The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1924-02-21

pages of an old scrap book, Mrs. Fran
ces A. B. Dunning, one of the few liv-
ing pioneers of Kenosha county, who
now resides atthe st. Catherine hos
pitaI found most interesting material
for an account Of several instances in
the early history of the village of
Southport which has now become Ke-
nosha.
The scrap book contains records kept
by her father, Elisha Baker, during
the years 1889 to 1857, but the events
called to mind by Mrs. Cunning cover
over a longer period than those IL
years.
When the Kenosha Daughters of the
American Revolution unveiled tab
let on the Main street bridge making
that as part of the old Southport trail,
Mrs. Dunning was led to go through
her scrap book and record for future
reference those incidents in the his
tory of this city which were recalled.
Suggests a Memorial Building.
Mrs. Dunning properly entities her
article, "a Look Backward and Call
TO the Future"
She suggests that little interest in
the history of the work done by those
pioneers who established this commun-
ity should inspire their descendants
to build a memorial building where
might be stored and kept the records
Of their deeds. She maps out plan
for such building which should prove
most interesting to Kenoshans.)
(By MRS FRANCES A. B. DUNNING)
During most of the hours of two
days my time and closest attention had
been given to the examination of my
big scrap book and the copying from
it Of the autograph names with &C
companying dates.
That evenings paper, with its "Turn
Back Pages of Kenosha's History"
suggested continuance of portion, at
least, of what was in my mind to
write founded upon my own research
and experience. / had known nothing
of the Products Exposition of Wiscon-
sin" then in session in Milwaukee.
Father Came Here Early.
Although my father, Elisha Baker,
was not a member of the so-called Han
nibal colony, he was a pioneer from the
same state, Cayuga county, very soon
after, and E. D. Dunning also from the
same state, Ticonderoga county, at an
earlier date. These men, with many
others, although not eligible ins the
immediate activities of this settlement
doubtless contributed even more than
some who were, in influence, money,
interest and all that goes to
make stability and prosperity with
out the advantages of helpful co-opera-
ton; Just as the surrounding country
contributed so largely to the interest
and prosperity of the schools and edu-
cational advancement. have been
glad to notice that, in all historic rec
ords of Kenosha county this particu-
lar interest has been recognized. They
were both "Sons of Temperance" and
Republicans in politics.
Southport Incorporated Then.
southport" was incorporated as q
village the same year that | claim it
as birth place; and so, with, at
least, so years of remembrance, may
not also claim the privilege, first, OF
turning back the pages of my scrap
book and then tell you the names
written in it, some of them in the years
beyond the limit of my age?
The products of the human hand
will live beyond those of any machine
for it is back of all machines, with
invention of mind back of it, and moth
ing seems nearer the life of mar
than his own name written with his
own hand, discovered long after that
hand has been (long) quiet and its
work all done.
When these backward pages have
been turned, in the name of these
pioneers and others, my pleading call
to the future will be made.
Tax Receipts Interesting.
The first entry in my book is this
written upon a piece Of parchment
and dated June 10, 1889, Milwaukee
Wisconsin territory, is receipt fol
payment for 100 acres of land in treas
ury notes, bills and gold, to-Rufus
Parks, receiver.
On the seventh day Of December o.
the same year, 1889, a warranty deed
quite ornamental in form and printed
on very heavy parchment of 20 acres
of land in the Milwaukee district from
Seth r. Kellogg, witnessed by James
M. Strayker and Samuel Hale and mad,
by the latter with his siGnature-jus
tice of the peace.
Recorded by A. G. knight, register
of deeds, Racine Extending the date
1S3S-1842, to make q complete decade
from the latter find in that decade
including 1851 the following names o.
individuals and firms.
Many Pioneers Names Listed.
1s49-Deed witnessed by Georg,
Nancy and George w. Hale.
1840-Tax receipts: Geo. Bennett fol
Bennett & Towslee; j. M. Sherwood
Coll
1839-Wm D. Strong by the hands o.
w. Bullen & Co,
1S41-Receipt from Volney French
probate judge.
1841-For E. B. by Lee & Hall, ]. NJ
Sherwood, Racine.
1S42-Isaac Harmon, board of super
visors.
1842-John Brewer.
1S44-Bullen & Stryker.
1844-Peter Peal.
1846-Seneca Raymond.
1s47-7R. NJ. Pratt.
1S47-Haynes French.
1S4S-V. French, by Seneca Ray
mond.
184S-S. E. Hurlburt.
1848-Asa B. Porter, pathmaster