Waukesha City (part 3 of 6)

North Gfenesee. - This village, called in an early day Jenkinsville, began its career soon after Mr. Jenkins built the log cabin. Mr. Holt kept the first store in a building near the present store of Mr. Bovpman, in 1844. The first framehouse, was 1 uilt by Pitts Ellis in 1843, where he lived for many years, and which still remains. In that year, a frame schoolhouse was erected, and Cyrus Remington taught the school at $10 per month. The following year, the Owenites settled here. One of the oldest physicians in the county, Dr. Steele, settled here at that time. Mr. Farnham and family, and Mr. Prentice and family, and many others, settled here at that time or soon after. The church of the Congregational society, in this town (built in 1851), is located here, besides a fine grist-mill, and the cheese factory already mentioned. One of the finest springs in the county was found near here. The flouring mill here was erected by B. F. Jenkins about 1848. It is a solid stone structure three stories in height. From Mr. Jenkins it passed into the hands of Mr. Hart, from whom it was purchased by James Bogley & Son, 1855, who has since run it, though in partnership with others. Tredway & Barker started a store here in 1844. Mr. Tredway was also Postmaster, and, as the story goes, Mr Elmore succeeded in getting him removed because he defied him (Elmore). Henry Hardy was appointed in his place, and carried on a tailor-shop, postoffice, store, etc.

There is an Odd Fellows' lodge here, organized September 27, 1869. Charter members: B. S. Winchell, James Proctor, A. L. Williams, K. B. Rowlands and W. H. Hardy. First oflScers as follows: N. G., B. S. Winchell; V. G., W. H. Hardy; Sec'y, A. L. Williams; Treas., R. B. Rowlands. The lodge was first held at the house of H. D. Carr. It is now held at the Odd Fellows' Hall, purchased in 1877 of Mr. Prentice. There are at present thirty-six members. Thomas Steele has two cheese factories, one located on White Creek, in North Genesee, which was built in 1875. The other factory was built by Mr. Frank Shultis, the same year, on the farm of J. A. Jones ; from him Mr. Steele purchased it in 1878, and moved it to Roderick's Corners, on Section 17, where it now stands. Old Rufus Watson and Mr. Farnham are perhaps the oldest settlers living in the village of Genesee, although there are several others who came in at nearly the same time, among whom may be mentioned John Paul, Dr. Steele and H. V. Prentice.

In 1845, a number of the ladies laid a scheme to surprise their good men, on the 4th of July, with a picnic, and succeeded to a charm in carrying out their aim and having a good time.

Genesee Depot and the surrounding stores and residences are of course, of much later growth than North or South Genesee (called Saylesville). The depot was the^ first building of any importance built. Mr. Jenkins owned the land at that time, upon part of which he built and kept store and warehouse and bought produce. The hotel was erected about 1861, by P. Lynch. There are at present two or three stores and various mecha'nics' shops, and a fine warehouse, this being a very good grain-buying and shipping point. The Catholic Church of the town is located here.

South Geensee. - The grist-mill at Saylesville, or South Genesee, was built by Whitman Sayles, David Orendorf and Mr. Le Suer, about 1842. The stone used to build the dam and race was brought in a boat manned by Capt. F. D. Cook, with Mr. Smith as mate. April 16, 1866, G. H. Vincent, the present owner, purchased the mill from Mr. Orendorf, which has been largely improved since it came into his possession. There are now two runs of stone, propelled by two thirty-inch and one twenty-four inch Tyler turbine water wheel.

Here is also the Excelsior Cheese Factory and Creamery of F. Shultis. It is three stories high, including basement, which has stone walls and cement floor. It is turning out an average of 400 pounds of butter per week.

A fine business of selling milk in Milwaukee, began July, 1879, with a light patronage, which has so largely increased that they are now shipping from 700 to 800 pounds of milk and twenty gallons of cream per diem. This is done by Mr. Shultis and Mr. Vincent.

Town Of Lisbon

By an act of the Territorial Legislature approved January 2, 1838, the land included in the present towns of Lisbon, Pewaukee, Brookfield and Menomonee was erected into the town of Lisbon, the first election to be held at the house of Charles Skinner. A subsequent act, passed March 9, 1839, established the town lines as they now are.

This town possesses many very fine general features. All monotony is removed from the scenery by the endless variety of hills and valleys, woodland and prairie.

The soil is clay and limestone marl, the substratum abounding in extensive beds of excellent limestone. It is what would ordinarily be called a heavy soil, being not easy to till. Farmers usually call this kind of land "white-oak land," as white-oak timber grows particularly well upon it.

It is a steadfast, rich, and fruitful soil beyond that of the lighter soils. There are very many fine farms in various parts of the town, and a general air of thrift, intelligence and industry pervades everything in all sections.

There are several churches and a number of schools in the town, all well attended and suppprted. The dwelling-houses are brick, grout or frame, and usually in good repair. There seems to be in this section quite a general liking for grout houses, as grout, when carefully prepared, makes thoroughly substantial walls and at a very much less cost than any other material.

To Thomas S. Bedford, probably, belongs the distinction of having been the first one to drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he located the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.

In June of this year, P. Bay, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee and selected claims, and assisted T. S. Bedford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month of August, John Weaver, Lucius BotsfOrd, Thomas' Bolf and David Bonhamcame into the town. They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families, for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were staying, and brought them out before the snow was ofl" the ground in the spring. A. A. Bedford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their children the first of the small folks.

In the spring and summer of 1837, James Weaver, who now lives at Sussex ; George Elliott, Edward Smith, Nathan Peso and Samuel Dougherty came with their families and settled here, making for themselves permanent homes.

During the year 1841 and the year following, there was quite an infiux of settlers, among whom may be mentioned, Bobert James and Archibald Bodgers, John Small, Alexander Harris and a Mr. Moyes, all said to have come from Scotland ; Thompson Bichmond, George Cairn- cross, J. Reed, Thomas Bloor and family, John Muir, Henry Sears, Harrison and Henry Phillips, Ira D. Goodwin, Ira and Mark Rowell, Dr. John A. Willard, John Thompson, E. B. Quiner, and Elisha Pearl, and many other persons came during the following year. From this time forward the increase in population was steady, if not rapid.

According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone schoolhouse on Section 35, when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham, Clerk. David Bonham was regularly elected Chairman of the Board ; and Samuel Dougherty and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk ; James Weaver, Treasurer ; R. Blount, Assessor ; George Corastock, Collector ; D. Bonham, Ed Smith and James Weaver, Commissioners of Highways ; Sherman and Lucius Botsford and D. Bonham, School Commissioners ; E. W. Eowler and Thomas Bedford, Constables ; John Weaver, Sealer of Weights and Measures ; A. A. Kedford, Samuel Dougherty, D. Bonham and William Weaver, Overseers of Highways ; A. A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.

The first one removed from the little community by death, was Stephen Bonham, a little son of D. Bonham, who died in October, 1837, and was buried on his father's farm.

As early as 1838, Mrs. John Weaver began a school in her own home, a small log house. This served the purpose of kitchen, parlor, dining, sleeping and school room. Here, after she had attended to the duties of a mother, in waiting upon her family of little ones, she wo.uld storm the citadel of ignorance with A, B and C, sometimes teaching as many as twenty pupils, many of whom had to come long distances.

On the 3d day of June, 1839, the first nuptials were solemnized at the marriage of Lucius Botsford and Miss Lucinda Denny, Elder GrifiSn being the officiating clergyman.

Rev. Frink was the first preacher, and held the first service at the home of John Weaver, about 1838. Elder GriflBn also began holding services in this section soon after.

The first schoolhouse was erected as early as 1841, and, some of the oldest settlers say, as early as 1839. It was built of stone, by Mr. George Elliott, and occupied the site of the present school building of District No. 1, on Section 35. In this building were held the first Sabbath meetings and Sunday-schools; also public meetings. The town then comprised one district. From the report of Commissioners of Schools in 1842, it appears that there were 110 scholars in the town, 69 males and 41 females, with one male teacher and two female teachers, and $148.40 was raised by tax and $26.60 by subscription to defray the expense. Phineas Bissell was the first male teacher.

District No. 2 was organized in 1842, and comprised the southwest corner of the town. Among the teachers were Henry Williams Rodeman, Henry Calkins, Miss Small (now Mrs. Robert Rodgers) and Miss Julia Griswold (now Mrs. Austin Wheeler, of Pewaukee). The present schoolhouse of District No. 2 was built about 1853. About 1839 or 1840, Rice Gale came in and put up a blacksmith-shop on Section 35, near the house of D. Bonham. Mr. Gale was followed by Mr. Nottingham, who built one near by.

About 1840, Levi Russell started a little store and shoe-shop in his log house on Section 35. This point at that time was the most important place in the town ; but after the nucleus nothing was added, unless the church and grave-yard in the vicinity are mentioned.

The first field plowed in the town is said to have been on Section 36. In 1837, E. Smith, James Weaver, John Weaver and George Elliott sowed a patch of turnips a little east of Sussex, on the ground where now stands the feed-mill, and the next winter turnips were used for apples.

The first plow is said to have been brought in by D. Bonham. At that time, the settlers went to Milwaukee to get th^ir plows sharpened and repaired, which had to be done very frequently, for on much of the land grew what was called red-root brush, andthe ground, being literally filled with these tough roots, was very hard to break.

The first saw-mill was built a short distance north of the village of Sussex, by James Weaver, George Elliott, Edward Smith and Cooley Frarey, in the winter of 1842. It was designed to run by water, with an undershot wheel, but, owing to the nature of the bed of the stream, they could not confine the water. An engine was therefore purchased and moved out from the city, at an expense of about $1,200. It had not been set up a very long time before the boiler burst, while under the charge of Thomas Weaver. This difficulty was overcome, and the work went on for several years, but not in a profitable manner. The mill has been long abandoned, and nothing now remains.

The brewery, which stands about one-half mile north of the mill, on the road from Sussex, was first built by Stephen Stone. In 1862, Mr. Boots became sole owner. Twelve years after, in 1874, Mr. Boots had the misfortune to lose the old brewery by fire. In 1875, it was rebuilt as it now is.

James Weaver was the first Postmaster, and had the office at his home on the old farm on Section 35. Subsequently, he resigned in favor of his son, Thomas Weaver, from whom, in 1849, the office was transferred to Sussex, and Richard Cooling became Postmaster. Mr. Cooling held the office four years, and then resigned in favor of William Brown. Mr. Brown held it two years, when it passed into the hands of William Weaver, where it remained until 1861, when Mr. Cooling again came into possession of the office, and held it until 1878 ; he then resigned in favor of his son-in-law. Mr. Templeton, who has had charge of it since.

F. Otis, who came in 1837, built the first frame shell ; but Sherman Botsford erected the first really substantial frame house built in the town. About 1850, the project of a plank road was started by many of the leading men of the town and county, the road to run from Milwaukee to Hartland, with a branch to run from the southern part of Lisbon to Merton. It was almost a total failure, so far as the interests of the majority of the farmers were concerned, for many of them lost all they put in, and very few, if any, escaped without a loss. The road, according to estimates, cost about $60,000.

The Episcopal Church Parish was organized in 1842, and was composed principally of English settlers. The congregation met and worshiped in the barn of James Weaver, and occasionally at the schoolhouse of District No. 1, until able to erect a church. The parish remained under the pastoral care of the clergy of Nashotah Mission, until the 7th of March, 1847, when Rev. William Armstrong took charge of it. At the organization of the parish, there were five families ; but in June of this year, the congregation had increased to thirty-four families. The parsonage was erected in the spring of 1849. Rev. George A. Whitney is the present Rector. The church has been much improved lately in appearance by the addition of a fine tower and bell, and the introduction of new chancel furniture and stained windows.

In June, 1841, a number of the people, principally Congregationalists, united and formed a society called Congregational, Rev. 0. F. Curtis, from Prairieville, assisting. This was the first regularly organized society in the town. Just at this time, the Rev. Spencer Baker came and conducted the first regular service. He was then engaged to preach during the year. Although barely able to live the minister fared as well as any, at a time when none fared sumptuously. Mr. Baker remained there three years. The school-house was used by the Congregationalists until the erection of the Union Church. The Methodists united with the Congregational society in furnishing the money and materials for building this church, with the understanding that they were to have the use of it on alternate Sundays. They finally united, forming what is now known as the Bible Christian Society.

The Lisbon United Presbyterian society's church is located near the center of the town, on Section 21. The society was organized August 30, 1847, by Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called the Associate Reformed Congregation of Lisbon, until 1858, when it took the name by which it is now known.

History Of Waukesha Coukty

The first members were Robert Rodgers, Archibald Rodgers, John Muir, John Brown, Thomas Chalmers, John Gilmore, James Welch, Ann C. Gilmore, Agnes Templeton, Margaret Rodgers, Elizabeth W. Booth, Margaret Muir and William Small. They only had preaching occasionally from this time until January 4, 1851, when the Rev. G. W. Gowdie became pastor and remained with them nearly three years. On April 1, 1878, the Rev. T. E. Turner, the present pastor, took charge. The congregation now numbers forty-eight, there being five of the original members among them.

The first lime was burned in a small kiln, built as early as 1848 or 1849, by Messrs. Smith & Elliott, on the farm now owned by Richard Craven. The old kiln of Thomas Weaver was built by B. Storms, who lived near it and ran it for several years. He sold to Mr. Weaver in 1853. Mr. Weaver rebuilt the following year and did a thriving business for twelve years or more.

The stone quarry of Mr. Davidson, Section 23, was opened about 1840, and the quarry of William Graves was opened about 1842. The stone taken from these is of excellent quality.

Lisbon Mutual Insurance Company. - A meeting of the citizens of Lisbon Avas first held at the town hall, the 18th of April, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a town insurance company.

On the 9th ofMay following, another meeting was held, when William Weaver, Sr., George Elliott, John Watson, John Edwards, John Andrews, William Small and John Keating were elected as Board of Directors.

On the 16th of May, 1874, the board met at the store of D. P. Topping, Sussex, and elected William Weaver President, and John Keating Secretary and Treasurer. The insurance rate was fixed at one mill per $1, and $2 for survey and policy. The board also authorized the President and Secretary to issue policies from that date. Every person who is insured becomes a member of the company, and is entitled to a vote, if his insurance amounts to $200. The first annual report shows forty-one applications on file, covering property to the amount of $58,407, and $89.46 on hand, after paying all accounts. The amount of insurance now maintained is $271,850, with $517.57 cash on hand. There are now 225 policy-holders.

Very many will remember the first turkey-shoot that came off in this town, and very likely the first in the county. In 1839, David Bonham got the turkeys, and men came from far and near and had a big time. Among other preparations made for the event, Bonham went with Thomas Bedford to Milwaukee for a keg of beer. In coming home over the rough roads the beer got so shook up, that it burst out the bung, and it was not drank by turkey-shooters.

Lisbon has had three suicides. One John Brown rented Mr. Thomas Redford's farm in 1848, for five years, intending to get married and go to housekeeping soon. After the arrangements were concluded, and Mr. Redford's furniture purchased, the young lady, Miss Melville, put the wedding off. This so affected Mr. Brown that he hanged himself without delay.

Sussex Village. - This lovely little burg, the only one in the town of Lisbon, is not very centrally located, but is connected with the surrounding country by several good roads ; in fact, it appears that whoever laid out the roads, contemplated that Sussex would be the business center for this section of country. There are quite a number of dwellings here, besides three or four general stores, various mechanics' shops and ofl5ces. The place has a quiet, yet exceedingly attractive, appearance, the streets and cemetery being very handsomely shaded and well kept. George Elliott wa's the first settler in this vicinity. His old house is yet standing, a little out of the village, and is occupied by one of his sons. Richard Cooling was the first villager. He came in June, 1848. Shortly after came Messrs. Fray, Smith, Brown, Champeny, Sims, Stone, Weaver and others. The first birth in the place was John T. Cooling, born November 16, 1846.

About 1854, a union store was started by the farmers. This, however, soon fell into the hands of Mr. Cooling, who continued the business for ten years, finally turning it over to his son-in-law, Mr. Templeton.

The first school was taught here during the winter of 1849-50, by Mr. Calkins, in the schoolhouse, built in 1849, on Section 26. There is now a very good school in Sussex, Vrith two departments. The old schoolhouse was used as an Episcopal parish school at one time, but is now used for a town hall.

Town Of Mbrton

Merton is particularly noted for its picturesque scenery, and the large number of streams and lakes. The surface of the country is very broken and irregular, compared with many other localities in the county. The soil is rich and deep, there being scarcely a part of the town that is not first class. Nearly all the farms bear the appearance of thrift and enterprise, and tradesmen and mechanics seem to be doing well. The inhabitants represent several nationalities. There are English, American, Irish, Danes, Norwegians and a few Swedes and Scotch, the foreign element preponderating. Ralph B. Allen enjoys the distinction of having been the first white man who drove his claim stake here ; however, William Clarke and a Mr. Hatch came about the same time. This was in the spring of 1837. Mr. Allen first made a claim on what is now known as "Fisher's Flats," but he soon after relinquished it. The first breaking was done near Hai'tland, during 1837, on one of the claims near where Mr. Allen subsequently settled.

The first house was Mr. Allen's cabin, which served for a time as headquarters for the bachelors. Soon after Allen, Clarke and Hatch came in. Messrs. Cole and Short made claims near Pine Lake, but did not stay longer than one season. In 1838, Martin Molster, Albert Wising, S. Fisher, and perhaps a few others, came in. In 1839-40, Cornelius Molster, John

C. Molster, the Warren family, John Fisher, George W. Skinner, Sylvanus, Dewey K. and Hiram Warren, William and Abial Odell, Jonathan Finch and brothers, L. M. Moore, Josiah Moore, Henry Cheney and a few others - as George Garaty, Mr. Childs, M. Lynch and Mr. Pritchard came in. In 1841-42, a large number came in - as John Johnson, Earl Wright, J. Weikert, Christ Hershey, John Fisher, Philetus Cross, Abel Cross, John M. Hall, Peter Weeks, James M. Gavitt, J. N. Cadby, S. S. Case, Sybrant Hall, F. Shraudenback, Henry Kuntz, A. De Witt, John Whipp and his sons Richard, William, James, Edward and John, Jr., David Mason, Mike, Andrew,,James and John Shiel, Jerry Flinn, J. D. and Jonathan Hartly, David Smith, Charles G. Williams, Daniel S. Wells, Henry Shears, Jesse Newell, Moses Smith, Harrison Cheney, Jacob Snyder, William

D. Curtiss, Zadock, Henry, E. and J. Palmer, William Leroy, L. H. Taylor, George McKerly, P. and R. Perry, James Miles, D. S. Cheney, John Cox, J. D. Hartly, the Furgusons (John, Jr., and John, Sr., and others. In 1843, Hosea, Nat and Isaac Prentice, T. R. Smith, J. 0. Rudberg, J. Kelly, James and Thomas Ray, D. Allen, S. B. Mills, Joseph Smith, Mr. Burroughs, W. W. Caswell, Capt. Gassman, John Kelly, Sr., Patrick and William Kelly, William P. Clarke, D. C. Marsh, William and Gideon Russell and many others came. In after years, the influx of settlers was very rapid, until the land was all taken. In 1841, and subsequent years, a number of Swedes made a settlement on Pine Lake. The leader of the movement was an enthusiastic young minister. Rev. Gustavo Unonius, a graduate of Upsala, who, after coming here in 1841, induced several others, especially from among the upper classes, including the nobility, who were anxious to better their fortunes in some way, to come here, to a land of beauty and golden prospects. About twelve families in all came over, including two noblemen of the realm, and one Baron. The only head of a family left now, and about the only practical person among them all, was J. D. Rudberg, who was educated in the agricultural college of his. native land for a civil engineer. The story of the sufferings of these people) before used to every luxury, beggars description. Their money was soon exhausted, and then? not knowing how to work to advantage, they were soon reduced almost to absolute beggary- Baron Thott became a cook for Mr. Rudberg, in order to get bread ; Lieut. St. Sure, a nobleman, tried to break up and work a stony piece of ground, but failed completely, and had to abandon everything or starve. But the ones about whom lingers the most romantic interest, were Capt. Frederick Von Schneideau, wife and child. Capt. Von Schneideau was a nobleman of the realm, and belonged to the staff of Prince Oscar, of Sweden ; but, falling in love with a beautiful Jewess, was obliged, owing to the opposition of friends of both parties, to effect a clandestine marriage, and, in order to avoid the penalty of the laws against the marriage of Christian and Jew, and the displeasure of friends, they came to America, and the home of their friend Unonius, about 1842. He lived here several years, and lost his little all, not to speak of his sufferings, through an accident which nearly made a cripple of him. During this time, his tenderly nurtured wife proved herself one of " the bravest and best," caring for him and their only child, an infant girl, with a woman's truest devotion. Afterward, they went to Chicago, under the patronage of Mayor Ogden, where he made, a comfortable livelihood as a photographer and music teacher. Eventually, he was enabled to visit his native land and the friends of his youth. His wife died in Chicago, and his daughter was then adopted by Mr. Ogden. She subsequently married a son of Leonard Jerome, of New York.

Among the many characters peculiar to this little colony was the hermit, Peter Bokman, a dissenting preacher and religious recluse. A little log-cabin, near Pine Lake, on the grounds of Dr. Leusthrom, marks the spot of his cave.

The intention of Unonius and the others was to found a university here, and a quantity of cedar logs were got out to build a church on what is now called Interlachen Point, where Dr. Leuthstrom's house stands. They made a small house of worship on the east side of the lake, now boarded up and used for a private dwelling. Unonius graduated at Nashotah, and many years after returned to his native land. The others are scattered far and wide, and probably would wish to be remembered here no more forever.

In 1840, the first death occurred in the town, that of Martin Moulster, who died in January of that year. About this time, or not long after, two young men were drowned in Lake Keesus, while making maple sugar. The first birth was that of Emma Skinner, daughter of George W. and Lucinda Skinner, November 18, 1839. The first one who preached in the town is said to have been Elder Griffin. Elder Wheelock came here as early as 1842, and held meetings ; also Rev. Baker, who held his first meeting in 1842 in the house of Henry Cheney. The first schoolhouse is said to have been erected in 1843 on Section 26, and either Mr. Taylor or Mrs. Stephen Warren (nee Nicholson) was the first teacher. A schoolhouse was built at Stone Bank in 1843, also, perhaps as soon as the other. George W. Skinner was Territorial Justice of the Peace in 1839 or 1840. The first marriage was that of Stephen Warren to Miss Mary Nicholson. The ceremony was performed by George W. Skinner, Justice of the Peace, May 7, 1840. The first store, if it could be called a store, was opened by Michael Shell, at Monches, about 1844. This embraced shoe-shop, saloon and general merchandise. The Swedish settlers also had a little shop, kept by the wife of Capt. Von Schneideau, in a very early day. The first cemetery was surveyed in 1841. The first town meeting in Warren, now Merton, was held April 4, 1843, at the house of William Le Roy, on Section 26. The voters of the town went to Delafield in the morning, in sleighs, to vote. After the meeting had been called to order, it was moved by Sylvanus Warren, that they divide the town, and that those who belonged in Merton (then Warren) should repair to Mr. Le Roy's house at 1 P. M. of that day. The motion was carried, and in the afternoon thirty-nine voters assembled as agreed. Moses Smith was elected Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and Charles G. Williams and Jacob Snyder, Side Supervisors ; Town Clerk, L. H. Taylor ; Road Commissioners, Hiram Warren, George McKerly and Earl Wright; School Commissioners, L. M. Moore, Sybrant Hall, Dewey K. Warren and Reuben Perry ; Assessors, Henry Cheney and John M. Hall ; Treasurer, Sylvanus Warren ; Constable,

Jesse Newell ; Collector, Jesse Newell ; Sealer Weights and Measures, Christian Hershey. Compensation for officers was f 1 per day. A tax, not to exceed half of 1 per centum, was to be levied for support of schools. Sixty dollars was voted to be raised for current expenses. Philetus Cross, and one or two more were elected Justices at this election.

In 1844, there were 57 voters, election held at the house of John Fisher. L. H. Taylor was elected Chairman, and John M. Hall, Clerk. Three Justices were elected this year - L. H. Taylor, Jacob Snyder and Leonard Griffith.

In 1846, William Odell was elected Chairman, and Hosea Prentice, Clerk. In 1847, William P. Clark was elected Chairman, and John M. Hall, Clerk. In 1848, William P. Clark Chairman again, and John M. Hall, Clerk.

During the winter of 1848 and 1849, Dewey K. Warren introduced a bill to have the name of the town changed from Warren to Merton, to correspond with the name of the postoffice established in the town during the previous year. The town has since been known as Merton.

The postoffice received its name in a rather singular manner. Henry Shears made application to have an office established here, called Warren. To this application the Postmaster General replied that there was already an office in the State by that name. Mrs. Shears then selected the old English name Merton, or Moreton, where Cromwell first invaded the English Parliament, which was sent on, and the office was soon after established.

Merton Village. - William Odell was the first settler here, in 1840, and built the first house. He entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 24, and his brother Austin claimed the west half of the same quarter soon after. The land claimed by Austin fell into the hands of John Metcalf, of Oconomowoc, in 1841. Dr. Hill came on and jumped the north half of Metcalf s land, and sold it to Huntington and Kent in 1844, who built a saw-mill, which stood a little northeast of the present mill. In 1846, Henry Shears and George Trowbridge bought the property, and in 1847 built the present grist-mill. The sawmill was demolished about 1855. The grist-mill is now owned by Phillip Snyder. J. Finch came here and built about 1840, near where now stands the house of Phillip Snyder, and kept a hotel for some time. About 1843, Loyal M. Moore opened a blacksmith-shop.

1847, near where now stands the store of F. Schraudenbach, and in partnership with Mr. Warren opened the first regular store ; but there had been a few goods kept by Mr. Finch for sale for some time before this.

About 1849, the District bought the building erected by Fenn. An attempt was made to make a schoolhouse out of adobe, or sun-dried brick, at this time, which failed, and Col. Shears put up a building out of them which stood for several years.

About 1868, a comfortable schoolhouse was built, where the present one stands, which was burned in 1878 and rebuilt the same as before. It has two departments. William Odell was the first Postmaster; then A. J. Dibble was appointed ; after him E. Hackett held it for a time; then it passed into the hands of M. & R. Weil, who were succeeded by J. M. Gavitt, P. M., and Robert Kruger, assistafit ; they were followed by T. Mayhew in 1861, who was followed by Francis Vaughn in 1866; who was succeeded by the present Postmaster, Eli Eastman, in 1867.

The Baptist Church of Merton was organized August 31, 1843, with a membership of nine. Rev. Richard Griffin acted as pastor until 1849. During that year meetings were held at Hartland. In 1867, Rev. Chapin began his labors as pastor. Up to January 8, 1880, the total number who have joined the church amounted to one hundred and seven. The Methodist

Stone Bank. - John Johnson entered the land on which Stone Bank village stands, on Section 19, in January, 1841. He had moved on to it in 1840. About the same time came J. Weikert (who afterward committed suicide by hanging himself), Christian Herschey and a Mr. Schneider. Mr. Johnson built the first house in April, 1842. David Mason and James Miles settled where they now are. In 1842, John Ferguson, Sr., came and purchased from Mr. Johnson a portion of the Stone Bank mill privilege. In the fall of 1842, Mr. Johnson built a saw-mill about sixty rods north of the present grist-mill. It was used nearly thirty-five years before being abandoned. This was the first saw-mill in the town. In 1844, J. Ferguson, Sr., built the first grist-mill in the town, where it now stands, putting 4n two run of stone. In 1845, he commenced a saw-mill near it, which was run about twenty years. In 1845, the first store was started here, in a small log house near the mill. Soon after, F. Schraudenbach started a good store. About 1858, the first post-office was established, Leonard Requa, Postmaster. He held it until 1860, when it was transferred to John Ferguson, Jr. Mr. Ferguson held it about four years. In 1864, unbeknown to him, the office was given to Samuel Darrah, his deputy. Mr. Ferguson remained in ignorance of this change until the ensuing year, when Mr. Darrah resigned in his favor. E. Drummond is the present incumbent, who has held the ofiice for eight years.

Wohlen Bros, started a blacksmith's shop here as early as 1843. The Stone Bank public burying ground was established about thirty-five years ago, the land being donated by J. Ferguson, Sr. A small Presbyterian Church was built here about twenty-one years ago, the land where it stood being presented by J. Ferguson, Sr. ; it was rebuilt in 1878. Elder Wheelock preached here in 1842 ; also, a Mormon, who made some converts. The Norwegian Lutheran Church was built about 1850. The Temple of Honor, at Stone Bank, was instituted January 16, 1878, by J. A. Watrous, with twenty-seven charter members. The following officers were elected : W. H. Bolson, W. C. T. ; Frank Holt, W. V. T. ; S. Darrah, W. R. ; Ed Drummond, W. T. R. ; John Mason, W. T. ; S. Siverson, W. U. ; H. Wild, W. G. ; John Cassidy, W. S.

Monchis. - Earl Wright was the first permanent settler in this vicinity. In 1842, H. K. Kuntz came, and, in 1843, built a saw-mill here, the second in the town. In 1847 or 1848, Mr. Kuntz built a grist-mill. The saw-mill is gone; Mr. Kuntz sold it to Mr. Berg, the present proprietor, several years ago. Mike Shell had the first store. Subsequently, Henry McCaul opened a small store and ashery. Before the postofiice was established here, about 1847 or 1848, this point was called Kuntz's Mills, but the postoffice was called Monches, after an old Indian chief, who used to haunt this locality, and who was buried here. John Hartz was the first .Postmaster ; then, John Whipp, Sr. After him, P. O'Reily ; then, John Whipp, Jr.; then, A. Mullen, and after him John Purtell, the present incumbent, was appointed ; has been in charge about fifteen years. There is a Catholic Church here, the only one in this locality. A log house of worship was built about 1844, with Father Morrisy as first priest. A few years after, the present frame church was constructed.

North Lake. - The land here was first bought by Henry Shears, when it went into market in 1850, it being school land. During 1850 and 1851, he built a saw-mill, and in 1853 erected the present grist-mill. The grist-mill was refitted and enlarged in 1875, and four runs of stone were put in. It has a splendid water-power.

The North Lake Brewery, by Rasmus Frederickson, was started in 1867, but has been enlarged since ten different times. It has a capacity of 500 barrels per annum.

The postoffice was established about 1859, with Thomas Bignalls as Postmaster. Henry Shears succeeded him. Rasmus Frederickson, the present Postmaster, took the office eight years ago.

The work of raising money to build St. Peter's Episcopal Church at North Lake was begun by Mrs. Henry Shears in 1867, and received subscriptions to the amount of $1,150. Two other subscription lists were subsequently circulated, and a large amount obtained. The ground donated by N. E. Peterson ; the church begun in 1868, and was completed in 1869, at a cost of $2,500. The church was then in debt about $250, which was eventually paid in full by Byron Kilbourn, M. D.

Henry Shears appeared to have been the pioneer in trout-raising in the county, for he began on his present place in 1867. He has not yet relinquished the business.

Dr. Hilliard was the first physician. In 1851, Dr. Rice came. He has been an extensive traveler, and has a collection of rare and valuable curiosities.

Town Of Menomonee

Township 8, range 20, east, now called Menomonee, was a part of Lisbon until an act of the Legislature, approved December 20, 1839, which declared the town, as now bounded, should, after March 1, 1840, be a separate town, to enjoy all the rights and powers of any other town.

Menomonee is largely a German town, though there are some Irish, a few Scotch and a few Americans. It is composed of good farming lands, and its inhabitants are thrifty and fore-handed.

The first settler in the town was Patrick Raferty, a native of Ireland. Many other Irishmen soon after followed him, and the town at one time contained a large number of settlers of this nationality ; but they have been displaced largely by the Germans, who now have a fast hold upon much of the very richest farming lands in Menomonee.

The first school was taught in the town during the summer of 1843, by Ellen Corbett, who had comparatively a large number of scholars. In the fall of the same year, probably, a frame schoolhouse was built, which was the first in the town.

The first religious services in the town were held at James Brogan's private house by Father Kundig, of Milwaukee, afterward Vicar General. This was early in 1842.

The first murder in the county was on Section 31, in the town of Menomonee, in 1845. David Bonham shot James Keene at the old Nottingham saw-mill.

Who first kept "open house" in Menomonee is not easily stated; but a comparatively large hotel was built at Menomonee Falls in 1842, and the following appeared in the Milwaukee Courier :

THE subscriber has opened a public house bearing the above name, at Menomonee Falls, 14 miles from Milwaukee, on the Fond du Lac road, where he will be happy to accommodate all who may favor him with a call. He has convenient lodging rooms, stabling, and all the otlier appurtenances that should attend a public house, and hopes to give satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call. W. R. Hesk.

In 1879, a good town hall was erected on Section 16, near the center of the town. For many years, annual squabbles had taken place over holding town meetings, first at one place and then at another, which had become unpleasant and detrimental. The erection of the present commodious building for town purposes was due mostly to the efforts of Thomas McCarthy.

Snow lay on the ground during the winter of 1842, from November 3 to April the next spring. Wild turkeys were then plenty, but that winter starved them all, and none have been seen there since. Deer were almost as plentiful as sheep are now, droves of thirty and forty being a very common sight.

A large camp of Meuomonee, with a few Chippewa, Indians was located on what is called the "Wild Marsh. " During the winter of 1842, which was a memorable one in Menomonee, they furnished nearly all the meat the white settlers had. They exchanged venison for various articles.

The marsh that those Indians camped on was then, and is now, known by the name of the "Wild Marsh. " It has more the appearance of a small lake than a marsh, and covers parts of Sections 21, 22, 27 and 28, containing about 500 acres. It has always grown wild cranberries, but only a few knew anything about it until within the last few years.

The Indians first showed the berries to a few of the whites, who were so afraid to have any one find out where they grew that they would not pick them themselves. The land is now owned by different persons, and they have to keep a good watch or the berries will all be picked for them.

The surface of this marsh is as level as a lake ; of soft muck about ten feet deep, with a thin sod on top. It is not safe for stock, as there is nothing to hold them up but the sod.

Isaac Howard's storie quarry was opened in 1838 ; that is, stone was taken from it at that date. The quarry produces a good quantity of stone. The other quarries in the town, from which excellent stone of smooth, even layers, is taken, are Saunders,' Davis' and William Lannon's. Menomonee limestone is noted for its exceedingly good quality.

Dennis McCarty, who settled in Menomonee in 1842, died in March, 1848, and was buried in Brookfield. When, in October, 1862, his remains were removed to Lannon Springs, the soft wood coffin was found so nearly petrified that it could be handled like a new, strong box.

Arthur A. Bedford, an early settler, was noted as being a wonderful story-teller and a quack doctor. Probably the most ridiculous thing he ever did was to hire out as a wet nurse. Of course he "got bounced" from his position in short order.

John Campbell gives Menomonee the honor of containing the largest family of boys of any town in the county or the State. His son, Hugh Campbell, is one of the most noted athletes in America, the strength and skill displayed by him in putting the heaVy weight, wrestling and in other of the Scottish games, being truly astonishing. He is called the strongest man in Wisconsin. Mr. Campbell's six sons average 220 pounds each in weight, and are well proportioned.

The first recorded town meeting was held April 5, 1842, at the residence of W. R. Hesk. D. E. Bancroft was chosen Moderator. It was voted to allow such officers as might be chosen $1 per day for time actually spent in the service of the town. The first officers elected were William R. Hesk, Chairman ; Hollingsworth S. Smith and Francis Bancroft, Side Supervisors ; S. M. Garfield, Clerk ; Ira Rowe, Assessor ; D. E. Bancroft, Constable and Collector ; William Ranney, Martin Nangle and William McCarty, Highway Commissioners ; William R. Hesk, William McCarty and William Ranney, School Commissioners.

In April, 1842, the town was laid out into six road districts, S. S. Smith being overseer of the First ; F. Bancroft of the Second ; Henry Bedford, Third ; Timothy Ryan, Fourth ; Stephen Gray, Fifth, and William Ranney of the Sixth. The men who lived in the town at that time,

* Through the kindneBS and labors of Thomas McCarty, the historian was furnished a complete list of the town officers of Menonome® for thirty-eight years ; but, as such a list could not be had from all other towns, it was deemed advisable to show no partiality toward Menomonee, although necessitating the destruction of two or three day's' labor by Mr. McCarty.

and were liable for road tax, were as follows : S. S. Smith, W. R. Hesk, L. C. Snyder, John Wren, Mr. Waite, John Brown, F. Bancroft, Mr. Ward, 0. T. Reed, Abner Rowe, Daniel Proudfit, Mr. Alban, Henry Bedford, T. C. Horn, Patrick Raferty, Timothy Ryan, Alexander Maloy, E. L. Gurtley, Joel Hammond, Mr. Alender, Martin Nangel, William Daugherty, Patrick Daugherty, Martin Stanton, Mr. Cone, Orson Hubbell, Levi Ryckman, William Rauney, William McCarty and Joseph Pickel.

At the same time, April 28, 1842, the School Commissioners divided the town into six districts. District No. 1 had six persons in it; No. 2 had five; No. 3, three; No. 4, ten ; No. 5, five ; No. 6, three ; total, 32. The total tax given out for collection at this time, including county and Territorial tax, was $153.59.

The Waukesha and Menomonee Palls road was surveyed June 7, 1845. It was laid out in January, 1844, from the Falls to the Lisbon line (now Lannon Springs) a distance of four miles and sixty-three rods.

The first road in the town laid out by the Supervisors, was surveyed by them June 18, 1849 . Previous to that time, the Road Commissioners had laid out all roads.

At the town meeting, held January 30, 1864, $4,200 was raised to defray expenses of securing volunteers for the Rebellion, and other war expenses. ,

The Menomonee, Granville and Germantown Mutual Insurance Company was organized March 20, 1875. The first Board of Directors chosen were : G. W. Everts, President ; John Flanagan, Secretary ; Thomas McCarty, Godfrey Inden, Bernard Minten, William N. Lannon and John C. Schneider. The first policies went into force on the 20th of May, 1875, when the property insured amounted to $50,000. The total amount insured up to date is $1,158,822 ; number of policies issued, 817. The company has since its organization sustained losses to the amount of $3,035, which required two assessments of one mill on the dollar each time. It has cost the members of this company four-tenths of one per centum for five years to keep insured, besides $1.50 for application and policy. The company insures farm buildings and contents, live stock, personal property of all kinds, but does not insure in any village or outside of the three towns. The present Directors are as follows : G. W. Evarts, President, of Granville ; John Flanagan, Secretary, of Menomonee; Peter Reith, Menomonee ; John Kissenger, Germantown ; Bernard Minten, Menomonee ; A. Barndt, Granville ; John C. Schneider, Granville.

Menomonee Falls - The little village of Menomonee Falls is a thriving business center, and handles a large amount of money and merchandise during the year. The historian is unable to state positively, owing to the numerous conflicting statements, but probably Hollingsworth S. Smith was the first settler in what is now Menomonee Falls, although William R. Hesk was one of the very earliest settlers in this locality.

The first postofiice was established in 1842. W. R. Hesk was the first Postmaster. J. E. Seabold is the present Postmaster, and has been in the ofiice the last nine years.

Considerable business is done at this place, for its size and population. There are two grist-mills, the larger built about twenty-five years ago, by J. B. Nehs, and ever since run by him, with water and steam power. Mr. Nehs was the first man in the milling business in this part of the county. The other, a steam mill, is owned and run by G. P. Kehr ; a steam sawmill, owned and run by Nehs & Schlafer ; one foundry and agricultural establishment, owned by I. B. Rowell & Co. This shop does an extensive business in plows and their celebrated corn cultivators. There are two general stores, one owned by J. E. Seabold & Co., and the other by Peter Keeler ; three blacksmith's shops, two wagon-maker's shops, two millinery shops, two good hotels, two butchers, two undertakers and a number of smaller establishments, carrying different trades, such as shoemakers, tailors, cabinet shops, etc.

History Of Wau5Esha County

The Methodist Episcopal society is very prosperous. In 1868, they built a handsome church, of the Cream City brick, at a cost of $7,500. The spire is 120 feet high, and adds much to the beauty of the church. When Dr. Reid, editor of the Northwestern Qhristian Advocate, conducted the dedicatory services, he pronounced it one of the finest country churches he had ever seen.

The German Methodists have a substantia] and comfortable church built of stone. Both societies are reported to be in a prosperous condition.

The Methodist Episcopal Sabbath School is in a flourishing condition, containing about 150 members. Teachers, 16; Rev. A. M. Bullock, Pastor; J. E. Seabold, Superintendent; H. L. Haylett, Assistant Superintendent; George Hoyt, Secretary and Treasurer; M. Barndt, Librarian.

The first minister of the Evangelical Association, who preached in the neighborhood of Menomonee Falls, was John Lutz, in the year 1840. The Revs. Adam Stroh and Christian Lintner worked here in 1841. They were, in 1842, succeeded by the Revs. F: Wahl and G. A. Blank. Rev. M. Hauert followed them and preached here in 1848 and 1844. In 1844, Frederick Nehs and William Barns, with their families, came from the State of Pennsylvania and settled in the region of what is now called Menomonee Falls. Charles Nehs, a son of Frederich Nehs, with his family, followed the next year, 1845, from Pennsylvania. They all were members of the Evangelical Association. Rev. J. Harlacher, a veteran of the itineracy, at that time located in the adjoining town of Richfield, preached for them in private houses in Menomonee Falls. The following persons were formed by Rev. Andrew Nicolai, who succeeded Rev. M. Hauert, 1845, in the year 1846 into a class : Frederick Nehs, Rebecca Nehs, Sarah A. Nehs, Charles Nehs, Mary Ann Nehs, William Barns and Susan Barns, which number, in the following years, more or less increased. In 1859, meetings were held to consider the propriety of erecting a church. Frederick Nehs donated an acre of land for a site. On August 22, 1860, the corner-stone of an edifice was laid by Rev. J. G. Escher, which was dedicated February 24, 1861. The building is 33Jx44i feet, and valued at $5,000. The parsonage, built in 1855-56, is valued at $1,200. The present Minister is Rev. G. Fritsche. The church has a membership of 125, with the following Trustees: Isaac Leister, Edward L. Nehs and Joshua Keeler. The Sunday school numbers 161 scholars. Names of the officers are : H. Forster, President ; Jacob Schlseferg, Vice-President ; Wesley Nehs, Secretary ; W. Forster, Treasurer ; John Baker and Henry Nehs, Librarians.

Fussville. - The village and vicinity of Fussville were settled about the last of 1837, by Americans and Irish, who owned some of the finest farms in the town. In 1844, the Germans began to purchase these farms, and now not an American or Irishman remains to tell the story of the first settlement of the place.

In the spring of 1843, William M. Saunders and William Brown opened the first store. Ashes were legal tender in those days, and any one trading with Saunders could get goods at half-price if he could tell a good story, and pay in ashes at that.

About 1875, Michael Keating built the Lannon Springs Hotel, which is a model country caravansary. He has allowed no games to be played in it since it was opened.

What is now Lannon Springs was settled in 1842 by W. N. Lannon, Dennis McCarty, Erastus S. Comstock, John Golden, Jeff"rey Burke, James Brogan, T. Kinsley - all Irish but Mr. Comstock.

In 1848, a Scotchman named George Clark was killed near Henry Bedford's while driving a load of lumber. The next year, John McDonnell, while bringing a young lady to the Springs, was killed in the same place. For some years thereafter, the people of the vicinity regarded the place with fear and superstition.

Father Kundig, of Milwaukee, held the first Catholic services at the Springs in 1842, at James Brogan's house. In 1843, the Catholics of this place joined with those of Brookfield, and bulk a church. In 1847, Rev. James Colton, now of Fond du Lac, took charge of the parish, and in 1848, built the stone church at the Springs. In the fall the parsonage was built. James Brogan donated an acre of land for the church and parsonage, and L. Kinsley one acre for the cemetery, called St. James Cemetery. Mrs. JeiFrey Burke, who died in 1848, was the first person buried in it.

Town Of Mukwonago

Historically and otherwise, the town of Mukwonago is an important section of Waukesha County ; and, if it would not make the histories of other towns appear short in comparison, a very elaborate'and interesting sketchmight be written of this rich and beautiful town.

Mukwonago, by act of the Legislature, approved January 2, 1838, was made to comprise the present towns of Mukwonago, Eagle, Ottawa and Genesee ; but by an act approved March 8, 1839, it was reduced to its present size. The name, as first sanctioned by the Legislature, was Mequanego, and the first election was authorized to be held at Daniel Bigelow's house.

The first settler in this town was Charles N. Cox, who, with his wife and children, lived in his covered wagon on a claim on Section 19. The exact day of their arrival is not known ; but Thomas Sugden and Joseph Smart discovered their "camp" during the first week in June, 1836, and remained one night with them. On the 12th of June, Joseph Smart entered lands and settled on Section 19, adjoining Mr. Cox, and Mr. Sugden settled on Section 26, in this town. They were the next settlers. On the 15th of this month, Sewall Andrews, Henry H. Camp and Mr. Meacham arrived at what is now Mukwonago Village, and settled upon lands which they had blazed, or selected, in 1835. They were the third group of actual settlers, but the first prospectors.

" Mukwonago, previous to its settlement in 1836, was a large and populous Indian village. It was the chief or capital village of the tribe of Indians known as the Pottawatomies, situated on Mukwonago Creek, not far from its junction with the Fox River, and near the border ot an extensive forest. It was evidently a most desirable locality for the residence of a people possessing the habits and customs of the Northwestern Indians. The inhabitants were, generally peacea- ble and inoffensive, except, perhaps, when they supposed their rights were unjustly invaded. Then it was that the peculiar traits of the Indian character were exhibited. Their wigwams were permanently and substantially built, which clearly indicated a permanent and continuous occupation of the place. Their council-house, a large building built of poles and covered with the bark of large trees, in which the chiefs and principal men of the tribe held their annual councils, was, in 1836, standing on the north bank of Mukwonago Creek, at the south end of the village. The valley in which the village was located being very productive, they raised corn in great abundance. How long the tribe had made this locality their home cannot now be ascertained with any degree of certainty, but, from the best information we have been able to obtain, we conclude that it could not have been a great length of time. The only mention of this village "and its inhabitants, prior to 1835, in any written history we have read, we find in Col. Childs' ' Recollections of Wisconsin Since 1820,' an account of his journey from Southern Illinois to Green Bay in 1827, with a drove of cattle. He says : ' We crossed the river at the rapids, and struck the Fox River, which empties into the Illinois at Ottawa, followed up the Fox River to Mukwonago, and there found a great many Pottawatomie Indians. They were rather ugly in appearance, and threatened to kill m_y cattle.'

" The first white settlers* in the town of Mukwonago were Sewall Andrews and Henry H. Camp. In the year of 1835, they, in company with Major Meacham, who afterward settled in Walworth County, traveled through the southeastern portion of the Territory of Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for the purpose of selecting a place for future settlement. After journeying for several weeks, they finally determined upon the Indian village of Mukwonago, as the most desirable locality for building up a town. In the following spring, and on about the loth of June, 1836, Messrs. Andrews and Camp again came to Mukwonago for the purpose of remaining, and made preparations for erecting a house. Although the title of the Indians to this portion of the Territory had been previously extinguished, they had not been removed and still claimed the right of possession, and objected to the erection of any buildings within the limits of their village. They however immediately erected a house about a mile and a half northwest from the village, and near the present residence of John Andrews. This was the first house erected in the town, and a few weeks after its completion, the proprietors had the pleasure of furnishing lodging and entertainment to Gen. Dodge, who was then Governor of the Territory of Wisconsin. Delayed, but not driven from their purpose, they soon after negotiated with the Indians for permission to build a house within the village, and gave them two barrels of flour for the privilege ; under this permission they erected a house, only 10x12 in dimensions, on the southwest corner of Block 8, in the village as it was afterward platted, and this house was the home and lodging place of nearly all the white residents of the village, until the commencement of the following winter. They were then all unmarried.

"A little earlier in the month of June, 1836, Charles N. Cox emigrated from Indiana with his family and settled on Section 19. His wife and adopted daughter were the first white female residentsof the town ; and still later in the same month, Thomas Sugden and Joseph Smart came. Smart moving his family with him. They settled on Section 19, and Sugden on Section 26 ; Sugden remained in the town until 1843. In the following August, George Bolsen came with his family and settled on Section 18. Whiting Hudson and family came and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 36, October 9, 1836. On orabout the 15th of October, 1836, Martin Field and Ira Blood arrived from Chicago ; they came from Vermont early the previous spring, with the intention of settling in Wisconsin; but on arriving in Chicago, finding employment in the County and City Surveyor's offices, they remained there during the summer. Soon after their arrival at Mukwonago, they were employed by the proprietors to survey and plat the village, a map of which was filed and recorded in the office of Register of Deeds of Milwaukee County, Nov. 1836. 24,

'' In selecting a name for the village, the proprietors adopted that given it by the Indians, the signification of which is, ' a place where bears were killed.' Mukwo or Mequo, in their language being the name of that animal.

" Mr. Field remained in and became a resident of the village, and Mr. Blood made a claim in the adjoining town of Vernon, and remained there until his death. In August, 1836, Charles B. Stockman, formerly a resident of St. Lawrence County N. Y., came here and laid a claim to the mill-site adjoining the village, and erected a house on the south bank of Mukwonago Creek, which was, for a short time in the spring of 1837, occupied by Charles Raynous and his family. Lat.e in the fall of 1836, and after the survey of the village had been completed, Mr. Andrews erected a store on Block 7, and Mr. Camp a hotel on Block 8, both of which were constructed of logs, Mr. Meacham, one of the original proprietors of the village, having a one-third interest therein ; but, as he never was a permanent resident of the town, his name has not been before mentioned. He sold his interest to Mr. Andrews soon after the survey was completed. Those who came in later in the autumn of 1836 were Simon Jones and family, Lyman Hill and family, Charles Raynous, Wilder C. Chafin, John Prescott and Edward Bassett, who, with those heretofore named, were all who became residents of the town during that year. John A. Smart, born December 31, 1836, son of Joseph Smart, was the first white child born in the town. Mariam and Marion Hill were the first white female children born in the town. They were twins and born January 20, 1837, at the house of C. B. Stockman, on the south bank of Mukwonago Creek. They were the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Hill, who came from Vermont a few weeks previous.

" In the year 1837, we received a valuable acquisition to the population of our town. John M. Stockman, John S. Morse, Webber Andrews, Ezra Stone, John Burnell, Robert Wilkinson, William Cross, Sherman Cartwright, John Coats, and a man by the name of Newcomb, with their families, and David Orendorf, James Orendorf, Samuel Pendleton, Capt. Burk, Cyrus Hill, John A. Larkin and Ira Goodspeed, came and settled in different parts of the town; all of whom were farmers excepting John A. Larkin, who was a shoemaker. John M. Stockman frequently worked at the trade of carpenter and joiner. In the spring of 1837, Sewall Andrews obtained a stock of goods from New York, and opened his store about the first of June. James Orendorf about this time settled on Section 24, and established a ferry across Fox River, erected a large block-house, and kept hotel for a year or two. In 1838, he was appointed Postmaster. The office was called Springfield, that being the first postoffice within the limits of the town. In the winter of 1839 and 1840, the office was moved to the village of Mukwonago, and Andrew E. Elmore was made Postmaster, and from that time the office was called Mukwonago. There soon began to appear among our farmers, and especially among those who had settled in the northwestern portion of the town, marked indications of thrift and of future wealth. They were improving their farms rapidly, commencing to breed all kinds of farm stock, and produced most of the necessaries of life. Until a much later date, there were no physicians, or preachers of the Gospel within the limits of the town, and probably none nearer than Milwaukee, a distance of twenty-four miles.. We will not attempt to give a list of the names of those who settled here in 1838, 1889 and 1840. The town was settling rapidly during those years, and any list we can now make would necessarily be imperfect. We will only name a few of those whom we know settled here during those years : Samuel Winch, Adam E. Ray, came in 1838 ; Joseph Bond, in June, Dr. Solomon Blood in September, and Andrew E. Elmore in October, 1839.

" It may interest many who have never known, or have forgotten the fact, that the town of Mukwonago, in its first organization, was twelve miles square, including the present towQS of Genesee, Ottawa, Eagle and Mukwonago. The first election was held at the house of Daniel Bigelow, in the village of Eagleville, in the fall of 1838, and Henry Hinkley was elected Chairman."

Charles N. Cox was the first settler in the town ; Mrs. Cox, his wife, the first white woman, and his children, David and Hannah, the first little folks.

The first noted place for horse-racing was in the northwest part of the town, which was, therefore, named " Horse-race Prairie." A three-quarter-mile track was laid out there thirtyyears ago, by George Yearly.

The report to the Old Settlers' Club states that Andrews and Camp built the first ^louse in Mukwonago ; but the historian concludes that a house built on Section 19, by Joseph Smart and Charles N. Cox, was occupied first. Both, however, were erected at about the same time.

The first preachers were Elder Burgess, Baptist ; Rev. Brooks, Episcopalian. In 1837, an itinerant Methodist preached at Joseph Smart's house, probably the first sermon in the town.

In October, 1838, the marriage of Mrs. Charles N. Cox to John Long was the first in Mukwonago. Sewall Andrews, Justice of the Peace, performed the ceremony. He did it so awkwardly, not being accustomed to such business, that Mr. Hinkley, a Justice from Eagle, declared, after Mr. and Mrs. Long had lived together for some days, that they were not married ; that the form was illegal, and Mr. Andrews without the proper authority. This was allowed to frighten the innocent couple for a time; then the joke was explained, and they again lived as man and wife.

In 1842, Thomas Sugden was elected Assessor, but had no blanks or legal forms for making assessment rolls or returns. He therefore improvised some which would serve well for the present day. The first roll contains the names of 70 resident and 18 non-resident tax-payers, whose real and personal property was valued at $53,384.

Andrew E. Elmore, the "Sage of Mukwonago, " read the New York Weekly; always talked "all the rights of all men;" trusted everybody who traded at his store, and wished to be trusted, and never blacked his boots.

William Wilkinson was married in 1838 to Anna Robinson. Everybody was invited; everybody went, and everybody had a big time. Before getting a wife, he built a house. The bed was made of poles, one end stuck into the crevices of the log house, and the other resting on crotches, on which brush and leaves were spread. The table was of rough boards ; the chairs of blocks cut from oak logs, and other furniture would have been in keeping, if he had had any. A thoughtful neighbor sent to Milwaukee for a keg of beer, and after the ceremony, which was said by Henry Hinkley, the feast and fun began. Mr. Hinkley was dressed in overalls and jerkin, and performed the ceremony with a New York "form-book " in one hand and a box of Scotch snuff in the other.

If any one desires to see a Mukwonago farmer dance like a toad on a hot griddle, it is only necessary to coax him into some secluded spot and whisper " Milwaukee & Beloit Railroad."

* The people of Eagle^ claim Miss Goodrich as their first teacher. Her school was for children of both towns ; but it is a matter of dispute as to which side of the town line the building stood.

Up to June, 1837, settlers in Mukwonago were S. Andrews, H. H. Camp, Charles N. Cox, Thomas and John Coats, Samos, Jonathan and Jerry Parsons, Robert Wilkinson, the Sugden family, Martin Field, Ira Blood, W. C. Chafin, J. M. and C. B. Stockman, John Burnell, Joseph Smart, (first of the English settlers,) David Orendorf, James Orendorf and William Moody. Jesse Meacham, who visited the place, did not become a permanent settler.

Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. - At a formal meeting held at the Mukwonago House, January 31, 1874, the following directors were elected : C. B. Stockman, A. E. Perkins, J. A. Pratt, J. N. Crawford, W. Wilton and J. Wilkinson. A. E. Perkins was chosen President, J. A. Pratt, Secretary, and W. M. Frazier, Treasurer. The first policy issued was to A. E. Perkins. The company is for Mukwonago, Eagle and Genesee. The directors from Genesee were H. Bowman and J. W. Farnham ; Eagle, J. Parsons. In March, 1877, the number of directors was increased to nine - three from each town. J. N. Crawford and A. J. Boss have been President and Secretary since 1876. The present Board of Directors are J. N. Crawford, A. J. Boss and William Frazier of Mukwonago; A. R. Hinkley, Samuel Hage and William Wilton of Eagle ; Norman Shultis, W. H. Hardy and Thomas D. Jones, of Genesee. At the annual meeting in 1880, the company contained five hundred and twenty members, holding four hundred and sixty-two policies of insurance. The value of property insured is $520,000. The rates of insurance are $1.50 for each policy and one-fifth of one per centum on the amount issued. Twelve losses have been paid, mostly caused by lightniing, aggregating $1,743.50. During 1879, the losses were $1,390. Cash now on hand $325.

Jericho* is a quiet little burg on the extreme west line of this town. It was so called from the name of Jerry Parsons, who built an old tavern stand there in an early day. Jericho Creek flows through a beautiful grove of old trees to the west of the village. The grounds of John Burden and Mr. Pitcher having been inclosed years ago with masonry walls of limestone, now gray and moss-grown, have given rise to the various sayings in regard to "the walls of Jericho." It is one of the oldest settlements in the county, and has a natural location of extreme beauty. Other Scriptural names in this locality are Palestine, Jerusalem, and on the farm of Mrs. Hill, in Mukwonago, is Mt. Nebo, which is " over against Jericho."

Mukwonago Village. - This is not an incorporated village, but has the commercial importance which warrants its claim to the title of village. Its first settlers were Indians. The last tribe which inhabited the region were Pottawatomies, who had a large village on the site of the present village, which was also named Mukwonago, meaning place of the bear, or bear town.

The first white settlers were Sewall Andrews, H. H. Camp and Mr. Meacham, who visited the locality in 1835, and took up their residence here June 15, 1836. The first house in the village was erected by them. Mr. Meacham soon left for other parts, and was not a permanent settler.

The village was platted in 1836, and the plat recorded at Milwaukee, November 24, 1836. That was undoubtedly the earliest recorded plat in Waukesha County.

The surrounding country is beautiful and rich ; the place has a good water-power, and the inhabitants are well-informed and generally well-to-do.

" Within three or four years from the first settlement, many of those whose names are still known and honored in the town, were invited hither by the charming appearance of the country. John Stockman built a house for the entertainment of travelers in 1837 ; the cheerful and genial face of Joseph Bond was seen above the heads of his friends ; Andrew E. Elmore established himself in a log store in 1839 ; Otis Sargeant began work upon a productive farm, and Elder Burgess, a Baptist minister, initiated the regular preaching of the word of God. At that time, the wellto-do farmer who wished to be thought stylish, went to church in a vehicle drawn by oxen, while the less ambitious were contented to go on foot. A bridge of poles laid from one forked stake to another, gave a precarious passage across Fox River to the footman, and many a poor wight who lingered at the village, like Tam O'Shanter, was caught by the warlock drunkenness

" In 1843 or 1844, the first permanent bridge was laid across Fox River, but, the structure having been found to coat too much for repairs, it was replaced about four years ago by another, which has proved impregnable to all watery attacks.

" The flouring and saw mill now owned by J. & M. Howitt, were begun (and the sawmill finished) in 1847, by a Mr. McVean, but they soon passed from his hands and became the property of Mr. Sewall Andrews.

"A small church and schoolhouse had been erected in the village almost at the commencement, but the friends of education decided, in 1858, on the erection of a building which should be an honor to the town, and the present fine public school edifice, of brick, was accordingly completed in 1859, since which time the utmost pains have been taken to secure the best attainable talent for school management, and the present course of study, including higher mathematics, German, and natural science, is believed to give as full advantages for culture and practical knowledge as can be obtained below a collegiate or technical course of instruction."

Baptist Church. - The first Baptist service held in this town was in 1837, at the house of Charles Cox, Jericho. J. M. Stockman, owning the only horse team in the village at this time, was offered $1 each by five of his neighbors, to carry them to this meeting, and he remembers accepting this offer. The society was organized in 1840, and a church built, under the leadership of J. M. Stockman, "Webber and Sewall Andrews, H. Porter, Daniel Wood, Ebenezer Thomas and others. This church was used until it became untenable, and was finally destroyed by fire. For several years past, meetings were held in the schoolhouse. The society has completed an elegant new church, at a cost of upwards of $2,000.

Congregational Church. - The first subscriptions taken for the building of a church, were by A. E. Perkins and A. Ball, in 1860. On the removal of Mr. Ball, the subscription was dropped, though the society was organized at that time. The first Trustees were W. C. Chafin, A. E. Perkins and another. Rev. Mr. Snow, assisting in the organization, and Rev. Mr. Sedgwick being the first regular pastor. In 1866, the subscriptions were renewed at the instance of the Trustees, A. E. Perkins, E. T. Taylor and Dr. Jerry Youmans. Under the direction of these gentlemen as Building Committee, the foundations were laid, in 1866, the present substantial and handsome structure being finished in 1869, at a cost, with fixtures, furniture and organ,, of $3,400. Prior to the building, and since the organization, of the church, weekly services were held in the schoolhouse. This church is open to all evangelical denominations.

United Unitarian and Universalist Society. - Sewall Andrews, F. M. Payne, Otis Sargeant, William M. Frazier, J. N. Crawford and John Platner were the leading spirits in founding this church, "W. P. Collins and Martin Field being the pillars on the Unitarian side of the house. The organization was effected and a charter granted in 1877. The first officers were Andrews, Frazier and Crawford, Trustees ; Martin Field, Secretary ; Peter Greeley, Treasurer. They continue to hold these positions. The site for a church was purchased of the heirs of William Burgess, for $700. The church, a very neat building, was completed in August, 1879, and cost $8,000. It is used also by the Methodist Episcopal society. The dressing-room, dining-room and kitchen were built with funds raised by the ladies. The church is free from debt.

Uagle Lodge, No. 39, I. 0. 0. F. - This Lodge was instituted at Eagle, Waukesha County, October 1, 1849. Its charter members were Philip V. Born, Allen Carr, Frank Draper, Andrew E. Elmore, Alexander Farron, Dexter Finch, Freeman Ackly, John James, John C. Snover, Adam E. Ray, Thomas W. Pitman, Hiram Lampman, B. Salsbury and Henry Snyder. In May, 1859, Eagle Lodge was moved to Mukwonago through the influence and labor of F. M. Payne, 0. B. Dickinson and George Richardson, and, by the consent of the R. W. Grand Lodge, took the name of Mukwonago Lodge, No. 89. The presiding officer at that time was John C. Snover. At the first election thereafter the officers were : F. M. Payne, N. G. ; George Richardson, V. G. ; 0. B. Dickinson, R. S. ; H. H. Camp, T. The lodge kept up its meetings during the war, until January, 1862, when it suspended, and surrendered its charter. About the last of October, 1868, F. M. Payne, 0. B. Dickinson, H. H. Camp, John Snyder, Perry Craig, Melvin Peacock, Melvin Gibson, E. D. Reynolds and B. S. Winchell, petitioned for a charter, and on the 29th day of November, 1868, the lodge was resuscitated by R. W. Grand Secretary L. B. Hills, of Madison. The lodge has made a good many Odd Fellows, and lost a good many, but has succeeded in holding its own and a little more, having now a membership of over forty in good standing, and about $500 in the treasury. The ofiScers are: G. Lovejoy, N. G. ; William Miller, V. G. ; A. J. Stockman, R. S. ; F. M. Payne, T. The night of meeting is Saturday, over Anderson & Wood's store.

Town Op Muskego

The town of Muskego formerly embraced a larger extent of territory than it now does, an^ was one of the earliest towns named and founded. The Territorial Legislature passed the fol" lowing enactment :

Section 4. That the country included within the following limits, to wit: Beginning at the southeast corner of Township 5 north, of Range 20 east ; thence west to the southwest corner of Township 5 north, of Eange 19 east ; thence north along said township to the northwest corner of Township 6 north, of Range 19 east ; thence east to the northeast corner of Township 6 north, of Range 20 east; thence south to the place of beginning; be and is hereby set off into a separate town by the name of Muskego : and the polls of election shall be opened at the house of Nathaniel Walton, near Prairie Village, and at the house of Hugh Wedge, near Muskego Lake.

The town of Muskego, as it now is, namely. Township 5, of Range 20 east, was separated from the balance of the territory and erected into a town for self-government, by an act of the Legislature, approved March 9, 1839.

It was one of the principal camping-places, next to Mukwonago and Waukesha, of the Pottawatomie Indians, and a very large village of them was found about the shores of Muskego Lake by the first settlers. The abundance of wild rice, water fowl, fish and muskrats, which was probably not equaled by any other locality in Waukesha County, made the town of Muskego an exceedingly desirable place for the aborigines, who depended almost entirely upon wild game for food.

Muskego has within its borders the largest lake in Waukesha County, and a ^ery large portion of the remainder of the town bears evidence of having been covered by water. A large portion of the soil is therefore lower than most of the other towns, but it is rich and strong. Nearly all of that which the early settlers deemed too wet for cultivation has since been turned into the most productive meadows and grain fields.

The first regular "town meeting," or election - at least, the first one recorded - was held April 5, 1842, at the house of Harriette V. French. . Asa Parker was Chairman of the meeting, and H. B. Burritt, Clerk. After some discussion, it was agreed to elect town officers by ballot, and the Clerk recorded the following elections, which did not include all the officials the town was entitled to : George McWhorter, Hiram Hollister, Eben Harris, and Marion Mucky were elected Highway Commissioners, and Rufus Peck and Phillips Riley were chosen School Commissioners. It was then agreed that the next town meeting should be held at the house of Mr. A. H. Taylor. It occurred April 4, 1848, at which James Field was elected Chairman of the town, and Rufus C. Peck and H. B. Burritt, Supervisors ; M. T. White, Assessor and Town Clerk ; George Green, Treasurer ; and Francis Ives, Collector.

The officers of the town for 1880 are as follows : Supervisors, John Schmidt, Chairman ; Henry Welsh, Matthew Elliott ; Town Clerk, George Rosenberg ; Assessor, Charles Finly ; Treasurer, William Elliott ; Justices of the Peace, J. D. Buckett, Adam Muehl, Albert Claflin, Sr. ; Constables, J. H. Jordan, P. Crosby, A. Shallanda.

The town of Muskego embraces historic territory among the Pottawatomie Indians, who had villages and burial-places on its lakes. There are found here, also, some of the most inter- esting of the numerous mounds covering the abiding-places of the pre-historic races, and one arched temple or niche wholly unlike anything else in the pre-historic line in the county. It was surveyed and a draft made by Increase A. Lapham, but has been, unfortunately, nearly destroyed in recent years.

The Committee, consisting of L. Ellarson, C. Finley and John Schmedt, appointed by the Old Settlers' Club to prepare a history of the town of Muskego, made the following report :

" An extended history of the town of Muskego would form a very interesting chapter in the early reminiscences of th6 State of Wisconsin. Its dense thickets and heavy timber, its lakes and marshes, have made it the special abode of the aborigines of this county for ages pre-historic. It is here that generations after generations were born and passed away, and left no calendar or record to tell us whence they came, or in what age they lived.

" Upon the north bank of Big Muskego Lake, on what is now known as ' Latander Point,' is a burying ground, of which the Indians of late generations have no distinct traditions ; they simply hold it in sacred veneration as the last resting-place of a people long since passed to their happy hunting grounds far beyond the setting sun, and here, too, are the graves of those of whom tradition points to the time in which they lived and died, and here also is the resting-place of those who have lived and died within the memory of the white man, and Muskego was the last town in which the poor Indian found a home in the southern counties of Wisconsin, whence they were removed in the year of our Lord, 1852, by order of the General Government.

" The tenacity with which they clung to their hunting grounds in Muskego, shows the estimate they placed upon its lakes, and its marshes, and its forests, and the great source which furnished them game and fish for food, and fur and skins for clothing and traflSc. For years after their removal, quite a large number of those poor Indians would return annually and spend a few weeks unmolested upon their favorite grounds in Mus-kee-Guac - the fishing place* - by the white settlers called Muskego. The year of our Lord 1836 gave them the first full surety that ere long their hunting grounds would be converted into fields of grain and grass ; that civilization was fast on its move westward and that they must seek a new home beyond the Mississippi.

" It was about that time that Luther Parker emigrated from the State of New Hampshire, and made the first claim and built the first house in the town of Muskego. This claim was located on what is now a part of Section 9, at the south end of Little Muskego, at a point now known as Muskego Center.

"The old house that he then erected was torn down about two years ago, by the present proprietors, to make room for other buildings. At its demise, the old house was in a very good state of preservation, and seemed to challenge time and weather for many years to come. About six or seven years since, we were conversing with A. H. Taylor and Barnes Babcock in relation to this old house, and they counted, up to that time, no less than forty-three families that had lived in it. Could this old house talk and tell of the trials, the troubles, the dreams and the pleasures it had witnessed, it would fill a volume with facts and romance that would be painfully interesting to the reader.

" We have often heard Mr. Parker recount the hardships, trials and privations he necessarily passed through, the first year he was here. Often be had to grf to Milwaukee (then a distance of twenty miles by the Indian trail) and bring home provisions on his back to support his little family, and often the rivers and streams were so swollen by rains and melting snow that it required about three days to make the trip. It was during this winter that the first white child was born in the town of Muskego ; a little daughter was born to Mr. Parker, which soon after died, and now lies buried on the bank of its beautiful lake. This was the first grave, in which the remains of the first white person were deposited, in this town.

" If our memory is correct, the next settler was Leonard Martin, now of Vernon, who settled in the west part of the town, near his present residence. He was followed in a few weeks by Lavalette Ellarson, who settled upon the same farm where he now resides.

"In the year 1837, a number of settlers located and settled in the town. Among the first of these were Patrick Conray, Mr. Houyck, Homer H. Hawkins, George Green, John Kendall, James Field, Mr. Sexton, and also one or two others whose names we cannot now remember.

"In the year 1838, Garrett Doyle and family, James Conray, Francis Ives, John Burns, Daniel Sweeney, Levi G. Guild, Mr. Cox and a number of others, settled in the town.

" The first school that we had was taught by Miss Hannah Field, daughter of James Field, and now the wife of George McLaish, Esq., of Waterford, Racine County. This young lady, as a professor of the science of teachine; the young idea how to shoot, was considered very successful indeed, notwithstanding the fact that many of her pupils thought it a matter of greater moment and importance to shoot a bear or a deer than an idea.

" We have no record of who preached the first sermon, but Elder Adams, a Unitarian, was among the earliest divines who ministered to the spiritual wants of the people.

" Dr. Otis was the first physician who located here. His career was short, and he was succeeded by Dr. Squires, who fell a- prey to the cholera in 1849.

" Since the year 1836, when you take into consideration its dense thickets, its heavy timber, its deepmarshes, Muskego has marched forward with a stride seldom equaled in any country. Its heavy timbered lands have been converted into smooth and pleasant fields, much of its marshes have been converted intobeiutiful and profitable meadows, its dense thickets havebeen cleared and now reward the patient, toiling husbandman with a generous compensation for his labor. Each succeeding year witnesses the clicking of the reaper and the mower over ground which a few years ago was considered almost inaccessible to man or beast. How changed ! How wonderful is the progress of civilization as it advances from the rising toward the setting sun !

" But where are those who were the pioneers in bringing those great changes about ? A few of them yet survive and look back with pride and gratitude on the part they have acted in the development of these events ; but the most of them have been called to receive their reward, and have become our precursors and pioneers in that undiscovered country beyond the tomb. May they rest in peace."

A few years ago, John D. McDonald, of Summit, wrote as follows : " The first plow used to turn a furrow in Summit (which was on Baxter's farm) was made at the nearest shop - Wedge's mills, which I believe is in Muskego. *I obtained the irons from the blacksmith, and carried them to Summit on my back, and, as a recompense, I had the pleasure to travel between the handles of that plow, to turn the first sod in our town." Thus the first plows made in Waukesha County, were made in Muskego.

The first settler in the town of Muskego was Luther Parker. All claims to the contrary, there now seems to be no doubt of the correctness of this statement. Mr. Parker came from the northern portion of New Hampshire, and made a claim where Muskego Center now is in theearly part of June, 1836. He drove a two-horse team from the old "Granite State," and brought his wife and family. The latter consisted of three daughters and one son Charles D. Parker, who was afterward Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. The youngest shild, Amanda,, died August 8, 1838', which was probably the first death in the town.

Before the close of June, 1836, Henry Houyck and his sister Rebecca, settled in section 5, and soon after T. G. French and A%a Parker made claims in the town, the former at what is^ now Tess Corners, and the latter at a point about a half-mile farther south. These were alii who actually settled in Muskego during 1836, although Leonard Martin, made a claim of lands on Section 19, on November, 19, 1836, and Lavallette EUarson located a claim on Section 6.

During 1837, Homer H. Hawkins, George Green, Hugh Wedge, George Guild, Rufus C. and Henry M. Peck, Patrick Conray and Leonard Martin were permanently added to the inhabit-

* Asa matterof fact, the saw was running juBt a few feet over the line, in New Berlin; but bo near, Mr. McDonald was easily miBtakea The blacksmith shop was probably over the line in Muskego.

ants of the town. Mr. Conray was the first Irishman to locate in Muskego ; and Mr. Martin, surveyed all the roads in the town, except one extending across the northwest corner.

During the year 1838, Anson H. Taylor, of New York, settled in Muskego, and purchased 800 acres of land about Muskego Center. He built the first saw- mill in the town, as well as the first store and hotel. He was looked upon as a rich man in those days. Gordon C. Cone, Gerritt Doyle, Thomas Lannon, Hiram Claflin, George Law, R. Drought, D. Sweeney and William P. Hall were very early settlers in Muskego, and the demise of a daughter of the latter was undoubtedly the second death in the town.

The first schoolhouse, which no doubt is as plainly pictured in the minds of the early pioneers as the faces of their nearest friends, was built of logs. The expense of its building was not defrayed by general taxation, but by voluntary subscriptions. It stood about eighty rods south of what is now Tess Corners. The first person to teach school in this primitive temple of learning was Miss Hall, in the fall of 1838, and winter of 1838-39.

The old Wedge saw-mill, well known throughout the county, must be mentioned in the history of Muskego, although it was built a few feet over the north line of the town in New Berlin.* After it was demolished in 1855, the present saw-mill was erected a few yards south of the town line, in Muskego. H. E. Hale, the present owner of the property, purchased it in 186.1, and erected the grist-mill, which is also south of the town line, in this town.

During the latter part of 1839, a post ofiBce was established in Muskego. James Field was the first Postmaster, and kept the office - there was precious little else but the office to keep - at his house, on Section 12. He was succeeded by Luther Parker, who kept the office at his place during a number of years.

A post office- was established at Muskego Center, with Anson H. Taylor as Postmaster, who was succeeded by J. D. Reymert, Thomas Taylor, David Henry, and John C. Schuet, the latter of whom now has the honor ot signing a " P. M." to his name. In politics, Mr. Schuet is called the "King of Muskego."

The first post office at Tess Corners was established in 1867 by the appointment of H. Rosenberg as Postmaster, which position he has since continuously held. This place was named in honor of Jacob Tess, a native of Mecklenburg, who was a prominent farmer in this vicinity.

Nearly or quite forty years ago, an office called Muskego Mills was kept near Wedge's Mill by a man who was best known throughout that part of the county as "Piper" Reynolds.

During the war, Durham Hill postoffice was established in Muskego, by the appointment of S. A. Tenny, the noted stock-raiser, as Postmaster. The present Postmaster is A. Veennedaal.

What was called the "Norwegian Settlement" began in the south part of the town in 1839, and grew rapidly until some of the newly-arriving immigrants brought the cholera, in 1849. Terrible and indescribable scenes followed the breaking-out of this fearful scourge, as the poor and ignorant people did not know how to diet or abate its ravages in the least. A hospital was finally established on the shores of Big Muskego Lake, in a large barn, where scores of the poor people died. This plague broke out here again in 1851 and raged with frightful violence and fatality. A log house near the town line in "Norway" was then an improvised hospital, and graves were dug and kept open for expected corpses. The plague resulted in so many deaths, and carried such terror into the community, that all but a few of the surviving Norwegian families left the town.

Town Of New Berlin

Township 6, of Range 20 east, was included in the town of Muskego by the act of January 2, 1838. In 1839, it was called Mentor, the name being changed by the following enactment :

It has been generally supposed that the name. New Berlin, was suggested on account of the large number of German settlers who now began coming into the town, and who desired to perpetuate in some common manner the names of prominent cities in their Fatherland. But this is not the fact. The town was named by Waterman Field and Sidney Evans, in honor of the latter's native place.

New Berlin has no lakes and no large streams of water, though Poplar Creek and branches of Root River take their rise in this town, affording at least one good water-power.