Lisbon Village (part 4 of 5)

The Glovee Rescue

The greatest and closing chapter in the noted Glover rescue - the final act of rescue - is credited to the Anti-slaveryites of Waukesha County. Joshua Glover was a fugitive slave, at work in a mill at Racine. His owner, with a guide obtained at Racine, found the house where Glover was staying, and, after striking him with some heavy instrument, put him into a carriage, and, driving rapidly to Milwaukee, threw him into prison in that city. Sherman M. Booth, who had resided at Waukesha before that time (March 11, 1854), mounted a horse, and, riding rapidly through the streets, called out a very large crowd to rescue the fugitive slave from prison. Speeches were made by several Anti-slaveryites, and excitement was at the highest possible pitch. While the speeches were being delivered, a squad of excited men, led by Booth, secured a heavy beam, and with it upon their shoulders battered down the jail door, and soon had Glover in a carriage riding through the throngs that filled the streets. Further details as to the affair at Milwaukee are not necessary here, except to state that every city, hamlet and town in Wisconsin was in a fever of excitement, and that Henry H. Messenger, a strong Democrat, having his sympathy aroused, took Glover into his own carriage, because his horse was the fleetest in the country, and drove at all possible speed to Waukesha, as that was considered the surest avenue for the escape of all fugitives from slavery. When he arrived at Waukesha, his horse was pretty well used up, as the roads were heavy and he had been pursued for. some distance by men and officers upon horses, on foot and in carriages ; but, by dodging between two parallel roads, and by urging a fleet horse to its utmost speed, he escaped all pursuers, arriving at Waukesha late the same night. Knowing that Winchel D. Bacon was an Abolitionist, Mr. Messenger went direct to his house, which is now the upper portion of the Mansion House in the village of Waukesha, then owned by Mr. Bacon. It was not thought best to keep Glover, whose hair was still clotted with blood, and his clothing dirty and torn from maltreatment received at Racine, hidden in the village, so Vernon Tichenor, Dr. W. D. Holbrook, Charles Blackwell, and perhaps one or two others, were called in for consultation. Two things were necessary, a safe place and a reliable man. Finally, Vernon Tichenor went across the fields, in the mud and dark, to the house of Moses Tichenor, his father, about two miles south of the village, and aroused him from bed. Mr. Tichenor at once consented to take charge of Glover, and, on his return, Vernon Tichenor was chosen to act as guide in conducting Glover to his father's place. On arriving there, Mr. Tichenor saw several persons in the dim light at his father's house, and instinctively drew back, thinking Glover had been followed ; but, on looking more closely, he saw Mr. Bacon and Dr. Holbrook, who had kept silently along, to see that the fugitive was not captured. Glover was hidden in Mr. Tichenor's barn until Chauncey C. Olin had made arrangements to convey him to Racine, where, in proper disguise, he took a boat and escaped to Canada, never to be recaptured. Racine was chosen as the place to embark for Canada because it was thought the excitement had all been transferred from there, where it originated, to Milwaukee. This was a correct supposition, and Glover escaped easily from that point. At Muskego, Mr. Olin went to Richard Ely and said he was fleeing with Glover and must have a fresh team. " You can have anything I have got," said Mr. Ely, " and no matter if it can't be returned." He got a fresh team. During several days after Glover was in Waukesha, the' houses, bridges, and roads were watched by the slave-hunters, but they were outgeneraled, as they had always been in " that Abolition hole," as the village was for years called.

Years afterward, Salmon Portland Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, spent a summer at Waukesha, with Judge Andrew J. Miller, of the United States District Court (who, after the escape of Glover, was very severe in dealing with S. M. Booth, Edward Daniels and others, for aiding in the "rescue,") Visited the room in the Mansion House in which the noted fugitive remained during his first night in Waukesha, and where his wounds were dressed and food given him.

The rescue of Joshua Glover resulted in the arrest of Sherman M. Booth, Edward Daniels and others, for violating the "fugitive-slave act," and the matter was in the courts, as well as some of the men in prison, for various periods during the next sixteen or seventeen years.

On the 16th of March, four days after Glover was brought to Waukesha, those who espoused the cause of slavery got together in Waukesha and hung Booth in effigy, and in other parts of the county all who had anything to do with the rescue were burned or hung in effigy.

Seven Murders

The county of Waukesha had got a reputation abroad for having had but one murder, apd a large number of her inhabitants thought the reputation a just one, as the only life-taking remembered, except the shooting of Henry Keene by' David Bonham, was the stabbing of Peschke by Dr. Bigelow, which was not generally considered murder. But Waukesha County has had her full share of murders, as shown by the public records, and there have been two or three mysterious deaths within her limits which smell strongly of foul play, but no was ever arrested for any of these, nor could any clew as to the perpetrators be obtained.

The first murder in the county is remembered by all the old settlers ; and its story, with all the variations which time and personal enmity or friendship inevitably add, has been repeated scores of times to the younger generations. Some of the others, however, have nearly passed from the public mind, except the severing of the head of Christiana Werner, and the escape of her assassin from punishment.

First Murder in the Qounty. - The highest /crime known to the law, that of life-taking, was wholly unthought of in Waukesha County up to 1845, when not only the people of this county, but of the whole State, were thrown into the wildest excitement by the report that David Bonham, a prominent politician here, and afterward in Missouri, had shot and killed Henry Keene, in Menomonee.

Very briefly stated, without touching upon the details or merits of the case, the facts are these : Thomas Phippin and one Nottingham had built a saw-mill in the southwest portion of the town of Menomonee, before the canal lands, on which it stood, had been sold. Soon after Mr. Phippin sold his interest in the property to Henry Keene, the firm thus becoming Nottingham & Keene. According to sworn testimony, Mr. Nottingham soon after went to the land office at Milwaukee, without Mr. Keene's knowledge, and took a deed of the entire mill property in his own name, instead of allowing the title to rest in the firm name of Nottingham k Keene. Mr. Keene, after going to the land office and finding that he had no redress there, went to his partner and asked for some sort of an equitable and amicable settlement of the afiair. Mr. Nottingham replied that he had no settlement to make, and refused to listen to any further propositions. Mr. Keene then went to the mill, determined to get some value for his investment, if possible, and began to displace and carry to Phippin's house, which was near by, such machinery and tools as he could, without help. This was discovered by David Bonham, who was laboring by the month for Mr. Nottingham, and who ordered Mr. Keene to leave the mill. His orders were disobeyed, Mr. Keene having, as he said, purchased an interest in the property, and expressed the opinion that he had a right to perfect freedom upon his own premises. Finding that he could not prevent the dismantling of the mill by such means as he had at hand, Bonham sent his brother to fetch a loaded gun. The simple appearance of the gun failing to have the desired eifect, Mr. Bonham took deliberate aim and shot, the result being the death of Henry Keene. The horrible tragedy was witnessed by several persons, whose testimony furnishes the facts for the story of the murder. Other testimony, however, was to the eifect that Mr. Nottingham wrote from Milwaukee to Bonham, that Mr. Keene was on his way to take possession of the mill, and to "be ready for him." The letter, so far as testimony shows, did not counsel violence. Testimony at this date is as conflicting as it was when Mr. Bonham was on trial for the murder of his neighbor, and some of those who have furnished information to the historian concerning this initial tragedy, have evidently forgotten some of the statements they swore to as facts during the trial at Racine ; so that little discrepancies in this account are unavoidable. Three things, however, are undisputed : This was the first murder in the county ; James Keene was so dead that he was buried, and he was perfectly alive and well before David Bonham shot him, in May, 1845.

Mr. Bonham was arrested without resistance, by Barzilea Douglass, and had his preliminary examination before William P. Sloan, Justice of the Peace, at Waukesha. Alexander W. Randall, afterward Governor of Wisconsin, and Postmaster General of the United States, was Bonham's attorney, and no man ever worked more persistently for his client than he did to clear the man charged with the first murder in the county. Mr. Sloan, " in spite of hard swearing and eloquent pleas," held Bonham for the murder, and committed him to the jail at Milwaukee, Waukesha County not then having been set apart and organized.

A change of venue was secured to Racine County, because the excitement was so great and the feeling was so bitter against Bonham that his advisers thought a fair trial and impartial justice could not be had at Milwaukee. The details of the long and well-contested trial will be of no value here ; suffice it to say he was convicted of murder in the first degree and sentenced to the gallows, as hanging for capital crime had not then been abolished in this State. On being sentenced, Mr. Bonham, who was physically a very strong man, and who had borne up bravely until the sentence was pronounced, lost courage; but not so his attorney and friends, who at once set about securing intercession from the Governor. Every effort that could be made by shrewd attorneys and tireless friends was made in Bonham's behalf, the Governor's ofBce being in a continual state of siege. Finally, several long temperance petitions which had, at the cost of several months of labor, been secured by Rev. Mr. Powers, and which contained the names of a large number of the prominent citizens of Waukesha and vicinity, fell into the hands of Bonham's friends, who cut the temperance petitions from the lists of names, and pasted in their stead a petition praying the Governor to grant the condemned man full and free pardon. On the strength of this petition the pardon was granted at the very last. Before this pardon, which was obtained in a manner not indorsed by the community, Gov. Dodge reprieved Bonham for one month. A large concourse of people had gathered at Racine to see the hanging (in December, 1847), but were disappointed, as Bonham was reprieved in the morning of the day set for his execution. The reprieve was taken by A. F. Pratt, who, with "old Whitey," a horse famous in those days for tireless speed, reached Racine with several hours to spare. The crowd, largely from Waukesha County, was very angry on learning what had been done, and one man made a speech in which he declared they " never could have a better opportunity for a first-class hanging, or a more deserving subject." No violence was attempted, however.

After this reprieve, and before the final day set for the execution, the emasculated petition above mentioned was sent to the Governor ; and not knowing its character, probably, he signed a full and free pardon. If possible, this causei greater excitement than the murder ; but once done there was no remedy - Bonham was forever free. He had an opportunity, however, to attend two or three indignation meetings, held to denounce Gov. Dodge and the means used to induce that official to undo the work of the court, as well as those who had a hand in making fraudulent use of a temperance petition. Among those who composed the loads of people who went from Summit, Waukesha, Menomonee, Lisbon, and nearly every town in the county, to Racine, when Bonham was to be hung, were some who openly threatened to take the law from the hands of the Territorial officials, even after his return to this county, but fortunately these threats never were carried out.

Mr. Bonham, it should certainly be added, soon after went to Missouri, where he redeemed his past life, as far as possible, and held offices of trust and emolument with honor to his friends and credit to himself. As every man, woman and child in Waukesha County knows of him, and his name is always mentioned as though an interesting history clung about it, which is the case, the following sketch of his life, taken from the St. Joseph (Mo.) Union, of May 26, 1870, is here inserted for the benefit of those who only knew David Bonham as " the murderer of Henry Keene: "

" Col. David Bonham, one of the most remarkable men of the Northwest, died at his home on Empire Prairie, Andrew County, Mo., on Saturday last, at 7 P. M., after a long and painful illness, and his remains were interred at 1 P. M., on Monday, by his brother Odd Fellows. The - old hero is at rest. Let us learn a lesson from his life.

" David Bonham was the son of Robert and Jane Bonham, and was born in the town of Road, Northamptonshire, England, in 1809. His parents were poor, and the only educational advantages - so called - which he ever received, was three months' attendance at Sabbath school. Never in his life did he attend common school for a single day ; yet, such was the energy of the man, that in his later years he acquired a comparatively thorough education. He embraced every opportunity of obtaining information, and at length became, in the true sense of the term, self-educated.

" At the early age of thirteen he left his home, and for eight years thereafter worked upon a farm. When twenty-one years old, he bade farewell to England, and emigrated to America, landing in New York. One year after his arrival, he was married to Miss Rebecca Weaver, a most estimable lady, who has shared his misfortunes for nearly forty years, and now mourns his loss. For six years he was in the employ of Stebbins & McEntee, on the Erie Canal, during most of which he occupied responsible positions.

" In 1836, deceased moved to Wisconsin, then a Territory, and resided in Milwaukee County for twenty years. He was an oflBcer in the Legislature during the winters of 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1845, and discharged his duties to the satisfaction of all. For three years he was Justice of the Peace, and held the oflBce of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Town Clerk, etc., in the town of Lisbon, Milwaukee County. His fidelity in the discharge of his duties, together with his native talent, made him at all times a most efficient officer.

" In the spring of 1856, deceased came to Missouri, and purchased a large tract of land in Andrew County. In the fall of that year, he brought his family to his new location, and permanently settled upon the farm where he died. It is a beautiful place, in the heart of one of the richest prairies of the West ; and here David Bonham spent most of his time for fourteen years. When the war broke out, and the country needed the aid of every man, David Bonham was among the first in the Northwest to come boldly forward to its defense. He sought no rank, but, shouldering his musket, enlisted as a private in the State militia. But talents such as his could be of more service in higher and more responsible positions, and he was shortly promoted. He remained at his post until failing health compelled him to resign.

" In 1865, he was chosen a member of the State Constitutional Convention,. and our new constitution is stamped with the impress of his foresight and originality, several of the provisions having been drafted by him. In 1866, he was elected to the State Senate from Andrew County, and soon became one of the leading members, not so much by reason of his brilliant oratory, as by his strong practical common sense and heroic devotion to principle. The writer remembers conversing with a lobby member, during Col. Bonham's terms, who had some wild-cat railroad project to log-roll through the Legislature. ' I have got the House,' he said, ' and would be sure of the Senate, but for Bonham. The old Spartan, suspecting something, has set himself dead against me, and all h - 1 can't make him budge an inch.'

" In 1868, Col. Bonham was a candidate before the Republican State Convention for Lieuten ant Governor, but failed to get the nomination. Shortly afterward he sailed for England to visit his brothers and sisters, whom he had left thirty -nine years before. Finding some of their children and grandchildren wearing their lives away in drudgery, he organized an emigration scheme, on an extensive scale, corresponded with leading British journals, returned to America, engaged passage for a colony, arranged for their reception in New York, secured transportation forthem to Missouri, and had the satisfaction of seeing all comfortably located and prosperous before his death.

" Deceased had seven children - five of whom are now living - Robert, David, and William, and Mrs. Jane Brown, of Empire Prairie, and John Bonham, in St. Joseph. They are in every respect worthy of their sire.

" David Bonham is dead ! Republicanism in Missouri has lost a pillar. Deceased had his faults - ^like the rest of us - but he was ever true to principle. His nature was akin to the rough granite, which admits of no polish. He was of such stuff as constitutes heroes, and, like a primeval bowlder, has engraven his record upon the historic columns of the nineteenth century. No man had a better friend, or a more generous foe, than David Bonham."

Other Murders. - The second murder in the county was committed in the town of Merton on the 25th of June, 1850, when William Flanagan shot Francis Horel with a "horse-pistol." The shot did not result fatally at once, Horel lingering until July 5 following, or ten days, during which time he appeared before Vernon Tichenor and made a sworn ante-mortem statement, charging the murder upon Flanagan and reciting all the details of the shooting. The grand jury, at the November term of court, 1850, found a true bill of indictment against Flanagan for murder in the second degree, and Judge Hubbell, March 20, 1851, sentenced him to hard labor in the State Prison for five years. The case was thoroughly contested by the defense at Flanagan's trial, and after the sentence, which was a light one, a great effort was made to Secure his pardon. This was impossible, as the murder was generally believed to have been cold-blooded and unprovoked, and none but near friends would sign the petition. Horel had been ordered to leave the place, and was obeying; but because he did not move as rapidly as was possible for him to have done, Flanagan shot him while he was mounting the stile ; according to the testimony, therefore, there was no cause whatever for the murder. The light sentence which Flanagan received was owing to the influence of his church and friends, who labored assiduously in his behalf.

The Waukesha County murder that was committed with the least provocation was the killing of John W. Craft, at Brookfield, by Francis H. Stevens, in 1857. The murder was committed in the true banditti style, for money, by the use of a heavy club, with which the victim's head was beaten almost to a jelly. The murderer, Francis H. Stevens, was only twenty years of age. He was convicted and sentenced June 20, 1857, to the State Prison for life; but his attorney, Vernon Tichenor, never for a moment relaxed his labors in behalf of the convict, who, at the end of fifteen years, was pardoned by the Governor. The murder, for such it was in the fullest sense of the term, was committed January 19, 1857, for about $100 in gold, silver and bank bills. The instrument of death was a maple sapling four feet in length, taken from a pile of wood belonging to the school house near Brookfield Plank-road Junction. Craft, who was married, and twenty-eight years of age, had started, after dusk, to visit the residence of F. B. Ward, and was waylaid by his young friend, who was unmarried. At his capture $70, in such denominations as Craft was known to have shown, were found on Stevens' person. It was fortunate for the young criminal that he was convicted and sent to prison, for had he been acquitted there is little doubt that he would have been hung by a posse of men who had watched the trial from the beginning, with that purpose in view, and declared that no matter what the verdict might be, justice 'would certainly be administered by some one. This feeling was shared by a large portion of the community, because the manner in which Craft's life had been taken was so extremely brutal ; and the sum of money for which the deed was planned and executed so insignificant, being less than |100. To show how determined this spirit of vengeance was during the trial of young Stevens, it is only necessary to mention that a rope had been secured and a tree selected for the lynching, in case the jury should acquit him.

The town of Vernon is charged with one murder, but the man who committed it never was punished, except by the lashes which his own conscience has administered. The trouble which resulted in this murder grew out of a dispute about a pair of bars, between Lazarus Whipple and James Nolan. After bandying words for some time, and abusing each other according to respective ability, Whipple, who was a sharp pettifogger and very quick-tempered man, seized a heavy club and killed his companion then and there. Mr. Whipple was arrested by Romanto

Peck, a Constable, who failed to hold his prisoner. The escape caused as great excitement as the murder, and Peck was then arrested for aiding Whipple to escape, and examined before Vernon Tichenor, Justice of the Peace, who held him for trial ; he was sentenced to the county jail for four months by the circuit court. Lazarus Whipple, who was one of the very first settlers in the town of Vernon, escaped to Texas ; but whether he is now living is not known. The crime was committed August 21, 1852, and Peck was tried in December of that year. Mr. Nolan lived a few hours, long enough to make a dying statement which charged that the murder was committed by Lazarus Whipple without provocation. Whipple never was followed to Texas, because in those early days Texas was a long distance from Wisconsin, and thought to be a worse place to live in than the State Prison. He wrote to friends several times, saying he would return for a visit if such a course was considered safe ; but the answers of his friends were such that he never came, so far as is known. By some of his friends it is claimed Mr. Whipple killed Nolan in self-defense.

Another murder must be charged against the town of Menomonee, the pioneer in the awful crime of taking human life. On the 25th of April, 1853, Hugh Drum, a young man still ''in his teens," shot and killed his mother, Margaret Sullivan. Hugh's father was dead and his mother had married a second husband, named Sullivan. The shooting grew out of family difficulties brought about by the second marriage. The examination of young Drum, which was before Vernon Tichenor, at Waukesha, occupied more than a week's time, and resulted in holding him for trial. The trial was a peculiar one, the interference with witnesses by outsiders who interested themselves in Drum's behalf, causing some trouble, and finally resulting in his acquittal. It might easily be considered strange that a person charged with murder should be acquitted when neither self-defense nor insanity was set up as a defense. It was the result of the labors of numerous friends in his behalf.

The bloodiest and most shocking murder ever committed in this county was the killing of Christiana Werner, in the town of Genesee, by Eli Moyer, January 30, 1858. He threw her to the floor, and with an ax completely severed the head from the body. The indictment, which was very elaborate otherwise, did not state particularly the residence of Christiana Werner, and on that ground Moyer's counsel was only prevented from quashing the indictment by a prompt continuance of the case. The county was put to a large amount of costs in the preliminary work of the attempt to bring the murderer to justice, but everything turned to naught, except the efforts of J. P. Walker, Moyer's attorney, who finally secured the discharge of his client without even a trial, District Attorney Edwin Hurlbut moving that a nolle prosequi be entered, having concluded a conviction was impossible, which was done.. This raised a storm of indignation, especially among the Germans ; but that was all there was of the matter. In Waukesha County, in January, 1858, Eli Moyer severed the head from the body of Christiana Werner, according to the testimony and indictment, and was discharged with only a partial trial !

The history of Muskego is also stained with human blood, and the stain is comparatively fresh. Dr. P. C. Bigelow, Joseph Peschke and others had, on the 25th of February, 1874, been drinking ; and, before the fun was over, a quarrel was begun by the two persons just mentioned. This altercation became very spirited, and Peschke followed Dr. Bigelow with a club, threatening violence. The threats and demonstrations being repeated several times, the Doctor turned and stabbed Peschke with a pocket-knife, fatally. Dr. Bigelow was arrested, tried for murder, convicted of manslaughter in the second degree, and sentenced to 'the State Prison for a short period - four years. Before the end of his term, in consideration that Peschke was killed partly in self-defense, the Doctor was pardoned, to have his freedom so long as he refrained from drinking. This proviso was broken and he was sent back, where he served his full term. He has not since been a resident of the county. He was considered an excellent physician and was for some years quite prominent as a politician, being a man of considerable ability.

Early Manufacturing

The county of Waukesha lays claim to the honor of having had built within her borders the first thrashing machines, first mowing machines, and first railway cars erected in Wisconsin.

In 1839, Hamilton Nelson, now a resident of Beloit, Wis., began the erection of thrashing machines. They were rightly named, for they did nothing more than to beat the grain out, then scattered grain, chaff and straw in a heap behind the machine, where one man stood with a fork to shake the loose kernels from the straw, which he then pitched farther to the rear, and another stood with a rake to push the grain and chaff into a pile at one side, to be afterward cleaned by a fanning-mill. Mr. Nelson's first machine was built in his little log house, for his brother, John Nelson. When any stick of timber was too long to be handled in the house, the door was thrown open and one end allowed to protrude. Having nothing with wliich to pierce a hole lengthwise through the cylinder for the iron axle, Mr. Nelson, after finding a sound oak log, sawed it to the proper length, split it into halves, and, with a gouge cut grooves in each half at the heart, so that, when the log was again put together it had a hole through the centre. The axle was then inserted and the rifted block of wood banded together with iron. For teeth, Mr. Nelson drove round bars of iron into the oaken cylinder. For such iron work as he could not manufacture himself, he sent East, where he had been a thrashingmachine manufacturer. Mr. Nelson made several of these primitive thrashers, horse-powers and all, and they ran for many years without repairs.

These, so far as known, were the first thrashing machines built in Wisconsin. A small portion of one of them is still to be seen under an old shed in the town of Pewaukee.

The first mowing machine built in the county, and doubtless in the State, was the work of Andrew McCormick, one of the very earliest settlers of the county. It would be considered a very ungainly piece of machinery to-day, if put by the side of a solid iron " Walter A. Wood mower," for instance. One old settler says it " resembled a large barn after the boards had all been blown from its frame." The first trial of the capabilities of this wonderful machine was made on Nathaniel Walton's land, near the present site of the State Industrial School for Boys. It actually cut some grass ; pulled up a great deal, and beat the balance down most admirably. Although of but little practical value, this awkward piece of mechanism was the foundation on which Mr. McCormick afterward built a machine which operated successfully ; but of his subsequent success little can be said here, as he left Waukesha County soon after building his first machine.

Early Horse-Racing Feats

The first horse-racing done in Waukesha County was, of course, done by the Indians. A few of the very earliest white settlers were fortunate enough to be witnesses of these extraordinary equestrian exhibitions ; but not unless they understood Pottawatomie, or chanced to pass the race grounds while the racing was in progress ; for the Indians posted no bills - simply passed the announcement from one to another. The most important rendezvous for the dusky jockeys was Mukwonago, where, on lands afterward owned by Henry H. Camp, one of the earliest settlers, races were held at various periods. They were much more elaborate affairs than the racing of more modern times and people. They were exhibitions of speed, horsemanship, equestrian feats, battle attitudes, and of the physical prowess of the riders.

The races to test speed were generally short, but swift and spirited. The other exhibitions consisted of riding upon the side, rump, neck, or almost under the horse ; in a standing or reaching posture ; in jumping from one horse to another while the animals were speeding at a wild rate ; in leaping to the ground and back to the horse while on the run, and in performing various maneuvers with guns or poles. The manner in which both horses and Indians thus performed was remarkable indeed, Solomon Juneau declaring that before the warriors were demoralized by whisky and the whites, the equestrian exhibitions which he witnessed the first year he was in Wisconsin [he passed the greater portion of the first fall, winter, and spring at Mukwonago] surpassed in horsemanship and physical training, anything he had ever seen or read of. Although greatly degenerated, the few races had by the Indians after the whites came to Waukesha County were said to be exciting and interesting in the extreme. The aborigines had no horse-trots ; the racing was to test running qualities.

The Pottawatomies built no race-tracks ; had no grand stand ; engaged no bands of music ; had no policemen, and charged no admission. The exhibition was free to all. Mr. Juneau said that, although little or no labor was expended in preparing a place for the curious performances, the grounds were very good, as level prairie ground was selected, which, by much using, became quite smooth, free from grass, and hard. The dress used by the riders was occasionally fantastic, but not elaborate, as clothing was a burden that interfered seriously with the gymnastic performances. The horses, which were ridden without saddles of course, were ponies, and smaller than the trained and race-horses of the present day. There will never be another Pottawatomie horse-race in Waukesha County.

There are many reasons why Waukesha may properly be recorded as a distinguished county. True, of late she has settled down to quieter ways, taking comparatively little part in all those public affairs and deliberations in which, during her earlier years, she was almost always a leader. Waukesha County did not furnish leaders for one party merely, but for both and all of them. During the active periods of their lives, the most distinguished members of both the Democratic and Republican parties in Wisconsin made Waukesha County their home. Erom here they made the suggestions that moved public affairs in all parts of the State.

For years Prairieville was called " the hub," because it was the acknowledged headquarters of the powerful and successful agitators arid political managers of the Territory and State. '' The time was," said a distinguished official in a recent visit to Waukesha, " the time was when it was considered a crime to make up a State ticket of any kind without giving one or two of its most important positions to men from Waukesha County."

Prairieville was for many years the place for holding all the conventions, railroad meetings, and public gatherings for Milwaukee County, although Milwaukee was a larger place and had more hotels. But a lack of ample' hotel accommodations was nothing to be considered in those days, for the latch-string to every house hung out, and 'all friends in a common cause were welcome to the best the house afforded.

It was the headquarters for the Democratic party in its earlier days ; for the Abolitionist and Liberty parties ; and, during the first few years of its existence, furnished some of the most active and influential men of the Republican party. But, " the cat will mew, and the dog will have its day;" so Waukesha County has seen her greatest political day pass into oblivion, and most of her persistent and stirring leaders borne to the grave, or established in office in other States. For a county with no large cities, and only sixteen towns, the list of those who have made her distinguished is a long one, as follows : William A. Barstow was Secretary of State in 1850-51 ; Governor in 1854-55, and Colonel in the army. Alexander W. Randall was Governor two terms, from January 4, 1858, to January 6, 1862. earning the title of the '' War Governor of Wisconsin ;" was First Assistant Postmaster General, and United States Minister to Rome under Lincoln, and Postmaster General under President Johnson, thus giving to Waukesha County the honor of furnishing the only Cabinet Minister Wisconsin ever had. Bleazer Root was the first State Superintendent of Schools, and the author of the School Law in the State Constitution. E. M. Randall is Chief Justice of the State of Florida, holding before his appointment to that position, various offices in this county, as did also his brother, Alexander W. Randall. Charles D. Parker, who, if he was not born in Waukesha County, came here when a mere child, was Lieutenant Governor from January 5, 1874, to January 7, 1878, being elected the second time, while William R. Taylor, with whom he run, was defeated by Harrison Ludington, for the office of Governor. He is not now a resident of the county. Cushman K. Davis, who made his mud pies, received his education and did his courting in Waukesha County, was Governor of Minne-i sota in 1874-75. W. W. Randall, brother to A. W. Randall, was during several years United States Consul to Valparaiso, Chili. Robert G. Ingersoll, whose father was a Presbyterian minister at Waukesha, spent his college and more callow days here ; and his brother. Dr. Ingersoll, is still a resident of the county. I. M. Bean, a Colonel in the army, is now Collector of Internal

History Of Waukesha. County

Revenue, for the first and largest Wisconsin District. Elihu Enos, Postnsfcster at Waukesha, is a member for Wisconsin, of the Republican National Committee, serving his second term. Rufus Parks, who died in the town of Summitt, in September, 1878, was the first Receiver of Public Moneys for the Milwaukee Land District. William B. Gushing, born in the town of Delafield, was one of the most noted men in the navy during the war of the Rebellion, his name being famous in the military circles of the whole world. Edward Daniels was State Geologist, a Colonel in the army, and prominent in the so-called " Booth war," and Enoch Totten, Timothy 0. Howe's son-in-law, now has the largest law practice in the highest courts, of any man who appears before them. He resides in Washington. A list of distinguished names like this, ramifying to almost every department of military and civil life, is seldom found in a single county. In 1847, the Albany, N. Y. Journal, said " the county of Waukesha seems to have especial charge of the politics of the Territory of Wisconsin," which was true. At the beginning of the war, however, Waukesha lost her office of " guardian of Wisconsin politics." But she has made a name that will always be bright and prominent in the history, not only of the State, but of the nation.

County Poor-House And Farm

The first paupers which Waukesha County was called upon to provide for, were cared for under contract, by the week, by Findlay McNaughton, at his log house in Vernon. During some years, the number of paupers was not great. They received excellent care and treatment under this plan, and the expense to the county was merely nominal, until the numbers began to grow considerably larger.

Finally, his old house becoming too small, Mr. McNaughton abandoned it and erected a commodious wooden building, suitable for both a residence and poor-house, on the northwest , quarter of Section 2, town of Vernon - which structure is a portion of the present poor-farm buildings - where he continued to be poor-keeper.

On the 6th of December, 1866, Mr. McNaughton sold his farm, consisting of 165,^ acres, with all its buildings, to the county for $9,000. In 1874, a new building of brick, three stories in height, was erected, in which were placed grated and barred cells for the insane.

The poor farm now has ample accommodations for its paupers, and cares for the insane fully as well as could be expected, it being well understood that the keeper has not the facilities always provided for caring for the inmates of regular insane hospitals ; nor can these unfortunates have the skilled medical treatment which is so necessary in such cases. After the county system was adopted - that is, paying the expenses of supporting paupers by general taxation, the first person taken was an unknown child left at the " Exchange Hotel," in Waukesha, and recorded as "No. 1, December 1, 1857." From that time until December 31, 1858, the record of inmates shows that 72 difierent paupers were received in that time, and that 40 remained at the end of the year. During the next year, 81 difierent persons were cared for ; and from that time to 1880 the record shows an average of about 70 different persons cared for per year. This would be equal to keeping 1,610 paupers one year. There are now 48 inmates at the poor farm, 20 of whom are insane or idiotic, and several of the former are " incurable," and never leave their cells. Their unfortunate condition entails a large amount of care and labor upon the keeper.

The farm is a good one and is in an excellent state of cultivation, producing almost everything required for the keeper, the inmates and their attendants. A little flour and the usual plain groceries are generally all the farm does not produce, except fresh meat during the warm weather, which the inmates have once or twice each week, to better insure good health. Cows, sheep and swine are raised on the farm, generally sufficient to supply all wants. Sometimes the young pigs are sold on foot and pork bought with the proceeds. There are eleven cows on the farm at this time, and from them the keeper's large family of paupers is supplied with milk and butter. The diet of the paupers consists of bread, butter, vegetables, salt meat generally, milk and tea, coffee and milk ; of such food as this they have an abundance.

A large share of the work about the building is performed by the female inmates, and all the male paupers who are able to labor at all are required to work according to their strength, on the farm. This is better for them and better for the county.

Findlay McNaughton, the first Superintendent of the poor farm, held the position until the appointment of George C. Pratt, in 1872 ; Mr.Tratt was Superintendent about three years. Since the expiration ofhis term in January, 1875, J. T. Morris has held that position.

The county poor-house had its origin in a poor-house for the town of Waukesha, begun on the farm of Matthew Wright. George C. Pratt, then Chairman of the town, had this primitive institution nominally in charge.

For the year 1879, the cost of maintaining the poor farm and house, including the Superintendent's salary, was about $92 per week, or a little over $4,500 per annum. During the year 1857, the last one before adopting the county system, the county paid $6,500 for the support of her paupers.

In 1843, the county contained the following post ofiBces : Delafield, Menomonee Falls, Muskego, Mequanigou (now Mukwonago), New Berlin, St. Marie's, Summit and Vernon. It will thus- be seen that Oconomowoc, now the second place in Waukesha County in importance and population, was not large enough to have a post ofiBce, several other places that are still the merest villages, being then of greater size and importance.

On the 1st of January, 1851, the county contained the following post ofiices : Big Bend, Brookfield, Bullion (discontinued), Delafield, Denoon (discontinued), Eagleville (discontinued), Genesee, Golden Lake, Hartland, Howards (discontinued), Lisbon, Mapleton, Marcy, Menomonee Falls, Merton, Monches, Monterey, Mukwonago, Muskego Center, Oconomowoc, Okauchee (discontinued), Ottawa, Pewaukee, Prospect Hill, South Genesee, Summit, Sussex, Vernon, Waterville and Waukesha.

The post oifices for 1880 are as follows : Waukesha, in the town of Waukesha ; Oconomowoc, Monterey and Mapleton, in Oconomowoc ; Waterville, Dousman, Golden Lake, Summit Center and Nashotah Mission, in Summit ; Ottawa, in Ottawa; Eagle, in Eagle; Mukwonago, in Mukwonago ; Genesee, North Prairie Station and Genesee Depot, in Genesee ; Delafield, in Delafield ; Hartland, Stone Bank, North Lake, Monches and Merton, in Merton ; Sussex, in Lisbon ; Pewaukee and Duplainville, in Pewaukee ; Vernon, Big Bend and Dodge's Corners, in Vernon ; Durham Hill, Tesa Corners and Muskego Center in Muskego ; Prospect Hill and New Berlin, in New Berlin ; Brookfield, Elm Grove, Brookfield Junction, Butler (on the line between Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties) and Marcy, in Brookfield ; Menomonee Falls and Fussville, in Menomo'nee.

There are now thirty-seven post oflBces in the county,|and there was but one in 1837. David Jackson, the first Postmaster, carried or sent the mail to Milwaukee once each week, if there was any to send, and on his return brought back whatever mail there was directed to the only office in the county. Now the county sends and receives more than one hundred mail bags per day. If there is anything astonishing in the present century it is the perfectness of the facilities for handling mail, transmitting intelligence in all forms with wonderful speed and almost absolutely unerring accuracy. Not only is information sent, but money and numberless small articles - and never with loss to the sender - are transmitted to all portions of what, in the modern sense, is the civilized world. All the business connected with the transmission of mails is in the hands of the Government ; not as a means of revenue - for its Post Office Department annually costs much more than it brings in - but that the public may be equally well served in all places, whether the community be rich or poor, large or small.

Archimedes discovered a lever which would move the world, if he only had whereon to place his fulcrum. When the day of modern newspapers came, centuries after Archimedes had turned that a successful management demands, thus he has served guest and proprietor equally well) and has given a reputation to the Fountain Spring House superior to that enjoyed by any other summer resort in the West.

" In this connection it is proper to speak of the aid rendered by George H. Laflin in building up the business of the hotel in years past, and of the extensive arrangements now being made by him for the business of the coming season. He is corresponding with parties in all sections of the United States, with a view of bringing to the attention of tourists the extraordinary opportunities oflered here for their pleasure and comfort. During many years of business life he has become acquainted with people from every section of the country, and is thus enabled to put in 1iis work where it will do the most good.

"And here we bid adieu to one of the most agreeable topics of the season, and confidently call attention to the superior attractions of Waukesha as a summer resort, whether it be for the traveler, the pleasure-seeker or the invalid ; and in so doing we can imagine no better or mora a shelter than is to be found under the roof of the Fountain Spring House. The Fountain House, begun in 1873, cost $160,000. The new building, with furniture, is valued at over a quarter of a million."

Park Hotel. - This beautifully located pleasure house was erected in 1874 by Lemuel White, for a residence. It is of stone, three stories high above basement, with a mansard roof The property is owned by the White heirs, consisting of Mrs. Elizabeth J. Watson, Mrs. Ellen D. Monteith, Mrs. Hattie G. Gove and M. E. Cole. The structure is on Broadway, opposite the Silurian Spring and Park. The grounds surrounding the hotel comprise several acres, which are covered with orchards, gardens and shade trees. A recent writer says of the Park Hotel : " In front and on either side is one of the oldest parks in Waukesha, which contains more than a dozen different varieties of trees ; to the rear stretch acres of a fine old orchard, now in the richest bloom - and across the street is the Silurian Mineral Spring, park, pavilions and bath house - the buildings all new and elegant. This spring is one of the largest and best in Waukesha, and within two minutes' walk of the Park Hotel. Its waters are always on draught, fresh every hour in the hotel, and on the table at every meal. The situation and surroundings, indescribably charming as they are, do not make the Park Hotel famous more than do its elegant rooms - all rendered cool and fragrant by the surrounding pines, spruce, aspens, maples, elm and fruit trees - and the unapproachable cleanliness, elegance and its variety of its tables. The grounds surrounding the hotel are ample for all lawn amusements, tents, hammocks, etc., and are everywhere shaded. Those desiring to tent on the grounds can have tents furnished, if desirable, while hammocks and lawn games will be always at the disposal of the guests. There is no crowding on the grounds of this hotel at the bottom of the Silurian Ocean, and guests have the choice of orchard, lawn or park." The site was originally an Indian camping and burial place, and in the earlier days of the village was a large nursery. When the nursery was destroyed, Mr. White preserved the best specimens of all the different varieties growing, and thus made, with the exception of Morris D. Cutler's, the finest park in Waukesha. Thus the fine park, high grounds and substantial buildings combine to make a place of unexcelled attractions. The manager is Mrs. F.E. Lewis.

Camhrian House. - Ed Evrard began the hotel business in Waukesha in an old building on the west side of the Fox River, which becoming too small, he tore down, and built, in 1879, the present structure on the same site. The old hotel was called the Cambrian House, and the new one took the same name. The contract for the new building was let to Jacob Wright, of Delafield. The structure, of the best brick, three stories in height, and costing about $7,000, was and opened for business in August, 1879. The hotel will accommodate upward of sixty guests ; is elegantly furnished in every department, and is finished in the highest style of mechanical skill. Every room is thoroughly ventilated and well lighted. The house is well patronized.

Dunbar's Betliesda Hotel. - The late Richard Dunbar contemplated erecting a large hotel in the Bethesda Park, but before his death only progressed far enough to lay the corner stone. This stone bears the following inscription: " This stone was laid by Hon. Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the United States, August 24, 1871." As he applied the mortar which was to cement the stone to its foundation, Justice Chase, since deceased, spoke as follows : "At the request of Col. Dunbar, the proprietor, I now lay this corner stone in the hope and confident expectation that the house to be erected will prove a pleasant home to many resorting hither from this State, from other States and from other lands, to find refreshment and renovation in the healthful air of this locality, and the healing waters of your spring, which has been so fitly named Bethesda."

There was a very large concourse of people present on this occasion, which was an interesting one. A lengthy address was delivered by S. A. Randies. Now that Mr. Dunbar is dead, it is not known when the hotel will be erected.

National Hotel. - This substantial hotel building, three stories high, and of Waukesha limestone, was built on the south side of Main street, in 1871, by John Sperber, who has ever since been its proprietor.

Fox River House. - In 1869, Martin Shafer erected a large brick hotel structure on the west side of the river, which was managed as a public house by him and his heirs until destroyed by fire in 1878. It was a fine building and well appointed as a public house.

The other hotels are the Farmers' Home and Waukesha House. The boarding houses in Waukesha, which are open during the crowded season in the summer, can hardly be mentioned. There are, however, about fifty, and more than a hundred other families take a few boarders after all the hotels and more regular boarding houses are full.

Village Ofmgers Fkom 1852 To 1880

Assessors.-^ - John A. Dunbar, William Blair, 1852 ; J. A. Dunbar, Isaac Lain, 1853 ; J. A. Dunbar, John P. Story, 1854 ; D. Vankirk, E. Chester, 1855. [The village was divided into two wards for one year.] First Ward - D. Vankirk, 1856 ; Second Ward - 0. McMahon, 185 J; George C. Pratt, John Gasper, 1858; George C. Pratt, 1859; D. Vankirk, 1860 and 1861. The Assessor of the town of Waukesha now assesses the village of Waukesha also.

The first fire of note occured January 11, 1844, and destroyed S. Ormsby's store, with $2,000 worth of goods. The weather was bitter cold, and the facilities for fighting fire consisted of a few stray buckets and pails.

The Fox River House, built by Martin Schafer, was burned on Thanksgiving night, in 1878. The fire, which was of unknown origin, consumed the hotel barn, two horses, a quantity of harnesses, and the hotel furniture. The loss was about $12,000, on which there was an insurance of $6,300 on building and furniture.

The Fountain House, built by Matthew Laflin, took fire in its kitchen at 11 o'clock P. M., of the last Thursday in August, 1878. The little fire appliances then belonging to Waukesha Village were of little use in fighting so large a fire, and the authorities sent to Milwaukee for aid. Engines arrived from that city at 5 o'clock in the morning, and succeeded in saving the walls of about one-quarter of the building, although the fire had been raging six hours. The hotel contained about 200 guests and seventy-five employes, all of whom escaped safely with clothing and baggage. The loss was covered by an insurance of $55,000 on the building and $20,000 on furniture. The hotel«ost, $160,000; and the loss was estimated to have been from $100,000 to $125,000.

One of the disastrous fires to the village was that which burned the Smith or Hill block. The buildings burned were built by Dr. J. Smith, and stood where the Opera House and Commercial block now stand. They were consumed in 1868, probably, and remained in rains until 1874, when Mrs. E. Et. Carney built the present fine blocks in their place.

On the 22d of March, 1856, a fire was seen issuing from the windows of A. F. Pratt's printing ofiice. A Mr. Wheeler ran into the building, which was on the south side of Main street, and found one Doty, who was in Mr. Pratt's employ, in a drunken stupor on the bed, and the room was enveloped in flames. Doty was rescued, but the building, with its contents, was consumed, and all the other buildings from Burrough's Block to the corner where J. A. Waite's market now is. The heaviest losers were Joseph Turner, A. F. Pratt and John Angrave.

The old Milwaukee & Mississippi car shops burned in September, 1877, and made a large fire. They were owned by Russell N. Kimball, who had no insurance on the property.

Fire Dbpaetmbnt

The fire department of Waukesha Village depends entirely upon the volunteer services of the citizens of the place. The village pays a janitor (he will get no pay for his services for 1880, however, owing to a lack of funds, in which case he must spend his own time for the benefit and safety of the property-owners of the entire village) ; pays for the coal used to warm the building, and for all acids and soda used in the extinguishers. Some time after the close of the war, two pumps, worked by hand, were purchased by the village at a very moderate cost. But, owing to the scarcity of water in certain localities, and the extreme exertion required to work them, an effort was made to secure the purchase of a steam fire engine. For this purpose, the question of raising a tax of $2,500 was submitted to a vote of the people and defeated. A tax of $1,500 was agreed to by vote of the people August 11, 1874, and Richard Street and James Poole were appointed to report as to how the money should be expended. After journeys to Milwaukee and Chicago, and examining all the fire extinguishers that could be had for $1,500 they reported as follows :

Your committee on ezaminatiou of chemical fire engines respectfully report that, in accordance with an invitation extended to them by the Babcook Manufacturing Company, of Chicago, to examine their machines, they visited that city and carefully examined the construction and working of the Babcook Fire Engine, and your committee are unanimous in expressing their satisfaction with the style, material and workmanship of their machines ; the price with 200 feet of hose for an 80-gaUon machine is $900 ; for two machines, $1,800. Your committee further report that they also visited Milwaukee and examined the Champion Fire Extinguisher, and were very much pleased with the strength and simplicity of said fire extinguisher. Chief Lippert, of Fire Department, Milwaukee, recommends the Champion as the simplest and most effective chemical fire extinguisher he has seen. The price of the Champion for two machines, of 100 gallons capacity each, with 100 feet of hose, is $1,400. The difference in price between the Babcock and Champion is $400 in favor of the Champion, with the addition of 40 gallons greater capacity. Under these circumstances, your committee recommend the purchase of two Champion Fire Engines. They are of greater capacity and cost $400 less.

The oflScers and members of the present Fire Department are as follows : Chief Engineer, Charles Cork ; Assistant Engineer, W. P. Babcock ; Foreman, C. A. Haertel ; Assistant Foreman, M. Adams ; Secretary, N. McBeath ; Treasurer, John Patterson ; Trustees, R. H. Hunkins, W. P. Babcock and H. Williams ; Janitor, George Klock.

Engine Company No. 1. - Captain, R. H. Hunkins ; Assistant Captain, W. P. Babcock ; J. Herbrandt, G. Lindtner, G. Deakin, J. Patterson, W. H. Holbrook, A. Carver, H. Kebler, R. Schley N. Madden, F. Friedenstein, A. Wagner, F. Kramer and A. Schley.

Manufacturing Interests

Lord., G-ale ^ Barber's Saw-Mill. - The dam having been built and a race excavated, early in 1838 Lord, Gale & Barber began the erection of a saw-mill where the old planingmill stands, a short distance below the Saratoga JMills. This was the first saw- mill in Prairieville and the third in the county. A Mr. Lampman was the mill-wright, and did most of the work of building it. In this mill much of the lumber for the flouring-mill, the timbers for the first frame dwelling and much other lumber used in the vicinity of Waukesha, was sawed. The old mill is of little account now for any purpose, and has not been used as a saw-mill for many years.

Saratoga Mills. - There is probably no flouring-mill in Wisconsin which has seen more years of service than Bowman's Saratoga Mills, at Waukesha. The water power was on Alonzo R. Cutler's claim, who settled upon it in 1834, as an eligible manufacturing site. Soon after, a trade was made with M. D. Cutler, his brother, and in 1837 the claim, consisting of 160 acres and the water privileges, was sold to Lord, Gale & Barber, through William A. Barstow, for $6,013. The flouring-mill was begun in 1838. The frame was hewed by the late John Woodworth, out of logs, and was floated down the Fox River to the foundation. The timbers for the frame are unusually heavy and strong, and will last a century unless destroyed by fire. The mill was over a year in building, owing to the scarcity of labor, the great cost of material and the diflBculty in getting milling machinery transported from the East. There was rejoicing in Prairieville when the old-fashioned "|pitch-back" waterwheel finally set the buhrs in motion, for the mill contained the only "smutter" in the Territory, and the only flour bolt anywhere in the vicinity. It was the beginning of an important era in the village, as it brought a large amount of commerce to her merchants which before had gone to Milwaukee and elsewhere. Probably in 1850, the mill was sold by William A. Barstow & Co. to Thomas J. Williams, who rented it to various parties until 1855, when the entire property was bought by Russell N. Kimball. Mr. Kimball made some changes in the machinery of the mill, putting in new waterwheels, steam power and additional runs of stone. In 1876, Benjamin Bowman, the present proprietor, came into full possession of the mill property ; removed the steam machinery; put in improved waterwheels and made other improvements. The new wheels are of such power and economy that enough water is always had to run the mill. It has flve runs of stone with a flour capacity of two hundred barrels per day. Its capacity to do custom work is sixty bushels per hour. Mr. Bowman ships largely to Scotland, but sells mostly in domestic rkets.

Blair's Iron Worlcs. - The large stone building now used by William Blair as his machine and iron works was begun early in the spring of 1845, by W. D. Bacon, and completed in 1846. The corner stone of the building was laid with considerable ceremony, which was witnessed by a large number of spectators. The cavity of this corner stone contains coin of various deuominations and other articles desired by some of those present to be preserved. The building is three stories in height, with a large and spacious attic. The walls are all of solid stone and built in a thorough and substantial manner. The structure was erected for a wagon and blacksmith shop, and was used by its proprietor for many years for that purpose, or until about 1853, when Mr. Bacon sold the property to Jacob L. Beanj who owned it for some time and finally sold it to William Blair.

At the time the building was erected, it was one of the largest and best in the State. Its central and commanding position as a wagon and blacksmith shop attracted customers from a great distance, who came hither for their work and repairs. The principal roads leading to Milwaukee through the State passed through Prairieville, as Waukesha was then called, in close proximity to Mr. Bacon's building. It was no infrequent sight to see scores of wagons and horses in and about the shop awaiting their turn for repairs. This building, besides being one of the oldest in the country, has many interesting historic incidents connected with it.

It was from this building the first Abolition paper printed in Wisconsin was issued. It was in the third story of this large structure that the " Ancient and Sublime Order of the 1,001 " held some of its very first meetings, and continued to " raise Hail Columbia " in it for several years. This was long before such an organization had an existence in Milwaukee. It was to this building the most prominent and wealthy people came from all portions of the State to be initiated into the order. Many came from Milwaukee and elsewhere, among whom might be mentioned Don A. J. Upham, Jonathan E. Arnold, Levi Hubbell, John S. Rockwell, Andrew E. Elmore, and scores of others, who occupied the leading positions in the State. If this old building could talk, could tell all it knew in a voice loud enough to be heard one hundred miles in every direction, there would go up the greatest roar of laughter ever heard by mortal man.

The first lodge of Odd Fellows was instituted in this building, and was used by them for some time. It is now managed by Frank Blair, William Blair's son, as a general machine shop.

Milwaukee and Waukesha Railway Oar Shops. - The original or first railroad company, the "Waukesha & Milwaukee," since the Milwaukee & Mississippi, and now the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, in 1849 commnced the erection of a large stone building, 80x120 feet, with two very h'lgh stories, for the manufacture of cars. The building was completed in the spring of 1850, and in it car building immediately commenced, which continued until the company removed their works and shops to Milwaukee. The company then sold the building to Messrs. Case & Co., who manufactured freight cars in it until 1855; but, not finding the business profitable, suspended operations, and sold the property to Messrs. John Nazro, of Milwaukee, W. D. Bacon and William Blair, of Waukesha, for $12,000. From that time until about 1866, the building remained unoccupied, except for the storage of customary rubbish, and goods of but little value. About the year 1866, the building waa purchased by R. N. Kimball, who used it as a planing-mill for a brief time, and for storing wool, lumber, thrashing machines and wagons, and finally, at considerable expense, he converted it into an elevator, putting in mammoth bins, expensive truck and platform scales and modern machinery for elevating grain. There being but a small amount of grain to elevate, the machinery was but seldom used, and stood idle for years. In the month of September, 1877, on a hot Sunday afternoon, the building was discovered to be on fire, supposed to have originated from the rays of the hot sun passing through the large glass windows on to the waste used in cleaning the engine and machinery about the building. The large stone structure, with its entire contents - engine, scales, machinery, together with a large amount of seasoned pine lumber - was totally destroyed, incurring a loss to its owner of over $10,000 without a dollar of insurance.

In this building, whose ranges of ruins are yet to be seen near the depot, were erected the first railway cars built in Wisconsin, or the Northwest, and for a time a large number of men were given employment within its walls. When the old Milwaukee & Waukesha Railroad Company secured the right of way through Waukesha, and was receiving other material aid, its oflScers promised that these car shops should always be maintained where they were built, in full operation. If that promise had been kept, W^aukesha Village would have been much larger than it now is.

Waukesha County Manufacturing Company. - A charter was granted incorporating the Waukesha County Manufacturing Company, by the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin, and the act approved March 13, 1866.

A meeting of the Commissioners named in the act of incorporation was held at the office of A. Cook, in the village of Waukesha, on the 17th day of March, 1866. Present, Albert Kendrick, Sebina Barney, Gr. C. Pratt, Silas Barber and Edward Porter.

A committee was appointed to obtain subscriptions to the capital stock of the company, and in a comparatively short space of time a sufficient sum was subscribed to entitle the company to organize under its charter. This they proceeded to do on the 21st day of April, 1866, by electing the following-named gentlemen to serve as their first Board of Directors : William Blair, Albert Amsden, Isaac Lain, Silas Barber, T. D. Gook, G. C. Pratt and M. S. Hartwell. Subsequently, on the same day, the Directors met, and elected the following officers : President, William Blair ; Vice President, Silas Barber ; Secretary, G. C. Pratt ; Treasurer, T. D. Cook. The board immediately proceeded to buy a lot and erect buildings thereon for a woolen-mill. A stone building was erected 36x100 feet, three stories in height, with a onestory addition for wheel and dye house.

They commenced running by water power, having built an overshot water wheel thirty-six feet in diameter. But they soon found the water power was not sufficient to drive the necessary machinery, and then added steam.

In December following, they commenced the manufacture of woolen goods.' Additional buildings have been built from time to time, and new and better machinery has been added from year to year, until now they have one of the largest and best woolen-mills in the State, employing some seventy hands and working up about 200,000 pounds of wool annually. No better goods are made East or West than are turned out at this mill. For several years, nearly the whole product was woolen shawls, the sale of which they had contracted in advance to Field, Leiter & Co., of Chicago, for cash.

For several years last past, the product of this mill has been of a mixed character, fine cassimeres, shawls, flannels, blankets and yarns being the principal articles manufactured.

The Present officers are William Blair, President ; Richard Street, Vice President ; Isaac Lain, Secretary ; T. D. Cook, Treasurer ; Richard Street, Superintendent. This is the largest and most important manufacturing institution in Waukesha County, and serves a three-fold purpose, viz., furnishing employment to a large number of persons, making a good market for wool, and, by the excellence of its products, making Waukesha County famous for fine wool and fine goods.

SartweU's Planing-Mill. - In 1859, the planing-mill and sash, door and blind factory, owned by M. S. & C. S. Hartwell, on the west side of the river, was burned. The firm immediately secured the site on Grand avenue and erected the stone factory as it now stands. Since 1875, it has been owned by Clark S. Hartwell and is run in connection with his building operations. In it he does re-sawing, planing, scroll-sawing, turning, matching and nearly all kinds of wood- work. The motive power is steam.

West Hill Brewery. - In the fifties, Mr. Meyer erected a brewery, of wood and stone, on the present site of Stephen Weber's buildings. . Mr. Meyer failed, and the property, through Sheriff's sale, fell into the hands of Peter Peffer and Charles Nohl, who, in 1862, sold the entire property to Stephen Weber. He erected the present substantial stone structure over the old cellars, in 1873. In 1870, he erected a two-story ice-house of stone, which was made one story higher in 1879. Mr. Weber manufactures about 2,200 barrels of beer per annum, and on the opposite side of the street from his brewery has a building and machinery for bottling beer, which branch of his business has grown to considerable proportions. West Hill is the largest brewery in the county.

Olin ^ Clinton's Cheese Factory. - The cheese factory on Carroll street, in this village, was opened for business by its present owners, 0. Z. Olin and Orson P. Clinton, in May, 1875. The proprietors make no butter ; their specialty is pure cheese. They now have an average of 3,000 pounds of milk per day. During the first year, their cheese averaged Illcents per pound. This year it has averaged a little over 10 cents per pound. The market is mostly in New York and Chicago.

Barnard's Mill. - The upper dam on the west side of the Fox "River, was constructed to furnish water power for a factory built by W. S. Barnard. Various small articles in wood and iron were manufactured by Mr. Barnard. He finally changed the machinery into that for "a flouring-mill ; but it never was a profitable investment. In this old building, which, cracked and weak, still stands opposite the Barstow residence, William Blair began his iron manufacturing business. He had no lathe in those days, and did all the necessary turning by hand.

Porter's Wool Storehouse. - In 1876, Edward Porter erected a large wool and grain storehouse, near the Fox River. He has purchased from the farmers, adjacent to the town of Waukesha, during the past ten years, upward of 1,225,000 pounds of wool, for which he has paid Eastern prices, less transportation. He makes his shipments principally to the cities of Philadelphia, Boston, Syracuse, and North Adams, Mass. Mr. Porter also handles immense quantities of barley, which furnishes a ready market near home for the large barley crops of Waukesha County.

Haynes' JElevator. - The old stone building erected by the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad Company, which was formerly a portion of the depot, was leased to Thomas Haynes, in 1863, for the purpose of storing, elevating and shipping grain, in which business he was engaged. The increase of business soon compelled him to put in machinery and other facilities for the more speedy handling of grain, and now it is one of the best elevators for its capacity on the line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, outside of Milwaukee.

The receipts of wheat purchased by Mr. Haynes of the farmers adjacent to Waukesha, vary from one to five cars per day during the fall and winter. The grain is shipped mostly to Milwaukee. In addition to the elevator, Mr. Haynes, in 1878, erected a warehouse, 60x80 feet, near the railroad track, east of his elevator, for the storage of salt, cement, plaster, etc., in which he deals largely.

For the seventeen years Mr. Haynes has been in the business, he has paid Milwaukee prices, less the cost of transportation, and has disbursed, satisfactorily, a very large amount of money among the farmers, who receive more for their cereals at his elevator than they could realize hy hauling them to Milwaukee.

Miscellaneous Sketches

Cutler's Park. - This handsome property is located near the center of Waukesha Village. There are about thirty kinds of trees and various kinds of wild flowers and plants growing upon it. The park, which contains eight acres of land, is owned and occupied by Morris D. Cutler ; who built a residence in the center of it over forty-six years ago. Mr. Cutler will not sell the place, neither does he make modern improvements, but, on the contrary, he wishes to see things as nearly as possible in the state of nature.

The park has now three pre-historic elevations of earth, called Indian mounds, which he to remain untouched. Mr. C. located on this property forty-six years ago, and began to clear out the under-brush, and to set out trees at that early day, which he has continued without interruption ever since. The report is that when Mr. Cutler is done with the park, he will deed it to the village with the proviso that the mounds never be disturbed. Town Cemetery. - This beautiful home of the dead is as much for the village of Waukesha and surrounding towns as for the town of Waukesha, although owned and controlled exclusively by the latter. As is the case with every newly settled place, Waukesha was for many years without any common burial-place. David Jackson was buried in an Indian mound in the east part of the village of Waukesha, in December, 1841 ; a few were buried on the knoll where the Park Hotel now stands, opposite the Silurian Spring, which was the seat of an Indian cemetery; and some, a few years later, were buried where the present cemetery was afterward located. The fact that the locality possessed no common burial-place was the subject of much talk in an early day, the newspapers as.well as the citizens taking the matter in hand. Early in 1848, the Democrat referred to the subject in this manner : "A spot so sacred as the burial-place oj our friends and relatives should not be exposed to the intrusion of cows and other animals, as the village cemetery is from the highway and adjoining fields. * * * Citizens of Prairieville, will you do something to wipe oif this reproach from our good name ?"

Again, in 1849, the subject was handled in a still more vigorous and pointed manner by the newspapers. This agitation seems to have had the desired effect, for in November, 1849, the Supervisors of the town of Waukesha resolved to purchase ground for a burial-place, and December 3, of that year, purchased three acres of Nathaniel Walton for $50 for that purpose. On April 13, 1864, a little over five acres additional were purchased of S. S. Sawyer for $500, The cemetery is situated in the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10, town of Waukesha.

Shakespeare Club. - This literary society was originated in the winter of 1856 by S. A, Bean, Prof Evans, C. C. White, W. L. Bean, I. M. Bean, F. W. Monteith and a few others. The society was not kept up during the war. In 1874, it was again started by Rev. Isaac Woodle. The officers at present are : M. S. Grriswold, President ; Mrs Annie Leedom, Secretary. Among the principal exercises are the readings and criticisms of Shakespeare. Mrs. C. C. White and F. W. Monteith are the only members left from the organization of 1856. The present ipembers are as follows : Rev. T. G. Watson, M. S. Griswold, F. W. Monteith, T. W. Haight, S. H. Vedder, Prof G. H. Reed, Mrs. S. B. Waller, :\Irs. C. C. AYhite, Mrs. T. W. Haight, Mrs. Marsh, Mrs. Eliza Darwin, Mrs. C. Jackson, Mrs. S. A. Randies, Miss Eva Filley, Miss Annie Leedom, Miss Emily B. Marsh, Miss Louise M. Park, Miss Wilbor, Miss Alice P. Perry and Miss Georgie Bennett.

Waterworks Company. - A corporation designing to supply the hotels. Industrial School and private houses with drinking water, and the village with water for fire purposes, has been chartered under the name and style of the Mineral Rock Spring and Water- Works Company, with a capital stock of $100,000. Of this amount, $20,000 has already been subscribed. The corporation consists of C. C. Olin, President; Barzillia Douglass, Secretary; M. D. Cutler, Treasurer; Richard Walker and F. W. Olin. The design is to erect a water tower and pumping works on the large vacant lot east of Grand avenue, and thus to furnish mineral water to all the houses, public and private, in the village, as well as for public and private fountains, factories, fire purposes and street sprinkling, and to have the work completed by July, 1881.

Waukesha Observatory. - This structure, about the first feature noticed by the visitor to the vicinity of the village of Waukesha, is an octagon tower ninety-five feet in height, built by Thomas Spence, in 1873, for the accommodation of those who desire a complete bird's-eye view of the surrounding scenery. It looks down from the highest hill in the vicinity of Waukesha. The highest gallery is 220 feet above the Fox River, which flows at the foot of the hill, a few rods distant, and 445 feet above Lake Michigan. The view to be had from this tower is an extended one and of rare beauty. Washington County points, thirty-five miles distant, can be seen in the north, and Walworth County points as far distant as Elkhorn, the county seat, on the southwest. A janitor is in attendance, who points out and names the localities of interest to be seen from the observatory, for a small fee. During the summer of 1879, 1,300 visitors ascended the tower and left their autographs on a register kept for the purpose. The structure is on Block C, plat of West Waukesha Village, immediately south of Lawndale Addition, and cost about $3,000. It will accommodate 200 persons, and, though in part of wood, was built to stay.

In 1871, the above rhyme was received with considerable gusto at the meeting of the County Old Settlers' Club, at which time a pioneer could not resist the temptation to immortalize himself by adding the following :

A writer in 1842 thus describes the village : This village, like most of those in our vicinity, is rapidly progressing in beauty as well as population. We are glad to see in this, as well as other of our inland towns, such a degree of good taste and good sense in the construction of dwelling houses. Few places near us have greater beauties of location than Prairieville, and we are glad to see, even in a new country, some sympathy between the locality and the inhabitants. Situated near a small prairie of about three miles in length, it has all the advantages of prairies, openings and a well- watered soil. But about five years have passed since the place was first claimed, yet the census just taken shows a population of 682. Probably one-half of this is in the village and its immediate vicinity. The water-power on the Fox (Pish-ta-kee) River, by far the best of that region, is the nucleus around which this town is gathered. This has been improved by the erection of the extensive flouring-mills of Barstow, Gale & Co., which by the inducements held out to the farmers in that vicinity for a ready market for their wheat, has caused nearly all the, public lands to be taken up. Other mills, on smaller streams, have likewise caused a considerable accession to the population and improvements of the town. The Prairieville mills have sent to market during the past year 6,000 barrels of flour, the Globe, or Dakin's mills, 1,000 barrels. This is the principal article constituting the business of the place, though other articles are of course sent from thence. The village is not wanting in the -different mechanical arts, having most of those which are usually found in places of its size. We understand that some ten or twelve dwelling houses are erecting, or under contract, in the village ; and it bids fair soon to rival, in business and population, some of our towns on the lake shore, and to become a thrifty, substantial and populous town. It certainly holds out as great inducements to mechanics and tradesmen as any country town in the Territory.

Some peripatetic person, who signed himself " Unchangeable Frizzle," wrote as follows to the Green Bay Republican, dating his letter at Prairieville, September 25, 1844 :

" Since last I wrote you, I have paid a flying visit to some of the interior towns in this (Milwaukee) county - Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Prairieville. None particularly attracted my attention. Of these villages, Prairieville is the most pleasantly located, as well as most important. They all possess, however, great natural advantages, being in the midst of an increasing population, having a salubrious climate, and a soil equal to any in the world. I find, however, as might be expected, that most, if not all, the land in this vicinity has long since passed out of the hands of the Government. Consequently, good land cannot be obtained near the city, unless at an exorbitant price. Immigrants, therefore, if they wish to obtain land at nominal prices, would do well to visit the counties of Fond du Lac, Marquette or Winnebago, which are certainly as inviting as Milwaukee County. Prairieville is a growing, prosperous village, and will soon be the most important manufacturing town in Wisconsin. Everything about the village evidences the briefness of its settlement and also its future importance. It contains the most enterprising, able and best educated men of any new place I ever saw. They look intO' the future before doing anything, and already they are the leaders of nearly all Territoral movements."

The village of Waukesha was incorporated in 1852, and now (said a writer for the State Historical Society in 1853) has a population of about 2,200. It contains one saw-mill, one flouring-mill, two foundries, one railroad-car factory, one machine shop, one thrashing machine manufactory, two breweries, nine blacksmith shops, nine boot and shoe shops, two paint shops, one cooper shop, one carriage and wagon manufactory, two tailor shops, two millinery establishments, two jewelry shops, three saddle and harness shops, two cabinet warerooms, two tin and sheet-iron manufacturing establishments, two stone-cutting establishments, two butcher shops, three drug stores, three stationery and book stores, three hardware stores, five dry-goods stores, seven groceries, three hotels, two livery stables, nine physicians, one daguerrean room, one portrait painter, one dentist, seven lawyers, twelve ministers of the Grospel, besides Rev. Dr. Savage, President of Carroll College ; eight churches, the court house and jail, a college, a female seminary, the Waukesha County Bank, two printing presses, one literary paper and two newspapers.

In July, 1860, a poetical person, name unknown, visited Waukesha, and, after taking in the beauties of the place, in an exuberant moment, furnished the following for the newspapers :

" Things beautiful in conformation, added to natural advantages, delight the eye and-add refinement and taste to cultivated minds. The astromomer loves to turn the horoscope of his vision, with intensified gaze, on the star-bespangled heavens, and, while the mind feasts and ranges through the fields of astronomic lore, the heart beats with a stronger filial love to that Great Father, who has spread such a coruscation of shining worlds and planetary orbs in their undimmed and continuous splendor over our heads, and whose silent yet speaking beauty is best described by that poet who spoke thus :

" ' What though in solemn silence all Move round this dark terrestriai ball ; What though no real voice nor sound Amid their radiant orbs be found ; Yet still in reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice - Forever singing as they shine, The hand that made us is Divine ! '

" But when we turn our gaze from things which can only be reached in part by the conceptions of our imaginations, and look at our feet upon the botanical world, with its blooming verdure and scented pathways, exhibiting to out gaze not only ' the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valley,' but its twenty-eight thousand different varieties of herbs and flowers that bud, bloom and grow on this green carpet, yielding beauty, utility and fragrance to man, we may well find ample scope for the exercise of mind and imagination in depicting things beautiful and landscapes delightful, whether they be local or general. But before we wander any farther in the general kingdom of landscape beauty, we will endeavor to localize our thoughts and descriptions to the beautiful and pleasant village of Waukesha, the county seat of Waukesha County. This delightful village of 3,000 inhabitants is situated in the midst of one of the most fertile districts to be found in the State of Wisconsin ; its location is twenty miles by railroad from Milwaukee on the Milwaukee & Mississippi road, and lying on a beautiful prairie, with the Fox River running through its center. Natute has been most lavish to the place in gifts, both of soil and landscape, and art hath superadded, in the erection of spacious churches, elegant hotels, model schoolhouses, beautiful mansions and nonpareil stone side-walks on almost every street.

" But as I purpose being brief in my description, I will commence with the educational advantages of the place. And first, I may state that there is an excellent college, well filled with students, under the supervision and presidency of the Rev. J. A. Savage, D. D. Here are students in attendance from all parts of the State, and the faculty and institution, generally considered, are inferior to none in the West. The Young Ladies' Seminary, under the superintendency of

" There are also eight churches - six of which are large enough to seat from four to eight hundred persons each. They are as follows : One Episcopalian, one Presbyterian, one Roman Catholic, three Methodist (one of which is German Methodist), and one Congregational. One might reasonably suppose there were not man.y sinners from the amount of church accommodations, but of this I judge not.

» " The private residences of the more wealthy and prominent citizens are palatial and comfortable. Among others, we note the following : The beautiful homestead of M. D. Cutler, Esq., situated in nearly the center of the village, and containing an area of about seven acres ; in shape it forms a parallelogram, with one of its longest sides fronting 600 feet on Wisconsin street. Around it is thrown a neat picket fence, and inside it is filled (apart from the neat and spacious dwelling) with fruit trees of all kinds common to our soil, and shade trees of almost every imaginable class and description. If the reader were to walk around this delightful spot in a summer day, and inhale the fragrant and scented air which rises from plants and flowers, as well as feast his eyes upon the general beauty of the scene, he might well fancy himself in a suburb of the once-famed Alhambra.

" The architectural beauty and surrounding embellishments of the residences on College Hill of William White, Esq., Rev. Dr. Savage and William Soper, Esq., are ahead of most that can be found in a Western or even Eastern town. And a little farther north, on the same street, are those of C. R. Dakin and T. D. Cook, Esq., the latter of whom is the owner of the famous flag and cut-stone quarries which are being so extensively worked at this place, and of whom it is not saying too much, that by unwearied industry and assiduous attention to his business, he has cut his way, within the past ten years, through rocks and difficulties to wealth and position. Such men ought to succeed.

" On Carroll street is to be found the sash, door and blind factory (with planing-ipill), of W. P. Babcock. Also, near the stone quarry of Messrs. Davis, Barnes & Blank (an energetic, wide-awake stone company, by the way), is to be found the machine shop and factory of Messrs. Hartwell & Palmer. It is a large stone building, erected this summer, with every necessary facility for doing a big business. The integrity and scientific knowledge of Mr. Hartwell as an architect and master builder are a sufficient guarantee for the success of the establishment.

" On the corners of Carroll and East Division streets are located the beautiful residences of R. Walker, Leander Hill and H. A. Kennedy. This last-named gentleman was, until recently, a resident of Cincinnati, but removed his family to Waukesha in consequence of its healthy locality and superior educational advantages. Having established a model provision and grocery store in our midst, he may be considered a permanent fixture.

" On Main street there are several beautiful cut-stone buildings for residences, among which is that of N. Burroughs, Esq. Mr. B. is one of the oldest business men in the place, and the blessings of all good housewives ought to rest on his head for the large assortment of premium arid nonpareil cooking stoves he has always on hand to facilitate the culinary labors of the kitchen.

" On the west side of the Eox River the neat and tastefully arranged residences of R. N. Kimball and William Blair, Esq., attract the attention. They are two of the solid men of ^Boston,' and are always to be found in the right place. Mr. Blair employs a large number of hands the year round in his machine shop for the manufacture of thrashing machines, fanning mills of all kinds, plows, drags, and farming apparatus generally. And, in connection with this business, he has an extensive demand for castings from all parts of the State, which keeps his molding furnace in full blast the year round. Mr. Kimball, the owner of the flouring and saw mills in this place, is putting a large steam engine into operation in his flouring-mill, which will enable him to do all the custom grinding farmers may want, with promptness, and merchant grinding to suit. When his arrangements are perfected, the mill will turn off 100,000 bushels of wheat annually. Mr. Kimball's business tact, united to an indomitable energy which he has devoted to the growth of the place, makes him a valuable member of the community, and it is a pleasure to know that he is well appreciated.

"In the business part of the town are some cut-stone blocks that will compare favorably with those of larger cities. Among such is that of Dr. Smith (4 stories high), C. C. Barnes, D. C. Davis, C. L. Robinson, C. Jackson, N. Burroughs, Andrew Aitkin and Wm. Clark.

- - " During the last year, the State Reform School has been completed, and is now ready for occupancy. It is a splendid stone building about sixty feet high, with towers, etc., which gives it quite a picturesque appearance. . A portion of the furniture for this structure was manufactured at the prison at Waupun, and has already been received. The officers for the management of the institution have already been appointed, but as yet ,there are' no inmates. The building cost about $45,000.

" We must not forget, among other institutions of the place, that there are two regularly chartered banks ; the Waukesha Co. Bank, generally conceded to be a bank in the fullest sense of the term, and one of the foremost in the State, in amount of capital and general good management. The name of its President, A. Miner, Esq., is sufficient guaranty for probity and honorable dealing. The acting Cashier, Mr. C. Miner, although young in years, is ripe in experience, and thoroughly posted in financial matters, and has all the qualities requisite for the place. The Forest City Bank has for its President S. A. Bean, Esq., a good financier, and a gentleman of large acquirements. The Cashier, Mr. M. Gr. Townsend, is a model business man, of genial address, and a great admirer of 'Abe Lincoln.' Success to the institution.

" Of doctors and lawyers we have a great number. ' Brutus was an honorable man,' and so are they all honorable men - ever ready to attend to you in body or estate, and in as satisfactory manner as any of their class.

" There are two extensive nurseries or horticultural gardens, owned by A. McCall and A. G. Hanford, Esqs. Mr. Hanford is widely known throughout the West as being skilled in the chemical appliances of agriculture properly carried out, also horticulture and botany. He has a large nursery, where everything in his line can be found in quantities to suit.

" In the way of prominent men, we have made our 'mark,' having furnished two Grovernors for the State, and, in the estimation of many, possess the requisite material for a first-class Senator, to fill the forthcoming vacancy.