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December Meeting Sets Directions for Fairwater
Museum
“Mercantile room” concept
for the former upper division classroom combines a 1920s general
store display of local business. industry, and farm items with three
exhibit “rooms” on the west wall. |
In a well attended December meeting, the Society determined
the general directions it will take in developing the former Fairwater
Public School building as an historical museum. After two hours of creative
discussion, members selected options for each of the three former classrooms
that will emphasize display space and multiple use over the restoration
of the rooms to their original appearance and furnishings.
Confirming the recommendations of a planning group
made last January, members approved using the former primary division
classroom for meeting space, a local history research center, and a
display area devoted to Fairwater’s churches. In addition, they
approved the addition of a flexible display space focused on area veterans
and the creation of a reading area furnished with antique parlor seating.
After considering the restoration of the former intermediate
division room to its appearance during the 1920s, members approved dividing
the room between period classroom furnishings and additional display
space.
Adopting a general store theme for the display of
local business, industry, and farm items in the upper division room,
members also voted to use part of the room for three specialized display
“rooms.” Two will be devoted to permanent exhibits, and one
will house changing displays. It was also recommended that the Society
develop an alternate location for larger farm and industry items.
Also approved to enhance building accessibility was
the eventual removal of the hallway office, constructed in 1960.
Biographies Donated for Benjamin Smiths-1860s
Teacher and Schools’ Superintendent
James Reeves of Santa Clara, California, recently
donated biographical information for Benjamin and Sarah Smith, who were
married in Fairwater on May 12, 1861,and raised five children in the
village. The biographies, excerpted below, indicate that Benjamin Smith
was an area lawyer and for a time the County Superintendent of Schools.
The former Sarah French was teaching in Fairwater before the Civil War,
confirming the existence of a school in Fairwater a decade earlier than
suggested by previous information.
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Benjamin and Sarah French Smith,
undated.
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Sarah Samantha French [b. February 29, 1832] was educated
in Clymer, New York, and she taught school [t]here for a period of years.
He sister, Cordelia French Sessions, was living in Fairwater, Fond du
Lac County, Wisconsin. [Sarah] paid her sister a visit, and while here
she accepted a position as teacher in the school at Fairwater. Here
she found B. C. Smith, a lawyer, whom she had met in New York, was Superintendent
of Schools in Fond du Lac County. Their acquaintance was renewed and
they were married. The resided alternately in Fairwater and Berlin,
part of the time on a farm home. Here all their children were born.
A diary kept by this good woman reflects much of the
spirit of the times. and tells also of the events of the household.
They kept open house in true pioneer fashion. There was much coming
and going. Guests “stayed for supper and the night and for breakfast,”
“stayed for dinner and supper,” “came for the night and
for breakfast.” A sick neighbor came “for me to care for her”
and was nursed through an illness back to health. In turn this same
friend came to care for Sarah Samantha when her second child was born.
They were real neighbors with the “you help me and I help you spirit.”
“X” in the middle right
on the 1862 plat map marks the location of an early school next
to the Grand River on the Newland farm. |
In 1874, this family moved to Elroy.
She was a devoted member of, and worker in, the Baptist
Church. Always teaching a class in the Sunday School and often president
of the ladies’ organizations in the various places in which they
lived.
B. C. Smith was among the “49ers” of the
California “Gold Rush.” He was among the successful ones and
amassed a considerable fortune. However, his eyes became infected with
gold dust and he became blind. He learned of a famous eye specialist
in New York City. He went to him for consultation, taking an attendant
with him. This experience, and a California bank failure, absorbed all
the gold he had acquired at so great a cost. The New York physician
saved the sight of one eye, but he was permanently blind in the other
eye.
He was a shrewd and successful lawyer, but was as careless in collecting
his fees as he was brilliant in winning his cases for his clients.
Imprisonment of Pardon Davis, Area Baptist
and Abolitionist, Documented
There is a growing body of information suggesting
that Green Lake and western Fond du Lac counties were actively involved
in the anti-slavery movement of the 1850’s. Additional evidence
was provided recently by Don Sanford, a member of the Seventh Day Baptist
Historical Society, through his investigation of the prosecution of
Pardon Davis, a Berlin, Wisconsin, Baptist. Sanford’s paper, available
in its entirety on the Wisconsin Underground Railroad Web site co-sponsored
by the Fairwater Historical Society, is excerpted below.
In 1855 the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference
in session at First Brookfield Church in New York adopted two resolutions
in regard to the case of Pardon Davis, then in the Penitentiary of Louisiana.
This action followed similar action by the Eastern, the Central, the
Western and the Northwestern Associations of Seventh Day Baptist Churches.
One of my first clues to Pardon’s identity was a letter to the
editor of the Sabbath Recorder of May 24, 1855, from Emma J. Todd, the
wife of Rev. Julius Todd the home field missionary located at Berlin,
Wisconsin. She wrote:
Very unexpectedly, I saw in the Recorder of
May 10th, a publication respecting Bro. Pardon Davis.... At the earnest
request of his friends in Hartsville, (his native place,) I received
a copy of the letter addressed to the Berlin church with a distinct
understanding that it was not to be published in any periodical. After
it had been read in Hartsville...a person in Pennsylvania requested
a copy, that it might be referred to as a matter of fact, in a certain
instance. From the last named place it has been published without the
consent or approbation of myself, or any one particularly connected
with the circumstances. Emma J. Todd. (6)
Davis’s letter was printed in the Sabbath Recorder
of May 10th:
To the Berlin Church:
Dear and well-beloved Brethren and Sisters- Allow me (perhaps for the
last time) to address you by that endearing title. It is with feelings
of the deepest melancholy that I improve this opportunity of acquainting
you with my present situation and future prospects, and of begging an
interest in your prayers.... This being Sabbath evening, my heart yearns
to be with you in your prayer-meeting; but as I cannot, my spirit shall
be there, and I am confident that you will pray for me, at least, sinner
as I am, when you read this. I confess, brethren and sisters, that I
have not at all times lived as a Christian should...and yet I feel that
the greatest sin in my life is the burying of the little talent God
has given me. But I at length resolved, after years of toil to amass
wealth, to return, like the prodigal son, and if possible dig up the
buried talent. To this end I settled business in Louisiana, and had
been waiting (in consequence of contrary winds) to cross the Mississippi,
intending as soon as possible to return North, offer myself to God,
and the remainder of my days to His service. But as I left the house
of a friend on the 19th, to go for my horse, which was in a pasture
in the lower part of town, I was met by a slave-hunter and his dogs.
He immediately drew a revolver, threatening to fire at me is I stirred
or made a noise. Others came, and I was marched off to a constable’s
office. The whole town was soon assembled, and the procession marched
to the school-house, where I was informed by the magistrate, that I
had been charged with aiding slaves to escape from their masters. After
a brief examination, in which many witnesses were soon sworn, all of
whom had seen me talking with, or know of hiring negroes on Sundays
or evenings, though this is a common practice for the people of this
country; but the difference is, I am from the North. Written passes
were found in my possession resembling my hand-writing --- ink and paper
like mine. With this kind of evidence I was committed to jail, no one
daring to speak on my behalf but a petty lawyer from Mississippi. The
citizens of Waterproof, fearing the evidence not sufficient to condemn
me, formed themselves into a mob, threatening if I got clear that Lynch
law should be called upon....
The cause of my being arrested, as stated by Mr. Perkins, the negro
hunter, is: A man in Mississippi having discovered a trail of runaways,
sent for him to come with his dogs and catch them. He went, and caught
them, after running them thirty or forty miles. Upon overtaking them,
they all ran up the fence to get away from the dogs. He asked them who
they belonged to. They gave him a fictitious name, at the same time,
presenting passes which he read; but being a villain at heart, Perkins
took them down one at a time and set his dogs on them. The negroes,
after being torn in a shocking manner, promised he if he would desist
they would tell the truth. The dogs being taken off, the negroes confessed:
“We belong to Mr. Dunkin of Louisiana, and the overseer, Huggins,
whipped us nearly every night, because, being new hands, we could not
pick cotton enough. We stood this as long as we could and ran away.
We went to Mr. Davis’s wood yard, and told him our complaint. He
let us hide in the wood, and carried us bread and water until last Saturday
night....
Sabbath morning, September 23 - My heart yearns to be with you, but
I cannot.... I fear my heart is not right in the sight of God. I read
my Bible, yet it is with an abstract mind. My thoughts seem to be all
bent on getting away from this place; for I cannot fear that I have
done anything worthy of imprisonment. My attorney says it will be a
hard case, on account of prejudice existing against abolitionists here;
if convicted, that I will not get off with seven years’ imprisonment,
he thinks.
And now, after hearing what I have written, I ask my brethren and sisters,
in the fear of God, if a man should come to you, presenting a lacerated
back, exposed to the rays of a southern summers’ sun for want of
a shirt, feet bleeding from having been torn by snags and briars, hungry
and faint, whose crime was that he failed, after staining every nerve,
to perform the labor appointed him -- I ask, would you--- could you--
turn him away without assisting him? No brethren, I think I know you
too well - I think you would hand him a loaf of bread, part of some
of your surplus clothing, or if you had no surplus, buy some, as I did
--- help them across the river, point them to the star of Liberty, and
bid them God speed....
I would prefer the grave to slavery. Not all the gold in California
could procure of me five years of slavery. I may get rid of these chains,
but this depends on the skill of my attorney, or neglect of my opponents.
I must cease, for the last paper in my possession is nearly covered
over. And now, brethren, when you meet to pray for heathen lands, remember,
0! remember our own country. Watch over the declining steps of my parents;
it is the greatest boon I can ask.... Comfort them with the thought
that we may meet in heaven, and all be free.
I await with the greatest anxiety to hear. My love to you all. Pardon
Davis
The Sabbath Recorder for September 25, 1856 carried
a letter to the editor from the father of Pardon Davis, who told the
circumstances which brought about the release of his son from Prison.
It would appear that Jeremiah and Pardon were baptized
in Milton and joined the church in 1840. For a number of years Jeremiah
Sr. was active in the affairs of the church, serving on a number of
committees. The family, except for Jeremiah, Jr. moved with a general
migration to more central Wisconsin where churches were later established
in Marquette, Dakota and Berlin. It was from here that Pardon Davis
journeyed to Louisiana and later returned.
Lewis Pond’s Civil War Service Clarified-Involved
in Capture of Jefferson Davis
Front page headlines from the May
15, 1865 Daily Milwaukee News announcing discovery of Davis disguised
as a woman. |
The December Newsletter included an 1867 Brandon
Times article naming several area men as Civil War draft avoiders. Among
them were Henry Wentworth, George Whiteman, and Andrew Graham, all of
Alto. Records indicate that Wentworth in fact enlisted in the 3rd Wisconsin
Cavalry, Whiteman in the 32nd Infantry, and Graham in the 32nd Infantry.
Lewis Pond, brother of Medal of Honor winners George and James Pond,
was also identified as an avoider. Kevin Dier-Zimmel, a Pond family
historian, has responded with the information that Pond enlisted early
in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry and was present late at the capture of
Jefferson Davis in 1865. Dier-Zimmel has shared a copy of the Daily
Milwaukee News for May 15, 1865, reporting Davis’s capture:
War Dept Washington, May 14, 1865
Major General Dix-The following dispatch announcing the capture of Jeff
Davis, while attempting to make his escape in his wife’s clothes,
have been received from Brevet Major General Wilson.
E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War
Macon, May 12, 11 a. m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton:-The following dispatch, announcing the capture of
Jeff Davis has just been handed me by Col. Mentz commanding the 2nd
Division:
Headq’rs, 4th Michigan Cavalry,
Cumberland Gap, May 11
Captain T. A. Scott, A. G. Second Div.
Sir:-1 have the honor to report, that at daylight, yesterday, at Irwinsville,
I surprised and captured Jeff. Davis and family with his wife’s
sisters and mother, his Postmaster Gen. Regan, his private secretary,
Col. Harrison, Col. Johnson, A. D. C. on Davis’ Staff, Col. Morris
Lubbock and Lieut. Hathaway, also several important persons, a train
of five wagons and three ambulances, making a most perfect success.
Had not a most painful mistake occurred by which the 4th Michigan and
the 1st Wisconsin came in conflict, we should have done better.
This mistake cost us two killed and Lt. Bantle wounded through the arm,
in the 4th Michigan and four men wounded in the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry.
This occurred just at daylight after we had captured the camp. We returned
to this point last night and shall move right on to Macon, without waiting
orders from you as directed, feeling that the whole object of the expedition
is accomplished.
It will take at least three days to reach Macon, as we are seventy-five
miles out, and our stock much exhausted. I hope to reach Hawkinsville
to night.
I have the honor, etc.,
B. D. Pritchard,
Lt. Colonel 4th Michigan Cavalry
The first Wisconsin belongs to Logan’s brigade
of McCook’s division and had been sent due east by General Cooxtan,
via Dublin.
Col. Mentz had distributed his command all along the
south bank of the Ocmulgee and Altawaba. This accounts for the collision
between parts of the 1st and 2nd divisions and shows the zeal of the
command in pursuit. I have directed increased vigilance on the part
of the command, in the hope of catching the other assassins. Our dispositions
of men are good and so far none of the rebel chiefs have been able to
get through.
Breckinridge’s son was captured night before
last, eleven miles south of here. We will send further details as soon
as received.
J. H. Wilson.
Brevet Major General
Macon, Ga., May 13, 9:30 a. m: Hon.
E. M. Stanton:
Lt. Colonel Harden, commanding the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, has just arrived
Irwinsville. He struck the trail of Davis at Dublin, Lawrence County,
on the 7th, and followed him closely night and day through the pine
wilderness of Alligator Creek and Green Swamp, via Cumberlandsville
to Irwinsville. At Cumberlandsville Colonel Harden met Colonel Pritchard,
with 150 picked men and horses of the 4th Michigan Cavalry. Harden followed
the trail directly south, while Pritchard, having fresher horses, pushed
down the Ocmulgee towards Hopewell, and thence by House Creek to Irwinsville,
arriving there at midnight on the 8th. Jeff Davis had not arrived. From
a citizen, Pritchard learned that his party were encamped two miles
out of the town. He made dispositions of his men and surrounded the
camp before day.
Harden had camped at 9 p. m. within two miles, as he afterward learned,
from Davis. The trail being too indistinct to follow he pushed on at
3 p. m., and had gone but little more than one mile when his advance
was fired upon by men of the 4th Michigan Cavalry. A fight ensued, both
parties exhibiting the greatest determination. Fifteen minutes elapsed
before the mistake was discovered.
The firing in this skirmish was the first warning that Davis received.
The Captors report that he hastily put on one of his wife’s dresses,
and started for the woods, closely followed by our men, who at first
thought him a woman, but seeing his boots while he was running they
suspected his sex at once. The race was a short one, and the rebel president
was soon brought to bay.
He brandished a Bowie knife, and showed signs of battle, but yielded
promptly to the persuasions of Colt’s revolvers without compelling
the men to fire.
He expressed great indignation at the energy with which he was pursued,
saying that he believed our government too magnanimous to hunt down
women and children.
Mrs. Davis remarked to Colonel Harden, after the excitement was over,
that the men had better not provoke the president, as he might hurt
some of them.
Regan himself behaves with dignity and resignation.
The party evidently were making for the coast.
For the Record
Anna Horner Caldon, great-grandaughter
of Gov. Horner, during christening ceremonies for the ship, “City
of Ripon,” in 1919. Fairwater recently donated the photo to
the Ripon Society. |
The Ripon Historical Society has donated four early
postcards of the Fairwater school and the Fairwater Free Baptist church
to the Society’s collection.
Gerald and Debby Sanders have donated several textbooks
to the Society’s classroom collection. Their gift includes two
books from the American Adventure Series used in the Fairwater school
in the 1950s: A. M. Anderson’s Squanto and the Pilgrims and Grant
Marsh. Also included are four music textbooks.
Lawrence King, Omaha, has shared information about
the Loucks family, who farmed between the Abercrombie and Lyons farms
in section 6 of the town of Alto beginning in the 1850s. The family
later migrated to Iowa and South Dakota. Daughter Phoebe Loucks (1858-1865)
is buried in the Fairwater cemetery.
Maxine Blanchard of McAllen, Texas, has shared information
about the Oliver Birdsall and Samuel Burdick families, who farmed just
east of the Carter farm beginning in the 1840s. Mrs. Blanchard is looking
for information about Minerva Birdsall.
Emma Jean Westphal, a founder of the Rosendale Historical
Society, has donated three Fairwater picture postcards to the Fairwater
Society’s collection.
Kevin Dier-Zimmel has donated a 5-volume set of Wisconsin
history books to the Society’s reference collection. The books,
Fred Holmes’ Wisconsin, were published in 1946 by the Lewis Publishing
Company of Chicago.
Blair Heating of Ripon has been at work since the
first week of December dismantling the museums’s old furnace and
installing the building’s new heating system.
Alliant Energy has notified Ness Electric that the
Museum’s current power line passes too close to the entry roof
and a window. Raising the line will add $1000 to the cost of restoring
electrical service.
Lowell Laper and Gary Born have made holiday donations
to the Society’s museum fund.
Joan McDougal, daughter of Ruby Johnson Swartzlow
and a longtime member of the Dillon County, Montana, Historical Society,
recently shared her society’s experiences in maintaining a successful
museum.
The Society’s Web site recorded nearly 5000 visits
in December, a monthly record.
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