Lucius A. Winchester arrived in Whitewater in 1844 and established a blacksmith shop that became famous for its plows and wagons (Winchester & Partridge Manufacturing Company) in later years. He worked with several partners in his trade. It was largely because of this company and the Esterly Reaper WOrks that the village was able to reach city status in 1885. He died in 1890, shortly after closing the factory and selling in 1889. (Fred Kraege, Whitewater)