Earl Reiger began researching Kickapoo Valley Railroad history during his retirement without intention to publish his work. Born in Wauzeka, Wisconsin on May 12, 1912, Reiger attended local schools and earned a bachelor of science degree from Platteville State Teachers College. Reiger then taught in Wauzeka and Eastman elementary schools and in Prairie du Sac and Portage high schools. During World War II, he served as a medical technician in the Pacific. Taking advantage of the G.I. bill, he earned a Ph.D. in general science and continued teaching in Waukegan and Glen Brook, Illinois. Reiger completed his career at Elgin Junior College and retired in 1977. Moving to Spring Green, Wis. to live with family members, he conducted his railroad research until his death on November 12, 1993.
Historical notes on the Kickapoo Valley Railroad
| 1889 June 4 |
Incorporated as The Kickapoo Valley & Northern Ry.
|
| 1892 May 30 |
Began service to Soldiers Grove
|
| 1896 October 1 |
Began service to Readstown
|
| 1897 August 30 |
Began service to Viola
|
| 1897 October 11 |
Began service to La Farge
|
| 1899 November 25 |
Incorporated as Wisconsin Western Railroad
|
| 1903 March 1 |
Became Kickapoo Branch of C.N,&St.P.Ry.
|
| 1939 August 15 |
Abandoned
|
