Edward Hallock Brodhead was born in Plattekill, New York, on February 27, 1809. In 1852, he was appointed chief engineer of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad and was in charge of its construction. In 1855, he located and named the village of Mazomanie. Per Brodhead, the name was suggested to him by Hercules Dousman (of Villa Louis fame). He also named his race horse Mazomanie. Brodhead Street in Mazomanie is also named for him (he gave it that name himself). He was President of the First National Bank of Milwaukee from 1863 to 1882. He died in Milwaukee on December 14, 1890. Fun fact: the History of the Township and Village of Mazomanie (1900) states that Brodhead had a “massive head,” which means that he had a very appropriate surname.
| Image contributor: | Mazomanie Historical Society |
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