From History of Walworth County Wisconsin, Vol. 1, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Lake Geneva Tidbits - Pages 324 - 348
 
Pages 331 - 335
 
Among the earlier business and professional men and mechanics were:
 
William Alexander (1801-1885), the first and for long the only cooper, came in 
1839.  He died at the village.
 
The ALLEN brothers, Harvey E., Seymour and William H., wagon-makers and 
blacksmiths, came in 1845.  Harvey E. died in 1864.  Their relationship to 
other ALLENs is not learned.
 
Joel BARBER, son of Solon and Hannah, born 1828 in St. Lawrence county, New 
York, married Julia L. and Carrie M. MARSH, cousins; came in 1848; carpenter, 
stavemaker, millwright and millowner; twice president of the village.
 
John BEAMSLEY (1803-1897), shoemaker and dealer, came in 1843.  He married Mary 
Jane, daughter of Philander K. VAN VELZER, July 4, 1858.
 
John BRINK (1810-1904), surveyor and earliest claimant of the water power 
section, died at Crystal Lake, Illinois.
 
John M. NEWTON, Seth M. and William H. CAPRON's names are found in earliest 
real estate records. One or more of them were of the firm of CAPRON, WHEELER & 
WHIPPLE, coming as general dealers in 1839, and soon afterward building a 
distillery, which was but one year in operation.
 
William CASPORUS, a carpenter, came in 1837 and was killed the next year by 
falling with a broken scaffold while building his house at Main and Madison 
streets.
 
Henry B. CONANT (1825-1903) came in 1846 as a building contractor, and partner 
with Cyrus W. MAYNARD, his brother-in-law, who came a year earlier.  In 
judgment and skill they were among the foremost in the county.
 
Dudley W. COOK, wagonmaker, came from Cooperstown about 1837, in which year his 
son, the first white boy, was born and died in the village.  He went to 
California in 1849 and died there.
 
Jotham W. CURTIS, blacksmith, burned Mr. PAYNE's house at Duck Lake about 1839, 
destroying a just then valuable set of carpenter's tools, axes, etc.  Mr. PAYNE 
and his men caught him, forced him into confession and banished him.
 
Lewis CURTIS (1813-1904) was born in Chenango county; came in 1840 and bought 
John DUNLAP's store.  In the same year he married Mary Elizabeth (1822-1868), 
daughter of Hiram HUMPRHEY and Mary (BLODGETT) FOSTER.  He was the earliest 
drug dealer at the village, and continued in general trade for many years, ten 
of which he was postmaster.
 
James J. DEWEY (1814-1898), a native of St. Lawrence county, opened a hat store 
in 1845, and soon became Mr. FERGUSON's partner.  He was postmaster in the 
Taylor-Fillmore administrations.  His first wife was Eliza Ann BATES (1815-
1838), of Cooperstown; his second wife was Selina A. MERRIAM (1827-1870).
 
Anthony DOBBS shoemaker, came in 1844.  About ten years later he was village 
president.
 
John DUNLAP (died 1879) was son of Robert (born 1757), a soldier of the 
Revolution, and grandson of John (1718-1813), a native of county Tyrone, 
Ireland, and immigrant.  The younger John was a half-brother of Asenath, wife 
of Thomas McKAIG.  In 1839 he began in business at the village, but sold to 
Lewis CURTIS.
 
Cornwell ESMOND came about 1837 and built his blacksmith shop at Broad and 
Geneva streets, now the site of the Episcopal church.
 
Benjamin E. GILL (1814-1888), mason and plasterer, came in 1837.  He was an 
early village president.  He went to California in 1850, and lived to return.
 
Joseph GRIFFIN came from Cooperstown in 1842, and was the first judge of 
probate.  As he had Charles M. BAKER always within call he served very 
creditably, and made a comfortable living from office fees, and from the 
produce of his farm in section 30 of Lyons.
 
Lansing Duane HALE (1818-1883), son of Samuel HALE and Sarah ABELL, came from 
Owego[Oswego?] in 1843 and was in retail trade for twenty-two years.  His first 
wife was Rebecca ELLIS (1823-1846); second wife, Jane Elizabeth (1830-1902), 
daughter of John BEEDEN and Serena GARRISON.
 
Thomas J. HANNA (1809-1900) came in 1845 as a cabinetmaker, and prospered at 
his business.  Mrs. HANNA was a pioneer in the millinery trade.
 
John HASKINS (1811-1887) with his brother James came in 1842, and built a 
sawmill at the lower water power.  In 1855-1863 they were in the hardware 
trade.  Thereafter they were active in all the greater local enterprises.  
John's wife was Olivia (VOSE), widow of John SEYMOUR.  She was born 1829, died 
1876.
 
Dr. Stephen INGHAM (1778-1875) was born at Richmond, Massachusetts, and in 1803 
married Huldah AMBLER (born 1787).  He came to Geneva in 1841.  He owned a farm 
in section 12, Linn.
 
Dr. Alexander LAWSON (1815-1871) was born in Perthshire, Scotland; was 
graduated at the University of Glasgow; came to Philadelphia in 1837; to Geneva 
in 1849, where he practiced as a botanic physician.
 
Daniel LOCKE (1820-1897), son of James and Lydia, was born in Cheshire county, 
New Hampshire; married first, Clarissa WRIGHT, of Otsego county; came to Geneva 
as a gunsmith in 1843; married Elizabeth BOOTH, at Springfield, in 1867.
 
Russell H. MALLARY (or MALLORY?), born in 1803 at Middletown, Vermont, came 
from Beardstown, Illinois in 1838; became sheriff in 1841; went into business 
at East Troy with Mr. OATMAN in 1843; returned to Geneva and died in March 
1852.  In 1838 MALLARY & OATMAN brought from Illinois the first drove of hogs, 
of a breed the continuance of which the agricultural society has never 
encouraged by offer of premium.  These brutes, shifting for themselves under 
the oak trees, never became even streakily fat, and when wanted were hunted and 
shot like other wild game.  Calista E. (1809-1878), daughter of Eli OATMAN and 
Mary SYMONDS, was Mr. MALLORY's wife.
 
Philip D. MARSHALL came from Milwaukee in 1843 and brought with him 
the "Ariel," the first of the Geneva lake fleet.  It had masts, spars and 
sails, but its surest motive power was a pole.  It carried twenty or more 
passengers, and having previously crossed Lake Michigan, the trip to Fontana 
and Williams Bay did not overtask it.  Captain MARSHALL built and rented a 
store, but for himself preferred a shanty, where he sold apples and cider.  He 
was also a shaver of shingles.
 
Dr. Ansel D. MERRITT came in 1844, but moved about 1852 to Woodstock.  He died 
in 1878.
 
Gurdon MONTAGUE (1819-1890), born at Wethersfiled, Connecticut, came from 
Trenton, New York by way of Milwaukee, in 1845.  He was known throughout the 
county as competent millwright.  His wife was M. Maria POST (1823-1866).
 
Bradford T. PAINE (1819-1903), shoemaker, came in 1843.  Of his workmen George 
S. NETHERCUT and Bruce FREDERICK are remembered.  His wife was Ellen C. 
LOVELAND (1819-1903).
 
Logan McCoy ROSS, blacksmith, in 1843 made his shop in PAYNE's cabin across the 
race (southeastward).
 
Richard D. SHORT in 1848 began the first regular business as proprietor of a 
livery stable.
 
Timothy C. SMITH and N. S. DONALDSON came in 1844 as dealers in dry goods and 
groceries.
 
Simeon W. SPAFARD (1812-1880), son of Abraham SPAFARD (Nathan5, Thomas4, 
Thomas3, Samuel2, John1) and Sarah WILLIAMS, came about 1838 and in 1842 opened 
a tinshop and stove store.  He married Charlotte L. SHARPE in 1845, and his 
sisters, Elisabeth W and Alma O., were wives of Erasmus D. RICHARDSON.  Mr. 
SIMMONS also mentions him as a brother-in-law of William K. MAY.  In 1854 he 
was an assemblyman.  He died at Omaha.
 
Samuel H. STAFFORD (1811-1889), a native of Saratoga, son of Henry and Polly 
(GAY), came from Kenosha in 1848 and with Mr. DEWEY engaged in general trade.  
In 1864 he went into other business.
 
Horace STARKEY, carpenter and millwright, came in 1839.  He bought a farm in 
Walworth in 1867 and died there about ten years later.
 
Philander K. VAN VELZER (1811-1862), son of William Henry, an early settler of 
Lyons, came in 1837 to the village and for some time made bricks on his lot 
near the railway and between Dodge and Wisconsin streets.  His wife was 
Prudence (1812-1870), daughter of Hendrick MATTESON.  His brother, Cornelius P. 
(1813-1903), also came early.  He died at Delavan.
 
Asahel P. WARD, carpenter,  was an early-comer.  He built the house since owned 
by Richard D. SHORT.
 
Andrew Jackson WEATHERWAX (1817-1896) was born in Orleans county, New York; 
came to Darien in 1845; to Geneva in 1849 as the first resident tailor.  In 
1861 he and his son, Monroe J. WEATHERWAX, enlisted in the Fourth Infantry-
Cavalry.  His wife was Irene PRESTON (1820-1900).
 
Lucian WRIGHT came in 1836; owned land north of Duck Lake, where he built a 
kiln and made lime of the best quality.  He moved away a few years later.
 
Other men, who had some larger part in building this community, or of whom more 
is known, have been or will be mentioned elsewhere.
 
Charles M. GOODSELL came in 1838 to build and operate a grist mill, but not for 
that only.  He at once began to revive the temporarily suspended religious 
interest of the little community, organizing a Sunday school and, cooperating 
with other good men and women, preparing the way for formation of religious 
societies.

Pages 335 - 338
 
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES
 
Rev. Phipps W. LAKE, an early settler of Walworth, organized the Baptist 
society in 1840 at the home of Charles M. BAKER, a Presbyterian, but not too 
much narrowed by his creed.  Between 1844 and 1847 a church was built at a cost 
of fifteen hundred dollars, and was rebuilt in 1868 at further cost of 
seventeen hundred dollars.  Though for some years fairly prosperous, the 
society was relatively poorer than at Delavan, Elkhorn and East Troy.  At a 
business meeting April 5, 1907, it was suggested that it was better to build a 
new church than to repair the old one, and the pastor was asked to call another 
meeting.  Ten days later it was determined, without dissent, to build, and a 
committee was directed to canvass for subscriptions.  In two weeks two thousand 
three hundred dollars had been pledged; but this, with a legacy of nearly one 
thousand dollars from Mrs. H. H. HAWKS, was not enough.  Appeal to the state 
convention at last brought five thousand dollars from the Judson A. ROUNDY 
bequest.  The society was encouraged to renew effort and in 1910 a fine new 
church was built in modern style at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars, and 
dedicated January 13, 1911.  In its cornerstone were deposited among other 
things a carefully prepared historical account of the society and a list of its 
pastors.  Both of these papers were the work of Mrs. Amelia (BEARDSLEY) ARNOLD 
who, as a child, had known Mr. LAKE well and in her later life most or all of 
his successors.
 
Phipps Waldo LAKE came in 1840 and for a short time in 1845; Peter CONRAD, 
1844; Joel W. FISH, December 1845, and in 1885; Caleb BLOOD, 1852; P. H. PARKS, 
1855; Noah BARRELL, 1857, and in 1863; Samuel Jones, 1858; Thomas BRIGHT, 1859; 
Elijah M. NYE, 1865; Rodney GILBERT, 1867; Enoch P. DYE, 1869; John D. PULIS, 
1872; James BUCHANAN, 1874; J. E. ROBERTS, 1876; James EDMINSTER, 1877; Joshua 
E. AMBROSE, 1880; Levi D. TEMPLE, 1882; William McKEE, 1884; Charles E. EADE, 
1886; John H. HIGBY, 1888; Robert GRAY, 1893; James P. WHYTE, 1896; Peter Clark 
WRIGHT, 1897 AND 1901; John A. MONK, 1900; Emory L. COLE, 1902; James A. 
LARSON, 1904; Roy H. BARRETT, 1905; George Gladstone LAUGHLIN, 1908.  Elder 
BARRELL, born in 1794, died in 1875; his wife was Ann E. PIERCE (1804-1865).  
Both were buried at Lake Geneva.  Elder LAKE (1789-1866) and wife, Rebecca 
(BEARDSLEY (1792-1884), were buried at Walworth.
 
As early as 1842 Rev. Thomas MORRISSEY came from Milwaukee periodically to 
minister to Catholic families about Lake Geneva.  Vicar-general KUNDIG 
organized the parish of St. Francis de Sales in 1847, and its members have 
since built two or three churches.  The last is a well-built and well-furnished 
building, near the east end of Main street, a well-chosen site.  It was built 
within the period of Father REILLY's pastorate, at a cost of eighteen thousand 
dollars.  Its fine organ was the gift of Patrick J. HEALY, of Chicago.  A 
suitable rectory, a convenient hall for social and other entertainments and a 
cemetery are included in the now valuable church property.
 
The first resident priest was Patrick McKERNAN, 1847, after whom were P. J. 
FANDER, 1849; Franz FUSSEDER, 1850; P. J. MALLON, 1854; H. P. KENNEY, George H. 
BRENNAN, 1856; James STEHLE, 1857 and 1862; Henry J. ROCHE, 1861; Edward 
O'CONNOR, 1863; F. O'FARRELL, 1867 (died); A. L. DAVID, 1867; James F. 
KINSELLA, 1867; Benedict J. SMEDDINCK, 1868; Eugene M. McGINNITY, 1872; John J. 
KINSELLA, 1873; Nicholas M. ZIMMER, 1874; Michael WENKER, about 1883; Eugene 
REILLY, 1884; Bernard Joseph BURKE, 1908.  Parish records and other sources of 
information show some disagreements and uncertainties as to initials, order of 
succession and dates; but the foregoing list is nearly full and correct.  Rev. 
Martin KUNDIG, whose early labors in this as in many another county are 
memorable, was born in the Swiss canton of Schwytz, November 19, 1805; came to 
Cincinnati in 1828, where he was ordained; in 1833 to Detroit, whence he came, 
in 1842, to Milwaukee, and in 1844 became, under Rt. Rev. John Martin HENNI, 
vicar-general of the diocese.  He died march 6, 1879.
 
A society of Presbyterians and Congregationalists was formed in 1839 and built 
its church, the first Presbyterian, of oak lumber in 1841 at a cost of five 
hundred dollars.  A new church, on the same lot, was begun in 1851 and finished 
in two years, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars.  Beginning with 
thirteen members, the society's increase was mostly Congregationalist, and in 
1883 formally changed its name to First Congregational church.  The society 
laid the cornerstone of its third church July 24, 1897, and dedicated the 
finished building January 19, 1898.  This church property is valued at twenty-
five thousand dollars.  Pastors: Lemuel HALL, 1939; Leonard ROGERS, 1841; C. R. 
FRENCH, 1843; Homer H. BENSON, 1844; Edward Goddard MINER, 1855 and 1867; 
Charles MORGAN, 1857; William S. MATHER, 1860; Peter S. VAN NEST, 1861; Richard 
Brockway BULL, 1875; George CADY, 1893; William Jay CADY, 1893; Cyrus A. 
OSBORNE, 1897; John W. WILSON, 1902 to 1912.  Mr. BULL was born in 1820, died 
1888; Mr. HALL, 1795-1868; Mr. VAN NEST, 1813-1893.
 
Rt. Rev. Jackson KEMPER came as early as 1844 to administer communion to a few 
persons, and from time to time sent mission workers to this field.  In 1850 the 
Episcopal parish of the Holy Communion was organized, and in 1857 the society 
bought the disused Presbyterian church and occupied it until it could build a 
chapel on its own ground at Geneva and Broad streets.  In 1880 the cornerstone 
of a permanent building was laid and in 1883 the new church was consecrated.  
Its material is glacier-borne boulders of various granites, hewn to 
architectural fitness, and its cost, with organ and other furnishings, was more 
than twenty thousand dollars.  Its resident rectors have been John McNAMARA, 
1850 and 1856; William S. LUDLUM, 1852; Gerrit E. PETERS, 1853; William H. 
STUDLEY, 1854; John H. GASMAN, 1859; William DRAFTER, 1861; George N. JAMES, 
1864; John Henry BABCOCK, 1866; William C. ARMSTRONG, 1867; Robert B. WOLSELEY, 
1874; Richard Thomas KERFOOT, 1876; William Wirt RAYMOND, 1887; Isaac Newton 
MARKS, 1892; Herbert Chessall BOISSIER, 1907.
 
Rev. Carl F. GOLDAMMER organized an Evangelical Lutheran society in 1879 and 
dedicated its church May 4, 1884.  His successors have been: August F. 
GRAEBNER, 1885; Heinrich GIESCHEN, 1887; Ernst F. SCHUBERT, Bernhardt Albert 
OEHLERT, 1899; Herman A. FLEISCHER, 1904.  A new church was built in 1891-2 and 
the one then became a parish schoolhouse.  These  buildings, with a parsonage, 
and lots, in Walworth street near Crawford street are valued at six thousand 
dollars. The society now includes about seventy families.
 
Mr. SCHUBERT with twelve families separated from this society in 1899 and built 
a new church and parsonage at Park Row and Warren street.  This church has 
basement story fitted for its use as a parish schoolhouse.  The property is 
valued at five thousand dollars.  Mr. SCHUBERT's further stay was short, and he 
was followed in the same year by E. A. KURTZ, in 1902, by Peter Christian 
BOYSEN, in 1906 by Ernst JUNGHANS.  In 1909 Mr. BOYSEN returned and also 
ministers to the church at Genoa Junction.
 
A class of six or seven persons met in 1837 to form a Methodist Episcopal 
society.  A church with parsonage was built in 1855-6 on lots at Madison and 
Wisconsin streets, facing the park, at a cost of two thousand dollars.  These 
lots had been set apart for this purpose by the proprietors of the village. In 
the meantime service as held in a primitive school house.  The society began to 
build again in 1877, at Cook and Geneva streets, also facing the park.  It was 
finished and dedicated in 1884, and with parsonage its cost was about thirteen 
thousand dollars.  The names of pastors, as nearly as can now be shown, were 
Samuel PILLSBURY, 1838; Jesse HALSTEAD, 1839; James McKEAN, 1839; David 
WORTHINGTON, 1841; JEWETT and DECKER, in 1842; Jonathan M. SNOW, 1843; John 
CRUMMER, 1845; Joseph C. PARKS, 1846; Joseph M. WALKER, 1847; Robert BLACKBURN, 
1848; R. DUDGEON, 1850; Aurora CALLENDER, 1851; O. F. COMFORT, 1852; Aaron 
GRISWOLD, 1853; Joseph ANDERSON, 1855; Hiram H. HERSEY, 1857; David HALL, 1858; 
L. SALISBURY, 1859; David W. COUCH, 1861; William AVERILL, 1862; Stephen SMITH, 
1863; Rossiter C. PARSONS, 1865; Norvall J. APLIN, 1867; Henry COLMAN, 1869 and 
1885; Samuel E. WILLING, 1873; John D. COLE, 1874; John L. HEWITT, 1875; Albert 
A. HOSKINS, 1876; Thomas CLITHERO, 1878; Charles E. GOLDTHORP, 1880; Matthew 
EVANS, 1882; Thomas W. NORTH, 1888; John Jay GARVIN, 1893; William W. STEVENS, 
1898; Rodman W. BOSWORTH, 1899; Thomas DeWitt PEAKE, 1900; Sherman P. YOUNG and 
Webster MILLAR, 1902; Charles Marcus STARKWEATHER, 1904; Frank Cuthbert 
RICHARDSON, 1909.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)