Hartland's First Families

Within a year, several families moved into the area including George and Lucinda Nicholson Skinner, who soon after arriving became the parents of Emma, the first white child born in Hartland. Mrs. Skinner's sister, Mary Nicholson, became the bride of Stephen Warren on May 7, 1840, with the first wedding to take place in the new settlement. George Skinner performed the ceremony in his capacity at Territorial Justice.

Mrs. Mary Nicholson Warren started the first school in her home in the fall of 1840, with twelve students in attendance. By this time the population, having grown to the point at which the eastern half of Summit Township could support its own government, the Town of Warren was formed. The town was comprised of the present Towns of Merton and Delafield. The first blacksmith, a Mr. Mathers, and his family came to the community. He built a shanty for his family and shop. Three weeks later he died, leaving his wife and several children stranded in the near-wilderness. The shop was located at the point in the intersection between Lisbon Avenue and East Capitol Drive.