Badgerland Journal

When we left off in part 1 Eleazer Williams had begun to push the Oneida to move from New York to Wisconsin. Nothing about this endeavor would be easy, as the Oneida and his benefactors began to question his reliability. As Williams's influence waned, he struggled to stay relevant in Wisconsin and New York. He would eventually adopt a new angle, one that would make his name known across the nation. His claim to be the Lost Dauphin of France was published worldwide, and even Mark Twain and the Prince de Joinville both commented on the story. Tune in to learn about the second part of Eleazer Williams's Life and learn once and for all if Eleazer Williams was the true Lost Dauphin. Let us know what you think on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

Andler, Caroline. “History - Brothertown Indian Nation.” Brothertown Indian Nation. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://brothertownindians.org/history/.

Bonaparte, Darren. “Eleazer Williams: The Lost Mohawk.” The Wampum Chronicles, 2005. http://www.wampumchronicles.com/lostmohawk.html.

Bonaparte, Darren. “The Unquiet Rest of Eleazer Williams.” The Wampum Chronicles, 2005. http://www.wampumchronicles.com/unquietrest.html.

“Brief History.” Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.mohican.com/brief-history/.

“Iroquois Confederacy.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Iroquois-Confederacy.

“Moor's Indian Charity School.” Search The Archives. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://archives-manuscripts.dartmouth.edu/agents/corporate_entities/786.

Oberg, Michael Leroy. Professional Indian: The American Odyssey of Eleazer Williams. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015.

Wight, William Ward. Eleazer Williams-- His Forerunners, Himself. Nabu Press, 2010.

“Williams, Eleazer 1788-1858.” Wisconsin Historical Society, August 3, 2012. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1694.

Wright, William Ward. “Eleazer Williams Not The Dauphin of France.” Chicago Historical Society, 1903.

We are changing things up on Badgerland Journal because our story today starts in France during the French Revolution. The King and Queen have been beheaded and there is a mystery surrounding the final days of the prince who is the heir to the French throne. Some believe he escaped death and survived outside of France... 

One man Eleazer Williams will claim to be the Lost Dauphin which makes for a great podcast, but besides his claim to be a lost prince, he is a pivotal figure in Wisconsin history. He is at the heart of the Oneida Nation's journey to Wisconsin. Tune in to learn about this complex and fascinating figure. Let us know what you think on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

Andler, Caroline. “History - Brothertown Indian Nation.” Brothertown Indian Nation. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://brothertownindians.org/history/.

Bonaparte, Darren. “Eleazer Williams: The Lost Mohawk.” The Wampum Chronicles, 2005. http://www.wampumchronicles.com/lostmohawk.html.

Bonaparte, Darren. “The Unquiet Rest of Eleazer Williams.” The Wampum Chronicles, 2005. http://www.wampumchronicles.com/unquietrest.html.

“Brief History.” Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.mohican.com/brief-history/.

“Iroquois Confederacy.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Iroquois-Confederacy.

“Moor's Indian Charity School.” Search The Archives. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://archives-manuscripts.dartmouth.edu/agents/corporate_entities/786.

Oberg, Michael Leroy. Professional Indian: The American Odyssey of Eleazer Williams. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 2015.

Wight, William Ward. Eleazer Williams-- His Forerunners, Himself. Nabu Press, 2010.

“Williams, Eleazer 1788-1858.” Wisconsin Historical Society, August 3, 2012. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS1694.

Wright, William Ward. “Eleazer Williams Not The Dauphin of France.” Chicago Historical Society, 1903.

I am dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones I knew before... Merry Christmas everyone! 

This episode is going back in time to Wisconsin's Christmas past as we discuss some of the earliest recorded Christmases along with a few traditions that are not specific to Wisconsin but are celebrated in different regions of the state. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Make sure to let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

Alexandra Churchill  Updated November 03, 2021. “The Untold Story of the Christmas Pickle Ornament.” Martha Stewart, November 3, 2021. https://www.marthastewart.com/1097532/decorative-past-tradition-christmas-pickle-ornament#:~:text=For%20years%2C%20people%20believed%20that,Eve%20by%20eating%20a%20pickle.

Krueger, Lillian. “Social Life In Wisconsin.” Wisconsin Magazine of History 22, no. 4 (June 1939): 32–35.

Schumer, Lizz. “The History of the Christmas Pickle, a Zany Holiday Tradition.” Good Housekeeping. Good Housekeeping, November 16, 2020. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/a34646119/christmas-pickle-ornament-tradition/.

Schwabe, Amy. “St. Nick's Day Is a Holiday Tradition on Dec. 6 for Many Wisconsin Families. Here's What You Should Know.” Journal Sentinel. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, December 8, 2021. https://www.jsonline.com/story/life/wisconsin-family/2021/11/26/st-nicks-day-celebrated-wisconsin-december-6-meaning-german-dutch-history-difference-between-santa/6270144001/.

Scott Hurley, FOX 11 News. “St. Nicholas Day Is a Northeast Wisconsin Tradition.” WLUK. WLUK, December 6, 2020. https://fox11online.com/news/local/st-nicholas-day-is-a-northeast-wisconsin-tradition.

Wachuta, Joshua. “Wisconsin's Christmas Past.” A Tree Left Standing, December 31, 2017. https://atreeleftstanding.com/2008/12/24/wisconsins-christmas-past/.

When settlers first began arriving in Wisconsin they discovered large mounds formed in the shape of people and animals. These mounds were left by an earlier indigenous civilization. However, this was not the only intriguing discovery to be found in Wisconsin. Tune in to learn more about the purpose of these mounds, and the work that has gone into preserving them. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

"The Journey of Lehi and his family from Jerusalem to the continent of America, in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah King of Judeah, previous to the Babylonish captivity. The Vision of Lehi." The Prophet (New York; 8 March 1845); online facsimile at http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1435 

“Burial Mounds.” Burial Mounds | | Wisconsin DNR. Accessed November 29, 2022. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/CulturalRes/mounds.html.

“Effigy Mounds Culture.” Effigy Mounds Culture |Turning Points in Wisconsin History | Wisconsin Historical Society. Accessed November 29, 2022. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/tp-004/?action=more_essay. 

“Effigy Mounds Culture.” Wisconsin Historical Society, August 3, 2012. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS383. 

“History of the Mounds.” Forest Hill Cemetery: A Guide, May 19, 2015. http://foresthill.williamcronon.net/effigy-mounds/history-of-the-mounds/. 

“History.” History | Aztalan State Park | Wisconsin DNR. Accessed November 29, 2022. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/aztalan/history.

On November 10th, 1975 the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was caught in one of the worst storms imaginable. Before the evening was out the Edmund Fitzgerald lay at the bottom of Lake Superior in two pieces. Afterward, there were many questions about what caused this ship to sink. Tune in to find out the different theories! Let us know your favorite on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources

“The Edmund Fitzgerald.” Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, https://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/edmund-fitzgerald/.

Rowley, Christopher, director. Shipwreck: The Mystery of the Edmond Fitzgerald. Accessed 9 Nov. 2022.

“What You Need to Know About the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975.” Awesome Mitten, 29 Mar. 2022, https://www.awesomemitten.com/the-wreck-of-the-edmund-fitzgerald/.

Between 1890-1910 Black River Falls fell on hard times, due to the lumber industry and mines failing. People were out of work, and many succumbed to alcoholism, mental health issues, or other sinister means. In 1973 Michael Lesy wrote a book using photographs and newspaper articles from the time to show how grisly and morbid life was during this time. His book Wisconsin Death Trip was turned into a documentary in 1999. This episode dives into macabre and grotesque stories during this time.

Check us out on on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

“Black River Falls, Wisconsin History - Overcoming Disasters.” Black River Falls Association, January 24, 2022. https://www.downtownblackriverfalls.com/history/.

“A Brief History of Black River Falls.” Wisconsin Historical Society, July 27, 2012. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2460.

Godfrey, Linda S., Richard D. Hendricks, Mark Moran, and Mark Sceurman. Weird Wisconsin: Your Travel Guide to Wisconsin’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets. New York: Sterling Publication Compnay, 2012.

Krulos, Tea. Wisconsin Legends & Lore. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2020.

Lesy, Michael. Wisconsin Death Trip, 1999. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t_dORA0pG8.

McCann, Erin. “The Most Horrifying Things That Happened in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.” Ranker, May 9, 2023. https://www.ranker.com/list/terrible-things-that-happened-in-black-river-falls-wisconsin/erin-mccann.

Whitewater Wisconsin is known as the Second Salem. There are plenty of ghost stories to back up its name, but this episode dives into not only the legend and lore surrounding this city, but the historical roots of these stories. Plus we threw in a little bit of historical murder and mayhem. It is after all spooky season. Be sure to let me know what other spooky stories you want to hear during the month of October.

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

Godfrey, Linda S. Haunted Wisconsin: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Badger State. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot, 2021.

Krulos, Tea. Wisconsin Legends & Lore. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2020.

Mentz, Sara. “Whitewater Witches – Local Folklore and Legends.” Paranormal Investigation, October 23, 2020. https://blogs.uww.edu/paranormalinvestigation/2020/10/23/whitewater-witches-local-folklore-and-legends/.

The Poison Widow of Whitewater: Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder. YouTube. UWW Continuing Education, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT38XhbFMAk.

“Religions - Spiritualism: History of Modern Spiritualism.” BBC, October 28, 2009. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/spiritualism/history/history.shtml.

Zukas, Keith. “What Makes Whitewater the ‘Second Salem.’” Royal Purple, October 29, 2013. https://royalpurplenews.com/11881/lifestyle/what-makes-whitewater-the-second-salem/.

Zukas, Keith. “Witches of Whitewater: The Truth Behind the Legend.” Royal Purple, October 29, 2013. https://royalpurplenews.com/11879/lifestyle/witches-of-whitewater-the-truth-behind-the-legend/.

This episode is a little different than our normal episode. I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with David Hanneken and talk about his historical fiction book The Home Front. The book takes place in Wisconsin during WWII and specifically discusses the POWs housed in Wisconsin during the war. David shares his research and process for writing the book, his inspiration, and general views on history. 

If you would like to keep up with David or purchase a copy of his book check out his website

Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Door County takes its name from the passage between the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The French, drawing on native stories, named the passage Cap a la Mort or Death's Door. How it gained this name is shrouded in legend, but Death's Door has claimed multiple ships throughout the year. Tune in to find out more about this legendary passage. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

“A.P. Nichols.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Wisconsin Historical Society, 2022. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/2?region=Index.

“Death's Door.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Wisconsin Historical Society, 2022. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/learn/DeathsDoor#:~:text=Death%27s%20Door%20%2D%20WI%20Shipwrecks&text=The%20legends%20surrounding%20Death%27s%20Door,swirling%20currents%20and%20howling%20winds.

“Forest.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Wisconsin Historical Society, 2022. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/211?region=Index.

“How Door County Got Its Name.” Destination Door County, 2022. https://www.doorcounty.com/newsletter/march-2021/how-door-county-got-its-name.

“J.E. Gilmore.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Wisconsin Historical Society, 2022. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/300?region=Index.

“Maria Hilliard.” Wisconsin Shipwrecks. Wisconsin Historical Society, 2022. https://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/Vessel/Details/414.

“Traveling Death's Door.” Destination Door County, 2022. https://www.doorcounty.com/newsletter/july-2016/traveling-deaths-door#:~:text=The%20origin%20of%20the%20name,to%20Death%27s%20Door%20in%20English.

Prohibition during the 1920s made for great business within the Chicago Mob, but what did these outlaws do when the police got too close? They took a vacation to Wisconsin of course! Mobsters and Gangsters Like Al Capone, Jimmy Hoffa, Baby Face Nelson, and John Dillinger all used Wisconsin as a hideout to take a break from their criminal ways... sort of. Listen to find out more and how the FBI had a botched raid to capture some of these criminals. Let us know what you think on Facebook, Instagram, or send an email [email protected]

Sources:

“Chasing Gangsters In Wisconsin.” Midwest Weekends, January 16, 2023. https://midwestweekends.com/plan-a-trip/history-heritage/historic-houses/gangsters-wisconsin/.

Clark, Brian. “At Little Bohemia, Getaways Aren’t Just For Gangsters Anymore.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 27, 2014. https://archive.jsonline.com/features/travel/264926381.html.

Entz, Gary. “Ole Catfish and Baby Face Nelson.” WXPR, August 25, 2021. https://www.wxpr.org/history/2021-08-25/ole-catfish-and-baby-face-nelson.

“John Dillinger.” FBI, May 18, 2016. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/john-dillinger.

“Lester Gillis (‘Baby Face’ Nelson).” FBI, May 18, 2016. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/lester-gillis-baby-face-nelson.

Porter, Gary. “Hiding Out In Wisconsin.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, November 11, 2011. https://archive.jsonline.com/features/travel/hiding-out-in-wisconsin-o62sok5-133618623.html.

Stewart, Tony. “History of Little Bohemia Lodge.” Little Bohemia Lodge. Accessed June 13, 2023. https://www.littlebohemialodge.com/index.php/history.