Wisconsin Gazetteer 1853:
Names, Location, And Advantages Of The Cities, Towns,
Villages, Post-Offices And Settlements, Together With
A Description Of The Lakes, Water Courses, Prairies,
And Public Localities In The State Of Wisconsin-For 1853.
Alphabetically Arranged.
ABBEVIATIONS.-
C. H., Court House, or County Seat;
L., Lake;
Pr., Prairie;
P. O., Post Office;
P. V., Post Village;
R., River;
T, Town;
V., Village.
[ A ] [ B ] [ C ] [ D ] [ E ] [ F ]
[ G ]
[ H ] [ I ] [ J ] [ K ] [ L ] [ M ] [ N ] [ O ] [ P ][ Q ] [ R ] [ S ] [ T ]
[ U ] [ V ] [ W ] [ Y ]
[ L ]
LA BELLE, Lake, is the largest and lowermost lake of the
Oconomowoc creek, on the east bank of which, is the village of
Oconomowoc. It is nearly 3 miles long, and a mile and a
half wide. It has a beautiful island near its centre.
LABICHE, Lake, in the eastern part of Chippewa county, discharges
its waters through a river of the same name into the Manidowish.
LABICHE, River, rises in Flambeau-dore lake and Labiche lake, and
running southwest discharges its waters through Manidowish
river, into the Chippewa.
LABRAUGH, lake, (Oconomowoc Group), see Beaver lake.
LAC BRULE, is the source of the Wiscatota or Brule river of the
Menominee.
LA CROSSE, County, is bounded on the north by Chippewa, on
the east by Portage, Adams, and a portion of Sauk, and on
the west by the Mississippi, by which it is separated from
the territory of Minnesota. This county was set off from
Crawford, and organized March 1, 1851, the seat of justice
being established at La Crosse, on a beautiful prairie of the
same name, on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, 90 miles
above the junction of the Wisconsin, and on the line between
townships 15) and 16 north. It is watered by Black and La
Crosse rivers, and Mormon, Eagle and Billings' creeks, and
the headwaters of the Lemonwier. Many of the streams are
of pure water, with abundance of hydraulic power, abounding
with speckled trout. The soil may be considered as first
rate, and is mostly of vegetable mould, mixed with a sufficient
quantity of sand to give it warmth. In the northeastern
portion of the county is a heavy growth of pine timber, which
is manufactured into lumber and shingles, the export of
which amounts to $175,000 per annum. Near the head of
some of the large streams are cranberry marshes, yielding in
good seasons several hundred bushels per acre. The population
in 1850, all of which was confined to Black river, was
460. In 1851, about 46,000 acres of school lands, known as
a part of the 500,000 acre grant, was brought into market
upon very reasonable terms, and many of the enterprizing
and industrious inhabitants of the older counties have changed
their residence to one in this. The increase of population has
probably been greater during the last two years than in any
other locality in the State. This county is connected with the
nineteenth senate district, and forms a portion of the sixth
judicial circuit, and of the second congressional district, and,
with Chippewa, sends one member to the assembly. County
Officers for 1853: County Judge, George Gale; Sheriff; A.
Eldred; Clerk of Court, Robert Looney; District Attorney,
Edward Flint; Register, Chase A. Stevens; Treasurer, F. M.
Rublee; Surveyor, William Hood.
LA CROSSE, P. V. and C. H., in town and county of same name,
on section 31, town 16 N., of range 7 W., 130 miles northwest
from Madison. It is situated on a prairie 5 miles long and 3
wide, on the Mississippi river, immediately below the mouth
of the Black and La Crosse rivers, and about equidistant
between Galena and St. Paul. The prairie is high enough
from the river to be free from all danger of innundation, and
as a site for a village or city, is unsurpassed by beauty and
natural advantages by any spot on the river. The first claim
was made by I.. J. B. Miller and Nathan Myrick, who took
up their residence in 1842. The Government survey was not
made until 1847; John A. Levy opened a store in 1846, and
the next year erected the first hotel. Nothing was done
towards laying out the town until after the advent of Timothy
Burns, now Lieutenant Governor of the State, to whom it is
largely indebted for its present progress. A post office was
established in 1844. The plat was surveyed in May 1851. In
the second year of its organization, the town paid into the
State treasury over $900. The population in March, 1853,
in the village, was 543. It contains 4 stores of general
assortment, 1 drug, 1 hardware, 1 furniture, 1 stove and tin,
3 groceries, 1 bakery, 1 livery stable, 1 harness, 4 tailor, 3
shoemaker shops, and mechanics of every description; 6
physicians, 6 lawyers, 4 clergymen, 3 religious societies, a
division of the Sons of Temperance, a Free Masons' lodge, 1
church edifice, court house, steam saw mill and grist mill,
and 5 hotels. La Crosse, from the advantages of its position,
cannot fail to become one of the largest and most important
places in the Northwest. The large extent of excellent farming
land in the river vallies (sic), and the extensive pine country
bordering on the Black river, will always furnish a large
amount of business which will concentrate at this point, in
addition to which, it is the natural depot through which the
immense business of the Upper Mississippi must naturally
pass. It has been selected as the terminus of a rail road from
Milwaukee, and the route selected is the most feasible one
from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, north of Dubuque.
Minnesota already contains a population of many thousands,
and is settling rapidly. The large tract of lands recently
acquired by treaty from the Sioux Indians, is situated directly
opposite La Crosse, on the Minnesota side of the river, and
possesses advantages for emigrants unsurpassed by any section
of the country now open for settlement.
LA CROSSE, Town, in county of La Crosse, was, until recently, all
of said county, south of town 17. It has 15 school districts.
LA CROSSE, River, (Mazwini or Ball river,) rises in the eastern part
of county of the same name, and running southwest, empties
into the Mississippi at the village of La Crosse, on the beautiful
prairie of the same name.
LAC VIEUX DESERT, (Kattakittekon), is the name of a lake, the middle
of which is the boundary line between this State and Michigan, between
the northern corner of Marathon and Oconto counties. It is the source
of the Wisconsin, and occupies a high level above the lakes. Upon this
elevation are the sources of several large streams, the Ontonagon and
Montreal of Lake Superior, the Menominee of Lake Michigan, and the
Wisconsin and Chippewa of the Mississippi. This lake is about 4 miles
long from north to south, and of very irregular shape. In the middle of
it is an island which is made a point in the boundary between Michigan
and Wisconsin.
LAFAYETTE, County, is bounded on the north by Iowa, on the east
by Green, on the south by the State line, and west by Grant,
and is 21 miles north and south, by 30 miles east and west.
The country embracing the present county was set off by a
division of Iowa county, and the formation of the counties of
Lafayette and Montgomery, January 31, 1846, subject to the
approval of the voters of said county, at the general election
in September of the same year, at which election a majority
voted against the " County Division Law." At the next session of
the legislature, an act passed establishing the county
of Lafayette, and it was organized February 4, 1847. The
county seat has been a vexed question since the organization,
but it has finally become established at the village of Shullsburg,
a few miles southwest of the geographical centre. This
county is more celebrated for its mining operations than for
its agricultural products; simply, however, because the former
has been prosecuted to the neglect of the latter. It is in
connection with the fifth judicial circuit, and the second
congressional district, and forms the thirteenth senate district,
and sends 3 members to the assembly, viz: 1. Towns of
White Oak Springs, Benton and New Diggings. 2. Towns
of Shullsburg, Monticello, Gratiot, Wayne and Wyota. 3.
Elk Grove, Belmont, Kendall, Center, Willow Springs,
Fayette and Argyle. The Peckatonnica and Fevre rivers are
the principal streams. The population in 1847 was 9,335;
1850, 11,556. Dwellings, 2,079; farms, 399; manufactories,
21. County Officers for 1853 and 1854: County Judge, Jas.
H. Knowlton; Sheriff, Peter C. Meloy; Clerk of Court, D.
W. Kyle; District Attorney, Hamilton H. Gray; Register,
Elias Slothower; Clerk of Board of Supervisors, Thomas
McMannus; Treasurer, Ephiraim Ogden; Surveyor, Thomas
Bowen.
LAFAYETTE, P. O., in town of same name, Walworth county, being
in town 3 N., of range 17 E.
LAFAYETTE, Town, in county of Walworth, being town 3, of range
17; centrally located, 5 miles northeast from Elkhorn. The
population in 1850 was 1,008. It has 9 school districts.
LAGRANGE, P. V., in town of same name, Walworth county.
LAGRANGE, Town, in county of Walworth, being town 4 N., of
range 16 E.; centrally located, 8 miles northwest from Elkhorn.
The population in 1850 was 961. It has 9 school districts.
LAKE, Town, in county of Milwaukee, being town 6 N., of range
22 E.; centrally located, 4 miles south from Milwaukee.
Population in 1850 was 1,474. It has 8 school districts.
LAKE ELLEN, is adjoining the village of Cascade, Sheboygan
county. It abounds in fish, and covers an area of 320 acres.
LAKE EMILY, in the northeast part of town of Fox Lake, Dodge
county.
LAKE HURON, is a small lake near the centre of town 20 N., of
range 9 E., in Washington county. It covers about 200
acres.
LAKE KATTAKITTEKON, see Lac Vieux desert.
LAKE MARIA, a small lake in southwest corner of Mackford, Marquette
county, and has its outlet into Grand river.
LAKE MARIA, P. V, on section 25, town 14 N., of range 12, Marquette
county, 20 miles south from Dartford, 65 miles east of
north from Madison, on the road from Watertown to the
Pinery, 4 from Granville, 5 from Mackford, 8 from Kingston,
and 10 from Marquette. Population 60; 10 dwellings, with
Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian denominations.
LAKE MASON, in the southwest corner of Marquette county, discharges
its waters into the Neenah river.
LAKE MILLS, Town, in county of Jefferson, being town 7 N., of
range 13 E.; centrally located, 8 miles northwest from Jefferson.
Population in 1850 was 884. It has 7 school districts.
LAKE MILLS, P. V:, on section 13, in town of same name, Jefferson
county, 8 miles northwest from Jefferson, 26 miles east from
Madison, at the outlet of Rock Lake, on the mail route from
Madison to Watertown. Population 400; with 50 dwellings,
3 stores, 1 hotel, 1 church and several religious denominations,
1 iron foundry, 1 grist mill, 1 saleratus factory, 2 cabinet and
3 blacksmith shops.
LAKE NINE, in north part of Richmond, Walworth county.
LAKE OF THE HILLOCKS, in Marathon county, near the 45° north
latitude, discharging its waters easterly into the Wisconsin,
about half way between Big and Little Bull Falls.
LAKE OF THE HILLS, located in town 11 N., of range 8 E. It is
nearly two miles long, and three-fourths of a mile in width
LAKE SARAH, forms the head waters of the Neenah, in the northeast
corner of Columbia county.
LAKE VIEW, P. O., in town of Fitchburg, Dane county, on section
13, town 6 N., of range 9 E.
LAKE VIEUX DESERT, or Kattakittekon Lake, see Lac Vieux Desert,
LAKE WAUCOUSTA, two small lakes in Osceola, Fond du Lac
county.
LAKE WINGRA, or Dead Lake, mostly on section 27, in Madison,
Dane county, a mile long, and three-quarters of a mile
wide.
LAMARTINE, Town, in county of Fond du Lac, being town 15 N.,
of range 16 E.; centrally located, 8 Miles west from Fond du
Lac. Population in 1850 was 588. It has 9 school districts.
LAMARTINE, P. V., Fond du Lac county, on section 34 of town of
same name. It has 2 stores, 1 hotel, and a Baptist church.
It is 7 miles southwest from Fond du Lac city, and 67 miles
northeast from Madison.
LANCASTER, Town, in county of Grant, being towns 4 and 5 N., of
range 3 W., and is the county seat. It has 9 school districts
There is I grist mill and 2 saw mills in the town, from three
to four miles from the village; some of the most productive
lead mines are in this town. There are large quantities of
land yet unentered in the town, and the great fertility of the
soil, convenience of building materials and fuel, of springs
and brooks, offer inducement to settlers. Population about
1,500.
LANCASTER, P. V. and C. H., in town of same name, on section 3,
town 4, near the geographical centre of the county, upon the
edge of Boyce prairie, and in the most beautiful and healthy
portion of the Mining region. The business and trade of the
township, as also of the town of Fennimore, are concentrated
at the village. Population 400; 75 dwellings, 1 drug, 4 dry
goods and grocery, 1 tin and sheet iron, and 1 stove stores, 1
waggon, 3 smith, and 2 cabinet shops, 4 hotels, 1 Baptist
church of brick, 1 Methodist and 1 Presbyterian church of
wood, and an Episcopal church in progress of erection. Court
house of brick, 40 by 56, with fire-proof offices for county
purposes.
LANSING, P. F., in town of Freedom, Outagamie county.
LANSING, Town, in county of Outagamie, being towns 22 and 23
N., of range 17; centrally located, 10 miles north from Grand
Chute. It has 1 school district.
LA POINTE, County, is bounded on the northwest and north by the
State line, in Lake Superior, on the east by Marathon, on the
the south by Chippewa and St. Croix, and west by Minnesota.
It was set off from St. Croix Feb. 19, 1845. It was, and remained
attached to Crawford for judicial purposes, until the complete
organization of St. Croix, Feb. 26, 1849. The boundaries were
changed 6th March 1849, and it was fully organized 9th Feb.
1850. The county seat is established at La Pointe, on the
southeast end of Madeline Island, in Lake Superior, the oldest
settlement in the State. The county is watered by Bois Brule,
(Burnt Wood,) Mauvais, (Bad,) or Maskau rivers, and other
small streams entering the lake from three to ten miles apart,
and by lakes. The country, for a short distance along the
margin of the lake, is low and wet; further south it is generally
rolling. The western portion of the country is prairie
land; and the soil being good and winters mild, offers great
inducements to agriculturists. In the more eastern parts, the
timber in most places is very thick, comprising white and
yellow Norway pine, and the different species of oak, maple,
birch, and the soft woods. The county is in connection with
the nineteenth senate district, the sixth judicial circuit, and
the second congressional district, and with St. Croix sends one
member to the assembly. French missionaries visited this
country as early as 1661. In 1850 the population was 489;
5 farms and 74 dwellings. R. D. Boyd is Register of Deeds,
and Clerk of the Circuit Court and of the Board of Supervisors.
LA POINTE, P. V. and C. H., is situate (sic) on Madeline Island, in Lake,
Superior, La Pointe county, at about town 50 N., of range 4
W. It has a bay nearly three miles across, capable of containing at
anchor, secure from all winds, a numerous fleet of the largest class vessels, and is
the favorite harbor of the lake. La Pointe was originally settled
by the North Western Fur Company as the most eligible point for a depot
and trading port on the lake. As a site for a town, and as a resort for
health nd pleasure, La Pointe offers advantages equal to any
other place in Wisconsin. It has the best fishing-grounds on
the whole lake for trout, siscowet and white fish, or lake
shad, more than one thousand barrels of which are packed
annually at La Pointe. Tempered, as well in summer as
in winter, by the vast expanse of water which surrounds it,
and which, except at the immediate surface, is almost always
at 40° Farnheit (sic), its climate is milder and more equable than
any part of Wisconsin, whether it be on the mainland of Lake
Superior, or further south on the Mississippi. Chiefly for this
reason, but also on account of the bracing winds that sweep
across the lake, Madeline Island is probably not surpassed, in
point of health, by any locality throughout the entire western
country.
LA POINTE, Town, in county of La Pointe, comprising the same.
Population in 1850 was 598.
LA PRAIRIE, Town, in county of Rock, being town 2 N. of range
13 E.; centrally located, 6 miles southeast from Janesville.
The population in 1850 was 37S. It has 6 school districts.
LAWRENCE, is the name of a town in the county of Brown.
LAWRENCE, Town, in Brown county.
LEACH Creek, a small tributary from the west of Baraboo river,.
which it enters near its mouth.
L'EAU CLAIRE, Lake and Mills, on river of same name, in town
26 N., of range 13 W., in Chippewa county, also called
Clearwater and O'Claire.
L'EAU GALLA, River, in St. Croix county, runs southeast, and
empties into Chippewa river, in Chippewa county.
L'EAU CLARE, or O'CLARE River, in Chippewa county, a branch
of Chippewa river from the west, in town 27 N.. of range
9 W.
LEBANON, Town, in county of Dodge, being town 9 N., of range 16
E.; centrally located, 12 miles southeast from Juneau. The
population in 1850 was 1,031. It has 7 school districts.
LELAND'S MiLL, P. O., in town of Honey Creek, Sauk county.
LEMONWIER, Town, in county of Sauk; centrally located, north
west from Baraboo. It has 3 school districts.
LEMONWIER, River, rises in La Crosse county, and runs southeast
through Adams, emptying into the Wisconsin in town 15 N.,
range 5 E.
LEON, is the name of a new town in county of La Crosse.
LEROY, P. O., in Fond du Lac county.
LEROY, Town, in county of Dodge, being town 13 N., of range
16 E.; centrally located, 12 miles northeast from Juneau. The
population in 1850 was 397. It has 4 school districts.
LEROYS, Town, in county of St. Croix.
LEWISTON, Town, in county of Columbia. It was set off by the
County Board in November 1852.
LEWISTON, V., (BEAVER CREEK P. O.) in Columbia county, on section
21, town 13 N., of range 8 E. It is 45 miles northwest
from Madison, and 7 miles northwest from Fort Winnebago.
Population 350; 50 dwellings, 1 hotel, 5 stores, 1 Lutheran
congregation. It is situated on the road from Portage city to
Stevens' Point, in a good farming country, and well supplied
with water and timber.
LEYDEN, P. V., in town of Janesville, Rock county.
LIBERTY, (recently the north half of Highland), Town, in county
of Grant, being town 5 N., of range 2 W.; centrally located,
8 miles northeast from Lancaster.
LIBRTY, P. V., on section 25, Kenosha county, in town of Salem,
16 miles southwest from Kenosha, and 110 southeast from
Madison, on the Racine and Wilmot plank road. It has 60
inhabitants, 1 0 dwellings, 2 hotels, 2 religious denominations,
and several mechanics.
LIBERTY Prairie, Dane county, 2 miles south from Deerfield
P.O.
LIMA, Town, in county of Sheboygan, being town 14 N., of range
22 E.; centrally located, 6 miles southwest from Sheboygan.
It has 9 school districts. The soil is composed of sand and
clay, and when properly tilled is very productive.
LIMA, Town, in county of Grant, being town 4 N., of range 1 W. -
centrally located, 12 miles east from Lancaster. It has 8
school districts.
LIMA, P. 0., in town of same name, Rock county, on town 4 N.,
of range 14 E.
LIMA, Town, in county of Rock, being town 4 N., of range 14 E.;
centrally located, 13 miles northeast from Janesville. Population
in 1850 was 839. It has 9 school districts.
LIND, Town, in county of Waupacca, being town 21 N., of range
12 E.; centrally located, 15 miles from Mukwa. It abounds
in prairie, timber and water, and is fast being settled by an
agricultural population.
LIMD, P. V., in county of Waupacca, town of same name, on section
22, town 21 N., of range 12 E., 15 miles from Mukwa,
and 100 miles north from Madison. Population 500; 100
dwellings.
LINDEN, Town, in county of Iowa.
LINDEN, P. V., in town of same name, Iowa county, 6 miles from
Mineral Point. It contains 200 inhabitants, mostly miners
The country is well adapted to agriculture.
LIN, Town, in county of Walworth, being town 1 N., of range
17 E.; centrally located, 8 miles southeast from Elkhorn.
Population in 1850 was 805. It has 7 school districts.
LISBON, P. 0., in Waukesha county.
LISBON, Town, in county of Waukesha, being town 8 N., of range
19 E.; centrally located, 10 miles north from Waukesha.
The population in 1850 was 1,010. It has 8 school districts.
LITTLE BARABOO, Creek, rises in Richland, and runs southeast
into the Baraboo river, near the centre of town 13 N., of
range 3 E.
LITTLE BUTTE DES MORTS, Lake, an expansion of the Lower Fox
just below the outlet of Lake Winnebago, it is nearly 5 miles
long, and 1 mile broad.
LITTLLE (sic) CHUTE, P. V, Outagamie county, 5 miles below Appleton, on Fox river.
LITTLE CHUTE, P. 0., on Fox river, in Outagamie county.
LITTLE CHUTE, Rapids, of the Neenah river, 4 miles above Grand
Kaukalin, with a fall of 31 feet in a distance of about 9,000
feet.
LITTLE ENINANDIGO, River, a tributary from the north of St. Croix
river.
LITTLE GREEN, Lake, Marquette county, in southwest corner of
Green Lake. It is two miles long and nearly one in width,
and forms a tributary to Grand River. It is 4 miles south of
Green Lake, and is noted for the purity of its water.
LITTLE KAUKAULIN, Rapids, is on the Neenah river, 5 miles above
Depere, at which place the navigation has been improved by
a dam.
LITTLE OTTER, Creek, a small tributary from the west of Peckatonnica,
into which it empties in the town of Centre, Lafayette county.
LITTLE PRAIRIE, P. O., in town of Troy, Walworth county.
LITTLE PLATTE, River, rises in Clifton, Grant county, and runs
southwest, emptying into Platte river, in Paris.
LITTLE PLOVER, River, a tributary from the northeast, entering the
Wisconsin at Plover.
LITTLE QUINNESEC, Falls, of the Menominee river, at which place
is a fall of 35 feet in an extent of 250 feet. At these Falls
the river is contracted to 85 feet in width.
LITTLE ROCHE-A-GRIS, River, in east part of Adams county, runs
west into the Wisconsin, in town 17 N.
LITTLE, River, is a considerable tributary from the north of Oconto
river.
LITTLE STURGEON, Bay, on east shore of Green Bay, in Door
county, near line between towns 27 and 28 N.
LITTLE SUAMICO, River, rises in range 18, and runs east, in town
26, entering Lake Michigan.
LITTLE SUGAR, Creek, rises in the northwest corner of Green
county, and running southeast into Sugar River at Albany.
LITTLE TAIL, Pointe, name given to a point of land extending into
Green Bay from the west, near the line between Brown and
Oconto counties.
LITTLE WISCONSIN, River, a tributary from the northeast of the
Wisconsin, in Marathon county.
LITTLE WOLF, River, a tributary of Wolf river, from the west,
which it enters near the line between Outagamie and Waupacca counties.
LODI, Town, in county of Columbia, being town 10 IN., of ranges
8 and 9; centrally located, 12 miles south from Portage city.
It has 3 school districts. The soil is well adapted to farming
and raising of stock; the surface is rolling.
LODI, P. V., on section 27, town 10 N., of range 8 E., in town of
same name, Columbia county. It is 16 miles south from Fort
Winnebago, 20 miles northwest from Madison, and 4 miles
from the head of Spring Creek. Population 150; 20 dwellings,
4 stores, 2 hotels, 2 flouring mills, 1 saw mill, 1 shoe, blacksmith,
waggon, chair, cooper and harness shops; and Presbyterian, Baptist, and
Methodist organizations.
LOMIRA LAKE, P. 0., in town of Lomira, Dodge county, being
town 13 N., of range 17 E.
LONG, Lake, a small Lake in the east part of Osceola, Fond du
Lac county, is two and one half miles long, and is the source
of the Milwaukee river.
LONG TAIL, Pointe, name given to a point of land extending into
Green Bay from the west, in town 25 N., of range 20 E., in
Brown county.
LOST, Lake, a small lake in the north part of Calamus, Dodge
county.
LOuISA, Town, in the county of Dodge, being town 13 N., of
range 17; centrally located, 14 miles north-east from Juneau,
The population ii 1850() was 653. It has 8 school districts.
LOWELL, Town, in county of Dodge, being town 10 AN., of range
14 E.; centrally located, 12 miles southwest from Juneau.
The population in 1850 was 835. It has 8 school districts.
LOWELL, P. V., Dodge county, on section 15 of town of same
name, located S miles southwest from Juneau, and 38 miles
northeast from Madison. It is on Beaver Dam river, 10 miles
south from Beaver Dam. Population 200; 35 dwellings, 2
stores, 2 hotels, 1 saw, 1 grist mill; and Baptist and Methodist
denominations.
LOWVILLE, Town, in county of Columbia, being town 11 N., of
range 10 E. Population in 1850 was 297. It has 4 school
districts.
LOWVILLE, P. V., on section 32 of town of same name, 14 miles
southeast from Portage city, and 22 miles north from Madison,
on the stage route from Madison to Fort Winnebago;
also on the nearest and best road from Madison to Stevens'
Point and the Wisconsin Pinery. It is in a region of first
rate improved farms. Population 40; 7 dwellings, 1 hotel,
1 school house; and Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian
congregations.
LYNDON, Town, in county of Sheboygan, being town 14 N., of
range 21 E.; centrally located, 14 miles southwest from Sheboygan.
It has 11 school districts.
LYONS, P. V., on section 10, town 2 N., of range 18 E., in town of
Hudson, Walworth county, is pleasantly situated on White
river, the outlet of Geneva Lake, at the point where it is
crossed by the main road from Geneva to Racine via Burling,ton.
It is 9 miles southeast from Elkhorn, and 75 miles
from Madison. Immediately adjacent to the village, above
and below, are extensive water powers, one of which has
been improved by the erection of a flouring mill of three run
of stones, and a saw mill, both doing, a flourishing business.
The other power remains unimproved, and offers great in inducements,
as it is unsurpassed in capacity by any privilege
in this part of the State. Population 130; dwellings 30,
2 stores, 1 hotel, and 1 religious denomination.
[ M ]
MACKFORD, Town, in county of Marquette. It has 8 school districts.
MADISON, Town, in county; of Dane, being town 7 N., of range 9 E.
The population in 1850 was 1,871. It has 4 school districts.
MADISON, Village, the capital of Wisconsin, and seat of justice of
the county of Dane, is situated on sections 13, 14, 23 and 24,
in town of same name, at the geographical centre of the
county, and midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi
river, being about 80 miles from each. It is widely
noted for the beauty, health and pleasantness of its location,
which is on an isthmus about one mile in width, lying between
the Third and Fourth Lakes. The surface is somewhat
uneven, but in no place too abrupt for building purposes.
From either lake it rises to ant altitude of about fifty, feet,
and is then depressed and elevated alternately, making the
site of the village a series of gently undulating swells. The
State house, a substantial edifice of lime-stone, is built, at
the corners of the sections, in the centre of a square park,
containing fourteen acres, covered with a luxuriant growth of
native oaks, and upon the highest point between the lakes,
overlooking each and the surrounding village. It has a
large hall through the centre, and contains all of the State
offices-the state library, the legislative chambers, and several
committee rooms. The corners of the Capitol square are
to the cardinal points of the compass, and from each of them
a street extends, terminating, excepting the western, in the
water. The streets are all straight, sixty-six feet wide, and,
with the exception of those just described, are parallel to the
sides of the Capitol square, and, consequently, diagonal with
the meridian. From the centre of each side of the park, and
at right angles with it and the principal streets, broad avenues,
eight rods wide, extend completely across the town plat.
At the termination of the street leading from the western
corner of the park, and one mile directly west from the Capitol,
on College Hill, near the shore of Fourth Lake, and in
the middle of a park of fifty-five acres, commanding an extensive
view of the town, lakes, and surrounding country, the
buildings of the University of Wisconsin are located. Near
the southern corner of the Capitol square, the Court House of
Dane county, a large structure of lime-stone, containing commodious
rooms for courts and county officers, is built. About
a mile from the northern corner of the Capitol park, on the
shore of Fourth Lake, at its outlet, is the best flouring mill
in the State, and other machinery, owned by L. J. Farwell,
present Governor of Wisconsin. Near the eastern corner of
the square, the Post Office, Bank, Hotels, Stores, and other
business stands, are located. The site of the town was located
as early as 1833 by James Duane Doty, afterwards Governor
of the Territory, and more recently member of Congress; and
the village plat was made out by his direction in 1836. A
large addition to this plat was laid out in 1850, near the University,
known as the "University Addition." Another addition has just been
surveyed, on the northeast, by Governor
Farwell, by whom it is owned. Several causes operated to
retard the prosperity of Madison until 1847, since which time
it has gradually and healthfully increased in growth, wealth,
and population. Several rail roads are in progress of construction
to this place, one at least of which will be completed during
the present year, and the others soon after. From its location
in the centre of a large agricultural district, having no important
rival within a circle of forty miles, and being the
permanent Capital of the State, and the seat of the richly
endowed University, Madison has special advantages that
cannot fail to make it a commanding business point, and a
large and flourishing town. To the man of business, the
merchant and manufactories, there are offered great inducements to
settle in this thriving and rapidly increasing community. The
retired merchant-the student-the lover of
the picturesque seeking a healthy and pleasant location for a
home, is presented the refreshing breezes and pure air of the
lakes-the beautiful scenery, unrivalled in any country-the
quiet of a country residence, united with the social advantages
and the excitements of a city, while the great abundance of game
in the prairies and openings, and the variety
of fish in the lakes and streams, afford a relaxation to all in
pursuit of health or pleasure. As the Capital of the State, the
shire town of the county, it becomes the great centre of public
business, calling together, at frequent intervals, people from
all parts of the State and county, at the annual meetings of the
legislature, at the session of the courts, the convocations of
political conventions, and the sessions of the different benevolent
societies of the day. The present population of Madison
is about 3,500, with 700 dwellings, 26 stores, 15 groceries,
11 taverns, 2 large printing offices, and a book bindery; a grist
mill, with eight run of stone, 3 saw mills, an iron foundry, a
woollen factory, an oil mill, 2 steam planing mills, a hominy
mill propelled by steam; a bank, the first organized in the
State; three churches, with three others to be built during
the present season; and mechanical shops of all kinds.
MADORA, V., on section 11, town 10 N., of range 7 E., being in town
of Lodi, county of Columbia. It lies on the Wisconsin river,
at the mouth of Spring Creek; contains 1 hotel, 1 warehouse,
2 saw mills, and 2 flouring mills in contemplation. The water
power is a superior one.
MAGNOLIA, Town, in county of Rock, being town 3 N., of range
10 E.; centrally located, 15 miles west from Janesville. It is
settled by New-Yorkers. The population in 1850 was 1,871.
It has 7 school districts, and 7 well-finished frame and stone
school houses, a good water power, 6 feet head, with 1 grist
and 1 saw mill. The face of the country is generally undulating,
with burr oak openings and prairie advantageously mixed.
It is well watered by springs of the best and purest quality.
The soil is a sandy loam, on a subsoil of yellow clay, and is
excellent grass land. Large quantities of grass seed, of a
superior quality, is annually produced and shipped East. The
town boasts of having some of the best improved stock farms
in the State.
MAGNOLIA, P. V., in town of same name, Rock county, being on
sections 22 and 23, town 3 N., of range 10 E. It has 15
dwellings, 1 tavern, 1 store, 4 mechanics' shops, 1 church,
and 1 stone school house.
MAIDEN'S Rock, on east bank of Lake Pepin, in Chippewa county,
on section 2, town 23 N., of range 16 W.
MAKWA, Bake, the most northern lake on Red Cedar river.
MANCHESTER, Town, in county of Calumet. It has 4 school districts.
MANIDOWISH, Lakes, are a chain of lakes in north part of Marathon
county, tributary to the Chippewa river, through river of
same name.
MANIDOWISH, (MANITOISH or DEVIL'S), River, rises in lake of same
name, running southwest, empties into Chippewa river, of
which it is the largest tributary.
MANITOU, River, see East River, Brown county.
MANITOWOC, County, is bounded on the north by Brown and Kewaunee,
on the east and southeast by the State line in Lake
Michigan, on the south by Sheboyan, and on the west by
Calumet and a portion of Outagamie. It was set off from
Brown, December 7, 1836; organized and attached thereto
for judicial purposes, December 17, 1836; fully organized,
March 2, 1848. The northern boundaries were somewhat
changed February 9, 1850. The seat of justice is established
at Manitowoc Rapids, on Manitowoc river, 3 miles from
its mouth, and a few miles east of the geographical centre of
the county. The general formation of the surface is moderately
undulating, and in some parts very agreeably diversified
with hills and valleys. The soil is good and well watered,
with springs and creeks, and is well adapted to tillage and
grazing. The county is densely timbered with maple, oak,
elm, birch, ash, pine, and hemlock. The county forms a part
of the fourth judical circuit, of the thirtieth congressional
district, and of the first senate district. It sends one member
to the assembly. The population in 1840 was 235; 1842, 263;
1846, 629; 1847, 1,285; 1850, 3,713; at present estimated,
7,000. Dwellings, 16; farms, 37; and manufactories, 22.
County Officers for 1853 and 1854: County Judge, Ezekiel
Ricker; Sheriff, D. H. Van Valkenburg,; Clerk of Court,
Frederick Salmon; District Attorney, J. H. W. Colby;
Register of Deeds, Fred. Salomon Clerk of Board of Supervisors,
Charles A. Reiter; Treasurer, Wm. Bach; Surveyor,
Fayette Arnsby; Coroner, Lyman Emmerson.
MANITOWOC, River, has its origin in two branches; the one heading
at near the southern extremity of Lake Winnebago, and
the other near the north western part of the same, in Calumet
county; unite near the southeast corner of town 19 N., of
range 20 E., draining about 400 square miles of lands. It runs
nearly east, entering Lake Michigan at the village of Maanitowoc,
and is navigable to the village of Manitowoc Rapids,
5 miles from its mouth.
MANITOWOC, P. V., is beautifully situated at the mouth of the
Manitowoc river, on Lake Michigan, 90 miles below Milwaukee. Its
present population is about 2,000, and is rapidly
increasing. Its harbor, the best natural one on the lake west,
is being improved through an appropriation by Congress.
The county seat of the county has been lately located here,
and an appropriation made for the erection of county buildings.
It has 1 pier, 4 warehouses, 12 stores, 2 steam saw
mills, 6 blacksmith and waggon, 3 shoe, and 3 tailor's shops;
2 ship yards, at which shipbuilding is carried on to consider able
extent; 4 hotels, and 2 school houses; it has Episcopalian, Presbyterian,
Methodist, and Catholic congregations the first has built a fine church,
and the others have arranged for suitable sites, and will soon erect
churches. Large quantities of lumber, manufactured on the river above, are sold
and shipped here every year, from which considerable revenue
is derived yearly. As soon as the plank road, which is being
built between this place and Menasha, is finished, Manitowoc
will become the depot of considerable trade of the Fox River
Valley, and a place of importance as a commercial point. The
rail roads projected from this place north and west, connecting
with roads in the interior, will undoubtedly be built.
MANITOWOC, Town, in Manitowoc county.
MANITOWOC RAPIDS, P. V., is situated at the Rapids of Manitowoc
river, in Manitowoc county, 4 miles west from Lake Michigan.
The river at this place furnishes a good hydraulic power,
which is improved, and used for several manufacturing purposes.
MANITOWOC RAPIDS, Town, in Manitowoc county.
MANLY, Lake, a small lake in the south part of Farmington, Washington county.
MAPLE GROVE, Town, in Manitowoc county.
MAPLETON, P. O., in town of Oconomowoc, Waukesha county, 22
miles northwest from Waukesha, on the Ashippun river, at
which place are good mills.
MARATHON, County, is bounded on the north and northeast by the
State line, east by Waupacca and Oconto, south by Portage,
and on the west by Chippewa and La Pointe. It was established
from Portage, and fully organized February 9, 1850.
Wausau, at Big Bull Falls on the Wisconsin river, about 20
miles north from the south line of the county, is the seat of
justice. It is celebrated for its extensive regions of pine
timber, and the production of pine lumber, rather than for
agricultural pursuits. The mills in Adams, Portage, and
Marathon, cut nearly sixty millions feet per annum. The
county forms a part of the first senate and of the second
congressional districts, and of the third judicial circuit, and, with
Portage, sends one member to the assembly. County Officers
for 1853 and 1854: Judge, Wm. H. Kennedy; Sheriff, Thos.
Minton; Clerk of Court, Asa Lawrence.
MARATHON, Town, in county of Marathon, comprising the whole
of the same. The population in 1850 was 466.
MARCELLON, P. V., in town of same name, Columbia county.
MARCELLON, Town, in county of Columbia, being town 13 N., of
range 10; centrally located, 8 miles from Portage city. The
population in 1850 was 405. It has 4 school districts.
MARCY, P. O., in Waukesha county.
MARINE MILLS, P. O., in Polk county, 9,niles below the Falls of
St. Croix.
MARION, Town, in county of Waushara, being town 18 N., of
range 11.
MARION, P. V., in town of Paris, Kenosha county.
MARKESAN, P. O., in Marquette county, 16 miles from Montello.
MARQUETTE, County, is bounded on the north by Waushara, east
by Winnebago and Fond du Lac, on the south by Dodge and
Columbia, and on the west by Adams, and is 24 by 30 miles
square. It was set off from Brown, December 7, 1836, and
was organized and attached to Brown, for judicial purposes,
January 22, 1844. It was fully organized July 31, 1848. The
bounds of the county were extended March 6, 1849. Of late
the subject of the county seat has created considerable
excitement, and the question is now being litigated between the
villages of Dartford, on the north side of Green Lake, in the
eastern portion of the county, and Marquette, on the south side
of Puckawa Lake, in the southern portion of the county. The
county is celebrated for its good lands, deep lakes, fine water
powers, and its industrious and thrifty inhabitants. It is
watered by Fox liver (Neenah) and its branches. The county is
attached to the twenty-third senate, to the third congressional
districts, and to the third judicial circuit, and, with Waushara,
constitutes two assembly districts, as follows: 1. Towns of
Berlin, Brooklyn, Pleasant Valley, Middleton, Mackford,
Albany and Green Lake, in the county of Marquette, and the
county of Waushara; 2. All that portion of Marquette county,
being west of the range line between ranges 10 and 11 E.,
and the town of Marquette and Kingston, in the county of
Marquette. The population in 1840 was 18; 1842, 59; 1846,
986; 1847, 2,264; including Waushara, 1850, 8,642; 237
farms, 9 manufactories, 1,747 dwellings. County Officers for
1853 and 1854: Judge, John S. Horner; Sheriff, James C.
Potter; Clerk of Court, Dominic Devenna; Register of
Deeds, J. Edmund Millard.
MARQUETTE, Town, in county of same name. It has 5 school districts.
MARQUETTE, P. V. and C. H., (?) on south side of Puckawa Lake,
Marquette county.
MARSTON, is the name of a new town in county of Sauk.
MARTIN,'S Creek, rises in town 22 N., of range 23 E., Kewaunee
county, is about 7 miles in length, emptying into East Twin
river.
MASKAU, River, see Mauvaise River, of La Pointe county.
MASHKEG, River, see Mauvaise River, of Lake Superior.
MAUVAISE, Creek, a small stream, about 9 miles in length, entering
East Twin river, between Benton and Martin's creek.
MAUVAISE, (BAD or MASHKEG), River, La Pointe county, a considerable
stream tributary to Lake Superior, rises in Kagine Lake, near the
head waters of the St. Croix, and enters Lake Superior about 15
miles west from Montreal river.
MAYVILLE, P. V., Dodge county, on section 23, town 12 N., of
range 13 E, in town of Williamstown, 12 miles northeast
from Juneau, and 65 miles northeast from Madison. It is
situated on the principal branch of Rock river, and possesses
the superior advantages of good water power, iron ore, timber,
and a good soil.
MCCARTNEY'S Creek, a small stream in Waterloo, Grant county,
entering the Mississippi.
MEGHAN,River, rises in the northern portion of Waushara county,
and runs southeast into Fox river, which it enters near the
line between towns 15 and 16 N.
MEDINA, Town, in county of Dane, being town 8 N., of range 12
E.; centrally located, 16 miles northeast from Madison. It
has 7 school districts.
MEEKER, P. O., in town of Germantown, Washington county.
MEGIDCHEQUE, or Namebin Lake, La Pointe county.
MEMEE, Creek, rises in Manitowoc county, runs south between and
nearly parallel to the lake shore and Sheboygan river, Enters
the lake a few miles northeast of the mouth of the latter.
MEMEE, P. O., in Manitowoc county, on section 14, town 17 N.,
of range 22 E., being in the town of Memee, 15 miles south
from Manitowoc, and 130 miles from Madison.
MEEME, Town, in Manitowoc county.
MENASHA, P. V., is situated at the outlet of Lake Winnebago, on
the north side of the northern channel. It is now a place of
some ten or twelve hundred inhabitants, and possesses all the
advantages for a large town. Its hydraulic power is very
great, and has been improved with great rapidity. There are
now in operation upon it, 2 grist mills, 5 saw mills, 1 large
tub and pail factory, which occupies a building 40 by 60 feet,
and 3 stories high, 2 cabinet and chair manufactories, 2 sash
and blind establishments, 1 large iron foundry, 1 brewery,
and there is also an extensive pottery which turns out large
quantities of the best kind of ware, pronounced, by those
who are conversant with such matters, equal to the best Ohio
stone ware-and the clay of which it is made is found in the
immediate vicinity in inexhaustible quantities. The place contains
4 taverns, and the usual number of shops and stores.
Hon. Curtis Reed commenced the settlement of the place in
July, 1849, and has since been the leading spirit of the place.
A plank road connects this place with Appleton and Grand
Kaukauna; and one is also in progress of construction to Manitowoc,
on Lake Michigan, and will be completed during
the present season. The State Improvement and U. S. Land
Offices are located here; and an appropriation of $5,000 has
been made by Congress for the construction of a light house.
A daily line of steam boats connect with Fond du Lac, and
the Fox and Wolf rivers.
MENIMI, Lake, one of the sources of the St. Croix, in La Pointe
county.
MENOM, Lake, an expansion of Neenah river immediately above
Buffalo Lake, in Marquette county.
MENOMONEE, Town, in county of Waukesha, being town 8 N.,
of range 20 E.; centrally located, 12 miles northeast from
Waukesha. The population in 1850 was 1,340. It has 7
school districts.
MENOMONEE, River, (of Milwaukee,) rises in the southern part of
Washington county, and runs southeast through a town of
same name in Waukesha county, and the towns of Granville,
Wauwatosa and Milwaukee, enters Milwaukee river, in the
city of Milwaukee.
MENOMONEE, River, rises near the head waters of the Wisconsin,
and running southeast, forming the line between the States of
Michigan aid Wisconsin, enters Green Bay, at about the
middle of the western shore. This river passes a large quantity
of water into Green Bay, but owing to its rapidity and
falls is not navigable except for canoes. The banks of the
Menomonee are covered with a heavy growth of excellent
and fine timber. Its valley contains much good land.
MENOMONEE, Creek, rises near the northeast corner of Jamestown,
Grant county, and runs southwest into the State of Illinois.
MENOMONEE, diggings, a mining, point at the corners of town 1 and
2, N., of ranges 1 and 2 W.
MENOMONEE FALLS, P. 0., in Waukesha county.
MENOMONEE, Falls, on river of same name, 15 miles from Milwaukee,
at which place is a descent of 40 feet in half a mile.
MENOMONEE Mills, P.O., in Chippewa county.
MENOMONEE, Rapids, are rapids in the river of same name.
MENTOR, P. 0., in Sheboygan county.
MENTOR, P. O., in Waukesha county.
MEQUON, Town, in county of Washington, being towns 9 N., of
range 21 and fraction 22 N.; centrally located, 12 miles southwest
from Ozaukee. The population of 1850 was 2,148. It
has 14 school districts.
MEQUON, River,; rises in the northwest corner of town of same
name, and runs east, uniting with the Milwaukee river, at the
village of Mequon.
MEQUON RIVER, P. V., in county of Washington, on section 23, of
the town of Mequon, town 9 N., of range 21 E., on the Milwaukee
and Fond du Lac plank road, 15 miles southwest from Ozaukee, and
90 miles easterly from Madison. population 160; with 20 dwellings,
a good school house, and various mechanics.
MERRIT'S Mill, on the Wisconsin river, near the southwest corner
of town 22 N., of range 5 E., in Portage county.
MERTON, Town, in county of Waukesha, being town 8 N., of
range 18 E.; centrally located, 15 miles northwest from
Waukesha. The population in 1850 was 1,763. It has 8
school districts.
METOMEN, P. V., is on section 10, in town of same name, being
town 15 N., of range 14 E. It is in Fond du Lac county, 20
miles west from the county seat, with which it is connected
by a plank road, and is 65 miles northeast from Madison. It
has 250 inhabitants; with 2 stores, 3 hotels, and 2 mills; 2
churches, and 5 religious denominations. It is a good location
for a woollen factory, as much attention is paid to the
raising of sheep in the vicinity.
METOMEN, Town, in county of Fond du Lac, being town 15 N., of
range 14 E.; centrally located, 18 miles west from Fond du
Lac. The population in 1850 was 756. It has 9 school districts.
MICHICONI, Lake, forms a portion of the head waters of the Manidowish
branch of the Chippewa river.
MICHIGAN, Lake, the eastern bounds of the State, is the only one
of the great chain of inland seas that lies wholly within the
United States. It is estimated to have a length of about 320
miles, and a mean or average breadth of 70 miles-having,
therefore, an area of 22,400 square miles, exclusive of Green
Bay. The surface of Lake Michigan is 578 feet above the
level of the Ocean, and its mean depth is estimated at 1,000
feet. The bottom is, therefore, about 400 feet below the Ocean
level. Its greatest width is opposite Milwaukee, where it is
nearly 100 miles. The length of coast of this lake, in Wisconsin,
from the State of Illinois to the north point of Rock Island, at
the entrance of Green Bay, is 257 miles.(Lapham)
MIDDLE MILLS, P. O., in Chippewa county, town 28 N., of range
13 W. Population, 300; with 1 mill, 2 stores, and 1 hotel.
MIDDLETON, P.O., in town of same name, Dane county.
MIDDLETON, Town, in the county of Dane, being town 7 N., of
range 8 E.; centrally located, 8 miles west from Madison. It
has 6 school districts.
MIDDLETON, Town, Marquette county, see Dayton.
MIFFLIN, P. V., in town of same name, Iowa county, formerly
called Black Jack, consiSts of two small villages, from a half
to three-fourths of a mile apart, containing about 200 inhabitants,
principally miners. It has 4 stores, 1 grist mill, and 1
smelting furnace. A large branch of the West Peckatonnica
flows through both villages. The country around is mostly
prairie. It is 11 miles west from Mineral Point.
MIFFLIN, Town, in the county of Iowa.
MILLAR, P. V., on section 9, town 3 N., of range 16 E., in the
town of Sugar Creek, Walworth county. It is 7 miles north west
from Elkhorn, 60 miles southeast from Madison, on the
east side of Sugar Creek prairie. Population 100, with 15
dwellings, 1 store, and Baptist church.
MILL CREEK, a small stream entering the Neenah, in the town of
Grand Chute, Outagamie county.
MILFORD, Town, in county of Jefferson, being town 8 N., of range
15 E.; centrally located, 12 miles north from Jefferson.
Population in 1850 was 728. It has 6 school districts.
MILLVILLE, P. V., in town of Patch Grove, Grant county, on the
Wisconsin river, in town 6 N., of range 6 W.
MILTON, Town, in county of Rock, being town 4 N., of range 13
E.; centrally located, 14 miles northeast from Janesville.
Population in 1850 was 1,032. It has 8 school districts.
MILTON, P. V., in town of same name, in Rock county, on section
27. It is S miles northeast from Janesville, and 36 miles
southeast from Madison. Population 400, with 40 dwellings,
5 stores, 3 hotels, 2 churches, 3 societies, and 1 academy of
about 70 scholars. It is 60 miles southwest from Milwaukee,
on the line of the M. & M. R. R., with a branch to Janesville.
MILWAUKEE, City, the county seat of Milwaukee county, and the
largest town in the State, is situated in town 7, of range 22,
E., and near the mouth of the river of the same name, and
on the shores of a bay, or indentation of Lake Michigan,
some six miles between the outer point., and two and one
half to three miles in width, affording deep water at all times,
and good holding ground for vessels at anchor. The river
comes from the north in a direction parallel with the lake
shore, the land rising from the lake is almost perpendicular
bluffs, and descending gradually to the bed of the river. On
the west, the land rises again to a considerable height.
Within the limits of the corporation, the Menomonee river
comes in fro mn the west, and joins the Milwaukee, about a
mile from its present mouth. Piers were erected some years
since by the United States Government, at the mouth of the
river; but the citizens have long felt the necessity of
dispensing with the circuitous route which the river takes
through the low grounds near its mouth, and have projected
a cut through an isthmus of some 200 feet in width between
the river and lake, and the erection of piers at that point,
thus forming a new harbor or opening into the river. There
is always water enough in the river for the largest class of
lake craft, as far up as the mills, some two miles from its
mouth. Recently, (May, 1853,) the citizens have voted a loan
of $50,000, to be expended in connection with a Government
appropriation of $15,000, in the improvement of the harbor..
Milwaukee was laid out as a village in 1835. Its rapidity of
growth may be seen from the following, giving the population
for the years mentioned: In 1838, 700; 1840, 1,751;,
1842, 2,700; 1846, 9,655; 1847, 14,061; 1849, 18,000; 1850,
20,061. Tile above presents a rate of increase unparalleled in.
the history even of the rapidly growing West. At present,
the population is estimated at over 25,000 souls. A dam is
thrown across the Milwaukee river, near the north limits of
the city, and a canal is conducted from it parallel with the
stream, affording an abundant water power; the present
capacity of which may be increased at comparatively small
expense. Five large flouring mills, one woollen factory,
oil mill, pail factory, and numerous machine shops, are
situated upon this water power, and are accessible to vessels
of the largest class. The town of Milwaukee was incorporated
as a city by the territorial Legislature, January 31,
1846, with five wards; and the first election under the
charter was held on the first Tuesday of April succeeding.
Solomon Juneau, who, as an Indian trader, had first built his
cabin on the site of the city, and remained for many years
the only white settler, was chosen the first mayor. The
number of buildings elected in 1850 was 325, at a cost of
$369,000. Since that time the city has greatly enlarged its
borders, and increased in the number and quality of its
buildings. The color of the brick used being a light cream,
with their excellent quality, add very much to the appearance
of the city. Great taste is exhibited in the architecture.
of many of the dwellings and blocks of stores; some of the
latter rivalling any buildings of the kind west of New York.
Seven daily newspapers, four in English and three in German,
are published in the city. All of these publish weekly editions,
and most of them tri-weeklies. There are, besides, two
other weeklies, and two monthly publications issued. The public
schools of this city are under the charge of a board of
three commissioners from each ward. A commodious brick
edifice has been erected in each ward for the purpose, at an
average cost of about $5,000. A large portion of the children
of the city receive gratuitous instruction in these schools.
Besides these, there are numerous private academies and
schools, among which may be mentioned the Milwaukee
University Institute, which is incorporated with a University
charter-the Milwaukee Female College, for which a very
tasteful and extensive brick building has been erected-the
Spring street Female Seminary-the Milwaukee Commercial
and English School-the Milwaukee Academy, &c. For the
last mentioned, a commrodious brick building is erected and
in use. There are in Milwaukee 35 church organizations,
and nearly 30 churich edifices. In 1852 there were 29
organizations, of the following denominations: 2 Baptist, 2
Congregational, 4 Roman Catholic, 3 Protestant Episcopal,
1 Norwegian Lutheran, 6 German Protestant, 3 Methodist
Episcopal, 5 Presbyterian, 1 Universalist, and 2 Wesleyan Methodist.
Among the associations for various objects and
purposes, there were last year in operation a City Bible Society,
Tract Society, 2 Musical Societies, 3 Orphan Asylums,
2 Benevolent Societies, several Literary Associations, 5 Odd
Fellows' Lodges, 3 Masonic Lodges, 2 Temperance Divisions,
besides numerous Insurance and other Companies, belonging
more appropriately to business matters. Eight Fire Companies
constitute that department, well supplied with the necessary
machines, and it is conducted with efficiency and harmony. The
city is lighted with gas, supplied from extensive works erected
in 1852. The United States District Court holds its sessions in
this city. The Circuit and County Courts also hold several terms
during the year; and a Municipal Court will probably be soon
established. Several consul ships for German States. are located
in Milwaukee. for the benefit of the very large number of Germans
who arrive at Milwaukee and other Wisconsin ports, and settle within the
State. During, the past three years, much has been done to
increase the facilities of intercourse between Milwaukee and
the interior of the State. Several plank roads stretch out
in various directions, there being now near 200 miles constructed
and in operation. The Milwaukee and Mississippi railroad is completed
as far as Janesville, 71 miles, and is under contract from Milton, 8
miles northeast from Janesville to Madison, to be completed by the
1st January, 1854, whence it is to run westward to Prairie du Chien,
on the Mississippi, at the month of the Wisconsin. Other roads are
chartered, and portions of them contracted, or ready for contract,
as follows: Green Bay, Milwaukee and Chicago, running north
and south. The portion of this road, south of Milwaukee, is
expected to be complete within 18 months.-Milwaukee and
Beloit, (chartered;) about 70 miles in length, but the connection
can be made through other roads in half that distance.-Milwaukee
and Watertown, under contract to Watertown, 46 miles north of west,
to be extended to Portage city immediately, and thence to La Crosse
on the Upper Mississippi.-La Crosse and Milwaukee, nearly in the same
direction as the last named, passing through Dodge county. A
large amount of stock subscribed, and the enterprise in energetic
hands. —Milwaukee, Fond du Lac and Green Bay, fully
organized by the subscription of stock, and with a prospect
of early completion. These several lines of railway, once
completed, will make Milwaukee the business centre of a
very rich and rapidly growing region of country. Measures
are now presented with energy for the building of a railroad
across the State of Michigan, which, in connexion with
the Canadian system of roads, will place Milwaukee on almost
an air line route from the northwest to the great Eastern
cities. The value of articles manufactured in the city in the
year 1852, was over $2,000,000. Tonnage of vessels owned
in the city, 8,548. Number of arrivals at the port in 1852,
about 1600; and departures the same. Of principal articles, the
following quantities were exported during the year 1852, viz:
flour, 88,597 bbls.; wheat, 394,386 bushels; barley, 345,620
bushels; oats, 428,800 bushels; rye, 67,759 bushels; hogs,
live and dressed, 1,771,314 lbs.; pork, 19,603 bbls.; bacon,
188,286 lbs.; beef, 7,773 bbls.; eggs, 54,000 doz.; butter,
80,000 lbs.; saleratus, 150,000 lbs.; mill feed, 300 tons;
hops, 11,625 lbs.; brick, 700,000; wool, 321,121 lbs.; hides,
12,990 lbs.; flax, 4,211 lbs.; broom corn, 270 tons; ashes,
pot and pearl, 3,291 casks; grass seed, 5,852 bbls.; furs,
139 bales; lead and shot, about 1,000,000 lbs.; staves,
dressed, 189,000, &C. &C.
MILWAUKEE, County, is bounded on the north by Washington, east
by the State line, south by Racine, and west by Waukesha.
It was established and set off from Brown, Sept. 6, 1834, and
fully organized. Its original limits extended from the south
and east lines of the present State of Wisconsin north to the
north line of township 12, and west to the line between the
Green Bay and Wisconsin land districts, which was established
June 26, 1834, and was " a north and south line drawn
from the northern boundary of Illinois, along the range line
next west of Fort Winnebago to the Wisconsin river," or the
range line between ranges 8 and 9 E. The seat of justice is
established at the city of Milwaukee. This county was originally
covered with a heavy growth of hard timber. The soil is
good and well adapted to the raising of grain and to gardening.
The streams are the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Root
rivers and Oak creek. This county is in the second judicial
circuit and the first congressional district. Its legislative
representation is as follows: The first and second wards of the
city of Milwaukee, and towns of Wauwatosa, Milwaukee and
Granville, constitute the fifth senate district. The third,
fourth, and fifth wards in the city of Milwaukee, and the
towns of Greenfield, Lake, Oak Creek and Franklin, constitute
the sixth senate district. The first ward in the city of
Milwaukee constitutes an assembly district. The second ward
in the city of Milwaukee constitutes an assembly district.
The third ward in the city of Milwaukee constitutes an assembly
district. The fourth ward in the city of Milwaukee constitutes
an assembly district. The fifth ward in the city of
Milwaukee constitutes an assembly district. The towns of
Franklin and Oak Creek constitute an assembly district. The
towns of Greenfield and Lake constitute an assembly district.
The town of Wauwatosa constitutes an assembly district. The
towns of Milwaukee and Granville constitute an assembly
district. County Officers for the years 1853 and 1854: Judge,
Horatio N. Wells; Sheriff, Herman L. Page; Clerk of Court,
Matthew Keenan; District Attorney, A. IR. R. Butler; Register
of Deeds, Charles J. Kern.
MILWAUKEE, Town, in county of same name, being fractional
towns 7 and 8 N., of range 22 E.; in which is located the
city of Milwaukee. The population in 1850 was 1,364.
MILWAUKEE, Falls, on the Milwaukee river, near the mouth of
Cedar river, in Washington county.
MILWAUKEE, River, has its source in the towns of Eden and Osceola,
Fond du Lac county, and running southerly, through
Washington county, unites with the Menomonee, at Milwaukee city,
and enters Lake Michigan.
MINERAL, Creek, is a tributary from the Wisconsin, from the south,
in Iowa county. It rises near Dodgeville.
MINERAL POINT, P. V., county seat of Iowa county, contains about
2,500 inhabitants and is rapidly increasing. It has 5 churches,
4 smelting furnaces in operation, and the value of mineral
raised in crude state is $500,000 per annum; 11 dry good
stores, 5 groceries, 3 drug stores, and 1 book store. Inhabitants
are mostly miners. It is surrounded by a rich farming
country; is the terminus of the Mineral Point railroad from
the Illinois state line to Mineral Point, a distance of 31 1/2 miles,
where it intersects the central railroad. A branch of the
Peckatonnica runs near the village, affording water power.
MISHCOTT, P. O., in Manitowoc county.
MISSISSIPPI, River, "The Father of Waters," is the most important
stream in the United States. Its entire length, according to
Nicollett's Report to Congress, is 2,986 miles; about 275
miles of this distance forms the western boundary of Wisconsin.
The principal tributaries of the Mississippi in this State
are the St. Croix, Chippewa, Trempeleau, Black, and Wisconsin.
MITCHELL, P. V., in county of Sheboygan.
MITCHELL, Town, in county of Sheboygan, being on section 12,
town 14 N., of range 20 E.; centrally located, 20 miles southwest
from Sheboygan. It has 4 school districts.
MOMINIKAN, Lake, on Red Cedar river.
MONCHES, P. O., in Waukesha county.
MONTFORT, P. O., (Village of Wingville,) on section 24, town 6
N., of range 1 W., 18 miles northeast from Lancaster, and 50
miles west from Madison, on a high and beautiful prairie on
the thoroughfare from Madison to the Mississippi, and is surrounded
by a rich and fertile farmig country, which is
becoming rapidly improved. Population 100, with 30 dwellings,
2 hotels, 2 stores, a melting furnace, and a Methodist
church.
MONISH, Lake, in Waukesha county. See Denoon Lake.
MONROE, C. H. and P. V., in town of same name, Green county,
on section 35, town 2 N., of range 7 E. It is 40 miles south
from Madison. Population 900, with 200 dwellings, 7 stores,
3 hotels, 2 mills, 4 waggon, 5 blacksmith, 4 cabinet, 4 shoe
and 4 carpenter shops, 1 broom and 1 chair factory, 2 lath
saws, and several turning lathes connected with machinery
at the mills, 1 Methodist and 1 Christian church. Monroe
is situated on the direct route from Janesville to Dubuque
and Galena, 35 miles from the former, and 50 miles from the
latter place. It is surrounded by a rich farming country and
large tracts of the best quality of timber. The location is
very healthy. The flouring mill runs 4 run of stone, and,
with the saw mill, is driven by steam.
MONROE, Town,, in county of Green, being town 2 N., of range 7
E., in which is located the county seat. Population in 1850
was 1,146. It has 7 school districts.
MONTELLO, P. V., in Marquette county, on section 16, of town 15
N, of range 10 E., 19 miles west from Dartford, and 47 miles
north from Madison, at the mouth of Montello river, and the
outlet of Buffalo Lake. It possesses an excellent water power,
having a fall of 14 feet, with sufficient water at all seasons of
the year to carry five run of stone. It has all the advantages
of the navigation of Neenah river. Population 200, with 50
dwellings, stores, 2 hotels. 1 mill, 1 church, and several
mechanical and manufacturing shops.
MONTELLO, town, a county of Marquette, being town 15 N., of
range 10. It has 3 school districts.
MONTELLO, River, rises in the northwest corner of Marquette
county, and running southeasterly, empties into the Neenah
river at the foot of Buffalo Lake.
MONTEREY, P. O., in Oconomowoc, Waukesha county, on Ashippun creek.
MONTEVILLE, Town, in county of La Crosse.
MONTEZUMA, P. V., in town of Jefferson, Green county, being in
town 1 N., of range 8 E.
MONTICELLO, P. V, on section 7, town 3 N., of range 8 E., in
Green county. It is situated on the Madison and Monroe,
and Beloit and Mineral Point stage routes, near the centre of
the county, with a fine farming country surrounding it, and
possesses a fine water power. It is 10 miles north of Monroe,
and 30 miles south from Madison. Population 100, with 18
dwellings, 1 store, 1 hotel, 1 saw mill, 1 tin and sheet iron,
1 waggon and 1 cabinet shop; 1 Methodist Episcopal denomination.
MONTICELLO, Town, in Lafayette county.
MONTREAL, Bay, in La Pointe county, on the southern shore of Lake
Superior, at the mouth of Montreal river.
MONTREAL, River, rises near the head of the Wisconsin and Ontonagon
rivers, west of Lake Vieux Desert, and running quite
rapidly northwesterly, enters Lake Superior at Montreal Bay,
forming a portion of the boundary line between Michigan and
Wisconsin, (La Pointe county.)
MONTROSE, Town, in county of Dane, being town 5 N., of range 8
E.; centrally located, 15 miles southwest from Madison. It
has 7 school districts.
MORMAN, Creek, rises in range 5 W., La Crosse county, and runs
westerly in township 15 N., entering the Mississippi.
MORRISON's Creek, a small branch of Platte river, in Highland,
Grant county.
MOUNDVILLE, Settlement, in Iowa county, one mile west of Blue
Mounds P.O.
MOUNDVILLE, P. O., in Marquette county, 12 miles from Montello.
MOUNDVILLE, Town, in county of Marquette.
MOUNTAIN ISLAND, River, see Tempeleau river.
MOUSE, Lake, is between Okauchee and Pine lakes, on the Oconomowoc
river, in Waukesha county.
MOUNT HOPE, residence of R. M. Meigs, on section 1, in Ottawa,
Waukesha county, adjoining village of Waterville.
MOUNT MORIAH, this name has been given to an elevation of land
near Grand River, in the town of Kingsboro', Marquette
county.
MOUNT MORRIS, Waushara county, an elevation in the south part
of the town of Ontario.
MOUNT MORRIS, Town, in county of Waushara, being town 19 N.,
of range 11.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Town, in county of Racine, being town 3 N.,
of range 22 E.; centrally located, 6 miles west from Racine.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Town, in county of Green, being town 3 N.,
of range S; centrally located, 8 miles northeast from Monroe.
Population in 1850 was 579. It has 7 school districts.
M0UNT PLEASANT, P. O., in town of same name, Green county,
being in town 3 N., of range S E.
MOUNT STERLING, P. V., in Crawford county, on section 26, town
10 N~., of range 5 W.
MOUNT TREMPELEAU, a bluff about 500 feet high, at the mouth of
the river of the same name, in Jackson county, having a
beautiful and extensive view of the surrounding country.
MOUNT TOM, in Marquette county, in the town of Pleasant Valley.
MOUNT VERNON, P. V., on the town line between Primrose and
Springdale, in Dane county, 17 miles southwest from Madison.
It is a flourishing village, with a healthy situation, in the
valley of Sugar River, surrounded by a fine farming country
producing grain of all kinds in great abundance, and well
adapted to grazing and wool growing; and occupied by an
industrious and enterprizing population. It has several good
hydraulic powers, an excellent stone quarry, and good mate.
rial for making brick. Taking into consideration the many
advantages of this place, and the distance to other villages,
together with the fact, that the land in the county is owned
by actual settlers, it is destined, ere long, to assume an
important place among the rapidly growing towns of Wisconsin.
MUD, Lake, a small lake in the town of Shields, Dodge county.
MUD, Lak, in Columbia county, a widening of the Neenah river,
5 miles below the Portage.
MUDDY, Creek:, a branch from the north of Chippewa river, in
town 26 N., of range 12 W.
MUDDY, Creek a small stream entering the Mississippi, at Cassville,
Grant county.
MUKWA, P. V. and C. H., on section 20, town 22 N., of range 14
E., on Wolf river, in Waupacca county.
MUKWA, Town in county of Waupacca.
MUKWANAGO, P. V., situated on section 26, in town of same name,
Waukesha county, 16 miles south from Waukesha, and 70
miles east from Madison, near the entrance of the Mukwanago
creek into the Fox (Pishtakee) river. It is on the Milwaukee
and Janesville plank road, and is the market town of
an excellent farming region of land. The population is about
500, with, 75 dwellings, 2 hotels, 5 stores, a large flouring
mill, and a variety of mechanics.
MUKWANAGO, Town, in county of Waukesha, being town 5 N.,
of range 18 E.; centrally located, 10 miles south from
Waukesha. Population in 1850 was 1,094. It has 8 school
districts.
MUKWANAGO, Lake, an expansion of Pishtakee river, about two
miles in length, in Waukesha county.
MULLET, River, rises in a small lake in Fond du Lac county, and
running easterly into Sheboygan river, in Sheboygan county,
it enters just above the Falls.
MUSCLE, Lake and River, are on the western head waters of the
Wisconsin, in Marathon county.
MUSCODA, Town, in the county of Grant, being the north half of
town 7 N., of range 1 W., and all of the country embraced
in towns 8 and 9 N., of ranges 1 and 2 W.; centrally located,
22 miles northeast from Lancaster. It has 2 school districts.
This town was organized in 1852.
MUSCODA, P. V., Grant county, in town of same name, is located
on section 1, town 8 N., of range 1 W., on the southern bank
of the Wisconsin river, being in the northeast corner of the
town and county. It possesses a good site for a town, being
on a beautiful prairie, heretofore known as English prairie,
10 feet above the level of high water mark. The river bank
is composed of sand stone from the base to within seven feet
of the top. The soil is a black vegetable loam, very productive.
It is located 30 miles northeast from Lancaster, and 80 miles
west from Madison, 45 miles from the mouth of the Wisconsin,
and 25 below Helena. Population 250, with 50 dwellings,
3 stores, 2 hotels, and various branches of industry.
MUSKEGO, P. V:., in town of same name, Waukesha county, town
5 N., of range 20 E.
MUSKEGO, Town, in county of Waukesha, being town 5 N., of
range 20 E.; centrally located, 10 miles southeast from
Waukesha. The population in 1850 was 1,111. It has 8
school districts.
MUSKEGO, Creek, Waukesha county, rises in lake of the same
name, and empties into Fox River at Rochester.
MUSKEGO, Lake, in town of same name, in the southeast part of
Waukesha county, is nearly four miles long, and more than a
mile wide.
MUSKEGO, River, is a tributary from the west of the'Menomonee
river, which it enters near Big Quinesec Falls.
MUSKEGO CENTRE, P. O., in town of Muskego, Waukesha county.
MUSQUEWOC, Lake, in the west part of West Bend, in Washington
county, is about 31 miles long, and three-fourths of a mile
wide.
MUSKOS, River, is a tributary from the west of the Menomonee
river, which it enters near Big Quinesec Falls.
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