History: 1881 History of Dexterville, Wood Co., Wisconsin

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----Source: The History of Northern Wisconsin, page 1215

----1881 History of Dexterville, Wood Co., Wisconsin


DEXTERVILLE, WOOD CO., WISCONSIN, 1881



In the summer of 1849, George Hiles made a trip through the northern part of Wisconsin, in search of a suitable place upon which to locate, and where he could, in time, be surrounded by a thriving village. He found that a great deal of the best government land had been taken up, principally by speculators, but Section 14, Township 22, Range 3 east, in county of Wood, was yet subject to entry, and there being a fine water-power, he determined here to set his stakes. He therefore entered his claim and settled upon it, in the month of October, 1850. When Hiles made his final move, in October, he brought with him, Mr. H. Searles; together they commenced building a log shanty to live in. A saw-mill was completed and in running order by the first of the next year. About the same time a dwelling house was completed and ready for occupancy, Searles’ family moving in. In 1852, the village had some twelve inhabitants, and Mr. Hills intent upon developing the resources of the peace, applied to the Government for an established mail route through here. The petition was not complied with however, until five years later. In 1857, the post-office was established, and Hiles appointed Postmaster. The first school was established in September, 1858, with Miss Nancy Plato, teacher. First marriage was Mr. William Dixon and Miss Nancy Plato, the ceremony being performed by Jacob Benson, Justice of the Peace, November, 1858. First birth was T. G. Searles, son of H. Searles, in Spring of 1854. First death was that of James Sprague, in May, 1853. George Hiles started the first general store, which is still in operation. The lumber business has been the leading business of Dexterville. George Hiles, the founder of the village, operates a saw-mill, shingle and planing mill, and has in course of erection, a large tub and pail factory. There were but four dwelling places when the village was platted. The village is well situated, being on the line of the Green Bay & Minnesota Railroad. The business directory of Dexterville is as follows:

W. H. Clarke, lawyer; George Hiles, general store and lumbering business; W. R. Jarvis, hotel; C. J. Krueger, A. S. Robinson, store; Syme Hewitt & Co., stave manufacturers. The population of Dexterville is about 200.

 

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