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Early History |
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The territory within the present limits of Waushara County was, in 1848, owned by the Indians, but, in September of that year, two brothers, Isaac and William Warwick, veterans of the Mexican War, made a claim to land on section 2, now in the town of Marion. They built a log shanty 8x10 feet, and covered it with sods; but later, Isaac took two yokes of oxen and went to Stevens' Point for lumber, with which they put their house in more substantial shape. The Indian Agent and the Chief of the Menomonees ordered the Warwicks to leave, but the Chief recalled his order in consideration of their breaking up some land for a field of corn for him. In 1849, a new road was opened from Berlin to what is now Wautoma; other lands were purchased, and new settlers arrived. Philip Green, in the winter of 1848-49, settled on the present site of of the village of Wautoma, building a shanty; but the following spring he sold to Mr. Atkins, who kept a tavern there during the winter, in the summer keeping a tavern near Strong's Landing.
Warren was settled in 1849, by JOhn C. Williams, W.F. Chipman, John A. Dedrick, and others, the first shanty being built by __________ Waterman. Lewis H. Bagg and Mr. Shepherd settled Sand Prairie. The first school was a select one, taught by Mrs. Diana Carr, who lived with Mr. Bagg's people at the time. The first district school was opened in 1851.
Warden, a bee hunter, was the first settler at Leon, though he remained but a short time. This was in 1849. IN the same year, at MOunt Morris, in the central part of the county, claims were taken by E.W. Alford and William Tibbett; in the western part, town of Plainfield, by Thomas Kelley and his son, William N. Kelley, W.W. Beach, Leonard Wilcox and William Lord; the latter kept a tavern in the town of Oasis. Mr. Beach did not settle until some time later. In 1852, E.C. Waterman and Charles Hamilton located in Plainfield.