'No* a word, or I go through you like a streak of lightning. You yelled enough last night.' At that, Pavne attempted to put his right hand in his pocket, which Winchester prevented. Thus far none of Payne's party had moved from the plate. Winchester now says, 'Boys, demolish that building." Tom Spriggs and self, who stood next to Winchester, sprang up with the rest; hut no sooner up than Schoonover and Gilbert circled around toward us. We jumped down and met them with drawn axes. Says Schoonover: "What! use axes to fight?" I told him I despised the idea of striking such scoundrels with my fist, and that axes were quite as humane as pistols and muskets with which they had tried to frighten us."

Payne here called Schoonover aside for further conference while Winchester's axemen chopped down the house. Schoonover came back smiling, admitted that the boys were pretty good soldiers, but he now believed more than ever that Payne was in the right. He said he had advanced five hundred dollars on a contract to pay nine hundred dollars for one-ninth interest in the claim, and Gilbert and others had contracted similarly. He further said: "I'll tell you what we are going to do. We find you are too many for us, and we, or most of us, are going to mount our horses and put out for help. I can raise forty men on the North Kishuaukee and Payne at least thirty on the South, and in a week we shall be back with seventy men, armed as the law directs, and then you can fight as you please."

To this answered Noyes: "Go! you can't scare up five more such scoundrels as yourself in all Illinois; and as for advancing five hundred dollars, 1 don't believe you are worth five hundred cents."

Whereat Schoonover: "You are too many for a rough and tumble, but if I can have a fair fight, with no interfering, I'll pledge myself to whip your crowd."

Schoonover pitched in, but was quickly pitched out with a pair of blackened eyes and a bloody nose. Brittain stumbled and Schoonover fell upon him "with a thumb for each eye;" but. baffled here, he tried to bite off Brittain's nose. Sprigg here interfered and asked if this was fair fighting. Schoonover ran for an axe and Sprigg met him with another one. Here this Homeric battle ended with a few more "winged words." Payne long afterward told Noyes that his men had at first intended to take their firearms with them, but changed that notion. He had forgotten to pocket his own derringer. lie said he was glad tlu-rc were no such weapons at hand. r\~r there would have been corpses at Geneva that day. The Kishwaukeeans retired with threats to come again, and Noyes resumed work on his race and mill- framing.

Three weeks after the battle a new party came 'from Chicago by way of Marengo. While the late contention was in progress Mosher and Van Slyke had slipped away and. representing themselves as sole claimants at Lake Geneva, had tried to induce Lewis B. Goodsell, George L. Campbell and Andrew Ferguson to buy their rights, which they offered at a low rating. Goodsell had known Van Slyke at Cooperstown, and did not fully trust him; but he risked and lost four hundred dollars. Mosher then went out into the vastness of Illinois, and Walworth knew him no more. Payne heard of this sale and, as he was unable to renew war. he went to Chicago and thus Goodsell learned some useful truth. Hodgson, too, was sent for, and came from Waukesha. He first offered to sell to Noyes and Coe a half-interest in the mill section, if Ostrander and Henry would sell their shares; but these men saw some larger advantage in holding them. Hodgson then offered to give his quarter-interest if his past expenses were paid. But Noyes had now some larger plans. The Goodsell party had found R. Wells Warren at St. Charles and had taken him into their partnership, and to these men Hodgson sold his own and Brink's rights - without the latter's knowledge or approval. Payment of two thousand dollars left the Goodsell-Warren party in possession and the settlement of Lake Geneva went peaceably forward unto this day.

Mr. Xoyes could write of himself and his affairs from his own knowledge, but may have been somewhat at fault as to the negotiations between Hodgson and the newcomers. There arc other accounts of this business and its attendant incidents, and it is probable that Mr. Simmons has written with substantial correctness. The history of a land title, however, is of less present interest than that of the rise of a city.

Mr. Warren was a practical and competent business man, and his copartners were nol merely speculators. The race was finished and a sawmill began work in March, [837. In [838 Charles M. Goodsell was given a lease of water power for four years, without charge, and he built a grist mill, which began t" grind in October. Mr. Warren bought this mill and worked it until [848, when lie built a larger one. There was another water power, with a fall of twelve feet, in section -'5. within the present city limits, first imed, it is said, by P. O. Sprague, but was soon in possession of Sidney who sold in 1S42 to James and John ! laskins. These men built a sawmill the nest year. In 1875 the Crawford Reaper Company for a few vears

In 1837 the seven owners of section 36, namely, R. Wells Warren, Greenleaf S. Warren. Dr. Philip Maxwell, Col. James Maxwell, Lewis B. Goodsell, Andrew Ferguson and George L. Campbell, employed Thomas Mc- Kaig to survey and plat the village of Geneva. This work was finished and recorded in May, 1840. Two blocks were reserved for parks, one for a cemetery, and also ground for churches and school. The base line of this survey was that part of the highway from Kenosha to Beloit lying within the village limits, and was named Main street. Other early villagers named were Charles M. Baker, Henry Carter, William Casporus, W. Densmore Chapin, George Clark, Arnestus D. Colton, Dudley Wesley Cook, Experience Estabrook, Benjamin E. Gill, Joseph Griffin. Thomas \\". Hill, Thomas Hovey, Thomas McKaig. Dr. James McNish, Russell H. Mallory, Charles A. Xoyes, Cyril L. Oatman, Amos Pond, Samuel Ross, Ransom A. Sheldon, Simeon W. Spafard, Horace Starkey, Dr. Oliver S. Tiffany, Cornelius P., Philander K. and William II. Van Yelzer, Asahel ]'. and Jonathan Ward, Thomas D. Warren. Lucian Wright. Several of these men owned land in other towns and some of them lived in these towns.

Taverns And Hotels

R. Wells Warren's first log house was earth-floored and was heated by a fireplace at one end, which, for several months, had no chimney but a hole in the roof. Being also a hotel, it was furnished with a long bench and four bedsteads. The latter were each of oak rails naturally supported at one end by thrusting between the logs of the cabin wall, and artificially at the other end by a single stake with cross-head. The bedding was of wild grass. In 1837 Mr. Warren built a real hotel, at Main and Centre streets, near the old house, and January 8, 1838, entertained one hundred ninety guests, mostly dancers, from near and far, from whom he collected about seven hundred dollars - for in that golden age there were no bad accounts. \biel Manning and Albert A. Thompson occupied this house, the Geneva Hotel, in 1843. Apollos W. Hastings bought it in 1844 and in 1848 rented it to Harrison Rich. Harvey E. Allen bought and occupied the h"use in 1851, and sold it to Sabra Delaware in 1856. In 1859 Asa W. Fair bought it at a bankrupt sale and sold it to Lansing D. Hale and others. In [858 Nelson Pitkin came from Kenosha, took the house 1 probably as tenant 1. and named it Commercial Hotel. He was a little, bewigged, old-fashioned Connecticut innkeeper who may have been in his flay, then long past, a militia officer, and must have been a relative of several distinguished namesakes. He had seen better days, and he showed what landlord manners were in 1820. But to sit at his table was to know something of Barmecide feasts; for the times were very hard, he was poor and a stranger, and the other hotel had most of the public favor. Philo B. Baird was landlord in i860, but it is not learned whether this was for one year or for five years. In 1806 John Christian was tenant. In 1869 the house became a boarding house for the Geneva Seminary for a term of two years. In 1872 B. K. Cowles leased the house and named it St. Denis. The latest proprietor, as here remembered, was George W. Ransford, from about [875. In [895 the house was pulled down and its site is yet bare.

Greenleaf S. Warren built the Lake House at Main and Broad streets, in 1837, and was its landlord. His brother, Thomas D. Warren, and his brother-in-law, Arnestus D. Colton, each about 1845, succeeded, and in 1846 Mr. (niton rented it for two years to Harrison Rich, but returned as landlord and remained until about 1862. when he sold it to Peter Van Slyck. Samuel H. Stafford bought and occupied it in 18(4 with John S. Griffin, his brother-in-law, as partner in business. The house had been extended from time to time, and Mr. Stafford made further improvements. Other landlords were Edwin Woodman. W. G. Barrett, George W. Ransford, Orlando Leonard Blakesley and his brother William, and Aaron L. Yanderpool. About 1892 the house was further altered and improved and was new-named Stafford House. At some time since it l>ecame the Hotel Florence. Its old oak franu- has been time-tested, but its end may be near, for there is much talk of building in the present century's style.

David T. Whiting built a wholly new hotel by the lakeside, at the foot of Broad street, in 1873, and named it for himself. It was planned to nurt the wants of summer visitors to the already famous lake. It was four had competent managers, and it- business for several years justified the cost of its building and furnishing forty thousand dollars or more, it is said. It was burned to the ground in July. [894, and the lots on which it stood ed to new ownership.

The Union House, opened in 1870 by Benjamin Fish, in Broad street, near the railway, and kept by John Kohn in 1NS1. is mentioned 1>\ Mr. Cutler, but not by Mr. Simmons \ store was moved From Main street and joined to this house, which in [892 became the Garrison House, and about 1804 'fie

1 Denison. Outwardl) it is a homely gambrel-roofed house, but its management within makes all needful amend-. This house, like the Hotel - likeh to be rebuilt in n< >t mam years more

Early Business Men

Charles M. Goodsell built a grist mill in 1838 and worked it for nearly four Years, on liberal terms given by the proprietors of the village as to use of the water power, and custom came to him from afar - even from the Lake Michigan shore and Rock river valley. But he steadfastly refused to grind for distillers' use About 1842 R. Wells Warren bought the mill and worked it till 1848. when he built a new and improved one. In 1854-5 lie sold this property to the brothers, Joseph W.. Henry and Rees Case, after whom came James Williams. Mr. Cogswell and Shepard O. Raymond successively as part owners. In 1859 Harvey E. Allen built the "Red Mill." which in 1866 was sold to the Geneva Manufacturing Company, and for two years became a woolen mill. It was later refitted for grinding oatmeal. There is still a busy feed mill near one of these old sites, built substantially of brick. In' or tor Judson G. Sherman.

Mr. Simmons, in his "Annals," mentioned other manufacturing enterprises - among them the Crawford reaper works in 1875. Most of these began with reasonable hope of success and some of them flourished for a few years, bringing to the village increase of population and general trade, and some of that good remains. But the conditions which now for long have brought the smaller factories throughout the country quite generally to naught have been felt here. If water power is of yet further use to man as, no doubt, it is. that at Lake Geneva will not forever flow uselessly, or but for minor uses, on its tortuous way to the gulf.

The .Alien brothers, Harvey E., Seymour and William II., wagonmakers and blacksmiths, came in 1845. Harvey E. died in 1804. Their relationship to other Aliens is not learned.

Joel Barber, sun of Solon and Hannah, born 1828 in St. Lawrence county. Xew York, married Julia L. and Carrie M. Marsh, cousins; came in [848; carpenter, stavemaker, millwright and millowner; twice president of the village.

in earliest real estate records. One or more of them were of the firm of Capron, Wheeler & Whipple, coming as general dealers in 1839, and soon afterward building a distillery, which was but one year in operation.

William Casporus, a carpenter, came in 1S37 and was killed the next year by falling with a broken scaffold while building his house at Main and Mad i -on streets.

Henry B. Conant ( (825-1903) came in 1846 as a building contractor, and partner with Cyrus W. Maynard. his brother-indaw, who came a year earlier. In judgment and skill they were among the foremost in the county.

Dudley W. Cook, wagonmaker, came from Cooperstown about 1837, in which year his son, the first white boy, was born and died in the village. He went to California in 1849 and died there.

Jotham W. Curtis, blacksmith, burned Mr. Payne's house at Duck Lake, about 1839, destroying a just then valuable set of carpenter's tools, axes, etc. Mr. Payne and his men caught him, forced him into confession and banished him.

Lewis Curtis ( 1813-1904) was bom in Chenango county; came in 1840 and bought John Dunlap's store. In the same year he married Mary Elizabeth (1822-1868), daughter of Hiram Humphrey and Mary (Blodgett) Foster, lie was the earliest drug dealer at the village, and continued in general trade for many years, ten of which he was postmaster.

James J. Dewej 1 [8] 1-1898), a native of St. Lawrence county, opened a bat store in 1845, and soon became Mr. Ferguson's partner. He was postmaster in the Taylor-Fillmore administrations. His first wife was Eliza Ann Bates (1815-1838), of Cooperstown; his second wife was Selina A. Merriam I 1 827-1870).

John Dunlap (died [879) was son of Robert (born 17571. a soldier of the Revolution, and grandson of John ( 1718-1813), a native of county Tyrone. Ireland, and immigrant. The younger John was a half brother of Asenath, wife of Thomas McKaig. In [839 lie began in business at the village, but sold to Lewis Curtis.

Benjamin E. Gill ( r8i 1 1888), mason and plasterer, came in 1837. He was an early village president, lie went to California in 1850, and lived to irn.

of probate. As he had Charles M. Baker always within call he served very creditably, and made a comfortable living from office fees, and from the produce of his farm in section 30 of Lyons.

Lansing Duane Hale (181 8- 1883). son of Samuel Hale and Sarah AbelL came from Owego in 1843 and was in retail trade for twenty-two years. His first wife was Rebecca Ellis (1823-1846); second wife, Jane Elizabeth 1 1S301902 ), daughter of Sweet Allen and Jemima Spicer. His brother, Otis K. Hale 1 1825- 1902), began in trade in 1853. His wife was Ann L., daughter of John Beeden and Serena Garrison.

John Haskins (1811-1887) with his brother James came in 1842, and built a sawmill at the lower water power. In 185 5- 1863 they were in the hardware trade. Thereafter they were active in all the greater local enterprises. John's wife was Olivia (Vose), widow of John Seymour. She was born 1829, died 1876.

Dr. Stephen Ingham ( 1778- 1875) was born at Richmond, Massachusetts, and in 1803 married Huldah Ambler (born 1787). He came to Geneva in 1 84 1. He owned a farm in section 12, Linn.

Dr. Alexander Law sun 1 1S15-1871) was born in Perthshire, Scotland; was graduated at the University of Glasgow; came to Philadelphia in 1837; to Geneva in 1849, where he practiced as a botanic physician.

Daniel Locke (1820-1897), son of James and Lydia, was born in Cheshire county, New Hampshire ; married, first, Clarissa Wright, of Otsego county; came to Geneva as a gunsmith in 1X43: married Elizabeth Booth, at Springfield, in 1867.

Russell II. Mallary (or Mallory?), born in 1803 at Middletown, Vermont, came from Beardstown. Illinois, in 1838; became sheriff in 1841 ; went into business at East Troy with Mr. Oatman in 1843; returned to Geneva and died in March, 1852. In 1838 Mallary & Oatman brought from Illinois the first drove of hogs, of a breed, the continuance of which the agricultural society has never encouraged by offer of premium. These brutes, shifting for themselves under the oak trees, never became even streakily fat, and when wanted were hunted and shot like other wild game. Calista E. (1809- 1878), daughter of Eli Oatman and Mary Symonds, was Mr. Mallory's wife.

Philip D. Marshall came from Milwaukee in 1843 and brought with him the "Ariel," the first of the Geneva lake fleet. It had masts, spars and sails, but its surest motive power was a pole. It carried twenty or more passengers, and, having previously crossed Lake Michigan, the trip to Fontana and

Williams Hay did not overtask it. Captain Marshal built and rented a store. but for himself preferred a shanty, where he sold apples and cider. He was also a shaver of shingles.

Gurdon Montague MS19-1890), born at Wetherslield. Connecticut, came from Trenton, New York, by way of .Milwaukee, in 1845. ^e was known throughout the county as a competent millwright. His wife was M. Maria Post ( [823-1866).

Bradford T. Paine 1 1819-1903), shoemaker, came in 1843. Of his workmen George S. Nethercut and Bruce Frederick are ranembered. His wife was Ellen C. I.oveland I 1S19-1903).

Simeon W. Spafard ( [812-1880), son of Abraham Spafard (Nathan 5, Thomas 4. Thomas 3, Samuel _». John 1) and Sarah Williams, came about [838 and in [842 opened a tinshop and stove store- He married Charlotte L. Sharpe in 1845, and bis sisters. Elizabeth W. and Alma O.. were wives of Erasmus I). Richardson. Mr. Simmons also mentions him as a brother-inlaw of William I\. May. In 1854 he was assemblyman, lie died at Omaha.

Samuel II. Stafford 1 [811-1889), a native of Saratoga, son of Henry and Poll) 1 Cay), came from Kenosha in [848 and with Mr. Dewev engaged in general trade. In 1N64 be wen! into other business.

Philander K. Van Velzer 1 [611-1862)3 -on of William Henry, an earlv settler of I yons, came in 1837 to the village and for some time made bricks on hi- lot near the railway anil between Dodge and Wisconsin streets. His wife was Prudence (1.81.2-18,70), daughter of llendrick Matteson. His brother, < oraelrus P. 1 [813-1903), also came early. He died at Delavan.

\ndrew Jack-on Weatherwax 1 [817-189S) wa- born in ( Mvans county, \'ew York : came to Darien in 1N45; to Geneva in 1S40 as the first resident tailor. In 1S01 he and his son, Monroe J. W'eatherw a\. enlisted 111 the

Lucian Wright came in 1836; owned land north of Duck Lake, where he built a kiln and made lime of the best quality. He moved away a few years later.

Charles M. Goodsell came in [838 to build and operate a grist mill, but not for that only. He at once began to revive the temporarily suspended religious interest of the little community, organizing a Sunday school and. co-operating with other good men and women, preparing the way for formation of religious societies.

Religious Societies

Rev. Phipps W. Lake, an early settler of Walworth, organized the Baptist society in 1840 at the home of Charles M. Baker, a Presbyterian, but not too much narrowed by his creed. Between 1844 and 1847 a church was built at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, and was rebuilt in 1868 at further cost of seventeen hundred dollars. Though for some years fairly prosperous, the society was relatively poorer than at Delavan, Elkhorn and East Troy. At a business meeting April 5, 1907. it was suggested that it was better to build a new church than to repair the old one, and the pastor was asked to call another meeting. Ten days later it was determined, without dissent, to build, and a committee was directed to canvass for subscriptions. In two weeks two thousand three hundred dollars had been pledged; but this, with a legacy of nearly one thousand dollars from Mrs. H. H. Hawks, was not enough. Appeal to the state convention at last brought five thousand dollars from the Judson A. Roundy Inquest. The society was encouraged to new effort and in 1910 a fine new church was built in modern style at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and dedicated January 13, 191 1. In its cornerstone were deposited, among other things, a carefully prepared historical account of the society and a list of its pastors. Both of these papers were the work of Mrs. Amelia (Beardsley) Arnold who, as a child, had known Mr. Lake well and in her later life most or all of his successors.

As early as 1842 Rev. Thomas Morrissey came from Milwaukee periodically to minister to Catholic families about Lake Geneva. Vicar-general Kundig organized the parish of St. Francis de Sales in 1847, and its members have since built two or three churches. The last is a well-built and well-furnished building, near the east end of Main street, a well-chosen site. It was built within the period of Father Reilly's pastorate, at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars. Its fine organ was the gift of Patrick J. Healy, of Chicago. A suitable rectory, a convenient hall for social and other entertainments and a cemetery are included in the now valuable church property.

The first resident priest was Patrick McKernan, 1847, after' whom were P. L Pander, [849; Franz Fusseder, [850; P. J. Mallon, 1854: H. P. Kenney, George H. Brennan, 1856; James Stehle. 1857 and 1862; Henry J. Roche, 1861: Edward O'Connor, 1863; F. O'Farrell, [867 (died); A. L. David. [867; James F. Kinsella, [867; Benedict J. Smeddinck, 1868; Eugene M. McGinnity, 1872: John J. Kinsella, 1873; Nicholas M. Zirnmer, 1874; Michael Wenker, about 1883; Eugene Reilly, 1884: Bernard Joseph Burke, 1908. Parish records and other sources of information show some disagreements and uncertainties as to initials, order of succession and dates; but the foregoing list is nearly full and correct. Rev. Martin Kundig, whose early labors in this as in many another county are memorable, was born in the Swiss canton of Schwytz, November 19, 1805; came to Cincinnati in [828, where he was ordained; in [833 to Detroit, whence he came, in 1842, to Milwaukee, and in [844 became, under Rt. Rev. John Martin llenni. vicar-general of the diocese. He died March 6, 1879.

\ society of Presbyterians and Congregationalists was formed in 1839 and built its church, the first Presbyterian, of oak lumber in 1841 al a cost of five hundred dollars. A new church, on the same lot, was begun in [851 and finished in two years, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. Beginning with thirteen members, the society's increase was mostly Congregationalism and in [883 Formallj changed its name to First Congregational church. The societ) laid the cornerstone of its third church July 24. 1897, dedii tted tlic finished building January 10. [898. This church property valued at twenty-five thousand dollars. Pastors: Lemuel Hall, 1839; I eonard Rogei [841; G R. French, [843; Homer H. Benson. 1844: Ed-

Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper came as early as 1844 to administer communion to a few persons, and from time to time sent mission workers to this field. In 1850 the Episcopal parish of the Holy Communion was organized, and in 1857 the society bought the disused Presbyterian church and occupied it until it could build a chapel on its own ground at Geneva and Broad streets. In 1880 the cornerstone of a permanent building was laid and in 1883 the new church was consecrated. Its material is glacier-borne boulders of various granites, hewn to architectural fitness, and its cost, with organ and other furnishings, was more than twenty thousand dollars. Its resident rectors have been John McNamara, 1850 and 1856; William S. Ludlum, 1852; Gerrit E. Peters, 1853; William H. Studley, 1854; John H. Gasman, 1859; William Dafter, 1861 ; George N. James, 1864; John Henry Babcock, 1866; William C. Armstrong, 1867; Robert B. Wolseley, 1874; Richard Thomas Kerfoot, 1876; William Wirt Raymond, 1887; Isaac Newton Marks, 1892; Herbert Chessall Boissier, 1907.

Rev. Carl F. Goldammer organized an Evangelical Lutheran society in 1879 and dedicated its church May 4, 1884. His successors have been: August'F. Graebner, [885; Ileinrich Gieschen, 1887; Ernst F. Schubert, Bernhardt Albert Oehlert. 1899; Herman A. Fleischer. 1904. A new church was built in 1891-2 and the old one then became a parish schoolhouse. These buildings, with a parsonage, and lots, in Walworth street near Crawford street, are valued at six thousand dollars. The society now includes about sevent) families.

Mr. Schubert with twelve families separated from this society in 1899 and built a new church and parsonage at Park Row and Warren street. This church has basement story fitted for its use as a parish schoolhouse. The property is valued at five thousand dollars. Mr. Schubert's further stay was short, and he was followed in the same year by E. A. Kurtz, in 1902, by Peter Christian Boysen, in [906 by Ernst Junghans In [909 Mr. I'.nvsen returned and also ministers to the church at Genoa function.

A class of six or seven persons met in 1837 to form a Methodist Episcopal society. A church with parsonage was built in 1855-6 on lots at Madison and Wisconsin streets, facing the park, at a cost of two thousand dollars. (22)

These lots had been set apart for this purpose by the proprietors of the village. In the meantime service was held in a primitive school house. The society began to build again in 1877, at Cook and Geneva streets, also facing the park. It was finished and dedicated in 1884, and with parsonage its cost was about thirteen thousand dollars. The names of pastors, as nearly as can now be shown, were Samuel Pillsbury, 1838; Jesse Halstead, 1839; James McKean, 1839; David Worthington, 1841 ; -Jewett ar|d Decker, in 1842; Jonathan M. Snow, 1843; John Crummer, 1845: Joseph C. Parks, 1846; Joseph M. Walker, 1847; Robert Blackburn, 1848: R. Dudgeon, 1850; Aurora Callender, 1851 ; O. F. Comfort, 1852; Aaron Griswold, 1853; Joseph Anderson, 1855; Hiram H. Hersey. [857; David Hall, 1858: L. Salisbury, 1859; David W. Couch, 1861 : William Averill, 1862; Stephen Smith, 1863; Rossiter C. Parsons, 1865; Norvall J. Aplin. 1867; Henry Colman. [869 and 1885: Samuel E. Willing, 1873; John D. Cole, 1874; John L. Hewitt, 1875; Albert A. Hoskins. 1876; Thomas Clithero, 1878; Charles E. Goldthorp. 1880; Matthew Evans. 1882; Thomas W. North. 1888; John Jay Garvin, 1893; William W. Stevens, 1898; Rodman W. Bosworth, 1899; Thomas DeWitt Peake, 1900; Sherman P. Young and Webster Millar. 1902; Charles Marcus Starkweather, 1904; Frank Cuthbert Richardson, 1909.

Mrs. Rebecca A. Vail taught a private school in 1837 at a room over Mr. Ferguson's store. About the next year a public school house was built, and Mary S. Brewster for the summer term and Dr. John Stacy for the winter term were first teachers. In 1849 a larger house was ready, and its two department teachers were Horatio B. Coe and Charles B. Smith. A wing was added in 1854. A new house was built in 1867 at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars, including its furnishings. This was in Wisconsin street, looking southward upon the park, as designed at the village platting. It was burned December 25, 1903, and in the next year rebuilt of pressed red brick and in plain good taste. Mr. Simmons did not note the beginning of the high school, but it may have been about 1865, practically, if not formally. In 1895 it was placed temporarily in the seminary building, which the city had bought. After the lire of 11)03 a separate building was placed beside that for the grades, of like materials and in like plainly imposing style of architecture. Sixteen teachers are employed in these schools, the head of which is called city superintendent. The jurisdiction of this officer, independent of the count) superintendency, includes two other schools.

As a school district Lake Geneva reaches into the westward sections between the lakes. That part beyond the corporate limits has for long been known as the "woods district," though there is now nothing sylvan in the surroundings or in school management. A brick house was built in 1886, replacing an old one, on the road to Delavan, in the edge of section 33. Its present teacher, A. Pierre Deignan, was as a child an early resident of the city or its vicinity, and has been well tried in this and other public service. A new house was built in the third ward in 1888, and is under the city superintendency.

In 1858 O. Sherman Cook opened a select school. Early in 1859 Selinda J. Gardner was at its head. She was a daughter of Elijah R. Gardner and Rebecca Powers, and in 1885, as widow of Dr. H. Hitchcock, of Chicago, she was married to Rev. Franklin W. Fisk. In autumn Anna Wealthy Moody came and continued this school until March, 1863. Her quality and success as a teacher suggested another enterprise, and in 1864 a stock company built the Lake Geneva Seminary, east of the outlet, at a cost of seven thousand dollars. This property was sold in 1869 to Mrs. Julia A. Warner, under whose management the school, which was chartered in 1871, continued for several years. For boarding non-resident pupils the old Geneva Hotel was rented for two years, and in 1873 a boarding house, of brick, was built near the school. The exact year, later than 1885, in which the seminary was closed is not shown ; but the property was used occasionally thereafter for select schools. In 1895 it was sold to the city. After its use as a high school it was condemned as unsafe or unsanitary, and all these buildings were pulled away. Of the ample ground an attractive lakeside park has been made.

Among Mrs. Warner's assistants are remembered Miss Mary, daughter of George Allen, of Linn, and Miss Kate Headley, daughter of Rev. Alvah Lilly, of Whitewater. One of Mr. Cook's enterprises was a normal music school, in 1879, which for a few years called pupils from other towns and states.

tendents. Mr. Carmichael enlisted early in 1861 in Company F, Fourth Infantry, and died at DeSoto Point, Louisiana, opposite Vicksburg, July 8, 1862.

Edgar J. Farnum began the Geneva Express in 1854, or earlier; for in June of that year he with his brother, Alonzo L., began the Independent, at Elkhorn. Lemuel Franklin Leland (better known as Frank Leland) and George S. Utter continued the lis press until the spring of 1857, when they, too passed over to Elkhorn with their little printing equipment. In 1858 Henry L.Devereaux came to publish the Genevan for eighteen months. In i860 George S. Utter came back and for a year published the Geneva Lake Mirror, having John T. Wentworth as its editor. About 1871 Mr. Leland divided his weekly edition, heading it, for his subscribers at and near the lake, Geneva Independent. To give better color to this device be engaged John E. Burton as editor of a column or so local to Geneva, which displaced a like space of Elkhorn gossip. This, of course, was to prevent or delay the appearance of another real Geneva newspaper; and, of course, it hastened that which he tried thus to prevent. In April. [872, Air. Utter came back once more to publish the Lake Geneva Herald. Mr. Burton, then principal of the public school, Rev. John D. Pulis, of the Baptist church, Rev. Edward G. Miner, of the Congregational church, were named as editors - but Mr. Burton's associates were much like the "side judges'' of the county courts of common pleas in New York from 1 S_>^ to 1X47. These courts supplied mam men .11 home and in the west with an honorable title, hut the opinions of their Honors had little influence on the first judges, each of whom was in effect his whole court. Mr. Burton planned and moved and only he, in that panic period, could have made the Herald at once and permanently successful at Lake Geneva. It was as large as any paper in the county, all home-printed and will printed, and on each page in every week the village, with its current affairs and its near and distant prospects, were "writ large." The office was liberally equipped for all the business that was likely to be brought to a village printer. Mr. Burton learned his new calling quickly, and in April, 1873, ne sole owner and editor. Three years later he sold forty-nine onehundredths of the establishment to Albert 1). Waterbury, and in 1877 James Edmund Heg and Mr. Waterbury became equal and only owners. Mr. Heg, a son of Col. Hans C. Heg, who was killed at Chickamauga, was then recent- ly graduated from Beloit College, and he turned easily to editorship. Mr. Waterbury retired in 1878 and John E. Nethercut became in 1888 Mr. Heg's partner, and since 1895 has been the Herald's owner, editor, and printer. This paper was always Republican and since 1904 has been "stalwart."

Charles H. Burdick and George E. Earley began in 1879 a daily paper, having its presswork done at Elgin. Within a few weeks Mr. Burdick, as remaining owner, sold whatever there was to buy to Joseph S. Badger, who equipped the Lake Geneva Mews as a weekly paper. His brother, Charles E. Badger, seems to have been associated with him until 1883. These young men, who were good printers, were sons of Prof. Joseph A. Badger, for some time principal of Walworth Academy. About 1883 Asa K. Owen replaced the younger Badger, and in 1885 was left to his own pleasant editorial devices. N. W. Smails in 1895, Walter A. McAfferty in 1899, and the Lake Geneva Publishing Company since 1905 were the later owners. -One of the later editors was Frederick Kull, of an old county family. At present Frank M. Higgins is manager and editor. This paper has always been Republican - formerly in an independent way and latterly in the way of the progressive element of the party.

Young Men'S Christian Association

A Young Men's Committee, formed in November, 1881, became in June, 1883, a Young Men's Christian Association, which was incorporated in 1888. In October, 1890, Mrs. George Sturges gave to this body, for two years, the use of her cottage and ground at the oblique meeting of Main and Lake streets. In 1893 an<^ :^94 the association acquired lots and buildings in Main street, and afterward established itself in a brick building of its own at Main and Cook streets, the upper story of which is a large auditorium.

Public Libraries

Mr. Simmons noted that a public reading room was opened in Walker's block, Main street, December 31, 1877. Its books were supplied chiefly from private libraries. In 1889 this first public library was transferred to the care of the Young Men's Christian Association. These five hundred volumes were materially increased by liberal gifts of summer residents. In the summer of 1894 Mrs. Mary Delafield Sturges gave her house and ground, previously tenanted by the association, to the city for its use as a library and park. This was conditional, but it was only required that the city should buy the rest of the little block and should vacate so much of Lake street as lay between the block and the water's edge. This gift was most willingly accepted and the conditions were fulfilled at once. The inner arrangement of the house was so changed as to make it convenient for its purpose, until it may be found practicable to replace it with a fire-proof building of suitable design. The public library was opened in the same year with 2,300 volumes in hand, and it now has nearly 5,000 volumes. The circulation of books in the first year was about 20,000 volumes, and has not since varied widely. Miss Gertrude T. Noyes, now and for some years past librarian, is a granddaughter of the young Ulysses of the Brink-Payne war. Both she and her assistant. Miss Eugenia C. Gillette, are daughters of soldiers of the Civil war.

Erasmus D. Richardson began his private banking business in 1848, and until his death, in 1892, his bank was regarded as one of the soundest in the state. It had weathered the storm-and-stress periods of 1857 and 1873, and his ability and character were not doubted; but, at settlement of his affairs the concern was found partially insolvent. The First National Bank of Lake Geneva opened, with capital of fifty thousand dollars, under the presidency of Frank Leland with John A. Kennedy as cashier. It is now in business with Levi A. Nichols as president and Josiah Barfield as cashier. The Farmers National Bank was organized in 1900 with Dwight S. Allen as president and E. D. Richardson (who is not a relative of the pioneer banker) as cashier. Its present officers are Albert S. Robinson, president; F. E. Wormood, cashier. Its capital is fifty thousand dollars. These banks are quartered in new and in every way suitable buildings, and so furnished as to suggest at once security, convenience and business-like elegance.

James E. Heg, Dr. James C. Reynolds and W. H. Wheeler proposed in January, 1890, to build ami operate a city system of waterworks and electric lights. The council gave them a franchise for fifteen years, agreeing to pay yearly two thousand five hundred dollars for the use of water and seventyfive dollars yearly for each treel light. Needful buildings, engine, well of thousand two hundred feet depth, and tower were at once provided and before the end of the year live miles of pipe had been laid, and later extensions have mel the growing demand. In [894 the company procured a lease of the water power. In March, 1896, Herbert E. Haskins supplied the stores and homes with incandescent lights. A new company was formed in 1897, taking the place of the old one. It is styled the Equitable Electric Light Company. Its buildings with machinery are on the site of the Warren grist mill. At present the officers are Charles S. French, president ; James G. Allen, secretary and treasurer; John S. Allen, manager. These, with Mary C. Allen, are directors.

Fishing And Navigation

The area, depth and clearness of the Genevan water invited navigators and fishers. Bass, catfish, ciscoes, perch, pickerel, suckers and other kinds native to the lake, abounded. Since 1874 millions of young fry - bass, salmon, trout and other game fish - have been added from the state's hatcheries. This culture has also engaged the attention and interest of public-spirited Chicago owners of lakeside estate. In 1858 E. F. Brewster brought from Fox river the steamer ''Atlanta." of twenty tons. It was sixty-five feet long, twelve feet abeam, and could carry one hundred and fifty persons. Edward Ouigley launched the "Lady of the Lake,'' a larger boat, in 1873. A yet larger steamer, the "Lucius Newberry," home-built, was launched in 1875 and was burned in 1891 as the "City of Lake Geneva." In 1883 three steamers were sold and two new ones launched. There were then nineteen steamers afloat. In 1890 six new ones were added, three of which were home-built. In 19 10 the assessed value of the lake fleet was nearly forty thousand dollars, and its true value was placed at seventy-five thousand dollars.

The old burying ground was placed well westward from the village plat, but in time was overtaken and enclosed by the growth of the city. It lies between Maxwell and Warren streets, with Dodge street southward, and falls a few rods short of Park Row. It is kept in order, as is most becoming; for on its shafts and headstones may be read names often mentioned in these pages, inseparable from local history. It was in its day creditable to the taste and feeling of Genevans. It had become evident in 1880 that more room was needed. A new place was chosen, in its area forty acres, on a high knoll north the city. It i> supplied with water from a deep well on the ground and from the city waterworks. Lake Geneva cemetery overlooks the city, part of the lake, and miles of surrounding country. In planning it and in caring for it nothing that should have been done has been left undone.

The Lake Shore

Since the city itself stretches along the greater part of that shore line which is of the town of Geneva most of the owners of lake front property, on each side, are of the town of Linn and those at the upper end of the lake are of Walworth. The city is their principal port of entry, so to say, though Williams Bay and Fontana are also reached by rail from Chicago. Dr. Philip Maxwell, then in service as an army surgeon, had invested as early as 1836 in the claim at the mill section, and soon afterward entered land in sections 15, 26, 27 of Walworth. Leaving the army in 1842, he settled into professional practice at Chicago, and in 1853 became state treasurer of Illinois. In 1856 he built a large house on his lakeside property at Geneva and brought his family there as summer residents. This was held at Springfield to disqualify him as an officer of Illinois, whereupon he became a resident of Geneva until his death in 1859. It is told that he advised a son-in-law to acquire all the shore land that could then be secured, assuring him that great profit would arise therefrom and that, too, in time not long to come. This wise counsel was not followed, though much of the land might have been bought at twenty-five dollars an acre.

Gurdon Montague sold in 1870 ninety acres lying in section 35, having a front on the lake near its bay-like end, to Shelton Sturges. of Chicago, who in the next year built a large house or villa on the wooded slope outside of the village plat, but in full view from the eastern side of the bay. Julian S. Rumsey, an ex-mayor of Chicago, built at the eastern end in 1872. These three examples were well followed and both shores are lined with summer retreats built for permanence, much more substantially than bungalows, their grounds improved without needless violence to nature. As seen from midlake the view on either hand is not marred, but its native charm is heightened; for the least possible has been taken away and much has been added with taste and judgment. Most of these dwellers by the waterside, perhaps, own one or more vessels of the lake fleel : and their influence on road-making and other public improvement has been more or less salutary. The building, improving and service of their houses and grounds employ many local artisans and laborers, and so contribute to the city's general prosperity. In effect, these owners, of whom many have been or are of the wealthiest and best known of Chicago, have made these shores as truly suburban of their city a- a- insti hi ami Rogers Park.

ter village, carried the mail in his hat and coat pockets, and often rode his horse into Geneva with a bag of grain behind him for grinding at Goodsell's mill. A stage route from Kenosha to Beloit, in 1840, increased the usefulness of the postoffice. It is now an office of the second class, and has a citycarrier system and four rural free delivery routes. Postmasters : Andrew Ferguson, 1837; James J. Dewey, 1849; Timothy C. Smith, 1853; Lewis Curtis, 1861; Charles E. Buell, 1871 ; Charles A. Noyes, 1879; William Brown, 1886: George S. Read, 1890: William J. Cutteridge, 1894; Charles S. French, 1898; Frank S. Moore, 1906; Henry H. White, 1910. Buell and Noyes had been soldiers of the Civil war.

Much must be left untold or scarce half-told of this city by the lake. But this matters little, for there are men and women there who, like Mr. Simmons, can write in prose or verse and who, like him, might say that they were a part of that of which they write. The recollections of one person or one person's gathering of many recollections must still leave the story incomplete. Nor need the past be recalled in all its minor though locally interesting details. Cities are not Aladdin-built, by rubbing rings or lamps. One who now sees broad, dustless streets, shaded by day and lighted by night, with all needful evidence besides of past and present intelligence, enterprise, and high hopefulness, and who meets men and women who know how to enjoy the present and to make better the time near at hand, needs not the minuter record of uneven and often difficult steps by which they have reached the prosperity and bright prospects of 1912. Lake Geneva has many as yet unsatisfied wants, but contentment with the present is not the most conspicuous of American virtues.

Village And City Charters

The village of Geneva was chartered in 1844. At its first election Charles M. Goodsell became president, and with him was a board of trustees, a majority of whom were temperance men. This they proved by an ordinance which forbade the sale or gift of liquor after July 2d. Thomas D. Warren was convicted and fined for having sold the evil prohibited, over the Lake House bar, on the nation's birthday. He appealed to the territorial district court, but a change of statute overtook the slow course of the law and at last the proceeding was dropped; but, as it may be guessed, without loss to learned counsel. The next legislative session took from the trustees and gave to the town supervisors the power of granting or withholding licenses, and Geneva was not again tormented by thirst. For eleven years the village record, if ever regularly made, was lost. Of early presidents Mr. Simmons remembered only R. Wells Warren, Benjamin E. Gill and Anthony Dobbs.

A new charter was given March 28, 1856, to an enlarged village' of Geneva, and this was amended in 1867. In 1879 the citizens voted to set aside their special charter and to incorporate under a general statute for government of villages. About fifty miles southward is Geneva, Kane county, Illinois, and mail was often missent to each of these namesake villages. To relieve the Wisconsin village from this long endured annoyance its name was changed in 1882 to Lake Geneva. An act of the Legislature of 1885 enabled the citizens to accept a city charter at an election held March 31, 1886. In 1897 Lake Geneva became a statutory city of the fourth class.

Justices Of The Peace For Village And City

It is not unlikely that Abell and Oatman, with, perhaps, a few more justices named in the town list, were, in fact, chosen for the village, though the record at the circuit clerk's office does not make it appear so.

Population And Valuation

Valuation of real estate in 1910 was $3,553,000; of personal property, $752,000. (Nineteen automobiles were returned for the city in 1910, but their number now owned here and about the county has so increased as to make such statistic already worthless.)