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 Aurora

From the Information from History of Northern Wisconsin Containing An Account of it's Settlement, Growth, Development
and Resources; An Extensive Sketch of its Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages - The Western Historical Company- A.T. Andreas, Proprietor  1881

AURORA - This is a village of 150 people situated in the southeastern part of the county, sixteen miles from Wautoma. It contains one grist-mill, cheese factory, two general stores and two hotels. Its early settlement dates back about thirty years, and among its pioneers may be mentioned E. W. Daniels, A. Strang and Chester Clark. The village is not incorporated.
 

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Aurora is the southeastern town of the County of Waushara, and the only one of the eighteen towns of the county that deviates any from a uniform size, shape and area, the southeast corner south of the Fox River, having been attached to Berlin, in Green Lake County. Willow Creek crosses the northwest corner with a broadening at Auroraville on its way to Lake Poygan. There is much swamp land in this town, in which are located wholly the immense Sacket and Carey cranberry marshes, owned in Berlin and mentioned in the history of that city. Aurora is bounded on the north by Poysippi, on the east by Winnebago County, on the south by Green Lake County, and on the west by Warren.

Prominent among the early settlers of this town were: Henry R. Floyd, who came in 1849; E. W. Daniels. in 1850; N. W. Harrington, in 1851; A.A.Daniels, in 1852; W. F. Williams, in 1854; B.F. and D.L. Davenport, in 1859.

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

The only postoffice in this town is at Auroraville a village of 300 population, on Willow creek eighteen miles east of Wautoma, and seven miles north of Berlin. Settlement began here in 1848 or 1849. The village contains two churches, general stores of F.P. Corrill and Strange & Wells, the sawmill of J. Montgomery, the nursery of E. W. Daniels and the hotel of J.W. Hollenbeck. L. M. Harvey, Charles Fero and James Brown are carpenters.

Other - Auroraville - The first settler of this town was Henry R. Floyd in 1849. It is reported the first white child here was a child of Eunice N. Culver on February 22, 1851.

Hamlet of Brushville

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Brushville is a hamlet of about seventy-five inhabitants, on Spring Creek, twenty miles northeast of Wautoma, and sixteen miles north of Berlin, the nearest railroad station. It contains a steam saw mill, the property of S. R. Clark & Son, two churches, a creamery, and other business interests.

Brushville

The first death here was that of Calvin Swift in 1853. Justin Noble and Charles Stowers built the first sawmill here in 1857. The first school house was built in 1856. The first marriage was that of Stephen King and Miss Kellogg in 1852.

Cedar Lake

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Cedar Lake is another post-office in this town, twenty-two miles northeast of Wautoma, and nine miles south of Waupaca, the nearest railroad station. It contains little of business importance, and only a small population. E Emerson is Post-master, and William James deals in lumber.

Colebrook

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Colebrook is a post-office on Willow Creek, in this town, seven miles east of Wautoma and twice that distance northwest of Berlin, the nearest railroad station and banking point. There are a blacksmith shop, a feed mill and other industries here. The population is about 75.

Other information - Colebrook is now part of Mt. Morris.

Coloma

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

(Coloma Town)

This is the western of the southern tier of towns of Waushara County, and is considered a good agricultural town. In common with Hancock and Plainfield, its companion towns in the western tier of towns, it enjoys the advantages of railway facilities, the Wisconsin Central crossing east of the center in a north and south direction, with a station named for the town, Coloma. Hancock is the town lying south of Coloma; Rickford is to the east, Marquette County is to the south, and Adams County is to the west. There are no streams worthy of note in this town, and only one small body of water, lying mostly in section 33, on its southern boundary. The Mecan River may be said to have its source in the northeast section of Coloma.

(Coloma Village)

Coloma is a hamlet of about fifty people, in this town, seventeen miles west of Wautoma, twelve miles south of Plainfield and a little less than four miles west of Coloma Station. It was settled in 1850. Here are the steam, feed and saw-mills of J. W. Smith, the hotel of T.B. Smith, and the general store of J.F. Spaulding, W.T. Bishop and Elias Follett.

(Coloma Station)

Nearly four miles east of Coloma, has a population of 150. It was settled in 1858, after the coming of the railroad and contains a church and a district school, besides the general stores of S. Dulin, E. Exner, Smith Brothers, and Mrs. J.A. Smith, the hardware store of C.P. Schmudlock, the harness shop of H.W. Gibbs, and blacksmiths, wheel-wrights, and other small mechanics shops.

Other - Coloma was once known as Coloma Corners. First settled 1849-50. The town was also once part of Adario (now called Richford) and Sylvester (now named Hancock) It was also called Ross Corners at one time.

Dakota

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

(Dakota Town)

Dakota is of the middle tier of towns of Waushara County, and lies just west of the line dividing the county into its east and west halves. In the northern part of this town White River is formed by the junction of several small streams. Pine creek and another stream of equal size have their course through and their sources partly in, the western parts. Bass Lake and three other smaller bodies of water lie within this town. There is considerable swamp land in the western and central portions; but good farms are found in nearly all parts of the town. Dakota's boundaries are these; north, the town of Wautoma; east of the town of Marion; south, Marquette COunty; west, the town of Richford.

(Dakota Village)

Dakota is a small village of seventy-five inhabitants, the only post-office in this town. It is eight miles southwest of Wautoma, and ten miles southeast of Coloma Station, the nearest railroad point. It was settled in 1851. Here are sawmills of Julius Granise and Herman Testlauf, the general store of W.L. Roberts, the hotel and grocery of Mrs. L. J. Crandall, and some small mechanics shops.

Among the early settlers and prominent men of Dakota were: G.W. Wilter, D.R. Coon, F.E. Wandrey, H.J. Peep, B.S. Crandall, Gottfried Stenzel, William Diggies, Peter Hamel, H. Harrington; John Wandrey, H.W. Rood and Allen Dewell.

Other - This are was settled under the Military Bounty Land Act of 1850 in the name of Nathan Hatch. Other early settlers recorded in 1852 include F.E. Wandrey, William Diggies, John Wandrey and Allen Dewell this is not a complete list of early settlers under this act.

Deerfield

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

The town of Deerfield is the second town from the western border of the county in the middle tier of towns. It is bounded north by the town of Oasis, east by the town of Wautoma, south by the town of Dakota and west by the town of Hancock. It is a level, agricultural town and has no streams of importance. Fish Lake extends over its western boundary from the town of Hancock and a little east of the eastern extremity of this lake is a smaller body of water, mostly in section 17. In section 25, in the southeast part of the town is another small body of water which discharges through the White River. This town contains neither village, hamlet or post-office.

Among the early settlers and prominent citizens of this town we may mention P.S. Thurston, James Crowl, Levi Boyce, J.M. Harford, Chalres J. Marshall, S.S. Mills, G.W. Perry, Richard Searles, Ira Wood and Lewis Marshall.

Glen Rock

Once situated between Neshkoro and Spring Lake when two quarries were producing well.. Once prosperous and progressive. William Harvey ran a boarding house near the Milwaukee Quarry. Mr. & Mrs. Fred Dahlke ran a boarding house for the Northern Quarry. The Marr Cemetery is located in what used to be the town of Glen Rock. Thomas Joslin, Civil War veteran who served with the WI 18th Inf. Co. F is buried here.

Hamlet of Hamilton

Once located within the town of Waren, it had business diarying, balcksmith shop, sawmill of Thomas E. Decker and cheese factory of J.R. Wilcox.

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Hamilton

This is a hamlet of about twenty population, sixteen miles southeast of Wautoma and nine miles northwest of Berlin. The principal interests here are the dairy, blacksmith shop and sawmill of Thomas E Decker, and the cheese factory of J R Wilcox.

Hancock

From History of Northern Wisconsin containing AN ACCOUNT OF ITS SETTLEMENT, GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCES; AN EXTENSIVE SKETCH OF ITS Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages by The Western Historical Company 1881

HANCOCK

Hancock was organized, in 1856, by the legally quali­fied voters of the territory comprising the town, by electing Sylvester Richmond, Jefferson Abbott and H. B. Lewis, Supervisors, and Hiram Barnes, Town Clerk ; L. A. Bab-cock, Assessor, and Benjamin Chamberlain and H. B. Lewis, Justices of the Peace. Among the early settlers were William Sylvester, H. Barnes, L. A. Babcock, Storys Abboots, J. F. Wiley, Chauncey Wiley, John Rawson and family, S. R. Dunham, J. E. Tilton, C. E. Manger, John Laselle, Samuel Hutchinson, Stillman Ordway, Isaiah Moors, Heyward, William O'Connor, Thomas O'Connor, A. J. French and Walter Ware.

Hancock is situated on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, in the western tier of towns in Waushara County, and contains about 700 inhabitants. Up to the time of the building of the railroad, the town seemed to be on the retrograde. The building of the road seemed to infuse new life and energy into the people of the town. Farmers  turned  their attention to raising stock and clover, and have succeeded by the use of plaster, in enriching their lands and raising crops that would compare favorably with any portion of the State. About two-thirds of the territory comprising the town is under cultivation. Quite a large proportion of the land not improved would make good farms. There is room, for at least 100 families more. To any one that wants to get a good home cheap, and one that they would be proud of in the future, here is a good opportunity. E. Mont­gomery will answer all communications addressed to him and give gratuitous information in regard to soil, products markets, schools and churches. Prominent among the set­tlers at present, we would mention the Hon. J. F. Wiley, Hon. C.W.  Moors, Hon. E. Montgomery, F. Chafee, C Chafee, H.E.  Heyward,   A.K. Edwards, J. B. Rawson, Lorenzo Rawson, C. and G. Hutchinson, Yont and Abbot D. Ostrum, Samuel and Henry Clark, Lewis Manley, Selden  Minor, J.E. Tilton, B.S. Hales, O.J. Wiley, C.C. Chollar, F.R. Jones, J.P. Wetmore, Z.T. Laselle and W.D. Weld.

Hancock Village is on the line of the Wisconsin Cen­tral road, and has a population of 200. Although settle­ment commenced over thirty years ago, the growth of the place has occurred within the last ten years—since the rail­road was put through it. A Mr. Sylvester was the first settler, and erected a small house, called a hotel, in 1850. About 1855 quite a number came—J. F. Wiley, Levi Babcock, G. and C. Hutchinson, J.B. and L. Rawson, and G.T. Yout. Mr. Wiley opened a store, and is now the lead­ing merchant of the place, owning also an elevator and warehouse. Most of the other settlers of 1855 took up land and cultivated it. The Moors Brothers, who also run a warehouse with their general store, are pioneers and sub­stantial business men.

Hancock is not incorporated as a village, but was sur­veyed and platted by C.F. Atwood in 1877, J.F. Wiley being its proprietor. It has a number of stores, a first-class hotel, built by Frank Chafee in the spring of 1877—present proprietor, Thomas Eubank; a village school and a Congre­gational Church, organized ten years ago, by Elder J.W. Donaldson. Several congregations worship in its neat edifice, the attendance being about fifty. Rev. H.T. Beach is the present Pastor. Everything taken into ac­count, Hancock is one of the pleasant and live little stations, scattered all through Northern Wisconsin, on the line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad.

_________________________

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

(Town of Hancock)

Hancock is the western of the middle tier of towns of Waushara County. It is bounded on the north by the town of Plainfield, on the east by the town of Deerfield, on the south by the town of Coloma, and on the west by Adams County. No streams worthy of note have their courses within its borders. Pine and Fish Lakes, in the northeast part are bodies of water which have attracted some attention. The Wisconsin Central Line crosses the eastern part of this town, neat the center with a station at Hancock. The soil is sandy and adapted to general farming.

Hancock was organized in 1856 by the legally qualified voters of the territory comprising the town, by electing Sylvester Richmond, Jefferson Abbott and H.B. Lewis Supervisors; Hiram Barnes, Town Clerk; L.A. Babcock, Assessor; and Benjamin Chamberlain and H.B.Lewis, Justices of the Peace. Among the early settlers were William Sylvester, H. Barnes, L.A. Babcock, Story Abbott, J.F. Wiley, Chauncey Riley, John Rawson, S.R. Dunham, J.E. Tilton, C.E. Manger, John LaSelle, Samuel Hutchinson, Stillman Ordway, Isaiah Moor, William and Thomas O'Connor and Walter Ware.

(Village of Hancock)

Hancock is a village in this town, on its Wisconsin Central Line, fifteen miles northwest of Wautoma and five and three-fourths miles south of Plainfield. It contains a steam feed mill, a church and a district school and has a population of about 150. The business of this village twenty years ago may be thus stated: A.R. Edwards, dry goods and groceries; D.S. Kingsley, blacksmith; Isaiah Moor, meat market; S. Miner, physician; Horace Merriman, proprietor of hotel; Mrs. O.J. Wiley, millinery; J.F. Wiley, general merchant. The principal business interests of the present day are the general store of Fred F. Goss; the drug store of B.L. Hales; the feed mill of G.E. Moor; the harness shop fo J. Ordway, and the store of J.F. Wiley. Although settlement began here about forty years ago, the growth of the village has occurred since the railroad was put through it. A Mr. Sylvester was the first settler and erected a small house, called "a hotel", in 1850. About 1855 quite a number came-J.R. WIley, Levi Babcock, G. and C. Hutchinson, J.B. and L. Rawson and G.T. Youts. Mr. Wiley opened a store, and is now a leading merchant of the place, owning also an elevator and warehouse. The Moor brothers, pioneers, also becamse substantial business men.

Hancock is not incorporated as a village. It was surveyed and platted by C. F. Atwood, in 1877, for its proprietor, J.F. Wiley. The Congregational Church was organized about twenty years ago. Several congregations worship in its neat edifice.

Thomas Eubank Post No. 150, Grand Army of the Republic was organized at Hancock, March 26, 1884, with the following charter members: J.E. Tilton, B.L. Hales, F.B. Hamilton, W.D. Weld, Thos. Beal, W.S. Curtis, W.J. Moore, J.A. Rozell, John K. Worthing, Henry Edson, Geo. C. Guest, J.A. Schofield, Peter J. Johnson,  Wm. Jump, L.D. Marshall, S. Ferguson, C.W. Babcock, F.R. Jones, C.W. Moors, Jas. Ordway, O. Hepburn, D.N. Green, Geo. Hutchinson, D.W. Booth, J.R. Barker, Wm. H. Welcome, A.D. Hamilton, J.W. Greenfield, M.V. Ferdon, G.P. Bushey, John H. Ostrum and K.B. Wilkinson, M.D.

The following were the officers for 1884: Com. John E. Tilton;S.V.C., F.B. Hamilton; J.V.C., B. L. Hales; Adj., C.S. Moors; Q.M., F.R. Jones; Surg., K.B. Wilkinson; Chap., W.S. Curtis; O.D., Thos. Beal; O.G., C.W. Babcock; Q.M.S., Henry Edson; S. Maj., W.D. Weld.

John E. Tilton was re-elected Commander in 1885. F.B. Hamilton was Commander in 1886 and 1887. F.B. Hamilton was Commander in 1886 and 1887; THomas Beal in 1888; F.B. Hamilton again in 1889 and C.A. Green is serving in 1890. This post holds its regular meetings at Hancock on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. It has had a membership of over one hundred, but by transfers and dropped members it now has eighty members in good standing. It has lost only two members by death--George C. Guest, late Corp. Co. G., 29th Ohio Infantry, and J.L. Wing, late Corp. CO. A, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. It has a Relief Corps just organized with thirty-two Charter Members, with Mrs. W.D. Weld, President and Mrs. Lucy Barton, Secretary.

Other - Originally called Sylvester (after the first settler in 1850) and was part of what is now Coloma. Hancock suffered three fires which destroyed the town and each time it was rebuilt. The first fire was February 14, 1893, followed by another on April 3, 1894 and the last fire being in 1904, which didn't do as much damage.

Leon

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Leon is the second of the middle tier of towns from the east line of the county, bounded north by Saxville, east by Poysippi, south by Warren and west by Mount Morris. Pine River and some of its tributaries flow through the northern part. Jackling's Lake is a small body of water in section 30 in the southwest part. The surface is uneven to a degree and there is considerable swamp land in the southern part. Most of the town is well adapted to agriculture.

The first claim made in the town of Leon was by a bee-hunter named Worden in 1849. He remained only a short time and returned to Neenah, whence he had come. His claim was made on what is now Van Aernam's prairie. Other early comers were: Henry Lang and Mr. Buck, in 1850; Edson Terrill, in 1851; Baldwin Sears, in 1852; Joseph Matthews, in 1853; George Frogin and Leicester Stephens, 1856.

Town of Marion

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Of the six towns of the southern tier in Waushara County, Marion is the fourth from the western border, lying immediately east of the line dividing the county into its east and west halves. It is bounded on the north by the town of Mount Morris, on the east by the town of Warren, on the south by Green Lake and Marquette Counties, and on the west by the town of Dakota. Fish Lake lies mostly in sections 5 and 6 on the northern border, extending a short distance into the town of Mount Morris. Just north of Fish Lake, in section5, 6, and 8, is Wolf, or Silver, Lake, which is attracting attention as a probably summer resort in the near future. A small lake lies in the contiguous corners of sections 16, 17, 20 and 21, just west of the center of the town. Spring Lake covers a small part of sections 23 and 26. Several other small bodies are in the different parts of the town. The southwestern part is swampy. Good farms abound in all directions. The Marion granite outcropping is elsewhere referred to.

September 24, 1849, Isaac and William Warwick, two brothers who had just been discharged from the Mexican War, made a claim to a piece of land now section 2 in the town of Marion. They built an 8X10 log shanty and became the first settlers in Waushara County. In the fall, taking two yokes of oxen, Isaac made a trip to Steven's Point and secured lumber for the erection of a more substantial house.

This settlement was made on the Indian lands, and though they were ordered to leave by both the Indians and the Indian Agent, they in various ways appeased their wrath and remained and became the nucleus of the present settlement of Waushara. S. A. and T.F.  Metcalf came in 1849 and 1850 respectively.

The first child born in the town was Emerson Leach; and a child was born at D.C.Hills' about the same time. The first marriage was that of Jane Augusta Parker, of Marion, to E.C. Hobart, of Oshkosh, by Bishop Kemper, of Milwaukee. The first death was that of old Mr. Hollister, who was killed by the caving in of a well in June, 1850. The first public house was kept by A.P. Fuller, at Spring Lake. The first school was taught in a log school house on land now owned by John Leach, by Adelia Holcomb, in the winter of 1850-51. Elder Milliken, of Saxville, was an early exhorter and preacher.

Mt. Morris

(Mt. Morris Town)

Mount Morris is the third from the eastern limit of the county in the middle tier of towns. Its boundaries are as follows: On the north, the town of Spring Water; on the east, the town of Leon; on the south, the town of Marion; on the west, the town of Wautoma. Within these bounds are Hills' Lake, Sauk's Lake, Fairburn Lake, John's Lake, and several other small bodies of water. Some small creeks have their course wholly or in part within this town. There is considerable swamp land in the western central part, but most of the soil in the town is measurably productive. Fish Lake encroaches a little upon sections 31 and 32 of this town, but most of it lies over the line in the town of Marion.

The first settlement in this town was made in 1849 by E.W. Alverd and William Tibbitt. Thomas E. Cope and Floyd E. Barker came in 1850, and Benjamin F. Raeppoll, in1856.

(Mt. Morris Hamlet)

This is a hamlet of about 25 inhabitants, on Willow Creek, seven miles from Wautoma and twenty miles from Berlin. It was settled in 1854, and contains a church, a school, two general stores and a water-power flouring mill.

A child of N. and Anna Nelson, born July 26, 1850, was the first born in the town. The first marriage was that of Andrew Delseals and Catherine Campbell, in fall of 1854, by Captain Sax. The first death was that of Margaret Nelson, Aug. 11, 1850. The first religious meeting was held in N. Nelson's house. William Stewart preached. A Methodist "class" and Sunday-school was organized in the same house in 1854. The first school was opened at "the mountain" in district No. 1, Mary Morse, teacher. The first school house was erected in 1854.

Other - Settled in 1849. First child born here was child of Nils and Anna Nilson. First marriage in this settlement was Andrew Deseals and Catherine Campbell. First school was built in 1854.

Oasis

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

(Town of Oasis)

Oasis is of the northern tier of towns and the second from the western border of the county. It is bounded on the north by Portage County, on the east by the town of Rose, on the south by the town of Deerfield, on the west by the town of Plainfield. Oasis is level and adapted to farming. There are no important streams in the town but there are within its limits several small bodies of water scarcely large enough to be dignified by the name of lakes.

William Lord settled in this town about 1849, and kept a tavern. Other settlers and men of mark were N.K. Currier, I.C. Herrick, R.R. Crowe, Thomas Hyde.

(Hamlet of Oasis)

This is a post hamlet of about fifty population and the only post-office in this town. It is twelve miles northwest of Wautoma and six miles south-east of Plainfield, the nearest railroad station.

Village of Pine River

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Pine River is a post village on the river of the same name in this town, twelve miles northeast of Wautoma and sixteen miles northwest of Berlin, the nearest railroad station. R.F. Frisbie arrived in this place in April, 1850, made his claim and built a shanty, and the next fall put up a frame house. With John A. Williams and Mr. Ream, he built a sawmill in 1856. The first tavern was opened in 1851. The village was platted in 1856. The first store was built in 1855 and has been occupied by A.M. Kimball and A.M. Kimball & Son to the present time. The postoffice was established about 1856, with A.P. Noyes as postmaster. B.D. Jewell is the present postmaster. A Congregational Church edifice was begun in 1866 and finished in 1867. Elder D.A. Campbell, who came in 1857, was the first preacher. The present pastor is Rev. MR. Orcutt. Another church (Methodist) has been built since this one, making two the village at this time.

The business directory of Pine River twenty years ago would have read thus: Blythe & Berton, blacksmiths and patiners; Doolittle & Poll, flouring mill; Silas Duncan, cabinet-maker; Frisbie & Westover, saw and planingmill; door, sash and blind factory; B.D. Jewell, physician, druggist and general merchant; George Marshall, Pine River Hotel; William R. Mills, grocery and confectionery; THomas Roche, tailor; W. & G. Skeel, wagon-makers; William Trever, boot and shoe maker; White & Faucher, blacksmiths; G.W. White, harness maker and carpenter. The chief business interests at this time are the general stores of A.M. Kimball & Son and B.A. Barr; the cranberry business of William Carpenter; the furniture and implement trade of H.E. Frisbie; the drug store of Dr. D. B. Jewell; the hotel of Nathan Kimball; the flour mill of T.H. Patterson; the wagon shop of George Skeels and the saw and planing mill of S. Westover & Son. The Waushara Argus was published at Pine River from March to May, 1859, by Pulsifer & Barker, then removed to Wautoma.

Other - It was named by the earliest settlers - the Lange Family- who named for the pine trees which overhung the river.

Plainfield

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

(Town of Plainfield)

Plainfield is the northwest town of the county. It is bounded on the north by Portage County, on the east the town of Oasis, on the south by the town of Hancock, and on the west by Adams County. This town is nearly level. It has no large streams. The Wisconsin Central line crosses it north and south in the east part, with a station at Plainfield Village. Sand Lake is a small body of water in the southeast corner.

The first settlement in the western part of the county, was made in this town, in 1849, by Thomas and William N. Kelly, father and son. C.E. Waterman and Charles Hamilton came in the winter of 1849-50, and located at the site of the present of Plainfield.

(Village of Plainfield)

Plainfield, seventeen miles northwest of Wautoma and twenty-two miles south of Stevens Point, is one of the wide-awake and progressive villages on the line of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. It is the center of a good country trade and the shipping point of large quantities of grain and live-stock.

In 1852 E.C. Waterman settled on land now within the corporate limits of the village and erected a shanty 12X16 feet which he used as a dwelling and hotel. It is left to the imagination of the traveler of to-day to picture such hotel accommodations as he must have had. This building was afterwards enlarged into the nucleus of the Plainfield House, still standing on Main Street.

Others who came early to Plainfield were Judge T.H. Walker; Jesse Bentley and family, in 1850; and Samuel Westbrook in 1852.

In March, 1855, W.W. Beach, who became one of Plainfield's most honored citizens, settled in the village and built the next house. Charles Hamilton was among the very earliest settlers of the town. He, with Messrs. Waterman and Beach, built the first school house and Miss Mary Chester was the first school teacher. William Kelley, the very first settler in the town of Plainfield, who came as early as 1848, located just south of, but not within the village limits.

Early in its history, the little settlement on the present site of Plainfield was called Norwich; but when the post-office was established and it became necessary to choose a name of it, Plainfield was decided on at the suggestion of E C Waterman, the postmaster, from Plainfield, Vt., in honor of his earlier home. About this time (1855) came G W Sheardown and Charles Mann. The former erected the second house after Mr. Beach's and the latter the third. Having been named, the village was platted the same year by S W Hall, surveyor for E. C. Waterman, proprietor. Hamilton's and other less important additions to the village have been platted.

The location of the postoffice and the platting of a village is always the signal for fresh growth. This proved true in Plainfield. The first gristmill and a a sawmill run in connection with it were erected by Cady & Chamberlain in 1856. It was burned, however, in 1857, and rebuilt. Beach & Chester had opened the first general store in the place the year before (1855). This, by 1856, the ground-work had been laid for the present prosperous village. The building of the railroad gave it an added impetus, and it now ranks as one of the most thriving and promising villages in this section. An idea of its rapid growth during the past twenty years may be gained from a comparison of its business men in all lines: Sherman Bordwell, B F Griffith, J B Mitchell, F B Munson, J A Rozell, general merchants; J F Cannon, Harmilton & Rist, blacksmiths; J H Millington, merchant tailor; R R Rapp, wagon maker; G W Sheardown, druggist and postmaster. Of course grist and sawmills were in operation at this time. At the present time Plainfield has fifty or sixty business establishments, including the Bank of Plainfield, H N Drake, Proprietor; the general stores of Sherman & Bardwell, F J Luce & Co., and L S Walker; the planing mill of W J Durham; the flouring mill of O'Cain & Bardwell; the marble works of Joseph T. Sherman; the Mitchell House, Coon & Perrins, proprietors; and the Plainfield House, J L Shaw, proprietor; the drug store of Bishop B Borden, and the farm implement warehouse of George B. Fox, Charles H Millington and Albert J Steele.

J T Ellarson some years since published a paper here named the Plainfield Times. It was local in character and Republican in politics. The Sun, published L W Chapman,, is in its seventh volume. It is a five-column, eight-page paper, devoted to upbuilding the best interests of Plainfield and vicinity, ably edited from towns around about, which makes it one of the newsiest sheets published in this section.

Walter Waterman Post, No. 197, G.A.R. was organized Aug. 22, 1885, with the following character members: J B Mitchell, Henry McCallin, H B Holmes, J C Rowsam, Peter Mitchell, Frank Rathermel, L S Walker, J P Lane, L D Stilwell, S S Mills, E M Pickering, A M Pierce, Geo. B Fox, Henry Washburn, Frank Briggs, H C Wood, C B Foss, W W Gillett, G D Foss, John Metier, R R Crowe, B F Powell, Geo. D Ball, Joseph Waters, B B Borden, Gideon Crowe, A Allen, Andrew Lutz, Geo. Goult, Jas Rozell,  A D Dewitt, Louis Thiele, John Tibbetts, S Bentley, I N Copeland, E G Eaton, W A Rozell, A Stevens, W W Stilwell, D B Culbertson, R H  Runcorn, B F Hutchinson, I C Herrick, John Townsend, R D Sparks, Joseph Sherman, Arad LAkin, S C Waterman, John E WIlson and John Peevy. The first officers were: Com. R H Runcon; S V C , J B Mitchell; J V C, Peter Mitchell; Surg.; I C Herrick; O Day, H B Holmes; Q M; L S Walker; Adjt., R B Hutchinson; O G, Geo. Foss; Chap., R D Sparks; Ser Maj., S C Waterman; Q M Ser., G D Ball.

The present officers are: Com., R H Runcorn; S V C, Geo. Foss; J V C, Arad Laken; Surg., I C Herrick; O. Day, J T Sherman; Q M, H F Treadwell; Ajt., S C Waterman; O G, B A Elliott; Chap., A W Alderman; S.M., L H Weldon; Q M S, H C Wood.

Plainfield Lodge, F A  M, No. 208, holds its regular meetings on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at Masonic Hall, over Sherman Bardwell's store. W B LaSelle is Worshipful Master and George B Fox is Secretary.

The village officers of Plainfield in January, 1890, were: President, B B Borden; Trustees, E M Pickering, H E Pratt, W W Runcorn, F J Luce, J H Mattice, W T Michi; Clerk, L W Chapman; Assessor, John A Printup; Treasurer, L S Walker; Justice of the Peace, George Spees; Police Justice, H F Treadwell; Marshal, George W Goult.

There are three churches in the village: Methodist Episcopal, Rev. A W Alderman, pastor; Baptist, Rev. J U R Wolf, pastor; and Congregational, worshiping in the Baptish Church, Rev. E A Child, pastor.

Early in its history Plainfield was the scene of the dread culmination of a tragedy such as few towns in this part of the country have witnessed. Its story will be found interesting as a dramatic chapter of the history, not only of Plainfield, but of the county. In 1853, there settled on a piece of land on Big Prairie, in Waushara County, a man named Firman. Some time thereafter being in Milwaukee, he fell in company with a man from Chienango County, New York, named Cartwright, who was looking for a place in which to settle. Firman induced him to come up to Big Prairie, offering him a one "forty" Firman, liked the appearance of the country, went to work and built a log house on the "forty" Firman had agreed to let him have; and, after staying about the place a few weeks, started back to New York to sell out,; settle up his affairs and bring on his family to his new home. In due time he returned and went into his log house with his family. For a time all things went on harmoniously, until Firman, whose habits and disposition were of a somewhat lawless character, got into some controversy with Cartwright, who was inclined to keep within and stand upon his legal rights, and a series of lawsuits arose between them for trespasses, assaults, and a variety of other contentions, which kept the justices in Berlin and Princeton (where they were obliged to seek law, Waushara County being then attached to Marquette County for judicial purposes) comparatively busy in adjudicating their disputes.

This went on until all the means and credit of the parties were exhausted. In the meantime the "Indian Land,: as all northwest of the Fox River was called, was taken up and pre-emptors were required to make "final proof." Firman had continued to assert a claim to the property he had given Cartwright during the period of their quarrel, and the rough and lawless elements in the community had sided with him in the controversy, while the law-abiding class were friendly with Cartwright. The day previous to that on which they were notified to appear at Menasha to "prove up" their claims, Firman had been arrested on a warrant for some offense, and his examination was fixed for the same day on which he wished to get to the land office. As he could not be present to contest Cartwright's claim to the "forty", which the latter obtained a duplicate for, he started home immediately after his case was idsposed of and in the bar-room of the hotel at Wautoma, where he stopped, he met Cartwright, whom he accused of "swearing to a lie." A quarrel ensured, and at length, angered by a bitter insult, Firman sprang upon Cartwright, struck him repeatedly and at length knocked him out of his chair (for he was sitting) against the stove, which tumbled over and scattered live coals over the floor. The bystanders pulled FIrman off of Cartwright who immediately got up, and passing through the house went into a large frame building which had been lately constructed on the west end of the diningroom of the log building. After a few moments, Firman went through into the kitchen and not seeing Cartwright enquired where he was, and being told by the servant girls that he had gone into the frame building, started after him. When he entered the room where Cartwright was he sprang toward him. Cartwright ran out of a side door onto the platform in front the of building, Firman following him and catching him by the collar just as he sprang from the platform at the southeast corner of the building, where a hitching-post had been erected, and twisting down Cartwright's head tried to gouge his eyes. Cartwright being unable to release himself put his hand in his back pocket, drew pistol and began firing and at the second or third discharge FIrman released his hold and dropped. He died in about an hour. Cartwright was at once arrested charged with murder. The next day he was held for trial.

Mr. J V Swetting, of Berlin, Green Lake County, passing through Wautoma in company of FIrman intended to lunch Cartwright, and with the district attorney he went to the justice who had held Cartwright for trial and told him that he (the justice) would be held responsible for what might follow if he did not immediately make out a commitment and send the prisoner to jail. The justice pleaded that he had no form book and did not know how to write out a commitment. Mr Swetting wrote the necessary document and the justice signed it; and in charge of a constable Cartwright was at once started for Oshkosh, where the nearest jail was located. They proceeded as far as Berlin that afternoon, and the next day Cartwright was lodged in jail to await his trial for murder. There he quietly remained until after the passage of an act by the Legislature of Wisconsin abolishing the death penalty; and as by the statutes of the State, all offences except a capital offence, were bailable, shortly after the enactment became a law Cartwright obtained bail and returned to his home. On his way home in passing through Berlin he was warned that the friends of Firman threatened to lynch him if he ever gain came to Big Prairie. He insisted on going home, taking the precaution of arming himself with a pistol and having already a rifle at home. The second night after his arrival home, about 11 o'clock, p.m. the front door of his home was broken in and his con, who was sleeping on the lower floor seized in bed by about a dozen men and carried out of doors. On discovering their mistake they lynchers let the boy go and rushed again into the house and up the ladder which led to the upper floor. The first man whose head appears above the floor shot and killed instantly. The crowd then withdrew from the house, and on consultation concluded to burn to the building and commenced kindling a fire at one corner where the legs came to the ground. Cartwright then poked his rifle through between the logs and firing, killed another of the party, whereupon the rest retreated from the house and after a second consultation sent a constable who was one of the party to the house of Judge Walker living near Plainfield and about four miles from Cartwright's, of whom he was a very warm friend. Walker was duped into going back with the constable and to assure Cartwright that the crowd of lynchers had dispersed and that if he would surrender himself to the constable he (the constable) would protect him and return him to Oshkosh jail until he could be tried. This Walker finally prevailed upon Cartwright, against his own judgment, to do, and he started from his house in company with the constable and Walker.

They had not proceeded twenty rods from the house when they were surrounded by the mob, Cartwright was taken from the constable, who made no resistance, put into a sleigh with the crowd and driven rapidly to Plainfield, where a pole was run out of the upper story of the hay barn belonging to the tavern. A rope was attached thereto and several bunches of shingles were piled up for Cartwright to stand on. Walker who had followed and was appealing to the mob to desist, was told that if he did not leave he would be hanged with Cartwright. The rope was noosed, about Cartwright's neck, the shingles were pushed from under him and he was left hanging until he was dead. Then the rope was untied from the pole and attached to the rear of the sleigh, and Cartwright's body was dragged behind the sleigh to his home and thrown into his house where his horror-stricken wife and children had been wondering at his fate.

To the shame of the good name of Waushara County, the human fiends who participated in this murderous outrage against law and right were never punished nor even prosecuted, though many if not all of them were known; but some of them have met death by violence.

Other - Was called Norwich when first settled in 1848 by William N. Kelly. In 1849, Elijah C. Waterman arrived and laid out a village, offering free lots to anyone willing to build and live on them. When the post office was established and Mr. Waterman appointed postmaster, he officially changed the name to honor his home in Plainfield, VT.

Poy Sippi

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Poysippi (Town)

The town of Poysippi is the eastern one of the middle tier of towns of Waushara county, Lake Poygan takes up about three sections of the east boarder, north of the center and into it are emptied the waters of Pine River and Willow Creek and their tributaries. About two-thirds of the town is swamp land. This town is bounded on the north by the town of Bloomfield, on the east by Winnebago County, on the south by town of Aurora and on the west by the town of Leon.

Among the early settlers of Poysippi were W G Strallon and Benjamin Cody, who came in1850, and T L Hall who came in 1853. The very first was Martin Becker, in 1950.

Poysippi (Village)

Poysippi is a postoffice village of about 200 population on Pine River, eighteen miles north-east of Wautoma and thirteen miles north of Berlin. The latter is Poysippi's nearest railway town. Poysippi derived its name from the Pine River, which was first called Poysippi by a Pottawottomie Indian. "Poy" from Poygan - "sippi" a river. The river ran into Poygan Lake, hence a "Poygan sippi," contracted to Poysippi. The village is located on a rise of ground four miles from Poygan Lake.

Dr. Ewing, George Hawley, Jacob Cady and Nathan Barker were the first settlers. George Hawley, Mr. Becker and Vernon Evans were the first that made claims here in the winter of 1850. The post-office was established in 1851, with George Hawley as postmaster, The present postmaster is John Moffatt. The village was platted by George Hawley in 1856.

Twenty-five years ago the leading business men and citizens of Poysippi were the following: D. Baxter, boot and shoemaker; R P Colt, postmaster; justice of the peace, and general merchant; J S Ewign, physician and surgeon; James W Gardner, physician and dentist; George Hawley, manufacturer of lumber and wagon and sleigh stock; E P Knapp, blacksmith; R D Moore, wool carding; C S Spencer, cabinet maker; John Vincent, carpenter; Levi Winchell, hotel keeper. A mile northeast of Poysippi was Woolsey's sawmill. The leading business men of to-day are Becker & Hanson, pump makers; W W Chase, grocer; Clarence Clark, blacksmith; John Moffatt & Co., and R P Colt, general merchants; George W Contauch, grocer; Fred M Hawley, hotel keeper; G G McCue and N Matthieson, masons; Henry Moffatt, carpenter; George Somers and John Montgomery, saw mill proprietors; Poysippi Cheese Company, cheese manufacturers; Dr. H A McWain is a resident physician. The village contains two churches, known as the Methodist and the Presbyterian.

James S Ewing Post, No. 231, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in 1886, and has had F E Noyes and R P Colt, Commander. Its present officers are R P Colt, Commander; F Blaisdell, S V C; E Taber, J B C; H Lamphear, O D; J McGregor, Adjt; C Spencer, Qmr. Its membership comprises all of the veterans living in that part of the county.

Early Events

The first child born in this town was Mr. Richardson's, in July, 1950. Its death in September following was the first. The first marriage was that of Jacob Van Aernam to May Cady, by the Rev. Mr. House, in February, 1852. The  first public house was kept by Martin Becker in a board shanty on the bank of what is now the mill pond at Poysippi. The first religious meeting was held in the chamber of the George Hawley residence. Rev. Mr. Hastings preaching in the first sermon. The first "class" was organized in the winters of 1850-51 by Rev. Mr. Barringer. Miss V G Newcomb taught the first school in a board shanty on section 7. The first regular school house - a frame building-was built in the village in 1854. Catharine Van Aernam was the first teach in it.

Richford

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Richford (Town)

The town of Richford is the second from the west border of the county of the southern tie of towns. It is bounded on the north by the town of Deerfield, on the east by the town of Dakota, on the south by Marquette County, and on the west by the town of Coloma. The Mecan River, which may be said to have its source in the north-east section of the town of Coloma, flows across Richford in a south-easterly direction. In the south part rise small streams which in Marquette County become tributaries to the Mecan. Pine Creek and other small streams have their source in the northeast part of the town. There is some swamp land in the east part, but most of the town is faily good farming land.

Among the early settlers in this town was William S Monroe, who came in 1857. Other early and prominent citizens were William Durgin, F B Cogswell, L M Follett, Elias Follett, Hiram Durgin and C Tiffany.

Richford (Village)

Richford, on the Mecan River, in this town, nine miles south-west of Wautoma, fifteen miles south of Plainfield and five miles southeast of Coloma Station, the nearest railroad point, is the only post-office in this town. It contains two churches, a school, the water-power flouring mill of A Weshner & Son, the general stores of G A Eichman, E L Tiffany and August Weshner, the hotel of L D Harris, a blacksmith and other shops. Population 90 to 100.

Town of Rose

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Rose

Rose is the third town in the northern tier from the western boundary of the county and the first one in that tier in the western half of the county. It is bounded on the north by Portage County, on the east by the town of Springwater, on the south by the town of Wautoma, and on the west by Adams County. The surface is generally level, sloping gently toward the east. Pine River has its source near the center. On the southern and its source near the center. On the southern and western boundaries and in the northern parts there are small ponds.

Among the pioneer settlers in Rose were Elisha W Stewart and Benjamin R Evans, who came in 1850 and 1853 respectively. Other early comers and prominent citizens were Robert H Roberts, S D Love, Richard R Davies, Andrew Wilson, Henry Smith and T Holland.

Sacramento

Once a prosperous town about two miles north of Berlin and the first county seat of Waushara County. Platted in 1849 by T. Townsend. Benjamin Langworthy was the first postmaster during a time when Green Lake and Waushara Counties were a part of Marquette County.

Saxville

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Saxville (Town)

The town of Saxville is the second of the northern tier from the east border of the county. It is bounded on the north of Waupaca County; on the east by the town of Bloomfield; on the south by the town of Leon; and on the west by the town of Springwater. Long Lake extends into the town from Springwater in the western part. There are two small lakes in the northeastern corner, and large swamps in the central and southern parts. The Pine River crosses the southwestern corner, and a tributary to that stream drains a large swamp further east. Small streams rise in the northern part.

Prominent among the early settlers of this town were the following: Oliver Pierce and Henry E Van Aersdale, who came in 1850; Patrick Heaney, in 1851; Archie McMillan, in 1852; and A W Heaney and Patrick Cosgrove, in 1854. Other early and prominent residents were: John Griffin, S T Watson, B M Barnes, Andrus Allen, B Cook, W H Williams, W James, W Warren, Charles Brooks, I M Cook and Julius Dudley.

Saxville (Village)

Saxville, in this town, on Pine River, has a population of about fifty. It is fourteen miles northeast of Wautoma, and thirteen miles south of Waupaca, the nearest railway station.

J Nobles came to this place in 1849. Mr Sax came soon after and built a sawmill the same year. In 1850 he built a frame house and a hotel. He built a flouring-mill in 1853. The village was platted in 1854 by E Sax. The first store was kept by Sax & Bro. Capt. Sax, whose name is perpetuated in that of Ed. Sax post, Grand Army of the Republic of Wautoma, was killed during the Rebellion at the battle in Shiloh.

In 1869, the business of Saxville was summarized thus: E Bardwell, wagon-maker; Bates Cook, blacsmith; John Coon, Postmaster and proprietor of the Cedar Lake House, Berlin and Waupaca road; Edward Ghocoa, flouring mill; William James, steam sawmill; Joseph Milliken, Postmaster and Notary Public; N W Milliken, general merchant; Mrs L B Vosburg, hotel; John A Williams, general merchant; V Wilmer, sawmill. The place now contains the general store of H C Van Airsdale and N W Milliken; the blacsmith-shops of J S Burson and John Crandall, and the shoe-shop of W B Coburn.

Spring Lake

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Spring Lake is the only post-office in this town. It is nine miles northwest of Wautoma and thirteen miles northwest of Berlin, the nearest railroad station. Here are the general store of Thomas H. Joslin and the hotel of A.P. Fuller. The population is about 25.

Springwater

Settled in 1852 and had two churches, a school, and a sorghum plant. Its postmaster was C. Wilson.

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Spring Water (Town)

This town derives its name from the number of lakes and springs within its borders. The larger of these are Pine Lake and another east of it in the north part; Gilbert Lake and Long Lake south of the two just mentioned, the latter extending into the town of Saxville; Silver Lake in the southwest part; and Lewis Lake, Rush Lake and Round Lake in the southeast part. Between these lakes rise numerous small streams, which unite with Pine River and make the principal volume of that stream. The soil is marshy. The boundaries of the town are as follows; North, Portage and Waupaca Counties; east, the town of Saxville; south the town of Leon;' west, the town of Rose.

The first settlement in this town was made in 1849 by John Hughes. Richard Davis was one of the pioneers. Ebernezer I Davis came in 1852. George Stetson and John W Lane came the same year. E R Humphrey came in 1854; M C Wilson in 1855; Joseph Brigham, in 1856.

Spring Water (Village)

Spring Water is a village of about 150 inhabitants in this town, eighteen miles northeast of Wautoma and twelve miles south of Waupaca, the nearest railway station. It was settled in 1852, and has two churches, a school, a sorghum manufactory and other interests. M C Wilson is Postmaster.

Early Events

Robert Christie was the first child born in this town, Feb, 15, 1852. The first death was that of Morgan Davies, in March, 1852. The first school was taught in 1852, at the house of Owen Owens, by John E Davies, afterward Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy in the State University of Madison. The first schoolhouse was of logs.

Terrill

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Known as "Terrill's Corners," has a population of 50, a general store, a grist mill and other business interests.

Other - TERRILL - Formerly known as Terrill's Corners in a discontinued postoffice in Leon township, Waushara county, 11 miles east of Wautoma, the county seat, 3 from Red Granite, the nearest shipping point, and 12 northwest of Berlin, the nearest banking point. Has rural delivery from Red Granite.

Village of Tustin

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Tustin is a village of about 250 population, on the Lake Poygan, twenty-six miles northeast of Wautoma, twelve miles from Winneconne, the nearest railroad station; and seventeen miles from Berlin, the nearest banking point. It contains a feed mill owned by the Leverson Brothers, a saw mill, owned by the same parties; a saw and heading mill, owned by Clark & Nelson; the hotel of O.C. Jenks; the boat-building establishment of F. LaBorde & Son; the cheese factory of John Lind; the hotel of William Richards; the cheese factory of John Schindeholtz; the general stores of Gottlieb Velte and John Boyson and other business interests.

Warren

The town of Warren is the second from the eastern border on the county of the southern tier of towns. It is bounded on the north by the town of Leon, on the east by the town of Aurora, on the south by Green Lake County, and on the west by the town of Marion. Willow Creek flows eastwardly across the northern half of the town. Jordan's Lake is a small body of water in section 24, near the eastern border. Much of the town is swamp land, but good advance has been made in agriculture in some parts.

The settlement of this town began in 1849, when John C Williams, William F Chipman and family, and John H Dedrick and family arrived, followed soon by Lewis H Bagg and Mr Shepard. These all settled in the southeastern part of the town, as now bounded. A school, the first in the county, was started in this town in 1849. Instruction was given by Mrs. Diana Carr, who lived in the family of Mr. Bagg. Tuition was paid for subscription. The first district school was opened in 1851. Henry W Berray came in 1850, and William D O'Reilly in 1853.

Wautoma

From History of Northern Wisconsin: An account of its settlement, growth, development and resources; an extensive sketch of its counties, cities, towns, and villages.  Published by The Western Historical Company A. T. Andrea, Proprietor 1881

Transcribed & submitted by Paula Vaughan May 2006

WAUTOMA

     This is a pleasant, quiet little village, the county seat, situated nearly in the center of Waushara County. Its population is about 500. Besides a general trade of some amount, it has a grist mill, run by water power, Aug. Weishner, proprietor; two wagon manufacturers, J.&T. McKeague and Charles Kingsley, respectively, proprietors; a glove and mitten manufactory, S.M. Olds, proprietor. Wautoma has no railroad,  but has communication with the iron band through a line of stages from Plainfield to Berlin.

     The original settler upon the site of the village of Wautoma was Phillip Green, in the winter of 1848-49; he built a log-house, which was used as a tavern. Soon after, a Mr. Atkins purchased his claim, and, later, the Shumway Brothers, who settled in the early part of 1850. The country was then rich in pine, and the latter improved the water-power, built a saw mill, and store house and christened the settlement “Shumway’s Mills.” The next year John Bugh opened a farm a mile and a half from the village, and is identified with its growth. F. Munson bought a stock of goods from Ohio in 1852, and opened the first general store in Shumway’s storehouse. In 1853, from Dane County, came David L. Bunn, present County Judge and established a store. About the same time L.L. Soule located himself and family upon the land where his residence now stands, and, as he expresses it, “built a house around them.” His law office was over Judge Bunn’s store. Mr. Soule has resided here since, having been District Attorney ten years, and a man of prominence in business and his profession. The first hotel was the Wautoma House, N.W. Boynton, proprietor.

     The original plat of the village of Wautoma was recorded December 24, 1853, S.W. Hall, surveyor, and William Everhard, proprietor. The latter had purchased the Shumway claim, which included the land platted. G.W. Smith purchased of him a half interest in the village property, and the two built a grist-mill, which was in running order by the winter of 1854. This year was an important one for Wautoma. She received several important accessions to her population, among other arrivals being that of Dr. Moses Barrett, a physician, afterward County Treasurer, and the recipient of many public favors.  Marble & Curtis established another general store. The county seat, which for the past three years-since organization of the county, in fact-had been located at the village of Sacramento, on the Fox River, three miles from Berlin, was changed by vote of the people to Wautoma. There has been no reversal of the popular vote which located Wautoma as the county seat. This decided, the village grew as rapidly as others in its vicinity up to the time that it failed to obtain connection by railroad. Now it has a population of some five hundred, as stated, has a fair general trade, four manufactories, a hotel, a village school, two churches-the Congregational and M.E.-two lodges of A.F. & A.M., and a flourishing weekly newspaper, controlled by J.T. Ellarson, who also is proprietor of the Plainfield Times.

     In March, 1859, the Waushara Argus established, as the Waushara County Argus, by Pulcifer (D.H.) & Co., at the village of Pine River. In May it was removed to Wautoma, but without change of proprietors. J.W. Rist & Co, became the proprietors in the fall of 1859. Up to March 1, 1863, when the name of the paper was changed to the Waushara Argus, the different proprietors had been; A.P. Lackerby & Stowers, 1862. In 1865, W.S. Munroe succeeded Mr. Lackerby and the control of the same passed from his hands into those of R.L.D. Potter in 1867. In 1872, Mr. Munroe became sole proprietor again. Thus he continued until August 13, 1880, when J.T. Ellarson became editor and proprietor. He still continues to act in the latter capacity, but in September, 1881, S.A. Jewell became editor. The Argus is a good county paper, and is a stanch Republican to politics.

Wautoma (City)

The county seat of Waushara County and the largest city within the county. Was first settled in 1851 after being settled by Jabez Nelson Rogers, and Charles and John Shumway.

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Transcribed by P. Vaughan September 2007.

Wautoma (Town)

The Town of Wautoma, which is all that is left of the large original town of that name, lies in the center of the county north and south and just west of the center east and west. The surface is uneven in most parts, and in the southern portion there is considerable swamp land. It is one of the best towns in the county for agricultural purposes. Several small streams in the south part unite beyond the town limits to form the White River. There is a small body of water in the north part, on sections 10 and 11. This town is bounded on the north by the town of Rose, on the east by the town of Mount Morris, on the south by the town of Dakota, and on the west by the town of Deerfield.

In 1849 a new road was opened from Berlin to what is now Wautoma. At the later place, Phillip Green had built a shanty during the winter of 1848-49. This claim was afterward, in 1849, sold to Mr. Atkins, who kept a tavern during the winter season for the accommodations of the lumberman going into the woods above. B S William came in 1854. Other early settlers are mentioned in the following sketch of the village of Wautoma.

The Village of Wautoma

Wautoma, the judicial seat of Waushara County, in the center of which it is situated, is a place of about 500 population, on the White River, thirteen miles east of Coloma, the nearest railway point, and twenty-two miles northwest of Berlin, the county seat of Green Lake County, on the Berlin and Stevens Point road. Its inhabitants are engaged in the carious industries of an agricultural region. There is scarcely an element that marks a quiet, moral village that Wautoma does not possess, and at the same time it is the center of a good and increasing country trade.

The original settler upon the site of the village of Wautoma was Phillip Green. in the winter of 1848-49. He built a log house which was used as a tavern. Soon after Mr. Atkins purchased his claim, and later the Shumway brothers, who settled in the early part of 1850.

The country was then rich in pine, and the Shumways improved the waterpower, built a sawmill and a stores house, and christened the place "Shumways' Mills." The next year John Bugh, who identified himself with the growth of the village opened a farm a mile north. In 1852 F Munsen brought a stock of goods from Ohio and opened the first general store in Shumway's store house.

In 1853, from Dane County, came David L now known as "Judge" Bunn, and established a general store. About the same time Levi L Soule located with his family upon the land where his residence now stands, and as he expresses it, "built a house around them." His law office was over Judge Bunn's store. The first hotel was the Wautoma Hosue, N W Boynton, proprietor.

The original plat of the village of Wautoma was recorded Dec 24, 1853. S W Hall was surveyor and WIlliam Everhard proprietor. The latter had purchased the Shumway claim, which included the land platted. G W Smith bought of him a half interest in the village property, and the two built a grist mill which was in running order in the winter of 1954. This year was an important one in the early history of Wautoma. The village received several important accessions to its population, among other arrivals being that of Dr. Moses Barrett, a physician, afterward County Treasurer, and the recipient of many public favors. Marble & Curtis established another general store.

For three years-since the organization of the county-the county seat had been located at Sacramento, three miles from Berlin. In September, 1854, by a vote of 740 to 397 it was removed to Wautoma, and there has been no reversal of the vote cast at this time. When the county business was first removed to Wautoma, the sessions of the courts were held over Marble & Curtis' store without cost to the county. The rooms of the Treasurer and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors were furnished by C M Shumway; that for Register and Clerk of the court by Alvah Nash; that for the Sheriff's office by W C Webb; while the school house was used for a grand jury room; and within one month after the election all the officers were at the new county seat. The first building owned by the county for a court house was bought in 1857 of G W Smith, for $1,237, and the deed was given August 30, A fine, commodious brick courthouse has recently been erected at a cost of $10,000. It is beautifully situated on high ground in the southerly part of the town.

The location of the county seat decided, the village grew as rapidly as others in its vicinity, at least up to the time when it became apparent that it would have to wait indefinitely for railroad connection. When the railroad from Milwaukee is extended in that direction, as it must be eventually, Wautoma will certainly become one of the principal points on this line and must gain a large increase of population and trade. At present it is the natural center and trading point for a considerable area of country. The land in the town and vicinity is productive, though rather sandy. There is a good water power there, and in the neighborhood may be found some of the best pottery clay in the state.

The first school house was built by contributions, and a school was maintained and religious meetings were held in the summer of 1850. The first preacher here was Rev. J. Milliken. In early days the few settlers were exposed to great hardships, and labored under difficulties that would perplex and astonish us now. They had to go to Kingston and Ceresco for their grists and to Dartford for their blacksmithing; and many strange adventures had they on the way, sometimes amusing only, but often perilous.

Mr. Boynton had many successors in the peioneer hotel. We may mention E Martin, Phineas Walker, S M Olds, James Pine, Alvah Nash, Alexander R Potts. The latter had built another house on the other side of the river, and with the idea of wiping out opposition bought the old house, moved it across the river and attached it to his other. He was succeeded by James Lyman, Mr. Fluno, Levi Sharp, Mr. Creer, and Ira Coon. The house was burned and rebuilt in 1871, and reopened by Mr. Coon's sons. Caleb Greenfield kept it later. It passed to the ownership of Alexander R Potts, and from his to that of Bugh & Youngman, the present proprietors.

Among the early and later merchants we may mention David L Bunn, Francis B Munson, David Luckerby (druggist), W D Marble, C R Moulton, Benjamin Markwell, A L Trufant & Brother, John Sterm, A D McIntyre, Walker & Sexton, Hawley & Berray, Trufant & Son, Sontag & Henkee, George P Walker and L Nickerson (druggists).

Well known physicians of the past and present may be thus named. Moses Barrett, Dr. Lake, Dr. Wilter, Miles G Myers, Richard Jones, J M Whitman and A D McIntyre.

Resident lawyers have been: W C, H G, and C M Webb, Levi L Soule, R L D Porter, W H Mitchell, H J Curtice and Sheridan J Abbott.

The business, professional and other interests of Wautoma twenty years ago are given from an authentic source: Bean & Kingsley, carriage and wagon makers; Albert Bean, blacksmith; David L Bunn, general merchant; J S Bugh, assessor of internal revenue; Miss Lottie Corrie, milliner and dressmaker; Ira Coon, produce dealer, hotel keeper, liveryman and stage proprietor; John Dougherty, merchant tailor; J N Edwards, harnessmaker; WIlliam Foote, carpenter; G H Gile, county treasurer; George W Gustin, cabinet maker; A T Hall, grocer; D Lockerby, postmaster and druggist; William Lockerby, butcher; McIntyre & Chaffer, druggists and general merchants; J McKeague & Co., wagon makers; F B Munson, general merchant; Alvah Nash, sheriff, hotel keeper and liveryman; R L D Potter, lawyer and publisher of the Argus; T D Remington, jeweler; Rew & Co, furniture dealers; George W Smith, owner of flouring mills; J Sontag, boot and shoes maker; Levi L Soule. lawyer; C E Storm, hardware and implement dealer; C H Stowers, clerk of the Board of Supervisors and assistant assessor of internal revenue; A Stang, circuit clerk; Gilbert Tenant, register of deeds; A L Trufant, general merchant; W A Warren, deputy collector of internal revenue; I S Walker, general merchant; J M Whitman, physician and surgeon.

At the present time the village contains Methodist, Catholic and Congregational churches, a school, a weekly newspaper, a water-power roller flour mill of 100 barrels capacity, and a steam grist mill. The following shows the names and occupations of the business and professional men of Wautoma at this time: A E Bean, liveryman and proprietor Lincoln House; David L Bunn, stationer; O C Davis, wagon maker; John N Edward, harness maker; Ellarson & Berray, publishers Argus; Hollender & Hanke, millers; C Kreuger, shoemaker; J & T McKeague, wagon makers; L P Moulton, jeweler; L Nickerson, grocer and druggist; S L Olds, stove manufacturer; Bugh & Youngman, hotel keepers; L H Ralph & Sons, dry goods merchandise; T D Remington, grist mill; H C Soule, physician; Levi L Soule, lawyer; A L Trufant & Sons, grocers; George P Walker, postmaster and hardware dealer; Walker & Sexton, general merchants; Frank W Younglove, physician.

Ed Sax Post, No 35, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at Wautoma, in March, 1883, with the following charter members:

J N Bird, E E Terrill, Geo. Sexton, B S Williams, C H Taplin, Chas Lethart, Fred Wandry, C Davenport, C P Toplin and C P Soule. The Post Commanders have been as follows: J N P Bird, C H Taplin, A S Rogers. The first officers of the Post were as follows: P C, J N P Bird; S V C, J B Caterline; J V C, C H Taplin; Chaplain, Asa Cogswell; Adjutant, C P Soule; Q M, E E Terrill; Surgeon, H C Soule; O D, B S Williams, O G, F Wandry. The present officers are: P C, T S Chipman; S V C, D H Davies; J V C, R M Gustin; Q M, J S Bugh; Adjt., A S Rogers; Surgeon, James Jameson; Chaplain, L Clintsman; O D, C H Taplin; O G, D W Robinson; S M, John Eagan;  Q M S, Thos. McKeague; Trustees, B S Williams, R M Gustin, F S Berray.

Wautoma Ldoge No 148, F & A M, is one of the institutions of the place. Its regular communications are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Its officers are: W M, H G Biedgman; S W, A R Potts; J W, F W Younglove; Treas., A L Trufant; Sec'y, A H Walker; S D, J T Ellarson; J D, A L Trufant, Jr; Tyler, F L Hubbard.

The Waushara Argus was established as the Waushara County Argus, at Pine River, in March 1859, by D H Puleifer & Co, who, in the following May, removed it to Wautoma. J W Rist & Co became the proprietors in the fall of 1859. Up to March 1, 1863, when the name of the paper was change to the Waushara Argus, the different proprietors had been, since J W Rist & Co., W C Webb & Co., 1860; Hall & Stowers, 1861; A P Lackerby & Stowers, 1862. In 1865, W S Munroe succeeded by Mr. Lackerby, and the control of the paper passed to R L D Potter, in 1867. In 1872 Mr. Munroe became sole proprietor again. J T Ellarson became editor and publisher August 13, 1880. The present proprietors are Ellarson & Berray. The Argus has been ably conducted from the first, and has always been recognized as a helpful influence upon the progress and prosperity of the town.

Wautoma has good schools, under competent management, and her people are well-read and well-informed generally. Her business men are enterprising and liberal, and little, except the lack of railway facilities, stands in the way of her progress. Stages reach the village from all directFions, and telephone connection is perfect with all points reached by the Wisconsin Telephone Company.

West Bloomfield

From the Portait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

This is the northeastern town of the county bounded north by Waupaca County, east by Winnebago County, south by the town Wausippi and west of the town of Saxeville. It is swamp in most parts, in large tracts, but the intervening land is productive. Some small streams which flow eastward and southward have their sources in the town. Lake Poygan cuts into its southeast corner.

Among early settlers of Bloomfield were John Howell, the first, in May 1850; Mr. Kellogg Kimball, Metcalf, J.B. Woodard and Cyrus H. Barnes, who came also in 1850 and 1856, respectively.

West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield is a village of about 300 inhabitants, twenty-six miles northeast of Wautoma and seven and one-half miles south of Weyauwega, on the Wisconsin Central line, the nearest railway station. It was settled in 1855, and contains a Lutheran church, schools, the general stores of H. Koehler and A. Bast, the blacksmith shops of W. Loose, William Timm and R. Wendt. and other interests. This is the home office of the Bloomfield Insurance Company, of which G. Bachman is President; F. Kopiske, Secretary and William Kerist Treasurer.

West Bloomfield

Was settled in 1855 by H. Koehler, A. Bast, W. Loose, William Timm, and R. Wendt.

Wild Rose

First settlers of this area arrived from Rose, New York in 1850. When the village was organized in 1874 it was named Wild Rose to distinguish it from the town of Rose and because of the large population of wild roses growing in the area.

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin - Acme Publishing Co. 1890

Wild Rose is a small village on the border between this Rose and Springfield, mostly in the last mentioned town.

Wild Rose

Wild Rose is a village of about eighty population, on a branch of the Pine River, on the line between the towns of Rose and Spring Water, nine miles northeast of Wautoma, and sixteen miles east of Plainfield. It was settled in 1874, and contains a water power, grist-mill, a church and a school. Charles A Smart is postmaster and proprietor of the only general store. The mill is owned by James Larson. Mrs Mary Gordon keeps a hotel. George A Sage has a blacksmith and wagon shop. S G Abbott is a residential physician and dentist.

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