MADISON COUNTY IS FORMED
Soon after the coming of the first colony of German families to the Norfolk area, and scattered settlers were coming into other areas in what is now Madison County, preliminary steps were taken to organize a county government. This movement undoubtedly originated from the Norfolk colony as we find that in the first meeting of the founders, August Raasch recorded the minutes: — (The new Lutheran Community Hospital stands on what was August Raasch's homestead).
On July 20, 1867, "we were "mustered' into the county service. We were sworn in as judges and clerks. I as judge." (Note terminology "mustered in" undoubtedly from his experience as a soldier in the Civil War — "mustered into service").
The next entry is dated July 22, 1867 — "We hunted for a site for the county seat."
Then on July 27, 1867 — "We had our first meeting. August Raasch, H. Braasch and F. Heckendorf, Judges of Election; August Lentz, R. R. Barnes, Clerks of Election."
Entry July 29, 1867 — "We were sworn in by the Clerk of Stanton County."
The majority vote of the German colonists who had come from Wisconsin in 1866 named the surveyed area which now comprises the county — Madison in commemoration of the capital city of their first home state in America. Norfolk was chosen as the county seat. (Norfolk being a contraction of "north Fork" of the Elkhorn River, along which they had their homes).
The first county election was held January 21, 1868 in a cabin south of Norfolk on Taylor Creek. thirty-two voters came to elect the following county officials: Herman Braasch, August
One of the more ornate and spacious "soddy" homes of settlers.
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