Taycheedah Town

Taycheedah Town

Albert. In politics, Mr. Waguer is identified with the Democratic party, and is indi.ssolubly connected with the history and progress of that party in Fond du L.ic and surroundin'.? counties. Hi' has displayed at all times great independence, never yielding his own deliberate judgment to popular applause, or sacrificing his own convictions to the prevailing sentiments of the day.

JOJSEPH WA(jrNER, Jr.. grain merchant, and station agent at Calvary station; was born in what is now the town of Marshfield,'Fond du Lac Co., Wis., Oct. 9, 1841. He is the son of Hon. Joseph Wagner, of Marshfield, who was for a number of years a member of the Wisconsin Assembly, and a member of the Senate in 18V1 and 1873. Joseph was educated at the Troy Academy, Troy, N. Y. He was married in Albany, N. Y. to Miss A. Updyke ; they have four children - Joseph, Marion, George and Addie. Mr. Wagner has been station agent at Calvary station about seven years. He is extensively engaged in the grain business. Is a Democrat in politics.

IPETEK WEBER, proprietor of general repair and blacksmith shop, Mt. Calvary, was born in the town of Calumet, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., Nov. 3, 1842 ; in 1863, he went to San Francisco, Cal., and lived in California and Nevada until 1868, in which year he returned to this (Fond du Lacj county, and established his present business at Mt. Calvary. Nov. 3, 1868, he married, in Mt. Calvary, Pauline Flatz, daughter of John and Mary A. Flatz, natives of Germany, who emigrated to the city of New York in 1851, thence to Milwaukee, Wis., in 1852, where they resided until their coming to Marshfield, in 1856, where he died ; she is still living. They have seven children - Clara M., Mary A., Josephine M., Joseph P., Martina M., John A. and Albertina M. Mr. Weber is a Democrat ; he has been Justice of the Peace three years ; has also been a member of the Town Board of Supervisors. He manufactures, in connection with A. Schmiddlecoffcr, the Davis Stump and Rook Extractor, one of the most effective machines made fur that purpose ; it was awarded the Centennial Medal, and was also awarded the first premium at the Michigan State Fair, in 1876, and the Ohio State Fair in 1878 ; it possesses a combination of advantages which commends it to general use, being light, simple and durable ; it is so constructed that it can be easily operated in any position by one man, and with equal fticility on level or uneven ground ; the height to which a weight may be raised by this machine is only limited by the length of the chain ; twelve pounds, applied to its nine-foot lever, will raise one ton. Peter Weber's parents were Antoine and Katie Weber, natives of Germany, who emigrated to this country in 1842, settling in Wisconsin the same year, thus becoming pioneer settlers ; they now reside in Taycheedah, where they have lived over a quarter of a century. Their surviving children are Mary, now the wife of N. Steffes, of Taycheedah ; Anna M., wife of N. Gilles, of the town of Forest ; Peter, whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

WIIiLIAM BERRY, farmer and stock-raiser. See. 6 ; P.O. Fond du Lac; was born in Lewis Co. N. Y., Nov. 10, 1828 ; he served in Co. A, 10th N. J. V. I., during the Mexican war ; was promoted First Ser geant of his company ; he was honorably discharged, at Fort Hamilton, N. Y., at the close of the war, in 1848 in the following year, he came West, and located in this (Fond du Lac) county. In 1852, he returned to Lewis Co., N. Y., and there married Miss Sophia Alexander, a native of the town of Martinsburg, N. Y.; immediately after they were married, they came to Taycheedah, which has been their home since ; they have four children - William, Emily, Henry, and Edward C. Mr. Berry may well be proud of his record during the war oi' the rebellion, of the efficiency with which he raised and drilled companies, and the active part they took in defending their country's honor. He was Captain of Co. I, 5th W. V. T. , was afterward appointed Drill Master of 18th W. V. I. ; was with that regiment in the battle of Shiloh, in which he took an active part. Politically, Mr. Berry is a Republican, and a firm supporter of its principles ; he owns 205 acres of land, well located and improved, and is extensively engaged in stock-raising ; he takes an active interest in public affairs, and does all in his power to advance the common interests of the county. LEMUEL BISHOP (deceased), was born in Martinsburg, Lewis Co., N. Y. He married, in hisnative town, Lucinda [5owea ; she was born in Martinsburg, Sept. 15, 1815 ; in 1845, they emigrated to Wisconsin, and settled at Taycheedah, where he died in 1857 ; in the early history of Taycheedah, he was elected to many local oBBces, and took a prominent part in the advancement of its educational and other public interests. She is .still living in Taycheedah, and is one of the oldest residents now living there; .she owns 115 acres of land ; their children ar.^ Lavi T., who was a soldier in Co. I, 5th W. V. 1., during the war of the rebellion, he now lives in Utah Territory ; Lewis H., a farmer, Taycheedah, he married Virginia Smith ; Loriuda C, wife of J. H. Gibson, Taycheedah ; Lueretia E.; Leverett G., who died in 187!) ; he was soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the war ; Luke W., Lois and Lafayette. Mrs. L. Bishop's father, Asa Boweii, was a native of Guilford, Conn., and was a soldier in active service during the war of 1812. He married Mehitabel Boyden ; both died in Lewis Co., N. Y. ; they had nine children, five of whom are now living - Sally, who married Sanford Peebles; he was in the war of 1812, and is now deceased ; Daniel, now a resident of Eaton Co., Mich ; Levi, now a resident of Plymouth Co., Iowa, and Mrs. Bishop; Henry, who lives in Eaton Co., Mich.

WILLIAM BRIJISH, farmer. Sees. 2!t and 30 ; P. 0. Peebles ; was born in Delaware Co., N. Y., May ti, ISotJ ; his father, Alexander Brush, was married twice ; his first wife, Jane Story, was the mother of the subject of this sketch ; she died in Delaware Co., N. Y.; he married again - Jeanette Murray; in 1849, they emigrated to this (Fond du Lac) county, William coming with them ; they settled in the city of Fond du Lac, and he attended the common schools, receiving a liberal education. In 18G8, he married, in Fond du Lac, Miss Sophia Johnson ; after their marriage they moved to Marinette, Wis., where they lived until the autumn of 1879, when he purchased the farm he now resides ou. They have one child - -Mary J. Mr. Brush's farm is finely improved, and contains 153 acres, and possesses all of the natural advantaijes native to Fond du Lac Co. In politics and religion, liberal.

H. R. CHARLES, fiirmer. Sec. 17 ; P. O. Peebles; was born in Taycheedah, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., Nov. 6, 1848. He married, in Fond du Lac City, Miss Ellen Esterbrook ; they have two children - George and May. Mr. Charles is extensively engaged in flirming. In politics, he is a Republican. His tiilher, Richard B. Charles, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1818 ; came to America in 1840 : lived three years in New York City, at the end of which time he came to Wisconsin ; located in this (Fond du Lac) county; moved to Lima To'wnship, Rock Co., in 1851. He married Miss Lydia J. Rockwell, of Allegany Co., N. Y., in 1848; they had two children, viz., Henry R., whose name heads this sketch, and Cornelia, who died in 1862, aged 10 years. They own about 1,000 acres of land in various parts os Wisconsin.

ROBERT CONKLIX, Postmaster, Peebles; was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., in 1825, where he received a liberal education ; in 1841, he came to Fond du Lac Co., there being at that time not over twenty-five fimilies in the county. In May, 1852, he married, at Calumet, Fond du Lac Co., Miss Sarah Tallmadge, daughter of Wm. R. Tallmadge ; they have three children - Lora, now the wife of B. Spencer, Fond du Lac City; Robert J. and Miss Julia. Mr. Conklin is Postmaster of Peebles Post Office; he is also Superintendent of the Taycheedah and Green Bay plank-road. In politics, he is a Republican. His father. Col. Henry Conklin, was a native of Dutchess Co., N. Y.; was a Colonel of New York regiment of State militia. He married, in New York City, Miss Mary Ann Hewitt; in 1841, tliey came to this (Fond du Lao) county, thus becoming pioneer settlers ; they are both deceased. Their children are Henry H., Deputy Sherifi', Fond du Lac; Robert, whose name appears at the head of this sketch : William D., attorney at law. Fond du Lac; Theodore, James, Edgar (deceased), Mary, wife of B. F. Moore, Fond du Lac; Miss Fannie M. Mrs. Robert Conklin's father, Maj. William R. Tallmadge, was born in Schenectady, N. Y.; came to Fonddu Lac Co. in 1842 ; he was twice married ; he died in 1879. He was a man of indomitable energy, and of progressive mind. His children are R. G. Tallmage, Fond du Lac ; Sarah, wife of Robert Conklin ; Mrs. N. W. Northam, of Calumet, Mary and William Tallmadge.

JAMES A. FISHER, farmer, Sec. 16 ; P. O. Peebles ; was born in Salem,"Washington Co., N. Y., Dec. 14, 1822; in 1842, he came to Fond du Lac Co., Wis., remaining until May, 1844, when he returned to his native State and there remained until 1849, when he again came to this county anil located in the town of Empire. He married on the 29th of April, 1852, in the town of Taycheedah, Elizabeth Langdon ; she was born in Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 9, 1833. They lived in the town of Empire until 1857, when they moved to Taycheedah Village, where they lived until 1860, in which year they returned to Empire, and lived there until 1862, when they removed to the vicinity of where they now live. Their children are Edward (who married Sophia Peters). Henry, Mary, George, Lottie and Bessie. Mr. Fisher owns 140 acres of land. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. F, 5th W. V. I.; participated in several battles, and was honorably discharged at Hall's Mills, W. Va., June 18, 1865. In early life, Mr. Fisher acted with the " Old Whig " party ; he has acted with the Republican party since its organization. His father, William Fisher, was a soldier in the war of 1812, he married, in Salem, N. Y., Betsey Burnett ; their children are John Fl, who was a number of years a resident of Fond du l^ac Co.; he is now living in Glen x\rbor, Mich., in the vicinity of which place he owns over nine hundred acres of land ; Margaret, now wife of William Coggshall, Frankfort, Mich.; James A., whose name appears at the head of this sketch ; Elizabeth, wife of Bishop Tucker, Glen Arbor, Mich.; they were several years residents of Empire, Fond du Lac Co. Mrs. James A. Fi.iher's father, Joseph Langdon, married Ann H Burdiok ; they came to Taycheedah, this (Fond du Lac ) county, in about 1850 ; their children are Nathan B., now of Marshall, Minn.; Joseph, who liow lives in St. Joseph, Mo., he was a soldier in the 1st W. V. C, during the war of the rebellion ; Sarah, now the wife of Joseph Parks, Cahimet Co., Wis. (he served in Co. A, 18th W. V. I., during tlie late war) ; Elizabeth, wife of James A. Fisher, Taycheedah ; Aliie, now the wife of Robert Spornitz, Eyota, Minn. ( he was a soldier in a Minnesota regiment during the late war); Lottie, wife of Andrew Hood, Chatfield, Minn.; Charles, lives at Stookbridge, Calumet Co., Wis.

MICHAKL FITZliiERAIiD, farmer, Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Taycheedah ; was born in County Cork, Ireland, Sept. 10, 1815 ; in 1845, he emigrated to America; lived in Middletown, Conn., one year, at the end of which time he went to Stockbridge, Mass., where he resided until 1855. In 1853, he married in Pittsfield, Mass., Abbie Shay; she was born in County Cork, Ireland; came to America in 1845; in 1855, they came West, and settled in the town of Forest, Fond du Lac Co., Wis.; they lived in Forest one year, then removed to where they now reside ; their children are Annie, who was educated at the high schools in Fond du Lac, and has taught school for about eight years, she was born in Stockbridge, Mass. ; Michael, born-in the tiwn of Forest, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., is proprietor of general repair and blacksmith .shop, Taycheedah ; Richard, born in the town of Forest ; Mary, born in the town of Taycheedah ; William and Abbie, also born in Taycheedah ; the deceased children are Maggie and Johnnie ; Mr. Fitzgerald owns eighty acres of land, finely improved, and desirably located ; he is a public-spirited man, possessed of much energv and enterprise. In politics. Democrat.

WILLIAM E. tJOHTEKMOXT, farmer. Sec. 20; P. O. Peebles; is a native of New York, was born in Lewis Co. Dec. 13, 1827; in early life, he received a liberal education at the common schools in his native county ; in 186(>, he came to Wisconsin, located where he now lives; he owns IGO acres of land, finely improved, and possessing many natural advantages. In politics, he is a consistent and active Republican. He was a member of the Taycheedah Town Board of Trustees, also Town Treasurer. His wife was Louisa Dart, nee Hoagland ; he has one son (Charles), by a former marriage ; his wife had two children by her marriage with her first husband (J. M. Dart), viz. : Ida and Alma. Mr. Goutermont is a representative man of Taycheedah, and one who identifies himself closely with the progress of her public interests ; he has been very successful in life, and is possessed of great physical vigor.

JOHN C. HO ACL AND, farmer. Sec. 32 ; P.O.Peebles; is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Wisconsin about 1848, and has lived in the town of Taycheedah the most of the time since. He h;is been twice married ; his children are Mrs. E. Lyons, of La Crosse, Wis.; Mrs. Goutermont, of Taycheedah, and Edward. Mr. Hoagland is a leading former and an enterprising citizen.

JOHN liEEMAN, farmer. Sec. 4 ; P. 0. Fond du Lac ; a pioneer settler of Fond du Lac; is a native of England, was born in Yorkshire Feb. 1, 1810. June 21, 1838, he married in the town of Bomton, Yorkshire, Miss Ann Edmund, a native of that town, born May 8, 1819; in 1848, they emigrated to Milwaukee, Wis., and in the spring of 1849 moved to the city of Fond du Lac, where they resided until 1854, when they removed to Sec. 4, town of Taycheedah, where he has since lived; she died Oct. 12, 1869 ; she was an earnest Christian woman, a most estimable lady, and her death was deeply deplored ; their children were Elizabeth, now the wife of John S. Burroughs, Fond du Lac City ; Edmund, born Sept. 6, 1840, died Oct. 25, 1841 ; Edward, born Oct. 25, 1841, enlisted in Co. E, 6th W. V. I. during the war of the rebellion, was killed at the battle of Gettysbung in July, 1863 - he was a brave soldier, and a true comrade; Thomas, born March 3, 1844, and fell in defense of the cause of the Union, at the battle of Pittsburg Landing in April, 18G2 (he was a soldier of the 18th W. V. I., and the records of that regiment show that he was a gallant soldier, that he was killed in the heat of action, while pressing forward nobly doing his duty) ; Jane, now the wife of Samuel Smith, Fond du Lac City (he was also a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the war of the rebellion ) ; Wilson, who now lives near San Francisco, Cal, is an engineer; George E., born March 4, 1849, died April, 1850 ; William E., married Vivia A. Holt; Mary C. ; Emma A. and John, Jr. Mr. Leeman owns 140 acres of land, finely improved, and well located on Sec. 4, town of Taycheedah, where he lives in the enjoyment of a happy home. Politically, he is a firm supporter of the Republican party.

HON. QURIAN LOEHR, merchant. Sec. 12; P. 0. Heinsburg ; is a native of Prussia, was born in the village of Adeneu, June 8, 1823 ; he received a liberal education in the schools of his native country; in 1843, he emigrated to the United States, located in Fond du Lac Co., Wis. ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1852, and has been fre(|uently elected by his fellow-citizens to other offices of honor and trust ; he has been engaged in the mercantile business for a period of over twenty-seven years, and by his strict integrity, honesty, and fair dealing, has secured and retains the c-onfidence of all who know him ; by close attention to business, and good management, he has accumulated a large property, owning over 600 acres of land, besides his residence and village property. He married in Green Bay, Miss D. Straubel ; they have ten children - Louis, Fredrick, Edward, Amelia, now wife of P. Stephany, Louisa, wife of M. Kelt, Arnold, Mary, Anna, Mathias and Henry. Mr. Loehr is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, and one whose fidelity to public and private trusts is unimpeachable.

J. E. MACK, farmer. Sec. 3 ; P. O. Fond du Lac ; was born in East Lyme, New London Co., Conn., June 24, 1832 ; in 1855, he came to Wisconsin, and located in the town of Empire, Fond du Lac Co. March 8, 1863, he married, in Fond du Lac, Mary E. Morehouse, a native of Lockport, N. Y., born July 6, 1838 ; they have one child - Clarence E.; Mr. Mack has resided in Taycheedah since 1860 ; he owns 107 acres of land, well located and finely improved. In politics, he is a Republican. His father, J. T. Mack, was born in East Lyme, New London Co., Conn., in 1804; he married, in his native county, Jane D. Ransom ; they came to Wisconsin in 1855, and settled in Fond du Lac Co.; they now reside in Taycheedah ; their children are J. E. ( whose name heads this sketch ), Leander H. ( now of Morris, Lincoln Co., Minn. ), Ellen C. (wife of William Wilcox, Fond du Lac), William N. (who was a soldier in the - th W. V. I., and died in the service at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 11, 1862), Mary J. (wife of 0. F. Brand, of Minnesota, who was a soldier in a Wisconsin regiment during the war of the rebellion), Theron R. (who served in the 18th W. V. I. during the war), Rachel B. (deceased), Sylvester S. (now of Lincoln Co.,- Minn.), Prudence M. (wife of Robert Lusk, Minn.), and Bainbridge A., of Taycheedah.

E. PEEOLiES, farmer, and proprietor of cheese factory. Sec. 32; P. 0. Peebles; is a native of Martinsburg, Lewis Co., N. Y.; was born Aug. 22, 1822 ; in November, 1845, he came to Wisconsin and located in Taycheedah. In 1847, he married Miss Margaret Van Valkenburg; they have six children living - Sanford S., Sarah J., John E., Oscar, Emma and Sherman ; one child deceased, Ella, died in 1878; in 1875, Mr. Peebles erected a cheese factory on his farm, where he makes about an average of 100,000 chee.se per annum, which is widely known for its superior quality; he owns a finely improved farm of 170 acres. Politically, he acts with the Republicans, being an active worker in that party since its organization ; he is an active, energetic, go-ahead citizen, and one who takes an active part in all public enterprises that give promise of advancing the interests of the public; his father, Sanford Peebles, was a soldier in active service during the war of 1812; he^ married, in his native State (New York), Miss Sarah Bowen ; he is now deceased ; she is living at Martinsburg, N. Y.

SAIVFORD S. PEEBLES, farmer. Sec. 30; P. 0. Peebles; was born in Taycheedah, June 4, 1851, and is therefore a "native to the manor born." He is the son of E. and Margaret Peebles, pioneer settlers of Fond du Lae Co., and now honored citizens of Taycheedah. Sept. 27, 1877, he married Miss Amanda S., daughter of John and Lorinda Charles, early settlers and still residents of Taycheedah ; they have one child - Ethan C. In politics, Mr. Peebles is a Republican : he is a member of Lodge No. 30, 1. 0. 0. F., of Fond du Lac; is extensively engasjed in farming, and is a man of much energy and push.

HON. O. Hr«0 PETTERS, Sec. 16, P. 0. Peebles; was born in Saxen Weimar, Germany, Jan. 24, 1823; he was educated at the Universities of Jena and Leipzig, and was admitted to the practice of law in the courts ; he was clerk of the Preliminary Court at Weimar, and afterward was appointed Clerk of the Civil Court, which position he filled until his coming to this country in 1848. In 1849, he married, in Milwaukee, Dorotha P. E. Sander, a native of Lohlotzs, Los Weimar, (icrmany; in the latter part of 1849, they moved to the city of Fond du Lac, and he engaged in the grocery business, until the spring of 1852, when they moved to the town of Taycheedah, where they have since resided. He has been frequently selected by his fellow-citizens to fill various offices ; he was a member of the Wisconsin Assembly in 1858-59, Town Clerk two terms, Ju.stice of the Peace eight years, and was appointed Notary Public in 1878 - a position he still fills ; he owns a good farm, well located. Him.self and wife attend the Lutheran Church. Their children are Sophia (now the wife of Edward Fisher), Louis, Charlie and Willie. In politics, Mr. Petters is a Republican.

BEXJAMIN F. SMITH (deceased), a native of Vermont, born June 26, 1812. He married in La Pointe, Wis., Mi.ss Ilaimah Wood; she was born in Lowell, Mass.; they were married June 7, 1849, and removed to Taycheedah the same year; in 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 18th W. V. I.; was taken prisoner at the battle of Shiloh, and died in rebel prison at Montgomery; the records of his regiment show that he was a brave soldier, ever ready to follow where duty led ; though he never was an aspirant for office, he was at various times elected by his fellow-citizens to offices of honor and trust ; he took aa active interest in educational interests, and was ever ready to aid any enterprise that gave promise of general good; he was a kind husband and an indulgent fatlicr ; his children were Ellen, now the wife of A. Mackay, OshkoshF; rank (deceased), Virginia, now the wife of L. H. Bishop, Taycheedah ; Harriett, Mrs,

B. F. Smitli ; married second husband, J. C. Hoai;;land, a native of Pennsylvania; he came to Pond du Lac Co., in 1848; they at present reside on their farm on Sec. 32, Taychecdah Township.

J. J. TAIjLMADUE, grain dealer; P.O.Peebles; was born in Poughkeepsie, Dutchess Co., N. Y., April 14, 1834; in 1844, he removed with his parents, N. P. and Abbie Tallmadge, to this (Pond du Lac) county; in early life he received a liberal education. In October, 1863, he married, in the city of Pond du Lac, Miss Sarah Brown; they have one child. Miss Julia; Mr. Tallmadge has been engaged in the grain trade several years; is an energetic business man, owns 14G acres of land in the town of Calumet. In politics and religion, he is liberal; his father, N. P. Tallmadge (deceased), was a prominent member of the New York Legislature a number of years; he was appointed Territorial Governor of Wisconsin June 21, 1844; after his appointment, he delivered his message to both houses of the Legislature in person, an account of which will be found on page 51. He was twice married; his children are Isaac S. a prominent attorney, New York ; William D., deceased; Grier, who was a graduate of West Point, died in the service at Fortress Monroe, was Captain of a company at the time of his death, was acting as Quartermaster General; Mary L., wife of William A. Baldwin; Laura, wife of William H. Galloway, M. D., Eau Claire, Wis.; Julia B., wife of A. G. Buggies, Fond du Lac City; Emily B., wife of James D. Tallmadge, Chicago ; J. J., whose name appears at the head of this sketch.

JOHIV W. TIFFANY'^, deceased, was a native of Lewis Co., N. Y. He married, in his native county, Sophia Hill ; they came to Wisconsin in about 1849 ; settled in Taychecdah. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 18th W. V. I.; was a good soldier; died in the service. She is still iiving and resides at Taychecdah ; their children are Morton B.; Emma, wife of Dr. Chase, of Vernon Co., -Wis.; John, who served in the 5th W. V. I. during the war, and died in the service ; P. B., also a soldier in the 5th W. V. I.; Levi P, who served in the 18th W. V. L and died in the cause; James M. and Loyd R.

MORTON R. TIFFANY, contractor and builder, Taychecdah ; was born in the town of Martinsburg, Lewis Co., N. Y., March 26, 1838 ; emigrated to Taychecdah, with his parents, John W. and Sophia Tiffany, in about 1849. He married, in Tayeheedah, Nov. 3, 1858, Mariette Sullivan, a native of Otsego Co., N. Y., who was born in 1842 ; her mother, Mrs. Sullivan, is one of the pioneer settlers of Taychecdah. They have three children - Edward C, Florence G. and Lulu B. Besides building, Mr. Tiffany takes contracts in painting and plastering. He is a Republican in politics. Has filled various local offices.

P. R. TIFFANY. This gentleman, a soldier, during the war of the rebellion, in the 5th W. V. I., enrolled as a private, was promoted to Second Lieutenant and acted a portion of the time m Sergeant Major ; participated in nearly every battle, siege and skirmish his command was in, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was born in Lewis Co., N. Y., July 13, 1843. His parents were John W. and Sophia Tiffany, who settled in Taychecdah in 1849. He married, in Taychecdah, in 1866, Frances Spink, a native of Canada; they have three children - Maude E., Claude fl. and Grace E. In early life, Mr. Tiffany learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which, in connection with painting, constitutes his present business. Politically, he acts with the Republican party.

Source changes here: from Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, Past and Present, by McKenna, Maurice, published 1912; 1,463 words in this source stream.

Taycheedah Town

Taycheedah, originally spelled Tee-charrah, takes its name from a village which was the camping ground of a local tribe of Indians. It was first settled by Francis D. McCarty and Reuben Simmons, who lived in the south part of the town from 1838 to the spring of 1839. In the spring of the year last mentioned, Reuben Simmons built a house near his dwelling place for James Duane Doty and (Mr. McCarty erected one for himself where the village of Taycheedah now stands. O. P. Knapp entered land in the summer of 1838 in the timber further north, which was the first settlement in that part of the county. After this many settlers were attracted from New York, Ohio and New England to Taycheedah and were delighted upon viewing the beautiful springs bursting from the Ledge.

The town of Taycheedah was named by Governor James Duane Doty and from the fact that the first election was held in April, 1847, it is to be supposed that the town was organized at that time. George D. Ruggles was elected chairman and Charles Doty, town clerk. Early in its history there was very fine timber and the prairie was low and wet but made fine pasturage. The soil, however, is rich and productive and now consists of some of the finest farms in Fond du Lac county. This town lies on the east side of Lake Winnebago and has for its northern boundary the town of Calumet. Marshfield lies to the east of it and on the south is the town of Empire. The Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railway, now a part of the Northwestern system, enters the township at section 13, and following a southwesterly course, touches the southern part of the village, where there is a station. The village of Taycheedah is practically the beginning of the history of this town. It was settled early in the history of the county. Among the first comers were George W. Elliott, Nathaniel Perry, B. F. Smith, John Case and Walter Cunningham. John W. Philbrick and family were members of the colony in 1842 and the first tin shop in the county was opened there by Mr. Philbrick. The first hotel was built as early as 1840 by B. F. Smith. It was kept first by Francis D. McCarty, then by John Case, and later by Nathaniel Perry. The build¬ ing was later moved to Scott street in Fond du Lac by B. F. Moore, where it was destroyed by fire. In 1842 George Carlton opened a dry-goods store and in the same year a schoolhouse was built under the direction and at the expense of James Duane Doty, Henry Conklin and the two Moores. Henry Conklin, a native of New York, on coming to the county brought his family with him. He also had in his possession at that time a bell taken from the wrecked steamer, Advocate, which plied on the Hudson river. Mr. Conklin first used this bell on his farm south of Taycheedah and after the schoolhouse was built it was placed on top of

First State Bank, Campbellsport

The first store at the village of Taycheedah was opened by J. L. Moore and his brother-in-law, B. F. Moore, both of whom later became members of the La Belle Wagon Works at Fond du Lac. The store was opened in 1841 and did a brisk business with the Brothertown Indians, who paid for articles needed, large amounts in cash and also bartered furs for what they desired to exchange. A warehouse was connected with the store, which was destroyed by fire in 1844. Merchandise and wheat to the value of $6,000 were lost.

In 1848 a large stone flouring mill was built on the lake shore, which was burned in 1854. A steam sawmill was built in 1850 by O. R. Potter and that, too, was burned two or three years later. J. L. Ault and a man by the name of Law¬ rence started the first blacksmith shop in the village, which must have been but a short time after the first settlers had come there.

Taycheedah is not today the village of importance it was earlier in its history. It lost its character as a trading point soon after Dr. Darling made overtures to settlers to come to Fond du Lac. It is but a station on the Chicago & North¬ western railroad and has a store and a tavern.

Peebles is a postofflce and station on the Chicago & Northwestern railway and lies in section 32 in the town of Taycheedah, five miles northeast of Fond du Lac. It has a cheese factory and general store and was named after E. Peebles. There is also a hotel, creamery and elevator.

Silica is a discontinued postofflce and is a station on the Chicago & Northwest¬ ern railroad. It lies in section 15 and is eight miles northeast of Fond du Lac.

Malone is a postofflce and station on the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. It lies in section 13 and is ten and a half miles northeast of Fond du Lac. There is a general store and saloon, where is also kept farm implements. The hamlet also has an elevator.

Empire

Empire was originally a part of Taycheedah. In 1851 an act of the legisla¬ ture separated the two townships. Governor Doty entered the first land in what is now covered by the town of Empire and thereon built the first frame building to be erected in the county. This was in 1837. The first settlers in the town¬ ship were Gustave deNeveu and his hired man, A. T. Denniston and family. Soon after his arrival here Mr.. deNeveu built a log house in May, 1838, and on his place the lake now known by his name is located. The first election held in this town was in 1851 at the Meiklejohn schoolhouse.

The southeast portion of Empire town was originally heavily timbered. The Ledge extends the whole distance across its west side. The east and some of the south portions abound in hay marshes and the balance is composed of oak openings. The soil is warm and quick. Springs abound, especially along the Ledge. A large one exists on what was at one time known as the Phelps farm, and another on the G. deNeveu farm, also on David Giddings' place, on the old Henry Conklin and John Westervelt farms. The streams on the east flow through Sheboygan river to Lake Michigan, while those from the west empty into Lake Winnebago. There is considerable lime stone which has been largely quar¬ ried and much of the stone converted into lime. In the broken places, of which there are many, are found splendid sheep pastures, building wood and stone fit for commercial use. On section 17 at one time early in the town's history, stood what was known as the Empire Woolen Mills, .which turned out an excellent quality of goods. There are three cheese factories, good schoolhouse and a church in the southern part of the town. The community is devoid of a village or railroad, a branch of the Northwestern just missing its southwest corner.

The first school taught in this town was in 1847 by Miss E. Maxwell. By 1854 the town contained three schoolhouses. Soon after its erection Peter Vandervoort, a Methodist exhorter, who had settled in the town of Eden, held the first religious services there. The first births in the town were in the families of G. deNeveu, A. T. Denniston and Luke Laborde, in the year 1839.

Beautiful Rienzi cemetery, which belongs to the city of Fond du Lac, is located on sections 18 and 19 in the town of Empire. The Methodists on the 16th of March, 1850, having already organized the society, met to devise means for build¬ ing a church. Logs were hauled on to the ground but they were never put in place and rotted there. The project was revived in 1866. At that time Theron Berry donated ground for a building site and a gift of $200 by Hannah Thorn, of Lockport, New York, was followed by other subscriptions from others in the towns of Byron and Empire, and a church was built at a cost of $3,000. The dedica¬ tion took place July 28, 1867. The first pastor was Rev. J. W. LaFever, and the first trustees were John Berry, A. T. Germond, H. Westervelt, B. White, R. Willis, Thomas Mayhew, L. H. Jennings, W. M. Dusenberry and John Vinton. The cemetery attached to the church property came through the management of the Cemetery Association, composed of John Berry, T. J. Daugherty, E. Vincent and others. The land was bought of J. V. Jewell, to which another acre was attached in 1879.