Wisconsin Gazetteer ~ M ~
Wisconsin Gazetteer, Containing the
names, location, and advantages, of the Counties, 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. Alphabetically arranged.
Notice. Names and descriptions prepared
too late for their proper place, will be found in the
Appendix.
Abbreviations |
L, Lake |
Pr., Prairie |
P.O. Post Office |
P. V. Post Village |
R,
River |
T,
Town |
V, Village |
CH., Court
House, or County Seat |
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
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 an 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 lake,
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 manufacturer, 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 woolen
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, Lake, 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 Sheboygan, 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 judicial 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, 716; farms, 37; and manufactories,
22. County Officers for 1853 and 1854: County Judge, Ezekiel
Ricker; Sheriff, D. H. Van Valkenburg; Clerk of Court, Frederick
Salomon; District Attorney, J. H. W. Colby; Register of Deeds,
Fred. Salomon; Clerk of Board of Super-visors, Charles A.
Reuter; 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
Manitowoc, and is navigable to the village of Manitowoc Rapids,
6 miles from its mouth.
Manitowoc, P. V., see Appendix. .
Manitowoc Rapids, P. V. and C.H., see
Appendix.
Manly, Lake, a small lake in the south
part of Farmington, Washington 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.
Marine Mills, P. O., in Polk County, 9
miles 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 River (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 O. 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 Sank.
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.
Mechan, 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 13 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
month 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.
Menasha, P. V., see Appendix.
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 and 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, 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.
Mequon, Town, in county of Washington,
being towns 9 N, of range 21 and fraction 22 N.; centrally
located, 12 miles south-west 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 woolen 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.
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.
Millard, 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 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 8 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 points, 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 in 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 Menominee River comes in from 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. The 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 woolen 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 81, 1846, with five wards; and the first
election under the char-ter 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 erected 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 rivaling
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 commodious brick building is erected and in use.
There are in Milwaukee 85 church organizations and nearly 30
church edifices. In 1852 there were 21 organizations, of the
following denominations: 2 Baptist, 2 Congregational, 4 Roman
Catholic, 3 Protestant Episcopal, 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 consulships 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 rail road is completed as far as
Janesville, 71 miles, and is tinder 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 mouth 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 connexion 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 prosecuted 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. E. K. 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 i miles, where it intersects the central
railroad. A branch of the Peckatonnica runs near the village,
affording water power.
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 south-west 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 farming
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 800, with 200 dwellings,
7 stores, 3 hotels, 2 mills, 4 wagon, 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 1ST., 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, 7 stores, 2 hotels, 1 mill, 1
church, and several mechanical and manufacturing shops.
Montello, Town, in 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.
Montrzuma, 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
center 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
wagon and 1 cabinet shop; 1 Methodist Episcopal denomination.
Montreal, B ay, 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 Greek, 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 bounty of
Green, being town 3 N., of range 8; centrally located, 8 miles
northeast from Monroe. Population in 1850 was 579. It has 7
school districts.
Mount Pleasant, P. O., in town of same
name, Green County, being in town 3 N., of range 8 E.
Mount Sterling, P. V., in Crawford
County, on section 26, town 10 K, 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 enterprising population. It has
several good hydraulic powers, an excellent stone quarry, and
good material 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, Lake, 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.
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.
Musquewoc, Lake, in the west part of
West Bend, in Washington County, is about 3£ 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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Source: Wisconsin Gazetteer, By
John Warren Hunt. Madison: Beriah Brown, Printer, 1853
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