Waukesha County Wisconsin Genealogy

Town of Lisbon History

Source: Excerpts were taken from pages of an old 1880's publication on the history of Waukesha County.

By an act of the Territorial Legislature approved January 2, 1838, the land included at the present towns of Lisbon. Pewaukee, Brookfield and Menomonee was(sic) erected into the town of Lisbon, the first election to be held at the house of Charles Skinner. A subsequent act passed March 9, 1839, established the town lines as they are now.

This town possesses many very fine general features. All monotony is removed from the scenery by the endless variety of hills and valleys, woodland and prairie.

The soil is clay and limestone marl, the substratum abounding in extensive beds of excellent limestone. It is what would ordinarily be called a heavy soil, being not easy to till. Farmers usually call this kind of land "white-oak land," as white-oak timber grows particularly well upon it.

It is a steadfast, rich, and fruitful soil beyond that of the lighter soils. There are very many fine farms in various parts of the town, and a general air of thrift, intelligence and industry pervades everything in all sections.

There are several churches and a number of schools in the town, all well attended and supported. The dwelling-houses are brick, grout or frame, and usually in good repair. There seems to be in this section quite a general liking for grout houses, as grout, when carefully prepared, makes thoroughly substantial walls and at a very less cost than any other material.

The inhabitants are principally English, American and Scotch, with a sprinkling of Irish and Germans.

To Thomas S. Redford, probably, belongs the distinction of having been the first one to drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he located the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.

In June of this year, P. Ray, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee and selected claims, and assisted T.S. Redford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month of August, John Weaver, Lucius Botsford, Thomas Rolf and David Bonham came into the town. They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families, for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were staying, and brought them out before the snow was off the ground in the spring. A.A. Redford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their children and the first of the small folks.

In the spring and summer of 1837, James Weaver, who now lives at Sussex; George Elliott, Edward Smith, Nathan Peso and Samuel Dougherty came with their families and settled here, making for themselves permanent homes.

During the year 1841 and the year following, there was quite an influx of settlers, among whom may be mentioned, Robert James and Archibald Rodgers, John Small, Alexander Harris and a Mr. Moyes, all said to have come from Scotland; Thompson Richmond, George Cairncross, J. Reed, Thomas Bloor and family, John Muir, Henry Sears, Harrison and Henry Phillips, Ira D. Goodwin, Ira and Mark Rowell, Dr. John A. Willard, John Thompson, E.B. Quiner and Elisha Pearl, and many other persons came during the following year. From this came forward the increase in population was steady, if not rapid.

According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone schoolhouse on Section 35, when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham, Clerk. David Bonham was regularly elected Chairman of the Board; and Samuel Dougherty and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk; James Weaver, Treasurer; R. Blount, Assessor; George Comstock, Collector; D. Bonham, Ed Smith and James Weaver, Commissioners of Highways; Sherman and Lucius Botsford and D. Bonham, School Commissioners; E.W. Fowler and Thomas Redford, Constables; John Weaver, Sealer of Weights and Measures; A.A. Redford, Samuel Dougherty, D. Bonham and William Weaver, Overseers of Highways; A.A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.

The earliest recorded assessment was made in the town of Lisbon, in 1843, when 4,920 acres were assessed; Value. $12,848.20; personal property, value, $1,997; county tax, 101.61; town tax $105. Total tax, $206.61.

The first one removed from the little community by death, was Stephen Bonham, a little son of D. Bonham, who died in October 1837, and was buried on his father's farm.

Lisbon had its first representative of a new generation in the person of Ruth Weaver, daughter of James Weaver, born November, 1837.

As early as 1838, Mrs. John Weaver began a school in her home, a small log house. This served the purpose of kitchen, parlor, dining, sleeping and school room. Here, after she had attended to the duties of a mother, in waiting upon her family of little ones, she would arm the citadel of ignorance with A, B and C. sometimes teaching as many as twenty pupils, many of whom had to come long distances.

On the 3rd day of June, 1839, the first nuptials were solemnized at the marriage of Lucius Botsford and Miss Lucinda Denny. Elder Griffin being the officiating clergyman.

Rev. Frink was the first preacher, and held the first service at the home of John Weaver about 1838. Elder Griffin also began holding services in this section soon after.

The first schoolhouse was erected as early as 1841, and some of the oldest settlers say, as early as 1839. It was built of stone, by Mr. George Elliot, and occupied the site of the present school building of District No. 1, on Section 35. In this building were held the first Sabbath meetings and Sunday Schools; also public meetings. The town them comprised one district. From the report of Commissioners of Schools in 1842, it appears that there were 110 scholars in the town, 69 males and 41 females, with one male teacher and two female teachers, and $148.40 was raised by tax and $26.60 by subscription to defray the expense. Phineas Bissell was the first male teacher.

District No. 2 was organized in 1842, and comprised the southwest corner of the town. Among the teachers were Henry William Roseman, Henry Calkins, Miss Small (now Mrs. Rodgers) and Miss Julia Griswold (now Mrs. Austin Wheeler of Pewaukee). The first school house of District 2 was built about 1853. About 1839 or 1840, Rice Galeput up a blacksmith shop on Section 35, near the home of D. Bonham. Mr. Gale was followed by Mr. Nottingham, who built one nearby.

About 1840, Levi Russell started a little store and shoe-shop in his log house on Section (?). this point at that time was the most important place in the town.

The first field plowed in the town is said to have been on Section 36. In 1837, E. Smith, James Weaver, John Weaver and George Elliot(sic) sowed a patch of turnips a little east of Sussex, on ground wherenow stands the feed mill, and the next winter turnips were used for apples.

The first plow was said to have been brought in by D. Bonham. At that time, the settlers went to Milwaukee to get their plows sharpened and repaired, which had to be done very frequently, for on much of the land grew what was called red-root brush, and the ground being literally filled with these tough roots was very hard to break.

The first saw mill was built a short distance north of the Village of Sussex, by James Weaver, George Elliott, Edward Smith and Cooley Frarey, in the winter of 1842. It was designed to run by water, with an undershot wheel, but owing to the nature of the bed of the stream, they could not confine the water. An engine was therefore purchased and moved out from the city, at an expense of about $1,200. It had not been set up a very long time when the boiler burst, while under the charge of Thomas Weaver. This difficulty was overcome and the work went on for several years, but not in a profitable manner. The mill has been long abandoned, and nothing now remains.

The brewery, which stands about one-half mile north of the mill, on the road from Sussex, was first built by Stephen Stone. In 1862, Mr. Boots became sole owner. Twelve years after in 1874, Mr. Boots had the misfortune to lose the old brewery by fire. In 1875, it was rebuilt as it now stands.

James Weaver was the first Postmaster, and had the office at his home on the old farm on Section 35. Subsequently, he resigned in favor of his son, Thomas Weaver, from whom in 1849, the office was transferred to Sussex, and Richard Cooling became Postmaster. Mr. Cooling held the office four years, and then resigned in favor of William Brown. Mr. Brown held it two years, when it passed into the hands of William Weaver, where it remained until 1861, when Mr. Cooling again came into possession of the office, and held it until 1878; he then resigned in favor of his son-in-law, Mr. Templeton, who has had charge of it since.

F. Otis, who came in 1837, built the first frame shell; but Sherman Botsford erected the first really substantial frame house built in the town. About 1850, the project of a plank road was started by many of the leading men of the town and county, the road to run from Milwaukee to Hartland, with a branch to run from the southern part of Lisbon to Merton. It was almost a total failure, so far as the interests of the majority of the farmers were concerned, for many of them lost all they put in, and very few, if any, escaped without a loss. The road, according to estimates, cost about $60,000.

The Episcopal Church Parish was organized in 1842, and was composed principally of English settlers. The congregation met and worshipped in the barn of James Weaver and occasionally at the schoolhouse of District No. 1, until able to erect a church. The parish remained under the pastoral care of the clergy of Nashotah Mission, until the 7th of March, 1847, when Rev. William Armstrong took charge of it. At the organization of the parish, there were five families; but in June of this year, the congregation had increased to thirty-four families. The parsonage was erected in the spring of 1849. Rev. George A. Whitney is the present Rector. The church has been much improved lately in appearance by the addition of a fine tower and bell, and the introduction of new chancel furniture and stained windows.

In June, 1841, a number of the people, principally Congregationalists, united and formed a society called Congregational. Rev. O.F. Curtis, from Prairieville assisting. This was the first regularly organized society in the town. Just at this time, the Rev. Spencer Baker came and conducted the first regular service. He was then engaged to preach during the year. Although barely able to live the minister fared as well as any, at a time when none fared sumptuously. Mr. Baker remained there three years. The school-house was used by the Congregationalists until the erection of the Union Church. The Methodists united with the Congregational society in furnishing the money and materials for building this church, with the understanding that they were to have the use of it on alternate Sundays. They finally united, forming what is now known as the Bible Christian Society.

The Lisbon United Presbyterian society's church is located near the center of the town on Section 21. The society was organized August 30, 1847, by Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called the associate Reformed Congregation of Lisbon, until 1858, when it took the name by which it is now known.

The first members were Robert Rodgers, Archibald Rodgers, John Muir, John Brown, Thomas Chalmers, John Gilmore, James Welch, Ann C. Gilmore, Agnes Templeton, Margaret Rodgers, Elizabeth W. Booth, Margaret Muir, and William Small. They only had preaching occasionally from this time until January 4, 1851, when the Rev. G.W. Gowdie became pastor and remained with them nearly three years. On April 1, 1878, the Rev. T.E. Turner, the present pastor, took charge. The congregation now numbers forty-eight, there being five of the original members among them.

The first lime was burned in a small kiln, built as early as 1848 or 1849, by Messrs. Smith and Elliott, on the farm now owned by Richard Craven. The old kiln of Thomas Weaver was built by B. Storms, who lived near it and ran it for several years. He sold to Mr. Weaver in 1853. Mr. Weaver rebuilt the following year and did a thriving business for twelve years or more.

The stone quarry of Mr. Davidson, Section 23, was opened about 1840, and the quarry of William Graves was opened about 1842. The stone taken from these is excellent quality.

Lisbon Mutual Insurance Company. -- A meeting of the citizens of Lisbon was first held at the town hall, the 18th of April, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a town insurance company.

On the 9th of May following, another meeting was held, when William Weaver, Sr., George Elliott, John Watson, John Edwards, John Andrews, William Small and John Keating were elected as Board of Directors.

On the 16th of May, 1874, the board met at the store of D.P. Topping, Sussex, and elected William Weaver, President, and John Keating, Secretary and Treasurer. The insurance rate was fixed at one mill per $1, and $2 for survey and policy. The board also authorized the President and Secretary to issue policies from that date. Every person who is insured becomes a member of the company, and is entitled to a vote, if his insurance amounts to $200. The first annual report shows forty-one applications on file, covering property to the amount of $58,407, and $89.46 on hand, after paying all accounts. The amount of insurance now maintained is $271,850. with $517.57 cash on hand. There are now 225 policy-holders.

There are three cemeteries in Lisbon.

Very many will remember the first turkey-shoot that came off in this town, and very likely the first in the county. In 1839, David Bonham got the turkeys, and men came from far and near and had a big time. Among other preparations made for the event, Bonham went with Thomas Redford to Milwaukee for a keg of beer. In coming home over the rough roads the beer got so shook up, that it burst out the bung, and it was not drank by turkey-shooters.

Lisbon has had three suicides. One John Brown rented on of having been the first one to drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he located the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.

In June of this year, P. Ray, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee and selected claims, and assisted T.S. Redford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month of August, John Weaver, Lucius Botsford, Thomas Rolf and David Bonham came into the town. They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families, for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were staying, and brought them out before the snow was off the ground in the spring. A.A. Redford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their children and the first of the small folks.

In the spring and summer of 1837, James Weaver, who now lives at Sussex; George Elliott, Edward Smith, Nathan Peso and Samuel Dougherty came with their families and settled here, making for themselves permanent homes.

During the year 1841 and the year following, there was quite an influx of settlers, among whom may be mentioned, Robert James and Archibald Rodgers, John Small, Alexander Harris and a Mr. Moyes, all said to have come from Scotland; Thompson Richmond, George Cairncross, J. Reed, Thomas Bloor and family, John Muir, Henry Sears, Harrison and Henry Phillips, Ira D. Goodwin, Ira and Mark Rowell, Dr. John A. Willard, John Thompson, E.B. Quiner and Elisha Pearl, and many other persons came during the following year. From this came forward the increase in population was steady, if not rapid.

According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone schoolhouse on Section 35, when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham, Clerk. David Bonham was regularly elected Chairman of the Board; and Samuel Dougherty and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk; James Weaver, Treasurer; R. Blount, Assessor; George Comstock, Collector; D. Bonham, Ed Smith and James Weaver, Commissioners of Highways; Sherman and Lucius Botsford and D. Bonham, School Commissioners; E.W. Fowler and Thomas Redford, Constables; John Weaver, Sealer of Weights and Measures; A.A. Redford, Samuel Dougherty, D. Bonham and William Weaver, Overseers of Highways; A.A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.

The earliest recorded assessment was made in the town of Lisbon, in 1843, when 4,920 acres were assessed; Value. $12,848.20; personal property, value, $1,997; county tax, 101.61; town tax $105. Total tax, $206.61.

The first one removed from the little community by death, was Stephen Bonham, a little son of D. Bonham, who died in October 1837, and was buried on his father's farm.

Lisbon had its first representative of a new generation in the person of Ruth Weaver, daughter of James Weaver, born November, 1837.

As early as 1838, Mrs. John Weaver began a school in her home, a small log house. This served the purpose of kitchen, parlor, dining, sleeping and school room. Here, after she had attended to the duties of a mother, in waiting upon her family of little ones, she would arm the citadel of ignorance with A, B and C. sometimes teaching as many as twenty pupils, many of whom had to come long distances.

On the 3rd day of June, 1839, the first nuptials were solemnized at the marriage of Lucius Botsford and Miss Lucinda Denny. Elder Griffin being the officiating clergyman.

Rev. Frink was the first preacher, and held the first service at the home of John Weaver about 1838. Elder Griffin also began holding services in this section soon after.

The first schoolhouse was erected as early as 1841, and some of the oldest settlers say, as early as 1839. It was built of stone, by Mr. George Elliot, and occupied the site of the present school building of District No. 1, on Section 35. In this building were held the first Sabbath meetings and Sunday Schools; also public meetings. The town them comprised one district. From the report of Commissioners of Schools in 1842, it appears that there were 110 scholars in the town, 69 males and 41 females, with one male teacher and two female teachers, and $148.40 was raised by tax and $26.60 by subscription to defray the expense. Phineas Bissell was the first male teacher.

District No. 2 was organized in 1842, and comprised the southwest corner of the town. Among the teachers were Henry William Roseman, Henry Calkins, Miss Small (now Mrs. Rodgers) and Miss Julia Griswold (now Mrs. Austin Wheeler of Pewaukee). The first school house of District 2 was built about 1853. About 1839 or 1840, Rice Galeput up a blacksmith shop on Section 35, near the home of D. Bonham. Mr. Gale was followed by Mr. Nottingham, who built one nearby.

About 1840, Levi Russell started a little store and shoe-shop in his log house on Section (?). this point at that time was the most important place in the town.

The first field plowed in the town is said to have been on Section 36. In 1837, E. Smith, James Weaver, John Weaver and George Elliot(sic) sowed a patch of turnips a little east of Sussex, on ground wherenow stands the feed mill, and the next winter turnips were used for apples.

The first plow was said to have been brought in by D. Bonham. At that time, the settlers went to Milwaukee to get their plows sharpened and repaired, which had to be done very frequently, for on much of the land grew what was called red-root brush, and the ground being literally filled with these tough roots was very hard to break.

The first saw mill was built a short distance north of the Village of Sussex, by James Weaver, George Elliott, Edward Smith and Cooley Frarey, in the winter of 1842. It was designed to run by water, with an undershot wheel, but owing to the nature of the bed of the stream, they could not confine the water. An engine was therefore purchased and moved out from the city, at an expense of about $1,200. It had not been set up a very long time when the boiler burst, while under the charge of Thomas Weaver. This difficulty was overcome and the work went on for several years, but not in a profitable manner. The mill has been long abandoned, and nothing now remains.

The brewery, which stands about one-half mile north of the mill, on the road from Sussex, was first built by Stephen Stone. In 1862, Mr. Boots became sole owner. Twelve years after in 1874, Mr. Boots had the misfortune to lose the old brewery by fire. In 1875, it was rebuilt as it now stands.

James Weaver was the first Postmaster, and had the office at his home on the old farm on Section 35. Subsequently, he resigned in favor of his son, Thomas Weaver, from whom in 1849, the office was transferred to Sussex, and Richard Cooling became Postmaster. Mr. Cooling held the office four years, and then resigned in favor of William Brown. Mr. Brown held it two years, when it passed into the hands of William Weaver, where it remained until 1861, when Mr. Cooling again came into possession of the office, and held it until 1878; he then resigned in favor of his son-in-law, Mr. Templeton, who has had charge of it since.

F. Otis, who came in 1837, built the first frame shell; but Sherman Botsford erected the first really substantial frame house built in the town. About 1850, the project of a plank road was started by many of the leading men of the town and county, the road to run from Milwaukee to Hartland, with a branch to run from the southern part of Lisbon to Merton. It was almost a total failure, so far as the interests of the majority of the farmers were concerned, for many of them lost all they put in, and very few, if any, escaped without a loss. The road, according to estimates, cost about $60,000.

The Episcopal Church Parish was organized in 1842, and was composed principally of English settlers. The congregation met and worshipped in the barn of James Weaver and occasionally at the schoolhouse of District No. 1, until able to erect a church. The parish remained under the pastoral care of the clergy of Nashotah Mission, until the 7th of March, 1847, when Rev. William Armstrong took charge of it. At the organization of the parish, there were five families; but in June of this year, the congregation had increased to thirty-four families. The parsonage was erected in the spring of 1849. Rev. George A. Whitney is the present Rector. The church has been much improved lately in appearance by the addition of a fine tower and bell, and the introduction of new chancel furniture and stained windows.

In June, 1841, a number of the people, principally Congregationalists, united and formed a society called Congregational. Rev. O.F. Curtis, from Prairieville assisting. This was the first regularly organized society in the town. Just at this time, the Rev. Spencer Baker came and conducted the first regular service. He was then engaged to preach during the year. Although barely able to live the minister fared as well as any, at a time when none fared sumptuously. Mr. Baker remained there three years. The school-house was used by the Congregationalists until the erection of the Union Church. The Methodists united with the Congregational society in furnishing the money and materials for building this church, with the understanding that they were to have the use of it on alternate Sundays. They finally united, forming what is now known as the Bible Christian Society.

The Lisbon United Presbyterian society's church is located near the center of the town on Section 21. The society was organized August 30, 1847, by Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called the associate Reformed Congregation of Lisbon, until 1858, when it took the name by which it is now known.

The first members were Robert Rodgers, Archibald Rodgers, John Muir, John Brown, Thomas Chalmers, John Gilmore, James Welch, Ann C. Gilmore, Agnes Templeton, Margaret Rodgers, Elizabeth W. Booth, Margaret Muir, and William Small. They only had preaching occasionally from this time until January 4, 1851, when the Rev. G.W. Gowdie became pastor and remained with them nearly three years. On April 1, 1878, the Rev. T.E. Turner, the present pastor, took charge. The congregation now numbers forty-eight, there being five of the original members among them.

The first lime was burned in a small kiln, built as early as 1848 or 1849, by Messrs. Smith and Elliott, on the farm now owned by Richard Craven. The old kiln of Thomas Weaver was built by B. Storms, who lived near it and ran it for several years. He sold to Mr. Weaver in 1853. Mr. Weaver rebuilt the following year and did a thriving business for twelve years or more.

The stone quarry of Mr. Davidson, Section 23, was opened about 1840, and the quarry of William Graves was opened about 1842. The stone taken from these is excellent quality.

Lisbon Mutual Insurance Company. -- A meeting of the citizens of Lisbon was first held at the town hall, the 18th of April, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a town insurance company.

On the 9th of May following, another meeting was held, when William Weaver, Sr., George Elliott, John Watson, John Edwards, John Andrews, William Small and John Keating were elected as Board of Directors.

On the 16th of May, 1874, the board met at the store of D.P. Topping, Sussex, and elected William Weaver, President, and John Keating, Secretary and Treasurer. The insurance rate was fixed at one mill per $1, and $2 for survey and policy. The board also authorized the President and Secretary to issue policies from that date. Every person who is insured becomes a member of the company, and is entitled to a vote, if his insurance amounts to $200. The first annual report shows forty-one applications on file, covering property to the amount of $58,407, and $89.46 on hand, after paying all accounts. The amount of insurance now maintained is $271,850. with $517.57 cash on hand. There are now 225 policy-holders.

There are three cemeteries in Lisbon.

Very many will remember the first turkey-shoot that came off in this town, and very likely the first in the county. In 1839, David Bonham got the turkeys, and men came from far and near and had a big time. Among other preparations made for the event, Bonham went with Thomas Redford to Milwaukee for a keg of beer. In coming home over the rough roads the beer got so shook up, that it burst out the bung, and it was not drank by turkey-shooters.

Lisbon has had three suicides. One John Brown rented having been the first one to drive his stake in this town. When he first came here, he accompanied the surveying party of Hudson, Vliet and Brink, who surveyed through the town early in 1836. In May of this year, he located the claim which he now occupies, on Section 25.

In June of this year, P. Ray, James Hanford and William Packard came out from Milwaukee and selected claims, and assisted T.S. Redford in erecting his first shanty, this being a sort of headquarters for all until each could get a cabin raised. Soon after, probably about the month of August, John Weaver, Lucius Botsford, Thomas Rolf and David Bonham came into the town. They at once made claims and proceeded with all dispatch to erect houses for their families, for they were all, but one, family men. Having got their houses up and ready during this fall and winter, they then went into the city of Milwaukee, where the women and children were staying, and brought them out before the snow was off the ground in the spring. A.A. Redford came in at this time also. These four women were the first in the town, as also were their children and the first of the small folks.

In the spring and summer of 1837, James Weaver, who now lives at Sussex; George Elliott, Edward Smith, Nathan Peso and Samuel Dougherty came with their families and settled here, making for themselves permanent homes.

During the year 1841 and the year following, there was quite an influx of settlers, among whom may be mentioned, Robert James and Archibald Rodgers, John Small, Alexander Harris and a Mr. Moyes, all said to have come from Scotland; Thompson Richmond, George Cairncross, J. Reed, Thomas Bloor and family, John Muir, Henry Sears, Harrison and Henry Phillips, Ira D. Goodwin, Ira and Mark Rowell, Dr. John A. Willard, John Thompson, E.B. Quiner and Elisha Pearl, and many other persons came during the following year. From this came forward the increase in population was steady, if not rapid.

According to the town records, the first election was held April 5, 1842, at the stone schoolhouse on Section 35, when Samuel Dougherty was chosen Moderator, and David Bonham, Clerk. David Bonham was regularly elected Chairman of the Board; and Samuel Dougherty and Lucius Botsford, Side Supervisors. David Bonham was also elected Clerk; James Weaver, Treasurer; R. Blount, Assessor; George Comstock, Collector; D. Bonham, Ed Smith and James Weaver, Commissioners of Highways; Sherman and Lucius Botsford and D. Bonham, School Commissioners; E.W. Fowler and Thomas Redford, Constables; John Weaver, Sealer of Weights and Measures; A.A. Redford, Samuel Dougherty, D. Bonham and William Weaver, Overseers of Highways; A.A. Redford, William B. Caldwell and William Weaver, Fence Viewers. The whole number of votes did not exceed twenty.

The earliest recorded assessment was made in the town of Lisbon, in 1843, when 4,920 acres were assessed; Value. $12,848.20; personal property, value, $1,997; county tax, 101.61; town tax $105. Total tax, $206.61.

The first one removed from the little community by death, was Stephen Bonham, a little son of D. Bonham, who died in October 1837, and was buried on his father's farm.

Lisbon had its first representative of a new generation in the person of Ruth Weaver, daughter of James Weaver, born November, 1837.

As early as 1838, Mrs. John Weaver began a school in her home, a small log house. This served the purpose of kitchen, parlor, dining, sleeping and school room. Here, after she had attended to the duties of a mother, in waiting upon her family of little ones, she would arm the citadel of ignorance with A, B and C. sometimes teaching as many as twenty pupils, many of whom had to come long distances.

On the 3rd day of June, 1839, the first nuptials were solemnized at the marriage of Lucius Botsford and Miss Lucinda Denny. Elder Griffin being the officiating clergyman.

Rev. Frink was the first preacher, and held the first service at the home of John Weaver about 1838. Elder Griffin also began holding services in this section soon after.

The first schoolhouse was erected as early as 1841, and some of the oldest settlers say, as early as 1839. It was built of stone, by Mr. George Elliot, and occupied the site of the present school building of District No. 1, on Section 35. In this building were held the first Sabbath meetings and Sunday Schools; also public meetings. The town them comprised one district. From the report of Commissioners of Schools in 1842, it appears that there were 110 scholars in the town, 69 males and 41 females, with one male teacher and two female teachers, and $148.40 was raised by tax and $26.60 by subscription to defray the expense. Phineas Bissell was the first male teacher.

District No. 2 was organized in 1842, and comprised the southwest corner of the town. Among the teachers were Henry William Roseman, Henry Calkins, Miss Small (now Mrs. Rodgers) and Miss Julia Griswold (now Mrs. Austin Wheeler of Pewaukee). The first school house of District 2 was built about 1853. About 1839 or 1840, Rice Galeput up a blacksmith shop on Section 35, near the home of D. Bonham. Mr. Gale was followed by Mr. Nottingham, who built one nearby.

About 1840, Levi Russell started a little store and shoe-shop in his log house on Section (?). this point at that time was the most important place in the town.

The first field plowed in the town is said to have been on Section 36. In 1837, E. Smith, James Weaver, John Weaver and George Elliot(sic) sowed a patch of turnips a little east of Sussex, on ground wherenow stands the feed mill, and the next winter turnips were used for apples.

The first plow was said to have been brought in by D. Bonham. At that time, the settlers went to Milwaukee to get their plows sharpened and repaired, which had to be done very frequently, for on much of the land grew what was called red-root brush, and the ground being literally filled with these tough roots was very hard to break.

The first saw mill was built a short distance north of the Village of Sussex, by James Weaver, George Elliott, Edward Smith and Cooley Frarey, in the winter of 1842. It was designed to run by water, with an undershot wheel, but owing to the nature of the bed of the stream, they could not confine the water. An engine was therefore purchased and moved out from the city, at an expense of about $1,200. It had not been set up a very long time when the boiler burst, while under the charge of Thomas Weaver. This difficulty was overcome and the work went on for several years, but not in a profitable manner. The mill has been long abandoned, and nothing now remains.

The brewery, which stands about one-half mile north of the mill, on the road from Sussex, was first built by Stephen Stone. In 1862, Mr. Boots became sole owner. Twelve years after in 1874, Mr. Boots had the misfortune to lose the old brewery by fire. In 1875, it was rebuilt as it now stands.

James Weaver was the first Postmaster, and had the office at his home on the old farm on Section 35. Subsequently, he resigned in favor of his son, Thomas Weaver, from whom in 1849, the office was transferred to Sussex, and Richard Cooling became Postmaster. Mr. Cooling held the office four years, and then resigned in favor of William Brown. Mr. Brown held it two years, when it passed into the hands of William Weaver, where it remained until 1861, when Mr. Cooling again came into possession of the office, and held it until 1878; he then resigned in favor of his son-in-law, Mr. Templeton, who has had charge of it since.

F. Otis, who came in 1837, built the first frame shell; but Sherman Botsford erected the first really substantial frame house built in the town. About 1850, the project of a plank road was started by many of the leading men of the town and county, the road to run from Milwaukee to Hartland, with a branch to run from the southern part of Lisbon to Merton. It was almost a total failure, so far as the interests of the majority of the farmers were concerned, for many of them lost all they put in, and very few, if any, escaped without a loss. The road, according to estimates, cost about $60,000.

The Episcopal Church Parish was organized in 1842, and was composed principally of English settlers. The congregation met and worshipped in the barn of James Weaver and occasionally at the schoolhouse of District No. 1, until able to erect a church. The parish remained under the pastoral care of the clergy of Nashotah Mission, until the 7th of March, 1847, when Rev. William Armstrong took charge of it. At the organization of the parish, there were five families; but in June of this year, the congregation had increased to thirty-four families. The parsonage was erected in the spring of 1849. Rev. George A. Whitney is the present Rector. The church has been much improved lately in appearance by the addition of a fine tower and bell, and the introduction of new chancel furniture and stained windows.

In June, 1841, a number of the people, principally Congregationalists, united and formed a society called Congregational. Rev. O.F. Curtis, from Prairieville assisting. This was the first regularly organized society in the town. Just at this time, the Rev. Spencer Baker came and conducted the first regular service. He was then engaged to preach during the year. Although barely able to live the minister fared as well as any, at a time when none fared sumptuously. Mr. Baker remained there three years. The school-house was used by the Congregationalists until the erection of the Union Church. The Methodists united with the Congregational society in furnishing the money and materials for building this church, with the understanding that they were to have the use of it on alternate Sundays. They finally united, forming what is now known as the Bible Christian Society.

The Lisbon United Presbyterian society's church is located near the center of the town on Section 21. The society was organized August 30, 1847, by Rev. James R. Bonner, of the Associated Reformed Presbyterian Church, and was called the associate Reformed Congregation of Lisbon, until 1858, when it took the name by which it is now known.

The first members were Robert Rodgers, Archibald Rodgers, John Muir, John Brown, Thomas Chalmers, John Gilmore, James Welch, Ann C. Gilmore, Agnes Templeton, Margaret Rodgers, Elizabeth W. Booth, Margaret Muir, and William Small. They only had preaching occasionally from this time until January 4, 1851, when the Rev. G.W. Gowdie became pastor and remained with them nearly three years. On April 1, 1878, the Rev. T.E. Turner, the present pastor, took charge. The congregation now numbers forty-eight, there being five of the original members among them.

The first lime was burned in a small kiln, built as early as 1848 or 1849, by Messrs. Smith and Elliott, on the farm now owned by Richard Craven. The old kiln of Thomas Weaver was built by B. Storms, who lived near it and ran it for several years. He sold to Mr. Weaver in 1853. Mr. Weaver rebuilt the following year and did a thriving business for twelve years or more.

The stone quarry of Mr. Davidson, Section 23, was opened about 1840, and the quarry of William Graves was opened about 1842. The stone taken from these is excellent quality.

Lisbon Mutual Insurance Company. -- A meeting of the citizens of Lisbon was first held at the town hall, the 18th of April, 1874, for the purpose of organizing a town insurance company.

On the 9th of May following, another meeting was held, when William Weaver, Sr., George Elliott, John Watson, John Edwards, John Andrews, William Small and John Keating were elected as Board of Directors.

On the 16th of May, 1874, the board met at the store of D.P. Topping, Sussex, and elected William Weaver, President, and John Keating, Secretary and Treasurer. The insurance rate was fixed at one mill per $1, and $2 for survey and policy. The board also authorized the President and Secretary to issue policies from that date. Every person who is insured becomes a member of the company, and is entitled to a vote, if his insurance amounts to $200. The first annual report shows forty-one applications on file, covering property to the amount of $58,407, and $89.46 on hand, after paying all accounts. The amount of insurance now maintained is $271,850. with $517.57 cash on hand. There are now 225 policy-holders.

There are three cemeteries in Lisbon.

Very many will remember the first turkey-shoot that came off in this town, and very likely the first in the county. In 1839, David Bonham got the turkeys, and men came from far and near and had a big time. Among other preparations made for the event, Bonham went with Thomas Redford to Milwaukee for a keg of beer. In coming home over the rough roads the beer got so shook up, that it burst out the bung, and it was not drank by turkey-shooters.

Lisbon has had three suicides. One John Brown rented Mr. Thomas Redford's farm in 1848, for five years, intending to get married and go to housekeeping soon. After the arrangements were concluded, and Mr. Redford's furniture purchased, the young lady, Miss Melville called the wedding off. This so affected Mr. Brown that he hanged himself without delay.

Jerry Stone, in 1866, swallowed a dose of strychnine in some beer, and thus ended his career.

James McDonald while temporarily insane, in 1869, cut his throat.