Ripon Town (part 3 of 3)

JACOB VERMILYE, retired ; is a native of Fishkill, Dutchess Co., N. Y. ; born in 1804, and is the son of William and Cynthia Vermilye ; he devoted mueti of his earlier life to lumbering; in 1831, he located in Troy, N. Y., and w;is employed in the construction of the railroad from Albany to Schenectady, N. Y., and afterward followed various kinds of business in New York till 1853 ; in April of that year, he came to Wisconsin and settled on a farm of 160 acres in the town of Metomen, Fond du Lac Co., and made farming his vocation till October, 1875, when he removed to the city of Ripon, and he has lived a more retired life. Oct. 6, 1835, he was married to Miss Lydia, daughter of William and Mary Miles, of Dutchess Co., N. Y, ; their children are Nellie, now the wife of Truman Blossom, and lives in Winona, Minn. ; Caroline, now Mrs. David Meorley, and lives at Minneapolis, Minn. ; Mary, now the wife of George Lour, of Blue Earth Co., Minn.; Libbie, now Mrs. Wallace Bolsley, and lives at Na.shua, Iowa ; Amanda, now the wife of Dyer Bell, of Minnesota ; Cynthia, now Mrs. James Walker, of Kasson, Minn. ; Eliza, the late Mrs. Wm. Whitman, of Minnesota, deceased ; Harrison, now a merchant in this city, and who married Miss Anna, daughter of Patrick and Katie (Phelps) Hefron, of Omro, Wis., in 1865 ; they have one son - Frank. Members of the Congregational Church.

and IJannali Jenks Wolcott ; moved with liis father, a cotton manufacturer, to Newport, N. H., the same year ; he received a preparatory education at Kimball Union Academy at Meriden, and entered Dartmouth College ill 1885, graduating from it in 1830, in the fall of which year he entered Auburn Theological Seminary, graduating from that institution in 1843; Jlr. W. first preached two years at Virgil, Cortland Co., N. Y. ; next was Principal of Monroe Academy in Cayuga Co., N. Y., two years, and then was Principal of Auburn Female Seminary until it was burned, when he came to Wisconsin and began preaching at iMenasha ; in the fall of 1833, he came to llipon, living in the city twenty years, removing in iMarch, 1S73, out on Green Lake Prairie, occasionally preaching since that time. He was married, at Bristol, R. I., in ]May, 1814, to Hannah B. Church, a native of Rhode Island, who died in July, 1849, leaving two children, who have since died ; he was married a second time, at Auburn, N. Y., in May, 1833, to Caroline, daughter of Isaac Cooper; she was born at Croydon, N. H. ; they have two children - D.xtcr Cooper and Frank B.

HENKY C. WELLCOME, of the firm of Clough & Wellcome, grocers; is a son of the Rev. iMark L). Wellcome; born in Franklin Co., .Me., Sept. 1, 1833; he spent much of his early life altcndina: common and high schools of his native county, and in 1873, came West, hoping to improve his then failing health ; he settled first in Washington Co., Wis., where he tried farming ibr a short time, but not finding that business very recuperative, lie again resorted to travel, which he continued through much of Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri ; in 1860, lie began the hotel business in Savannah, Mo., which he continued a short time, and then came to Green Lake Co., Wis. In 1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. I., of the 11th W. V. I., but was soon elected First Lieutenant of his company ; he was with the Army of the Tenm^ssee, and took part in the battles of Port Gibson, siege of Vicksburg, Grand Gulf, Champion Hills, Black River and others ; in 1863, Gen. Banks appointed him on the Provost Marshal's staff at New Orleans, where he served till the close of the war ; was mustered out of service at Madison, Wis., and at once returned to Fond du Lac, thence to Milwaukee, where for eight years he was engaged in the hotel business ; disposing of this in 1874, he removed to Ripon, and in 1870, became interested in the grocery trade. In 1872, he was married to Miss Jennie, daughter of Christopher and Abigail Newbert, of Waldoboro, Me., who died at Ripon in 1S73 ; he afterward married Miss Esther M., daughter of Tsanc and Ksthcr Merrick, of Ripon, Wis., in 1874 ; they have one son - Harry C.

JOHN WELLER, firmer, Sec. 7 ; P. 0. Ripon; was born in Prince Edward Co., Upper Canada, in the fall of 1825; his father, William, died before he was born; his mother, Dillie Weller, died in 184(); Mr. Weller came to Wisconsin Oct. 20,1852, and first settled in Green Lake Co. for seventeen years; in 1860, he came to his present farm of 140 acres. He married, Aug. 30, 1848, Miss Mary Ann Bedal, daughter of Isaac and Nancy Bedal, of Prince Edward Co., Upper Canada, who came to Wisconsin in 1852, and settled in Green Lake Co.; her father died there Jan. 11, 1864; her mother then came to live with her, and died Sept. 11, 1878; Mrs. Weller was born in Bloomfield, I'rinoe Edward Co., Upper Canada, Oct. 20, 1825; they have three sons - Sydney, born Nov. 18, 1849; Jamea R., Nov. 10, 1851, botli born in Brighton, Canada, and Benjamin F., born in Fond du Lac Co., Aug. 30, 1854. iMrs. Weller is a member of the Presbyterian Churoli ; Mr. Weller is a Republican in politics.

JOHX WEIStwERBER, proprietor of the Mjpes House; was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, ill 1817, and is the son of John and IMary Weisi;crber ; was educated in the schools of his native country, and Ibllowed farming there till about 26 years old ; July 5, 1843, he landed in New York, as an emigrant to America; he continued farm work in New York for two years, then was employed in the salt works of Syracuse, N. Y., for ten years; in 1655, he came to Wisconsin and, for the next two years, was ])roj)rietor of a saloon in Sheboygan; thence he removed to Sheboygan Falls and continued the same business for two years longer; in 1859, he wont to BcrliYi, Wis., where he opened a billiard room, but was burned out in January, 1860. and lost all he had ; he tiien kept the Arcade House for two years; in 1862, he purchased the Dartford House, at Dartford, Green Lake Co., Wis., of which he was proprietor till 1S73 ; disposing of his property at Dartford at that time, he purchased the Mapes House, in Ripon, Wis., of which he has since bi-'Cn proprietor. March 15, 1845, he was married to Miss Ann M. Resell, a native of Bavaria; they had three children - Caroline, now the wife of C. F. Schultz, of Fall Creek, Eau Claire Co., Wis.; Herman, who, with his mother, died with the cholera, in 1849 ; Katie (deceased). In 1849. he was married to Miss Barbara, dauditer of Fredrick and Barbara Seybold, a native of Germany; the children are as follows: Mary, Katie (now the wife of P. H. Jewson, and lives in Nebraska), Lizzie, Mena. Mrs. Wcissorber died at Dartf.rd, June 3, 1866.

REV. JOSEPH WESTENBERGER was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Nov. 10, 1845, where he received a cla.ssical education; came to New York City in 1866, where he remained nine months; spent one summer at Bath, JIason Co., 111.; then entered Wartburg Seminary, iu Iowa, -where he received a theoloLnc;il education ; began preaching in February, 1869, at Sladisun, Wis.; iu February, 1S70, was ordained to the holy ministry at Maxfield, Bremer Co., Iowa; preached two years at Pocahontas, iMo.; Waterloo, Iowa, two years ; Prairie du Cliien over two years ; Milwaukee, three years and one month; then, in November, 1878, came to Kipon, where he is Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and teacher of the parish school, preaching also at Rosendale and Brandon. Mr. W. was married in Iowa, Aug. 2, 1870, to JCliza Weguian, born in (Jermany, and who came to Iowa, with her parents, wlien 2 years old ; they have ibur children - -Joseph, Lorenz, John and Gustav, and have lost oQe - Tillie, who died in MiKvaukc, aged o vcars and 8 months.

CHARLECi F. WHEELER," banker; was born at Stockbridge, Berkshire Co., Mass., Aug. 25, 1837; resided ten years at Penn Yan, N. Y., spending one year in the banking business; removed to Chicago in 185G; to Kipon in February, 1857; employed as book-keeper and teller in the Bank of Ripon until May, 1864, when the firm of Bowen & Wheeler, bankers, was formed, which still continues in business. 11 _- was married at Wetheisfield, Henry Co., 111., Nov. 8, 18G0, to Maria S., eldest daughter of Rev. B. B. Parsons, n')W of Phihulelphia ; she was born in Connecticut; they have had one child, now deceased. Mr. NVheeler'has been Treasurer of the Ripon Agricultural and Mechanical Association many years, and the finiily are members of the Congregational Church. ^

SPEXCER WHITIIVtt was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Nov. 18, 1835; his parents, Charles and Catherine Whiting, were natives of New York, but now live in Ripon. Mr. Whiting came to Ripon, Wis., in 1854, and has since followed farming and various other kinds of business. In October, 1858, he was married to Miss Louisa, diu-jhter of George W. and Lorinda Parker, a native of Wyoming Co., N. Y., but iinnii;;rants to Ripon in 1845; they have two sons - Eininett A. and Frank A., and one adopted daughter - Edna C. They are members of the First Baptist Church.

DANIEL WILCOX. This gentleman has resided in Wisconsin for over thirty-three years ; is a naiive of Lewis Co., N. Y. ; was born in the town of Lowville Oct. 3, 1803. Jan. 13, 1831, he married, in Iiis native town, Iluldah Williams ; she was also a native of Lewis Co., N. Y. ; born March 1, 1804; soon after their marriage, they moved to Jeffer.-on Co.; thence to Fowler. St. Lawrence Co, where they remained until their c iming to Wisconsin, in 1847 ; lived in Walworth Co. until the spring of the following year (1848), when they purchased a tract of 320 acres of land from the Government, in tlie town of Alto, Fond du Lac Co. ; removed on it, and immediately commenced improving it ; they resided in the town of Alto (with the exception of the year 1854, during which they lived in the town of Waupun) until 18G4. when they removed to the city of Ripon, which bus been their home since ; they have had seven children, four of whom are living - ilary E., who married, in 1857, H. Harwood (he was a soldier in Co. G, 29th W. V. I.; participated in numerous battles; was wounded at Jackson, Miss., and died in the service at New Orleans Sept. 27, 1804; Mrs. Harwood and child, Esther Irene, reside in Ripon); Jli^s I. Irene, teacher in the Art Department. Ripon College; Cornelia, wife of H. G. Clough, Rochester, Jlinn. ; Herman M., a leading attorney, St. Louis, Mo. ; names of the deceased children were Eldbridge, Harriet and D.miel IMonroe. Sir. Wilcox and family are members of the Congregational Church ; he believes that Christianity is an essentia! means of inward moral growth and progress in society and government, and that all political action should be prompted and controlled by the same broad, generous and unselfish purpose. During the time he resided in tlie town of Alto, he was Chairman and a member of the Side Board of Supervisors twelve years, and Justice of the Peace about an equal length of time, and, in 1S54, was Chairman of Board of Supervisors in Waupun ; he has always taken a deep and active interest in the religious and educational matters of the county.

EDWIN WILSON, insurance agent ; was born at Philadelphia, Penn., Jan. 1, 1833 ; resided there nine years; then removed to Luzerne Co. ; whence he came to Ripon May 1, 1855, and engaged as clerk for Jehdeiah Bowen, with whom he remained three years ; engaged four or five years in the mercantile business ; in 1805, began the fire and life insurance business, being also connected with Bowen & Wheeler's bank prior to 1878. Mr. W. was City Assessor in 1877 and 1878. He was married at Faotoryville, Wyoming Co., Penn., April 28, 1857, to Elizabeth S. Mills, born iu Long Island; they have one son - I'Mward H. They ate members of the Congregational Church.

FRANK S. WILSON, druggist; was born at Ypsilanti, Mich., in March, 1849 ; came to Marke.san, Green Lake Co., Wis., in 1800, and to Ripon in 1870, where he engaged in the drug business. Mr. W. attended the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, and learned the drug bus.ness in Michigan, which he has followed exclusively since coming to Ripon.

GILBERT F. WILSON, grain-dealor; was born in Orange Co., N. Y., in June, 1843; he came to Wisconsin, with parents, John and Mary J. NVilson, and located in the town of Rosendale,

Fond du Lac Co., in 1851, where he afterward lived on a farm most of the time till 1868. In Ausfust, 1862, he enHsted in Co. H, of 20th W. V. I., and partook in all its battles and movements till it was mustered out of serviee at (J-alveston, Tex., in August, 1865. In April, 1868, he was married to 3Iiss Hattie, daughter of Samuel L. and Sarah Whitney, of the town of Rosendale, Fond du Lao Co., and in that year removed to the town of Ripon, where he continued for two years ; in 1871, they came to this city, where he has since been dealing in grain most of the time ; their children are Herbert E., Frank A. and H;irrv M.

HJGXKY *V. WOLCOTT, retired ; was born at Trenton, Oneida Co., N. Y., June 18, 1819; came to Rosendale, settling on Sec. 27, Aug. 17, 1815, his wife juining him October 13, of the same year ; Mr. W. made the secoid entry of land in Rosendale. Was the first School Superintendent and Inspector, and hold the offices of Justice of the Peace, Chairman, Assessor, etc., several years. After leaving his farm and settling in Ripon, he ran, as a member of the firm of Wolcott & Bateman, the Ceresco Mill about five years ; bought wool two or three seasons, and now is engaged in loaning money and the settlement of estates. He is Vice President of the Northern State Fair Association ; was President one year of the Ripon Agricultural and Mechanical Society, and Secretary two years. He was married at Trenton, N. Y., to Emeline Lyman, a native of that place ; they have five children - Angeline J., now Mrs. L. E. Reed; Flora J., now Mrs. A. W. Pettibone; Julia E., now Mrs. Fayette L. Taft, of Burlington, Vt.; Carrie B., at home, and Henry A., studying law with L. E. Reed.

ALiAKSON WOOD, proprietor Wood's Hotel ; sun of Alanson and Mary Wood ; settled in Green Lake Co. in 1849, where his fother died in 1852 ; his mother is now Mrs. Aison Norton, of Ripon ; Mr. Wood came to Ripon in 1856. Enlisted as a private in Co. B, 32d W. V. I., Aug. 6, 1862 ; served until June, 1865, participating with his regiment in all battles, skirmishes and marches, without receiving a scratch. In the spring of 1866, he went into the old American House wiih his brother William; two years later, bought him out; April, 18, 1872, began the mason work for Wood's Hotel ; had the grand opening Oct. 12 of the same year. Mr. Wood has served as Alderman of the Second Ward. He was married at Ripon April o, 1867, to Hannah A., daughter of Daniel W. and Avis Fisk ; they have two children living - Gracie Louise and Lucy Jenks; lost one - Avis Marble, died Dec. 13, 1871, aged 3 years and 3 months. Mr. Wood was born at Yates, Orleans Co., N. Y., June 29, 1842, and his wife in Adams, Mass.; prior to entering the army, Mr. Wood attended Ripon College three years.

JACOB WOODRUFF, nurseryman ; was born at Litchfield, Conn., Oct. 17, 1813; after three and one-half years spent in whaling, went in 1838, to Great Bend, Penn.; in 1844, left that place and moved to Green Lake, Wis., where he remained from September until January or February of 1845, when he came to Ceresco and joined the Wisconsin Phalanx; before coming to Wisconsin, Mr. W. was engaged in blaoksmithing, and also for about sis years in Ripon, after the Phalanx broke up ; since 1856, he has been engaged in the nursery business ; during two or three years, he was largely interested with two or three others in raising willow for baskets. He has been City Treasurer one year, Assos.sor of First Ward one year, Ti'easurer and member of School Board six years. Mr. W. was married at Great Bend, Penn., Aug. 4, 1840, to Penila Wilson, born at that place Nov. 23, 1813; they have one child - Ensign, and have lost three - Frank, Charlotte and Walter, all at the age of about 2 j^ears.

<jrEOKGE WREN, architect and builder ; was born in the county of Susses, England, in 1833; his parents, Thomas and Ann Wren both died in England; when 17 years old, he entered upon an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he continued there for five years; in July, 1856, he sailed from Liverpool, and landed in New York iu August; thence to Ripon, Wis., where he arrived Sept. 1 of that year; since Mr. Wren's settlement in this city, he has followed the business of an architect and builder, and has been connected with the erection of some of the most prominent buildings of the city. In 1859, he was married to Jliss Harriet, daughter of James and Lydia Kingsbury, a native of England but immigrated to Wisconsin in 1856 ; their children are Lizzie R., Anna E. and Fred B. Mrs. Wren is a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Source changes here: from Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, Past and Present, by McKenna, Maurice, published 1912; 3,704 words in this source stream.

County Seat - Churches And Other Institutions

The original owner of the land upon which primitive Ripon stood was John S. Horner, who bid off the tract at the public land sale in Green Bay, November 5, 1838. He did not receive a patent for the land, however. This was issued to Mary Eleanor Watson, of Washington, as his assignee, October 2, 1840. Later, as attorney for Mary Eleanor Watson, having power of attorney to act, Horner transferred the land to David P. Mapes under the following warranty deed :

''Warranty Deed. - This indenture, made this 28th day of April, in the year of our Lord 1849, between John S. Horner, as attorney in fact for Mary Eleanor Watson, of the city of Washington, pursuant to a power of attorney hereto annexed, of the first part, and David P. Mapes, of Fond du Lac county, Wiscon¬ sin, of the second part, witnesseth; That the said party of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of $500, to him in hand paid, receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, does grant, bargain, sell, remise, release and convey unto the party of the second part, and to his heirs and assigns forever, all the following lots in the town of Ripon, in the county of Fond du Lac, Wiscon¬ sin, according to the plat of said town to be of record, to wit: Nos. 2 and 4, of Block 1 ; Lots No. 2, 3 and 5, of Block 3 ; Lot No. 5, of Block 4; Lots Nos. 2 and 3, of Block 5 ; Lots Nos. 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8, of Block 6; Lots Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11, of Block 8; Lots 2, 4 and 5 of Block 9; Lot 2, of Block 10; also Outlots Nos. 1, 3 and 4; and he, the said Horner, as aforesaid, his heirs, executors and admin¬ istrators, do covenant with the said David P. Mapes as follows : First, that she, the said Mary Eleanor Watson, is lawfully seized of the said premises; second, that she, the said Watson, has good right to convey the same, so that the same is free from encumbrances ; that the said Watson and the said Horner will forever war¬ rant and defend the title of the same against all lawful claims.

"State of Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County, ss. - On April 28, 1849, came before me John S. Horner and acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be his free act and deed.

There were conditions attached to the contract for the sale of this land to Mapes, which he fulfilled most satisfactorily. With his two sons, he saw to it that lots were offered to settlers at reasonable prices and, like Dr. Darling of Fond du Lac, he offered a number of lots free of price to persons agreeing to make improvements thereon within a certain specified time. Pursuant to agreement he built a mill and hotel at a cost of nearly $10,000, and made other improve¬ ments that soon attracted a very desirable class of people to the growing village. One of the lots donated was given to E. L. Northrup, who erected upon it the first store building in the place. This was on the east side of the public square. To Samuel Pedrick was given the second lot and fulfilled the promise to erect a frame building thereon. Alexander Beardsley promised to put up a black¬ smith shop and received the third lot donated by Mr. Mapes.

History has it that Samuel Pedrick erected the first building in Ripon, a frame shanty on a lot near the Fond du Lac & Sheboygan Railway depot. The structure - 12 x 12 - was ready for occupancy early in April, 1849, and Samuel Pedrick, his wife and five children - Charles R., Marcellus, Zebulon, Cyrus and Mary J., at once moved into it. Mr. Pedrick's death, which occurred in Sep¬ tember, 1850, was the first to occur in the village.

In December, 1849, and slx weeks after arriving, Ezra Northrup opened the - first store in Ripon and in May, 1850, Dana F. Shepard and Samuel Sumner, were running a store under the firm name of Sumner & Shepard. A year later, having sold his interest in the store, Mr. Shepard built a hotel that was long known by his name.

The first hardware establishment in Ripon was started by John P. Taggart, who arrived in the village in September, 1850. His brother, William P. Taggart, came in 1852 and that year the firm of Taggart Brothers was formed.

One of Ripon's earliest and prominent men of enterprise and importance was Alvan E. Bovay. He was its first lawyer. Major Bovay became a citizen here in 1850. Another pioneer and influential citizen of Ripon was Jehdeiah Bowen, who made his appearance here in June, 1850. That year he put up a building on the northwest corner of the public square and opened a general stock of mer¬ chandise. He was one of the builders of the place and assisted very materially in its growth. David Greenway also arrived in Ripon in 1850 and brought with him his wife and three children. By this time the village had begun to assume proportions and its people were correspondingly encouraged.

Ripon and Ceresco having grown together, joined issues in 1853 and on the 2d day of April assumed the name of Morena. But, when the city was chartered the name of Ripon was retained. And it is well to here note that the first charter sought by the citizens of Ripon was for a city of government but, being a little too ambitious in providing for three wards, which did not meet the approval of other sections of the county, the charter had to be so amended as to provide for only two wards before certain members of the legislature would agree to its passage. The act creating the city of Ripon was passed through the efforts of its citizen, E. L. Runals, during the session of the assembly in 1858. Harvey Grant was the first man to hold the office of mayor of Ripon, and L. G. Kelley is the chief executive officer of the city.

West Fond Du Lac Street, Ripon Main Street, South, Ripon

The first postoffice at Ripon was called Ceresco, for at the time of its establish¬ ment Ripon practically did not exist. Mr. Rounds was the first postmaster, havingbeen appointed in 1844. Through the efforts of D. P. Mapes the office was removed to Ripon and E. L. Northrup was appointed postmaster, receiving his commission March 30, 1850. On the expiration of his term, however, Post¬ master Starr made an unsuccessful attempt in 1853 to have the office returned to Ceresco. This was a great disappointment to the people of the community, which was mostly made up of members of the Wisconsin Phalanx. There have been a number who have presided over this office. The present incumbent is F. A. Everhard, who received his appointment in April, 1911.

Ripon has good schools and will have expended within a few months for new buildings about $75,000. This will include a high-school building to replace the one destroyed by fire. The first school taught here was in the fall of 1844 by Mr. Rounds, who presided over his pupils in the Wisconsin Phalanx building at Ceresco. The Phalanx in 1845 erected a stone schoolhouse on lot 1, block 5, corner of Church and Liberty streets. Mr. Rounds was the first teacher here also. The school was not a public institution, however, being first maintained by the citizens of Ceresco for the benefit of their own children. The district schools were organized in 1849, when Mr. Daniel taught the first term of five months in the stone schoolhouse erected by the Phalanx.

The Ripon waterworks were built in 1890 by private corporation under the name and title of the Ripon Light & Water Company. Ninety per cent of the stock is owned by C. P. and W. P. Haseltine.

Gas Plant

The gas plant was begun in 1872 by C. L. Lightburn, and while small at the time, the building and machinery cost about $25,000. In 1876 the plant went into possession of A. L. Dobbs. The property is now owned by the Haseltine Electric Light Company, which purchased it about 1895.

Fire Department

The city of Ripon practically had no regularly organized fire department until 1875, when the council purchased a chemical engine and then a volunteer com¬ pany was organized, with Hazen R. Hill as chief fire marshall. He was soon succeeded by H. J. Goodall. The department is now in good condition and the city has sustained but few losses by fire.

Street Paving

Ripon lias macadamized streets, kept in good repair, and four blocks of brick paving. The macadamized streets are approaches to the city, varying in length from one mile to one and a half miles. There is also a good sewerage system, which was inaugurated in 1895.

The city hall, a substantial building, was erected in 1885. Here are offices for municipal court, council and city clerk. On the ground floor is the postoffice in front and the fire department occupies the rear.

The two principal lodges in Ripon are the Masonic and Odd Fellows. Ripon Lodge, No. 95, F. & A. M. was granted dispensation in September, 1857. The charter members were Robert O. Selfridge, David N. Hosmer, A. B. Pratt, Philo England, David P. Mapes, Charles Hopkins, Thomas Ford, G. P. Bragdon, J. E. Brown and J. K. Hunt. The first officers were: R. O. Selfridge, W. M.; A. B. Pratt, S. W. ; D. N. Hosmer, J. W. ; J. M. S. Maxon, S. D. ; Thomas Ford, J. D. ; J. E. Brown, Sec. ; B. Dailey, Tyler.

Ripon Lodge No. 144, I. O. O. F., was chartered on the nth of March, 1868. The charter members were Ellis Shepard, A. E. Olin, Daniel Stafford, O. R. Ellis and H. MacArthur. The first officers were : Ellis Shepard, N. G. ; Daniel Stafford, V. G. ; S. G. Dodge, R. S. ; George W. Peck, P. S. ; A. E. Olin, Treas.

Cemetery

The first cemetery in what is now Ripon was laid off by the Wisconsin Phalanx in 1845, in the northwest corner of Ceresco. R. D. Mason, Jacob Beck¬ with, Carlton Lane, Jacob Woodruff, Russell Smith and John Irving donated the lot to the association. The first burial here was that of Caroline Danks, a mem¬ ber of the Phalanx, and the next was that of Uriel Farmin. The wife of Tim¬ othy J. Mapes was the first person to be buried on College hill in Ripon. Samuel Pedrick, who died in September, 1850, was the second. Others were buried on College hill before a cemetery was set apart. Most of the bodies were subse¬ quently removed to the present cemetery, the original deed of which was given by J. Bowen to D. Sabin, D. P. Mapes, E. L. Northrup, Dana F. Shepard and E. P. West. The old association was reorganized in 1863. Dana F. Shepard, George N. Lyman, A. M. Skeels, B. G. Webster and Solon G. Dodge were elected directors.

The chief feature of this article shall be the effort of the citizens of Ripon to take off a slice of the county, add it to a part of Marquette and thus set the stakes for making of herself a county seat. But the early action of Taycheedah interjects its remembrance here and as it has to do with the permanent location of a seat of government for the county of Fond du Lac, brief mention will here be made of Taycheedah's part in the short but strenuous struggle to reach that distinction.

Taycheedah desired the county seat and being a village of great importance in her younger days, offered flattering inducements to settlers to locate within her borders. But Dr. Darling was a citizen of Fond du Lac, a wide-awake, enter¬ prising and courageous citizen. He had large landed interests within the village that would become valuable, only in the event Fond du Lac remained as the legislature intended it should, the county seat. Hence it was, that Dr. Darling spiked Taycheedah's guns, by selling to all who would come, lots at a very low price and in many instances made a gift of lots to those agreeing to at once build upon them. At that time the river and lake cut quite a figure in the future of the city and it was then believed the place would be an important lake port. The shipping argument was an effective one and this, with other inducements settled the fate of Taycheedah.

But Fond du Lac was not left alone many years in her glory as a county seat. The village of Ripon had designs upon her domain and ambitions of her own. After the county of Green Lake had been created and detached from the county of Marquette and Dartford had been given the county seat, not without a fight for it, however, Ripon conceiving that the plan would meet the views of cer¬ tain of the defeated villages of Green Lake county, offered for passage in the legislature a bill to detach the towns of Metomen, Ripon and Alto from the county of Fond du Lac and add them to Green Lake, hoping, by the passage of the meas¬ ure, to become the county seat of Green Lake. But the bill failed to pass. How¬ ever, a bill was passed authorizing the people of Fond du Lac to vote on the proposition to detach the town of Ripon from this county and attach it to Green Lake county. The question was submitted to the electors November 8, 1859, and was defeated by a small majority. There were 5,315 votes cast, of which 2,604 were in favor of the dismemberment and 2,711 against the proposition. Captain Mapes, E. L. Runals, Jerre Dobbs and others foremost in the scheme for the advancement of Ripon were not discouraged by their failures. They contested certain votes, especially in Ripon, claiming that they had been improperly read and to the loss of Ripon. The matter went to the supreme court of the state and was decided adversely to the Ripon partisans. This ended their efforts to make Ripon a county seat and today the little city is the second largest and prosperous municipality in Fond du Lac county.

First Congregational Church

On the 2 ist of November, 1850, in the Ripon Hotel, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a church. The following persons became charter mem¬ bers : Winthrop C. Lord, Elizabeth Lord, Mary Parker, Wilson Holt, Abigail Holt, Francis A. Strong, Miriam B. L. Strong, Andrew Sherwood, Clarissa Sher¬ wood, William Dunham and Griffith Beynon. Rev. F. G. Sherrill became the first pastor of the newly organized society. In the fall of 1853 a small wooden building, which stood north of the old college building, was dedicated as a place of worship, and in June, 1857, this building was enlarged to meet the needs of the growing congregation. This served the people for a decade, when, in 1867, the present church building was commenced, but it was not until February, of the following year, that it was dedicated and ready for occupancy. This build¬ ing is of Ripon stone, with ornamental windows, and at the time of its erection was the largest and most expensive structure in the city, having been built at a cost of $22,000. It is beautifully located on College Hill and is still in good condition. The present membership is about 150.

Methodist Episcopal Church

This society was organized in the year 1852 with only three charter mem¬ bers. Soon thereafter a small house of worship was erected in that part of the city then known as Ceresco, and in this the congregation worshiped until i860, when a new structure, 40x82 feet, was built. This was replaced by the pres¬ ent splendid building, constructed of brick, built in modern style of architecture, located at the corner of State and Ransom streets. It also has ornamental win¬ dows. The cornerstone was laid in 1899, but it was not until the 1st of January, 1900, that the church was dedicated.

Union Baptist Church

In 1852, Elder D. Sabin, for many years a resident of Ripon,, held preaching services in the schoolhouse on Fond du Lac street, alternating with ministers of other denominations, who also held services in the same building. In April, 1853, a meeting was held at this scholhouse for the purpose of organizing a Bap- tist society, the following persons becoming charter members : D. Sabin, Carrie Sabin, Rev. Roswell Osborn, W. W. Robinson, Mrs. S. Robinson, Mrs. George N. Lyman, Mrs. H. H. Mead, John Russell, Elizabeth Russell, Mrs. Mary M. Russell, Henry Lansing, David I. Parks, Philander Parks and Avery Brown. Elder Sabin served as the pastor until 1854, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. Hutchinson, who died soon after. For a few years services were held in the city hall, but in 1856 the erection of a church on Fond du Lac street was begun and it was dedicated in December, 1857. In ^67 improvements were made and that same year the membership was increased by twenty-five names. Since that time various improvements have been made on the building but it is still serving as the house of worship and is a neat frame structure, kept in good repair. The present membership is about 60, while the Sunday school has a membership of about 45. There are also a Woman's Missionary Society and a Ladies' Aid society in connection with the church.

February 13, i860, Rev. Fayette Durlin arrived in Ripon and began his labors toward the founding of an Episcopal church organization. Meetings were at first held in the Baptist church but soon after the society was inaugurated, steps were taken toward the erection of a house of worship and on the 8th of June of the same year the cornerstone of what was then known as Grace church, was laid, Bishop Kemper officiating. January 23, 1861, the new church was dedi¬ cated and has since served the congregation, although at various times improve¬ ments have been made. Rev. Durlin became the first pastor of the newly organ¬ ized society, continuing his service for five years. He was popular in the com¬ munity and conducted a school in Ripon prior to the institution of the public schools. In 1865 the name of the parish was changed to St. Peter's and has since been known under that title. Rev. Durlin again became rector of St. Peter's, con¬ tinuing his service for ten years. He died August 31, 1901, and at his request his remains were interred in the churchyard, where for so many years he had devoted his energies to the cause he loved, and a beautiful memorial cross marks his last resting place.

In 1864 a parish school was built at a cost of more than $1,800. In 1866 a rectory was built at a cost of $1,975, and in 1901 this was replaced by the pres¬ ent handsome rectory. There is also a parish house adjoining the church, which is used for entertainments, socials, etc., in connection with the church. The church property is valued at about $25,000.

The following pastors have served the church from the date of its organiza¬ tion to the present time. Revs. Fayette Durlin, 1860-65 ; E. Folsom Baker, 1866- 68; Jubal Hodges, 1868-69; Martin V. Averell, 1870-72; Fayette Durlin, 1873- 83; Oliver Sherman Prescott, 1883-86; Hubert H. Barber, 1887-90; John A. Carr, 1890-93; Charles H. Hayden, 1893-98; Alonzo Parker Curtis, 1899-1906; Arthur Clement Chapman, 1906, who is serving at the present time.

St. Patrick's church was organized by Rev. E. Gray, in January, 1859. Those who were present at the first mass were N. Roche, Thomas Leo, Michael Lyman, M. Spellman, James Flattery and M. Hannon. The first church building was a wooden structure, erected on the south side of Oshkosh street. Part of the churchyard was used as a cemetery. Near the church was a comfortable brick residence for the pastor. The church started under very auspicious circumstances and was free from debt. There are now fifty families. The present pastor is Rev. F. J. Cosgrove.

This congregation was organized in Ripon in March, 1896, the membership consisting of about sixty families, forty-five of whom were Polish, while the remainder were German and Irish. The same year a church building was erected under the supervision of Rev. W. Kruszka, who was the originator of the parish. The cornerstone was laid July 2d by the Very Rev. Hyacinth Gulski, of Milwau¬ kee, while the dedication took place December 15, 1896, by Archbishop Katzer. The building, of Gothic architectural style, built in the form of a cross, was soon destroyed by fire, but rebuilt. It is 100 feet long by 54 feet wide at the widest point and 40 feet in front, with a tower 130 feet high. The stone basement of the church is arranged for two schoolrooms and a chapel. A substantial parson¬ age was erected in 1897. The value of the church property is over $10,000. The pastor is Rev. W. Kruszka.

Immanuel Evangelical

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran church, a branch of the German Evangelical church of North America, was organized May 8, 1870, at the house of W. Luck, and the charter members were Rev. A. Huelster, August Buchholz, W. Luck, A. Scheewe, W. Aker, A. Zank, G. Burger, G. Radgrenzel, M. Drahin and F. Hoft. The trustees were A. Scheewe, W. Aker and W. Luck. When the time came for the erection of a building, Rev. A. Huelster, August Buchholz and A. Zank were appointed a committee for that purpose. x\ lot was secured in the plat of Ceresco, on Jackson street, on which a building was erected in September, 1870, at a cost of $2,275. Bishop J. J. Escher dedicated the temple of worship in October, 1870, and at the time it was free of debt. In 1875 improvements of considerable importance were made. The present pastor is Rev. A. Pilger. A new building was erected in 1888.