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Lauderdale descendant still lives in the family home

Photo at left: James Lauderdale built this home in 1855. His great grandson, John Thompson, now lives there. More Mystery Place photos in the GALLERY

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The Lauderdale home is a familiar landmark on highways 12 and 67, north of Elkhorn. James Lauderdale built the home in 1855 for his family. His great grandson, John Thompson, now lives there.

Lauderdale came to this area in 1841, along with his cousin and his wife’s brother. They originally planned to buy land somewhere on the Rock Prairie, however they decided they liked the area north of Elkhorn better because of the wooded sections and the availability of water for their livestock.

Each of the men bought 160 adjacent acres at $1.25 per acre, which was most of the land along the three bodies of water that comprise the Lauderdale Lakes.

After completing their purchase and securing their land, the men headed back to New York to pack up their belongings and bring their families back to their new home. They returned in September of 1842.

The family stayed in a nearby tavern while Lauderdale built his log cabin on the shore. He used roof board that came from Bigelow’s sawmill.

Actually, the Lauderdales were so anxious to get into their new home that they moved in even before the roof was completed.

The 10-by-12-foot cabin was first built without doors or windows, which were cut out after construction was completed. The doors, however, were so low that one had to duck to enter or leave the house.

There only was one window, which was covered with an oiled paper.

Lauderdale’s wife didn’t like living next to the lake, and the small size of the cabin made living quarters cramped.

In 1855, Lauderdale built a larger, more modern home, near the road. The lumber was hauled from Milwaukee and it took three carpenters a year to build.

Lauderdale served as town supervisor for many years and for two years in the state Assembly.

He died in 1888 followed by his wife in 1909.

Walter Elliott, the Lauderdale’s son, bought the home and lived there until his death in 1941. Walter was the only one of the children to be born in the home.

The current owner, and great grandson, John Thompson, restored the house to its original appearance.

He and his architect spent many hours researching what the house looked like when it was built. Bob Bartelson, a local contractor, did the restoration.