When the early settlers came to the vicinity, which is now known as the Town of Hartland, it was a land of virgin timber, uninhabited except for a few Indians who enjoyed the hunting and fishing.

The Town of Hartland was organized in 1859.

Some of the first settlers were William and August Seering, Henry Burmeister, David Krake, Fred Zernicke, Daniel Brusewitz, John Koch, Christian Drews, Frederich Born, Charles Stern, Charles Sumnicht, Charles Zuehlsdorf, Charles Wussow and Henry Luecke. Many of their descendants still reside in the township on fine farms which were developed by these early settlers and handed down to the present generation. The Town of Hartland is predominantly settled by folks of German descent.

The first town election in 1860 was held at the home of Mr. Parks. The town board consisted of the following members: Daniel Brusewitz, William Seering and Fred Zernicke, with Charles Sumnicht as the Town Clerk.

The first public school was located in School District No. 1 which is the present location of the Village of Bonduel.

The first church was St. Paul's Lutheran begun by Rev. Dickie who came to Shawano County in 1863. In the early days church services were held in the home of various parishioners. The first church, built of logs, was erected in 1869.

The Village of Bonduel is located in the northwestern part of the Town of Hartland, the gateway to Shawano County vacationland. 

Information from:
William Pautz
Clerk Town of Hartland