Near Hudson in St. Croix County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
German Settlement
Since 1851
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 24, 2011
1. German Settlement Marker
They laid claim to government land six miles southeast of Hudson and built a cabin in 1851. Nick Schwalen returned to Honsfeld to marry Cibilla Schneider. Coming back they were accompanied by members of the Bonnes, Mayer, Roehl, Rohl, Ross, Schwalen and Yost families. After sailing 46 days on the ship Columbus the pioneers landed in New York on 31 May 1852. They traveled the Erie Canal route to Racine, where they bought a breaking plow, six teams of oxen along with carts for the 170 mile trek to Galena, Illinois. They all traveled on a steamboat to Hudson arriving on 27 June 1852.
They began clearing their land claims and built a common shelter into a hillside where the colony lived during their first winter. The next to join were Wanner, Knott, Hapsch, Von Kuster and Moelter families. Schools were started at the east and west edges of the settlement in the early 1860's along the Stageline Road. In 1867 Christian Bonnes donated land for the Oak Valley School
this page online
Reverently read the old gravestone names of those pioneers who forged a better life for their families in America, then give thanks.
Hudson in 1852 or Before
Hely Schwalen · Nicholas Schwalen · Cibilla (Schneider) Schwalen · Bartholomew Schwalen · Helena (Schneider) Schwalen · Cecilia Schwalen · Hilarius Schwalen · John Peter Roehl · Margaretha (Schwalen) Roehl · Leonard Rohl · Anna Maria (Schwalen) Rohl · Anna Maria Rohl · Anna Margaretha Rohl · Anna Gertrude Rohl · Peter Rohl · Matthew Rohl · Peter Jost/Yost · Anna Maria (Goenen) Yost · Anna Catharina Yost · Maria Yost · Johann Nicholas Mayer · M. Josephine (Jouck) Mayer · John Nicholas Mayer, Jr. · Peter B. Mayer · Christian Bonnes · Elizabeth Bonnes · Johann Ross · Susanna Ross · Mathias Ross · Johann Ross, Jr. · Christina Ross · John Ross · Gertrude Ross · Anton Ross
Founded 25 March 1871 by:
Bartholomew Schwalen, Chair · Christian Bonnes, Secretary · Hely Schwalen, Treasurer · Joseph
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 24, 2011
2. Back of German Settlement Marker
This memorial was dedicated 22 June 2002, celebrating 150 years since the founding of this colony.
Erected 2002.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1871.
Location. 44° 56.656′ N, 92° 38.349′ W. Marker is near Hudson, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County. Marker is on County Road U, 0.6 miles south of County Road N, on the left when traveling south. Marker is at German Settlement Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hudson WI 54016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Edgar Wilson Nye (approx. 4.6 miles away); 112 Walnut Street (approx. 6.2 miles away); Hudson Toll Bridge (approx. 6.2 miles away); In the Summer of 1910 (approx. 6.2 miles away); Louis Massey (approx. 6.4 miles away); Bolles Flour Mill (approx. 7.4 miles away in Minnesota); Bicentennial Monument
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 24, 2011
3. German Settlement Marker
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 24, 2011
4. German Settlement Cemetery and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,271 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 14, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
