Troy Town

Organization

At the organization of Walworth County in 1838, all the ten-itory covering the northern half of the northeast quarter of the county, being Town 4, Ranges 17 and 18 east, was given the name of Troy. This territory was divided by act of Legislatui-e. March 21, 1843, the eastern half (Town 4, Range 18 east) receiving the name of East Troy, and the western half (Town 4, Ranee 17 east) retaining the original name. This sketch is restricted to a naiTation of events connected with the town as existing within its present geographical limits.

Natural Features

The southwestern portion of Troy is swampy, but the central, northern and eastern parts are diversified with lakes, groves of oak and other varieties of wood, beautiful prairie lands, ninning streams and all the various accessories that help to make a lovely and attractive landscape. The town is watered by Honey Creek, Crooked Creek and several small lakes. Honey Creek was christened in the fall of 1835 by Meaeham and Spoor, in their first exploring expedition to Wisconsin. When they arrived at the beautiful stream, they foimd that the bees had discovered the flowery prairie just beyond, and laid up a store of choice food for the coming winter. It had been many long days since the huugi-y prospectors had tasted such delicious sweets, and they " jumped the claim " ' of the provident little "settlers," and took possession of their dwelling with all it contained. In remembrance of the confiscated meal, Honey Creek received its name. It enters the town of Troy on SectioQ 31, runs in a general easterly direction through Sections 29, 28, 27, 26 and leaves on Section 25.

Crooked Creek, starting on Section 9, runs with countless meanderings into Section 10, curves to the north and enters Section 3, makes a sharp lieud to the southeast and empties into Lake Lulu on Section 2. There is also a small creek on Section 13. which forms the outlet of Pickerel Lake. The beautiful little sheet of water, with its one Fairy Island, on Sections 13 and 24, received its name, like Honey Creek, at a veiy early day. Rev. Mx. Beardsley. in his reminiscences of the early history of Troy, says: " An elderly gentleman by the name of Booth came into the country with the Meaeham family. He had been in their family a number of years before coming here, and continued with them some years after their emigration here. He" was a quiet, retiring man, that seemed not much bm-dened with worldly cares and labors. He was enchanted with the beautiful lake on Sections 13 and 24 of Troy, and was wont to spend a large part of his time on the lake, either in fishing or in some other manner. If any one inquired for him, they were probably informed that he was down to the lake. And so it came to pass that it was often remarked In' some one. ' Let us go down to the lake and see what Booth is about.' At last, the beautiful little body of water, not sm-passed by any in the State, came to be called 'Booth's Lake,' a name which it has continued to hold to this day."

There is a large swamp, covering about 3,000 acres, in the southwestern part of the town, extending fi-om Sections 31 and 33 over the whole of Section 29, a large portions of Sections 28 and 27, the northwest corner of Section 34 and a part of Sections 33 and 32. There is also quite an extensive swamp in the northern jiart of the county on Sections 9 and 10.

The soil varies according to the locality, that of the level portions, and the small prairies being a vegetable mold, and the higher grounds and oak openings being mixed with clay or sand. Like all the towns in the county, it has lands well adapted to all the various branches pertaining to agi-icultirral pursuits, and that its natiu-al advantages have not been neglected, the fine farms, orchards and harvest-fields bear witness.

There is a good water-power on Honey Creek, at the site of the old village. It was early improved by the construction of a dam, which, liy causing the water to flow back over the marsh, created quite a large pond a little west of the village.

Early Settlers

The two men who first visited the region of Honey Creek, appreciated its Vieauty and natural advantages for a permanent location, and decided to make it "their home and the home of their kincU-ed, " ' were Jesse Meacham and Adolphus Spoor. Of the history of Mr. Spoor, prior to his departure from Lodi, Mich., on his prospecting tour to Wisconsin, there is but a meager account, but of Mr. Meacham more has been preserved. He was born in Burlington, Otsego Co., N. Y., about the year 1792. was bred a farmer and received what educational advantages could be derived from the district schools of the period. At that early time the annual '"muster'" and review of the militia retained much of the flavor which it had imbibed at its first organization. The Revolutionary fathers were yet alive, and their thrilling stories of oppression and determined resistance yet sounded in the ears of their sons.

Young Meacham was infected with the prevailing spirit, and, at the breaking-out of the war of 1.S12, he entered the Amei'ican army. He was taken prisoner, and, after siiffering many hardships and dangers, barely escaping shipwreck in the G-ulf of St. Lawrence, and enduring much suspense as to his ultimate fate, he was finally exchanged and reached his home in safety. His title of Major," therefore, was not an empty one, but earned by actual service. In 1828, he was married to his brother's widow. He never had children of his own, but her three sons stood to him in their place, and he was to them a father. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Lodi, Mich. , bought a farm and remained there about eight years.

In the fall of lS::i.j, having sold his fai'm, he decided to look farther west before again locating. Adolphus Spoor, his neighbor, being also desirous of exploring the new "Territory of Wisconsin," they started together from Lodi, in September. 1835, on their prospecting tour. The first point made was Milwaukee. At that little village, they were joined by two companions, Andrew.4 and Camp, also explorers and prospectors, then proud in the possession of " ' one frame house," built by Solomon Juneau, and rejoicing in their newly located post office, the little party placed themselves under ihe guidance of one Milo Jones, who had some knowledge of the region they desired to visit. They struck the "Big Indian Trail," from Milwaukee to Rock River, and followed it west, stopping at "Waukesha's Village" and "Mukwanago's Village," as these places were then called, on their way. Reaching the region now known as East Troy, they proceeded west until they reached the little stream now called Honey Cieek, near the site of the present mill. From Honey Creek (so named by them at the time), they went on to where Janesville is now located and still farther on to the present sites of Beloit and Rockford, and thence, turning eastward, passed through Belvidere and Chicago on their way back to Lodi.

When passing through Elkhart, Ind. , they remained overnight. Being full of enthusiasm, and delighted with the new and beautiful country they had visited - particularly with the locality of Honey Creek, where they had determined to settle - they exjiatiated perhaps in too glovfing terms for their own interest, on its manifold advantages and attractions. The description probably awakened a desire in their listeners to "see for themselves" this landthat was flowi tag with honey, if not milk, and led to quite a disappointment for the explorers on their retm'n.

After returning to Lodi, Messrs. Meacham and Spoor immediately began to make preparations for their dei^arture with their families early in the coming spring. Mr. Meacham had a family of eight, and Mr. Spoor one of six, to take to the new home. Many things must be made ready before such a number of persons could start on a long journey, which was to end in a wilderness, entirely beyond the reach of the most common necessaries of life.

About the 1st of May, 183(3, the little colony set forth. Their heavy household goods were shipped to Milwaukee, and the indispensal)les for the journey were laden upon immense covered wagons -each family having one. drawn by two )oke of oxen. iVIi-. Meacham had a horse in addition to the oxen. After reaching Chicago, the party proceeded north along the lake shore to Racine, and thence west to Fox River. They found but one house on their route - at Call's, now Ives" Grove. The party arrived at Fox River, at the point where the village of Rochester now is. May 21. They crossed the river the next morning. Mr. S. A. Dwinnell -gives a graphic account of the difiicuUies they encountered in the passage:

"The stream - some sixty yards wide - was much swollen by recent rains. The Major had with him a fine blooded horse with which the men forded the river several times to ascertain the best place for crossing. He then placed his goods-boxes upon gi-ain measures in his wagon to raise them above the water. Ilj^on the boxes, he placed the women. In this perilous position, with the driver on horseback, they attem])ted to ford the stream. When they Teached the cuiTent, the horse began to Honnder. aud the oxen were frightened, and all but one commenced to jj hinge and back water. They were in gi-eat danger of iijisetting: but one ox, raising up his head and tail so that they nearly met. went straight through upon the bottom, taking the others with him, and they were landed in safety, upon which the men raised a shout of joy for their deliverance. The Major declared that the ox which had thus saved them in their peril should never be killed or sold. He keph him until he died a natiu-al death, and then gave him a decent burial."

The party, after crossing the river, found one solitary family, consisting of Levi Godfrey and wife, who had been settled barely long enough to get up their log cabin, liut long enough to be ready to give new-comers a welcome aud entertain them hospitably, as the following extract shows. Ml'. Isaac F. Smith, in his " Journal of ISSti,"' says: " We wei-e awakened next morning without being summoned by that modern contrivance called a gong, aud, before suni'ise, forded Fox River waist deeii, and in good time for breakfast arriv«^d at neighbor Godfrey's (Mr. Godfrey had expressed himself as very glad that Mr. Smith, who was about to settle on the Rock River, would be so fienr a neighbor to him), where we discussed his hospitalities m a manner to satisfy the ambitions of the most fastidious cook in the country. At this place, we met the families of Maj. Meaeham, Mr. Spoor and two others on their way to Troy." Mr. Smith also says, in another place, that " at this time no wagons had ever yet l)een west of Godfrey's." A wagon had certainly been, as Palmer Gardner di'ove his into Spring Prairie April 15 - _a month earlier.

The women remained at Mr. Godfrey's foiu- days, while the men went to Honey Creek, a distance of twelve miles, to select their sites upon which to build, and blaze the trees as a guide to the selected location. The entire party reached the place of their destination May 27, 1836.

When Messrs. Meaeham and Spoor reached Honey Creek, to their siirprise and consternation, they found that the coveted prize, which they had taken so much pains to reach, and supposed just within their grasp, had apparently escapeil them. The especial "claims" upon which their hearts were set, had the settler's mark upon them - the plowhad broken the land in a circle which took in a corner of each ipiarter-sectiou, and other indisputable marks of prior claim had been made. They submitted to the disappointment as best they might, and made the best of it by purchasing the claims.

Mr. Othni Beardsley, with his brother Alexander, and a young man named Roberts were the fortunate possessors of the claims on Honey Creek. They had also been prospecting, and had selected this location and made their claims. Mr. Othni Beardsley and his brother, after selling their first claims, selected others in the vicinity upon which they located. Othni upon Sections 23 and 2(1, and Alexander finally settling still farther to the west. Mr. Roberts moved to the east aud Ijecame the first East Troy settler. ^Ir. Meaeham" s claim was on Section 2-"!, Mr. Adolphus Spoor's on the same section, Init farther east. In a few weeks, Sylvanus Spoor and his brother John joined the settlers, Sylvanus locating a claim on Section 24, where he lived until the time of his death, and where his widow still resides. John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. A young mau by the name of Ruggles, and an elderly man by the name of Booth, came in with the Meaeham party. There is no record of their making any claims unless Mr. Booth located his on the lake which bears his name.

The Meaeham party commenced their houses immediately after their arrival, and. as they were pretty well supplied with the necessary implements, they were al.)le to saw the logs by hand, so as to commence housekeeping with a floor and other unusual luxuries in their log house. An old settler who visited, them in the fall of 1S3('), s|)eaks of their sm-roundings thus: "At Meacham's Prairie, now Troy, I found the families of A. S|)oor, Maj. Jesse Meaeham and Othni Beardsley. The latter was the first settler there, arriving a few days previous to the other two, who had made claims the previous autumn. They were all from the Territory of Michigan, and reached the spot about the middle of May, 1836. They were each possessed of considerable jiroperty, and, having the advantage of rich prairie lands upon which to locate, surrounded with timber in abundance, with a fine stream of durable water at hand, they were able to make their families comfortable at once, and the wilderness to blossom as the rose.

Mr. Othni Beardsley was a resident of Troy for many years, and also a prominent citizen of the county. He was the first member of the House from Walworth County for the joint Dis tricts of Walworth and Rock. He was first elected in 1838, and re-elected in 1839 and 1840.

.John Spoor bought the claim of Alexander Beardsley. He lived ten years on Section 30, East Troy, and then removed to Lyons; died April 9, 1867.

During the summer of 1837, quite a colony emigrated from Hadley", Mass., and settled near the pre.sent village of Troy. The particular locality they selected was kuown by the name of Hadley Hill. Deacon George Hibbard and family, Charles Heath and family and Deacon Augustus Smith and family composed the colony. Deacon Smith came in June, 1838, and bought Alexander Beardsley's claim. A. M. Perrv located in May, 1837, and returned for his father in 1838.

Marcus Montague, from Massachusetts, made a claim in 1837, but lived only a few years after settling in the place. His widow, Mrs. Rice, still lives in Troy; also two children - Harry Montague and Mrs. Dean.

Horace Smith, from Massachusetts, a carpenter by trade, but worked little at that occupation, was active in all religious Tnatters and a stanch, reliable citizen.

Elias, Truman and William ,B. were adult members of the two Hibbard families that settled on "Hadley Hill.'' Elias was the first Treasurer for the new town of Troy, served faithfully in some public capacity for many years, and died in the town he selected for his early home. Truman died in Milwaukee several years ago. and William B., after residing in the same city for many years a prominent and influential citizen, removed to Chicago, where he now resides.

Soldan Powers arrived in Troy May, 1837, and located his claim on Section 10 just north of the present village of Troy Center, At the first town meeting, April 5. 1842. Mr, Powers was honored by being elected to three "offices -School Commissioner, Highway Commissioner and Fence Viewer. Since the division of the town, he has' served fourteen terms as Town Clerk, besides filling various other offices. He was born June 14, 1805, in the town of Marshtield, Washington Co. , Vt., and received his education at the common schools and academies in the vicinity. After leaving Vei-mont, he resided three years in Franklin County, N. Y., two years in Orleans County, same State, two years in Jackson County, Mich., and came to Wisconsin in May. 1837, selecting a claim of 169 acres in Troy and settling tipon it. Dm-ing the first winters in Troy, he taught school, one at East Troy and one at Troy Center. His first school in the territory was taught at Whitewater, and was the first school of Whitewater. - In the fall of 1838, the first board of county officers was elected, and, as Walworth had not, at that time, been detached from Racine County, the retm-ns had to be made to Southport (now Kenosha), the county seat of Racine County. Mr. Powers, being a member of the election board, went on foot with the returns to Southport, aud at that place was unfortunately robbed by his fellow-lodger of all his cash, save 18 pence - a rather small amount for hotel bills and expenses home. In May, 1842, Mr. Powers married Miss Anna Flanders, of Stanstead, Canada East. Of their children now living, there are Levi P., Sarah A. (Mrs. E. Harrington, Kansas), Clarence L. and Mary A. (Mrs. W. C. Gregg. Troy).

George W. Blanchard came in with Soldan Powers May, 1837, and settled on Section 11. He has been dead about twenty-seven years. His widow made her homo with J. E. Reynolds, her son-in-law, until her death, December, 1881.

after. The latter was born in New York in 1784; is now ninety-seven years of age, and has a family of twelve children, some of whom are grandparents. He now lives with J. R. Kling m Troy.

Samuel L. Porter, a native of Long Island, settled in Troy in 1837, but afterward removed to Delavan and thence to Baraboo, Sauk County, where he died. Mr. Porter built and run a hotel for many years. That building, which he also occupied as a house, is still standing. Mr. Porter did not enter his land u.atil October 10, 1838, his claim being on Section 17.

Among those that arrived in 1837 were Henry C. and Selah S. Porter, with their families. The Porter brothers were natives of Long Island. Henry C. was married in New York City. Removed, after his maiTiage, to New London, Conn.; back to the city of New York in 1822; to Holly, Orleans Co., N. Y.. in 1832, and, in 1837, to Wisconsin. He arrived, with his family, in Troy, October St. Selah S. Porter, after leaving his home on Long Island, went to the city of New York and learned the printer's trade. He married, and, after some years, removed to Wisconsin, arriving at Troy, with his family, in company with his brother, Hemy C. Samuel L., who came the preceding season, was living in his log house, and the newly-arrived brothers, with their families, moved in with him. The united families counted sixteen, and the little house served for a tavern at the same time. December 24, Henry C. moved into his own log house - at the time minus a roof.

The Porter families, with their ehildi-en, vere the basis of what was known as the "Porter Settlement,"' near the western central portion of the town. Within the next few years after their arrival, settlers came in very rapidly, among others, there was J'ames Stratton, father of W. J. Stratton, who located on Section 20, in the summer of 1843. His family consisted of his wife and only child. His brother-in-law, Moses Kelloway, had arrived the previous year, and both settled upon the sapie section. Dm-ing the winter of 1843, the first district school established near the settlement was opened near S. B. Chatfleld's house, and the then youthful W. J. Stratton confesses that he has good cause to remember who taught it - John Stewai-t, of La Grange. After the people of the district had used the little log building for educational and religious pm-poses for some seven years, a faction, which may be denominated the aristocratic element, clamored for a frame structure. Their opponents were sturdy, and the last meeting held in the building ended in open warfare. The meeting dispersed, but those who believed that they had outgrown the log schoolhouse did not go to their homes. Before the next morning sun rose, the log building was leveled to the ground, and a frame building duly made its appearance.

The lii-st religious services were held at about the time the log schoolhouse was built, by Rev. James Flanders and Rev. James Delaney. The latter, now a resident of Whitewater, was then living in East Troy.

Previous to this period, S. Fowler had settled upon Section 22 and Loren Ferry upon Section 21. In 1844, M. Watson and his brother-in-law, H. Drake, settled on Section 21; also S. Richmond and his family.

It was at about this time that the famous controversy over the location of the " quarter line road" occm-red. The Porters opposed it. as it would leave them out in the --cold." The dispute lasted for a couple of years, more than one fence being scattered to the winds and as pluckily erected, while the road was being "fixed," as it runs at present. It is now a fine thoroughfare, but the memories of the former heat of battle still cling to objects adjacent. The cemetery is known as the ' ' Quarter Line Cemetery, ' ' and the first stone erected in it marks the burial-place of James Stratton. who died January 1, 1849. There was the "Quarter Line Schoolhouse," and the boys of those men who were '-Quarter Liners" were known all over the town as "Quarter Line Boys."

First Things And Events

William Pitt Meacham. a grandson of Mrs. Patience Meaeham. and son of Urban D. Meacham, was born in Troy, September 27, 1836 - the first birth in the town, and also in the county.

Rev. Jesse Halstead (Methodist) was the first minister, being attached to the old Aztalan Circuit. In 1837, one of his appointments was at "Meacham's Prairie," and the quarterly meeting of that year was held at the same place.

In the winter of 1839-40, a school was taught in the log house of Samuel L. Porter, by Mrs. Ladd, of Mulnvanago. The entire number of pupils, taking in all the "grades," was seven. One of the old residents of the town, then a youth, says they occasionally had a spelling school, and one of his early triumphs was achieved on such an occasion; he " spelled the school down." The scholars consisted almost, if not entirely, of the Porter children.

The earliest district school was in the northern i:)art of the township, taking in a portion of the northwest part of East Troy. The school was taught by Edmund Butts, at a salary of $10 per mouth, raised by assessment on the parents, according to the number of children sent. Mr. Butts and his wife lived in the house in which the school was taught. It was District No. 1, and existed as early as 1839.

S. B. Edwards, who opened the first blacksmith-shop in the town in 1839, now resides in Whitewater. He came from Chenango County, N. Y. , and landed in Milwaukee May 10 of that year. S. G. West, then a young boy, was his companion, and the two footed it through to Walworth County together. There he at once went to work at his trade, and, as he was the only general blacksmith ou the direct road between Milwaukee and Janesville, he had more business than he could attend to. Mukwanago, Troy, East Troy, Eagle, La Grange, Sugar Creek, Rock Prairie, Elkhorn, and that region round, jjatronized him. So great was the demand upon his skill that his customers would be obliged to wait two or three days for their turn to come. They would turn out their teams to pastiu-e, and patiently suffer the inevitable without a frown or a grumble. But the bulk of Mr. Edwards' work was the repairing of plows. In the meantime, he had retm-ued East and brought back his wife. After residing two years in Troy, he removed to East Troy, where he continued to follow his profitable trade for a number of years.

One of the fh'st blacksmiths was A. Hutchinson, who, in 1840. opened a shop in the extreme western part of the town. After residing here a few years, he removed to Dodge County. Mr. Hutchinson, the last heard fi'om, was following his old trade, at Neosho, in that county.

Early Festivities

The atmosphere of a home, while yet the childr-en are young, is very nearly what the parents make it. If they are joyous, youthful in their feelings, and ready to start the merry game, or tell the wonderful tale in the evening - if the noise, and bustle, and laughter, and song, are jjleasant to them - then their home veiy soon becomes the favorite resort of all the fun-loving children in the neighborhood. It is the place where they can "have a real good time." So with the new town. In the earlier years of its growth, some leading spirit, or spirits, instinctively and with no special volition of their own, determine its general atmosphere.

told of merry doings at " Meaeham's Prairie," and many pleasant memories connected with the hospitable founders of the place. " The Major" and " Mother Meacham." or "Aunt Patience " - the names by which she is remembered now- - still hold a lai'ge and very warm jslace in the heails of all who knew them. In speaking of the latter, an old friend, who knew her long and recently said : "There was never a better woman lived; kind, generous, hospitable, never turning the needy from her door - from the Mississippi to Lake Michigan there was not a woman better known or better loved than " Mother Meacham. ' "

^Vlien she passed away, March 11, 1875, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, with her mental faculties unimpaired and her kindly spirit unchanged, the whole county mourned her loss.

Dm'ing the early winters, the log houses of Troy were the scenes of many a merry dance; and, although the music might sound a little thin to ears accustomed to the stringed bands of to-day, it served its pm'pose well, and what the music lacked, the enthusiasm and exuberant spirits of the dancers suj)plied. When the festivities of the winter were over, and the seed was sown, and the garden planted, and the prairie was bright with verdiu-e and flowers, there was a chance to rest a little and "kindle the fii'es of patriotism." The Foiu'th of July was celebrated in Ti-oy just as soon as there were enough people to be got together to make a celebration - in 1837 - and celebrated in style, too, with a banquet and toasts, and a dance in the evening. One of the toasts has been preserved. It was given by Dr. James Tripp, of East Troy, and was as follows: " To that important personage, the Devil- - may he never be pennitted to make visits abroad, nor to receive company at hume, " This celebration was at the hoiise of Othni Beardsley.

Another notable celebration was that of July 4, 1840. The service comprised reading of the Declaration of Independence, by Liicins Allen; an oration by Hon. Edward Elderkin; a short speech by Urban D. Meacham; music, etc., ending with a banquet. Dr. Tripp was President of the Day. The literary pai-t of the programme was to be cai-ried out in Jesse Meacham" 8 new bai-n, and, for the convenience of the orator, ladies, band, and some of the distinguished guests, a platform was constructed at one extremity of the building. The Declaration was read, and Mr. Elderkin commenced his speech. He gi'ew warm and waxed eloquent, when, just as the American eagle was taking one of his loftiest flights, the unstable platform gave way, and orator, ladies, bass drums and fifes, " distinguished guests " and " prominent citizens " came down in a promiscuous heap.

The orator of the day was among the first of the disarranged celebrators to make his appearance "right side up," and is said to have been entirely oblivious to possible bodily injuries until his wild question, " AVhere's my speech? " had been satisfactorily answered.

As no one was seriously injiu'ed, it was very funny, and, after shaking off the dust and smoothing out their disheveled clothing, the patriotic crowd went on with the ceremonies. The glorious bird resumed his flight as cheerfully as if nothing had interrupted it, and the festivities of the occasion wer(> in no measure maiTed by the sudden downfall. At the dinner which succeeded the oration, toasts were given, and Dr. Trijip gave one which, in the ears of Maj. Meacham, savored too strongly of Whigism, whereupon the stanch old Democrat responded with:

" The Whigs - they should wear a longer jacket, or steal a shorter fish," The dinner was furnished by Clark & Brewer, landlords of the old hotel, and served to the guests in the open air on the green in fi-ont of the tavern.

An old settler of Troy relates, among his early experiences, one, of attending a wedding, at which the groom was siimmarily called from his bride just as the knot was being tied. The pigs had escaped from the pen and made themselves heard at the door. There was no time to l)e wasted, and the minister, bride and company had to wait until the pigs were caught and securely imprisoned before the ceremony coiild proceed. The narrator of the storj' mentioned, also, the fact that he " sung at the wedding. "

Geowth And Development

When the first settlers of Troy entered the town, they had with them only such articles as were essential for their immediate wants. Thev brought no cattle nor stock of any kind, and the first thino- to be done, after the houses were built and the families under cover, was to provide themselves with the requisites for profitable farming. Accordingly, Messrs. Meacham and Snoor made a journey to Illinois in the fall of 1836. to buy cattle; another, the following spring, for hogs; and again, to Indiana, for seed grain for the crop of 1837. There was at this time no grist-mill in the county, and it required long and laborious journeys to procure even the most common comforts of life. The season was too far advanced when Messrs. Meacham. Spoor and Beardsley reached Troy to raise much except vegetables that season. In 1837. various kinds of grain were raised, but it was not until 1838 that any large quantity of wheat was raised. Had it not been for the fishing-rod and the gun. the larders of those days would have been even more scantily supplied than they were.

After the Milwaukee & Janesville mail route was laid out. in 1838. and an office established at Troy (Meacham' s, or Honey Prairie), the village grew quite rapidly, and bid fair to become a place of considersble importance. Maj. Meacham was appointed Postmaster of the new office, and continued to hold the position for many years. Mr. Soldan Powers states that he must have jierformed the duties of Postmaster before the mail route was established, as he met the Major in May, 1837, on his way to Milwaukee for the mail. Mr. Powers being at the time on his way to Troy to select his claim. At this time. Maj. Meacham was probably the most influential man in the county. His prompt decision and equally prompt action, combined with his cheerful, hearty spirit, seemed to infuse life into the town where ho lived. About 1838 or 1839, he opened a public house on the Milwaiikee & Janesville road, which he kept for a long time. About 1843. he erected a barn, which served as a sort of public hall for a time. It was 40x100 feet the largest in the county, and. perhaps, in the Territory. The Troy Flouring- Mill was built by him in 1844, on Honey Creek, near his residence. It was a three-story building, very fine for the time in which it was built.

A public or district school was started at Troy as early as 1839. It was District No. 1. and the school tax was levied upon the parents of the scholars in proportion to the number of children they sent. A log schoolhouse was erected, and a teacher. Miss Lucinda Allen -now Mrs. Young;' she taught the next summer in District No. 3. Edmund Butts afterward taught, at $10 per month, the first winter school in a private house. Mr. Butts and his wife lived in the house. The number of scholars was ten. The school was in the northern part of the town. Miss Allen taught in District No. 3. Butts taught the first school in town (in Disti-ict No. 1).

The fii-st assessment list of Troy (1842) shows 130 resident landholders and 35 non-resident owners. The land came into market three years previoiis.

Separation Of The Towns

The old town of Troy was divided, by act of Legislature, Mai'ch 21. 1843. The question of division had been agitated for some time, as the size of the town proved a soiu-ce of inconvenience in aiTanging for public meetings which embraced the citizens fi'om its extreme limits. The western part of the town was gradually becoming known as West Troy, and letters to the residents were so addi-essed. As that portion had the claim of priority of settlement, the settlers wished to retain the old name, and accordingly, a petition was presented to the Legislatiu'e signed by leading citizens of the west part of the tovm. praying that their portion might be set off from the township as it then existed, and that it might still retain the name of Troy. The petition was ])artially granted - the town was set off, but. to the utter disgust and indignation of Maj. Meacham, it was given the name of " Meacham." The Major was not a man easily thwarted when he had set his mind on cam'ing a measiu'e. and. believing that it was thi'ough the influence of citizens of the eastern portion of the town that the old name was denied, he lost no time, but immediately started for Madison to fix things more in accordance with his sense of justice and propriety. He aiTanged matters to his entire satisfaction; as he expressed it. "I let them know there was a God in Israel." The petition was granted according to the original request, and the citizens and the Major rejoiced at the name of simple, unpretixed " Troy." So the older town (by a few weeks) received no more letters bearing the offensive address of " West Troy. " and the younger, to its soitow. had no office for " East Troy " letters to be addressed to for the space of a year.

Town Meetings And Roster

The first town meeting of Troy (before its separation from East Troy) was held, according to notice, " at the house occupied by Austin McCracken in said town, on the 5th day of April, 1842, between the hours of 9 and li o'clock A. M." (See East Troy.)

The first town meeting held by the voters of the present town of Troy was at the house of Augustvis Smith, ou the first Monday in May, 1843. The meeting was organized by appointing Augustus Smith, Moderator, and Soldan Powers, Clerk. The meeting then adjourned to the schoolhouse near Jesse Meacham"s residence. Upon again calling the meeting to order, Augustus Smith was again chosen Moderator, and Heiuy C. Porter, Clerk. The officers elected at this meeting were as follows:

Among other resolutions, the following were passed at this meeting: " That the town raise $50 for the support of the public schools for the ensuing year; that the town officers should receive 50 cents per day for services rendered; and that the town raise $75 for its'contingent expenses for the ensuing year."

1870 - Sujjervisors, W. H. Mayhew, Chairman; William Vandenburgh, Austin Randall; Town Clerk, B. Revnolds (elected but did not sei-ve), Soldan Powers (appointed); Treasurer, W. A. Dean.

Teoy Center

The village of Troy Center is located on Sections 14 and 15 in the town of Troy. Previous to the coming of the railroad, a " neighborhood" had sprung up about half a mile north of the present village on Sections 10 and 11. The first settlers there were Soldan Powers, A. M. Perry and George W. Blanchard. in May. 1837. They, with the exception of Mr. Blanchard - who came from Milwaukee- came from (.hicago. The lirst house built was of logs, in size 10x12 feet, and covered with oak bark. This they lived in until a larger one, 10x22, one and a half stories high, was built, in which they lived dui'ing the following winter. A few dwellings were subsequently erected here, but the place assumed no importance until the coming of the railroad, in 1871, when the village was moved to its present location. The land on which the village is built was purchased from J. G. Briggs by some of the railroad officials in 1871, and platted into village lots. Charles Wyman erected the first house on the village plat, during the same year. J. A. Schwartz also built and opened a store at that time. Will- i;im H. Dewitt built a warehouse in 1871. lu November, 1870, N. M. Bunker and L. J. Smith associated themselves under the firm name of Bunker & Smith, and piu'chased this warehouse, which they are still operating, dealing in grain, wool, live stock, etc.

The Troy Center Hotel was built by George Dewitt, in 1871, and purchased by Bingham Sprague. ]\Lr. Sprague kept it until he disposed of it. in 1876, to its ])resent proprietor, Abram Beachtel.

The tiouring-niill at Troy was built by Jesse Meaoham in 1844. It has since been burned down twice, and rebuilt each time. It is now owned by J. A. Pierce, of Sugar Creek, and operated by George McCarty. It is known as the Empire Mills. It is two stories high and has thi'ee run of stone.

At a very early day, a saw-mill was built ou Section 31. There was afterward a grist-mill started in the same locality, known as the Foster Mill, built by Bemis Foster, of Elldiorn. It was first run by Mr. Foster, and afterward by Patterson & Lane until the former's death. November 13, ISSl. It is now run by Mr. Lane.

In 1871. a warehouse was built at this point by subscription, under the supervision of John Mather, and the railroad company established a station there. Subsequently, the ware house was burned down, and, in 1872. was rebuilt by John Matheson, Mr. Matheson, at about the same time, built and opened a store, blacksmith-shop, etc. In 1873, he was commissioned as Postmaster at this point, in accordance with a petition presented to the Post Office Department asking for the establishment of the office. Dui'ing the same year, he was made railroad and express agent, and telegraph operator. !Mr. Matheson carries a general stock of goods, and deals in live stock, grain, wool, and all kinds of produce. Mayhew Station is connected with East Troy by a telephone line, built by John Matheson and H. H. Rogers.

Little Prairie is a small hamlet in the extreme northwestern part of the town of Troy. Adam E. Ray and the Bigelow families were among the prominent early settlers.

The Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch was the earliest organized in that section, Elder Butts, a revivalist, being the fii'st mover in its formation. A small building was erected for the society, which, after being moved several times, was finally sold to John Credicutt.

The Bible Christians organized a society at Little Prairie about the year 1858, holding their first services in a schoolhouse. They subsequently purchased the " Temperance Hall," and remodeled it into a church building, which was destroyed by fire. About l874. the society built another chiu'ch, and organized a society, the first members of which were Joseph Lackey, James Baird, Jerome Cook, Hemy Cook. William H Morrison, William Malcolmson, Thomas Coombs and others. A Sabbath school has been maintained in connection with the church. The first pastor was Rev. Hem-y El)betts, who has been succeeded by the following clergymen:

The society of the Seventh-Day Adventists of Little Prairie held their first meeting January ly, 1807, at the house of C. W. Olds, in the town of Eagle, Waukesha Co., Wis. The first Trustees were Pliny Potter, 0. W. Olds and William Cartley. The society owns a church building, but it is not at present in a very flom-ishing condition.

The school grounds are all in Troy; the district comprises two and a half acres, being situated in foiu* towns - Troy, La Grange, Eagle and Palmvra. The school property is valued at $1,800.

Methodist. - In 1837, the old Aztalan Circuit was organized, and an appointment established at Troy. The first preachers were Revs. Samuel Pillsbm-y and Jesse Halstead. A quarterly meeting was held dm'ing the year at Meacham's Prairie.

Tlie C(»igr-e(/ational Clmrcli was organized August 17, 1839, by Rev. Lemuel Hall. There were twenty-five constituent members. In the ten years following its organization, the church was increased by eighty-three, having had, in all, a membership of 108. In 1848, the church and society erected a church edifice costing $1,400, with a seating capacity of about 300.

There was at this time a Sunday school connected with the chiu-ch, which was largely attended and very successful. There have been ( onnected with the church as pastors: Rev. Lemuel Hall, Rev. M. Ordway, Rev. D. A. Sherman, Rev. S. Chaffee, Rev. C. E. Rosenkranz, Rev. R. R. Snow, Rev. Millon Wells, Rev. James Hall and Rev. E. Sedgwick. The church became weakened in consequence of some internal disagreement, and, about I860, it was sold, and is now used for school purposes.

The War Record

Troy stood the siege of the war days in the spirit of her namesake several centuries ago. She furnished her full quota, and raised $12,659 as her share of blood money in putting down the rebellion. Her record, as found in the general war history, is one over which she need not blush. ,

Trot In 1881

In 1881, there were 5,331 acres sown to gi-ain, 215 acres of orchard, 3,000 acres of mowing and pasture lands, and 2,600 acres of growing timber.

There were five whole and five joint school districts. The scholars between the ages of four and twenty years numbered 329, of which number 230 attended school. There were seven schools, taught by eight teachers, at monthly wages averaging $35.83 for male, and $21.92 for female teachers. The total amount expended during the year for school purposes was $3,473. There were seven schoolhouses, valued, including the sites at $5,150.

Bioghaphical Sketches

F. A. BENNETT, farmer. Section 20, Troy; P. O. Adams; one of the prominent farmers of Walworth, was born at New Berlin, Waukesha Co., Wis., Augiist 2, 1847; received a common-school education and was brought up a farmer. In 1872, his father gave him 160 acres of land, located on Section 20, Troy, since which time he has been farming the same. He now has tine buildings and other good improvements, so that his land is valued at $45 per acre. He was married, October 15, 1873, to Miss Celia S. Kling, daughter of J. R. and Emily (Bliss) Kling, aud have one child - Blanche. In politics, he is a Republican, with temperance principles.

J. M. BREWSTER, farmer. Section 22, Troy; P. O. Troy Center; was born in Troy Jan. 17, 1847; received a common-school education; remained with his parents on the farm, and, in December, 1870, was married to Miss Roxie Randolph, daughter of Charles and Anna (Cowell) Randolph, and is now engaged farming on the estate of his father, Hiram Brewster, deceased. The children are CaiTie J. and Charles H.

HIRAM BREWSTER (deceased), one of the early pioneers of Walworth, was a native of New Ham])shire, born near Dover Dec. 21, 1806; learned the trade of a machinist, and, in 1841, was man-ied to Miss Achsha Mansur, a native of Vermont, born in 1812. He then came to Wisconsin, lived in East Troy two years, when he settled on Section 22, Troy, where he followed farming daring the remainder of his life. At his death, which occui'red Jan. 18, 1861, he owned 300 acres of land, which he left to his wife, who has since carried on the same. She now owns 437 acres, 280 of which is worth $40 per acre and the balance valued at $20 per acre. The children are J. M. and George, both of whom are now helping take care of the estate. .

NATHA.NIEL M. BUNKER, of the town of Troy, Sec. 10; P. O. Troy Center; one of the prominent farmers and senior member of the firm of Bunker & Smith, Troy Center; was bom in the town of Milan, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1817. He lived at home until 18 years of age. when he commenced to work in a foundry in the city of Troy, N. Y., which was his principal business, although he worked at varioiis employments until 1840, when he was married to Miss Phebe E. Prescott, removing to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., serving as foreman in the foundiy of A. J. Coffin & Co. for fourteen year.s. His wife died in 1853, leaving three children - Henrietta S.

now Mrs, L. E. Perrv, of Dunham Park, Kan.; Sarah M. , now Mrs. Charles B. Babcook, and Nathaniel P., deceased. In 1854, he married Miss Phebe S. Coffin, and came to Wisconsin March 17, 1855; settled in the town of Troy on a farm of 160 acres, valued at $40 per acre. The children by his second wife are Carrie C, Ward S. and George W. Since November, 1875, has been in [)artner.ship with L. J. Smith, in the warehouse at Troy Center. Mr. B. is a Republican in politics, has hold several town offices, and, in 1876, represented his own district in the Assembly.

S. B. CHATFIELD, farmer, Section 18; P. O. Adams; one of the early settlers and prominent farmers of Walworth; is a native of Connecticut, born Oct. 21, 1822. when he was but 2 or 3 years old, the family removed to Chenango Co., N. Y. ; here the mother died, when he wa-j but 7 years old, and, three years later, the father died. Thus, at the age of 10 years, he was left at the mercy of the world to take care of hibiself. He was soon bound out by his uncle, who was his guardian, to a farmer by the name of Theodore Burchard, of the town of Hamilton, Madison Co., with whom he lived until he was 18 years of age, when Mr. B. rented his farm to Mr. James Stratton, and, as Mr. S. wished to have young Chatfield remain on the farm, he served out the balance of his time with Mr. S. Upon reaching his majority, he was given $100, two suits of clothes and a Bible, and, as he was now his own master, he served as a laborer for farmers also attended school one term, and, in 1846, started AVest to seek his fortune. On his way West, he stopped with his guardian, David Bard, who then resided in Ohio. Here he received $87, which was his share of his father's estate. He then came to Wisconsin, arriving at Troy Nov. 1, 1846, with $301 in money and a few carpenter's tools, which he pui'chased on his way to the West. He at once went to James Stratton, who had come West, and settled in Troy in 1843, where he made it his home until Dec. 22, 1849, when he was married to Mary E. Holcomb; he then settled where he now resides, having previously purchased SO acres of his present farm. Dee. 31, 1854, his wife died, leaving two children- Norman A. and Levi L. In

1857, he was married to Miss Catherine L. Gr. Kling, daughter of Jacob and Dorothy Kling, bv whom he had seven children - George K,, born June 8, 1858; Dewitt C, born Aug. 11, 1862; Omer C, born April 24, I860; Jane E., born Feb. 22, 1864; Jane E., who was accidentally burned to death, June 28, 1871, her clothing taking fii'e while asleep from sparks flying out of the stove; S. Libbie, born July 27, 1869; Alice J., born June 22, 1873; Senecca B.,born November 15, 1875. Mr. C. now owns 1181 acres of land (24 acres of marsh land, on Section 32, at $10 an acre), which has good improvements and is valued at $60 per acre. In polities, ho is a Republican, and in religion, a Bafttist. He has raised sugar cane and manufactiu'ed cane syrup for fifteen y.ears, taking an interest in its growth and best methods of manufacture.

THOMAS COOMBE, Section 18; P. O. Adams; a native of Cornwall. England: was born in 1814; brought up on a farm, and, in 1839, was married to Miss T. B. Hutchingn. In 1849, they emigrated to the United States with their three children; settled in the town of Palmyra, where he purchased a farm of 80 acres; continued working and improving the same until the year 1866, when he sold the said farm for $900 more than the purchasing price; in the same year, he bought an adjoining farm of 160 acres, hiirvesting four crops and then selling the same for $1,(500 more than it cost him, and, in June, of 1870, when he pui-chased his present farm, which contains 240 acres, situated on Section 18, town of Troy, where he has since resided. His family consists of ten children - John, Elizabeth, Serena, Oliver, Rosepha, Eliza. Emma, Hem-y, Levi and Ella. Death has never visited the house of this hardy pioneer. For many years past, both have been consistent members of the Bible Christian Church, father and sons being Republicans,

ALBERT HALL, farmer, Section 1; P, O. Troy Center; his father. W. H. Hall, is a native of Vermont, borh March 14, 1821; in 1828, the family removed to St. Lawrence, N. Y., and to Monroe County, from which place, in 1840, they came to Wisconsin, arriving at Whitewater November 4, but settled at Koshkonong, Jefferson Co., where W. H. was married, Feb. 24, 1845. In

1858, he removed to Whitewater, where he followed farming until 18f)9, when he purchased 160 acres of land, located on Section 1, Troy, and Section 6, East Troy, where he continued farming until 1881, in which year, on the Sth day of February, his wife died, leaving three childi-en - James J., of Marshalltown, Iowa; All)crt W., of Trov. and Lansing E., of Genesee,

"Waukesha Co. Mr. Hall is a Democrat, and, in 1861, enlisted in Company H, 18tb W. V. I., and served thi-ee years and two months. A. \V. Hall was born at Koshkonong, Jefferson Co., Wis., Aug. 0, 1848; has always lived with his pai-ents, and, in 1873, was man-ied to Miss Mary E. Webb, daughter of James and May (Stacy) Webb, and they now have one child - William. Mr. A. Hall now owns the homestead which he purchased in August, 1881. and is valued at $6,000.

E. A. HUBBARD, farmer. Section 24: P. O. East Troy; one of the early settlers; is the eldest son of Alfred and Hannah (Steel) Hubbard; born in Greene Co., N. Y., March 12, 18'24. When he was but 2 years of age, he was taken by his parents to Livingston County, where he received a common-school education, helped his parents till the soil, and subsequently clerked in a store two years. In 184."), he was married to Miss Eliza Kinney, daughter of Ezra and Louisa (dough") Kinney, and the same year came to Wisconsin and first settled in East Troy, where he pm-chased land, and followed farming until 1847, when he purchased his present farm of 1(30 acres, at $12 per acre, which he has well improved. The childi-en are Hannah L., Frank A., Edward A., Clara A., Willis P. and Paris P. In politics, Mr. H. is a Republican, and has held local offices. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

J. R. KLING, farmer. Section 19; P. O. Adams; one of the early pioneers and prominent men of Walwoi-th; is a son of Jacob and Dorothy (Gasper) Kling, and was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y., Jan. 7, 1815; received a common-school education; subsequently, was engaged on the canal, having charge of cargoes to and from New York City; dm-ing those years, he always had a desire to go West; he, therefore, in the fall of 1835, went to Michigan, where he purchased land, and, in the spring, went back East; he subsequently went to Michigan, and was exposed to many pioneer hardships. In the fall of 1839, he concluded to go farther West; this time he came to Wisconsin and soon found his way to Walworth; he at unce purchased land on Section 1, La Grange, and. two years later, pm-chased the land on which he now resides; dm-ing those years, he kept bachelor's hall, sewed on his own buttons and took care of himself, but, as this kind of life gi-ew more and more monotonous year by year, he began to look for a partner, and, Jan. 25, 1843, he was married to Miss Emily Bliss, daughter of Gideon and Prudence (Pease) Bliss; continued farming with marked success and reared a family of eight childi-en, seven of whom are now living -Mary E., now Mrs. George A. Matthews, of Woodbine, Iowa: Hem-y B., resident of Woodbine, Iowa: Celia S., now Mrs. F. A. Bennett, of Troy; Willard J., of Lake City, Colo., and Frank W., Edith A. and Ruby, living at home. Mi-. Kling now owns 160 acres of land, valued at $40 per acre. He is an active worker for the Republican party, always taking a great interest in conventions, and has held local offices. He is also an active worker for the cause of temperance. In religion, he is a Baptist.

JACOB KLING, who is at present the oldest living man in Walworth Co. , Wis. , was born in Schoharie Co., N. Y.. Dec. 27, 1784; was brought up on a fai-m, and, in 1808, was married to Dorothy Gasper, and brought up a family of twelve children, all of whom are now living, although the youngest of the chikh-en is nearly fifty years of age. The names of the childi-en are John L., born Jan. 25. 1810, resides at Syracuse. N. Y. ; Peter, born Dec. 2, 1811, resides in Schohai-ie Co., N. Y.; Hem-y, born Feb. 10, 1813, resides in Syracuse, N. Y.; Jacob R., born Jan. 7, 1815, resides in Troy. Wis.; Mary Ann, born July 30, 1817, now Mrs. John Anderson, resides in Troy, Wis.: William, born November 14, 1819, resides in Mason City, Iowa; Hiram, born Sept. 4, 1821, resides in Algonia, Iowa; Elizabeth, born July 27, 1823, now Mrs. H. E. Nourse. resides in Troy. Wis.; Norman, born May 7, 1825, resides in Rome, N. Y. : Christopher, born March 19, 1827. "resides in Utica, N. Y. ; George H.. born Jan. 29. 1829, resides in Chicago. 111.; Catharine L. G.. born May 10, 1832, now Mrs. S. B. Chatfield. resides in Troy, Wis. In about 1850, the aged couple came to Wisconsin to spend their remaining years with their son Jacob R.. where the mother died, in 1874. at the age of 81 years: the father still liv -s with his son at the advanced age of 97; he is in quite good health and able to walk to the neigiibors'.

WILLIAM S. LUMB. farmer. Section 30; P. O. Adams: one of the pioneers who settle 1 in Walworth in 1842: is a native of England, born Feb. 10, 1819; reared a sailor, and, in 1841. emigrated to the United States, and, after living one year in Oneida Co.. N. Y.. came to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth. First, he lived in La Grange one year-, then on Section 18, Troy, about seventeen years, after which he purchased his present farm and has since resided on the same. He now owns 160 acres, valued at $'2() per acre. Mi\ Lumb is a man of more thau ordinary intelligence and has a good memory.' He was married, in 1S41, to Ann Rayner, a native of England. She died in 18(59, leaving four children - William H. lives at Pensaukee, Oconto Co,; Frank B., lives at Rockdale, Milan Co., Texas; Ben; Lettie, now Mi's. James Shearer, of Eagle, Waukesha Co. Mr. L. is a Democrat. Ben Lumb was born in Troy, Wia , in 1857; received a common-school education: has been brought \vp a farmer; spent two year.s in the iron mines of Northei-n Michigan, aad now has charge of his father's farm.

GEORGE MacCARTHY, proprietor of Empire Mills, Troy; is a native of Ireland; born in 1844; learned the miller's ti'ade, and, in the year 1805, emigrated to the United States, landing at Portland, ile. He then went to New York City, where he landed March 17. and immediately started for Wisconsin and first stopjied with his brother, who resides at Palmji'a. Jefferson Co, But within one week he enlisted in Company H, 51st Wisconsin, and served until the close of the war, when he was mustered out as Corporal. Returning to Wisconsin, he worked at his trade at Janesviile a few months, then at Quincy, Mich., a short time, when he came to Walworth County and worked in the East Troy Mills three years; then a short time at Richland Center, after which, in partnership with his father, he rented a mill at Dover, Iowa Co., which they ran six months. He then returned to Walworth, and, for the next two years, 1870 and 1871, was head miller in the East Troy Mills. The next seven years he was foreman in the City Mills, of Madison, since which time he has been proprietor of the Empire Mills, having rented the same May 15, 1880. In 1881, he leased the Lake Mills, of La Grange, and now nms the same. He also owns 120 acres of land in Eagle, Waukesha Co.. valued at $30 per acre. The children living are Tessie, George, Lizzie, Fred and Jennie.

L. MARTIN, farmer, Section 18; P, O. Adams; was born in the State of New York May 4, 1824; reared on a farm, received a common-school education, and, in 1844. came to Wisconsin and soon purchased his pi-esent farm. In 1840, he was married to Miss Dyantha Bliss, daughter of Gideon and Prudence Bliss, and has since followed fai-ming with the exception of the time from 1856 to 1865, when he was engaged in the blacksmith and wagon business at Troy. He now owns 120 acres of land, valued at $35 per acre. The children living are Chester, Frances (now Mrs. Fred Bowman, of Iowa), Ai-thur, Hattie and Willie. In politics, Mi-. M. is a Republican; in religion, a Baptist.

W. P. ME.ACH.IM, farmer. Section 25; P. O. Troy, is a son of U. D. and Prudence (Gidds) Meacham, and gi-andson of Maj. Jesse Meacham; he was born in Troy Sept. 27, 1836, and is, therefore, the first male child born in Walworth County. "When he was 8 years of age, he moved to Elkhorn, and, in 1852, to Freeport, 111. The next four years, he spent in rambling about in different States, when he retm-ned to Freeport and followed farming at that place for about eight year, during which time, in 1861, he was married at Monroe, Wis,, to Miss Celesta J. Smith, daughter of Stephen and Amanda M. (Carter) Smith, In February. 1865, returned to Troy to take charge of his grandfather, Maj. Meacham, and subsequently, on the death of his gi-andfather, he came in possession of the estate, which he now owns, the same containing 21(1 acres, valued at $50 per acre. Mr. M. now keeps forty cows, manufactures about 8,000 pounds of butter per annum and about (500 poumis of curd per week. He is a Democrat in politics and has held local offices; he is not a religious man, but is an honest, itpright citizen, who is highly respected by his fellow-men. The childi'en are Carrie and Herford C.

FRANCIS MINETT", farmer. Section 21; P. O. Troy Center: is a native of England, born Oct 21, 1835; in 1840, with his parents, William and Sarah Minett, he came to the United States and at once came to Wisconsin and settled in the town of Troy, Francis lived at home but little, as he spent most of his time in the employ of other parties until 1855, when he was man-ied to Polly, daughter of Edwin and Mary Randall. She was born Jan. 16, 1837, in Genesee County. State of New York. He then followed farming for a number of years on Section 16, Troy, where he ptu-chased his present farm, which contains lUO acres, valued at $35 per acre. The children ai-e Albert F., Chai-les S., Jennie May, Hattie, Frank F. and Mattie E. Mr. M. is a Republican and has held local offices. He also took part in the war of the late rebellion. His father died Nov. 19, 1868, aged 83 years: Sarah, his mother, died Sept. 22, 1859, aged (3 years. The children were born as follows: Albert F., born Feb. 10, 1857; Charles S., born March 2, 18(30; Jennie M., born June 20, 1866; Hattie. born March 18, 1872; Frank F,. born Aug. 31, 1876; Mattie E., born Jan. 8. 1879.

H. E. NOURSE, farmer. Section 20; P. O. Adams; one of the prominent farmers of Walworth County;, is a native of Vermont, born in May. 1824. In 1825, they removed to Herkimer Co.. N. Y. Here he received a common-school education, helped till the soil, and, in February. 1849, was married to Miss Elizabeth Klinf:^. dauvjhter of Jacob and Dorothy Kling. and the following May came to Wisconsin and at once settled where he now resides and has since followed farming with marked success. He now owns 180 acres of land, 100 of which is improved and valued at S40 per acre, and 80 acres unimproved, valued at SIO per acre. He keeps a dairy of thirty cows and manufactxires large quantities of butter and Dutch cheese; he has one daughter - Clara F. Mr. N. is a Republican in politics and has held local offices; in religion, he is a Baptist.

N. J. RANDOLPH, farmer. Section 22; P. O. Troy Center; son of Charles and Ann (Cowell) Randolph. He was born in Spencer. Tioga Co., N. Y., Sept. 11. 1845; was brought by his parents to Wisconsin and lived with them in Granville. Milwaukee Co., seven years, when the family removed to Walworth County, and settled in the town of Troy. Here he helped till the soil, and, in 187*), was married to Miss Ella, daughter of Edwin and Catharine De Puy, of East Troy; in January, 1879, his father deeded his farm, which contains 120 acres, valued at $50 per acre. His parents are both living with him. In politics, he is a Republican.

CHARLES RANDOLPH, is a native of Fredericksburg. Va. ; when tlu-ee years of age, was taken by his parents to Tioga Co., N. Y., where. Oct. 28, 1834, he was married to Anna Cowell. In 1848. he came to Wisconsin and lived in Granville, Milwaukee Co., until 1855, when he came to Walworth, purchased 120 acres of land on Section 22, Troy, which he cultivated until January, 1879, when he deeded the same to his son, Nathan J. The children are Harvey L.,of Troy Center; Mary E., now IMrs. M. Lytton, of Talbot Co.. Md.; William H.. of Illinois; Nathan J., of Troy, and Roxie, now Mrs. John Bresster, of Troy.

JOHN A. SCHWARTZ, merchant, Troy Center: oldest son of Paul and Elizabeth (Wagner) Schwartz; was born at Saline, N. Y., in 1840; was brought by his parents to Troy, Wis., in 1848, and here helped till the soil until 1867, when he was man-ied to Elizabeth Wilmer, daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth, of East Troy. He then engaged in mercantile business at East Troy, which he continued for one year, then carried on a general huckster trade eighteen months, at the end of which time he came to Troy Center, where he has since been doing a general mercantile business, carrying a stock of about $3,500. He is a Republican, but takes no interest in politics, more than to perform his duties as a citizen. His children are Albert, Bernard, Flora, George, Edna, John and Walter.

PAUL SCHWARTZ, retired; P. O. Troy Center; a native of Bavaria, Gennany, born in 1811, and, in 1832, the family emigrated to the United States and settled in the State of New York. In 1838, Paul Schwartz was married to Miss Elizabeth Wagner, and, in 1843, he came to Wisconsin, arriving in the town of Troy with less than $40(\ but he immediately went to work, purchased 80 acres of land on Section 11, and, as he was a good financier, he purchased more land from time to time until he owned 339 acres, valued at $40 per acre. His wife died May 17, 1881, and, as he was getting pretty well along in years, he sold his farm to his son, John A., and retired from active life. His children are John A., Paul, Joseph, Caroline (now Mi's. William Porter, of Spring Prairie), Maiy (now Mrs. John A. Gould, of Cherokee, Iowa), Henry and Eliza (now Mrs. John Randall, of East Troy;.

AUGUSTUS SJHTH was born in Chester, Mass., Oct. 25. 1801; is the son of William and Sarah Smith; was married in Westtield in 1826, to Miss Almira Stiles. Their childi-en were William A. (Ruth H.. Sarah A., deceased); Sarah A., the second of that name, is now Mrs S. R. Edwards, of Sugar Creek (Mary A. M., deceased): Franklin H., Oliver P. and Austin E. ; the two younger were born in Wisconsin. Mr. Smith and family emigrated to Troy, W^is., in October, 1838, where he resided until July, 1854, when he removed to Beloit, Wis. , where he still resides. While a resident of Walworth County, he held many local offices; was one of the first, it not the first. President of the Walworth County Agricultural Society. He was an active member of the Congregational Chui'ch, and was much respected.

L. J. SMITH, farmer, Section 15; P. O. Troy Center; one of the prominent business men of Walworth County and a member of the firm of Bunker & Smith; son of Sylvester G. and Diana Smith; was born in the town of La Fayette, Walworth Co., in January, 1840. He was left motherless at the age of 12 years. In 1S62, he responded to the call of his country by enlisting in Coiui)any I, 28th Wisconsin; was chosen First Lieutenant before entering the field, and afterward was promoted to Captain, in which cajiacity he served itntil the close of the conflict, being mustered out of service in September, 18f')5. He then returned to his home in Troy, look charge of the homestead, and has since lived on the same, as he subsequently purchased it. He now owns 160 acres of well-improved land, valued at $40 per acre. Mr. Smith is a successful farmer, a good l)usiness man and a gentleman highly respected by his fellow-citizens. He is a Republican in politics, has held local offices, and was a member of the Assembly in 1881, He was married, in December, 1871, to Miss Helen M. Stewart; they have four children - Rollin, Mary, Clai-a and Carroll.

JAMES STRATTON (deceased) was born in Wiltshire, England, Feb. 14, 1804. Here he passed his early days, man'ied in 1832, and the next year came to America, settling in Hamilton, Madisou Co., N. Y. Living as a farmer in the East for over ten years; he came West in the summer of 1843 and settled in Troy with his wife and only child - W. J. Stratton. Mr. Stratton died, Jan. 1, 1849. His widow was married two years later to Jacob Watson. She still resides on Section 20. Their only child - a daughter - E. A. Watson, is now Mrs. Webb, and lives in Dm-ango, Colo.

Source changes here: from History of Walworth County, Wisconsin .., by Beckwith, Albert C. (Albert Clayton), published 1912; 2,630 words in this source stream.

Troy Town

As one of the five towns constituted by the act of January 2, 1838, Troy included the next eastward township, set off March 21, 1843, as East Trov- The present town is Xo. 4 north, range 17 east. It is not known why it was so called, but it may have been that its discoverer preferred a short and easily spelled name. About the time of the separation from East Troy the Legislature conferred upon that town the old name and renamed the older town Meacham. To this the sensible Major objected and to such purpose that the two towns were immediately named as at present.

hxcepting the large Honey creek marsh in the southern one-third of the town, the ground is moderately high and well drained. Barometrical obser- \ations, taken at eight points, give heights above sea-level ranging between 811 and 895 feet. The principal water course is Honey creek, which comes of Lagrange into section 31. passes through a corner of section 30 and thence across the town into section 30 of East Troy. Crooked creek flows through sections 4, 9, 10, 3, 2 into Lake Lulu, thence over the county line into Eagle lake and joins itself to the outflow of Beulah lakes. Booth lake, in sections 13, -'4, has no inflowing nor outflowing stream. Its area is one hundred and twenty-five acres and it- greatest depth is twenty-five four-tenths Feet. Pickerel lake, its little companion in section 13, discharges by a short 1 ourse to the Beulah group. The name I [oney creek is a translation of its only native name preserved, - Ah-moo-Ms-po-<|net-se-pee. and had some aptness from a number of bee trees found and robbed before wasteful white men came and made it needless to place wild honey in the tariff list. Besides the marsh about to become meadow, there are a few gravel knobs of no considerable heighl which rise above the prairie and timbered land: but the town generally is tin- home of prosperous farmers.

Major Jesse Meacham and Adolphus Spoor came from Washtenaw county, Michigan, in September, 1835, to Milwaukee, whence they set out for Rock river valley by way of Waukesha and Mukwonago, and as they passed noted favorably the valley of Honey creek. They went home by way of Chicago, and on May-day, 1836. set forth again with their families and household goods which were hauled by two ox teams. They plodded through Chicago to Racine and thence by Ives Grove to the ford at Rochester. The Fox was then at high water and they crossed with some difficulty and with danger of overturn in mid-stream. They left the families at Levi Godfrey's, a halting place and a host long memorable to pioneers of at least two counties, and went forward, marking their trail as they went by ways till then untrodden by white men, to their chosen place in section 25. Since they had left the old home atLodi the brothers, Alexander and Othni Beardslev, and Mr. Roberts, also from Michigan, had marked the claim for their own and one of them had a fortnight before begun plowing. It was now May 27th. These five were reasonable men and they in possession sold their claim to Meacham and Spoor and chose their land in other sections.

These men had means sufficient for the wants of early settlers, and they began at once to build their houses on which they bestowed unusual labor. It is told that they sawed boards by hand for their floors and joiner-work. It is not probable that many boards were sawn from each log, nor that their flooring was much less than a half-log in thickness. While they were at this work John S. Spoor came and bought Alexander Beardsley's new claim in section 30, and with him Sylvanus Spoor, who bought in section 24. Othni Beardsley's later claim was in sections 23, 26.

Among men of 1S37 were George W. Blanchard, section 11: Samuel Fowler, 27; Charles Heath, 26; George Hibbard, 26; Marcus Montague, 35; Albon M. Perry, 10. 14: Soldan Powers, 10, and Horace Smith. In the next year and thereafter came Elias Truman and William 11. Hibbard, section 26; Jacob R. Kling29, 30; John Mayhew 34; Ansel II. Odell 35: Anson, Charles II. and Ebenezer Robinson jj: George W. Robinson i~ ; Warren Ames Robinson 23.

Patents were issued from the land office at Milwaukee to John and William I!. Austin, section 30: James Babcock. 20; Lewis Bartlett, [8; Chester C. and John C. Beach. 7; Samuel Brush Beardsley, 21 : Ezra Bennett, 29; John E. Bolkcom, 3: Benjamin Bonney, 20; Hiram Brewster, 2j; Chauncey Brown, 11. 12; Alexander F. Bunker, 10: Calvin Cary. 3; John

Chester C. Beach (1823-1882) was born in Connecticut and died at Heart Prairie. He married, first, Elizabeth A. Reynolds: second, Harriet J. Kmmons.

Samuel Fowler (1809-1894), son of Linus Fowler and Huldah Bagg, was born in Xew Hampshire. His wife, Dorothy A., a native of Vermont, daughter of Allen Dewey, died in 1885.

Elias Hibbard (1793-1856) had wife Lydia C. (1800-1875); George, his brother (1807-1900), married, first, Elizabeth Clark, 1808-1865; second, Airs. Xaomi Waters. He died at Elkhorn. The Hibbards of Troy were Massachusetts-born.

Mrs. Adeline L. (Goodrich) Keats (1806-1879) was born in Connecticut, and came to Troy from Michigan. Two of her sisters were married to two of the Spoor cousins.

John King (1806-1899), son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was born in Lancashire. His wife was Hannah Hilton (1808-18S7). They came to Rome, Xew York, in 1837, and from 1841 lived in Lagrange.

Jacob Kling (1785-1883) married Dorothy Gasper .(' 1 793- 1874). They were of Schoharie county, Xew York. Xot all of their fourteen children came with them to Troy, but enough of them to connect by marriage a considerable part of southwestern Troy.

John Morrison 11815-1864) married Rachel Lightbody (1815-1898). William Henry, their son. was for several years director of farmers' institutes for Wisconsin.

Hiram E. Xourse (1824 ), son of Elisha Xourse and Sarah Murdock, of Vermont, married Elizabeth (1823-1885), daugbter of Jacob and Dorothy Kling.

Asaph Pern' (1779-1856) and wife Anna (T 787-1858) had sons, John Adams, who became sheriff, and Albon Mann (1817-1902), whose first wife, Susan, was born in 1825 and died in 1870. Both sons lived long at Elkhorn, and were radically opposed in politics.

Soldan Powers (1805-1889) came from Vermonl in 1N37 and, May 31, 1842, married Ann Flanders (1820-1899). who was a -i-u-r of Royal C. Flanders, of East Troy. Mr. Powers was a man of education, property and influence, lie served his town variously and for several years as member of county board, town clerk and justice of the peace. lie was of the I >cmocratic old guard of the county.

Martin Ray, born 1779. married Caroline Phelps (1781-1849), who died at the home of one of her sons. Three of their large family came to the county, and all had some part in its greater affairs. These were Adam E., George Augustus, and" Henry M. ; the last named was of Delavan.

Paul Schwartz (1811-1895), born in Bavaria, was son of Adam Schwartz, who came to America in 1832. Paul married Elizabeth Wagner ( 1 Sr 5-1881). Their children are yet well known in the Troys.

Major Meacham made his village, which he named Troy, at the point where the line between sections 25 and 26 is crossed by the Milwaukee and Janesville road, though that was not laid out until 1838. This was a few rods south of Honey creek, which afforded a good water power at which Meacham built his grist mill in 1844. This mill was well built and equipped and was long locally useful. In 1839 he was a licensed inn-keeper. In 1843 ne Duut the largest barn in the county. Tt was forty feet wide and one hundred feet long, and it was not merely a barn, for it served for dancing and for other public gatherings.

A school was opened in 1839. Lucinda, daughter of Dr. Daniel Allen and Olive English, taught in a neighboring district of the town in 1840. Miss Allen was twice married, first to John Mayhew and then to John Young, and there were three children of each marriage. Two of her Mayhew children became teachers. Her eldest daughter of second marriage was Emma, who became wife of William Pitt Meacham.

Troy was a fairly promising village until it found itself shunned by railway builders. It had a mill, tavern, stores, shops, postoffice, church, school and cemetery. Its two intersecting streets are well traveled highways, and the surrounding country is fair and fertile. It is but two and one-half miles from East Troy, its more thriving ri\al : three miles from the railway station at Troy (enter, and nearly as distant from Mayhew. Within the period between 1N57 and [880 the village felt the depressing influence which for a greal pari of that period had affected the larger villages of the county, and it- aspect was to stranger eyes thai of a hamlet for which two panic periods and a civil war had wholly blighted every earlier hope. The changes which encouraged and brightened elsewhere brought a quickening spirit to Troy. Housebuilding, repairing, painting, lawn-mowing and tree-trimming have made it look at least pleasantly habitable.

Stewart in 1854, and Edward Wright in 1858. For the next eleven years at the least, Troy flour was as good as the best. John A. Pierce, of Millard, bought the mill in 1869 and after a few more years it was left to decay and fall.

The church was Congregational and was organized August 17, 1839, by Rev. Lemuel Hall, of Geneva, whose pastorate then reached, in effect, from the state line to the northern county line. This society built its church in 1848. Twelve years later it became and is yet a school house. In its rear is the little cemetery where Major Meacham, his wife and one of her sons were buried. (Xext to the church eastward is the Major's later built house, where William Pitt Meacham, the first-born of Troy, died November 3. 191 1. He was the son of Urban D. Meacham and Prudence Geddes, and was born September 27, 1836.) After Mr. Hall the Congregational pastors were Mr. Ordway, David A. Sherman, Solomon Chaffee. Cvrus E. Rosekrans, Roswell Robinson Snow. Milton Wells, James Hall, Avelyn Sedgwick.

Major Meacham carried mail unofficially to and from Milwaukee until 1838 when a postoffice was established and himself commissioned lawfully. He held this post for many years, undisturbed by the ins and outs of Presidents. After him the office was generally at one of the stores. His most noteworthy successor, perhaps, was George H. Streng, about 1894, who, a short time before, had killed a burglar - though of that the appointing power was not informed.

Troy Center

Troy Center, in sections 14. 15, was a creation of the railway company which in 1871 needed a station there, at a meeting of highways. In that year Charles D. Haven and Daniel A. Olin, for the company, bought of James Gardiner Briggs 359-37 acres. In the same year these three men joined in a deed "to the public" of land included in a village plat. A postoffice was established, a hotel, stores, warehouse, blacksmith shop were built and thirty or more comfortable homes made there. Charles Wyman built the first house. John A. Schwartz built the first store, George Dewitl built the hotel, and William H. Dewitt built the warehouse, afterward owned and occupied by Nathaniel M. Bunker and l.indsey J. Smith, and now by John A. and Albert A. Schwartz. As early as 1837 George W. Blanchard, Albon M. Perry and Soldan Powers formed a little group of settlers about a half mile north of the station, bur from this no village resulted.

The Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Troy and East Troy was incorporated in July, 1875, for business in these towns with Lafayette and Spring Prairie. Its policies in force at the end of 1910 were 440, amounting to $1,273,598. Losses paid since 1875 amount to $27,805. Its present officers are Alexander Fraser, of Honey Creek, president ; Paul Schwartz, of East Troy, secretary.

The station has been an important distributing point for lumber and coal and shipping point for grain, wool and dairy products. Nearly one mile north a side-track leads to a Chicago company*s ice-houses, from which about one thousand five hundred carloads are shipped yearly. Lulu lake, from which this natural product is taken, is small, but deep and clear, and affords as pure ice as the sanitary authorities may require.

Jesse Halstead and Samuel Pillsbury were sent as early as 1837 to plant the Methodist Episcopal church in Honey creek valley. It is not told precisely how and where the members met until 1848, when the Congregational church at Troy was opened to them. No doubt, too, they made the school houses serve their need. For several years the members seem to have distributed themselves among the churches of neighboring towns. In 1894 came a renewal of active interest and Mr. Briggs save the society a lot at Troy Center and a comfortable church was built on it. Its pastors have been D. B. Coffeen ; Thomas Potter, 1895; John Albert Collinge. 1896; John C. McClain, 1902; Ambrose C. Jett, 1905; Samuel Lugg. 1907; Horatio S. Martin, 1908; Harris E. Drew, 1909; George W. Lester, 1910.

Mayhew, in section 33. less than four miles from Troy Centre, began in 1N71 with John Matheson's warehouse, store, lumber sheds and blacksmith shop, and was at once made a station and a postoffice, the latter now discontinued. Mr. .Matheson was one of the most energetic business men in his quarter of the county, and he saw no reason why the grain and lumber trade mighl not be made profitable to himself anil locally convenient. lie passed thence to Easl Troy and finally to Elkhorn. Wherever he went lie drew to himself active and profitable trade. Excepting the station, which was named from Jesse Mayhew, on wln.se land it was built, the buildings, all of which were Matheson's, are unoccupied.

Little Prairie

Little Prairie, in section 6, is known as the early home of Adam E. Ray, the Harlow, Olds, and a few other old families, once numerous there and hard by. Mr. Ray gave or sold a fine field for a cemetery, now well peopled and well cared for, in 1850; a lot for the Methodist church in 1858; and one for the Bible Christians in 1861. Dexter B. Olds gave a deed to the Seventhday Adventist society in 1867. The membership of these bodies was partly of Lagrange, and of the country about Eagle and Palmyra. Only the Methodist church is now left, and for ministerial purposes is joined to the pastorate at Palmyra.

Adams, at the quarter line of sections 18 and 19, was for a few years named in the postal guide, and a little burial ground is one mark of its site. It was not a village but a neighborhood. The families of Brophy, Chatfield, Coombe, Kling, Lackey, Xourse and Terwilliger were among those grouped within range of its postoffice delivery.

Bemis Foster bought an interest in the water power in section 31, in 1854. This is the outflow of Mill lake, of the Lauderdale group. Here he ground grists until 1865 when he sold to William Patterson, who at once conveyed the mill to William B. Lean, whose flour had a wide demand.

There are six school districts wholly within the township limits, besides a joint district with Eagle and one with Lagrange. The schools, as in other towns, are feeders for the high schools of neighboring villages and cities.